VIDEO: An off-duty Chicago firefighter was shot while confronting suspects who were trying to break into his SUV Wednesday morning in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side. The 40-year-old off-duty firefighter was inside a residence in the 500 block of East 38th Place when he noticed three people were trying to break into his parked car, according to the Chicago Police Department. When he went outside to confront them, one of the suspects started shooting in his direction. The firefighter suffered gunshot wounds throughout the body and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition, officials said. Police said his condition has since "stabilized." After the shooting, two of the suspects fled the scene in a silver SUV while the third ran away.  

The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) on Wednesday (Jan. 31, 2024) announced that a new CAD-to-CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) technology that will significantly reduce time it takes for firefighters and paramedics in 40 south suburban communities to respond to emergencies. OFPD Fire Chief Michael Schofield credited the support of Senator Michael Hastings who secured the $600,000 in state funds for the regional CAD-to-CAD system and he said that the most important result will be that once operational, reducing response time will save lives. Currently, fire districts and departments must communicate by telephone when identifying additional emergency response support. Schofield and Hastings were joined at a press conference hosted in Hazelcrest Fire Department by mayors and fire officials from a dozen communities in announcing the state grant funded project which is operational in only one region around Washington D.C.  

A Williamstown volunteer firefighter is recovering after being caught in a ceiling collapse and flashover at a fire that broke out on Humes Ridge Road Tuesday evening. Matt Combs is seen on the body cam of another firefighter rolling out of the burning building, still on fire. "Matt's coming out of the structure. His gear is on fire. You can see the fire dripping off from some of his helmet," said Williamstown Chief Les Whalen. Crews watered down the flames on his gear and then sent him to UC Medical Center. Combs was treated and released. He was back at the fire station Wednesday for a short time even though he's still treating second-degree burns. The video was from a body camera worn by Williamstown volunteer firefighter Jordan Jump.  

A Colorado woman and her family have made a petition to create a fallen firefighter specialty license plate in honor of her husband who died in 2021. Yuma firefighter Darcy Stallings was responding to a fire in October 2021 when he was involved in a deadly car crash. Darcy was described as a highly respected firefighter and a person who loved every minute of his job. Darcy grew up in Yuma and started many businesses in his community. Now, his family wants to create a license plate with the help of the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation to honor those who have lost their lives protecting the people and property of Colorado. They need signatures from Colorado drivers to see their dream become a reality.  

VIDEO: A hangar collapse at Rickenbacker Street and Luke Street near the Boise Airport left three people dead and nine people injured Wednesday evening, according to a Boise Fire Department news release. Boise Fire said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. when a privately owned hangar was under construction and collapsed. When they arrived at the scene, they said due to the nature of the collapse, they rescued several victims. Five of the nine injured are in critical condition and all are being treated at local hospitals, Boise Fire said. "Tonight, there was a catastrophic collapse of a metal structure at a construction site. First responders found a hectic scene and worked to secure and rescue victims," said Division Chief of Operations Aaron Hummel.  

Snohomish County has a new tool for 911 response that will help free up emergency responders. It's called the Snohomish County Nurse Navigation Program. A nurse will now handle some medical calls. If a 911 call comes in that's considered a non-emergency, the caller will be directed to a nurse who will help them decide the best course of action, such as a virtual visit with a doctor or a trip to a clinic or urgent care center. The program will keep more first responders available for emergencies. "If you call 911 for a medical issue, typically an ambulance transports you to a hospital emergency room, but the emergency room may not be the right place to receive the right care for your situation," said Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco.