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http://daily.firehouse.com/rmgo.asp?tid=869945&eid=744346&sb_id=298172,298172
LODD
A longtime New York firefighter collapsed Tuesday while assisting at a crash scene, according to the USFA. The victim was identified as Fire Police Capt. Norm Koch with the East Pembroke Fire Department.
New York Firefighter Collapses, Dies

53 Die in Bangkok Night Club Fire
A fire in a club celebrating the new year has left 53 dead and over 100 injured. The toll could climb as workers finish going through the club.
The fire grew quickly, trapping and killing many who arrived to celebrate the start of 2009.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7806658.stm

Murder Charges Filed in Delaware Firefighter's Death
A man allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash last week that injured a motorcyclist and killed a Delaware City firefighter was charged with murder today.

Eight Brooklyn FF’s Injured
A 3-ALARM FIRE IN THE BENSONHURST SECTION of Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday injured eight firefighers including one seriously when he “rode down” with a collapsing rear wall from the 3rd floor. The firefighter, a member of Ladder 148 who has been with the FDNY for three years, was taken to the hospital for serious, but nonlife-threatening injuries, fire officials said.
Initial investigation into the cause is not showing anything suspicious.
WCBS-TV has the STORY

Campaign to Contain Blagojevich Hits Roadblocks
The case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich grows more complicated as events demonstrate that he can't be cowed as easily as U.S. senators and the U.S. attorney prosecuting the case would like.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/31/fast-campaign-weaken-blagojevich-hits-roadblocks/

Report: Somali pirates hold 300 mariners
MOSCOW (UPI) -- A new assessment of pirate activity off the coast of Somalia has found that more than 300 mariners are being held hostage, a Russian publication says. Click to Continue...