Declarations
Uncommon Occurrence
“It’s been about 10 years since we’ve had one of these so it’s not an everyday occurrence.”
— Emerald Isle, N.C., Fire Chief Bill Walker, after a deck collapsed from a house and fell 10 to 12 feet to the ground, sending 23 people to the hospital.
Fire Fatalities
“This achievement is a testament to the outstanding performance by our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs to quickly respond to fires and treat the injured.”
— New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Daniel Nigro on the steady decline of fire-related deaths in the city over last several years. He said June 2015 marked the first month on record in FDNY’s 150-year history without any fire-related fatalities.
Cheery Payday
“Everyone who works hard to provide a great game day experience deserves the same basic level of dignity and respect on the job, starting with simply being paid for their work.”
— California Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez has authored California’s legislation that would require that cheerleaders be paid at least minimum wage, overtime and sick leave if they work for professional sports teams based in California.
Keeping It Weird
“It’s important for us to get experience testing our software in different driving environments, traffic patterns and road conditions — so we’re ready to take on Austin’s pedicabs, pickup trucks and everything in between. … Keep it weird for us, Austin, and visit our website to let us know how we’re driving.”
— Google, in a statement regarding its decision to test its self-driving cars in Austin, Texas, where the city’s unofficial slogan is “Keep Austin Weird.”
A Simple Message
“Our message is simple: if you profit by selling guns to criminals, we will find you and hold you accountable.”
— Dan Gross, president of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said in a statement that a $132,000 settlement with a southeast Kansas gun shop sued for selling a weapon that a man used to kill himself and his 8-year-old son is a “major victory” in the campaign against “bad apple” gun dealers. Joe and Patsy George, owners of Baxter Springs Gun and Pawn Shop, were sued by Elizabeth Shirley, whose son was killed by her ex-husband.