1st Responder FDNY November Edition

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department

FDNY NEWS

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PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

NOVEMBER, 2015

FIVE ALARM GAS EXPLOSION

ALLEN EPSTEIN

On October 3, 2015, in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn, a major gas explosion occurred in a three story brick building, which had a first floor commercial with apartments on the second and third floors.

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November, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

ALLEN EPSTEIN

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Three alarms needed in the Bronx

On October 8, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to East 163rd and Kelly Streets in the Bronx for fire in a six brick mixed dwelling. Crews found fire in three apartments on the top floor with extension to the cockloft. Six lines and a trench cut were used to extinguish the fire. Three minor firefighter injuries were reported with no injuries to civilians.

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

STEVE WHITE

Staten Island church gutted An intense, but short lived three alarm fire consumed a vacant older church in the northern part of Staten Island on September 30th.

Shortly before 2:30 a.m., as heavy rains fell, FDNY units were dispatched to 641 Delafield Ave at Elizabeth St. for a report of a fire.

Battalion 22 arrived to heavy fire out of about eight windows of a older two and a half story church.

A second alarm was transmitted at 2:29 followed quickly by a third at 2:31.

Operations went defensive as

JUMP TO FILE #100215102 heavy fire broke through the roof and sent embers across the neighborhood.

Partial collapses of the roof and walls began to occur and a collapse zone was established.

An engine was designated for brand patrol as tower ladders were set up.

Eventually four tower ladders, five handlines, and two multiversals were operating.

In less than one hour, the roof had completely collapsed and the fire was darkening down.

Units remained on the scene for several hours and waited until daylight to perform searches.

The fire was deemed suspicious due to the heavy volume of fire on arrival, and that the building has been unoccupied for more than a year.

One firefighter was treated for a minor injury.

- BILL TOMPKINS

STEVE WHITE

fFre marshals on the scene of a recent suspicious fire in a Staten Island vacant

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

November, 2015

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FDNY

Chief of Department James E. Leonard, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and members of Engine Company 160 unveil the centennial plaque.

FDNY celebrates 100th Anniversary of Engine Company 160 on Staten Island On Wednesday, September 30, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, Chief of Department James E. Leonard and many officers, Firefighters and former members of Engine Company 160 on Staten Island celebrated 100 years of dedicated service to the community and the City.

The first FDNY firehouse built on Staten Island, Engine Company 160 went into service at 9 o’clock in morning of October 1, 1915.

“Here on Clove Road, when Engine 160 was opened, it signaled that a new era of firefighting was coming to Staten Island,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro.

“While each generation has surely been different outside of these walls, when every firefighter walked through these doors – they became something bigger and far more important than themselves.”

“This is a happy celebration, it just shows the resiliency of this department – how we can get up there and we can take terrible tragedy and turn it around,” said Chief of Department James E. Leonard.

“We get to where we are based on the people before us, and for a hundred years people have been coming through this door.”

Overnight, members of Engine Company 160 joined other Staten Island units in fighting a third-alarm fire in a church.

“When you are in trouble – call a firefighter, and come hell or high water, literally, they show up and they help,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.

“That’s what this engine com-

JUMP TO FILE #100215113 pany has done for a hundred years, that’s what this department has done for 150 years.”

Commissioner Nigro also swore in Christopher Roland as an honorary firefighter and members of Engine Company 160.

Roland, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, has been a fixture in the firehouse for many years, regularly visiting and spreading joy to the members.

“The firefighters here on Staten Island are the fabric of our community,” said Assembly Member Michael Cusick.

“I’m here to show that Staten Islanders will always be with our firefighters, because we can never repay you for the sacrifices not only you make – but your families make.”

Engine Company 160’s response area includes the neighborhoods of Park Hill, Grymes Hill, Emerson Hill, Todt Hill, Fox Hill and Dongan Hills.

“Through the years Engine 160 has responded to thousands of fires and emergencies – protecting life and property,” said Captain Joseph Morro of Engine Company 160.

“We promise the citizens of Staten Island that we will continue learning and training – so that the next generation of firefighters will be better prepared as we pass along our knowledge, our expertise and fine traditions.”

- FDNY

Eric Kugler (left), Manager, Gershow’s Brooklyn facility, is joined by members of the FDNY after an extrication drill at the department’s 150th Summer Block Party in Brooklyn on September 12.

PROVIDED

Gershow donates use of vehicle for New York City Fire Department’s 150th Summer Block Party In support of local firefighters, Gershow Recycling donated the use of a vehicle to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for an extrication practice drill during the FDNY’s 150th Summer Block Party in front of Engine 231/Ladder 120 in Brooklyn on September 12.

Those in attendance saw firefighters performing an extrication drill using the “Jaws of Life” to re-

JUMP TO FILE #092515106 move a “victim” from a “crash.”

Gershow has donated the use of its vehicles to numerous fire departments in the metropolitan New York area and has hosted firefighters, Emergency Medical Service technicians and first responders at its loca-

tions for extrication exercises, mass casualty drills and Urban Search and Rescue training exercises.

In addition to the extrication exercise, the FDNY provided games, food, music and fun for the entire family. Attendees also learned about the formation and the rich history of the FDNY. - HANK RUSSELL

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

FDNY Tower Ladder 54 is a 2006 Seagrave/Aerialscope 75' tower ladder

JOHN HOPPER

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November, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

40 Engine, 35 Truck FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock

Cavemen still do exist in New York City, Manhattan specifically at 40 and 35 located at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 66th Street.

The quarters of 40 Engine and 35 Truck are on the ground floor of a sixty story high rise constructed in 1988. Prior to then, the firehouse was a stand-alone structure, and with real estate as precious as it is in Manhattan and with limited space, the need to build up has been the focus for many years.

So, the decision was made to knock down the old firehouse and incorporate it into a high rise with the firehouse occupying the first floor. Construction took the better part of five years. During that time, the companies responded out of a garage near Lincoln Center.

The neighborhood was once called San Juan Hill, an enclave of low-rise tenements densely packed. It was characterized as a “rough place” with notorious fights and violence between the neighborhood residents, which consisted of Irish, Italian, and Puerto Ricans.

Different theories abound about how San Juan Hill got its name. Later on, it was the most densely populated African American neighborhood in Manhattan.

And in the 1950s, the housing authority called it the worst slum in New York City and made plans to demolish the tenements and build what became Lincoln Center.

The neighborhood is best

Additional FDNY Houses columns by Larry Woodcock can be found at www.1rbn.com

known for jazz great Thelonious Monk, who lived here for many years as well as the film West Side Xtory.

Released in October of 1961 and starring Natalie Wood, the musical filmed on location in the streets of San Juan Hill and won best picture as well as ten academy awards. The demolition of the ten block area was held up until the filming of West Side Story was completed.

Shortly thereafter, the neighborhood was bulldozed with the approval of civic leaders and the plans of master builder Robert Moses’s program of urban renewal.

Despite numerous protests by residents, eminent domain prevailed, with families fleeing to the

Bronx and other neighborhoods in Manhattan. Over the next thirty years, Lincoln Center became the hub and the focal point of the performing arts community in the New York metropolitan area.

In 1962, the New York Philharmonic Hall opened. The Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the Juilliard School, and the Film Society of Lincoln Center followed that. In all 30 indoor and outdoor performance stages totaled over 14,000 seats.

40 and 35 are also first due to one of New York City’s iconic landmarks, Columbus Circle. Situated at the intersections of Eighth Avenue and Central Park South, the monument was built in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of

Christopher Columbus landing in America.

The marble statue of Columbus sits atop a 70 foot granite column that includes bronze reliefs of his fleet of ships the Nina, the Pinta, and The Santa Maria. The circle itself was completed in 1905 and no better place to put it then at the foot of one of the most famous streets in America, Central Park West and the Merchants’ Gate entrance to Central Park.

40 Engine is one of the oldest companies in the FDNY and originated on July 29,1874. It was located on the East Side at 2nd Avenue with several locations in between before moving to their current home in 1993. They have been in a firehouse with the truck since

LARRY WOODCOCK

1960.

35 Truck originated on November 1, 1907 and had several locations before coming here in 1993.

Like so many firehouses in New York City, 9/11 took so much from this place. Twelve men lost their lives that day and in their history.

Nineteen members died in the line of duty.

A book was written by New York resident, writer, and Pulitzer Prize Winner David Halberstam called Firehouse, a tribute to his local firehouse 40 and 35 and the men he knew. I recommend reading this book to gain some perspective on the lives of some of the men, who died in the performance their duties.

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

November, 2015

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

ALLEN EPSTEIN

STEVE WHITE

FDNY Rescue 5 demonstrating extrication techniques On September 5, 2015, FDNY Rescue 5 demonstrated extrication techniques at the Richmond County Fair in Staten Island.

NEVER FORGET

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Never Forget” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

ALLEN EPSTEIN

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY 150 Truck and FDNY Ambulance 2 Ceremonial Unit in a downpour on the night before 9/11

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Five alarm major gas explosion in Brooklyn

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY Ceremonial Unit posed for a photo on the night before 9/11

On October 3rd in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn, a major gas explosion occurred in a three story brick building, which had a first floor commercial with apartments on the second and third floors. The explosion caused a major collapse of sides one and three with very heavy damage inside. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire throughout the building and extending to exposures two and four. Three were transported with injuries with one deceased on the scene.

According to reports, one female is still missing. On scene were three tower ladder with six hose lines and two deck guns in operation.

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

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November, 2015

Engine 291 and Ladder 140 celebrate a century of service

ALLEN EPSTEIN

On Tuesday, September 29, current and former members of Engine Company 291 and Ladder Company 140 gathered to celebrate the firehouse's centennial.

On October 1, 1915, the firehouse opened in Ridgewood, Queens near the border of Brooklyn. The companies routinely respond to fires and other emergencies in both boroughs.

"At the time, this firehouse was welcomed by a grateful neighborhood that badly needed its protection, said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. "I'm proud that this house continues to make good on the FDNY's promise a century ago to always keep this neighborhood safe."

At the ceremony, two members who died in the line of duty - Lieutenant John Mayer in 1929 and Firefighter Joseph Sparacino in 1976 - were remembered for making the supreme sacrifice.

"Their plaques on the walls of this firehouse remind us of the dangers FDNY members face every single day," said Chief of Operations John Sudnik

JUMP TO FILE #100515115 Elected leaders lauded the members past and present for their service to the city.

"This centennial is a testament to your enduring commitment to Ridegwood and all of the surrounding communities," said City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley "Words can't express our appreciation for all you do," said State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. Captain Steve Viola of Engine Company 291 grew up in the neighborhood and was inspired to join the FDNY because of the way both companies protected his family and his neighbors.

"One of my most vivid memories as a child was seeing these companies fighting a fire. I knew then I wanted to be a Firefighter, said Captain Viola, adding, "I believe the Captain here 100 years from now will be just as proud to serve here as I am today."

- FDNY

JOHN HOPPER FDNY

Two-year old boy rescued from fire is reunited with the FDNY lieutenant who saved his life On Tuesday, September 22, Justin Chase Pierre and Lieutenant Victor Milukas of Ladder Company 159 were reunited for the first time since August 24, when Lt. Milukas pulled Pierre from an early morning fire in his home in Brooklyn.

Shortly after 1 a.m. that day, FDNY received numerous calls for a house on fire. Firefighters arrived minutes later and were informed by neighbors of a child trapped inside.

Lt. Milukas proceeded to the second floor where he found Pierre and removed him from a room

JUMP TO FILE #092515130 fully engulfed in flames.

“When there is a call for a child it heightens everyone’s level of urgency and makes you want to go above and beyond,” said Milukas, an 18-year-veteran of the Department.

“When something like this happens, it brings us closer and goes into the tradition of the job.”

Milukas showed Pierre around the firehouse, introducing him to

the tools firefighters use and even gave him a uniform and several tools of his own. Pierre, with the help of parents Deana and Jean, presented Lt. Milukas and the entire firehouse with a blanket featuring the Fireman’s Prayer.

“This is in thanks to all of you,” said mother Danae as she presented the gift to the entire house. “It was a team effort and without you guys – Chase may not be alive.”

- FDNY

Second alarm in the Bronx

On the evening of September 20, 2015 at approximately 7:50 p.m., Bronx companies turned out to 165 East Burnside Avenue for a reported fire in a store. Engine 75 arrived on scene first due and transmitted a 10-75 for for fire on the first floor of a one story taxpayer. On arrival of the 19th Battalion, all hands were put to work and an additional engine and truck were requested (Engine 45/Tower Ladder 44).

Tower Ladder 44 was directed to set up on the Creston Avenue side of the building, shortly after that due to heavy fire conditions a second alarm was transmitted by Division 7.

The fire spread to the exposure, which was another similar store. The fire was eventually knocked down and the incident was placed under control with an approximate one hour and thirty minute duration.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

Vehicle News

FDNY Squad Company 270 placed into service this FDNY Engine 314 recently received a 2014 KME 1500 FDNY Engine 96 now runs with this 2015 KME 2000/500 2015 Freightliner/Ferrara Unit as Squad 270’s second gpm pumper due piece.

EVAN WEBSTER

RUSSELL CURLEY

FDNY Foam 294, a 1987 Mack CF, one of the last, if not FDNY Foam 96 is now a 2015 Freightliner/Seagrave the last Mack CF in front line service. Formerly an en- 330/0/1500 gine, it was converted by the FDNY shops to a foam unit.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

JOHN HOPPER

JOHN HOPPER

If your department has a new vehicle you would like featured in “Vehicle News,” send a nicely posed and lit photo with text to news@1strespondernews.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

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November, 2015

Engine Company 295 and Ladder Company 144 celebrate 100 years of service in Queens

ALLEN EPSTEIN

On Thursday, October 1, Engine Company 295 and Ladder Company 144 held a ceremony to mark the firehouse's centennial.

Current and retired Firefighters from both companies, and their families, gathered to celebrate a century of brave service in Whitestone, Queens.

Chief of Department James E. Leonard spoke of the important role the firehouse plays in the community.

"We're the largest fire department in the country, but it still comes down to individual Firefighters and companies protecting individual neighborhoods," said Chief of Department James E. Leonard.

"We in this community could not be more grateful for the sacrifices you make, and your families make, so we can be safe in our homes," said State Assembly member Edward Braunstein At every FDNY centennial ceremony, the members lost in the line of duty are remembered.

In 1947, two members of Ladder 144 made the supreme sacrifice. Firefighters Frederick Zeigler and William Austin were killed while responding to a boat fire in the East River. When the gas tank aboard that boat exploded, they were badly burned, later succumbing to their injuries at Flushing Hospital.

Decades later, another Firefighter from Ladder 144 would lose his life due to his brave work, when Walter Voight passed away due to World Trade Center

Captain Ken Ruggerio, Engine Company 295; Commissioner Daniel Nigro; Chief of Department James Leonard; Captain Paul Holly, Ladder Company 144 pose with the firehouse's centennial plaque FDNY

JUMP TO FILE #092815112 related illness.

"Though they served in far different times, each Firefighter served in the exact same way with true bravery and valor," said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. "They never hesitated in their sworn duty. They went towards the danger trying to save others. That is act which defines this Department - and it is a tradition, much like their memory,

which will always live within these walls."

Captain Ken Ruggerio of Engine Company 295 spoke about the character and qualities it takes to serve as a New York City Firefighter.

"To me it's the dedication, the commitment, the bravery and knowing that any problem that arises in the neighborhood, a Firefighter is ready to help. When you call the Fire Department, we're here to fix the problem."

- FDNY

MEMORIES

If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories� feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Eight Queens dispatchers honored Eight Queens dispatchers were honored with a retirement celebration on September 25th at Roma View in Howard Beach, Queens.

Honored at the celebration were Supervising Dispatcher 30 Edward Overton, Dispatcher 108 Gerard Valentine, Dispatcher 121 Phillip Drakes, Dispatcher 122 William Montero, Dispatcher 123 Michael Yackanicz, Dispatcher 135 Joseph Epstein, and Dispatcher 152 Cheryl Phillips. In addition, Dispatcher 118 Gary Andres was also honored, but passed

JUMP TO FILE #092815112 away before he could celebrate with his fellow retirees.

The honorees, family, friends and colleagues celebrated with a buffet dinner and enjoyed themselves well into the evening. In addition to being a dispatcher, Joseph Epstein joined 1st Responder Newspaper as a correspondent in 2009.

- HEATHER PILLSWORTH

FDNY Engine 314, 1993 Seagrave 1500 pumpter

RUSSELL CURLEY

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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our “APPARATUS IN ACTION ” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM STEVE WHITE

Engine 153 at a recent 911 memorial event in Staten Island.

New foam truck at the quarters of engine 152.

2015 FDNY benefit bus trip Once again a group of firefighters and buffs raised money for good causes and had a great time visiting numerous firehouses in New York City on October 4th.

After over a week of threatening weather forecasts, Mother Nature cooperated with no rain and even gave the group bright sun in the afternoon as the convoy of three vehicles crossed the Borough of Queens.

STEVE WHITE

JUMP TO FILE #100715111 Many unique rigs were photographed including possibly the last Mack CF in front line service.

Other out of the ordinary units were the huge Incident Management Team van, a new second section to Squad 270, and a Mack / Saulsbury Hose Wagon for re-

sponses to JFK Airport.

As always, the officers and firefighters gladly opened their doors and welcomed the visitors.

Many t-shirts, patches and caps were purchased that day.

Over $400 was raised to be given to the FDNY – UFA Widows and Children’s Fund and the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas.

- BILL TOMPKINS

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FACES OF NEW YORK’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

Members of FDNY Engine 274 on October 4.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY

Sunday, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and members marched in the AfricanAmerican Day Parade in Harlem.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY

Members of FDNY Ladder 129, first due at Citi Field on October 4.

Members of Engine Company 160 with their centennial plaque.

Members of FDNY Engine 263 on Astoria Blvd. on October 4.

On Tuesday, September 29, current and former members of Engine Company 291 and Ladder Company 140 gathered to celebrate the firehouse's centennial.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

ALLEN EPSTEIN

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