By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• A Massachusetts National Guard major and Boston firefighter was injured in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait that killed six U.S. service members on March 1, officials said.
• The attack struck a U.S. tactical operations center at Port Shuaiba used by service members, part of the 2026 conflict with Iran.
• The injured National Guard member, identified as Maj. Mark Garcia, is recovering overseas from wounds sustained in the blast.
• Gov. Maura Healey said Garcia was “on site” during the explosion and will be welcomed home once his recovery progresses.

BOSTON, MA — A Boston firefighter who also serves as a major in the Massachusetts Army National Guard was among those injured in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait that killed six U.S. service members earlier this month, state officials said.

The attack on March 1 struck a tactical operations center at the Port Shuaiba, a civilian port near Kuwait City, where U.S. troops were stationed as part of ongoing military operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

Gov. Maura Healey said Maj. Mark Garcia, assigned to Engine 50 in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood, was wounded in the blast and is currently recovering overseas, with plans to celebrate his eventual return to Massachusetts.

The strike also killed six members of the U.S. military assigned to logistical and support roles at the facility, and dozens of other service members were reportedly wounded in the incident, U.S. officials have said.

Officials have not released further information about the nature of Garcia’s injuries, and details from the ongoing Pentagon and field investigations were not immediately available.

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• A vehicle-borne attack at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, left the suspected assailant dead after he drove into the building and was engaged by security personnel, authorities said.
• The incident occurred March 12, 2026, at the Reform Jewish congregation near Detroit.
• One synagogue security officer was injured; no children or staff were harmed, law enforcement said.
• The FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI — A suspected vehicle-borne attack at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on March 12 resulted in the death of the assailant after he drove a truck into the building and was confronted by synagogue security, officials said.

The large Reform Jewish congregation, which also houses an early childhood center, became the scene of the incident when the suspect’s vehicle struck the structure and ignited, law enforcement reported.

A security officer was struck by the vehicle and treated for injuries, but synagogue leadership and authorities said no children, teachers or other staff were harmed during the attack.

Federal and local law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are investigating, with the FBI describing the attack as a potential targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

Oakland County Sheriff’s Office personnel and other agencies secured the scene, and authorities continue to assess evidence and procedural follow-up as part of the ongoing investigation.

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• Pennsylvania has awarded more than $905,000 in state grants to volunteer fire companies to support wildfire readiness, the state fire commission announced.
• The funds come from the Pennsylvania Wildfire Preparedness and Response Grant Program.
• Grants will be used for wildfire training, equipment, and community readiness initiatives.
• Funding is intended to enhance capabilities in areas at elevated risk of wildland fire incidents.

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner has announced more than $905,000 in grant awards to volunteer fire companies to bolster wildfire readiness statewide, officials said.

The funding is provided through the Pennsylvania Wildfire Preparedness and Response Grant Program and will be distributed to eligible volunteer fire departments with projects focused on wildfire training, equipment acquisition, and public preparedness, according to the fire commission.

Officials said the grants are intended to enhance the capabilities of volunteer fire companies serving communities at elevated risk of wildland and brush fire incidents.

Projects funded under the program include specialized training for wildfire response, purchases of equipment such as tools and protective gear, and outreach initiatives to improve community resilience, the announcement said.

The state fire commission encouraged departments to apply for future grant cycles to continue expanding readiness and response capabilities for wildland fire challenges.

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing

• • An off-duty Virginia firefighter spotted a house fire in his neighborhood and took immediate action before on-duty units arrived.
• • The firefighter raised a ladder and used a garden hose to apply water to flames visible on the exterior of the home.
• • Neighbors alerted 911 and helped ensure the scene was safe as the homeowner and family evacuated.
• • Fire crews arriving on scene took over fire suppression and ensured the blaze was fully extinguished.
• • Officials said the off-duty firefighter’s actions helped slow the fire’s spread and protect nearby structures.

VIRGINIA — An off-duty firefighter in Virginia intervened in a residential fire Sunday afternoon by raising a ladder and applying water with a garden hose before on-duty units arrived, authorities said.

The incident occurred in a neighborhood where the off-duty firefighter resides. While off duty, the firefighter observed smoke and flames coming from the exterior of a home and immediately took action to slow the spread of the fire. Neighbors reported the fire and called 911 as the homeowner and family evacuated safely.

The off-duty responder positioned a ladder against the structure and used a garden hose to apply water to burning areas. Those efforts continued until arriving fire crews assumed command of fire suppression and completed extinguishment operations, officials said.

Local fire officials noted that the off-duty firefighter’s quick response helped prevent the fire from advancing further into the structure and reduced the potential risk to nearby homes. No serious injuries were reported among residents or responding personnel.

Fire crews on scene conducted a thorough overhaul of the fire area and checked for hidden hotspots to prevent rekindling. Investigators did not immediately release a cause for the blaze, and the department said a fire marshal would examine the scene for additional details.

Officials commended the off-duty firefighter for his initiative and readiness to act in a neighbor’s emergency, emphasizing that bystander actions should always be balanced with personal safety until professional help arrives.