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Logistics in the fire department

Frank R. Myers Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

When I first signed up to be on my department’s USAR (Urban Search and Rescue), FEMA Florida Task Force 2 (FLTF2) team, I did not have a clue about the different disciplines there were and what was available. I just wanted to be a part of it. The Task Force Leader at that time said we needed logistics personnel. So, I said "OK," sounds neat to me! As a logistics specialist/manager/leader, you were responsible for all equipment and gear (the cache), its inventory, resupply and maintenance. We were also responsible for the vehicles and the driving of them, food and lodging, among other tasks.

‘Tis the season to avoid office party lawsuits

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

According to a new OfficeTeam survey, 93 percent of organizations will provide some type of seasonal activity this year — whether off-site or on-site. Also, 41 percent of companies plan to spend more on this year’s festivities. "Hosting holiday activities is a great way for companies to recognize teams and thank them for their hard work," according to Stephanie Naznitsky, executive director of OfficeTeam. On the other hand, almost everyone has a "Hey, remember that time at the holiday office party when . . ." story about out-of-control behavior.

Are crime-fighting apps truly a boon for law enforcement?

Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

Crime-fighting apps are the news of the day in law enforcement. We shouldn't be surprised by this, since every facet of our lives now seems to be app-driven. It is interesting to note, however, that both the police and the public are investing in advanced apps to prevent crimes from happening around them. The question is: will these apps prevent crimes or will they create a new crowd of vigilantes? The Citizen crime app in New York City is a popular example.

Federal fracking push has state, local resistance

Michelle R. Matisons Natural Resources

The controversial oil and gas extraction method known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," was once regulated under an Obama-era rule addressing chemical disclosure when fracking public land. Since then, this rule has been overturned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as the federal government opens the field of oil and gas extraction to much opposition. Given the Trump administration’s anti-regulatory zeal, what is the current status of fracking in the U.S.?

Understanding the impact of chronic absenteeism for students

Brian Stack Education

Chronic absenteeism data for schools is about to become much more public. By the end of this month, the Every Student Succeeds Act has required that schools list chronic absenteeism rates on their state report cards. Many schools across the country have already started to do this, and the work started with states defining at what point absences would be considered a chronic issue. By whichever standard you use, there is no debate that chronic absenteeism among students is a growing problem that plagues all schools.

Duel in the desert: The 2018 USPSA Area 2 Championship

Joshua Fry Recreation & Leisure

In 1988, the Rio Salado Sportsman's Club in Mesa, Arizona, hosted its inaugural Desert Classic event. 30 years later, it’s become one of the largest shooting events in the country and the current USPSA Area 2 Championship venue. This year, the venue hosted over 400 shooters and some of the top talent in the country/world over the three-day, fifteen stage courses of fire while featuring some of the nicest shooting weather in the country. The 30th anniversary was a grand affair, and if you like plenty of fast-moving swinger and disappearing targets, you were in for a treat.

9 rules of camping

Cindy Belt Recreation & Leisure

If you are new to camping or only camp a week or two a year, you may not know some of the unwritten rules of camping. Some of these are written rules at many campgrounds or are actual laws. Most of these are common sense or follow the Golden Rule. Remember, there are others camping in the campground at the same time you are camping so we all need to be polite! For example, while you might think your pet is the best pet in the world, others may not feel the same and might even be scared or allergic to dogs or cats.

Federal prison reform bill endorsed by President Trump

Michelle R. Matisons Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

Inside and outside criminal justice circles it’s understood that the U.S. prison system, including state-run, private, and immigration detention facilities, needs restructuring. The overcrowding of jail and prison facilities alone has led to massive health problems and social conflicts, which can lead to increased inmate deaths. In its effort to exploit fears of crime, the prison boom cast a net too wide and caught too many people in it. Now we are seeing the reaction, as the bipartisan First Step Act was passed by the House, recently publicly endorsed by President Trump, and is now in the Senate.

A look at officer mental health and community relations

Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

More police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty. In 2017, there were an estimated 140 law enforcement suicides. Law enforcement officers also suffer from more depression, PTSD, burnout, and anxiety than others. A recent national policing conference in Elkhart, Indiana, addressed these serious issues to help officers find a better balance between work and home life. It is vital that departments spread mental health awareness among law enforcement officers, their friends, and families.

Veteran-turned-farmer gives back to Wisconsin vets

Miranda Y. Brumbaugh Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

As Thanksgiving meals are planned and groceries are purchased, it can be easy to forget about those military veterans without food or a home. These veterans are the ones who struggle with transitioning from war zones or military hospitals to suburbia and a civilian career. One veteran has been there and wants to help others survive this transition by providing a harvest of help. Meet Jake VandenPlas, a military veteran and the co-owner of Door County Farm in Wisconsin.

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