1st Responder FDNY January Edition

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

FDNY NEWS

WWW.1RBN.COM

Wishing you a Holiday Season filled with Peace, Love,

Hope & Happiness!

JANUARY, 2015

PAGE 2

January, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

GARY HEARN

Fire in ductwork on 34th Street New York City, NY. On the morning of November 26th, a fire broke out in the duct work at 365 West 34th Street in Manhattan.

Crews were alerted to the all hands fire in the four story building, which has commercial businesses

JUMP TO FILE #120114126

on the first two floors and apartments on the upper two floors.

According to reports, the fire

was contained to the ductwork. It was brought under control in approximately one hour. The cause and exact origin of the first are under investigation.

- GARY HEARN GARY HEARN

WWW.ALLHANDSFIRE.COM

City stage workers receive rescue training On October 20 and 21, members of Local 1 Stage Hands based in New York City received rope rescue training at the Gerald Lynch Theater. Sixteen students from various theaters throughout the city were in attendance.

The rope rescue program began with a lecture on worker standards, equipment familiarization, proper equipment applications and related information. Then, students participated in skill stations showing use

JUMP TO FILE #110814100

of specific equipment and then student received hands on instruction.

The following day, students took part in practical scenarios that included the rescue of both conscious and unconscious workers in a harness and on rope. Students also were trained in self-rescue and pick-offs.

The two day training session was provided by All Hands Fire Equipment & Training, based in New Jersey. Featured instructors included retired Captain Robert Morris and retired Firefighter Joel Kanasky.

For details on rope rescue training of other programs that are offered, please contact Training@AllHandsFire.com.

- DONALD COLARUSSO

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Three car MVA in Queens On December 1, 2014, a male driver had a medical emergency while driving. According to officials on the scene, he had a seizure and hit to vehicles with his car. No other injuries were reported as a result of the accident. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

January, 2015

PAgE 3

RICHARD YORK

STEVE WHITE

Pedestrian fatally struck in Laurelton, Queens Engine 311, Tower Ladder 158, and Battalion Chief 54 responded to Merrick Blvd and 225 St in Laurelton, Queens for a report of persons pinned beneath a vehicle around 8:30 p.m. on November 8th.

Upon arrival, it was confirmed that they had one person under and an additional aided struck by the vehicle.

Multiple buses were requested

JUMP TO FILE #111014102

to the scene while TL158 operated the Hurst tools to extricate the victim.

Unfortunately when the vehicle was lifted enough, it was determined the patient was DOA with multiple trauma to the torso and head.

All fire department units went back in service while NYPD shut down the intersection determining that this was a crime scene.

It was reported that the driver of the vehicle intentionally ran down the victims after a fight broke out at a banquet hall on the block.

The incident is still under investigation.

- RICHARD YORK

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.

STEVE WHITE

Firefighter escape system training Firefighters from Richmond Engine Company 1, a volunteer fire company based in Staten Island, trained at the All Hands Fire and Equipment facility in New Jersey. They were instructed on the use of the Petzl Exo personal escape system.

JOHN HOPPER

FDNY Squad Company 61 runs with a 2013 Seagrave rescue engine 1000/500

PAGE 4

January, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

RICHARD YORK

STEVE WHITE

Seven injuries at Staten Island all hands Staten Island, NY. On November 28, 2014, FDNY crews were alerted to a fire in a seven story 20x50 occupied multiple dwelling at 90 Richmond Hill Road in Staten Island. The fire was reported on the first floor at 9:18 a.m.

Seven 10-45's were reported with one in critical condition. Engine 167 at 9:03 a.m. transmitted the 10-75 with one 10-45 code 2, victim removed, requesting EMS with a rush. Other victims are brought out of the building with

RICHARD YORK

Second alarm fire extends from deli to the residence above Engine 311 transmitted the 1075 for fire on the first floor of a commercial building at 184-13 140 Avenue (Box 5848) on November 16th around 11:30 p.m.

Tower Ladder 158 extended their bucket right to the roof directly in front of exposure one as Battalion 54 transmitted the all hands with a heavy volume of fire extending to the second floor.

He requested an addition engine and ladder a minute later. As Division 13 arrived on scene, he transmitted the second alarm.

Minutes later, he gave the report he had two lines stretched and in operation. A third was being

JUMP TO FILE #112514107

stretched and there was fire on the first and second floors and crews were in the process of checking the exposures.

Shortly after, TL155 in exposure two stated it was all firestopped and there was no extension.

Companies on the first floor reported the main body of fire knocked down and had concern for the second floor collapsing due to some holes through the tongue and grove flooring. However, BC54 reported the floor beams looked good

though the thermal imaging camera.

BC54 followed that report minutes later stating they had fire in the cockloft of the second floor backroom. After opening it up, knocking down the hot spots, secondaries were conducted and were negative with the exception of a cat found.

The fire was placed probably will hold around 12:22 a.m. at the 1 hour and 3 minute mark and a 1041 code 1 (suspicious fire in an occupied structue) was transmitted due to heavy volume of fire on arrival.

- RICHARD YORK

JUMP TO FILE #120114123

smoke inhalation.

At 9:18 a.m., Battalion 43 reported two lines stretched and operating.

Car 8 at 9:38 a.m. reported all visible fire knocked down with primary searches negative, fire is probably will hold.

- STEVE WHITE

EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Watercraft feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

STEVE WHITE

The FDNY fireboat 343-II (Marine 9) salutes the 50th Anniversary of the Verrazano Bridge with a water display.

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

January, 2015

Page 5

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PAGE 6

January, 2015

FDNY HOUSES

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

93 Engine and 45 Truck, The Might of the Heights

FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock

Washington Heights is one of the most bustling neighborhoods in all of Manhattan and the five boroughs.

With its Dominican heritage, its signature main street (181 Street), traffic and crowds, along with a large commercial district; the streets are always jumping here.

The neighborhood also provides dramatic views of the George Washington Bridge and the cliffs of the Palisades, across the river in New Jersey, which are visible from the high bluffs along Haven Avenue.

Bennett Park, located on 183 Street between Fort Washington and Pinehurst Avenues is named after James Gordon Bennett, the publisher who first started the New York Herald, the first city newspaper in 1835.

The James Gordon Bennett medal is the highest medal awarded to a New York City firefighter every year, for an act or acts of bravery in the line of duty.

The medal was first endowed in 1869 and was the department’s only medal of valor for 27 years.

The park is home to the highest point in Manhattan at 265 feet above sea level. A stone marker attests to this fact and sits on a large outcropping of rock at the South end of the park. Besides being the highest point in the borough, some of the best-kept buildings and tree-lined streets overlooking the Hudson River also make this some of the most desirable real estate.

The park was also built on the former site of Fort Washington, which served as a lookout during the Civil War. A bronze and marble plaque commemorates this fact. It sits on a wall along the East side of the park.

There is a firehouse in the middle of this busy neighborhood “The Might of the Heights�, 93 and 45 on 181st Street off Amsterdam Avenue.

Both companies as well as the firehouse celebrated their 100th anniversary in March of last year.

This is a firehouse with a stellar reputation and is well known for being squared away, in fire department terminology.

In one hundred years of service to its community, Engine 93 and Ladder 45 along with the 13th Battalion have endured four line of duty deaths with one occurring in one of the worst disasters to hit the City of New York.

On December 11th of 1946 just before midnight, a fire started in the abandoned Knickerbocker Ice Company plant located on Amsterdam Avenue and 184th Street.

The building was five stories tall with massive brick walls and cork insulation, which supported a concrete roof and was designed

LARRY WOODCOCK

to keep the ice frozen.

The fire apparently started in a pipe chase. Then, it extended horizontally and throughout the cork insulation. At about one hour into the fire, the roof of the plant collapsed onto the top floor, which pushed out an already fire weakened 36 inch wall onto an adjoining occupied tenement next door.

The collapse tore away the rear of the tenement, creating a

large pile of concrete and rubble from both buildings. This entombed many people. Inside the tenement were more then 60 residents some sleeping and unaware of the fire next door. Some had gathered on the roof to watch the fire.

Multiple alarms were transmitted, five in all. Firemen worked for more then 48 hours digging and tunneling under extremely danger-

ous conditions in order to reach those trapped.

Many heroic rescues were made. Medals of Valor were awarded to eight firemen, but sadly 37 people were killed and 40 were injured. Included in the dead was Fireman Frank Moorehead of 93 Engine, who gave his life in performance of his duties to the City of New York.

93 Engine was organized on

March 20, 1913 along with 45 Truck, which was organized on November 27,1913. This has been their only location.

The 13th Battalion was organized on October 1, 1898 and was moved around before finding a home here in January of 1916.

- LARRY WOODCOCK

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1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY 1

January, 2015

Page 7

Peoples Home Loans joins 1st Responder to support the Heroes Mortgage Program You risk your lives for us every day without giving it a second thought. It’s just who you are, it’s what you do.

You are brave, selfless and hard-working. You are a hero. Brave men and women like you are why the Heroes Mortgage Program was created.

1st Responder and Peoples Home Loans have proudly collaborated to provide this great mortgage opportunity, which provides low interest rates for firefighters and other members of the emergency services community. In addition to great rates, the Heroes Mortgage Program offers minimal lender fees and promises to get clients in their new home by the contract date.

“We are honored to be serving and working with the true heroes of our community,” 1st Responder Newspaper Publisher Joseph P. Belsito said. “Firefighters and other members of the emergency services community are an important part of the fabric of our society. They are always there for us, always on call. This is just a way to give back to them and their families.

We are certainly excited about the Heroes Mortgage Program and expect it to grow.”

The Heroes Mortgage Program understands how hard you work every day and the sacrifices you and your family make for us. That’s why our staff of respected professionals is committed to providing our heroes with unmatched customer service!

Working with its own resources and Federal government programs, Peoples Home Loans develops solutions that open the path to home ownership, also offering cost-effective refinance

Call the Heroes Hotline today if you need a mortgage or are thinking about refinancing!

877-541-HERO

options. The Heroes Mortgage Program is designed with you and your friends and family in mind!

“We have already started working with clients and are receiving great reviews and referrals, which means a lot to us all,” said Steve Testa, a Peoples Home Loans production manager. “I’ve been humbled to get to know and

work closely with some of these men and women. To be able to help them fulfill their dream of purchasing their first home, or helping them with a better rate on a refinance, is very rewarding. I’m truly excited about developing this relationship with the firefighter and emergency services community.”

To receive more information about the pro-

gram and its benefits, contact Steven Testa (NMLS 460176) at stesta@bankingunusual.com or call 877-541HERO (4376). Peoples Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper are not affiliated. Mortgage financing provided by Peoples Home Loans, a division of Peoples Bank – Equal housing Lender | Member FDIC

Firefighter thrilled with personal service during mortgage process Karl McAleer grew up around the firehouse with his father, uncles and grandfather, among others, serving as his heroes.

As it turns out, Karl McAleer is a hero, too. He’s proud to be a fourth generation firefighter, carrying on the family tradition.

“I just love serving people,” McAleer said. “I love that. For me, I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I will be doing this until I physically can’t anymore.”

As proud as McAleer is to serve the community, the Heroes Mortgage Program is proud to have helped him purchase a home for his growing family.

The innovative Heroes Mortgage Program is brought to you by 1st Responder and Peoples Home Loans. This mortgage opportunity provides low interest rates for firefighters and other members of the emergency services community. The program also offers minimal lender fees and promises to get clients in their new home by the contract date.

McAleer, 35, is a volunteer firefighter with the North Branch (N.J.) Fire Department and is the fire sub-code officer in Bridgewater Township. He became a junior firefighter in Franklin Township when he was just 16. The Heroes Mortgage Program helped McAleer purchase a home in Belvidere, N.J. that was much bigger than his previous residence.

Of course, he was provided with a great interest - KARL McALEER rate, low fees and exceptional customer service.

“I thought it was a great tool,” said McAleer, who is married with two children. “I would tell anyone to go with the Heroes Mortgage Program. Steve Testa (Peoples Home Loans production manager) was great. He was always there for us and that meant a lot. I could call him at 6 or 7 o’clock at night and he would happily answer my questions. He was always there, reassuring us with any concerns that we had.”

Peoples Home Loans and 1st Responder are honored to serve the heroes in our community, who risk their lives for us every day. Working with its own resources and Federal government programs, Peoples Home Loans develops solutions that open the path to home ownership, also offering costeffective refinance options. The Heroes Mortgage Program is designed with you and your friends and family in mind!

To receive more information about the program and its benefits, contact Steven Testa (NMLS 460176) at stesta@bankingunusual.com or call 877-541-HERO (4376). Peoples Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper are not affiliated. Mortgage financing provided by Peoples Home Loans, a division of Peoples Bank – Equal housing Lender | Member FDIC

“I would tell anyone to go with the Heroes Mortgage Program.”

KARL McALEER

PAGE 8

January, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

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

STEVE WHITE

Rescue 5's Collapse unit operating at a 10-60 in Staten Island.

ALLEN EPSTEIN

All hands in Glendale Queens STEVE WHITE

The second piece of Squad 1 operating at a 10-60 in Staten Island.

On November 14, 2014, a fire broke out at 62 Street and Myrtle Avenue in the Glendale section of Queens. Firefighters arrived to a three brick with fire on the second floor. One hose line was used to quickly knock down the fire in the front room. NO injuries were reported to civilians or first responders.

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

January, 2015

PaGE 9

JEFF CRIANZA

Male transported after shooting

RICHARD YORK

The NYPD was investigating after a 21 year old male was shot in the shoulder in the lobby of a housing project. The victim was removed to Harlem Hospital by FDNY-EMS. The shooter fled the scene.

MUTUAL AID Gordon Wren

As County Fire Coordinator, I have been hosting a weekly radio program for well over 15 years with co-host and veteran firefighter Frank Hutton. The purpose of the program, when we started it, was to utilize the air time to recruit members for our volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps thus the name of the program, "Who wants to be a volunteer?"

While that is still our core mission, the program has evolved into a program involving many different topics related to the emergency services, including summaries of recent emergencies, fire prevention associated with various holidays/hazards, interviews with fire/EMS leaders, book reviews, etc. One of the most interesting parts of the program is the numerous phone calls we receive from residents and members of the emergency services.

A week or two ago, the grandfather of a young firefighter called into the program to discuss a recent tragedy and before ending the call, reminded me that I had mentioned to him once that one of his firefighter grandsons stood out as an interior firefighter. I recalled the conversation on the air and mentioned that any fire department or company is very lucky if they have a handful of firefighters of his grandson's caliber.

I had read many years ago about a Roman General who said that out of 1,000 soldiers, 100 or so would win the battle for him, and out of that 100, there were three or four who would lead the charge and motivate the others to finish the battle successfully.

I think this is true in firefighting as well. It takes all kinds of

talents and personalities for a department to be successful in its mission.

However, there is that small percentage of firefighters who have that rare ability to turn things around by positioning themselves and their teams at just the right spot at just the right time, to save the day or lives and property.

Recently, we sent firefighters to Erie County for the snow emergency, as part of the state-wide Mutual Aid Plan. Before they left, I met with the group and mentioned to one firefighter that I was not surprised to see him heading up.

One of their members asked me why, and I said because at almost every major incident that their department responds to, this individual's head seems to pop up from the smoke and steam or the middle of the wreckage right in the key and sometimes most dangerous area.

The first firefighter that I mentioned is much younger, but developing into that elite category of firefighters, who seem to make miracles happen with the combination of training, experience, and courage.

I told the grandfather that he should be very proud of his grandson and so should his chief. Firefighters like these should be nurtured, recognized and encouraged.

We should be constantly looking for potential men and women, who fit this category and encourage them to develop their full potential.

We can win or lose battles with or without them!

RICHARD YORK

RICHARD YORK

Multiple injuries in multi-vehicle accident Before midnight on November 23rd, Engine 302 and Tower Ladder 155 responded to a report of a pin on the Nassau Expressway at Farmers Blvd in Springfield Gardens, Queens. They declared no pin, but had multiple patients injured in the accident, which involved five vehicles, one of which was overturned.

PAGE 10

January, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

Major building collapse in Staten Island

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Fire through one brick in Queens On December 2, 2014, FDNY crews were dispatched for a fire in a one brick commercial at 180 Street and 104 Avenue in Queens. Firefighters were faced with heavy fire and attached the fire from the outside. Heavy fire was found in exposure two. Four tower ladders were used to extinguish the flames.

On November 28th at 8:32 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 266 West Service Road in Staten Island to the Dana Car dealership, Box 3142.

They arrived at the one story, 300x300' JUMP TO FILE # for a 10-60 Code 1, 120114133 major collapse response.

FDNY Engine 154 reported a roof collapse, with one person trapped at a car dealership under demolition at 8:26 a.m.

At 8:32 a.m., Battalion 22 transmitted a 10-60 Code 1 for a partial roof collapse with a person trapped.

Battalion 22 also reported the victim was removed to the hospital in cardiac arrest.

At 9:15 a.m., Special Operations Command conducted searches of the collapse zone with an NYPD canine unit.

At 10:28 a.m., Battalion 22 reported the victim deceased and the incident is under control.

- STEVE WHITE

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

STEVE WHITE

Hazmat 1 operating at a 10-60 in Staten Island.

JEFF CRIANZA

Pedestrian struck STEVE WHITE

Brooklyn Squad 1 operating at a 10-60 in Staten Island.

An early morning accident took place when a pedestrian walked between two parked cars and was struck by a van. The victim was thrown onto the hood and struck his head against the windshield. EMS removed the male to Lincoln Hospital with head trauma. The driver of the van did stay on the scene and at this time no charges against the driver have been filed.

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

January, 2015

PAge 11

NIOSH firefighter fatality report on West, TX explosion STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

On the evening of April 17, 2013 at 7:29 p.m., a fire was reported in a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, a community of approximately 2,600 residents. Fire protection is provided by a volunteer fire department consisting of approximately 30 members with four pieces of fire apparatus. The fertilizer plant contained more than 40 tons of ammonium nitrate used as fertilizer.

The Emergency Response Guidebook states: “May explode from heat or contamination” and a recommendation for large fires that says “for massive fires, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.”

The fire department was dispatched at 7:34 p.m. and the first apparatus was on scene at 7:39 p.m. confirming a fire in the building. There was somewhat of a discussion as to whether to attack the fire or back away while an initial attack was underway when the blast occurred. At 7:51 p.m., dispatch received a cell phone report of an explosion at the incident scene. In a matter of minutes ten firefighters would be dead, five firefighters injured, and an additional five civilians would die from the explosion, two of the civilians were assisting firefighters in the attempt to extinguish the fire. The community and the nation grieved this tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 people and devastated this fire department.

On November 12, 2014 NIOSH released its Firefighter Fatality Investigation Report on this fire and explosion. It listed what they considered to be six contributing factors that ultimately lead to injury or death. The NIOSH investigators identified the following items as key contributing factors in this incident that ultimately led to the fatalities: • Non-recognition of the hazards associated with ammonium nitrate • Limited pre-incident planning of commercial facility • Fire quickly spread to an un-controllable size • Approximately 40-60 tons of solid ammonium nitrate unexpectedly detonated • Responders working within blast radius at time of explosion • Large non-sprinklered, wood construction, commercial structure.

As a result of NIOSH’s investigation, the following 13 recommendations were offered in the report. It is important that members of the fire service review NIOSH reports and recommendations and determine how these recommendations may apply to your department. The recommendations are made in an effort to increase overall firefighter safety and to reduce firefighter death and injury.

The recommendations are as follows: Recommendation #1: Fire departments should conduct pre-incident planning inspections of buildings

within their jurisdictions to facilitate development of safe fireground strategies and tactics, especially for high hazard/high risk structures and occupancies.

Recommendation #2: Fire departments should have a written risk management plan, use risk management principles at all structure fires and especially at incidents involving high risk hazards.

Recommendation #3: Fire departments should develop, implement and enforce a written Incident Management System to be followed at all emergency incident operations.

Recommendation #4: Fire departments should develop and coordinate pre-incident planning protocols with mutual aid departments.

Recommendation #5: Fire departments should ensure that firefighters wear a full array of turnout clothing and personal protective equipment appropriate for the assigned task while participating in fire suppression and overhaul activities.

Recommendation #6: Fire departments should ensure that firefighters are trained in situational awareness, personal safety, and accountability.

Recommendation #7: Fire departments and authorities having jurisdiction should implement national firefighter and fire officer training standards and requirements.

Recommendation #8: Fire departments should enforce standard operating procedures on a “zero-tolerance policy” for alcohol use while engaged in any fire department activity.

Recommendation #9: Firefighters should use available resources such as the US Department of Transportation’s Emergency Response Guidebook to identify hazardous chemicals and the appropriate emergency response actions such as initial evacuation considerations and fire fighting precautions.

Recommendation #10: Fire departments should develop, implement, and enforce written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fireground operations and all emergency response operations.

Recommendation #11: Fire departments should ensure that specialized training is acquired for high risk sites with unique hazards, such as ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials that exist within their response areas.

Recommendation #12: Municipalities, building fire code officials, and authorities having jurisdiction should consider requiring automatic sprinkler systems, performing regular fire inspections, and other types of active fire prevention methods in industrial facilities, especially those with high risk / high hazard inventory.

Recommendation #13: Authorities having jurisdiction at all levels (federal, state, regional, and local) should consider following the most current safe handling procedures for ammonium nitrate fertilizer storage and handling facilities.

The NIOSH report referenced in this article can be downloaded from the CDC web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/pdfs/face201311.pdf Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

ALLEN EPSTEIN

ALLEN EPSTEIN

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Fire in five wood frames in Brooklyn On November 22, 2014, a fire broke out in a two frame at Hemlock Street and Jamaica Avenue.

FDNY crews had their hands full containing the fire in the attached dwelling. Crews had extension to exposure 2, 2A, 2B as well as exposure four. Fire raced through the five wood frames. Twelve hose lines were used to extinguish the fire. An investigation into the cause and origin are ongoing.

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January, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY