A Thursday death has rocked the local firefighter community. Jason Abalos, a 35-year-old husband, father and firefighter, died after years of battling a brain tumor. “This is going to have a deep impact on the department,” said Deputy Chief Spencer Lee with Jacksonville Fire and Emergency Services. Lee knew Abalos from his years working at JFES.
- PUB DATE: 1/6/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Daily News, Jacksonville

A local man was to appear in court Thursday after West Haven police say he tried to steal a fire truck that was responding to a medical call. Wayne Gagne, 63, was also in possession of a knife with an eight-inch blade during the Wednesday night incident, police spokesman Sgt. David Tammaro said Thursday in a press release.
- PUB DATE: 1/6/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New Haven Register

Sandusky (OH) Fire Department aerial platform quint. Monarch cab and chassis; SPH 100 midmount 100-foot platform; Cummins ISX 500-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump.

Firefighter crews rushed to a water rescue Thursday at Island Lake in Poulsbo as a caller told them someone was in the water and could be heard yelling. But when they arrived, they quickly discovered the yelling was coming from bystanders at the lake — and a 4-year-old labradoodle named Duke was struggling in the icy water.
- PUB DATE: 1/5/2017 7:55:54 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13

Firefighters responded to a warehouse-like building near Tumwater where 18 dogs died of smoke inhalation. The deceased included three mothers and their 15 puppies. Thurston County Animal Services said 19 other dogs were found safe in kennels inside the building. Another dog and cat were rescued and treated for smoke inhalation.
- PUB DATE: 1/5/2017 5:38:53 PM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7