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

The Kennewick Fire Department recognized four people during their annual awards in front of the city council. Eric Nilson is the Officer of the Year, Ben Singley is the Paramedic of the Year, Ann Smith is the EMT of the Year, and Tracy Rutledge is the Firefighter of the Year. The awards are based on the recipients’ commitment to the city’s core values – integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship and communications, according to spokeswoman Julie Passey.
- PUB DATE: 11/22/2016 7:34:15 PM - SOURCE: Mid-Columbia Tri-City Herald