The day after a Canby Park blaze killed two firefighters, the Wilmington Fire Department suspended a controversial program in which a fire truck was taken out of service on a particular day to save on overtime costs. Although no link was found, a fire engine nearest to the Sept. 24 deadly blaze had been placed out of service that day.
- PUB DATE: 11/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Wilmington News Journal

Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow is preparing to replace the city's fire department chief after a contentious year between the two that included battles over layoffs and overtime expenses. Barlow said he has no ill will toward Oswego Fire Department Chief Jeff McCrobie, just the culture he's created. Barlow is referring to the chief's former policy of prioritizing senior firefighters when offering overtime shifts, which is pricier for taxpayers in the long run.
- PUB DATE: 11/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WRVO Public Media

Facebook messages posted by a member of Sacramento Metro Fire have been widely received as offensive and racist. Don Martin, a Sac Metro Engineer, posted a message in August that said in part: "Integrate the border with prisons…and shooting ranges…allowing American citizens to hone their skills…our tag line: illegal immigrants welcome.
- PUB DATE: 11/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KTXL-TV Fox 40 Sacramento

When Pete Andrews became an Omaha firefighter in 1995, he says he was one of 42 black firefighters. In 2016 that number has dwindled to 34, which is a little more than 5 percent of the force. And there are no black firefighters ranked above captain. Andrews, who leads the Omaha Association of Black Professional Firefighters, says that’s a problem.
- PUB DATE: 11/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Omaha World-Herald

The former chief of the Sterling Fire Department pleaded guilty last week to theft over $20,000 — a felony — and first-degree official misconduct following accusations he stole more than $120,000 over several years while leading the force. Kurt Vogel, who was fired from his most recent job as head of the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District following his August arrest in the case, also agreed to pay back all of the money and give back the items he stole, prosecutors say.
- PUB DATE: 11/23/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Denver Post