State Sen. Jim Hargrove opposes a Senate bill that would merge the pensions of police and firefighters in the state with an insolvent teachers’ pension fund. “I can’t support that,” said Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, on Saturday. “There is the objection that the firefighters paid into this plan and the teachers’ plan is a little bit underwater.
- PUB DATE: 3/8/2016 1:53:27 AM - SOURCE: The Daily World

An Altamont Corridor Express train with more than 200 passengers aboard struck a downed tree and derailed Monday night during a heavy downpour, injuring nine as one of its rail cars tumbled into a rain-swollen creek. Authorities said it was "an absolute miracle" no one was killed. Four of the injuries were serious, though not thought to be life-threatening, according to the Alameda County Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 3/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: inside bay area

Two Stafford County volunteer firefighters that were suspended for rushing a toddler to the hospital in their fire engine, have been reinstated. The County’s fire department called a press conference Monday afternoon, where they announced Capt. James Kelley and Sgt. Virgil Bloom returned to work Monday at 4 p.
- PUB DATE: 3/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTVR-TV CBS 6

A charity stair climb at One World Trade Center to honor first-responders killed on 9/11 has been abruptly canceled — because building landlord, the Durst Organization is afraid it would scare off potential tenants by reminding them about the terror attacks, the event’s organizer alleges. “This is all about profits, greed and getting the building leased,’’ fumed John Hodge, chairman of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- PUB DATE: 3/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: new york post

A volunteer with Lawrence's Slackwood Fire Co. has been charged with threatening other firefighters and brandishing a machete during a dispute with fellow firefighters in January, records show. James "Jay" Macheda Jr., 22, is charged with making terroristic threats, criminal mischief and weapon possession charges in connection with a late-night Jan.
- PUB DATE: 3/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Trenton Times