Latest news with #MFD
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
More inclusive media access needed for disabled community: Fahmi
KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has stressed the importance of ensuring more inclusive access to information for individuals with hearing disabilities, particularly on television and digital platforms. Fahmi, in a Facebook post, said the matter was among the topics discussed in a meeting with Malaysia Federation of the Deaf (MFD) advisor Mohamad Sazali Shaari, Malaysian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (MyAsli) president Wan Zuraidah Abu and her deputy Goh Soo Leng at his office today. "Thank you Mohamad Sazali, Wan Zuraidah, and Goh Soo Leng, for the visit and insightful discussion this afternoon," he said in the post, which was accompanied by a 90-second video of the meeting. Fahmi also expressed hope that media can increase support by broadcasting and producing more disabled-friendly content.– BERNAMA
Barnama
5 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
More Inclusive Media Access Needed For Disabled Community
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has stressed the importance of ensuring more inclusive access to information for individuals with hearing disabilities, particularly on television and digital platforms. Fahmi, in a Facebook post, said the matter was among the topics discussed in a meeting with Malaysia Federation of the Deaf (MFD) advisor Mohamad Sazali Shaari, Malaysian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (MyAsli) president Wan Zuraidah Abu and her deputy Goh Soo Leng at his office today. 'Thank you Mohamad Sazali, Wan Zuraidah, and Goh Soo Leng, for the visit and insightful discussion this afternoon,' he said in the post, which was accompanied by a 90-second video of the meeting.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa task force names Muscatine firefighter Hazmat Technician of the Year
Lt. Spencer Ripperger of the Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) has been named the 2024 Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year by the Iowa Hazmat Task Force, recognizing his outstanding contributions to hazardous materials response and training. He is the second MFD firefighter to receive this prestigious honor and will attend the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Hazmat Conference in Baltimore, June 12–15. 'Spencer has demonstrated exceptional skills and expertise in the hazardous materials field,' said Captain Pat Gingerich, who nominated Ripperger for the award. 'He has consistently produced outstanding work that has earned him a great reputation within the department.' Interim Fire Chief Mike Hartman agreed the award was well deserved. 'It is people like Spencer that make this place so special,' Hartman said. Ripperger joined the MFD nine years ago, earning his Hazmat Technician certification in 2017. He currently serves as a member and instructor for the department's Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2022. Since then, he has taken on a leading role in advancing the department's Hazmat capabilities. Gingerich, who received the same award in 2015, praised Ripperger for helping maintain the department's Hazmat program at a high standard. 'This is a well-deserved recognition,' he said. In his role, Ripperger oversees both shift and department-wide Hazmat training. He has coordinated specialized sessions, including a rail safety class with Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Rail and training focused on lithium-ion battery fires—both critical given the increased risks posed by rail transport and emerging technologies. 'Canadian Pacific brought their training trailer here, allowing our team to get two weeks of hands-on experience,' Ripperger said. The trailer includes a variety of valves, tank car components, and other equipment responders may encounter in rail-related Hazmat incidents. He also led a full reorganization of the Hazmat truck two years ago to improve efficiency and accessibility during responses. Beyond internal training, Ripperger is an active member of the Hazmat Outreach Program, delivering refresher training to volunteer fire departments across Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Washington, and Keokuk counties. 'We set a date, travel to their location, and teach a four-hour class,' he explained. 'It's incredibly beneficial for these departments, and not many teams provide this kind of outreach.' Ripperger has also built relationships with outside agencies, including the Iowa National Guard's 71st Civil Support Team, which handles hazardous materials and WMD emergencies across the state. At the upcoming Hazmat Conference in Baltimore, Ripperger will engage in advanced training on a wide range of topics, from transportation safety to bioterrorism and mass decontamination. Captain Gingerich reflected on the similarities between his own path and Ripperger's. 'Spencer has followed a similar route to mine,' he said. 'He's incredibly dedicated and confident in his role, and we look forward to his continued leadership.' In 2015, Gingerich was nominated by Gary Ronzheimer after filling in for Ronzehimer when he was deployed overseas and was honored with the Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year award. The award also recognized Gingerich for his work with the Iowa Hazardous Materials Task Force during the avian flu outbreak. Gingerich, along with other firefighters, assisted the USDA with monitoring bio-security, cleaning, and decontamination at infected sites and landfills. The Muscatine Fire Department is designated as the regional team for Region 16 and provides services to Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Washington, and Keokuk counties in Iowa. CAPTION FOR PHOTO: Muscatine Fire Captain Pat Gingerich (left), the 2015 Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year, and Muscatine Fire Lieutenant Spencer Ripperger, the 2024 Iowa Hazmat Technician of the Year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Clayborn Temple leader: Fire at home could be connected
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The director of Clayborn Temple says she thinks there could be a connection between the fire that destroyed the historic church, and fires at her home and near her family's land. Anasa Troutman, founder and executive director of Historic Clayborn Temple, says she suffered a fire at her home April 12. Another fire hit land near her family's property in East Tennessee April 14. Clayborn Temple went up in flames April 28. 'It's difficult to imagine that they're not connected,' Troutman said. 'I've tried to convince myself that this was all a crazy coincidence.' Still, she added, there has been no connection made among the three fires, and it may in fact be a coincidence. The Memphis Fire Department and the ATF wrapped up an investigation Wednesday, including that the fire at Clayborn Temple was intentionally set. MFD released photos of a possible suspect. Clayborn Temple fire ruled arson; person sought Troutman said she wasn't aware of any possible motive for the fire, and she had not come into contact with the person identified as a person of interest. 'The fact that anyone would want to do this for any reason is senseless and tragic,' she said. There will be a public gathering at Clayborn Temple at 4:30 p.m. May 28, remembering what the building was and what it will be in the future. Troutman said her group is developing plans of how to rebuild after the fire. To support Clayborn Temple, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
National Response Team investigates Clayborn Temple fire
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A National Response Team is heading to the historic Clayborn Temple after a devastating fire nearly three weeks ago. The Memphis Fire Department says the more than 130-year-old church is now stabilized, and investigators can now take a look inside for clues. ORIGINAL STORY: Fire destroys Clayborn Temple, historic Memphis church with ties to Civil Rights movement Since the fire broke out in the early morning hours on April 29, investigators say they have been conducting extensive off-site work, like speaking with witnesses and going through video analysis. About two weeks ago, the east wall of the building collapsed due to strong winds. MFD has been working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to determine the cause of the fire. Last month, WREG talked with a fire investigator who says if causes like the construction or faulty wiring were ruled out, then was the fire intentionally set? 'In that case, they may bring in accelerant detection K9s that will look for the scent of accelerants. If they alert to a spot, then they will collect samples. They'll send them to a laboratory,' said Richard Meier. ATF, MFD search for clues after Clayborn Temple lost to fire Now that it is safe to enter the structure, investigators will get a close-up look for any tell-tale signs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
