The Fairbanks Fire Department announced today that the fire chief, Jim Styers will be retiring in mid-April. Styers has served as the chief for five years. Before becoming the chief at the Fairbanks City Fire Department, Styers worked at the University Fire Department for 25 years, eventually becoming the chief there as well. He has overseen the department as they have dealt with ongoing budget issues, and even the station catching fire at one point. Styers says he is confident in the crew they have and their abilities to continue keeping the department great. "I guess I would say good luck, I think you got a great group of individuals here that will go the extra mile to do what needs to be done. I have seen them in some impossible situations," Styers said. Styers is set to leave on April 15. He said after he leaves he plans to move to Utah with his wife.  

Capital City Fire Rescue plans to make some changes to the way it responds to calls this spring. Chief Rich Etheridge talked about that on Action Line. "People are going to see a lot less lights and sirens on the roads. We've been working with our medical director and doing a lot of research. What people are finding nationwide is going lights and sirens actually doesn't save you a lot of time in some cases and it doesn't change the outcome of the patients' medical care." So the chief adds that they are analyzing all their calls to determine which ones need to have lights and sirens. He said they have been helpful on thoroughfares such as Egan Drive, but a lot of times they are a determent in the heart of downtown since some motorists may panic and not know where to stop.  

The City of Ann Arbor and the firefighter union agreed Monday night to new collective bargaining terms before the expiration of the current contract for the first time in 25 years. City Council voted 8-1 to approve the contract March 2 at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Council also voted unanimously to approve a new contract with the police department deputy chiefs. The firefighters' contract is good for five years until Dec. 31, 2024, a press release stated. Chris Buscemi, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 693 Union, called negotiations with the city "fair and productive." "Having a five-year contract will not only provide stability within the fire department, but it will also allow our focus to be placed elsewhere," Buscemi said in a news release. "We have always seemed to be playing catch up with two contracts settled in 2019; one of which has been expired for more than two years."  

PHOTOS: The criminal complaint filed against Press Bar owner Andrew Charles Welsh outlines firefighters' efforts to contain the fire and details leading up to the blaze. Welsh is suspected of setting the Feb. 17 fire that destroyed the historic building by igniting an accelerant on his office desk, according to court records. One firefighter became disoriented while working to control the fire in the basement, but was later helped to safety. Just minutes after the last firefighter escaped, the entire bar was fully engulfed in flames, according to the complaint. Press Bar employees told investigators business at the bar had been declining recently — and that Welsh had been reducing staff and ended the sale of tap beer, according to the complaint.  

Republican State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington along with Democrat Ram Villivalam from Chicago are sponsoring legislation to help volunteer firefighters and EMT's with a $500 tax credit. Metamora Fire Chief Mike Sluga said he hopes this new tax credit could help boost recruitment. Metamora's Chief Sluga has been on the job for almost 40 years. "It's a calling really, you love what you do, that's why we do it. You don't do it to make money, you're not going to get rich doing this job I guarantee it. You go to help the community." said Chief Sluga The firefighters have other jobs, but they are prepared to report for duty at any time. "We're all married to this pager and when it goes off we all come." said Sluga Senate Bill 3224 would create a $500 dollar tax credit that qualifying volunteer firefighters and EMT's can claim when they file their Illinois income taxes.  

As Milwaukee prepares to host the Democratic National Convention some leaders within the city are getting new roles to keep the area safe. Milwaukee Fire Department Deputy Chief Kevin Hafemann is the person behind the city's fire and EMS response for the DNC. He has been planning for everything from a person suffering from heat exhaustion to a bomb. "I have to plan for the absolute worst," said Hafemann. According to Hafemann, fire and law enforcement are collaborating to form multiple teams of experts. "We might have a fire member on a rescue taskforce team with perhaps law enforcement or an FBI agent or somebody else," said Hafemann. He said that way if the emergency was more of a fire or a Hazmat concern than the firefighter would help direct the response. And if the situation was related to a gun or a bomb than the law enforcement  

Anyone who hasn't been to the city for some time will be captivated, and possibly alienated, by the new architectural profile of New York. The Empire State, the Chrysler and other 1930s classics have maintained their grandeur. But they seem to be losing much of their visual relevance to the most recent construction development: the ultra-high residential apartment buildings that continue to spring up in Manhattan. These structures are some of the most expensive residences in the world, and among the tallest. Developers have amassed air rights and made use of loopholes in zoning laws to create luxurious enclaves which in some cases are only occupied on a part-time basis by individuals who maintain multiple homes. Large portions of these buildings may contain no apartments at all, since up to a quarter of the interior space can be reserved for the necessary mechanical equipment systems.