X-ELIO, global leader in the renewable energy sector, has announced a new community initiative in Rogers, Bell County (Texas), through a donation to the Rogers Volunteer Fire Department, the company said in a press release. As part of its Community and Nature Plan Program, the company has provided a pumper and protective equipment to strengthen the department’s emergency response capabilities. 

In addition, X-ELIO delivered a specialized training session for the Volunteer Fire Department, focusing on firefighting in solar plant and storage environments, thereby contributing to the safety of both the community and local energy infrastructure. 

The initiative was formalized during a community event held at the Rogers Civic Centre, attended by residents, local representatives, and volunteer firefighters. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a visit to the fire station, marking the celebration of this new partnership and shared commitment to safety and resilience. 

Vennela Yadhati, Vice President of Business Development at X-ELIO, stated: “We are proud to support the Rogers Volunteer Fire Department, a group of neighbours who devote their time and effort to ensuring everyone’s safety. For X-ELIO, it is essential to work hand in hand with the communities where we develop our projects, building trust-based relationships and providing resources that strengthen collective well-being”. 

Lynne Tolmachoff, representative of Rogers Volunteer Fire Department, said: “We are incredibly grateful to X-ELIO for their generous support and this collaboration. The new equipment and specialised training will significantly enhance our ability to respond to emergencies in the community”. 

David Blackburn, Bell County Judge, highlighted: “This initiative by X-ELIO represents a meaningful investment in both safety and community resilience. Supporting our volunteer firefighters not only strengthens emergency response capacity but also reinforces the trust between Bell County and companies committed to our region’s well-being. This initiative, which reinforces X-ELIO’s commitment to the well-being of the local community, is linked to the Bell project. This facility, with 128 MW of solar capacity and 100 MW of battery storage, will mark a key milestone in the company’s mission to deliver high-quality renewable energy solutions that meet Texas’s growing energy needs.” 

About X-ELIO: 

X-ELIO, a Brookfield-owned company, specializes in the development of renewable energy projects with a global presence in Spain, Italy, Germany, the United States, Japan, Australia, Latin America, and the Middle East. With 20 years of experience and over 3 GW of capacity built, this world-leading company is strongly committed to sustainability. 

For more information, please visit our website at www.X-ELIO.com, our LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/company/x-elio, or our Twitter profile at https://twitter.com/X_Elio. 

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A new California law bans perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, from firefighting equipment, CBS 8 reports.

PFAS do not easily break down in the environment or the human body, and have been linked to cancer and other health risks. Firefighters face heightened exposure to PFAS because it is in their protective gear, and it’s also found in burning materials at fire scenes.

Cal Fire San Diego County Captain Robert Johnson told CBS 8 the department is committed to finding safer gear and promoting a “clean gear culture” to reduce contamination.

Under the new law, Cal/OSHA must develop safety standards and phase out PFAS-containing gear statewide by 2028.

Visit CBS 8 for more.

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Katelyn Larese
Voice News, New Baltimore, Mich.
(TNS)

Oct. 16—The city of Richmond recently celebrated the 100th birthday of one of its most treasured pieces of firefighting history: A 1925 American LaFrance fire truck.

The historic apparatus was placed into service in 1925, marking the beginning of its invaluable role in emergency response in the city. It served the community for many years, responding to countless alarms, saving lives and symbolizing the bravery and dedication of the city’s firefighters.

The Richmond Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the milestone on Oct. 5, the same day as its annual open house event.

The Richmond City Council passed a resolution recognizing the 100th birthday of the 1925 American LaFrance fire truck. State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, also presented a special tribute from the state of Michigan in recognition of the milestone.

“Though it has since retired from front-line duty, this remarkable fire truck remains a beloved part of many parades and community events,” the resolution reads.

“The preservation and celebration of this fire truck honors not only the machine itself but also the generations of firefighters and community members who maintained and supported it.”

© 2025 Voice News, New Baltimore, Mich.. Visit www.voicenews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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NEWARK, New Jersey (October 14, 2025) – Panasonic Connect North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, today announced that its portfolio of TOUGHBOOK® laptops and 2-in-1 computers has been designated “Verizon Frontline Verified.” The distinction was granted after rigorous testing to ensure the solutions meet the durability, reliability, and connectivity standards required by first responders and public safety professionals using the Verizon network.

To qualify, companies must be part of the Verizon Frontline Innovation Program, in which Verizon brings together technology vendors and industry partners to identify, test, and advance communications solutions across four key areas: Preparation, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation.

“Panasonic Connect designs TOUGHBOOK rugged laptops and 2-in-1s based on the unique challenges first responders face every day,” said Calvin Jackson, Senior Manager for Crisis Response at Verizon Frontline. “We’re proud to strengthen our collaboration with Panasonic Connect as we work together to deliver innovative, critical solutions for those on the front lines.”

For nearly 30 years, Panasonic Connect has been innovating its TOUGHBOOK solutions to support the specific needs of public safety organizations. Purpose-built for reliability and durability, TOUGHBOOK laptops and 2-in-1s are engineered to withstand the harsh environments first responders encounter daily – helping them improve efficiency, enhance situational awareness, and coordinate more effectively. Now, the entire TOUGHBOOK lineup, including the TOUGHBOOK 40, TOUGHBOOK 55, TOUGHBOOK 33 and TOUGHBOOK G2, has been recognized for its ability to power Verizon Frontline’s advanced network and provide the connectivity first responders need to operate seamlessly in the field.

“At Panasonic Connect, we’re proud to support the public safety community,” said Mike Smola, Director, Product Management