Turns out that burning buildings aren't the only dangers local firefighters face. On Tuesday night, a Pierce County fire agency pulled the trigger on purchasing body armor for its crews. The vests can adjust to different body types and are built to stop a rifle round fired into the chest. However, it's a level of protection many people don't associate with firefighting.
- PUB DATE: 4/19/2017 3:16:55 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

Fire Chief Larry Reilly will retire this June after four decades with the Norwalk Fire Department. “It’s been 42 years and I turned 65 in March so I think it’s a good time go,” Reilly said. “I’ve enjoyed the 42 years working with people in the department and working for the people in Norwalk but it’s time to move on.
- PUB DATE: 4/19/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Hour

The Texas Senate has endorsed allowing paramedics and other first-responders, including volunteer firefighters, to carry concealed handguns in restricted areas. The bill by Sen. Don Huffines of Dallas met little resistance in the Republican-controlled Senate on Tuesday. A similar measure is pending in the House.
- PUB DATE: 4/19/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WFAA-TV ABC 8 Dallas - Fort Worth

Philadelphia firefighter Joyce Craig’s “personal alert” device was at least 12 -- maybe even 17 -- years old. Her breathing device included a “breathing hose” that also was 12 years old. Both pieces of equipment, vital to a firefighter inside a structure fire, failed Craig in the moments before fellow firefighters pulled her from an early morning blaze in December 2014.
- PUB DATE: 4/19/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WCAU-TV NBC 10 Philadelphia

An early morning house fire in Logansport on Monday led to the discovery of a drug growing operation, according to officials. The fire broke out around 7 a.m. near the intersection of 14th and High streets. Four people were inside the house at the time. They all got out OK, but two firefighters were injured.
- PUB DATE: 4/19/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WISHTV.com Channel 8