TX Firefighter Training Death Lawsuit Trial Begins

Testimony began Wednesday in a wrongful death lawsuit brought over the deaths of two Kilgore (TX) firefighters in a January 2009 training evolution.

Video evidence revealed that the man sent to show Kilgore (TX) firefighters how to use a new ladder truck did not bring or use a safety belt before the training exercise, according to a news report on news-journal.com (http://bit.ly/Irl7Bg).

The videotaped testimony reportedly came from Doug Fleming, an instructor with the maker of the 95-foot aerial platform truck the city of Kilgore had purchased in 2008.

Alleging gross negligence, the family of fallen firefighter Kyle Perkins is seeking unspecified punitive and other damages from the apparatus manufacturer and distributor.

For more on this story, visit http://bit.ly/Irl7Bg.

North Tonawanda (NY) Firefighters Battle Fire at Former Middle School

North Tonawanda firefighters responded to a fire at the former Lowry Middle School building on Payne Avenue Wednesday night.

Most NY First Responders Experience Mental Health Challenges, Survey Finds

A survey of more than 6,000 first responders in New York found most experience stress, while others have dealt with anxiety and burnout due to their professions.