VIDEO: Sharon and Dewayne Smoots are making history and breaking barriers. They are considered the first husband and wife duo to hold two of the highest-ranking positions within the Milwaukee Fire Department. Dewayne joined the Milwaukee Fire Department 35 years ago after a long career with the state's justice department.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WISN-TV ABC 12 Milwaukee

VIDEO: One of the leading causes of death for firefighters is cancer, often caused by exposure to toxic chemicals that they may face while responding to a fire. Harmful chemicals put firefighters at an additional risk when they’re serving the community, but recent initiatives are hoping to protect them from these dangers.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WECT-TV NBC 6 Wilmington

Firefighters across Tennessee are walking hundreds of miles to raise awareness for the mental health struggles first responders face and push legislation in the state capitol. The walk comes as studies from 2022 found firefighters have higher suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risks. Studies also found suicide happens twice as often with firefighters compared to the general community, and PTSD occurs in 57% of firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WKRN-TV ABC 2 Nashville

The nation's first 911 emergency call was placed by an Alabama state politician on this day in history, Feb. 16, 1968. The landmark moment came four years after the shocking unreported murder of a New York City woman proved to many Americans the need for a standard and easy-to-use system to call for emergency assistance.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FOX News

PHOTO: A carport fire in Algona spread to the owner’s house and two cars on Wednesday night, according to the Valley Regional Fire Authority. Around 11:17 p.m. VRFA crews responded to a report of a carport fire and downed powerlines at a home in Algona. Firefighters arrived at a fully engulfed carport fire that also lit the owner’s house and two cars on fire.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle