Latest news with #InternationalFirefighters'Day
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
SA firefighters showcase skills in Tzaneen
TZANEEN – Firefighters from across the country gathered in Tzaneen to celebrate the dedication, strength, and skills of first responders during International Firefighters' Day. The event, held at the Mopani Disaster Management Centre in early May, was designed to introduce various aspects of firefighting to the local community, including high-angle rescues, vehicle extrications, and water-based operations. Participants also took part in the National Firefighters Challenge, where they competed in a series of demanding events that tested their skills and physical fitness. Basani Shibambu, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Services in the Mopani District Municipality (MDM), spoke at the event, noting that, in recent years, MDM has experienced no fatalities among its firefighters. However, she emphasised the importance of post-incident trauma counselling for those in the field. 'We want to encourage all first responders to make use of our employee assistance programmes, which offer vital mental health support. The experiences you face on the job can be deeply distressing,' Shibambu said. She referred to the tragic crash earlier this year on the R40 near Hoedspruit, which resulted in 14 deaths. Read more: Hoedspruit R40 crash: One of three survivors dies 'You were the first to respond, and you witnessed the horrific scenes,' she said, urging the firefighters to prioritise post-incident mental health debriefing. Also read: DNA confirms 11 victims in Hoedspruit R40 crash Shibambu commended the firefighters for their quick and effective response. She also expressed her support for the newly formed Tzaneen Emergency Support team, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing emergency services in the community. 'We want to sincerely thank all those volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to support our communities. Your commitment is invaluable,' Shibambu concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘International Day' celebration in New Haven features hip-hop class
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Students at the New Haven Adult and Continuing Education Center had a special treat on Wednesday as they turned the classroom into a dance floor. Connecticut lawmakers commemorate International Firefighters' Day Attendees celebrated 'International Day' with a master class in hip-hop. Their teacher has been teaching history to these students for weeks; today, she brought it to life. 'This festival is a celebration of our community at a time when diversity and multiculturalism has been called into question — the importance of celebrating these spaces and celebrating who we are individually and as a community,' Rohanna Delossantos, a teacher, said. There was a community art, a photo booth, pop-up museum exhibit and DJ demonstration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Caesars Virginia gifts Danville Fire Department new truck
DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) – Caesars Virginia has already brought in millions of dollars in gaming tax revenue for the city of Danville. In honor of International Firefighters' Day, Caesar's Virginia hosted a ceremony for the Danville Fire Department on Tuesday morning. The casino gifted it a $1.6 million, custom-built firetruck that took almost four years to build. 'We have a tremendous relationship with the fire department, and they were absolutely integral in us being able to get this facility open,' Chris Albrecht, the general manager of Caesars Virginia, said. 'The chief, the fire marshal and their teams were here almost every day for several months making sure that we were testing everything in this facility to make sure it was ready to go on opening day.' While this was the first formal presentation of the truck to the fire department, it has been in use since February 15th. It works out of fire station one, and responds to all fire calls across the city, and it will assist in crashes. Local fire officials offer tips to help protect your loved ones Before the new one, the city's trucks only had ladders, which made aerial work a bit risky, but this truck has one key addition. 'This truck actually has a platform on it that we can work out of,' Danville fire chief David Coffey said. 'It just makes it more safe and efficient for our firefighters from an aerial approach, and as well as rescues.' One of the main reasons for this presentation was to celebrate the partnership the casino has formed with the city. It is something Caesars values tremendously. 'We want to continue to show that a lot of us are invested in seeing the success of Danville,' Albrecht said. 'It's really through these opportunities with our local organizations that we search those out to make sure that things aren't just going great today but continue to do so in the future.' Chief Coffey has noticed the effort the casino has put in to maintain that strong partnership. 'Caesars has been a really good partner here in the city of Danville,' he said. 'We've had a great working relationship, and we look forward to that for many years to come.' Caesars is hosting an event Wednesday night at 2 witches winery and brewing company, to talk with local nonprofits on how the two sides can work together to give back to the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Connecticut sees over 50% decline in firefighter workforce: OSC survey finds
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — In a survey released by the Office of the State Comptroller on Tuesday, Connecticut has seen a reduction of firefighters decreased by over 50% in the last eight years. The first of its kind, 'Special Examination on Firefighters' survey assessed the number of departments and firefighters, both volunteer and career, in the state. It also showed demographic data. Connecticut lawmakers commemorate International Firefighters' Day In the last eight years, the number of firefighters in Connecticut has decreased by 50%, with an 'alarming' decline of 62.7% for volunteer firefighters. The most recent estimate on firefighters was published in 2017, no organization is responsible for tracking the statistics. According to the report, the speculation is that fewer young people are exposed to being a firefighter as a career path. 'Connecticut is facing a firefighter recruitment and retention crisis, and this impacts every city and town in our state,' Comptroller Scanlon said in a written statement. 'This report is meant to be a call to action, and as the administrator of pensions and health insurance for thousands of firefighters, I am committed to working with the fire service and state and municipal leaders to find solutions that will keep our firefighters and our communities safe.' According to the survey, around 61% of fire departments in Connecticut are volunteer, and 16% are mostly volunteer. Volunteer fire departments are struggling to recruit young people because the 'intensive low pay out is not seen as practical.' The number of career firefighters increased by about 6.5% in the same timeframe, according to the survey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Connecticut lawmakers commemorate International Firefighters' Day
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — State lawmakers will gather at the Capitol to recognize 'International Firefighters' Day,' which fell over the weekend. International Firefighters' Day was this past Sunday. It's a day where people are encouraged to stop and reflect on the sacrifices made by firefighters past & present. Wethersfield community honors and remembers fallen firefighter Robert Sharkevich To honor this day in their way, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, fire chiefs and advocates, legislators, and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Personnel will meet at the capital on Tuesday. To release a new report on the state of firefighting in Connecticut This report features a first-of-its-kind survey of career and volunteer fire departments in the state. News 8 is told it will offer unique insights and recommendations. There were multiple memorials in honor of this over the weekend. In Emmitsburg, Maryland, one tribute honored 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty last year and 70 more who died in previous years. Wethersfield firefighter Robert Sharkevich, senior, was among those recognized for his service and sacrifice to his community. The new report is being discussed at 11 a.m. at the capital. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
