Greene County will give volunteer emergency responders a break on property taxes in an attempt to recruit and retain firefighters and EMTs as their numbers continue to decline across the state. The move takes advantage of a law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December giving counties a standardized way to give the breaks.
- PUB DATE: 2/8/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Times Union

COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required for Seattle and King County workers outside of healthcare settings. For those who lost their jobs for refusing to get the vaccine, it's unclear whether they’ll get their jobs back. This guidance from public officials released Monday is based on wide availability of antiviral treatments and updated boosters, and because there are higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having COVID-19 infections.
- PUB DATE: 2/8/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

VIDEO: An ambulance shortage is hitting fire crews in Skagit County. New aid cars are more than a year overdue, the wear and tear are taking a toll, and it could not come at a worse time for one local department. Sedro-Woolley firefighters spend a lot of their time making sure their equipment is ready when duty calls.
- PUB DATE: 2/8/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

A woman was killed Tuesday afternoon when a man suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) while operating a forklift caused a multi-vehicle collision on Aurora Avenue North. The collision was reported around 3:30 p.m. and was still blocking all north and southbound lanes of Aurora Avenue North at North 96th Street just before 5 p.
- PUB DATE: 2/7/2023 11:14:00 PM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

As of Monday, three new Medical Service Officers (MSO) with East Pierce Fire and Rescue are ready to jump in when there are life-threatening emergencies in East Pierce County. East Pierce Fire and Rescue have now given advance training to three paramedics who have their own specially stocked response truck.
- PUB DATE: 2/7/2023 4:54:15 PM - SOURCE: MyNorthwest