MAY 4, 2014: I’ve heard many descriptions of house fires over my years as a journalist. Most involve the origin of the fire, extent of damage and details on injuries. At times, they detail dramatic rescues. In the worst cases, death. Yet for some reason last week, hearing a friend describe the events of a house fire on her block in Ypsilanti caught my attention as a fresh glimpse into firefighting. Read more:

MAY 1, 2014: The Sterling Heights Fire Department's proposed budget reflects a "significant need" for new firefighters due to the upcoming retirement of 21 sworn positions by the end of the fiscal year. Read more:

MAY 1, 2014: Mayor Dayne Walling says he will work "with everyone" to alter a budget proposed Wednesday, April 30, by emergency manager Darnell Earley that would cut 36 police officers and 19 firefighters. Read more:

APRIL 30, 2014: Each year in the United States, 450,000 burn injuries occur that are serious enough to require medical attention. Burns are difficult and challenging injuries, as they often have a life-long impact. The suffering caused by burns is made even more tragic by the fact that they are preventable. The Burn Injury Awareness Walk will bring together burn survivors and their families, first responders, safety and medical professionals, and community members to walk for burn injury awareness, public education, and prevention. A Safety Education Fair and picnic will immediately folllow the walk and offer fun for all ages. More info:

APRIL 27, 2014: Fire fighters took to the sky today to brush up on some skills. The Lansing fire department conducted a high angle rope rescue mission in downtown Lansing. Read more:

APRIL 25, 2014: Every study says the same thing. Firefighters get cancer at a much higher rate then the general population due to our exposure on the job. And yet when firefighters do get cancer it's denied as a work place illness and they are abandoned by their employers. This is just wrong!!! Senate bill 211 would fix that if the legislature would pass it. The only thing stopping them is Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They continue to threaten legislators with pulling their political contributions if they pass this law. Please call your Senator and ask them to stand up for our firefighters and pass SB 211. Read more:

APRIL 24, 2014: The 2014-15 budget approved Monday by the Adrian City Commission spends some of its reserve funds to keep three firefighters employed. Read more:

APRIL 21, 2014: A veteran Clinton Township trustee is frustrated about the length of time it’s taken the fire department to hire eight new firefighters that were financed by a voter-approved tax increase in November. Read more:

APRIL 19, 2014: Golf scramble fundraiser at Glenbrier Golf Course benefiting the East Lansing Fire Department Honor Guard. More info:

APRIL 19, 2014: The Harrison Township Board of Trustees this week honored four firefighters for various accomplishments. Read more: