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JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
SCHUYLERVILLE, NY - On May 31, 2025, at 2:28 PM, numerous calls poured into the Saratoga County Emergency Communications Center reporting a major fire at 42 Gates Avenue, the Victory Mills. Callers stated the building was heavily involved. The Victory Mills Fire Department was dispatched to the scene.
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
JEFFREY RELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters laddering the side of the house.
B edroom Fire Q uickly Brought Under Second Alarm House Control on R od ger Drive in C olon ie PROVIDED
Crews make entry.
Fire in Conklin Turns Tragic w ith LODD CONKLIN, NY - Just before 3AM on the morning o f July 4th, 2025, Broome County Communi cations dispatched the Conklin Fire Department (46) and surrounding mutual aid to a report o f a house lire at 21 JR Blvd. Broome County Sheriffs Department and a mutual aid assistant chief arrived a few minutes later with lire showing from windows on the Alpha and Delta sides o f a one-and-a-halfstory, wood-frame, single-family residential structure. Chief 46 im mediately requested a 2nd alarm to be dispatched. A single occupant o f the structure met PD at the street upon their arrival. Once on scene, crews from Tower 46 and Squad 46 stretched lines and began lire attack and search operations. Primary searches o f the residence were negative, and crews were able to knock down lire in a first-floor bedroom and the bed room above. Ventilation efforts continued as overhaul began. Sev eral crews from Conklin (46), Kirk w ood (38), Town o f Binghamton (58), Five Mile Point (59), and Hallstead (Susquehanna County PA) rotated through conducting suppression, search, ventilation, and overhaul operations. During the fire, a second call for Conklin was dispatched for a commercial fire alarm at a local business. A standby crew from West Coleville Fire Company (51) han dled that call and then was re quested to the scene to assist. During operations. Chief 51,
Jump to file # 071125100
39 James Sitek, suffered a medical emergency and collapsed outside o f the structure. Immediate ALS care and CPR was initiated by other fire fighters and an EMS crew on standby from Broome Ambulance. Broome Ambulance crew, with the assistance o f fire personnel and Su perior Ambulance with an escort from the Broome County Sheriffs Department, transported the Chief to Wilson Hospital where staff con tinued lifesaving efforts. Unfortu nately, Chief Sitek would ultimately succumb to this medical event. May you Rest in Peace Chief, we will take it from here. Operating on scene were Con klin Fire Department, Kirkwood Fire Company, Town o f Bingham ton Fire Company, Five Mile Point Fire Company, West Colesville Fire Company, Hallstead Fire Company, Broome Ambulance, Superior Am bulance, Broome County Fire C o ordinators, Broome County Fire Investigation Team, Broome County Sheriffs Department, New York State Fire, and NYSEG. An origin and cause investiga tion is being conducted by NYS Fire, along with the Broome County Fire Investigation Team. The Broome County Critical Inci dent Team also responded to assist with a briefing at station 46.
- NICHOLAS GRISWOLD
COLONIE, NY - On June 21, 2025, at 9:39 PM, the Shaker Road Fire Department, along with mutual aid from the Latham Fire Department, the C olon ie Village Fire Company (as the Rapid Inter vention Team), and Colonie Emer gency M edical Services, was dispatched to 12 Rodger Drive for a reported structure fire. The caller reported that a bedroom was on fire. The first arriving police unit on scene notified the dispatcher that smoke was showing from the structure and advised o f the loca tion o f the nearest hydrant.
Jump tu file #070625109
3? Car 51 arrived on scene, as sumed command, and confirm ed smoke showing from the structure. Squad 9, follow ed by Truck 9, ar rived shortly thereafter and de ployed a lYi-inch hand line to the front door. Firefighters quickly conducted a primary search o f the home to ensure all occupants were out o f the building. They notified command that a mattress was on fire inside the residence and extin
guished it. Positive pressure ven tilation was used to clear smoke from the structure, and firefighters conducted overhaul in the fire area. No injuries were reported, and thanks to the rapid response o f the firefighters, damage was kept to a minimum. The Town o f C olonie Fire Services was contacted to in vestigate the cause o f the fire. No official determination has been re leased publicly. Firefighters re turned to service a short time later.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
R0R MCCORMICK
Cornwall on Hudson FD was dispatched to set up a landing zone at Storm King School, July 5th. Town of Highlands Ambulance was transporting a motorcycle driver involved in an accident on Route 218. Once Hackensack MedEvac landed, Town of Highlands turned the victim over who was then flown to Westchester Medical Center.
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August, 2025
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder N ews (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 26 No. 8 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Pe riodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial re sponsibility is assumed by , this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omit ted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.
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It’ s been said that the back o f an ambulance is a dangerous place to be. Providers tending to the patient may not be wearing seatbelts. L oose objects may fly o ff shelves in case o f a sudden swerve, stop, or crash. And let’ s not discount the germs! O f course, proper cleaning, storage o f items, and using seat belts (or having a partner help stabilize you if you need to stand) can help to reduce som e o f the danger, hopefully. What about violence? Maybe that sweet, innocent patient is also scared to the point o f being irrational... maybe the patient is high or drunk... or maybe the pa tient has “ plans”to steal drugs, or something else. Meanwhile, there you are in a confined space with the ambulance m oving too fast to simply step out o f the door to safety. It’ s been said that the fatality rate for EM S providers is higher than the national average for all workers; injuries on the job from vehicle accidents, assaults and at tacks on EM S providers are frightfully high. So, what can you do, in the back o f a rig, or at a potential pa tient’ s home, to protect yourself and your crew? De-escalation is the most often suggested - In order to de-escalate remain calm, keep your v oice even without yelling; if possible, give the pa tient space; listen to what the pa tient is saying and empathize; don’ t m ock or argue.
And if that doesn ’ t work... Som e places, like NYC, are pro viding protective gear (body armor) and yearly self-defense classes. There are a few agencies in the state enabling the teaching o f the Israeli Krav Maga method o f defense. Krav Maga teaches a variety o f step-down and self-de fense methods, but m ost im por tantly, the concentration is to escape the violence when p o ssi ble. If the EMT/Paramedic b e lieves both de-escalation and e s cape are no longer options, and you need to engage physically, be sure to document fully and truth fully all interactions, attempts, and eventual resolve... you may have to defend your actions in a court room. As the “professional”, a court will often be harsher on your actions than those o f a “fright ened”patient... make sure your actions are com pletely detailed and honest. While the N Y SD OH does not specifically offer Krav Maga or other detailed self-defense classes, unlike NYC FDNY-EMS, it is something that individual councils can and should consider. Keeping your staff safe (paid or volunteer), teaching them how to successfully de-escalate a situation as w ell as having situational awareness at a scene... and even more im por tantly, awareness in the close quarters o f a rig, w ill keep your crews healthier and able to re spond to every emergency. Even if your agency/employer does not offer self-defense train ing, individual EMS professionals can investigate this de-escalation and self-defense training for them selves. But remember, the most important aim is not to physically engage, but to minimize the situa tions when you might feel the need to defend yourself during an em ergency call. The goal is al ways to get the necessary help for your patient and cou ld go home yourself after your shift.
Read more from a ll of our colum nists on our w ebsite! www.1rbn.com
STEPHEN MWAUACE
Training Captain Loucks does an accountability check and safety procedure overview.
STEPHEN MWAUACE
NYSEG was on scene within minutes and firefighters worked with them to get the situation in hand quickly.
L ockport Fire R esp on d s to Cut Natural G as Main by Apartm ent C om plex LOCKPORT, NY - On July 8, the Lockport Fire Department re sponded with all units to 499 Davi son Road after being dispatched by Niagara County Emergency C om munications for a natural gas line rupture. A private contractor oper ating an excavator struck a gas line, releasing high-pressure natu ral gas into the air—just a few feet from a nearby apartment complex. The first-arriving engine was positioned in the hot zone at an angle to protect the pump operator in case o f a worst-case scenario. Training Captain Loucks arrived shortly after and immediately es tablished an accountability system before proceeding into the hot zone. Ladder 9 arrived and blocked the road at the north end, where the hot and cold zones met. Firefighter Corey Webster m oved from the ladder to the hot zone to assist with evacuations and other assigned du ties. NY SEG responded quickly and commandeered the private contractor’ s excavator to dig down to the shut-off valve. The roar o f high-pressure natural gas filled the area as fire crews worked nearby. Lockport firefighters entered the affected apartment building to
Jump to file #070825111
evacuate residents. Assistant C hief Scapelliti set up his command post in the safe zone next to Ladder 9 and main tained direct communication with the shift captain. Acknowledging the potential for a disaster, he or dered all non-essential personnel in the hot zone to fall back to a safer location. Crews had a handline pulled and ready in case ignition occurred. After approximately 20 min utes, NYSEG was able to dig down and successfully shut o ff the gas flow. The Lockport Fire Depart ment ventilated the apartments, took gas readings, and— after re ceiving the all-clear from Assistant Chief Scapelliti and NYSEG— res idents were allowed back into their homes. This was a scene handled pro fessionally from start to finish. Natural gas incidents are never routine, and these fire professionals responded with the precision and caution the situation demanded.
- STEPHEN WALLACE
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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PAGE 6
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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CORRESPONDENTS
New York: John "JR”R. Gaudet, 40 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 12, 2025 Death Date: February 12, 2025 Fire Department: Binghamton Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, February 12, 2025,
David Bums •Mike Carey •Michael Contaxis •Jeff Crianza •Russell Cur
Deputy Fire Chief Lawson became unconscious. Re sponders initiated CPR on Deputy Fire Chief Lawson who, despite the lifesaving efforts, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The cause o f his death has yet to be determined.
firefighters from the Binghamton Fire Department re sponded to the scene o f a multi-alarm commercial struc ture fire. While fighting the fire, a wall collapsed. A
Jeffrey Arnold •John Bechtold •Jeffrey Belschwinder •Brian Berkey •
him to the Welch Community Hospital. While in transit,
short time later a mayday was declared and Firefighter
ley •Vinnie Dominick •Patrick D’ Onofrio •Bob Faugh •Bradley Fowler •
John "JR”R. Gaudet was rescued from the debris. Two
John Greco •Paul Harrington •Gary Heam •Ron Jeffers •Lany Kensinger
other firefighters were also injured at the scene. All three
Mississippi: Terry Wayne Dykes, 58 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 1,2025 Death Date: March 3, 2025
Lowe •Tom Mlarra •Bob McCormick •Randy Montour •Tricia Mlood •
were immediately transported to the UHS Wilson M ed
Fire Department: Pinedale Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday, March 1, 2025, Fire
William Mlurray •Mlark Picemo •Charlie Piper •David Ragusa •John Rieth
ical Center where Firefighter Gaudet was pronounced
fighter Terry Wayne D ykes was at the scene o f a
deceased. The two other firefighters were treated and re
grass fire when he fell from the top o f a brush truck
leased.
and suffered m ajor head trauma. He was immediately
•Bob Krajicek •Connor Krueger •Jeff Levine •Stan De Long •Chuck
•Frank Robinson •Bob Root •Chris Sabella •Michael Serrell •Sharon Siegel •John Smith •Ken Snyder •John Spaulding •Bill Tompkins •Chris Tompkins •Bob Vaccaro •Gary Vanvoorhis •Frankie Verderame •Stephen Wallace •John Walthers •Eugene Weber Jr •Steve White •Guy Zampatori Jr
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ EDITORIAL INFORMATION_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder N ewspaper w elcom es subm issions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1Ard more St. N ew Windsor, NY 12553. Or, giv e us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all sub m issions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any
transported to the hospital where he passed away on
Virginia: Steve A. Weikle, 70 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: Feb. 13, 2025 Death Date: Feb. 13,2025
Monday, March 3, 2025, from the injuries he sus tained in the fall.
News@1 stR esponderN ew s.com
Steve Weikle responded with the Boiling Springs Fire
North Carolina: Christopher Rothmeyer, 27 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 5,2025 Death Date: March 5, 2025
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and Rescue to a report o f a collapsed bam with a trapped
Fire Department: New London Volunteer Fire
animal. After freeing the animal and within 24 hours o f
Department
this response, Firefighter Weikle was found outside o f
Initial Summary: While responding to an emergency
editorial or advertising material submitted.
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Fire Department: Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue, Inc. Initial Summary: On February 13, 2025, Firefighter
his home in cardiac arrest. Emergency medical services
incident, Firefighter Christopher Rothmeyer crashed on
were called to the scene where Firefighter Weikle was
N C Highway 8. Numerous responders administered life
pronounced deceased.
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saving measures to Firefighter Rothmeyer at the scene. Firefighter Rothmeyer was then transported to a nearby
West Virginia: Jeffrey Lawson, 54 Rank: Deputy Fire Chief Incident Date: February 17, 2025 Death Date: February 17, 2025 Fire Department: War Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, February 17, 2025, Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Lawson was responding in an engine to a report o f a structure fire when he became ill and told the driver that he needed medical attention. The driver o f the engine met an ambulance which transferred
hospital where he passed away from the injuries he sus tained in the crash.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2025
PAGE 7
BOB MCCORMICK
Coldenham FD Responds to Car Fire in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Coldenham FD and Town of Newburgh Po lice responded to a reported vehicle fire on Governor Drive, July 3rd. Firefighters used a hand line with foam/water to ex tinguish the fire.
SAM MURRAY
Reading party-goers look over the department's Ladder Tower Apparatus, whose members are re sponsible for the five Ladder Company jobs at a fire (Forcible Entry, Search & Rescue, Laddering, Ven tilation, and Overhaul).
Old Tappan VFD Assists w ith Summer Reading K icko ff Party OLD TAPPAN, NY - In June, the Old Tappan Volunteer Fire D e partment was asked to assist the Old Tappan Public Library pro mote its Summer Reading K ickoff Party. The department responded with three pieces o f apparatus, an Engine, a Squad, and a Truck (Lad der Apparatus) and a number o f
TO file #062325114
39 I ^ Firefighters. The department put its apparatus and equipment on dis play and gave the party goers, young children and their parents, an opportunity to examine same. Members o f the department
hope their participation at the Sum mer Reading K ickoff Party will in spire the youngsters to enjoy a summer that includes books. The staff o f the Old Tappan Public Li brary states that they have a num ber o f books on Firefighting; sounds like a good read!
- BILL AUTH
BOB MCCORMICK
Second Alarm Fire Draws Multi-Agency Response in Plattekill PLATTEKILL, NY - On July 2, the Plattekill Fire Department re sponded to a report o f smoke inside a residence at 11 Rivera Trail. Upon arrival, command requested a sec ond alarm be sounded. Cronomer Valley and Colden ham Fire Departments responded with a ladder truck and two engines. Additional units and manpower were requested from Wallkill, High land, Modena, and Shawangunk. Central Hudson was called to cut power to the structure. Firefighters used hand lines, hand tools, and a K-12 saw to extin guish the fire. A heat gun was used to locate hot spots, and siding was removed from the side o f the build ing in the area where elevated read-
JUMP TO FILE #070225101
ings were detected. Wallkill/Plattekill EMS was on scene, and several firefighters were evaluated for heat exhaustion. Deputy Ulster County Fire Coordi nators 56-4 and 56-2, along with Ul ster County Fire Investigators, were also present at the scene. G ood Will Fire Department stood by at Cronomer Valley's fire house, while Orange Lake Fire D e partment covered Plattekill’ s district. The cause o f the fire is currently under investigation.
- BOB MCCORMICK
SAM MURRAY
Prospective future firemen learn the duties of the Nozzle Man and Back-up Man on an inch-andthree-quarter firefighting hose line.
PAGE 8
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
MEMORIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board”feature please upload them on our website www. IRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
Family and Firefighters from across the Southern Tier of NY and Northern Tier of PA gath ered on July 9th and 10th to pay their respects to Fallen Fire Chief James Sitek of the West Colesville Fire Company. Chief Sitek succumbed to a medical emergency while op erating on scene of a house fire in the Town of Conklin dur ing the early morning hours of July 4th.
RETH CEFALU
Chief Sitek had served in the fire service for over 40 years, including a few years in Half moon Fire Department before moving to the Binghamton area and joining the West Colesville Fire Company where he spent over 35 years. Chief Sitek worked for the IBM Cor poration for many years and had many accomplishments in running and rowing.
RETHCEFALU
Chief Sitek leaves behind his wife, 4 children, 3 dogs, and many other family members, along with his West Colesville Fire Company family. May you Rest in Peace Chief, we will take it from here. PROVIDED
R ockland County Firefighters Line of Duty Death M em orial NEW CITY, NY - On June 16th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Rockland County Firefighters Line of Duty Death Memorial. This will be located on the front lawn of the Rockland County Courthouse in New City. The memo rial will be dedicated to all Rockland County volunteer fire fighters who have perished in the line of duty; all FDNY firefighters who were residents of Rockland County and all county residents who served as a firefighter outside of Rockland or FDNY.
N.GRISWOLD
FIRST RESPONDER
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August, 2025
PAGE 9
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PAGE 10
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
G reenport R escu e Squad, Inc. R e ce iv e s G enerous $25,000 Grant from HRBT Foundation GREENPORT, NY - Greenport Rescue Squad, Inc. (GRS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing emergency medical services in and around the City o f Hudson and surrounding com m u nities, is honored to announce a generous $25,000 grant from the HRBT Foundation. This funding will support the installation o f state-of-the-art Wi-Fi onboard all eight o f G R S ’ s ambulances, as well as its paramedic-equipped fly car. This Wi-Fi system, installed and maintained by Cradlepoint, will provide the connectivity that m odem EM S technology relies on to enhance patient care. As EMS has evolved, traditional radio communications have been re placed with app-based systems that allow EMTs and Paramedics to communicate directly with h os pitals in real-time. This includes GPS-enabled updates, secure sharing o f vital patient informa tion, and even direct communica tion with physicians. In a first-of-its-kind experi ence in the region, this connectiv ity will also be available— free o f charge— to patients and their fam ilies’onboard GRS ambulances. During what may be the most dif ficult and frightening moments in som eone’ s life, they will now be able to stay digitally connected with loved ones, easing anxiety and fear while awaiting critical updates. In today’ s world, where digital connection is vital, this in novation underscores G R S’ s com mitment tocompassionate, patient-centered care. Additionally, the upgraded connectivity will enable EMS teams to transmit E C G and 12lead E C G data directly to h ospi tals, ensuring early notification o f heart attack victims and expedit ing critical care. Furthermore, this grant will allow GRS to integrate with Columbia County 911 ’ s new
Jump to file # 062325116
f i 3 P
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GPS-based ambulance tracking system, im proving response effi ciency and coordination. GRS Executive Director Aidan S. O ’ Connor, Jr. expressed deep gratitude for this vital funding: “We are incredibly thankful to the HRBT Foundation for their generosity. The advancements in EM S technology have outpaced our previous connectivity capabil ities, particularly in rural com m u nities where cellular coverage gaps existed. This grant ensures that we are operating at the high est level— with reliable connectiv ity that will undoubtedly improve patient outcomes, enhance the care we provide, and bring pa tients closer to their families when they need it most.” Carl Florio, HRBT Founda tion Board President, shared his thoughts: “We are honored to support the Greenport Rescue Squad in their continued efforts to better protect and serve our community. The Foundation believes this con tribution will have a direct, p osi tive impact on their ability to respond more quickly and effec tively to emergencies, and w e ’ re proud to have a part in this en deavor.” Greenport Rescue Squad, Inc. extends its sincere appreciation to the HRBT Foundation for its com mitment to strengthening em er gency medical services in our community. This investment in technology w ill ensure that our EMTs and Paramedics have the tools they need to provide the highest level o f care— both clini cally and emotionally.
- GREENPORT RESCUE SQUAD
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Troy Firefighters carrying the patient up the 200-foot hill to the awaiting medic rig.
Troy Firefighters Perform a Technical R escu e in the Burden Pond P reserve TROY, NY - On June 28, 2025, at 6:33 PM, the City o f Troy Fire Department was dispatched to Burden Pond Preserve for a tech nical rescue. The caller reported that her foot was stuck between rocks, she had broken her ankle, and could not get out. Engine 3, Engine 6, the Rescue Squad, M edic 3, and the Battalion C hief responded to the scene. Troy Police and Engine 3’ s crew arrived and made their way into the preserve, where they found the patient in one o f the pre serve’ s treacherous areas. Troy P o lice assisted the fire department by escorting the patient’ s child to the fire apparatus staged in the nearby graveyard and stayed with the child while firefighters worked below. Firefighters from Engine 6 and the Rescue Squad began set ting up a low-angle rescue rope system from the top o f a hill about two hundred feet above the patient. Additionally, they brought in a Stokes basket and additional rope systems to reach the patient, who was in the water. Firefighters assessed the pa tient’ s injuries, provided advanced life support to stabilize her, and se cured her in the Stokes basket.
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Mb
3P
Above, firefighters established another low-angle rescue system, anchoring multiple points and cre ating a pulley system to assist in raising the patient up the steep em bankment. Once the patient was fully secured in the Stokes basket and fitted with a helmet, firefight ers pulled the rescuers and patient out o f the creek and up the em bankment. At the top, they disconnected the basket and hiked about one hundred feet to another steep hill, where another low-angle rigging system had been set up. After a brief pause to secure the basket and connect all team members to the rope system, firefighters at the top were ready to haul the patient and rescuers up the final two-hundred-foot hill. Meanwhile, rescuers who had worked near the water dismantled and repacked equipment, trans porting it to the midpoint for re trieval after the rescue. Firefighters carefully carried the patient up the steep hill, with the rigging team re setting the system multiple times
to ensure a safe ascent. Once at the top, the patient was transferred to the m edic rig and transported to the hospital, with additional medical personnel from the Rescue Squad on board. Afterwards, Troy firefighters retrieved all equipment from the preserve, repacked it onto the R es cue Squad, and took a short break before returning to service. Safety Rem inder: When vis iting Burden Pond Preserve, carry a rescue whistle to assist first re sponders in locating you in an emergency, keep a fully charged cell phone with a backup battery, and if hiking alone, inform som e one o f your location. The dedicated firefighters o f Troy are highly trained in rope res cue and handle numerous calls each year within the city’ s pre serves, nature trails, bike paths, and gorge areas. Rensselaer County is fortunate to have multi ple fire departments— including Poestenkill, City o f Rensselaer, Nassau, and D efreestville— that are also highly trained in rope res cue and serve the county effec tively.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to: Lindsey@1 strespondernews. com
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Two T eens Charged with A llegedly Starting the V ictory M ills Fire SCHUYLERVILLE, NY - On May 3E 2025, at 2:28 PM, numerous calls poured into the Saratoga County Emergency Communications Center reporting a major fire at 42 Gates Av enue, the Victory Mills. Callers stated the building was heavily involved. The Victory Mills Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. The first chief en route reported seeing heavy smoke from a distance and immediately requested additional resources: an engine tanker from Mid dle Falls Fire Department, a FAST team from Saratoga Springs Fire D e partment, a ladder company from Greenwich Fire Department, an en gine tanker from Quaker Springs, and a tower from Greenfield and Schuylerville Fire Departments. Thick black smoke billowed from Victory Mill, visible from over five miles away despite the rain. Upon ar rival, the chief found heavy fire show ing from a five-story, mill-style structure, with flames pouring from every window, end-to-end, as well as from an exposure building. Command quickly transmitted second and third alarms, bringing a significant number o f resources to the scene. Despite heavy rain, the heat from the structure could be felt up to 200 feet away. County coordinators and fire investigators were immediately dispatched. First-arriving units began setting up drop tanks for water supply and connected to a nearby hydrant, recognizing the scale o f the operation. The first arriving truck company set up in a parking lot outside the col lapse zone and extended their ladder to the fourth floor. As they worked, parts o f the already-burning building began collapsing. Firefighters laid two five-inch supply lines from Fish Creek onto Bridge Street. Command estab lished a tanker relay from a nearby draft site to supplement the municipal water supply. Numerous tankers from Washington and Saratoga Counties re sponded. Two engine companies and a truck company positioned themselves at the rear o f the building to protect nearby structures containing propane tanks that were not part o f the prop erty. As additional truck companies ar rived, they deployed their ladders in front o f the structure. Firefighters launched multiple 212 -inch handlines with blitz fires to tackle the flames from the front. Defensive tactics were employed as crews battled the intense fire. Ladder companies went into op eration quickly, supported by a steady flow o f water from the draft sites. Elowever, firefighters occasionally ran out o f water due to the high usage— over 2,000 gallons per minute— but this had minimal impact on progress. Tankers arrived in coordinated groups to refill the portable ponds, allowing crews to continue their attack. Fire fighters using blitz lines in front faced challenges from overgrown vegeta tion but quickly adapted, cutting trees that blocked master stream operations and improving efficiency. As the operation continued, sig nificant portions o f the building col-
Jump to file #062525109
lapsed, sending large columns o f black smoke and embers into the sky. Firefighters, drenched from the heavy rain, remained on scene. A well-orga nized system at the draft site allowed 8,000 gallons o f water to be delivered to the scene every few minutes. Fire investigators determined the building had no power or utilities con nected. Investigators quickly devel oped leads and located the teenagers responsible for starting the fire. They were taken into custody for question ing and subsequently arrested. Following the investigation, the Saratoga County Sheriff’ s Office charged two juveniles with Arson in the Third Degree (a Class E felony) and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree (a Class A misdemeanor). The juveniles are accused o f intentionally starting the fire and unlawfully enter ing a secured structure. They were re leased to their parents and are scheduled to appear in Family Court. Fire crews remained on scene into the late evening. Over 100 fire fighters and 23 pieces o f apparatus re sponded. Firefighters returned the follow ing day for hotspots as demolition crews began taking the structure down. A truck company was used to reach collapsed areas and extinguish remaining fire. In total, firefighters spent over 16 hours on scene. No in juries were reported. The fire department expressed gratitude to local residents and busi-
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters using a RAM XD to hit heavy fire on the floors in front of them. nesses who donated food, drinks, canopies, and other support through out the incident. Multiple agencies provided in valuable assistance during the re sponse, including: Quaker Springs VFD, Schuyler Hose Co., Gansevoort VFD, Wilton Fire Department, Maple Avenue Fire Co., Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Arvin Hart Fire Co., Malta Ridge VFC, Stillwater Fire De
partment, South Glens Falls Fire Co., Middle Falls Fire Department, Green wich Fire Department, Easton Volun teer Fire Co., Salem Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Argyle Fire Depart ment, Fort Edward Fire Department, Wilton EMS, Easton-Greenwich Res cue Squad, Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management, Washington County Office o f Emergency Man agement Coordinators, Saratoga
County Sheriffs Office, New York State Police, Saratoga County Public Safety Cause and Origin Team, New York State Office o f Fire Prevention and Control Fire Investigators, Town o f Saratoga Highway Department, and Saratoga County DPW.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
A firefighter climbs to the top of the ladder of Greenwich's ladder company.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2025
PAGE 13
No Injuries Reported in Troy Wall Fire Thanks to Rapid Firefighter Response TROY, NY — On June 20th at 6:08 PM, the City o f Troy Fire Department was dispatched to 761 River Street for a reported struc ture fire. Engine 4, Engine 1, En gine 2, Truck 1, Truck 2, M edic 3, the rescue squad, and the battalion chief responded to the scene. The caller reported a fire in the wall, stating they could see smoke on the first floor and did not believe anyone was on the second floor. Engine 4 arrived on scene with no visible signs o f fire from the outside o f the home. As firefighters entered the building, the officer o f Engine 4 notified dispatch that they had located fire in the wall and transmitted a S ig nal 30, indicating a working struc ture fire. Firefighters from the next-due engine connected to a nearby hydrant to establish a water supply. Fire crews deployed a 13Ainch handline through the side door o f the structure. As addi tional firefighters arrived, they began pulling apart the wall to ac cess the fire. Truck 2’ s crew threw a ladder to the roof and began in specting for any extension. The chief confirmed that all occupants o f the house had been accounted for.
Jump to file # 070325102 f#<6 Firefighters later reported a smoke condition in the basement and began efforts to locate the seat o f the fire. While working, crews opened up the kitchen wall— both inside and outside the structure— exposing burned beams and charred material. Firefighters on the second floor reported no fire extension, while crews on the first floor confirm ed that the fire was under control. Command placed the incident under control in under 15 minutes. Firefighters remained on scene to conduct overhaul operations, while fire investigators began ex amining the cause o f the blaze. No public determination has been re leased at this time. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was notified to assist individuals dis placed by the fire. Firefighters returned to serv ice approximately 30 minutes after the fire was brought under control and the scene was cleared. JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Troy firefighters pull apart the outer wall to find any remaining hot spots.
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PAGE 14
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Two Dogs Rescued from Second Alarm Fire in Rensselaer REN SSELA ER. N Y - On May 27. 2025, at 2:48 PM. the City o f Rensselaer Fire D epart ment, along with M ohaw k Am bu lance, was dispatched to 35 Glen Street for m ultiple reports o f a w orking structure fire. Callers w ere uncertain whether the house had been evacuated. The fire ch ie f responded and arrived on scene to find heavy fire and sm oke showing from the first floor. A second alarm was im m e diately transmitted, bringing in the D efreestville Fire Department for the R apid Intervention Crew (RIC), as w ell as the Clinton H eights and East Greenbush Fire Departments. Firefighters quickly deployed a PA-inch handline to the front door. Rensselaer firefighters made an aggressive interior push, while additional crew s m ov ed to the secon d and third floors to search for occupants. Within minutes, firefighters on the first floor kn ocked dow n the main body o f fire and reported unfavorable conditions in that area. The D efreestville RIC ar rived and conducted a quick 360degree walk-around o f the structure. Clinton H eights and East Greenbush firefighters also arrived and entered the structure to conduct secondary searches and overhauloperations on the first floor. During the secondary search.
J ump to file #0622251 DP
*b 39 firefighters d iscov ered a d o g on the floor above the fire. The ani mal was brought outside for eval uation. At that point. Com m and requested M ohawk Am bulance to respon d directly to the scene to evaluate a patient. A s overhaul operations co n tinued, firefighters d iscov ered a puppy, w hich w as also brought outside, given oxygen, and evalu ated. Firefighters w orking above the fire floor confirm ed no fire ex tension. Extensive overhaul oper ations on the first floor continued for an extended period. Fire investigators arrived on scene and began their investiga tion into the cause o f the fire. O ne individual sustained an injury and was evaluated on scene by M ohaw k Am bulance person nel. Both d o gs w ere cared for by m em bers o f the East Greenbush and Rensselaer Fire Departments. Thanks to the rapid response and aggressive tactics o f the Rens selaer Fire Department, the fire was brought under control quickly and prevented from spreading to other parts o f the building. A s o f now, no official cause o f the fire has been publicly released.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Bob Long
“ Just once, I’ d like the prompt for my username and passw ord to say, ‘ C lo se e n o u g h ’ ” JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
East Greenbush Fire Captain handing off the rescued puppy from 35 Glen Street.
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 15
OLD & NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New”feature, please upload them on our website, www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
BOB MCCORMICK
Rollover Crash on 1-84 Sends Driver to Hospital
SMMULl
NEWBURGH, NY — Orange Lake and Winona Lake Fire De partments responded to a vehicle rollover on Interstate 84 eastbound near mile marker 35.1 on July 8th. State and Town of Newburgh Police were on the scene, along with Town of Newburgh EMS. The driver, who was out of the vehicle when first responders arrived, was transported to Montefiore St. Luke’s Hospital. Firefighters secured the truck and mitigated any hazards. The New York State Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
RON JEFFERS
John Paulding Engine Co. 1 of Sparkill & Palisades 2024 Spartan/Fouts Bros. 1500-gpm/1000-gwt pumper, left, has replaced a 1993 Pierce Dash 1500-gpm/500-gwt apparatus.
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the Emergency Services”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Troy Firefighter K. Douglas and Troy's Animal Control Officer ad minister oxygen to the puppy from the fire building.
Puppy Rescued from Working Structure Fire in South Troy TROY, NY - On June 27, 2025, at 10:04 AM, the City o f Troy Fire Department was d is patched to 473 2nd Streetfollow ing multiple 911 calls reporting a working structure fire. R espond ing units included Engine 6, En gine 3, Engine 2, Truck 1, Truck 2, the Rescue Squad, M edic 4, and the Battalion Chief. As crews responded, a column o f smoke was visible in the clear morning sky. The dispatcher in formed units en route that a dog was trapped inside the building, and the owner was attempting to re-enter to rescue the pet. Engine 6 arrived first on scene and found a two-story woodframe residence with heavy smoke pushing from the rear and from the eaves o f the structure. A Signal 30 was immediately transmitted for a working fire. The homeowner, positioned on the back deck, had attempted multiple times to enter the home in search o f the dog. Engine 6 quickly deployed a lYi-inch handline through the front door and advanced to the second floor. Truck 2 arrived b e hind Engine 6 and established a water supply from a nearby hy drant. M embers o f the Rescue Squad, M edic 4, and Engine 3 parked at the end o f the street and proceeded on foot to the fire building. Truck 1 accessed the scene via 2nd Street and set up in the roadway. As additional crews entered the structure to perform a primary search and locate the dog, fire fighters broke out the front w in dows, releasing thick, brown smoke. During the search, one firefighter located the puppy and safely removed it from the rear o f the house, notifying command that the dog had been rescued and that the primary search o f the res-
JUMP TO FILE #071125102
idence was negative for human occupants. Firefighters on the second floor reported heavy smoke con tinuing to push from the rear eaves. As soon as the dog was re m oved from the structure, the homeowner sprinted inside, exited out the back door with the puppy, and carried it to the front o f the home. There, Engine 6’ s pump op erator, assisted by the Animal Control Officer, began administer ing oxygen to the dog. Firefighters quickly knocked down the heavy fire in the rear o f the structure, while r o o f opera tions were conducted to ventilate smoke from the eaves and cockloft. A secondary search o f the building confirmed that no one else was inside, and crews transi tioned to overhaul operations. Firefighters rotated outside to replace air cylinders before con tinuing overhaul inside the struc ture. Comm and began an investigation into the cause o f the fire. Within 20 minutes, firefight ers had the blaze under control. No injuries were reported, and the puppy was transported to a veterinarian for evaluation. Troy Fire Department Lieutenant C. Patenaude is credited with the res cue o f the puppy, and Firefighter K. Douglas is recognized for ad ministering oxygen and care once the dog was reunited with its owner. Fire crews remained on scene for an extended period. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced residents. The cause o f the fire has not yet been publicly released.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
HILLCREST FIRE COMPANY
Hillcrest Fire Co. #1 of Rockland County at the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association Parade in Lake George, NY, June 12, 2025.
VEHICLE NEWS
RON JEFFERS
John Paulding Engine Co. 1 of Sparkill and Palisades has placed into service a 2024 Spartan/Fouts Bros. 1500-gpm/1000-gwt pumper with Rockland County Department 16. The raised rood cab has eight seats along with portable radio and hand light chargers. The extended bumper basket houses a pre-connect hose line, plus there is 1500-feet of 4-inch LDH in the hose bed. It possesses a portable Warn which with front end receiver. Ground ladders and pike poles are stored in a hose bed com partment and there is a rear 2.5-inch discharge gate. There is one hard suction hose mounted on each side of the apparatus. The rig carries assorted saws, fans, extrication equipment and a portable Ml 8 light tower. It also has roll-out tool trays, scene lights, rear vision camera, "L" shaped water tank, LED lighting and a deck gun and booster reel located above the pump.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2025
PAGE 17
Geneseo Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Combine Fire on Booher Hill Road GENESEO, NY - Around 8:00 p.m., July 22nd, Geneseo firefight ers responded to a combine on fire in a wheat field on Booher Eiill Road. Units arrived on location and found the combine fully in volved, as well as a small area o f the field. Command re quested two tankers from Groveland to the scene. The blaze was extinguished in about 30 minutes. There were no in juries reported.
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PAGE 18
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Brivado Cigars: Where First Responders Unwind in Style Tucked away in the vibrant city o f Orange, N ew Jersey, Brivado Cigars isn ’ t just another cigar lounge - it’ s a sanctuary, a celebration, and a second home for heroes. Owned by Deputy Fire Chief Brian Agnew o f the Flolmes Marshall Fire Company in Piscataway, Brivado Cigars is a place where first responders can kick back, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life - all while being hon ored for their service. Located at 14 N. C en ter Street, Orange, NJ, Brivado C i gars stretches across a generous 6,000-square-feet, offering the perfect blend o f luxury, leisure, and community. From the moment you step through the door, it’ s clear that this isn ’ t your average cigar spot. The vibe is elevated yet w el coming, the energy is electric, and the amenities? Next level. To show appreciation for those who protect and serve, every Tuesday is First R esp on d er A p preciation Day, with half-price day passes offered exclusively for firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other first respon ders. It’ s Brian A gnew ’ s personal way o f giving back to the brother hood and sisterhood he knows so well, serving for over 19 years. “ Brivado is more than cigars,” says Agnew. “It’ s about creating a space for camaraderie, reflection, and celebration. As a firefighter, I know how important it is to de-
JUMP TO FILE # 070125101
^ 3P i ^
compress and connect with people who understand the weight o f the work we do.” And connect, they do. Brivado Cigars boasts one o f New Jersey’ s largest walk-in hu m idors, stocked with premium, hand-rolled cigars for every palate. Add to that its B Y O B status, 15 high-definition TVs broadcasting every major network game, an in sanely efficient, hospital-grade ventilation system, and the com fort o f plush leather seating, and it’ s easy to see why this has b e com e a go-to destination for cigar lovers and public servants alike. But it’ s not just about the smoke. Brivado also features a private, non-sm oking banquet space that accommodates up to 100 guests, ideal for hosting birthday celebrations, b ach elor and bachelorette parties, p rom o tion ceremonies, union meetings, fundraisers, car and bike rallies, and more. Whether it’ s a night out with the crew or a full-blown event, Brivado delivers a tailored experience with class and flair. What truly sets Brivado apart is its m obile ciga r operation ready to roll into your firehouse or fundraiser and bring the Brivado experience on-site. Whether it’ sa department event, wedding, or
community celebration, the team provides top-tier service and even offers custom -labeled ciga rs for wet-downs, w eddings, birth an nouncem ents, prom otions, re tirements, and charitable events - a personal touch that adds a nice touch to any occasion. Agnew, a lover o f cigars, scotch, and bourbon, founded Brivado Cigars with a simple phi losophy: cherish the moment. That vision echoes throughout the space - from the curated accessories and private cigar lockers to the laugh ter and m em ories shared nightly among its guests. So if y ou ’ re a first responder looking for a spot that honors your commitment and caters to your lifestyle, make your way to Brivado. Because when the shift ends, you deserve a place that un derstands what it means to serve and celebrates you for it. Brivado C igars 14 N. C enter St., Orange, NJ 732-366-3044 ww w .brivadocigars.com brivadocigars@ gm ail.com
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2025
PAGE 19
V INNIE D O M IN IC K
Head-On MVA on Route 300 in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Cronomer Valley FD was called to a headon MVA on Route 300 and Route 32, July 11th. Four patients were taken to the hospital to get evaluated. The fire depart ment put speed dry down and cut the battery cables to make the vehicle safe. The town of Newburgh AMS and Town of Newburgh Police Department were on scene.
BOB MCCORMICK
Three-Car MVA on Route 17K in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - On July 11th, the Orange Lake/Winona Lake Fire Departments responded to a three-vehicle MVA with injuries at the intersection of State Route 17K and Fletcher Drive. Town of Newburgh Police and EMS were already on scene when firefighters arrived. Crews spread Speedy Dry on fluids that had spilled onto the roadway and worked to secure two ve hicles from further hazards. Town of Newburgh EMS transported one individual to Montefiore St. Luke’s Hospital for evaluation. New York State Police assisted with traffic control. The Town of Newburgh Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
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PAGE 20
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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CHRISTOPHER HEAR, FIRE COORDIHATOR
ROR HIGGINS
Nyack Fire Department on scene at a structure fire, June 3rd, at the Nyack Plaza Apartments.
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AUGUST, 2025
PAUSTINFIREPHOTOS
BROOKHAVEN, NY - On July 19th, the Brookhaven Fire Department was activated for a reported house on fire. 5-3-30 had smoke from a distance; when 30 arrived on scene, he had a fully involved house. -
See full story on Page 25
R esponder jo in o u r TEAM OF DISPATCHERS! W IRELESS
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLANi T WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
ADVERTISER
INDEX
If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
A guide to finding great companies
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Firematic
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder N ews (ISSN 1525-1683) - N ew York edition - Vol. 27 No. 8 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, N ew Windsor, NY 12553. Pe riodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1Ardmore Street, N ew Windsor, NY 12553. N o financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
t y p o graphical errors ex cept of reprinting that part o f the ad which was omitted or in error. O m issions or errors must be brought to the at tention o f the newspaper during the sam e month o f publication. Printed in Canada.
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
West Hamilton Beach Fire Department operates this 1992 Pierce Arrow Pumper 1500GPM/750GALy20F as Engine 946. This rig for merly served as Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services in Georgia.
845-534-7500• (fa x ) 845-534-0055 fn fo @b e ls ito . com
PURUCATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views o f 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pur suant 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 Commu nications, Inc. vouches for the credibility o f the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.
Additional news
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Hagerman FD Com bats Early-Morning Working Fire EAST PATCHOGUE, NY - During the early morning hours of Saturday, June 28th, the Hagerman Fire Department and mu tual aid companies operated at a working private dwelling fire located on Lake Street. No injuries were reported. The fire is currently under investigation. Units operated under the command of 5-10-30.
from Long Island
BRADLEY FOW UR/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Riverhead Police Department operates this 1981 Ford-EVF as Mo bile Command Post 1. This rig formerly served the Riverhead Fire Department.
DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
can be
On July 13th, the Stony Brook Fire Department conducted a water rescue training in the Stony Brook Harbor. The drill went over watercraft operation, rescuing swimmers in distress, and loading patients on the boat and a zodiac.
found on our website at www.1rbn.com B R A D U Y FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Members aboard Marine 5A3-26 pulling in a rescuer.
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Marine 5A3-26 transporting a victim to the dock.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 25
August, 2025
LONG ISLAND^
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Reported House Fire in Yaphank YAPHANK, NY - During the late evening hours of Sunday, July 13th, the Yaphank Fire Department was dispatched to a re ported structure fire on Rainmond Street. First arriving units encountered smoke showing on arrival. After further investi gation, it was discovered to be a dyer fire. Units extinguished the fire and vented the house. No injuries were reported. Units operated under the command of 5-30-30.
PAUSTIHFIREPHOTOS
Grill D eem ed C a u se o f Fully Involved H ou se Fire in B rookhaven BROOKHAVEN, N Y - On July 19th, the Brookhaven Fire Depart ment was activated for a reported house on fire. 5-3-30 had smoke from a distance; when 30 arrived on scene, he had a fully involved house.
Jump to file #071925100
A Brookhaven and mutual aid crews responded in, started exterior operations and tower ladder opera
tions, and knocked all fire down. IShirley Ambulance Company transported one bum victim to a local hospital. Crew s went back into service three hours later.
- PARKER AUSTIN
EMS If you have photos you would like to see in our “EMS" feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey® lstResponderNews.com.
PAUSTIHFIREPHOTOS
Payloader Catches Fire in Coram CORAM, NY - On July 8th, the Coram Fire Department was activated for a reported excavator on fire. On arrival of 5-631, he had a fully involved excavator. 5-6-2 responded in, put water on the fire and extinguished all fire. Crews went back into service under two hours later.
ORADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Brentwood-Legion EMS Fly Car operating on a recent car into building in Bay Shore.
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLANiT
Are you a Discourager or an Encourager Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
Yesterday brought things home for me as far as having people in your life to encourage us. I sat with a friend as he went for his first chemo treatment. I could under stand that it can be scary, no matter who you are. I tried to uplift his spirits and encourage him. We are easily finding those people who want to discourage us. They may beat us down, make us feel that we are useless, or some may threaten our lives. These peo ple are to be ignored. There are enough naysayers around. Why waste our time on the negative? I f I want negative, I will turn on the tel evision and watch the news. We need to have the proper balance in our lives. People who yell at us should be put where they can best serve society by keeping them away from people. We need encouragers in our lives, those who speak possibilities into us, lift us up, speak hope into our lives. When there are people who put drugs into their bodies or alcohol as a coping mechanism, we need to speak hope and possibilities into their lives. People have proba bly been speaking negative into their lives the entire time. Maybe we can see what they are good for or talented. When we are learning new skills, we would like encouragers. They would take the time and show us again and again how to do it the right way. They may celebrate the improvements that we are making, no matter how small. They may take extra time to coach us on the side so that nobody else would know that we might have been struggling. I know that there are certain leaders who have encouraged the people in their teams, where the in dividuals would rally around the positive and the encouragers. Those people would have their people willingly follow them into very dangerous situations because they knew that they trained where there was no way that they would fail a mission and would not want to let the encourager be let down. As a good leader, friend or per
son, we should work to encourage people. There is an old question that asks if people are better o ff when you leave versus when they came to you. You can speak value into som e on e’ s life. You can develop the attitude o f encouraging each person that comes into your life. It does not take long or much effort, unless you encounter one o f those discouragers who is try ing to make you feel like garbage in stead o f them seeing the brighter side in life. For these people, if they are so head strong on being one o f those people sucking on lemons their entire life, then don't waste your time. In the Bible, in Hebrews 10:24 it states, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds". Through the proper encourage ment, we can develop the next gen eration. We can train the generation, maybe we can encourage them to en counter other people in person and encourage them to learn the proper coping skills. We should also be the encourager for others to develop the skills that they need for life. We can encourage people to help them get away from using sub stances like alcohol and/or different drugs that are harmful to them. When was the last time that you spent time and talk with people about what their passion is in life and direct them and encourage them to explore their dreams or talents. You may not realize how valu able your conversations are. I have had two people, different times in my life, tell me how valuable my conversation with them was. They both said that the conversation changed their lives. All I did was talk with them and speak into them the possibilities that can happen in their life or what God may have in store for their lives. Apparently, from those two conversations, there are two less people that were about to be suicide statistics. Have you ever felt so down that you did not think that you could lift yourself and then someone com es and may point out some o f your good qualities. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states "therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." For me, as I was sitting with a friend that was receiving his first chemo therapy it was brought to me, " Praise be to the God and Father o f our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father o f compassion and the God o f all com
fort, who comforts us in all our trou bles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we our selves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. It is through the encouragement that we receive that we can encourage each other. As we watch some teams, for many fields, someone in the group can lift up their team, so that when the team needs encouragement, they can sup port each other. M ost encouragement does not take much. You can send a text, make a phone call or something else that is simple with your own person ality to speak into others. One o f the things that I did to uplift someone was I took something that said, and I made a personalized painting for that person. Maybe you have another talent that would make someone en couraged. Maybe making a meal or helping do repairs on a car or house or helping with children. Romans 15:5 "May the God who gives en durance and encouragement give you the same attitude o f mind to ward each other that Christ Jesus had" Proverbs 12:25 "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." What a way to help someone! Cheer someone up. Talk with someone who looks like they are carrying a load and weighed down by their situation. Maybe you can assist the person with their chal lenge or maybe you can just listen. Many times, people may just want to get something o ff their chest with no response or no advice. There are times where people may need to rant and rave and need to vent but it would probably mean a lot to the in dividual, if you can find a way to en courage them later. Who can you encourage? You are a special and unique individual and only you can encourage people the way that you do, positive and up lifting. I f you want, I am sure that you can find information from credible source as to how to listen and how to encourage. Remember that when you come across the information to make sure that you just don't trust the first thing that you see, research with reliable sources.
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
B ellport Dual W etdown BELLPORT, NEW YORK - On Saturday, May 31st, the Bellport Fire Department hosted a wet down for Engine 5-1-3 & Engine 5-1-5. The rigs are twin 2024 Spartan Metro Star Pumpers. Pictured are members of the department blessing the trucks.
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “ feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
EUGEHE WERER JR.
This patch belongs to the Plum Island Fire Department, located in Suffolk County, NY.
Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
Visit 1st Responder on the Web at www.1RBN.com
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2025
PAGE 27
DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
Truck Checks If ever there was a necessary evil in the fire service it is def initely truck checks. It’s not going out on a limb to suggest that there aren’t many firefight ers that actually like to con duct truck checks. Not before drill when you’re itching to cut open a car and certainly not after a call or drill when you’re wiped out from dragging hose lines and overhaul. To put it bluntly firefighters, need to stop making excuses to partic ipate in truck checks because they serve several legitimate purposes most if not all are fairly obvious. First, truck checks allow fire fighters to get to know the lo cation of all the tools on each apparatus. An argument can be made that getting to know where the tools are on the ap paratus is more important for younger firefighters because they don’t have the knowledge base thus tool location may not have progressed to be coming second nature yet. That is simply not true. Every firefighter young and old stand to benefit from participating in truck checks. For starters, tool locations may change over time based on need and use. Hopefully the inventory sheets have been updated and the company informed (as a sta tion keeper I actually made my own because my employer did not provide them when asked)! Not to mention that tools do sometimes get put back in the wrong spots; happens all the time. This is a circumstance a veteran firefighter should be able to remedy immediately. All that said truck checks are from a skills standpoint low level. As such they are an out standing drill for Explorers and junior firefighters (JF) so that once they become mem bers, they hit the ground run ning knowing where everything is located. Having Explorers and JF conduct
truck checks also benefits those that are tasked with teaching them since an advi sor needs to be present throughout. As an aside DO NOT let Explorers and JF han dle pack/cylinder checks with out an advisor present to make sure this is done properly. Even as a veteran firefighter in the volunteer service you may not get to operate each tool consistently. If you haven’t started a chainsaw or K12 in a quite some time this is your opportunity to do so. Lastly, to expand on that thought not only might firefighters not han dle all the tools consistently, they may not even ride each apparatus consistently to re call all tool locations. On a per sonal note, I have my routine getting on the primary engine for an alarm but that routine was usually disrupted when having to take the rescue truck for an extrication because not only are the tools different but were not in the same loca tions. Truck checks help to solve that problem. Truck checks as tedious as they are simply train all of us to be more efficient when a particular tool(s) is needed; especially if doubles are needed such as requiring two sets of irons for forcible entry and knowing where the sec ond set is housed is certainly advantageous. Seriously ask yourself, if the first set of irons is in the cab, do you know where the second set is lo cated if you needed them? Beyond the practical aspect there is also the development of a personal connection with each apparatus and the tools themselves. Personally, I pre fer a Halligan and usually grav itate toward getting the irons. That personal connection fur ther develops into a sense of pride; pride that each tool is functional and ready to go,
pride that each apparatus is maintained and clean. Fire fighters can also identify spe cific tools that they may need additional training with includ ing applicable situations. Last on a personal aspect is that truck checks also assist in helping firefighters decide their preferences i.e. engine or truck. Departmental SOPs govern how and when truck checks are completed with each com pany deciding the specifics as to how and when. Most depart ments do so on paper. This un fortunately has contributed over the years to the compla cency and monotony. In some cases, there is one person with a clipboard with perhaps 3-4 firefighters in tow assisting by calling out tool names. This system does not allow every one to participate and/or en ables a lack of participation. On a weekly basis there are a couple of other ways to allevi ate this. The first is to assign firefighters to a particular ap paratus and then further bro ken down to have each compartment completed by one member of the team and report back to an officer. Many hands make light work is a common phrase used in many departments and is certainly
applicable with truck checks. On an annual basis why not make truck checks more fun and/or competitional to make this daunting task tolerable? Many departments also have an annual “inspection dinner” that results from a thorough cleaning and truck check. This will identify missing tools and maintenance issues and, in some cases, ready the appara tus for a public appearance such as being part of a Memo rial Day Parade. Usually, it works with a team assigned or chosen by the line officers for each apparatus. Once com pleted each piece is judged by members of neighboring de partments and the winner re ceiving bragging rights and possibly a more tangible prize. Some departments have out side companies come in for this annual cleaning but that undermines some of the bene fits outlined earlier. The last aspect is using a digi tal format to conduct truck checks. Although there are likely several programs avail able, one of the better ones is PSTrax. This is an online sys tem where each member is as signed a login that once online can view each apparatus bro ken down into the respective compartments and the tools listed that belong in that com partment. Each firefighter can then take a compartment, check off all the tools in that compartment and complete the
inventory. This is done in “real time” so once a section is completed it is removed from the list so there is no duplicate effort. Once implemented truck checks could be done as effi ciently as ten minutes. The set up for PSTrax is sim ple, their team assists depart ments build their site and checklists and is a true turn key solution. The end result is a streamlined truck check sys tem that accomplishes all the positive aspects with few, if any, disadvantages - perhaps teaching firefighters to em brace and use new technology as the only downside! PSTrax can be contacted at www.PSTrax.com. At the end of the day, truck checks are a necessity for all firefighters and they aren’t going anywhere. Good advice then would be stop putting wasted energy into avoidance instead of participating and getting the most you can out of this activity. The latter will only result in a much more positive firefighter experience espe cially when tools are obtained professionally resulting in a more efficient firefighting oper ation. -JOSEPH CEA
PAGE 28
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
The Evolution of Aerial Fire Apparatus ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
The E volution o f Aerial Fire Apparatus By Walter P. M cC all Available from: FSP B ook s & V ideos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, M A O 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@ fire-policeem s.com www. fire-police-ems. com Price: $32.95 This is a soft cov ered b ook measuring 8 inches by 11 inches, with 158 pages. The author in my opin ion (and o f many others), is an expert in fire apparatus. He is also the author o f Am erican Fire Engines Since 1900 and other outstanding books. This has 11 chapters, plus an appendix and color gallery. The rest o f the out
standing photos in the b o o k are black and white. I w ou ld strongly su ggest that you, the reader, look over the Forward before starting to delve into this book. It has a wealth o f inform ation with many surprising facts within it. Eight o f the chapters are divided into 10 years each, with the tenth chapter including the years 1990 through 2000’ s. Chapter 3 is devoted to the hydraulics and steel, and Chapter 11 is devoted to the water tower, the class later known as the elevat ing platform. At the end o f Chapter 10 on page 124 is a list o f eight aerial dev ices that were on the market in 2008, 141 years after D aniel D. H ayes introduced the first successful mass produced aer ial ladder in the United States. This w as done in San Francisco where he had b ecom e an SFFD machin ist. However, this inform ation is within the Forward o f the b ook so I w ill not g o any further, but let y ou read it. I cannot em phasize enough about h ow many interest ing and rare apparatus are in the photos. I f you are a fan o f fire ap paratus, this b o o k is a must for you!
BRADLEY F0WLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
4-Alarm Fire Contained in Queens Com m ercial Building QUEENS, NY - On the morning of June 22nd, FDNY companies responded to box 5368 for a phone alarm reporting fire in a commercial. Battalion 54 transmitted a 10-75. The fire was located on the 2nd floor of a two-story 20x80 flat roof mixed occupancy. During operations, Battalion 54 transmitted the 2nd & 3rd Alarm. Division 13 reported slight extension to the cockloft, the main body of fire knocked down, primary searches completed, 4 lines stretched with three in opera tion, and secondary searches underway but delayed due to heavy clutter conditions. Field Com transmitted the 4th alarm with 4 lines stretched. Later, Field Com reported three minor injuries. The incident was placed under control in 90 minutes. Units operated under the command of Bat talion 54/Division 13.
IIN 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.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
DAVID BURHS/@FD4D
Lithium Batteries Cause of Fatal Fire in Queens QUEENS, NY - FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn and Deputy Chief Brian Ott of Divi sion 14 briefed the media on Tuesday, July 8th, at the scene of a fatal two-alarm fire at 43-69 Kissena Boulevard. Once again, Lithium Batteries were responsible for a fast-moving fire on July 4th that tragically claimed the life of a patron after she was trapped inside the restaurant where the e-bike exploded.
R0H JEFFERS
FDNY Engine Co. 28 lets the public know they are the protectors of Alphabet City.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2025
PAGE 29
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Vehicle News
RON JEFFERS
DAVID DURNS/@FD4D
FDNY Ladder Co. 11 has been assigned a Seagrave 100-foot rear-mount aerial ladder possessing Shop # SL24005.
RON JEFFERS
FDNY Ladder Co. 3 has been assigned a Seagrave 100-foot rearmount aerial ladder possessing Shop # SL24004.
OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING We Need Your Help! Post an event in your area at www.1rbn.com JACOD BURNS/BNP
Five Alarm Bronx Blaze Injures Firefighters BRONX, NY (Box 3360) - FDNY Firefighters were kept busy on Sunday, June 22nd, battling a five alarm fire in the University Heights section of the Borough. Thirteen Bravest were in jured, including one critically, after a five alarm blaze tore through three homes, the FDNY said. The fire started at 7:24 p.m., on the first-floor of 2462 Devoe Terrace in University Heights and quickly spread to the homes on either side, the FDNY said. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.
Keep an eye out for National Events too!
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2025
PAGE 31
MEMORIAL BOARD If you have photos you would like to see in our Memorial Board feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
STEVE WHITE
July 4th Parade in Staten Island STATEN ISLAND, NY - Oceanic Volunteer Fire Company 1 and Richmond Engine Company 1 both appeared in the 115th Travis 4th of July Parade in Staten Island. Both volunteer companies are dispatched by the NYC Fire Dept., and re spond to fire and medical emergencies. Pictured are Oceanic members with Grand Marshalls Lois and Richard Nicotra.
PATCH OF THE MONTH
STEVE WHITE
A FDNY memorial was unveiled on May 10, 2025 near the quarters of Rescue 5 on Clove Road. The Staten Island FDNY retirees worked to refurbish the new monuments, which shows the names of all Staten Island Firefighters who were killed on 9/11 and those who made the supreme sacrifice from 1907 to the present.
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
CHIEF STEVE WHITE, RICHMOHD EHGIHE COMPANY 1
Volunteer Firemen’s Association of the City of New York EUGENE WEBER JR.
FDNY Da Bronx Fire Communication, Located in Bronx County, NY.
The Volunteer Firemen's Association of the City of New York held its annual Officer's Installation Dinner at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club on April 5, 2025. The following 8 NYC Volunteer Fire Com panies were present: Broad Channel, Edgewater Park Hose Co.1, Gerrittsen Beach, Point Breeze, Richmond Engine Company 1, Rockaway Point, Roxbury and West Hamilton Beach.
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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