LONGISLAND NEWS
This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1993
WWW.1RBN.COM
MARCH, 2013
NORTH BELLPORT TOWNHOUSE FIRE
THOMAS LAMBUI
Brookhaven firefighters attacked a stubborn fire in a two story townhouse located at 1181 Orchid Circle in North Bellport, Long Island on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at approximately 1:30 p.m - See more info on page 12
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March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
VICTOR ALCORN
HAROLD JACOBS
Firefighters make a nice knock down on the fire.
Seven vehicle MVA with fatal in Sayville Sayville, NY - On January 13, 2013 at about 5:10 p.m., Suffolk County Police, Sayville Fire Department and Sayville Community Ambulance were dispatched for multiple MVA’s due to a possible drunk/or drug driver in a black SUV going down Montauk Highway westbound, hitting five vehicles then coming to rest after the black SUV hit a red Hyundai head-on that was heading eastbound by 290 Montauk Hwy. The accident killed the driver of the red Hyundai at the scene. Three patients were transported to an area hospital by Sayville Community Ambulance. Their conditions are unknown.
US Fire Administration releases 2012 firefighter fatality statistics
HAROLD JACOBS
Firefighters start attacking the fire.
Manorville makes fast knock down at working house fire Manorville, NY: Manorville Fire Department was toned out for a house fire at 521 Moriches Middle Island Road. Suffolk County police arrived on the scene and indicated that crews had a working fire. The Manorville chief advised that a retone of his department was needed and requested an engine from Center Moriches Fire Department as well as East Moriches Fire Department for a RIT team. Ridge Fire Department stood by at
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Manorville’s station. The Manorville tower ladder arrived on the scene and firefighters went right to work. As engines arrived on the scene, firefighters continued to work to bring the blaze under control. Within fiften minutes, command declared just that.
Manorville command requested LIPA to the scene to cut the power to the house, so firefighters could work to overhaul the safely. All of the occupants made it out of the home safely and unharmed. The Brookhaven fire marshal was requested to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. Manorville EMS set up rehab for all firefighters at the scene. - HAROLD JACOBS
EMMITSBURG, Md. – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announced today a provisional total of 83 onduty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2012, the same number of firefighter losses as in 2011. The 83 fatalities were spread across 34 states. Pennsylvania and North Carolina experienced the highest number of fatalities with nine firefighter deaths each. New York had six firefighter deaths, including the most recent tragic shooting deaths of two firefighters in Webster. California and Texas, each with five firefighter deaths, were the only other states with five or more firefighter fatalities in 2012. Heart attacks or stroke were responsible for the deaths of 41 firefighters (49%) in 2012. This single year total is a near average proportion of firefighter deaths
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from heart attack or stroke over recent years. This nature of fatal injury has remained relatively constant, while others, on average, have been reduced during the past decade. Eleven on-duty firefighters died in association with wildland fires, the same as 2011 and 2010. The single cause of injury seeing more than a four-fold increase in firefighter deaths during 2012 was vehicle collisions (including aircraft), with 18 deaths. These 2012 firefighter fatality statistics are provisional and will likely change somewhat as the USFA contacts state fire marshals to verify the names of firefighters reported to have died on duty during 2012. The final number of firefighter fatalities will be reported in USFA's annual firefighter fatality report, expected to be available by July. - US Fire Administration
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
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March, 2013
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
FUTURE 1ST RESPONDER
ADVERTISER
INDEX
If you have a photo for Future 1st Responder, please upload it to our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email it to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
A guide to finding great companies
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1st Priority Vehicles
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FireDex
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Firematic
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Grant Guys
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Kimtek Corporation
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LI Business Institute
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LI Mega Show
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Mid Atlantic Rescue
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Penflex, Inc.
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Safety & Environmental
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Safety First Divers
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Task Force Tips
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The Fire Store
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Waterway Hose Testing
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 14 No.3 - 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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PUBLICATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the “space available” and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.
No one covers Long Island like 1st Responder News does!
Car versus building in Shirley Shirley, NY. On the afternoon of January 31, 2013, SCPD received a call for a car into building at Laundry Kingdom of Shirley at 579 Montauk Hwy. SCPD found that the car drove into the storefront and then backed out. The Brookhaven chief and fire marshal were requested to the scene to check the damage. The driver of the car was uninjured, but the vehicle sustained extensive damage. Lynn Champlain was in the store and left just seconds before the car entered. “(She) was shaken up, but uninjured.”
MUTUAL AID GORDON WREN
If you are reading this column, you are probably getting a routine physical as part of your membership in your fire department. In the fire department where I am a member, Health and Safety Specialists/Raymond Basri, MD, come right to the fire station and the firefighters go from one station to the next in an assembly line fashion for a quick, relatively painless and thorough physical. Our physicals are probably more thorough than most with emphasis on detecting and preventing coronary events – by far the biggest killer of firefighters, both on and off duty. Dr. Raymond Basri and his staff take blood and test for cholesterol levels and advise our firefighters whose results put them in the high-risk category. We are also given an EKG and then put on a treadmill wearing an SCBA and turnout coat or a 40 lb. weighted vest. We are then given an abbreviated stress test for several minutes and then put immediately back on the EKG. Dr. Basri’s staff is able to detect firefighters who are experiencing possibly serious coronary disease and direct them to get further medical attention. They have undoubtedly saved many firefighters’ lives with these and other tests. A good friend of mine, V. Frank Bariletti, MD., is an internist with a private practice. Frank is a superb diagnostic physician. He seems to derive great satisfaction from using his training and experience, like a veteran detective, to diagnose hard to detect disease and health problems. Dr. Bariletti indicated to me
that a high majority of Americans experience heart attacks despite having normal cholesterol numbers, with some having passed a stress test. He informed me that there was a relatively new test that could reveal whether or not a person’s coronary arteries had a serious buildup of plaque. If this test reveals that your arteries are in fact impacted, you can work with a physician while there is still time to prevent a possible fatal heart attack. The following is a summary of this procedure: “Calcium Scoring Overview:* Coronary calcium is a marker for plaque (fatty deposits) in a blood vessel or atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The presence and amount of calcium detected in a coronary artery by the CT scan, indicates the presence and amount of atherosclerotic plaque. These calcium deposits appear years before the development of heart disease symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. A calcium score is computed for each of the coronary arteries based upon the volume and density of the calcium deposits. This can be referred to as your calcified plaque burden. It does not correspond directly to the percentage of narrowing in the artery but does correlate with the severity of the underlying coronary atherosclerosis. This score is then used to determine the calcium percentile, which compares your calcified plaque burden to that of other asymptomatic men and women of the same age. The calcium score, in combination with the percentile, enables your physician to determine your risk of developing symptomatic coronary artery disease, and to measure the progression of disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
CHRIS TOMPKINS
Anthony Loder, at 15 months old, visits his father, Somers Point firefighter Jay Loder at an open house during fire prevention week held at the Somers Point Fire Co. 1
A score of zero indicates that there is no calcified plaque burden. This implies that there is no significant coronary artery narrowing and a very low likelihood of a cardiac event over at least the next three years. A score greater than zero indicates at least some coronary artery disease. As the score increases, so does the likelihood of a significant coronary narrowing and the likelihood of a coronary event over the next three years, compared to people with lower scores. Similarly, the likelihood of a coronary event increases with increasing calcium percentiles.” Dr. Bariletti feels that every interior firefighter over 40 years old and those at high risk should get this test. This past January, with Dr. Bariletti’s prescription in hand, I went to Rockland Diagnostic Imaging (260 Rte. 303 N., West Nyack, NY 10994) and had the test done. The test itself took less than five min-
utes and a few days later, I received a folder in the mail with the test results; which thankfully, indicated that I was in the very low category. I am grateful to my good friend and my wife Robin for encouraging me (I was reluctant to make the appointment) to get the test. America’s firefighters are typical Americans – physically. Many of us do not eat well, exercise, etc. However, we are not typical in what we subject our bodies to, whether it is the sudden disruption of sleep due to alarm responses or the physical demands from actual firefighting and other emergencies. It really seems to make sense to determine ahead of time how your arteries are doing and if there are problems, take steps to keep progression from taking place or to reverse the buildup. For a $100.00 test, you owe it to yourself, your family and your brother/sister firefighters. Dr. Bariletti can be contacted at 845-3578660.
Translation of Calcium Score Calcium Score (2,3)
Implication
0
No identifiable plaque
1-10
11-100
101-400
401 or higher
Risk of Coronary Artery Disease Very low, generally less than 5 percent
Minimal identifiable plaque
Very unlikely, less than 10 percent
Definite, at least mild atherosclerotic plaque
Mild or minimal coronary narrowings likely
Definite, at least moderate atherosclerotic plaque
Mild coronary artery disease highly likely, significant narrowings possible High likelihood of at least one significant coronary narrowing
Extensive atherosclerotic plaque
This information is derived from the report generated by Rockland Diagnostic Imaging.
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
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March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
Heroes Mortgage Program
Six steps to a successful purchase of a new home this Spring The weather is about to break, finally. Soon spring will have finally sprung. The springtime serves as peak home-buying season. Even though buyers have a greater advantage than they’ve had in awhile, it’s still easy to take a wrong, frustrating and–gasp– costly turn. But don’t worry: The Sun National Bank Heroes Mortgage Program provides six ways to make sure buying a new home proves to be a success. 1st Responder and Sun Home Loans teamed up to create the Heroes Mortgage Program. This exclusive mortgage opportunity provides discounted fees and low interest rates for firefighters and other members of the emergency services community. The program offers unmatched rates, minimal lender fees and promises to get clients in their new home by the contract date. 1. Be prepared: You will need to do a little homework before you get started looking for a new home. Make sure that you can locate all the documents necessary for you to be pre-approved for a mortgage. You will most likely need the following: Your two most recent pay stubs, your last two years W2’s, all of your asset statements, (checking, savings, 401k, stocks, bonds, mutual funds) and last two tax returns. Sit down and work up your budget, know how much you want to spend before you are told how much you can actually spend. 2. Get pre-approved: Call the Heroes Mortgage Program to be pre-approved for your new mortgage. Without pre-approval, you will not know what you can afford to buy. This can get you into a very difficult situation. If you put an offer on a house without being approved and you can’t afford it, you might be opening the door to some very expensive litigation. Call the Heroes Mortgage Program today and find out what you can afford to buy. 3. Ensure you are working with a real estate professional. Ask your Heroes Mortgage Program representative if they can recommend a real estate professional to you. It is extremely im-
portant to have a real estate agent who is working for you and your best interests. A real estate agent will look out for the best deals in your market and are there to facilitate the negotiating process and the transition to your new home. 4. Find a good real estate attorney. A lawyer can help you negotiate the real estate contract and renegotiate it if a home inspection finds flaws-or an appraisal deems the house less valuable than the sales price. A lawyer also represents your interests at the closing and does the lion’s share of paperwork and the coordination associated with it. 5. Make a firm offer. When you see a house you want, you’ll make a verbal offer. If the seller is interested, your next step is to commit yourself in writing. The written offer, or contract, is usually drawn up by the seller’s agent, but if you choose to use a buyer’s agent and real estate lawyer, they can negotiate and review that contract on your behalf. If you end up negotiating the price of the property, make sure that you check in with your Heroes Mortgage Program representative. You do not want to overbid the price of the property and then not be able to qualify. 6. Get the home inspected. No matter how good a house looks and no matter how much you love it, you want to be sure it’s sound structurally and in every other way. If it’s not, you want to know whether the seller will address the issue before you seal the deal. If not, you have to decide whether you want to back out of the deal or take care of the repairs yourself. Sun Home Loans, a division of Sun National Bank, and 1st Responder are both proud to serve the heroes in our community, who dedicate their lives serving the rest of us. Clients enjoy unmatched
customer service and attentiveness throughout the process, from their initial inquiry, to closing. Working with its own resources and federal government programs, Sun National Bank develops solutions that open the path to home ownership. Sun National Bank provides a full-range of banking products and services, delivered by experienced bankers. Personal attention merges with world-class service and competitive products that meet the needs of today’s consumers and businesses. Sun National Bank believes that doing business in the community means being a part of it. Whether purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing one, the Heroes Mortgage Program is offered exclusively, providing personal service, benefits and rates not normally available to the general public. “The springtime is the perfect time to buy a home and we make it even easier with aggressive products and programs available to the men and woman who give so much,” said Steven Testa, an executive vice president with Sun National Bank. “The Heroes Mortgage Program continues to be a success and we are excited to work with more of out 1st responders as the market continues to flourish. We all look forward in continuing to build our relationship with the emergency services community.” To receive more information about the program and its benefits, contact Steven Testa at stesta@sunnb.com or call 973615-9745. Sun National Bank Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper are not affiliated. All loans subject to approval. Certain conditions and fees may apply. Mortgage financing provided by Sun National Bank Loans, Equal Housing Lender.
Win an iPad 1st Responder and Sun Home Loans team up to promote mortgage program If you are a member of the emergency services community, now is your chance to enter Sun Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper’s contest to win a free iPad. Just go to our website at www.1RBN.com and fill in the entry form. Once you complete it, you will receive an email that requires you to confirm your email address. Once you do that, you are entered! 1st Responder will also be accepting applications at all of the local trade shows that it attends throughout the country in the coming months. A total of FIVE iPads will be given away so your chances to win are excellent. Sign up to win today!
Mortgage Checklist 1. Look for a bargain: According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices often drop by an average $7,000 after Labor Day. Prices in the Northeast can plummet by nearly $20,000 by October. 2. Know the market: Here's a quick quiz. Do you know why sellers in some Northeast and Midwest towns drop prices so quickly? Because winter's coming and they don't want to spend another year digging out the place. Use that to your advantage. 3. Know when a seller is desperate: Does the photo of the house you've been pining over all summer on MLS look exactly as it did when you first saw it Memorial Day? Is there yet another open house coming up in a few weeks? That all works in your favor. If a buyer hasn't budged since the summer, chances are there's room to negotiate. If they want the house sold more than they want a big profit, well, that's how deals are born.
4. Kick the tires: Fall is the time of year when the weather takes a turn. When you're buying a home, the leaf litter and returning rain provide ample opportunities to see where the current homeowners have done work and what they've neglected. For the most part, there shouldn't be leaves piled up in the gutters in late September or early October. There also should be decent gutter drainage that doesn't involve water spewing from where a drain pipe once was. 5. Help is on the way: Census Bureau numbers indicate that fall is a tough time for contractors and home and garden stores. If your dream house could use a kitchen upgrade or central air through its heating ducts, home stores and builders usually start discounting inventory around this time of year and can help you make changes without spending as much during warmer months.
For more information on the Heroes Mortgage Program, visit www.1RBN.com
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
March, 2013
Page 7
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March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
MIKE GUARINO
Crews put to work in Mastic On the morning of January 24th at about 5:00 a.m., which happened to be the coldest morning on record in three years, the Mastic Fire Department was toned out for a structure fire at 339 Montauk Highway in Moriches. Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved house, receiving reports that all occupants were out of the house and the crews went to work. Crews from neighboring departments came to assist in opera-
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tions. Mastic Beach, Center Moriches, Brookhaven and East Moriches Fire Departments all provided crews and support at the scene. Mastic Ambulance provided EMS. No injuries were reported and Manorville Ambulance provided a mobile rehab unit as a warming station.
With actual temperatures in the single digits, the water used for extinguishment was freezing on anything, including firefighters. With an operation lasting about three hours, no injuries were luckily reported to firefighters or occupants. The fire was deemed not arson by Suffolk County. All units were released and returned to their respective stations. - MiKe GuariNo MIKE GUARINO
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have a photo for Emergency Aircraft please upload it to our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email it to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
FRED KOPF
NCPD Helicopter 6 came in for a landing on Sunrise Highway to airlift a critically injured patient.
Volunteer firefighters need your help Volunteer firefighters whose homes and property were devastated by Super Storm Sandy are still struggling to get back on their feet. You can help these first responders in need by making a contribution to the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund. Donations are urgently needed as the fund is depleted and requests for assistance continue to come in. The Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund provides stipends of $250 to help volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel meet expenses in the wake of a state- or federally-declared disaster. Volunteers must have suffered an uninsurable loss in excess of $5,000 and be from an NVFC member state as an individual or department member of the state association. In the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, hundreds of requests for help poured into the NVFC, and the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund has been able to provide close to $100,000 in assistance. The support meant a lot to the volunteers as they started to rebuild their lives. “A big thank you to NVFC for the check to help me in my recovery
JUMP TO FILE #021413109
from Sandy,” said one recipient. “I truly appreciate the support as the entire first floor of my home was damaged.” The ability to fill the huge number of requests was thanks in large part to donations from individuals as well as supporters including the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, Scott Safety, and California Casualty. However, the amount of requests following Sandy has depleted the fund. Make a donation to the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund to ensure that future requests for assistance, either from Sandy or other large-scale disasters, are able to be filled so volunteers can get the help they desperately need. All contributions made to the Volunteer Firefighters Support Fund go to providing assistance to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders impacted by disasters. The NVFC donates all administrative costs associated with the fund. - NatioNal VoluNteer Fire CouNCil
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
March, 2013
Page 9
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PAGE 10
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
LEE GENSER
Manhasset-Lakeville F.D. units arrived to find a fully-involved vehicle fire that spread to the neighbors large detached garage
MARK OSHINSKY
Life member Melville, NY. On February 5, 2013, Retired Deputy Chief of FDNY Richard Hickey became a Life Member of the Melville Fire Department.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
LEE GENSER
The crew of first-due Engine 8740.
Manhasset-Lakeville extinguishes garage fire On Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013 at 10:38 p.m., ManhassetLakeville Fire Department Companies 3, 4, 5, and the Ambulance unit were toned out for a Signal 10 as per Chief of Department Pitzer (8704), who was on the scene of a working fire in a detached garage in the rear of 5 Nassau Road in Great Neck. Chief Pitzer advised dispatch that a vehicle fire in the rear of 5 Nassau Road had extended to the detached garage in the rear of 7 Nassau Road. Engine 8740 responded to the alarm within three minutes and
JUMP TO FILE #012913104
quickly arrived on the scene. The crew stretched a one and three quarter inch hose line to the garage and began knocking down all of the burning brush and rubbish in both rear yards. At the same time, the crew from Ladder 8743 gained access to the garage. All fire in the garage and the burning vehicle were extinguished and overhauled. A second hose line was stretched by the crew of Engine
8735, but not charged. Other units on the scene were Engine 8733, Heavy Rescue 8730, Tower Ladder 8744, Engine 8758, Ambulance 8768 and EMS Fly Car 8799. The Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company responded as a F.A.S.T. with Ladder 8312 and Chief Jacobs (838). The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office was notified for an immediate investigation and all units were released from the scene within an hour and a half.
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March, 2013
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March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
HAROLD JACOBS
54 year Brookhaven member answers last alarm Get your personal copy of
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Brookhaven, NY. On the night of January 18, 2013, firemactic services were held for John E. Strickland at Brookhaven’s main house. Hundreds of firefighters from around the area lined up to pay their respect, including Shirley EMS and South County EMS. John Strickland joined the fire department in 1959 and was an active member up until just before his death this year. John honored Brookhaven Fire Department as their department chief in 1978 and 1979. John received a awards for Fireman of the Year in 1968 and again in 1979. Also in 1979, he received a plaque as Rotarian of the Year from the Rotary Club of Bellport. The plaque was presented for his act of heroism on March 16, 1979. Incredibly, Chief Strickland saved a resident’s life. The Suffolk County Fire Chief’s Council presented Strickland with his “Fifty Year of Dedicated Service to the Residents of Suffolk in 2010. The Firemen’s Prayer was read at his service: When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage, give me the strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of the fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly, and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if according to my fate, I am to lose my life; Please bless, with your protecting hand, my family, friends and wife. Amen. - HAROLD JACOBS
THOMAS LAMBUI
THOMAS LAMBUI
Townhouse fire in Brookhaven/North Bellport Brookhaven firefighters attacked a stubborn fire in a two story townhouse located at 1181 Orchid Circle in North Bellport, Long Island on Tuesday, January 15th at approximately 1:30 p.m. Brookhaven firefighters were assisted by numerous mutual aid departments.
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
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Junior firefighters dinner On Saturday, January 26th, the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association held their annual dinner at the Massapequa Fire Department West End house. The opening speech for the dinner was given by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. After speeches by other prominent guests, Massapequa Chief of Department Stephen Daresta administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers of the association. Thirty eight fire departments in Nassau County have junior firefighter programs with a total of nine hundred junior firefighters.
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PAGE 14
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
LEE GENSER
Manhasset-Lakeville goes mutual aid to Great Neck Vigilant fire SEAN COSGROVE
On Saturday, January 19th, 2013 at 12:23 p.m., ManhassetLakeville Fire Department Company 4 was called mutual aid to the Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company, who was operating at a reported structure fire on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck Plaza. Tower Ladder 8744 arrived on the scene within minutes and was immediately put to work as the first-due ladder company. Members quickly located fire within the walls and ceiling of the second and third floor rear apartments in the threestory mixed occupancy building. Two hose lines were stretched
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and operated off of Great Neck Vigilant Engine 8314 to extinguish the fire. A great deal of overhaul took place on both floors before the fire was placed under control. A total of four apartments were affected by the fire. The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department also sent Heavy Rescue 8730 (FAST) and Ambulance 8768 to the scene, as well as provided standby coverage at the Great Neck Vigilant firehouse with En-
gine 8740 and Ladder 8743. The Great Neck Alert Fire Company sent Engine 825 and Ladder 826 to the scene and the East Williston Fire Department sent Ladder 813. All Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department units were operating under the command of Deputy Chief Farrone (8705) and the scene’s incident commander was Great Neck Vigilant Chief of Department Jacobs (838). All units were released from the scene within one and half hours. - KIRK CANDAN
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have a photo for Apparatus in Action please upload it to our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email it to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
SEAN COSGROVE
Quick knockdown in Copiague
LEE GENSER
Great Neck Alert Fire Company Ladder 826 setup to the roof in the rear of the fire building on January 19th.
On Tuesday, January 29th at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Copiague Fire Department operated at 298 28th Street off Jackson Avenue for a fire on the second floor of a two story ranch. 1-3-7 was the first due engine making a quick knock down on the fire in the 2/3 corner bedroom. 1-3-30 was in charge of the scene. Mutual aid was provided by Lindenhurst Fire Department for a engine and ladder to the scene, North Lindenhurst Fire Department for R.I.T. and a engine to the scene and North Amityville Fire Company for an ambulance to the scene. No injuries were reported and the T.O.B. Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
PAgE 15
PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our Patches feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
ROSEANN MARIANI
Chiefs representing the Hauppauge, Smithtown, Nesconset, St. James, Kings Park, Commack and Nissequogue Fire Departments
Smithown Township fire chiefs receive honors Suffolk County Treasurer Angie Carpenter extended honors to the chiefs of the Smithtown Fire Chief’s Council at the Long Island Cares Sandy Relief Gala reception on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Windows on the Lake. The chiefs represented the Hauppauge, Smithtown, Nesconset, St. James, Kings Park, Commack and
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Nissequogue Fire Departments for their volunteer services to their communities due to hurricane Sandy. “Volunteer firefighters work for pride and not a paycheck”, we thank you for your service to our commu-
nities. Long Island Cares provides emergency food where and when it is needed, sponsors programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency and educates the general public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island. ROB PAV
- ROSEANN MARIANI
Elmont Fire Department
PAGE 16
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
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March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
Guidelines for LOSAP point system records
PROVIDED
New critical training facilities at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy Mineola, NY. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced the breaking ground for the construction of new training facilities, known as burn buildings, at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy (NCFSA) in Bethpage. Half of the current training facilities became unsafe and was closed several years ago after being used for nearly five decades to train first responders on the safety measures needed when fighting structural fires. County Executive Mangano stated, “The men and women of Nassau’s volunteer fire departments deliver critical services to every resident and it’s essential that we provide them with proper training facilities so they are prepared when risking their lives to help our neighbors in need of assistance. The new facilities will offer our first responders critical hands-on training for both novice and experienced firefighters." “I speak on behalf of every man and woman in Nassau’s volunteer fire departments when I thank County Executive Mangano for making this happen,” said Richard Gardner, Chairman of the Nassau County Fire Service Commission. “These buildings will be a tremendous asset to the community.” “Firefighting is a dangerous calling and there is no substitute for proper training in order to keep residents and firefighters safe,” added Robert Lincoln Director of the Nassau County Vocational Education and Extension Board
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(VEEB). “This has been needed for many years and we appreciate County Executive Mangano’s work in getting these buildings built.” Burn buildings C and D will be razed and new buildings will be constructed. The new burn buildings will be constructed of concrete masonry blocks with face brick on the exterior and finished on the interior with a custom blend of refractory concrete mix, specifically designed to resist the high heat associated with live burn training. The layout and the shape of the two buildings will simulate a high ranch and cape type dwellings. Some of the features included in the two buildings are: • Interior smoke hatch: operable floor hatch that allows smoke into designated rooms for different training scenarios. • Roof cutting stations: provides economically replicable roof panels for roof entry fire training. • Temperature sensors will be installed throughout the buildings for monitoring during live burn training and will provide a warning before the temperature exceeds the structural design limit. Legislator Dennis Dunne, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, stated “County Executive Mangano and the majority in the legislature remain committed to ensuring our volunteer firefighters have all that they need to stay safe
and protect our homes and businesses. The training provided at these new burn buildings will ensure help save lives.” “Facilities at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy needed serious reconstruction to properly train our volunteer firefighters. County Executive Mangano and my colleagues in legislature responded with the funding necessary to construct new burn buildings that will ultimately lead to better training for our first responders,” said Legislator Joe Belesi. “Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our neighbors and local businesses every day of the week. These new training facilities will ensure that our volunteers are prepared to protect families and seniors when fire strikes,” said Legislator Rose Walker. Since taking office, County Executive Mangano has worked to secure funding for several VEEB training initiatives as well as for the purchase of equipment. The county executive also supported first responders by constructing a new fire communications facility in the Public Safety Center and new mask confidence building at the NCFSA. In 2010, County Executive Mangano also worked with United States Senator Chuck Schumer to secure a Federal SAFER grant to recruit and retain first responders by providing volunteers with free college tuition. - PROVIDED
For over 20 years, Penflex has helped draft hundreds of LOSAP point systems. We’ve performed formal recordkeeping system reviews and spent thousands of hours consulting with clients on point system questions. Over the course of time, we have formulated some simple guidelines for maintaining point system records. Ultimately, it is important that proper controls are in place to ensure the accuracy of the points being recorded. Tracking Attendance at an Activity: Many departments still use paper sign-in sheets, while others are utilizing technology like keyfobs or biometric readers (palm or fingerprint readers). Importantly, each volunteer must be required to individually sign-in at the event, and not be signed-in by another volunteer. If the volunteer wants to be credited with being at the activity, he/she must sign-in – there should be no exceptions. This will prevent the appearance of fraud upon review. Ensure Activities are Categorized Correctly: A meeting is not a drill and a drill is not a meeting. Sounds silly to say, but we have seen them miscoded too many times to ignore this obvious point. For planned activities such as a drill, meeting or miscellaneous event, we suggest communicating in advance the type of activity and the points that will be awarded for attending. A call or response is typically any activity in which the department is toned out by dispatch. For those fire departments that also run ambulance/first aid squads, it is important to have procedures in place to specifically indentify the type of call, if points are awarded differently. Having clear procedures for categorizing any activity will eliminate confusion and inconsistencies. Designing a Sign-in Sheet: For those still using paper sign-in sheets, each sheet should clearly state the date of the event, the type (which corresponds to a point system category – drill, meeting, call, etc.), the time duration (for those events that require a minimum time of participation), the name and rank of the officer in charge at the event and a brief description. Ideally, the attendance sheets are created listing the current active roster, and the volunteer simply signs next to his or her name. The officer in charge should sign the sheet before it is considered complete.
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Outside Training & Officer Documentation: After having attended and successfully completed a training course, a copy of the certificate of completion and a description of the course (including date(s) attended and number of course hours) should be submitted and recorded. Points should be awarded in the year in which the course is completed. For officer points, annually the agency’s governing board should prepare a formal listing of all officer positions, showing the volunteer who completed the one-year term for that position, and the number of points awarded for the position. Compiling Yearly Point Totals: Typically, one person is charged with the responsibility of entering the data from attendance sheets into a spreadsheet or software program. It is recommended for there to be at least one backup person in case the primary becomes unavailable. It is very important that the software match the written point system adopted by the program sponsor. We have seen too often where the software is not tabulating points consistent with the written system. Be sure it is capping the points at the maximum allowable in each category appropriately. Security: Guarding The Records: All records must be kept in a safe, secure place. Moreover, the number of persons having access to these records must be limited (we recommend no more than 2 or 3 officers). Finally, the number of persons who have the ability to make changes to the computer system which captures, records and tabulates LOSAP points must be limited and strictly controlled. After the completion of an activity, the signed attendance sheet should be placed in a locked cabinet or a lock box. No more than 2-3 specific persons should have access to the locked files. Edward Holohan is the President and Actuary of Penflex, Inc., a nationally recognized specialist in LOSAP. Ed can be reached at eholohan@penflexinc.com or (518) 783-6933. - Edward J. Holohan of Penflex, Inc.
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
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Edward J. Holohan, President & Actuary
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Over 22 Years Specializing in LOSAP
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS February 16, 2013 FL-An Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Flea Market sponsored by the Florida Antique Bucket Brigade and SPAAMFAA will take place at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Jacksonville. Email Bob at bobrfire17@aol.com for more information. February 23-24, 2013 NY-Long Island’s Fire, Rescue & EMS Mega Show 2013 will take place at Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale. Visit www.liproductions.net for more information. March 15-17, 2013 PA-Harrisburg River Rescue is hosting a Water Rescue Training Conference. This course is certified through the PA Fish and Boat Commission and meets NFPA Operations Level Certification. Contact Chief Ketterer at 717-215-9963 for more details. March 16, 2013 NJ-All Hands Working and the Leary Firefighters Foudation will host a Charity Hockey Game between the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni and All Hands Working. Tickets for the game and the autograph signing can be purchased at www.allhandsworkingwinterclassic.com. March 16, 2013 NY-The Euclid Hose Company of the Patchogue Fire Department is hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser Celebration from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a buffet dinner, wine, beer, soda, DJ, raffles/prizes and Irish dancers. Contact them at 631-356-6551 for details.
March 16, 2013 FL-The International Fire Service Parade, the largest in the state, will be held in Delray Beach the weekend off March 16th. Contact the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Palm Beach at 561-8837763 for details. March 22, 2013 NJ-The Belmar Hook & Ladder Company is hosting their 2nd Annual Comedy Night and Sandy Relief Fundraiser at the South Wall Banquet Facilities. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Call 732-6816353 for details/tickets. March 23, 2013 NJ-The Bloomingdale Fire Department Hook & Ladder Company is happy to announce their Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser featuring Comedian Joey Kola. Tickets are $30 per person. E-mail bfdcomedynight@live.com for details. March 24, 2013 PA-The Montgomery County Fire Academy is hosting the “Public Relations for the Fire & Emergency Services” class. For more information and registration, visit www. montcopa.org or call 610-278-5600. March 30, 2013 NY-The Suffolk Firefighters Emerald Society is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser/Party to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. The party begins at 4 p.m. at MJ Sullivans in Mt. Sinai. Visit them on Facebook for further details. April 6, 2013 PA-The Montgomery County Fire Academy is hosting the “Public Relations for the Fire & Emergency
Services” class. For more information and registration, visit www. montcopa.org or call 610-278-5600. April 7, 2013 NY-Wolcottsville is hosting an Indoor Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tables are $12 each. Contact Doug at 716-735-3687 for more information. April 12-13, 2013 NY-The NYSAFC is hosting a Company Officers Leadership Training will take place at the Marriott Rochester Airport. For additional details visit their website at www.nysfirechiefs.com. May 3-5, 2013 NY-the NYSAFC & OPC are hosting a Public Fire Safety Educators’ Conference at the NY State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. Visit their website at www.nysfirechiefs.com for details. May 6-10, 2013 NJ-The NJEPA Expo will take place at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Training will take place May 6-8, Breakout sessions will be on May 8-10 and Exhibits will be open May 8-9. Contact executive.director@njepa.org for more details. May 6-7, 2013 PA-Chaplain Training, “Managing School Crises” will take place in Hermitage PA. Pleae contact Chaplain David Williamson at 724-342-2310 for more information. May 11, 2013 NY-Wolcottsville is hosting a Cash Raffle and Steak Dinner at 5 p.m. at $25 per person. Contact Bob Groff at rgroff29m7@rochester.rr.com for more information. June 12-15, 2013 NY-The NYSAFC 107th Annual Conference will take place at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona. 2013 attendee and exhibitor registrations are available at www.nysfirechiefs.com. September 20-22, 2013 CT-The South Windsor Fire Department is hosting the 2013 Connecticut Firefightes Association Annual Convention to include a parade, firefighters muster, food and entertainment. For details, contact Scott Fine at 860-463-0500. November 23, 2013 NY-Wolcottsville is hosting a Meat/Turkey Raffle with free refreshments and 50/50’s. Contact Bob Groff at rgroff29m7@rochester.rr.com
PROVIDED
Candice and Joe
Partnership benefits firefighters The ground breaking partnership of The First Twenty and All Hands Working provides the U.S. Fire Service with a singular point of focus for firefighter health and safety. By firefighters for firefighters, these two non-profits are dedicated to the health and safety our nation's firefighters. On December 4th, they held an event in Egg Harbor Township, which resulted in a donation of fitness equipment to the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Department. They host frequent events throughout the year to assist with departments in need, who contact them. These include a Meet and Greet with Danny Watkins of the Philadelphia Eagles, Bowl with the Birds, Autograph Signings and several donation nights at various restaurants. Their partnership with Danny Watkins has resulted in exceptional support from other members of the Philadelphia Eagles. Through this needed partnership, the aligned missions of these nonprofits are building a new road towards firefighter health and safety. Their three main goals are:
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1. Reducing LODD due to heart attack 2. Increasing the overall health and safety of our firefighters 3. Eliminating financial hardships for firefighters who experience on-the-job injuries By firefighters, for firefighters, The First Twenty & All Hands Working were built around their passion for bettering the health of their own.The firefighter community is best strengthened from the inside, and together they aim to provide programs that target every area of opportunity fully, swiftly and with unwavering commitment to the cause. Upcoming events and more information on their charities can be viewed at www.allhandsworking.org and www.thefirsttwenty.org. They can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. - HEATHER PILLSWORTH
To see your Events in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1rbn.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
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March, 2013
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In house physical fitness training vs. off site programs FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
I have visited my share of fire houses and have had numerous opportunities to speak with administrators and firefighters alike regarding their physical training programs. Although some stations offer “in house” programs, others send members “off site” to train. Here is what most of those I spoke to have said. Nearly everyone agreed that physical training should play a role in the fire service. (woo hoo, I love it!) Most agree that “in house” programs are more desirable, but those who do not have them site initial set-up costs as well as maintenance costs as the major road blocks to instituting them. These fire departments send their members to outside facilities (gyms) to train. They feel these programs are more cost-effective and require less administrative effort and upkeep on their part. Those with “in house” programs begged to differ on the whole cost effective argument and presented the following reasons. Many stated that although initial equipment purchase and setup of the facility were greater at first, the costs diminished over the life of the program. Outside memberships must be renewed annually and usually increase each year. Many outside facilities require a minimum number of memberships be purchased and many fire departments can end up paying for more memberships than are actually being used. Those with “off site” programs worried about liability issues and insurance costs, yet those with “in house” programs stated if members were training off site on their dime, liability could still be an issue. They prefer training take place where they can have greater control over participation and safety. When asked about insurance costs, they explained that having an “in house” facility can save by reducing insurance premiums (compensation points) especially if the program is monitored and provides instruction and programs to strengthen members and reduce the risk of injury. The savings on premiums can actually exceed the cost of monitoring/supervising the program. Wow! A kajor knock on “off site” programs was the fact that they decrease “in house” time. We all know that greater ”in house” time
reduces “response time”. That’s a big deal. For those departments that are volunteer, it is especially an issue. Also, if they are off site, hopefully they will respond, but even so, valuable time is lost. Additionally, there is little chance they will return to the outside facility to finish their workout after the alarm. Those with “in house programs stated that firefighters, who had their workouts interrupted by alarms, often returned to finish their workout (depending on the duration and severity of the alarm). “Off site” programs allow for very little control. They are not monitored and provide administrators with little or no feedback to their effectiveness and more importantly safety. “In house” programs that have a good set of SOP’s ensure that all participants are medically cleared to participate, have been given proper orientation and instruction as well as personalized exercise programs. Although these programs must be maintained and require a fitness professional, salary costs can be offset and often exceeded by a reduction in insurance premiums because of the increased safety and decreased liability. Again, although most agreed that “in house” programs were more desirable, there are still those departments that prefer to send members “off site” for fitness training. To determine which program is right for your department, (volunteer or paid), examine the points we discussed. Consult with a fitness professional and your insurance company as well as your membership to find the best fit for your department. Keep training and stay safe! - LORI HODGKINSON
IN SERVICE If you have a photo for In Service please upload it to our website, www.1stResponderNews.com, email it to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
The Yaphank Fire Department operates a 2012 Spartan/Hackney Heavy Rescue.
FRANK ROBINSON
The Hagerman Fire Department operates a 2012 Pierce Velocity Heavy Rescue
PHOTOS & ARTICLES WAnTEd! Does your department have a PIO? Do you have a bunch of photos from incidents, department activities and social events. Send them to us!
1st Responder News is always looking for fresh photos!
Contact Heather TODAY! Heather@1strespondernews.com
845-534-7500 ext. 212
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March, 2013
Page 23
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PAGE 24
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
Superstorm Sandy and storm preparations Superstorm Sandy originated in the Caribbean on October 19 and slowly worked its way north along the east coast and coming ashore just above Atlantic City on October 29 and created havoc as it ravaged parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on October 29 and 30. The deSTAYING struction SAFE from this storm was as- Chief Henry Camptounding and bell in the billions of dollars in loss. It also created major hardship for the states, local municipalities, residents and businesses impacted by the hurricane. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes and leave all that they valued behind in order to flee to safety from the hurricane. In some instances, it was days before folks were permitted to return to their home or business, or what was left of them; for others it was weeks or even months before they could return. Many homes and businesses were destroyed. Others sustained severe damage and there were those that miraculously escaped damage. This also included various fire stations that sustained damage and the complete loss of apparatus and equipment. There were those fire departments along the coastal areas and barrier islands that abandoned their stations and moved apparatus to higher ground, an excellent decision that saved their apparatus. They were unable to respond with their apparatus in areas flooded with three feet or more of sea water and used boats and jet skis to get about until the flood waters subsided. The rain and winds along with the extremely high tides had done their damage and, in doing so, had spared very few, including emergency responders, some of whom also lost their homes. Firefighters, along with other emergency responders were over-
burdened with calls and in many instances the inability to respond quickly, if at all. Flooded roads and downed trees, poles and wires made roads inaccessible for fire apparatus. A few days passed before statewide mobilization brought in relief crews from across the states, allowing for rest for the local responders and giving them a chance to address the issues of storm damage to their own homes. Yet through it all, the emergency responders were the shining light in all the destruction and misery that took place over the many days and weeks that lay ahead. No matter how well one prepares, it was almost impossible to plan for all the circumstances that were encountered during the emergency operations and response that took place throughout and after Hurricane Sandy‘s temperamental visit. My hat is off to all the emergency responders and just ordinary citizens, who saw a need and stepped in to assist during this hurricane of the century. A little more than a year ago, I wrote an article about storm preparedness for fire departments. And, over the next few months will update and offer it for those who may have missed it, or can use it as a refresher and to assist in planning. The article will review how you can prepare your fire department and station for similar type disasters, mostly weather related, that may impact your area for extended periods of time. The larger the geographical area that is involved, the longer it will take for outside assistance to arrive and that means the longer your department will be at the forefront of disaster operations. For sure it doesn’t cover every possible event that can happen, but it should stir discussion and is a starting point for storm preparations, planning and extended duty for all departments. It may not be a hurricane in your area, but whatever the type of storm/disaster, it can and will happen again and it can happen anywhere.
Read more of our columns on our website! 1RBN.com
CHRISTOPHER SABELLA
CHRISTOPHER SABELLA
Holbrook rollover into median Holbrook, New York. On Wednesday afternoon, January 30, 2013 just after 3 p.m., the Holbrook Fire Department was activated for a reported overturn with ejection on Nichols Road, south of the Long Island Expressway. SCPD was first on scene and reported the car rolled over and the driver was not ejected. The Holbrook Fire Department secured the scene and transported one patient to Stony Brook Hospital.
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
March, 2013
PAgE 25
JIM RUGEN
ANDREW TETREAULT
Port Jefferson battles fire in frigid temperatures
JIM RUGEN
JIM RUGEN
Cold water training for Mastic Mastic Fire Department held a cold water training in the Forge River in Mastic, NY. One firefighter went into the water as a victim and was rescued by another firefighter in a special cold water suit, as other firefighters on shore were instructed on the proper use of this special cold water suit. This drill went well and the victim was returned to the shor, where firefighters pulled him from the cold water.
On Wednesday, January 23, 2013, the Port Jefferson Fire Department responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 408 Main St. Upon arrival of JUMP TO FILE # 1st Assistant Chief 012413110 Dave Williams [5A1-31], a 13/35 (Working Fire) was transmitted. The first floor of the commercial strip contained a florist and real estate agency with apartments above. Surrounding businesses and apartments were evacuated as a precaution. Upon arrival of the 1st due Port Jefferson engine, the crew entered the building and encountered flames in the process of pulling ceilings. A line was put in action and extinguished the fire, which originated in the basement and ran up a common wall to the second floor. Chief Williams immediately requested mutual aid to the scene from Terryville Fire Departmnt (one Ladder, 5A-4-4) Mount Sinai Fire Deparment for an engine and a rescue and Setauket Fire Department to standby at Port Jefferson headquarters with one engine. Quick action on behalf of the first crew prevented this from becoming a much more complex fire. No injuries were reported to either occupants or firefighters at the scene. Approximately 25-30 firefighters assisted in the firefighting operation. Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance Corp stood by as EMS at scene. "I had full confidence in my
ANDREW TETREAULT
Port Jefferson firefighter seen disconnecting a hose line.
firefighters in the rapid extinguishment of this fire" said Port Jefferson Fire Department Assistant Chief Williams.
The Port Jefferson fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. - ANDREW TETREAULT
PaGE 26
March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
FDNY Symposium to be held in March at training academy
T. J. LAMBUI
Private house gutted by fire in Bohemia At approx. 11:30 p.m. on February 7, 2013 a private house located at 1381 Smithtown Ave. Bohemia, Long Island, was gutted by a fast moving fire. Damage was done to the first and second floors. Upon arrival, the fire was ob-
JUMP TO FILE #020813100
served venting from the rear windows in the C/D corner. The Bohemia Fire Department responded and extinguished the
blaze quickly. Mutual aid responded from the Sayville and West Sayville Fire Departments. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The annual FDNY Symposium, sponsored by the FDNY Foundation, is returning to the FDNY Training Academy on March 14 and 15, 2013. This year's symposium will focus on the New York City Fire Department's preparation and operations for Hurricane Sandy, as well as the vital lessons learned from the storm. Leading members of the FDNY will present the procedures, communications and deployment strategies that worked during the storm, as well as the challenges of fighting major fires and responding to thousands of medical calls and mass evacuations during the unprecedented
JUMP TO FILE #021413113
storm surge. Our goal is to share the experiences and practices of FDNY members to help provide information that can be used by other departments to review their own procedures and operate safer. So make a resolution to start the New Year off right, join first responders attending from around the world, visit www.fdnyfoundation.com or call 718-999-0779 to register for this outstanding educational event. - FDNY FouNDatioN
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.
- tHoMaS LaMBui
FRANK ROBINSON
the North Patchogue Fire Department operates a 2010 Pierce Velocity 95' aerialscope.
MARK OSHINSKY
Blaze hits house in Dix Hills Dix Hills, NY. On February 7, 2013, the Dix Hills Fire Departmentwith the help of the Melville and Greenlawn Fire Departments responded to a house reportedly on fire. Upon arrival, they found flames shooting out of the back of
JUMP TO FILE #020813105
the house as well as through the roof. Heavy fire and smoke were throughout the dwelling. They managed to put the fire
out, but not before one firefighter was sent to the hospital and another needed medical treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - MaRK oSHiNSKY
FRANK ROBINSON
the Sayville Fire Department operates a 2010 Pierce Velocity 75' aerialscope
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
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Page 27
Chowder Challenge will be held at FIRE 2013 in June
MARK OSHINSKY
Dep. chief horace of the Nassau county Police Department shows two fire chiefs how the radio is used.
MARK OSHINSKY
Fire departments in Nassau County get police radios Nassau County, NY. On January14, 2013, to ensure the communication interoperability between all first responders, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano issued each fire department two XTS 2500 portable radios with a charger and spare battery earlier this month. The county executive also announced that appropriate talk groups have been installed to allow departmental communication on the new 500 MHz system currently used by the Nassau County Police Department. Since taking office, County Executive Mangano has dedicated significant resources to the fire service.
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Much needed repairs to the fire academy, along with construction of two new burn buildings and a new mask confidence building, ensure proper training continue for years to come. A state of the art medical communication center at Nassau University Medical Center is also underway. Funding has also been secured for college scholarships, new computer technology at Fire Com and the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office as well as for fire department equipment and Motorola portable
radios in fire department ambulances. The fire departments of Nassau County were all given two police radios from Nassau County .The radios will be used so the fire departments can monitor police calls, which will lead to a faster response time and knowledge of what the police are doing on scene. Deputy Chief of the Nassau County Police Edmound Horace explained the use of the radios and Deputy County Executive of Public Safety also spoke. The chiefs and commissioners were very pleased and said this move will make a difference. - Mark oShiNSkY
NYSAFC’s "Cookin’ in the House" competition returns to the Annual Conference! This year, fire department chefs will face off with their best chowder recipes. The Chowder Challenge will take place on Friday, June 14, 2013, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Cypress Rooms at the Turning Stone Resort, Verona, N.Y. Each participating team will receive free One Day Tickets to attend the FIRE 2013 expo, plus a special gift for taking part in the challenge. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Last year’s competition was a great success and the association looks forward to watching it grow this year. Special guest judges Robert
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Painter (FDNY Engine 63 and NYSAFC Hands-On Training instructor) and John Sierp (FDNY Ladder 169) will join us again offering cooking demos. They’ve appeared on many TV shows, including "Chopped," "The Rachael Ray Show," and "24 Hour Restaurant Battle." Come enjoy the demos and sample the competitors’ fare, or if you’ve got what it takes, participate in the Chowder Challenge! - New York State aSSociatioN of fire chiefS
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March, 2013
The Bravest VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky
The Bravest Real Stories, Rear Action, True Heroes. By, National Entertainment in association and distributed by Hearst Entertainment, Inc. Available from: FSP Books & Videos Dept. C66, 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-Mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $44.95 (10 DVD set) Yes, you read correctly, this is a ten DVD set which covers 44 episodes and is 15 hours in length. The first disk was reviewed in this column in 2007. The episodes were made in 2001, before the World Trade Center tragedy. Coverage was done in many cities including New York City. A number of the New York City firefighters within these DVD’s were killed on 9-11-01. One lieutenant I knew, who is in some of this footage, was not killed on 9-11 but did pass away from a heart attack some time later. I reviewed the second disk, which is one hour and 44 minutes in length. These episodes were to be on television, but I cannot honestly say they were as I had not seen them. Anyway, they are enhanced by vest cams at times, which brings you inside the burning buildings and places where emergencies took place.
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
I will only review this second DVD for two reasons. First, because they are sold as a package, not individually and secondly, if I reviewed each of them, it would take a year as videos are reviewed in this publication every other month. Due to the fact that these episodes were filmed for television, they bounce to different scenes very quickly, which is not what you would see on the average video taken by a videographer, who would not be permitted in the building. Whereas most of the videos we review dwell on the outside of a structure or an incident, it is easier to take notes while analyzing it. These ten DVD’s advance too quickly to allow for note taking. I will simply cover the incidents from the episodes on this DVD. Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue is the first, and they handle an apartment house fire. However, this house is one story high with horizontally attached apartments. When the fire is knocked down a relief crew is called to overhaul. Their next incident is a stabbing. Next is New York City and they fight a three story apartment house fire and later do SCUBA training. Then, there is a cellar fire and an MVA with entrapment. The District of Columbia is next with a fully involved car fire next to a dumpster. Next, is a suicide attempt, a gas leak in a school and a female assaulted. Los Angeles City is next with a structure fire caused by a mattress resulting with a fatality. Members of Station 9 talk about their work. An abandoned house fire is next followed by a house fire caused by a candle. Finally they respond to a man with head trauma. Back to New York City we go with a multiple dwelling fire, an interview with Rescue 2, an apartment fire and finally hazmat training. This set is well worth the money to see and will keep you off the streets for awhile if you view each of them!
VICTOR ALCORN
PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our Patches feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
VICTOR ALCORN
Fatal train versus car in Brentwood EUGENE WEBER JR.
West Babylon Fire Department
Brentwood, NY. On January 22, 2013, MTA officials stated a Long Island Railroad train slammed into a car west of the Brentwood train station at approximately 10 a.m., dragging it about a half mile this morning. According to officials, it was an equipment train that struck the vehicle, causing the train and vehicle to burst into flames. There were no passengers on board because it was a work train. Two occupants were DOA in the vehicle at the scene. The Brentwood Fire Department quickly put out the blaze. Train service was suspended between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma.
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
March, 2013
PaGE 29
faces of long island’s emergency services To see your Faces in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
ROBERT STRAUSS
LEE GENSER
Connetqout River State Park manager Gil Bergen and Fire Policeman Ed Barbara Sr.
The crew from Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Tower Ladder 8744 with Deputy Chief Farrone (8705).
J CIRILLO
LEE GENSER
Chief Keane Commack Fire Department and Chief Schwalbe EMS
The crew of first-due Manhasset-Lakeville Engine 8740 at recent Signal 10 at 5 Nassau Road in Great Neck.
CHRISTOPHER SABELLA
HARRY D'ONOFRIO
Ronkonkoma firefighters took a moment to pose for the camera at a recent false alarm.
West Sayville Fire Department Chief Robert Doucet recently presented Ex-Chief Joseph Schroeder with his Ex-Chiefs badge.
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March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
Action photos from Around long islAnd To see your photos in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
T. J. LAMBUI
Civilian being treated by EMS for a minor hand injury on scene of townhouse fire in North Bellport on January 15th.
ROBERT STRAUSS
Bohemia’s Second Assistant Chief Mike Stankunis directing operations
MARK OSHINSKY
Deputy County Executive of Public Safety Victor F. Politi MD
ED TUFFY
Massapequa members at a recent ice rescue training drill.
T. J. LAMBUI
Brookhaven firefighters attack stubborn fire in a two-story townhouse in North Bellport.
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
March, 2013
PAgE 31
faces of long island’s emergency services To see your Faces in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
CHRISTOPHER SABELLA
Holtsville firefighters at a recent rollover on Nichols Road
MARK OSHINSKY
Deputy Chief Horace of the Nassau County Police Department shows two fire chiefs how the new radio is used.
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East Meadow's FAST team standing by at a Levittown fire
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Eastport Fire Department's Engine 585 standing by for the Riverhead drill
MARK OSHINSKY
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano with a fire chief and commissioner as they display the new radios
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Plainview’s drill team
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March, 2013
1st Responder Newspaper - LI
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