Last October, longtime Somerville Firefighter Robert Quinn died suddenly at the age of 57 of a heart attack. Two months later, 48-year-old Somerville Fire Lieutenant Paul Sullivan died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Today, two other Somerville firefighters are on leave, diagnosed with cancer, and over the past year, many others have missed time with other injuries.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Sommervillewickedlocal.com

Washington State is preparing for wildfire season, but one man is prepping for his 50th and final season as a firefighter. Brock Shero is on the Northwest Incident Management team and has decided to retire after he finishes his fifth decade of service later this year. “I’ve seen a lot of challenges, I’ve seen a lot of changes, the one thing that hasn’t really changed is the hand tools we use, they’re the same we started with 50 years ago,” Shero told NBC K5.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FireRescue1.com

The Spokane County Courthouse was evacuated for more than an hour Thursday morning amid fears that a poison-laced envelope had sickened county workers. Two court employees and a sheriff’s deputy felt scratchy throats, headaches and chest pains at about 10:30 a.m. after one employee opened a letter in a room on the third floor, Spokane Fire Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer said.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Spokesman-Review

Liberty Fire Company, Lebanon City, PA, pumper. Predator Panther cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 400-hp engine; Hale Qmax-XS 1,500-gpm pump.

After years of discussion and shared services, Clark County Fire District 2 might merge with Clark County Fire & Rescue. Residents of District 2 will decide whether to merge during a vote on Aug. 2. To pass, the vote will require a simple majority. District 2 covers a small portion of Clark County between Woodland and La Center.
- PUB DATE: 7/7/2016 8:12:11 PM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian