Firefighting Equipment manufacturer Phenix Technology is honored to receive The Heart Award recognizing the ‘Biggest Hearts’ of the Inland Empire

RIVERSIDE, CA. — Phenix Technology, Inc. (Phenix), a 50-year-old Riverside-based firefighting equipment manufacturer, is celebrating receiving this award for its efforts to create an environment of joy in the workplace. Led by their Core Values of “Leave the world a better place” and “Create an environment of joy,” Phenix has established world-class business practices that have created an atmosphere ideal for developing people including those who are traditionally challenged with entering and thriving in the workforce.

The nonprofit Unforgettables Foundation was founded in 1999 by Tim Evans, a former youth chaplain, to help Inland Empire families who have lost a child in an incomprehensible tragedy compounded by financial hardship pay for a dignified burial service.

This Year’s Heart Award is made up of individuals, non-profit organizations, and companies committed to serving their community and workforce.

Angel Sanchez Jr. CEO of Phenix Technology, Inc., explained that “Our atmosphere enables our Phenix family members to feel emotional security, empowerment, the opportunity for growth, and joy. We are beyond grateful for this recognition, especially from such an important organization as the Unforgettables Foundation. We have a member of our Phenix family who received assistance years ago when they lost a child. The foundation helped them tremendously during their most difficult time.”

Phenix family members live according to a set of core values. One of those values, Leave the World a Better place, led to the creation of the Better World Initiative initiative is a way for our employees to give back to the local communities that we call home. That includes organizations like the Unforgettables Foundation. If you like to donate and learn more about this amazing organization please visit https://unforgettables.org/

At 123 years old, the Edward M. Cotter is the world’s oldest working fire boat, msn.com reported. It’s moored in Buffalo near the Michigan Avenue Life Bridge, at Ohio Street and Michigan Avenue.

A capital campaign has been launched for the Cotter to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the fire boat, the report said. A goal of $6 million dollars has been set.

On June 25, Cotterfest is planned at Buffalo Riverworks from 1-5 p.m., said Larry Cobado, chairman of the Edward M. Cotter Capital Campaign. The campaign is still looking for a presenting sponsor for Cotterfest.

The Cotter was built in 1900 by the Crescent Shipyard of Elizabeth Port (NJ). It was built out of Swedish steel and there is an extra layer on the lower part of the hull, designed specifically for ice breaking, the report said. Cobado said the Cotter is really an icebreaker with firefighting capabilities.

It was designated a national landmark in 1996.

It currently serves as Engine 20 in the Buffalo Fire Department. Donations to the Edward M. Cotter capital campaign are being accepted HERE.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson on Tuesday highlighted the inclusion of the McCammon Fire Station Project in the FY23 Omnibus package that was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022, idahostatejournal.com reported.

The project was included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill at Congressman Simpson’s request through Community Project Funding (CPF), the report said.

The $813,750 in funding is designated to construct a new fire station in McCammon (ID), according to the report. The city of McCammon’s current fire station was originally built to serve as a maintenance shed and currently has no running water and no insulation. Cramped quarters have limited the ability to upsize equipment and effectively deploy engines due to lack of maneuverability, the report said.

The current station lacks space and function to meet the needs of the growing community safely and effectively, the report said. A new facility would allow for increased volunteerism, a site for an ambulance, and allow the city to recruit more firefighters and increase training for volunteers, according to the report.

Gaffney-based Sossamon Construction has been selected to complete renovations of the city’s Central Fire Station and Headquarters in the Northside neighborhood, postandcourier.com reported.

Spartanburg City Council awarded the $6.1 million bid to Sossamon in a Feb. 13 vote, the report said.

Staff moved into the building at 450 Wofford Street in April 2020. Spartanburg Fire Chief Marion Blackwell told The Post and Courier it will be renovated and completely operational by the end of 2023, providing the fire department with three times the space it has working out of Spartanburg City Hall, according to the report.