Author Archives: Michael A. Kernbach
Saving Lives Can Be Risky for First Responders
First responder professionals such as police, paramedics and fire fighters risk their lives on a daily basis to provide public safety and protect their fellow citizens. Unfortunately these brave men and women often sustain serious injuries or lose their lives while on duty — even during routine encounters. Tragedy ended the career and life of… Read More »
Pit Bull Attack… Again
It seems like every few months there is another story in the news about a pit bull attacking an innocent person and causing severe injuries. While attack dogs may have a purpose, they also pose a danger to law-abiding citizens. Although there is a debate about whether the dogs or the owners are to blame,… Read More »
Ambush on Firefighters a Troubling Development
Firefighters know that their job is dangerous and some risk is expected. But the recent ambush upon first responders in Webster, New York was quite troubling to the entire community of firefighters. The assassin, 62-year-old William Spengler, was an ex-con who served 17 years in New York State prison for bludgeoning his 92-year-old grandmother to… Read More »
Mental Health Issues Can Affect Police Officers Too
Firefighting and law enforcement account for two of the top 10 most stressful jobs in America. Stress can lead to a variety of health problems, not the least of which are mental health issues which can include depression, anxiety attacks and panic attacks. These mental health problems can have an impact not just on the… Read More »
Motorcycle Officer Killed in Collision with Van
While motorcycling can be dangerous for the uninitiated, many think of motorcycle cops as invincible. Unfortunately that image took another hit when the sixth motorcycle officer in Virginia history was killed on duty, just before New Years. An ex-marine and a seven-year veteran of the Prince William County Police Department, 35-year-old Officer Chris Yung died after… Read More »
Fisher-Price Recalls Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleepers Due to Risk of Exposure to Mold
When you put your baby to sleep you expect her to be safe. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the voluntary recall of the popular Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Infant Sleeper, which is manufactured in China and imported into the U.S. by Fisher-Price. This recall is not for new units sold in… Read More »
Motorcycle Officers Meet Challenge of Protecting the President
As Virginia prepared for the 57th Presidential Inauguration in January, we were reminded of the 19 law enforcement officers that have been killed in the line of duty while assigned to presidential protection details or by criminals who tried to harm the president. Being chosen to protect the President is an honor for many. However,… Read More »
What to Do in Case of a Chemical Spill?
Contrary to what local teenagers may believe, a chemical spill is no laughing matter. It can contaminate the water supply, pollute the environment, and cause serious, immediate and long-term injuries. The first two things you should do if you witness a chemical spill is call 911 and try to get at least one-half mile, or… Read More »
Distracted Drivers Heading Down the Wrong Track
As the pace of technology advances, more and more of us are becoming attached to our electronic devices. But a serious problem arises when our phones take away our attention from the real world when it is most needed. A new survey shows that 21 percent of drivers use the Internet while driving. Among those… Read More »
Metro Discloses Payouts for Victims of 2009 Crash
Most of us remember the Red Line Metro crash of 2009 where nine people died and dozens more were injured. It was a difficult summer for everyone involved. The National Transportation Safety Board report found that a malfunction of the automatic train control system was the direct cause of the crash. The system is supposed… Read More »
