A decision on whether to merge two 911 centers in Snohomish County is not expected to happen until next year. The ongoing talks are between SNOPAC in Everett and SNOCOM in Mountlake Terrace. They provide dispatching for nearly every police and fire department in the county. Last year, they answered a combined 808,295 calls to 911.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2016 2:37:28 AM - SOURCE: Everett Herald

The fire union has filed a complaint against the city, citing safety and labor concerns related to Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director Rick Fontana, who the bargaining unit alleges has been performing the duties of Fire Department employees. The complaint was filed this week with the state State Board of Labor Relations by union attorney Marshall T.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New Haven Register

July was a deadly one for the nation’s fire service as 16 firefighters died on duty. The majority of the deaths were due to medical issues including heart disease and hypertension. USFA records show July as deadliest month in recent years. In June 2013, records show there were 25 firefighter deaths that included 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots killed in a wildfire.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firehouse

A planned two-day hearing to determine whether Liberty Township's fire chief should be disciplined for alleged management lapses has been extended into next month. Following 10 hours of testimony on Monday and Tuesday, a third day was needed on Wednesday to hear testimony of three firefighters, a medical adviser for the fire department and a human resources specialist, each testifying to problems with Tim Jensen.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Columbus Dispatch

In July, a group of fire officials from cities and towns across Massachusetts that have colleges in their communities met at NFPA to discuss the upcoming school year and a perennial challenge: how to start and end the college year without a significant fire tragedy on or around their campuses. The fears of local fire officials are not without merit.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: National Fire Protection Association