VIDEO: First responders from around the Tri-States lit up the front parking lot of the Quincy Town Center Sunday afternoon for Quincy EMS Day. Some of the agencies involved included: Adams County Ambulance, Marion County Ambulance, Pike County Ambulance, Quincy Police Department, the Adams County Sheriff's Department, the Tri-Township Fire Department and more. All of the agencies brought their cars, their equipment and their smiles to help teach everyone about the jobs they do. New at this year's event was a mock car crash, which was held at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. EMS Captain Derick Wells said having the mock car accident helps showcase just how difficult a first responder's job can be in serious situations.  

Fire Apparatus Operator Robert Byrne retired Saturday after more than 20 years of service. Beginning his career in Evanston in September 2001 as a firefighter and paramedic, Byrne became a fire apparatus operator in August 2009, according to the department. The position requires department officials to be responsible for the station's fire apparatuses — including fire engines, fire pumps and aerial ladders — in addition to continuing their firefighting and Emergency Medical Services duties. As a member of EFD Local 742, Byrne also coordinated holiday charity events to raise money and supplies for organizations like Family Focus and the Salvation Army, according to the release.  

PHOTOS: The Lincoln Fire Protection District responded to two fires Saturday, including a tractor fire and a controlled burn that had spread and appeared to be threatening several farm structures. No injuries were reported for civilians or firefighters on either incident. LFPD first responded to a report of a fully engulfed tractor fire around 1:30 p.m. near 1320 East and 700 North in rural Coles County. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they began extinguishing the fire, while additional personnel worked to extinguish the subsequent grass fire in the area. As crews were finishing with the tractor fire, they were called to respond to the controlled burn on 650 East, south of Buck Grove Community Church. The first unit on the scene determined that the fire had run out of fuel on the ground and was not a threat to the surrounding structures.  

Firefighters say a tractor caught on fire after hitting a power line Sunday morning, leading to hundreds of thousands in damages. El Paso Fire Chief Neil Gauger says it happened in the 2700 block of County Road East, near 1100 North. Gauger said the wings of the tractor's cultivator snagged the power line as it drove by, causing flames to spread. The driver of the tractor was not injured, but Gauger estimates the cost of damages amounts to upwards of $500,000. A local towing company responded to help remove the tractor and additional crews assisted in the hazmat cleanup.  

Members of the Decatur Fire Department and volunteers with the American Red Cross installed smoke alarms in homes. On Saturday, for the annual Red Cross Sound the Alarm campaign, volunteers and Decatur firefighters installed free smoke alarms in homes across the city. The American Red Cross will install 50,000 smoke alarms in homes across the country. While they installed the smoke detectors, firefighters also took the time to educate families and home owners about fire safety and the importance of having a plan in case of a fire emergency.  

A massive fire destroyed a manufacturing plant in Spring Hope in Nash County late Saturday night and early Sunday, officials said. The fire started about 11:30 p.m. at JHRG Manufacturing, which makes protector fabrics, including body armor, according to Spring Hope police and fire officials. Several agencies eventually were able to control of fire, but the building was destroyed, according to Spring Hope fire officials. Video from the scene showed flames leaping into the air along with massive smoke clouds. There were also crumbled building walls from the fire in downtown Spring Hope, which is about 8 miles northeast of Zebulon. JRHG produces ballistic vests, body armor and protective clothing, according to McRae's Blue Book.  

PHOTOS: Minutes can matter when Enid's firefighters are responding to calls reporting a blaze or smoke. Because a fire could've already grown exponentially once first responders from Enid Fire Department arrive, they need to know how much flow of water is within nearby fire hydrants, said new EFD Chief Jason Currier. This year, while conducting annual flow tests at the more than 2,600 hydrants within the city of Enid, EFD began placing reflective, plastic rings on the hydrants to show how many gallons per minute (GPM) of water flowed from them. "By the time somebody sees (the fire), it's already really going," Currier said. "It takes us time to get there and set up, and not having to worry about finding another fire hydrant saves us a lot of time. ... We know what to expect out of that fire hydrant."  

As Corpus Christi Fire Department cadets were recognized by friends, family and city officials Thursday evening at Del Mar College, one word kept coming up: pioneer. The 22 future firefighters were celebrated for their completion of an innovative paramedic training program. The cadets were the first people in the country to attempt a simultaneous, expedited emergency medical technician and paramedic training course. EMT and paramedic certifications are typically offered as separate courses, one after the other. The Corpus Christi Fire Department requires cadets to earn both certifications in addition to firefighter certification. The new Del Mar College program cut the timeline by at least three months. "This model is the future of how fire departments across the country will be training future firefighters and paramedics," CCFD Chief Robert Rocha said. Donovan Dillon participated in the program, earned his paramedic certification and is near completion of firefighter training.  

PHOTOS: It was described as the "largest and most elegantly appointed boarding house in the Northwest." Butte's Hale House, constructed in 1895, offered nearly 200 rooms "for the busy toilers of the great copper camp." The Anaconda Standard newspaper described it as modern in every way, constructed of brick and stone, with "everything to make it complete in drainage, light, heat and ventilation." It included "spacious halls, a good library well supplied with books, and all the leading magazines and dailies, free for the use of the guests." The great kitchen, reported the newspaper, contained "every device for convenience and cleanliness … and the immense dining room is a model of neatness." Opening night at the Hale House was a great social affair.  

Under the direction of Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the Honolulu Hale will light up this week to commemorate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week. The Hale will be lit up in the colors of the city's ambulances (orange, blue, and white) from sunset on Sunday May, 15 to sunrise on Saturday, May, 21. With this year's theme being "EMS: Rising to the Challenge," to thank the professionals at EMS for their outstanding service. "I continue to be impressed with our City Emergency Medical Services heroes for their tireless service and dedication to serving the public," said Mayor Blangiardi. "Their commitment is nothing short of truly remarkable. I hope you will join us in celebrating the 47th Annual National Emergency Medical Services Week, a week that acknowledges the dedicated, determined, courageous individuals who respond to more than 100,000 emergency medical calls on O‘ahu annually. Thank you to our heroes at EMS for consistently Rising to the Challenge as the primary emergency medical responder, responsible for providing treatment and transport to one million residents and millions of visitors."