Voters have narrowly approved a ballot proposal to fund the county’s emergency services, by 64,252 to 42,767 votes, a margin of 60.04 percent, according final election figures from the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office released at 5:15 p.m. Monday. Because it is a property tax, local Proposition No. 2016-1 required a 60 percent approval margin in order to pass.
- PUB DATE: 11/29/2016 1:46:02 AM - SOURCE: Bellingham Herald

Merle L. Nell. For 51 years, he dedicated his time and service to his community as a proud member of the Vernon Fire Department, responding to hundreds upon hundreds of calls. Merle joined the department in 1965, when members were required to live within one mile of the station in order to hear the fire whistle from their homes.
- PUB DATE: 11/29/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Oneida Dispatch

Hundreds of structures have been destroyed by wildfires in Tennessee and more than 14,000 people have been evacuated from the Gatlinburg area, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported Tuesday morning. About 100 homes have been damaged or destroyed by flames from spreading wildfires, state emergency officials said.
- PUB DATE: 11/29/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: USA Today

Two former firefighters are accusing the Harmony Fire District and its chief of firing them from their volunteer posts after they voiced concern that women were not being treated as equals. Linda Ferragamo and Kimberly Perreault filed suit in federal court against the Glocester-based fire district and its chief, Stuart D.
- PUB DATE: 11/29/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Providence Journal

Although the firefighting profession is among the most stressful jobs, and it is widely believed that firefighters are at greater risk for suicide, few studies have looked at the reasons why some firefighters consider suicide as an option. With so many fires, line-of-duty deaths and other critical incidents, the wear and tear of daily life may become unbearable for some.
- PUB DATE: 11/29/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Firehouse