Firefighters and paramedics say they joined a union because of leadership issues at the Oak Bluffs Fire Department. —Stacey Rupolo

You can never be too prepared in the case of an emergency, and the American Red Cross wants to help. On Friday, May 4, the American Red Cross, along with Island emergency management, the Salvation Army, M.V. Medical Reserve Corps, and MV Disaster Animal Response team, are hosting a free training at the Oak Bluffs Fire Department at 6 pm. See what you can do to help the community. Refreshments are provided. For more information, contact mlent@chilmarkma.gov, or ilona.metell@redcross.org.