Firefighters in the West Midlands will use body-worn cameras from next year. The cameras will be used by officers in charge of incidents but they will not be used to deter crime. Firefighters will instead use the footage to support training, and to develop fire prevention and safety activities run by the service.

On July 13 the U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment increasing funding for the Volunteer Fire Assistance program from $13 million to $15 million.

The amendment was offered by Reps Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Peter King (R-N.Y.) and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) to the FY2017 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 5538).

The Volunteer Fire Assistance program, formerly known as the Rural Community Fire Protection Program, was initiated by the Cooperative Forestry Act of 1978. VFA is administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

"Don't fix what is not broken" is a common phrase used to impede change or at least to question change for change's sake. If we look at the turnout clothing industry, we actually see a product range that is relatively mature with continual, gradual improvements.

In essence, gear is pretty much the way it has been for more than two decades. Yes there are the occasional blips where something new comes along like barrier hoods, and novel improvements can bring about an interesting materials or features.