Politics and Law News

Fla. FFs' Union President Steps Down

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.

The president of an Orange County firefighters' union has resigned in the middle of an investigation Friday. Credit card statements revealed three union leaders spent some of the organization's money at strip clubs and restaurants.

George Romano admitted he misused the union's money. He claimed he grabbed the wrong credit card. Even so, some of the union members called for his resignation.

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Leadership in a World Gone Mad

By Dr. Harry R. Carter

, Firehouse.com Contributor -

Web Exclusive included with this article

Times are tough my friends. There is not a day which goes by when you and I fail to see the harsh realities of the current economic state of our nation. Fire departments are being asked to come up with budget cuts which are devastating in the depth and range of their impact upon our fire service. We are seeing it here in New Jersey.

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A Special Friend of the Fire Service: Brian Cowan to Retire

He lead federal fire funding programs

By Bill Webb, Firehouse.com Contributor

Web Exclusive included with this article

When advocating for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) -- whether in letters to Congressional leaders, meeting with staff or testimony before committees -- the fire service organizations have often cited various reports that gave high marks to the program. Since it was established in 2001, the FIRE Act has been a model federal grant program, efficiently and effectively delivering grant dollars to local first responders.

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Consenses is the Key to Grant Program Success

Organizations must be on the same page for major in initiatives

By Bill Webb

, Firehouse.com Contributor

Web Exclusive included with this article

"Legislation has been put on the fast track." That's not a term Congress often uses anymore. These days with partisan politics deeply imbedded in our political systems, it's a small wonder that the wheels of government continue to spin.

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Even More Important Now

Fire prevention budgets are being slashed, eliminated nationwide

By Azarang (Ozzie) Mirkhah, Editoral Staff -

Firehouse.com Contributor

We must be unified in our stance and focus all our efforts on reviving the AFG program.

My past few articles have been focused extensively on the issues of public education and advocacy. Educating the public and our elected officials about the menace of fire has been on the top of our "to do list" going back even further than the 1947 President Truman's Conference on Fire Prevention.

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Larry's Legal Lessons: Good Samaritan Immunity Limited to Medical Assistance

Suit for freeing person, causing injuries goes to trial

By Larry Bennett, Editoral Staff -

Firehouse.Com Contributor

In California, a judge allowed a lawsuit when a woman pulled her friend from a car crash, which caused life-changing injuries.

Legal Lesson Learned: Fortunately in most states, the courts have broadly interpreted their "Good Samaritan" statutes, thereby encouraging people to stop and render emergency care while awaiting fire and EMS responders. Unfortunately, the California Supreme Court has gone the other way. Hopefully this decision does not lead to litigation in other states against Good Samaritans.

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Working Together to Sustain Federal Support for Fire and SAFER Funding

Everyone in the fire service plays a vital role in continuing the grant process

By Bill Webb, Editoral Staff -

Firehouse.Com Contributor

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (FIRE Act) is up for reauthorization next year and we need to illustrate to Congress how $4 billion in funding has improved the overall readiness of our nation's fire an emergency services.

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Larry's Legal Lessons: Quality Assurance Reviewers Enjoy Immunity

$33 million judgment against Dallas hospital and peer review doctors tossed out

By Larry Bennett, Editoral Staff -

Firehouse.Com Contributor

This case should remind fire and EMS personnel that, if you currently do not have statutory protection from civil liability in your state laws, encourage your elected officials to get you this protection.

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The Changing of the Guard is Approaching

Establishing new contacts to advance our agenda

By Bill Webb, Editoral Staff -

Firehouse.Com Contributor

When the next president nominates cabinet heads, the fire service
should also pay close attention to the the deputy secretaries, the chiefs of staff, the directors of agencies, and special advisors.

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Larry's Legal Lessons: Retaliation Suits by Employees Expected to Increase

Recent court decisions open the door

By Larry Bennett, Editoral Staff -

Firehouse.Com Contributor

In many states an employer's insurance policy can not pay for "punitive" damages and documentation is critical for employment history.