Fewer than 4% of all firefighters are women, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and even fewer are leaders in the industry. But the fire chief in the city of Harlan, Kentucky has been breaking barriers for decades. “It’s a good feeling to know I was able to accomplish these things,” said Chief Linette Hutchison, “It’s not to brag.
- PUB DATE: 10/1/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WBIR-TV Knoxville

Suicide prevention is usually not mentioned in an employee handbook or in regular workplace meetings. However, the Denver Fire Department has made it a priority. "It's OK to talk about these things," Denver Fire Chief Eric Tade said. "There is no need to internalize them." Chief Tade has worked at Denver Fire for more than 20 years.
- PUB DATE: 10/1/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KUSA-TV NBC 9 Denver

One day after police raided his lockers at the Woodward Avenue Station, firefighter Kenneth Burgos was put on leave with pay. On Sept. 15, police searched two lockers at the Woodward Avenue Station and did not leave empty-handed, though it is unclear what they found. The search and seizure warrant, signed on Sept.
- PUB DATE: 10/1/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: new haven register

I recently witnessed the following exchange outside of a fire station. Three firefighters, including an officer, were standing on the front ramp at the station when a woman who was walking by paused and approached them. "Why is the flag at half-mast?" she asked them. The officer responded in a sarcastic tone, "Because I guess the president finally decided it was time to lower it for the guys who were killed in Chattanooga last week.
- PUB DATE: 10/1/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firerescue1

Preliminary information indicates 10 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in a shooting at Oregon's Umpqua Community College on Thursday, said Oregon State Police spokesman Bill Fugate. Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice told CNN that the shooter is in custody. It was not immediately clear whether the shooter was injured.
- PUB DATE: 10/1/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: cnn