To his last day on the force, Clarksdale Fire Department Capt. Willie Ratliff could still fight fire with the young guys. That's what his fellow firefighters said about him. It's what the community of Clarksdale knew about him. The 35-year veteran of the Clarksdale Fire Department was two shifts away from retirement Monday night when his shift mates found him, dead of an apparent heart attack at the station.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: clarion ledger

The former captain of the Etowah County Rescue Squad has been arrested for criminally negligent homicide related to the drowning death of a rescue squad volunteer April 25. Michael Ervin Bettis, 49, Gadsden, was arrested on the misdemeanor charge after he was indicted by an Etowah County grand jury, according to a news release from Sheriff Todd Entrekin.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: gadsden times

The National Fire Heritage Center announced this week the Inductees into the “National Fire and Emergency Services Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders” (HLLL) the prestigious acknowledgment of contributions of lasting importance to all who serve and those served in communities large and small. This year’s Inductees were: James Braidwood, Keith Royer, Haraldur Stefansson, Ira H.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: National Fire Heritage Center

Amid the sounds of wrenching metal and crackling fire, the hissing whine signaled that one of the overturned tank cars was doing its job. Flames licked the tanker just outside the state fairgrounds on July 11, 2012. Thousands of gallons of ethanol heated up inside the car. As pressure mounted, the intense heat weakened its shell, less than an inch thick.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: columbus dispatch

Ashton Funk, a Margate City firefighter, lifeguard and champion beach patrol rower, could lose both his city positions after being convicted of shoplifting $7.98 from a local Wawa. Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain said Tuesday that Funk, 34, of Northfield was arrested Sept. 10 on a complaint of shoplifting from the Margate WaWa.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: philadelphia inquirer