1st Responder News Long Island May Edition

LONGISLAND NEWS

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

WWW.1RBN.COM

MAY, 2015 APRIL, 2014

HAROLD L JACOBS

Mastic, NY - The Mastic Fire Department was toned out for a car fire at 1070 Montauk Highway on March 29, 2015. Chief Rudy arrived on the scene and found that a fully involved automobile.

- See more info on page 4

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May, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

Community Ambulance delivers baby At 12:11 a.m. on March 31, 2015, Community Ambulance Company was dispatched to a call in Sayville for an imminent delivery.

When the crew arrived at the home minutes later, they encountered a woman in labor.

The water broke an hour prior and contractions were three minutes apart.

The crew quickly transferred the mother to the ambulance and prepared for expedited transport along with preparing for a possible delivery.

At 12:22 a.m., a healthy baby boy was delivered to an elated mother.

The crew consisted of Paramedic Alex Calabro, EMT-CC James MacDonell, EMT-CC

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Stephanie Golub, EMT-B Chris Wagner, EMT-B Jessica LoGuirato, and Aide Person Dominic Guida.

The mother and baby were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital without incident.

Mother and baby are reportedly doing well.

Community Ambulance Company proudly serves the areas of Sayville, West Sayville, Bayport, Bohemia and Oakdale, answering an average of over 4000 calls per year.

- CHRIS BARNES

FUTURE 1ST RESPONDERS If you have photos you would like to see in our Future 1st Responders feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

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Two injured and one perishes in Roosevelt blaze Roosevelt, Nassau County, NY. One person perished and two others were injured in a fire that ravaged a home in Roosevelt on April 3rd at a little after 2 a.m.

Those two residents were forced to jump from windows in order to escape the flames.

Firefighters arrived at 87 Debdvoise Avenue to find fire engulfing the house. According to reports, the home was divided into ten individual apartments with

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eleven people home at the time the fire began.

Crews quickly set up ground ladders and attempted to reach the victim in the home, but the flames were too advanced. Firefighters were forced to battle the flames defensively.

It is unknown if the home was

equipped with smoke detectors, but none were heard. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

Local officials stated that the cause of the fire was an overloaded electrical connection.

The house was irreparably damaged and had to be demolished soon after the fire.

- BILL KELLY

DEBRA BRACEWELL

Alexander Godoy son of Jose Godoy, engineer at Oyster Bay Fire Company #1 at the Mega Show

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

May, 2015

Page 3

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May, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - LI

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 16 No. 5 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for t y p o graphical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

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HAROLD L JACOBS

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Mastic handles an involved car fire

Small fire for South Hempstead

Mastic, NY. The Mastic Fire Department was toned out for a car fire at 1070 Montauk Highway on March 29, 2015. Chief Rudy arrived on the scene and found that a fully involved automobile. The first due engine made a nice knock down on the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but under investigation. The car was a total loss.

On March 22, 2015, West Hempstead Fire Department was dispatched for a small fire in a house at 201 Wilson Street.

The fire was quickly knocked down. South Hempstead assisted with mutual aid. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by local officials.

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

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May, 2015

PagE 5

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Smoke at Outback Steakhouse Westbury, Nassau County, NY - On March 18, 2015, firefighters from the Westbury Fire Department were dispatched to the Outback Steakhouse on Old Country Road for smoke in the restaurant. The source of the smoke was quickly found and contained. No injuries were reported and the department was soon back in service.

Challenge yourself!

FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

The season is changing and your fitness regime should be too! Here’s a way to not only make some changes; but a way to assess your current fitness level, establish new goals and keep your fitness program moving in the right direction. You can do it in the gym, or even better move it to the truck floor and/or outside when possible. If you are ready to challenge yourself, here’s one way to do it.

My favorite type of challenge is a functional (job related) challenge, but you may want to choose a gym activity (distance on the treadmill/bike within a designated time frame, reps/weight lifted per minute etc.).

You can select any task (test), but I think the functional ones are more practical, more beneficial and actually more fun!

(Yes, I said Fun!) A good place to start is by selecting 3 (three) or 4 (four) functional tasks, i.e. dummy drag, ladder climb, equipment carry, etc. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever done the “Combat Challenge” or “CPAT” Test, those tasks are not new to you. If this is the first you are hearing of them, research them online. You can use them as is, modify them or completely cre-

ate your own. Some of the tasks require very little equipment, while others are a little more involved. Keep in mind your capabilities and be sure to select tasks appropriate for you. Remember: never sacrifice safety for speed.

Perform each task, following all safety protocols and time yourself. Record your time for each task. Additionally, perform each task in whichever sequence you like and record your overall time for completing all of the tasks in succession.

Continue your existing exercise program, and add the tasks two to three times per week. It’s your choice whether or not you time the tasks each time you do them. Some people absolutely will have to know how they are progressing and yet others may want to wait until the end of the four to six week training period to see the progress. At the end of four to six weeks, retest yourself and compare your times to your initial outing.

Challenging yourself will take your fitness regime to a new level.

If you are more the competitive type, see if you can get other members on board. Some of you may want to not only challenge yourself; but to challenge each other as well. You can keep it individualized, form teams or even challenge a neighboring department.

Remember to have your physician’s approval before beginning any exercise program.

Good – Luck…Stay Safe… and Challenge Yourself!

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Vehicle into a tree in Southampton Village On Saturday, March 14th at 9:25 a.m., the Southampton Fire Department along with the Southampton Village Ambulance were called to an MVA on Halsey Neck Lane near the intersection of Meadow Lane.

The first unit arrived to find a small white vehicle wrapped around a tree. The driver was in critical condition and was removed through the passenger

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door.

Due to the weather conditions, a medevac was unable to fly so the injured were transported to Southampton Hospital by Southampton Village Ambulance.

Southampton fire police shut down the road to make it easier for

rescue workers. Southampton Fire Chief Mike Kampf and Southampton Village Ambulance Chief Ricky Fowler were in charge for their respective departments. The accident is under investigation by the Southampton Village Police Department.

- CHRIS BRENNER

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May, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

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Easter fire destroys apartments in Jericho

RICKY FOWLER

MVA in Southampton with entrapment At approximately 3:56 p.m.s on March 17th, the Southampton Fire Department came upon a motor vehicle accident while out training.

Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance was activated for multiple patients and then Southampton Fire Department was activated for their heavy rescue for an entrapped patient.

Upon arrival, the Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance personnel determined there to be a total of four patients. The jaws of life were used to extricate one patient, who was then transported

by Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance to a medevac helicopter, which transported the patient

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Jericho, Nassau County, NY. On Sunday, April 4th, the Easter holiday brought tragedy to many families living in the Westwood Village Apartment complex.

Jericho and Westbury engines quickly arrived to find fire through the roof of the multi-unit apartment building. Syosset arrived at the scene as the FAST team. Ladders from Bethpage, Hicksville, Jericho, Syosset, and Westbury were put to use to contain the raging flames.

After a valiant firefight, the

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flames were starting to recede.

Bethpage soon took over FAST duties from Syosset. And, Locust Valley were also used as a FAST once Syosset and Bethpage were put to work.

On scene departments assisting Jericho included Bethpage, East Norwich, Farmingdale, Glenwood, Hicksville, Jericho, Plainview,

Syosset and Westbury. Additional companies stood by for the various departments on scene.

No civilian injuries were reported, but one firefighter was transported to a local hospital with what appear to be minor injuries.

The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by local officials. Many families were displaced and are seeking alternative shelter.

- BILL KELLY

ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

to Stony Brook.

Two other patients were transported to Southampton Hospital

by Southamoton Village Volunteer Ambulance. One patient was evaluated on scene and refused medical assistance.

Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance was under the command of Chief Rick Fowler and the Southampton Fire Department was under the commanf of 2nd Assistant Chief Tony Stevens.

- RICKY FOWLER

We write and track your Federal & State Grants!

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Congratulations to the Gies family of Merrick. Ron Geis is a firefighter with Ladder 175 in East New York as well as Merrick Fire Department.

May, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

MUTUAL AID Gordon Wren

Early on February 28th, the auditorium at the Rockland County Fire Training Center was filled with firefighters from Rockland County and surrounding counties from NY and NJ. The firefighters gave up a Saturday morning to attend a very timely seminar that gave them insight into the significant hazards and challenges created by train derailments involving Bakken crude oil.

The seminar became a reality when Rockland County Deputy Fire Coordinator Dan Moran and Hazmat Team Officer Jerry Knapp attended a New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control sponsored hazardous materials conference back in November in Cooperstown. Dan and Jerry came back very excited by one of the presentations in which they participated. They recommended that we reach out to the speaker and try to make arrangements to have him give his program locally.

The speaker was Fire Chief Tim Pellerin of the Rangeley Fire Department in Northern Maine. On July 5th, 2013, Chief Pellerin and his department responded with other Maine departments to a mutual aid request at the Quebec town of Lac-Megantic, for a disastrous train derailment involving Bakken crude oil. At the time of dispatch, the Maine units were told to prepare for a long-term deployment and an

80-plus mile response.

Chief Pellerin indicated that they were on scene about 2 1/2 hours after dispatch. He utilized superb video and photographs throughout his presentation, starting with video taken from his chief's vehicle as they approached the incident from several miles away until they arrived on scene. Any 1st responder could place themselves in the front seat of that vehicle as it gets closer and closer to the large column of black smoke. He then gives a chronological summary of the overall incident, along with details of the strategy, tactics and problems they encountered, emphasizing the loss of infrastructure, i.e. water, sewage system, drainage system, etc.

Chief Pellerin began his description of the incident by starting with the local fire chief, whose fire department pager was activated for a possible house fire. While the chief was getting dressed, his wife looked out the window and called out that the entire town was on fire. The local Chief thought it was just a large building until he took a look and quickly determined that his wife was not exaggerating. Much of the business section of their town was destroyed, along with the infrastructure. In addition, 47 lives were lost. This was a major disaster for any fire department, let alone a small volunteer department in rural Canada.

It turns out that this was not a typical derailment like we see so frequently, where a train hits a vehicle at a crossing and derails or jumps the tracks due to a malfunction or a problem with the rails. It appears

VEHICLE NEWS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Vehicle news” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1strespondernews.com or email them to Heather@1strespondernews.com.

that the prior evening, several miles away, the same train experienced a serious fire.

That fire department was dispatched for a locomotive fire. When the fire department responded, it found a working fire in a locomotive that was running while attached to a very long train carrying over 100 of the older D.O.T. 111 tank cars, each carrying approx 30,000 gallons of Bakken crude oil. What got my attention was the fact that the fire department found the train to be totally unattended, with the locomotive running. It became apparent that to extinguish the fire, the fire department would need to shut down the locomotive engine and cut off the fuel supply. Because the train was unattended, they reached out to the railroad, who advised them on the steps to take. They were successful in shutting down the locomotive and were able to extinguish the fire.

They apparently left the scene not knowing that the train would lose its brakes and would start to roll down the tracks, creating a catastrophic series of events.

A subsequent investigation revealed that the engineer, who was questioned, had stopped the train earlier that evening, setting some but not all of the brakes and leaving the locomotive running to maintain the braking system. The crew left the train totally unattended for the night.

After the fire department left the scene, Chief Pellerin indicated that the brakes could not hold the tremendous weight of the train; and it started to roll, picking up speed as it went. When the train derailed in the middle of Lac-Megantic, the investi-

gators indicated the train was traveling approximately 63 miles per hour.

Why in the world would a company allow a train containing large amounts of hazardous materials to be left unattended for any amount of time, let alone for hours and hours?

Apparently, this railroad filed for bankruptcy right after the accident, according to Chief Pellerin.

I believe that this is a common practice and widespread here in the US as well. Just last summer, I was notified by a local police chief that a freight train had been parked unattended for four days, blocking an emergency access road to a local tourist site. He indicated that the locomotive was left running for the first two days, and at some point it was shut down. I asked the police chief what the cargo was, and he indicated containerized garbage. A few miles north of this location, I also received complaints about trains blocking a private road going into a construction site, restricting emergency responders' vehicles getting to the site. While investigating this complaint, we found out from the railroad supervisors that this newly created siding was used to park trains while the crews were rotated or went for a break/meal. They also indicated that unattended trains were left at this location for long periods of time. I would like to add that both of the local locations are extremely remote and surrounded by woods.

In this age of increased concerns and awareness related to terrorism or even vandalism, how can we allow railroads to continue with this practice? How easy are we making it for the bad guys to take advantage of

PagE 7

these unattended mile-plus long trainloads of hazardous materials? I should add that I have not studied the report from the Canadian disaster but wonder why the train would be parked on a grade, not on a flat surface or blocked somehow. Wouldn't it make sense to require parking trains at secure locations and at least have security guards who can keep an eye on these potentially largescale hazmat incidents?

I just read a study where it is estimated that there will be ten or more accidents involving Bakken oil tank cars each year in the US. The report states that if a similar situation to the Canadian incident took place in an urban area, hundreds of people could potentially die; and the cost associated would be in the billions.

Our county has formed a task force and so far has developed a grid map of all areas stratling the railroad tracks, pre-identifying high-risk buildings like nursing homes, hospitals, and schools that would present challenges if evacuations were needed. They are also working on a system for delivering maximum water and foam supplies to any potential derailments in our area.

Our county has hundreds of these Bakken oil trains traversing through our county, many if not most, containing over 100 tank cars and nationally it's thousands of communities. After taking part in this training, our fire service leaders have a better appreciation for the magnitude of the problems associated with such an incident. If you are able to attend one of his seminars, I would highly recommend that you take it.

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PAGE 8

May, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Photos by Bill Kelly, BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

Malverne Fire Department

Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department

Lynbrook Fire Department

East Rockaway Fire Department

Freeport Fire Department

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May, 2015

PagE 9

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in FireďŹ ghting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

JEFF BRESSLER

Serious motor vehicle accident The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a motor vehicle accident with heavy rescue requested at 12:08 a.m. on March 13th with the location of Route 25A in the vicinity of the Avalon Gardens Nursing Home.

Upon arrival, units began working on a two vehicle accident. The driver of one of the vehicles was pinned and needed extrication.

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Upon removal from the vehicle, the driver was transported to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center. The driver of the other car involved also required transportation to the hospital.

The current condition of the drivers is unknown at this time.

The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department.

On scene were Chiefs 4-2-31 (Murphy), 4-2-32 (Landrigan), Engines 4-2-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-5, Emergency Vehicles 4-2-10, 4-210A, King Park Fire Department Rescue 4-1-9, Ambulances 4-2-61 and 4-2-62 - JEFF BRESSLER

Jenna Scholl from Oceanside

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PAGE 10

May, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

New York adopts residential truss construction law STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

LEE GENSER

Manhasset-Lakeville extinguishes car up against house On Friday, March 13, 2015 at 9:04 p.m., the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #2 was dispatched to 175 Aldershot Lane in South Strathmore for a reported vehicle fire next to the house.

Engine 8725 was the first unit to respond, followed by Deputy Chief Candan (8704). Both units were advised that NCPD units on scene were confirming a fully-in-

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volved car fire in the driveway within feet of the house. Deputy Chief Candan requested Company #1 be added to the initial assignment for additional response and manpower.

Engine 8725 reported to

Deputy Chief Candan that the structure was not involved. A one and three quarter inch hose line was used to extinguished the burning vehicle and all units were released from the scene within thirty minutes by Deputy Chief Candan.

Engine 8712 and Quint 8728 also responded.

- KIRK CANDAN

EFD PHOTO UNIT--DR

Charter members Bob Larson, Mike Loughery, Mike Caldara, Richard and Bob Goetchius accept a plaque on behalf of all charter members as, Ex-Chief James Prince looks on.

Elmont FD Explorer Post 709 celebrates 50 years On March 22, approximately 70 past and current members of Elmont Fire Department Explorer Post 709 gathered at Elmont headquarters to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the post.

Among those present were five charter members. The charter members received a commemorative plaque marking the occasion and listing all of the original Post members.

In addition, Post 709 current

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advisor, Firefighter Richard Balsan, received plaques and awards from local politicians. They included, Nassau County Legislator Carrie' Solages and Hempstead Town Councilman Edward Ambrosino.

Since its inception, the post has helped "filled the ranks" of the Elmont Fire Department. Many of the

department's leaders were once members of Explorer Post 709.

They include 17 former and present chiefs (including current Chief of the Department Brian Schriefer).

Two Elmont fire commissioners were also former post members.

The members of Elmont Explorer Post 709 look forward to continuing "Filling the Ranks" for the next 50 years.

- DAVID RAGUSA

On January 1, 2015, legislation went into effect in New York State that requires property owners to notify their local municipality whenever a newly constructed or rehabilitated residential structure is comprised of a truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction.

The legislation was introduced

by Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Senator Jack M. Martins and passed by both houses of the State legislature and signed into law by Governor Cuomo on September 17, 2014.

The new law requires property owners to indicate on a building permit application if the construction method being used will include the use of truss construction.

The notification process requires local governments to provide fire departments, first responder organizations, county fire coordinators, and 911 dispatch centers with the information about homes that include truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction design.

It is required of all newly constructed residences or to any additions or rehabilitation construction made to previously constructed residences where truss construction will be employed in the addition or rehabilitation.

Buildings constructed prior to January 1, 2015 are exempt from the law and the new law does not apply to New York City.

The law further requires a specific warning label to be attached to the exterior electric box, or exterior of the building. This label must be reflective, six inches in diameter and contain the building classification type, I-V, and where the truss construction is employed, floor roof, or both.

Roman numerals are used to indicate the building classification and capital letters, F-floor, Rroof, or FR to indicate where the trusses are installed. Lettering is to be red in color on a white background.

A truss is structural members joined together to form ridged frame work of a structure.

Most commonly in the shape of a triangle or series of triangles, some may be in the shape of rectangles. They are engineered to be lighter, cheaper and stronger than large single support members.

Truss construction has been widely used for more than 30 years, consisting of light weight wood, heavy timber, light weight and heavy metal truss systems.

Light weight wood truss construction is safe and cheaper than ordinary construction and is used widely today in one form or another, especially in residential construction.

Under normal circumstances trusses hold up very well. It is from fire that they can be compromised and fail, becoming a hazard to firefighters.

Truss construction is a concern to firefighters due to the collapse potential of roofs or floors.

These type structures have been known to fail with little or no warning and have caused numerous deaths and injuries to firefighters over the years.

The gusset plates that are used to connect the joints are a key component in the failure of a truss.

When heated, the metal plate warps and pulls the gang nails out of the wooded member and with additional weight or fire burn through can bring about the total collapse of the roof or floor.

Legislation was enacted in 1998 that encompasses truss construction in commercial and industrial construction.

The buildings require the posting of similar signage to the exterior of the building at specific locations, heights, and maximum separation distances between signs.

The New York fire service is currently involved in the adoption of the ICC building code, which would require residential sprinklers in all newly constructed homes.

At present, there is opposition from home builders and real estate associations that must be overcome.

With the reduction in firefighters, both career and volunteer, residential sprinklers will become a much needed assist to fire protection in the saving of lives and extinguishment of fire, beneficial to the community and the firefighters.

In the not too distant future, we may need some form of warning on commercial and retail buildings that employ photovoltaic solar panels, many of which are installed on flat roofs and cover a large expanse.

Safety warning for all firefighting personnel on solar panels is to consider they are always electrified and to give them a wide berth.

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

Visit us at www.1rbn.com

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May, 2015

PAGE 11

Mastic mourns loss of Ex-Chief

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Once again the members of the Mastic Fire Department are mourning the loss of one of our own and are paying their respects to Ex-Chief and Life Member Dante Bilotta.

This will be our final goodbye to a man who was a Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Grandfather, fellow Firefighter and men- JUMP TO FILE# tor to many.

031215114 This is very difficult for many of us because Danny was a strong, brave man with a lot of knowledge and skill related to firefighting.

Danny joined the department in February 11, 1976 and after a few years, joined the ranks of line officers, where he served as a Second Lieutenant in 1980, 81, 82 and 83. He moved up to First Lieutenant in 1984 and served as Captain in 1985 and 1986.

While as Captain, he was also in charge of department training, where he meant business. He then moved up to the rank of Assistant Chief in 1987 and 1988 and proudly served as Chief in 1989 and 1990.

Whether on the fire ground, training, or at a general meeting, when Dan spoke, people listened and he knew how to command attention.

With 39 years in the Mastic Fire Department, the members were used to having Danny around.

One thing that rings true about Dan is he worked hard at what he loved. He loved what he did. And he was honored and proud to do it.

- MIKE GUARINO

MASTIC FIRE DEPARTMENT

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.

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North Bellmore firefighter, police officer shot in Suffolk County Suffolk County, NY - In the early morning hours of March 12th, Suffolk County Police Officer Mark Collins was shot twice while on duty in Huntington Station. Collins was transported via medevac to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of injuries to his hip and neck. Collins is a volunteer ex-chief and member of the board of commissioners with the North Bellmore Fire District. The entire board of commissioners as well as members of the department are pulling for Collins and wishing him a speedy recovery. A suspect, 22 year old Sheldon Leftenant, was apprehended and is facing attempted aggravated murder charges.

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Gold is the new standard, congratulations 424

PAGE 12

May, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

LONG ISLANDS’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, oremail them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

MARK OSHINSKY

Officers of the Melville Fire Department

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Five ladies from the Oceanside EMS squad

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The newest chiefs serving the Hempstead Fire Department are Charlie Hendry, Roger Faulk, Fred Sandas, Jr., and Steven Giardino

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Freeport Fire Department's new 3rd Assistant Chief Alfredo Ruiz

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Frank Degen Sr from South Hempstead with his son Lt. Frank Degen, standing

Rockville Centre celebrates their new Chief Eric Burrell, 4403

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

East Meadow Ladder 1

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1st Assistant Chief Kevin Klein of Oceanside with this father, ExChief Steve Klein

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The Oceanside Fire Department at the St. Patrick's Day parade

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The South Hempstead Fire Department at the St. Patrick's Day parade

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May, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

75 year member appointed honorary chief

HAROLD L JACOBS

On Saturday, March 28th, the Port Washington Fire Department and the Protection Engine Co. No. 1 honored Harold “Porky” Poole and celebrated with him on reaching his 75th year of service to the department and the community. It is an achievement that no other member of JUMP TO FILE # the Protection En- 041015117 gine Company has attained. And, it is likely that his tenure as an active member has never been equaled by anyone, who has served in the Port Washington Fire Department.

Harold was elected to membership in September of 1940. A short six months after his entry into the fire company, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Less than a year after returning to civilian life, and the fire company, Harold was elected Second Assistant Foreman for 1947, First Assistant Foreman for 1948, and then Foreman for 1949 and 1950 (the title of Foreman was changed to Captain in later years). He continued an active role in fighting fires for many years.

He did not limit himself to just firefighting. He was an integral part of the fire company’s “Rangers” competition drill team, where he participated at many different positions, including nozzle, hydrant, buckets, and as a

PROVIDED

“footer” in ladder events. He was a member of the 1946 Nassau County championship team.

Harold was a member of Protection’s softball team, playing the outfield in both the town and the 8th Battalion softball leagues.

He also served the fire company as a member of the 75th and 100th anniversary committees, the entertainment committee, and the grave committee, and was one of the founders of the Port Washington Fire Department blood bank.

He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Port Washington Fire Department, a delegate to the Nassau County Firemen’s Association and New York State Firemen’s Association, and, each year, participated in the

state association’s annual legislative clearing house.

Along with being an active member of Protection for 75 years, Harold has been a member of the Port Washington Exempt Firemen’s Benevolent Association for over 70 years.

Harold has been a constant presence at the firehouse for 75 years and has taught many members by his example. We thank him for helping to protect our country and community, for giving so much of his time and energy to Port Washington Fire Department and the Protection Engine Co. No. 1, and for being a friend throughout.

Submitting photos and press releases is

EASY! EA ASY SY Y! HAROLD L JACOBS

Center Moriches hosts annual St. Patcick’s Day parade Center Moriches, NY - On the afternoon of March 15, 2015, residents lined Main Street to watch the parade. Fire departments and EMS personnel marched in the parade.

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- BRIAN WATERSON

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May, 2015

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