By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing

• • An Oklahoma fire chief rejected a $250,000 donation from Google tied to a planned data center project in his jurisdiction over concerns about potential public perception and ethics.
• • The proposed contribution was intended for the Perry Fire Department as part of community benefits related to the company’s data center construction.
• • Fire Chief Keith Whitaker said he declined the donation to avoid the appearance of impropriety or favoritism toward a private business.
• • City officials said Google could still provide other community support unrelated to the fire department.
• • The decision comes amid broader discussions about corporate contributions to public safety agencies and community benefit agreements.

PERRY, Okla. — The fire chief in Perry, Oklahoma, declined a proposed $250,000 donation from Google intended for the local fire department that was linked to the company’s planned data center construction in the area.

Fire Chief Keith Whitaker announced the decision, saying he would not accept the contribution due to concerns that it could create an appearance of impropriety or special treatment for a private business, despite the funds being offered as a community benefit. Officials said the proposed donation was part of an agreement connected to Google’s planned investment in the data center project.

Chief Whitaker told local media and city leaders that while the funds could benefit department operations, accepting money tied to a major corporate project could undermine public trust in the impartiality of fire department decision-making. The chief said his priority was to maintain clear ethical standards in department funding.

City officials said Google may still contribute to local community support efforts that are unrelated to the fire department or corporate project, but details on alternative contributions were not immediately disclosed.

The issue highlights ongoing conversations in the community about the role of corporate contributions to public safety agencies and how such donations should be managed when they coincide with large private investments in local infrastructure.

No formal ethics complaints or investigations were announced in conjunction with the donation decision. City leaders said they will continue to engage with business partners and community stakeholders as development plans progress.

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing

• • International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Vice President Vance Joyce addressed attendees at the IAFF legislative conference in Washington, D.C., highlighting federal support for firefighters.
• • Joyce discussed engagement between the IAFF and the White House on key funding and policy priorities affecting fire service.
• • He reiterated the IAFF’s efforts to secure resources for staffing, equipment and member health and safety programs.
• • The address included updates on legislative initiatives and collaboration with federal officials.
• • IAFF leadership said continued advocacy is aimed at strengthening support for fire departments and personnel nationwide.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Vice President Vance Joyce spoke to members at the IAFF legislative conference, outlining engagement with federal officials and support from the White House on matters important to the fire service.

During the address, Joyce emphasized ongoing discussions between IAFF leadership and the executive branch on funding, staffing and safety initiatives that affect fire departments and their personnel. He addressed a range of topics, including federal resource allocation and policy issues that leaders say are critical to local fire service operations.

Officials at the conference noted continued efforts to secure legislative and administrative support for programs aimed at enhancing personnel safety, resources for equipment and broader health initiatives for firefighters. Joyce also reviewed recent interaction between the IAFF and federal policymakers on these topics.

The event brought together IAFF members and leaders to focus on legislative advocacy and collaboration with lawmakers and federal agencies. Sessions included updates on specific proposals and initiatives that the IAFF says would benefit fire departments and first responders if enacted.

Conference attendees also participated in discussions aimed at bolstering relationships with elected officials and advocating for sustained attention to fire service priorities at the federal level. IAFF leadership said these engagements are intended to strengthen fire service readiness and community protection.

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing

• Connecticut lawmakers have withdrawn a proposed building code change that would have allowed taller apartment buildings to be constructed with a single stairwell.
• The proposal stemmed from a 2024 law directing the state to expand single-stairwell building allowances during the next building code update.
• Fire marshals and fire chiefs across the state raised safety concerns, warning that a single exit route could endanger residents during fires.
• The legislature’s Regulation Review Committee moved to remove the provision, keeping the current rule requiring two stairwells for apartment buildings over three stories.
• Officials said the change was scrapped to allow the broader building code update process to move forward without delay.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut lawmakers have removed a proposed change to the state building code that would have allowed certain apartment buildings to be constructed with a single stairwell, following opposition from fire service officials who raised safety concerns.

The proposal originated from legislation passed in 2024 directing the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services to expand the types of apartment buildings that could be served by a single stairwell in the next revision of the state building code. Under the current code, apartment buildings taller than three stories must have two stairwells.

During recent legislative action, a measure included in an emergency certification bill repealed the directive, leaving the existing stairwell requirement in place. The move came after members of the General Assembly’s Regulation Review Committee signaled the provision lacked sufficient support to move forward.

Fire marshals and chiefs across Connecticut expressed concern that allowing taller buildings with only one stairwell could create dangerous conditions during emergencies. Officials noted that residents and firefighters could be forced to use the same stairwell simultaneously during a fire, potentially complicating evacuations and suppression operations.

Housing advocates had supported the proposed change, arguing that requiring two stairwells can increase construction costs and limit development of smaller “missing middle” apartment buildings on constrained urban lots. Some advocates also said modern building systems, including sprinklers and fire-resistant construction materials, can mitigate fire risk in single-stairwell buildings.

The Connecticut Building Code is updated every three years through a review process led by the Department of Administrative Services and approved by the legislature. Lawmakers said removing the stairwell provision allows the broader code update to proceed while debate over the issue continues.

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• A funding dispute between Sherman, Texas, and Grayson County officials is raising concerns about future fire and EMS responses in rural areas outside city limits.
• Sherman Fire Rescue handled about 8,500 calls in 2025, including roughly 600 responses in unincorporated areas of the county.
• Rural emergency responses are currently funded through a contract between the city and county, but the agreement’s long-term sustainability is being questioned.
• A proposed sales tax for unincorporated areas intended to support rural fire and EMS services was rejected by voters in 2025.
• Officials say they have until October to determine how rural emergency services will be funded going forward.

SHERMAN, TX — A funding dispute between Sherman city officials and Grayson County leaders is raising questions about how fire and EMS services will be funded for residents living outside the city limits.

The issue was discussed during a March 2 meeting of the Sherman City Council, where officials reviewed the future of a contract that allows Sherman Fire Rescue to provide emergency services in unincorporated areas of Grayson County.

Sherman Fire Rescue responded to about 8,500 calls in 2025, including approximately 600 incidents outside the city limits, according to officials. Those responses are currently funded through an agreement between the city and county, but the long-term sustainability of the arrangement has been called into question.

County leaders previously proposed establishing a new revenue source to support rural fire and EMS coverage through a sales tax in unincorporated areas. However, voters rejected the proposal in the fall of 2025, leaving the county without a dedicated funding mechanism.

City officials said Sherman is currently contributing about $30,000 per month toward the cost of rural emergency responses, but council members noted the arrangement may not be sustainable long term. Leaders are exploring other options, including adjusting service rates or contracting directly with rural residents for emergency coverage.

Officials said discussions are ongoing, with a deadline in October to determine how rural fire and EMS services will be funded moving forward.