The U.S. Fire Administration announced the four fire service executives who will receive the National Fire Academy's 2009 Annual Outstanding Applied Research Awards. The award winning projects will be presented and defended during the 22nd Executive Fire Officer Symposium on April 9-11, 2010, at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

As the first day of spring approaches on March 20, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Energizer, and the American Meteorological Society are working together to help families prepare for whatever weather situations spring, summer and hurricane seasons might bring their way.

The health subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of a bill that would provide long-term health coverage for emergency responders sickened while working at Ground Zero after the 9/11/01 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Alderman Brad Judd has proposed privatizing the Rolling Meadows (IL) Fire Department as a cost-cutting measure.

Off-duty Long Beach (CA) Firefighter Steve Wiggs has been hailed as a hero for helping his neighbors in the city of Westminster get out of a fully-involved house fire.

The previous installment of Coffee Break Training described fire sprinklers that are intended for particular applications. This firefighter training vignette, “Special Sprinkler Examples,” provides eight conditions where they might be installed.

On average there are more than eight million cases of poisoning each year in the United States. Ocala (FL) Fire Rescue points out that the majority of poisoning incidents are preventable.

Silent Knight by Honeywell has developed a 25-point fire alarm offering all the high-tech benefits of addressable technology at the cost of a conventional system.

Legislation about emergency escape and self-rescue ropes and system components for firefighters has created a lot of confusion for fire departments throughout the state of New York. Department of Labor Code Rule 800.7 is now in full effect and departments must take immediate action to become compliant or risk receiving a citation.

Retired Lansing firefighter and Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union President Paul Hufnagel was elected 8th District Vice President of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

NOTIFIER by Honeywell announces that its IP-based emergency communications (a.k.a. mass notification) platform has gone completely digital to optimize speed and intelligibility of emergency communications.

On Thursday, March 11, 2010, Long Beach (CA) Fire Department (LBFD) firefighters responded to a car than plunged into the Los Angeles River off of the North bound lanes at the seventh street bridge in Long Beach, California. One female victim was rescued and is in critical condition.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) announced the theme for the 2010 Safety, Health and Survival Week: Fit for Duty. Safety Week is June 20-26, 2010.

Convicted of fatally striking Delaware City (DC) Firefighter Michelle Smith with a car in 2008, Joseph M. Taye Jr. was sentenced to life in prison plus 26 years.

At a press event at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show, Navistar unveiled the International TerraStar Class 4/5 commercial truck, which boasts a wide range of commercial-duty features including a commercial-duty MaxxForce 7 V-8 diesel engine and spacious cab.

On March 3, dozens of individuals representing various constituencies within the fire service, safety organizations, and the fire sprinkler industry converged on Washington, DC, to educate members of the U.S. House and Senate about the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act (H.R. 1194, S. 2947), which would provide tax incentives for the installation of fire sprinklers in commercial properties.

The Reeves Mobile Vaccination System provides medical and public health personnel with 442 square feet of usable space from which to administer seasonal vaccinations or vaccinations during a pandemic or other widespread outbreak.

When Portland, Maine, needed a state-of-the-art aluminum fire-rescue boat, the city brought on experienced builder A.F. Theriault & Son.

This week's firefighter near-miss report involves response to a collision involving a hybrid vehicle, which are becoming increasingly popular with the driving public.

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International expressed its support for the use of satellite services for public safety communications.