James R. Blankenship II, 61, of Corvallis, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015 at his home. He was born Aug. 25, 1953 in Los Angeles, California, the son of the late James R. and Noline D. Blankenship.

Jim grew up in California, where his father was a California Highway Patrolman; after moving several times during his childhood Jim graduated from Enterprise High School in Redding, California in 1971. During the following two summers Jim worked for the California Division of Forestry.

Jim moved to Pullman, Washington where he attended Washington State University. While in Pullman, Jim worked for the Whitman County Sheriff's Office. While attending Washington State University, Jim started as a resident firefighter with the Pullman Fire Department.
In 1976, Jim moved to Wenatchee, Washington to join the Wenatchee Fire Department, where he obtained the rank of Battalion Chief. On June 23, 1979 he married Rhea L. Delaney in Wenatchee, Washington.

Accountability became a management fad in the early 2000s. Unfortunately, in most organizations, accountability has become a hollow and empty slogan that evokes cynicism and sarcasm. People often wave the “A” word around when they want others to get things done or, more commonly, when they are frustrated with others for not getting things done.

The intention behind the concept of accountability has always been to create an environment that allows people to be clear and honest about what they will deliver, rise above challenging circumstances to overcome obstacles, and substitute excuses with relentless action that achieves great results...

 

HISTORY

East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) partnered with a number of local, state and federal agencies to conduct a joint training exercise in Port Townsend on Saturday, May 2.  The training consisted of a Multiple Casualty Incident (MCI) drill on board the Washington State Ferry Kennewick.

A write-in candidate for governor is facing heat from firefighters after posting a video on Facebook ranting about the misuse of emergency vehicles in a fire chief’s funeral procession. Longtime Colo (Iowa) Volunteer Fire Chief Mark Farren, 58, died Sunday after a three-year battle with cancer. About 700 people from across Iowa gathered to celebrate Chief Farren's life, according to Ames Tribune.
- PUB DATE: 7/9/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firerescue1

VIDEO: A Milwaukee firefighter hit by a bullet while responding to a medical call told his story first to WISN 12 News on Tuesday. He's not letting this incident keep him from the job he loves. Frederick Coleman has been with the Milwaukee Fire Department for more than a decade and said it's a job he never wants to give up.
- PUB DATE: 7/9/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WISN-TV ABC 12 Milwaukee