PHOTOS: Twenty years after the nation's 4th worst nightclub fire, Rhode Island is still dealing with the collective trauma, legislative fallout and lasting impacts of The Station nightclub fire. The West Warwick, Rhode Island club The Station was purchased by brothers Michael A. and Jeffrey A. Derderian in 2000 and three years later became a scene of tragedy that would haunt Rhode Island forever.
- PUB DATE: 2/17/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Providence Journal - Metered Site

Megan Wichmann sat in her high school English classroom in 2009 and contemplated her new assignment for the month: Pick a career and research it. Wichmann was interested in shadowing a paramedic, so she went on a few ambulance ride-alongs in Johnson County. Wichmann’s mother’s partner at the time was an Iowa City firefighter, and he asked Wichmann if she wanted to ride along in a firetruck for the day.
- PUB DATE: 2/17/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Daily Iowan

fire earlier this month at the site of the former Reynolds Metals Company caused people on social media to speculate whether a strong odor was emanating from the blaze. Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Adm. Travis McWain told The Daily News that no chemical or hazardous material was associated with the fire and that the incident was "nothing out of the ordinary.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 5:10:00 PM - SOURCE: The Daily News - Metered Site

You probably no longer bat an eye when an electric car passes by on the road. More novel battery-powered vehicles are soon joining the parade to help operators achieve their sustainability goals. Electric ferries are coming to Puget Sound and hybrid electric airplanes are being tested in Washington. Now, several Pacific Northwest fire departments have ordered their first electric fire trucks.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 1:01:00 PM - SOURCE: KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle

At 123 years old, the Edward M. Cotter is the world’s oldest working fire boat, msn.com reported. It’s moored in Buffalo near the Michigan Avenue Life Bridge, at Ohio Street and Michigan Avenue.

A capital campaign has been launched for the Cotter to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the fire boat, the report said. A goal of $6 million dollars has been set.

On June 25, Cotterfest is planned at Buffalo Riverworks from 1-5 p.m., said Larry Cobado, chairman of the Edward M. Cotter Capital Campaign. The campaign is still looking for a presenting sponsor for Cotterfest.

The Cotter was built in 1900 by the Crescent Shipyard of Elizabeth Port (NJ). It was built out of Swedish steel and there is an extra layer on the lower part of the hull, designed specifically for ice breaking, the report said. Cobado said the Cotter is really an icebreaker with firefighting capabilities.

It was designated a national landmark in 1996.

It currently serves as Engine 20 in the Buffalo Fire Department. Donations to the Edward M. Cotter capital campaign are being accepted HERE.