Tuesday, September 11, 2007

** Mother of lost 9/11 EMT becomes EMS worker herself

** Victoria, Australia medics, police, and fire form their own political party

UNITED STATES NEWS

** The mother of a New York Presbyterian Hospital EMT, killed in the 9/11 attacks has put her grief to work, becoming an EMT herself. That is the word from Newsday (September 10) which quoted Diane Fairben, mother of Keith, as saying the work draws her closer to the memory of her son. A retired fourth and fith grade teacher, Fairben said EMS was never a job she considered while Keith was alive. At 56, and now childless, she works for the Floral Park volunteer service where her son also toiled for a time.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** In an effort to beat politicians at their own game, fed up Victorian ambulance, police and fire workers have decided to form their own political party. The Australian (September 5) said a coalition of labour unions has put together the Safer Communities Party and intends to run candidates in the next state election. The effort is being spearheaded by the police association which continues to trudge through pay issues with government.  United Firefighters Union spokesman Peter Marshall, meanwhile, said the new party resulted from public dissatisfaction with current candidates. The move, however, has baffled Premier John Brumby who said his government has heavily financially supported emergency services workers throughout his term.