1st Responder New York February

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

JIM TOMPKINS

Car Versus Pole with Entrapment in Rombout Rombout, NY - On Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at approximately 9:20 P.M., firefighters from the Rombout Fire Dept., along with Mobile Life ambulance responded to an overturned auto that struck a pole and entrapped the driver at Rt. 52 and Fishkill Glen Drive. Firefighters quickly extricated the driver and Mobile Life transported them to a local hospital.

Central Hudson was on scene to replace the pole. The accident was investigated by the town of Fishkill Police.

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Ice Water Rescue Made in City of Troy After Vehicle Plunges into River Troy, NY - The City of Troy’s police and fire department were dispatched to 1st Ave. and 115th St. on December 20, 2017 for the report of a vehicle into the river. The first arriving police unit on scene confirmed that a vehicle had plunged into the river.

Officers scrambled down to the water's edge where they discovered that the occupant of the vehicle was trapped upside down in the icy river.

Engine-1 and Medic-1 arrived on scene within one minute of the dispatch. Engine-1's crew used a ladder and made their way down to the river where they made an emergency entrance into the river with minimum

JUMP TO FILE #011118107 protective equipment, including personal flotation devices and utility rope. They proceeded to break the vehicle windows out and forced the door open to pull the trapped driver out.

The rescue squad and Car-4 arrived on scene shortly after the driver was pulled from the river. Members from the rescue squad immediately got into their ice water rescue suits and made their way down to the river. Two members of the rescue squad made entry into the river to

check the SUV. Firefighters were able to remove the trapped victim and quickly brought her to the top of the hill where firefighters and police officers were waiting.

Firefighters and police officers loaded the victim into the ambulance and transported her to Samaritan Hospital to be evaluated. The city of Troy Police Department is currently investigating the incident. No arrest or tickets have been issued for this incident. The woman is lucky to be alive thanks to the fast actions of the fire department and police officers of the city of Troy.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

BOB MCCORMICK

SUV Driver Killed in Newburgh After Crashing into Garbage Truck Newburgh, NY - On January 6th, an SUV and garbage truck collided in Newburgh, killing the driver of the SUV. The accident occurred around 11:00 A.M. on Route 32 (North Plank Road). Police said the garbage truck had turned from Paffendorf Drive onto eastbound Route 32 when the SUV struck it from behind. The SUV driver, later identified as 57year-old Wilbur Grant of the town of Newburgh, was taken to Saint Luke’s Cornwall Hospital after the crash where he was declared dead.

TODD BENDER

Fatal Accident on Mid-Hudson Bridge

Poughkeepsie, NY - On the morning of December 12, 2017 the Poughkeepsie FD was dispatched for a two-car MVA on the Mid-Hudson Bridge. Callers were reporting heavy entrapment. Car 10, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 arrived and were joined by Engine 2. Extrication was performed to free the elderly male operator of the SUV. Witnesses stated to 1st Responder News that the SUV was traveling east when it swerved and then struck a westbound tractor-trailer. The elderly male was pronounced dead at the scene. Assisting at the scene on the span were Highland Hose, City of Poughkeepsie PD, NYS Bridge Authority, NYSP and Mobile Life. The bridge was closed to traffic in both directions from approximately 10:40 A.M. to 1:15 P.M.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

Storm King Responds to Car Versus Tree

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY - Storm King Engine Company was dispatched for a vehicle into a tree on Shore Road and Wood Ave. on December 19, 2017. Village of Hudson Police and Cornwall EMS were also at the scene. Firefighters disconnected the battery of the vehicle and one subject was transported to Saint Luke's Hospital be Cornwall EMS. Village Police are investigating the cause.

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 19 No. 2 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

PUBLICATION CONTENT

Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the “space available” and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25 GARY HEARN

Multiple Departments Respond to House Fire in Plattekill Plattekill, NY - Multiple crews responded on December 15, 2017 to 43 Forest Road in Plattekill for reports of a house fire.

Upon arrival, FD units found a fire in the kitchen on the firstfloor, rear. Fire extended to the second-floor as well as dropped down to the basement/crawl space. Numerous Ulster and Orange County Fire Departments were called for mutual aid. The City of Newburgh Fire Department was the FAST.

New Year’s Night House Fire in Conesus Conesus, NY - Conesus firefighters kicked off 2018 by responding in single-digit temperatures to a house fire on January 1st around 9:00 P.M., at 6097 Sliker Hill Road. Fire crews arrived on the scene and reported a working structure fire.

Despite the crippling cold, emergency responders were able to bring the fire under control within about one hour. Mutual aid was requested to the scene from Groveland, Sparta, Livonia and Mount Morris Fire Departments. Livonia and Livingston County EMS also responded to the scene. There were no injuries and the occupants of the home were being assisted by the Red Cross.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

PAGE 5

Game Meat FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Fire Through the Roof in Clifton Park Clifton Park, NY - On January 5th at 8:23 P.M., the Clifton Park Fire Department was dispatched to 713 Plank Road in the town of Clifton Park for a reported structure fire. The homeowner called in the structure fire and was attempting to make entry back into the home to retrieve the family pets.

The first arriving police unit on scene had fire through the roof of the home and multiple explosions from the garage area. The first arriving chief on scene confirmed that he had a working structure fire with heavy fire throughout the structure and requested the Round Lake Fire Department for their FAST team to the scene. The first arriving engine laid in its bed of hose from the hydrant to supply the scene with water.

Command requested Jonesville, Hillcrest, Half Moon, Vischer Ferry, Mechanicsville and the West Crescent Fire Departments to the scene for mutual aid. Firefighters on scene

JUMP TO FILE #011118113 pulled multiple blitz fires and hand lines off of the engines and started to knock down the heavy fire. Due to the temperatures being in the double-digit negatives, the hydrants in the area were frozen. Firefighters had to make do with minimum water until the tanker box was completed.

Crews on scene used all available resources to try to bring the fire under control quickly, but due to unfortunate circumstances with the weather, it made it extremely difficult for firefighters to operate on scene. Firefighters were not allowed to operate near the driveway area, as the powerline from the home had disconnected and came down and landed in a large pool of water.

The well-involved building started to collapse on the "B" side of

the structure and command ordered everyone to use only defensive tactics to bring the fire under control.

As firefighters worked on scene, the building's roof collapsed into the structure. After minor water issues on scene, a stable water supply was established and firefighters resumed full operations on scene.

A large number of firefighters that were wet became walking blocks of ice on scene, adding more weight to them and making their job more strenuous. Firefighters on scene were able to bring the fire under control in about 40 minutes.

The home was a complete loss and one of the homeowners was transported for minor injuries. There is currently no status if the homeowner was able to get the family pets out. The fire is currently under investigation by the Saratoga County Fire Investigation Team.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Game meat...just the name alone is enough to scare people off. All too often you hear “I don’t like the gamey-ness” or “it’s always dry”. Fair enough, I mean, we all have had a beef steak cooked to oblivion which was dry and tasteless, right? But that hasn’t stopped us from pursuing the perfectly cooked ribeye, has it?!

But I digress…

The definition of game meat is the meat from an animal that is hunted for food and not raised on a farm, the most common being venison, rabbit, duck and turkey.

Obviously these animals need to be hunted and processed, but not all of us hunt, so what do we do?!

Well the first and easiest way is to make friends with someone who does. Many times, these hunters, especially in the case with venison, end up with more meat than they can use so they will be more than happy to give some away….hopefully. The other option is online, but be aware that these are not true “game” meats because due to FDA regulations, these animals are raised on farms.

These won’t share the same characteristics as the hunted variety, mainly due to their diet and activity levels, thus usually less “gamey” tasting and less lean.

Ok so now we have figured out where to source the meat, but how do we go about cooking it?!

Game meat is much leaner than traditional, supermarket varieties.

This is because animals in the wild are much more active than the sedentary ones found in mass commercial animal farms. They are constantly walking fields grazing or flying to get to their next source of food. And when muscles get used more often (i.e. legs and thighs), they contain more myglobin, which results in more dark meat and less fat. Because of this,

we have to approach game meat a little differently when it comes time to cook. Here are some tips...

-Cook the meat with the appropriate technique! A cut with more connective tissue, like something from the venison shoulder, is best cooked low and slow. This cut will often be labeled as “stew meat,” long braises such as stew and chilis are ideal. The ever-popular venison “backstrap” and tenderloin (no, they are not the same) are super lean cuts with virtually no connective tissue that needs to break down. These do best with dry techniques such as grilling or sautéing.

-Add fat! A classic French technique where lean meats are wrapped, usually in bacon, help prevent it from drying out. You must have seen the ever-popular “bacon weave” haven’t you?!?!

Another way to add fat is to incorporate it into the dish on its own, such as adding pork sausage to a stew or braise. You can also stuff certain cuts with bacon, sausage, prosciutto….you get the idea.

-Marinate. Marinate. Marinate.

This will help you in a few ways, with the first being the obvious...Flavor! A quick marinade can make a world of difference by adding flavors that will help “mask” the gamey-ness that many people don’t like. It also helps by breaking down tougher cuts so that they are more tender and enjoyable. Try my marinade recipe for “Venison Stir-fry” below!

VENISON STIR-FRY MARINADE INGREDIENTS: -2 Cups Low-Sodium Soy Sauce -½ Cup Rice Wine Vinegar -½ Cup Mirin (sub 1 tsp.

Sugar, dissolved in vinegar) -2 Garlic Cloves, crushed -Small knob of fresh Ginger, sliced thin -2 Tbs. Sesame Oil Combine ingredients in a bowl, use half as a marinade and half to use as a sauce to finish the stir fry.

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February, 2018

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Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner) Chelle Cordero (EMS) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Joel Miller (Social Media) AJ Fusco (Food Blog)

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

Indiana: Scott A. Compton, 55 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 10, 2017 Death Date: November 11, 2017 Fire Department: Greenfield Fire Territory Initial Summary: Several hours after working on the scene of a three-alarm commercial structure fire at an auto body and glass company, Firefighter/EMT Scott A. Compton fell ill at home and died from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Indiana: Kendall James Murphy, 27 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 10, 2017 Death Date: November 10, 2017 Fire Department: Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Shortly after arriving on the scene of a motor vehicle crash, Firefighter Kendall James Murphy was struck and killed by another firefighter who was responding to the same accident scene in his privately owned pickup truck. The second firefighter, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol registering a blood alcohol level of 0.21 percent, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and reckless driving.

California: David Todd Moorman, 50 Rank: Captain II Incident Date: February 5, 2017 Death Date: February 5, 2017 Fire Department: Los Angeles City Fire Department Initial Summary: On February 5, 2017, Captain II David Todd Moorman worked a 36 hour shift during which he fell ill. Captain Moorman's last call was a vehicle fire at 0530hrs. After this incident, his duty shift ended and he went home. Within an hour of Captain Moorman arriving home, he suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. A family

member witnessed the collapse and immediately began to render first aid, including CPR, until responding units from the Ventura County Fire Department arrived on scene and initiated medical care. Captain Moorman was transported to Los Robles hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, where, despite all of the valiant efforts to save him, Captain Moorman was pronounced deceased a short time later.

New York: Robert A. Fitch, 60 Rank: Firefighter/Safety Officer Incident Date: November 27, 2017 Death Date: November 28, 2017 Fire Department: East Herkimer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Safety Officer Robert A. Fitch responded with his fire department to a technical rescue call for a person who became stuck on some cliffs while attempting to rescue their pet.

After the call, Firefighter Fitch returned home and during the night succumbed in his sleep to a cardiac related injury.

Massachusetts: Stephen Frye, 59 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: December 5, 2017 Death Date: December 5, 2017 Fire Department: Montgomery Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Stephen Frye collapsed while operating on an initial attack line at the scene of a late night two-alarm chimney fire that destroyed a residential structure. Fire Chief Frye was treated immediately on scene by fellow responders and transported to the hospital by a Hilltown ambulance crew where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Floor Collapses Beneath Firefighters in Colonie

Livonia Fire Department Explorers at the Honeoye Falls Christmas Parade.

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

BOB MCCORMICK

Santa took a moment during his busy holiday season to take a photo with Good Will F.D. Chief Pete Geraci.

Colonie, NY - On December 17, 2017 the Midway Fire Department along with Colonie Village Fire Company, Stanford Heights, Fuller Road, Shaker Road and Verdoy for their FAST team were disJUMP TO FILE# patched for a work- 011118106 ing structure fire at 17 Chestbro Drive.

The first arriving chief on scene had heavy smoke pushing from the roof and first-floor of the structure. The first arriving engine on scene deployed its manpower to the front door, where crews made entry into the home. As firefighters searched for the fire, the floor beneath them started to become spongy, and then as firefighters pushed forward, the floor of the building started to collapsed beneath their feet.

The evacuation tones were ordered by Command for all of the firefighters on scene inside of the building to evacuate. Command quickly learned that they had a working basement fire with heavy fire throughout and spreading to the first-floor. Firefighters were able to gain access to the fire in the basement from the garage and started to bring it under control.

Crews on scene vented the building by removing all of the windows and opening up the roof area.

Firefighters were allowed to make entry back into the building after Command determined it to be safe.

Firefighters conducted heavy overhaul on scene for a few hours.

Fire investigators from the town of Colonie will be handling the investigation. The home was a total loss. One firefighter suffered minor injuries on scene, but will make a full recovery.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

VINNIE DOMINICK

Vails Gate Handles Car Fire Vails Gate, NY - Vails Gate firefighters were called out to a car fire at the Shell gas station at five corner's on December 18, 2017. The vehicle was fully involved when firefighters arrived.

JAY CATALANO

PATCH OF THE MONTH

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month� feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

This patch belongs to Cayuga Heights Fire Department, located in Tompkins County, NY.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Visit us on web

www.1rbn.com

Home Damaged by Two-Alarm Fire in Johnsonville Johnsonville, NY - Just shortly before 8:00 A.M. on January 8th, the Rensselaer County 911 Center received a call for a structure fire at 56 Northern Turnpike Road. The caller stated that there was a heavy smoke condition with JUMP TO FILE# some fire coming 010918101 from the side of the residence. Upon the arrival of a chief there was a confirmation of a smoke condition and fire condition, and a second-alarm Box 19-12 was transmitted.

Initially on the box was Johnsonville, Melrose, Pittstown and Greenwich for the FAST Team.

The second-alarm brought Buskirk, Schaghticoke, Valley Falls and Hoosic Valley to the scene. Also, Speigletown was special called for EL-35.

While crews were setting up a water supply and making entry into the structure, the roof collapsed into the number 2 floor.

Crews were ordered to evacuate the structure. All crews were accounted for and an exterior attack was set up.

Crews began to open up the walls, found some hot spots and quickly knocked them down.

Overhaul then commenced. The Rensselaer County Fire Investigation Team was brought in to investigate the cause of the fire. At this time no official cause has been given.

- JAY CATALANO

JAY CATALANO

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Retired Troy Fire Captain Loses Home & Pets to Fire Brunswick, NY - On December 17, 2017 the Center Brunswick, Raymertown, Speigletown, Brunswick No.1 Pittstown, Mountain View, Eagle Mills, Melrose and Grafton Fire Departments were dispatched for a fully involved structure JUMP TO FILE# fire at 68 Meadow 011118105 Lane in the town of Brunswick.

Raymertown Car-1 walked out of his house and stated that he had a heavy smoke column in the air and transmitted the second-alarm.

Raymertown Car-1 arrived on scene and ordered that no one make entry, as the home was fully involved. The first arriving engine on scene deployed its crew members, had them pull multiple hand lines and started to knock down the heavy fire. Speigletown’s tanker arrived on scene shortly after the first-due and used its deck gun to knock down the remaining heavy fire.

Raymertown’s tanker arrived on scene, connected to the dry hydrant and began to feed the scene with a good water supply from an iced-over pond. Firefighters on scene tried to recover items they could salvage from the home for the family.

Crews conducted heavy overhaul on scene for a few hours.

The residents were not home at the time of the fire. The family's home was a complete loss along with multiple ATVs and one car.

The family also lost their six dogs in the fire.

The home belonged to retired Troy Fire Captain Chuck Rebhun and his wife. Chuck Rebhun is a father to three daughters and a grandfather to three children.

Chuck served the residents of the city of Troy for 30-years. The Rebhun family was known for willing to help anyone in need.

The family is in need of help, as they lost everything they owned.

A GoFundMe page has been started for the family: https://www.gofundme.com/rebhun-family-fire-relief

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

-JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

Visit us online for more news around the states. www.1rbn.com JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

PAGE 13

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ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our “All In The Family” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

BOB MCCORMICK

Two-Car MVA in City of Newburgh Newburgh, NY - City of Newburgh FD was dispatched to a two-vehicle accident on December 20, 2017 at Little Britain Road and Washington Terrace. Upon arrival, crews found that one vehicle struck a telephone pole. City of Newburgh Police directed traffic at the busy intersection while Mobile Life ALS evaluated one of the drivers. Firefighters checked vehicles for hazards and spread speedy dry on fluids on the roadway.

City of Newburgh Police are investigating the accident.

MIKE MCCAGG

Firefighting is a family affair in many departments, including Stottville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2. A structure fire in December saw three father-son combos from the Columbia County company, (L to R): Second Assistant Chief Mike McCagg, Connor McCagg, Bill Wendelken, 1st Assistant Chief Mark Wendelken, John Drabick and Joshua Drabick. There are also other father-son combos in the station, including Chief Mike Briscoe and his father, 60-plus year Firefighter James Briscoe, as well as another Wendelken, Captain Nick (Bill’s other son, who couldn’t make the alarm).

PAGE 14

February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

From Fire Victim to Fire Defender: A Story 50 Years in the Making What triggered my relentless hunger for anything fire service related? Many of us old-time firefighters get that question a lot. I have served in many capacities in the fire service, UMP TO FILE# from firefighter to J011118100 emergency medical services, rescue captain, and chief of my local volunteer fire department. I am also a fire “buff” (enthusiast) and the official fire photographer for the nation’s largest fire conference—FDIC International.

I am currently a fire department dispatcher and 911 call taker.

Fifty years ago, on January 11, 1968, it was a cold, brisk, gloomy winter morning much like it has been recently. The night before, on my 13th birthday, some relatives came over our house in Hasbrouck Heights for a small birthday party. My mom, Josephine, managed to bake my favorite cake even though she was recuperating from a cancer operation. I went to bed with a smile on my face and some gift money, with no idea what the day ahead would have in store for me and my family.

The next thing I remember was my dad waking me up early; I was an altar boy and had to serve at the 7:00 a.m. mass at my local Catholic church. Dad dropped me off in his 1963 Chevy Corvair, which had little or no heat with the engine in the rear.

Father Paterson was the priest that morning, which was great: Not only was he friendly, but he had the record for the shortest mass! As the daily service started, Father Paterson waved me over and whispered: “Do you know where the electrical box is?” He instructed me to go turn on the rest of the church lights, since it was too dark with partial lighting.

I found the panel and threw the switches to the position the rest of them were in. I ran back to the church and was met with laughter and complete darkness! I had shut all the switches to the OFF position! Father Paterson was laughing along with the rest, and we couldn’t make eye contact the rest of the service for fear of laughing.

Little did I know I would see the priest later that day under much different circumstances.

After church I went off to the adjacent parochial school to my eighth-grade classroom. Meanwhile, my older brother, Peter, was at home, getting ready to go to his high school, which was one block from our home and afforded a view of our house because of an open baseball field in between. He went to the kitchen and smelled natural gas. He went to tell our recuperating mother and she rushed Peter out the door to school and called the utility company at 8:15 a.m. By 8:50 a.m., the odor was getting worse, and she called a neighbor, Fred Moll. As he exited

his house to come over, he saw the roof of our house lift off like a flying saucer, followed by a fireball and a deafening noise. Our mother was in that house!

My brother heard the explosion as well and could see our house on fire. He ran home. The fire chief of neighboring Lodi pulled up and saw our mother on the ground. Another neighbor, Frank Ercolino, noticing her hair was on fire, threw her down and used snow to douse her flaming hair. The Lodi chief took her in his vehicle to Hackensack Hospital.

Our mother had been standing in the center of the house on the ground floor. The house had exploded around her. She fought her way to the front door and smashed through the storm door. She had beaten death’s door twice—once with the cancer and now a second time.

As my class started, I remember hearing the volunteer fire department’s horn tower blowing madly. Neighboring fire departments were responding, and the police were inundated with calls of a terrible explosion on the Hasbrouck Heights-Lodi border. With all the screaming sirens, you didn’t have to be a firefighter to know something terrible was happening.

I went to the window and saw an ominous black cloud of smoke rising from the vicinity of our house.

Later someone reminded me that I said, “Man, that looks like where my house is.”

Our teacher shooed us away from the window to resume class, and the PA announcement interrupted with: “Will student Anthony Greco please report to the principal’s office with his coat and his bookbag?” I was thinking, “Oh no, what did I do now? My parents are going to kill me!” When I got to the principal’s office, my uncle Dominick was there. I thought, “Oh, this looks bad.

What is my uncle doing here? Did my mom take a turn for the worse?” My uncle explained that there had been a fire at our house and took me to the scene.

127 Ottawa Avenue. My house. There were fire trucks everywhere. Hoses on the street.

Lots of noise. The gas utility company was fervently digging up the street. When I got closer to the house, it appeared to be gone except for one staircase. Parts of the structure had been blown next door. Our refrigerator was lying in the backyard. I had a hard time comprehending what I was seeing.

My mom’s new 1967 Ford Fairlane 500 was in the driveway with live wires down on it. I found out later my dad narrowly missed serious injury when he went to move the car—he was in shock on his arrival at the scene and did not notice the live wires.

The gas utility had dug a hole about 20 feet down in front of the house and found a cracked pipe feeding gas into the house. A young detective at the scene, also a volunteer firefighter, ordered the pipe handed over to him before

the utility could take it away. It was evidence that the leak started outside and filled the house with gas.

Later I remember walking into my mom’s hospital room and seeing her all bandaged up. She was going to be okay. That image still gets to me 50 years later.

Then reality set in: We were homeless, with just the clothes on our backs. We would split up and stay at my uncle’s and grandmother’s houses for the time being. Then, Father Paterson and Father Kukura showed up and told my father they were taking me and my brother out for a few hours.

They took us to a shopping mall and a salesperson at Gimbel’s completely outfitted us from new underwear to shoes to coats and hats. I was confused: Was I living through a tragedy or was it Christmas?

The townspeople also pulled together, with fund drives through the VFW, the mayor’s office, and the Catholic church. I remember sitting in church when they announced: “The second collection is for the Greco family” and 500 people were staring at us.

A week later, my dad got a call from Leroy Fisher, the pastor of a Baptist church in Englewood who owned a large excavating company. He volunteered to remove all the debris from the fire scene with his equipment at no charge. A lit-

tle wary, my dad agreed, and the man showed up with some serious heavy equipment to do the job.

The only thing he asked in return was for my dad and uncle to attend one service at his church. They gladly did.

My mom recuperated from her injuries, beat cancer, and lived to age 84, dying on Christmas Day 2011. My dad died three years after that. They got to see grandchildren and great grandchildren and rebuilt their home on the same lot of their former home—all electric, no more gas for them!

You never quite forget an event like my family experienced.

To this day it makes me think about fire victims and their losses.

Will they be okay? Is there anything else we can do for their family?

PROVIDED

### Anthony Greco is a fire department dispatcher, a 911 call taker, and a longtime volunteer firefighter. He can be reached at hfd911guy@gmail.com.

- ANTHONY GRECO

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

BOB MCCORMICK

Three-Alarm Structure Fire in Wallkill

Wallkill, NY - Plattekill FD responded to a structure fire on Forest Road on December 15, 2017. Area fire departments responded along with FAST teams. Upon arrival, town of Newburgh police advised that everyone was outside of the structure. Fire Departments that responded included Coldenham FAST, Orange Lake, Modena, Wallkill, Walden and Newburgh.

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

Chimney Fire Turned House Fire in Caledonia Caledonia, NY - On Tuesday, December 13, 2017 at 3:47 P.M., Caledonia and Mumford firefighters were dispatched to a report of a chimney fire at 2890 Leroy-Caledonia Road in Caledonia (Livingston County). Caledonia Police arrived on location and reported a working structure fire. Mutual aid was requested to the scene from Leroy, East Avon, York, Scottsville and Churchville Fire Departments.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

JOHN RYAN

Christmas Day Fire in City of Newburgh

VINNIE DOMINICK

City of Newburgh, NY – December 25th, 2017 an Alarm of Fire was transmitted for 14 Hawthorne Ave., reporting a basement fire with flames visible. Upon arrival, companies found a onestory wood-frame private dwelling with smoke showing from the basement windows. Truck-1 forced entry to a ground level door to the basement/garage area while Engine-3 stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch line and quickly extinguished all visible fire. Companies made quick work of the fire and confined the fire to the garage area of the basement with no extension to the living area above.

Where is the Joy? Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

I spoke to someone who was telling me how to get better. He told me that all I had to do was concentrate and work and get myself healthy. The thing that he forgot was that no matter what we do in life, we need to make sure that we have something in life that brings us joy.

What is life if we do not have something that makes us happy?

It's mundane, boring, frustrating, depressing.

What are things that can bring joy to us? How about spending time with our children or significant other? We get pleasure spending time with friends, or working on hobbies. I know people who have model trains, play baseball or basketball, coach children in sports. One thing that brings me joy is helping people.

I have seen people who have gone a negative way in life because they have lost all the ideas about joy. Since there was no joy, they turned to using substances to make them happy or to help them just cope with life. But they

needed to be reminded what brought them joy when they were younger. Some people like to draw or paint when they were a child, so maybe they can express themselves through art now. Some people play musical instruments. I know some people in emergency services who perform professionally.

There is so much that can bring us joy. How many firefighters enjoy doing fire prevention with the children, or doing the Santa run? How many parents have joy just by watching their children sleeping quietly in bed?

There is nothing like seeing a child at peace, no matter the age.

We also know a song that states "Joy to the world the Lord has come". Many firefighters do not actively go to church but we should remember that He has given us joy. We have a personal relationship with God. He loves us so much that He sent His son to die for our sins. God delights in our existence. We bring Him joy.

And hopefully you thank Him for the joy that you have. If you do not have any joy in your life, ask Him to show you, to remind you the times in life where you did have joy, or ask Him to bring Joy into your life.

Stay safe, Didymus McHugh

Visit us on the web! www.1rbn.com

VINNIE DOMINICK

VINNIE DOMINICK

Winona Lake Holds Annual Senior Dinner

Newburgh, NY - On December 9, 2017 Winona Lake held their annual Senior Dinner. It was a success as they fed turkey with all fixings, as well as dessert to over 195 people. The men cooked while the ladies served with ROTC members helping. There were also a few special guests, including Minerva Negron who is a Gold Star Mother (Alberto Francesconi J.R.). She was presented with flowers by cadet Salerno of the ROTC. Also in attendance was Joe Farina, a WWII VET, who was also presented with flowers. The ROTC welcomed guests off the bus while in holiday costumes as the Newburgh Fire Pipes and Drums played.

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February, 2018

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

The Chief walks toward a second truck to get man power.

STEPHEN M WALLACE

Cambria Battles Barn Fire and Freezing Weather "This is my husband, Josh Ramsdell's, EMS tattoo. He has been involved in EMS for 12 years, working for Missisquoi Valley Rescue in Vermont. He has worked his way up from a junior member during his senior year of high school, to his current position as Vice President of the company! Before retiring, his father was on the rescue squad, and his mother was a dispatcher. As a hobby, his father, Greg Ramsdell, often submits pictures and articles for 1st Responder News. EMS runs in his blood! 99024 is his Vermont State EMS number."

Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at

Cambria, NY - The call went out at 2:55 P.M. on January 3rd for a working barn fire at 3258 Andrews Road in Cambria. The temperature was hovering around 9-degrees with a wind chill around zero. The black loom could be seen from over two miles away. Cambria’s Fire Chief pulled on scene to find a barn fully engulfed. The flames and heat were melting the siding off the house, which was about 20-feet away.

A mutual aid alarm went out for an engine from Ransomville and Wilson. Niagara County Sher-

JUMP TO FILE #010318106 iff Deputies stood by the burning blaze, awed at how fast the structure was engulfed in the whipping wind. The hydrant was hit across the street but the freezing temperatures were playing havoc on the firefighters who were doing their best to function, as spraying water almost instantly froze on them.

The barn crumbled to a pile of burning rubble. The smoke covered Cambria’s engine and the roadway,

forcing the road to be completely closed down by fire police. The firefighters attacked from both sides while the deck gun off of Cambria’s engine was used to put out the stubborn blaze. The ground and road also froze and could have led to the injury of one firefighter at the scene.

Niagara County Emergency Coordinator and the Origin and Cause unit also responded to the scene. No known animals were lost in the fire.

- STEPHEN WALLACE

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

STEPHEN M WALLACE

The siding on the house took heavy damage, but firefighters prevented the house from catching on fire.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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Multiple Vehicles Catch Fire at Warehouse in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - Winona Lake Engine Co. was dispatched to a multi-vehicle fire on December 19, 2017 at C&S warehouse on Corporate Blvd., off of Route 17K. Winona Lake Car-2 arrived, called 36 control, advised that there was two tractors fully involved, and JUMP TO FILE# requested that one 122017101 engine from Dan Leghorn Engine Co. respond to the scene.

Deputy Fire Coordinator 36-16 was advised of mutual aid in progress and responded. Winona Lake hit a hydrant and laid into the scene, stretching two hand lines to start putting the fires out. Deputy Fire Coordinator called 36 control for one engine from Cronomer Valley to stand by at Winona Lake quarters. He also contacted HAZMAT coordinator for a spill at the scene.

The Town of Newburgh Fire Inspector and ID unit from Town of Newburgh Police responded.

In total, two tractors and two vehicles were involved in the fire.

- BOB MCCORMICK

BOB MCCORMICK

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GARY HEARN

House Fire on Maple Court in Washingtonville

Washingtonville, NY - On Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 10:58 A.M., the Washingtonville Fire Department responded to a report of a smoke condition in a house on Maple Court.

An investigation revealed fire in the basement walls of a splitlevel dwelling. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. There were no injuries. Salisbury Mills Fire Department also responded to the scene with one engine.

Our company is dedicated to drowning and aquatic injury prevention and emergency management. We develop educational curriculums in Water Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, Ice Rescue, Lifeguarding, and Aquatics Safety and we conduct training programs throughout the U.S., as well as internationally, for the Public Safety and Rescue, as well as the Lifeguard and Aquatic Recreation Sectors.

The company is run by Gerry Dworkin, a professional Aquatics Safety and Water Rescue Consultant. Gerry is currently a Firefighter/EMT with the Kennebunkport (Maine) Fire Department, and has been a Firefighter and EMT for over 40 years, having been certified in Connecticut, New

York, Texas, Virginia, New Hampshire and Maine. He has been a career and volunteer Firefighter, and is currently Paid-on-Call with Kennebunkport.

Gerry regularly consults as a Forensics Expert in drowning and aquatic injury litigation and has consulted on over 350 cases to date. He has also consulted as a Subject Matter Expert for CNN; MSNBC; CBS’ Early Show; NBC’s Today Show; ABC’s Good Morning America; The Discovery Channel; The Weather Channel; and The History Channel.

Lifesaving Resources hosts a very extensive website at www.lifesaving.com. For information on the company, please access their website, or call 207/967-8614.

LIFESAVING RESOURCES

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February, 2018

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.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Julia "Jules" Elizabeth McCord Eurillo, 48, of Wappingers Falls, NY passed away suddenly Monday, December 18, 2017 at home. Julia worked as a special education teacher in the Wappinger School district for 17 years at Roy C. Ketcham and John Jay High Schools.

Julia had unwavering dedication to public service, volunteering thousands of hours to her local community at various

events throughout Dutchess County, especially the Claudio Cares Foundation. Julia was a life member of the New Hackensack Fire Department and a social member of the Hughsonville Fire Department.

She was secretary of the Hudson Valley Gun and Hoses. In addition, she was also a dispatcher with the Marlboro Police Department.

- JEFF CRIANZA

JEFF CRIANZA

BOB MCCORMICK

Three People Injured in NYS Thruway Accident Newburgh, NY - Cronomer Valley FD was dispatched to a car accident at Mile Marker 63.8 southbound on the NYS Thruway on January 1st. Upon arrival, the vehicle was found off the road with three injured subjects. State Police and Cronomer Valley blocked one lane. Town of Newburgh EMS and Mobile Life ALS responded. The subjects were being stabilized at the scene. Firefighters assisted with the injured and checked the vehicle for hazards.

February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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ICE RESCUE

February 15 - 18, 2018 Portland, Maine

GARY HEARN

Flames Ravage Vails Gate Home

Vails Gate, NY - At 12:02 A.M. on December 16, 2017 the Washingtonville Fire Department was alerted for a mutual aid to the Vails Gate Fire Department. The original call was for Truck 579 to relocate to Vails Gate's firehouse, but the Truck and Assistant Chief Hearn (Car 2) were redirected to the scene, located at 2 Mark Street. The crew of 579 was split and performed engine and truck work at the scene. The initial call for this was "smoke in a house".

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Vehicle News

Bob Long The Leicester Fire Department in Livingston County has taken delivery of a new 4 Guys/Spartan 1500/1250 pumper, designated as Pumper 135.

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

DID YOU K NOW

?

Benjamin Franklin is responsible for the first fire company in Philadelphia. These firefighters were sometimes known as Benjamin Franklin’s Bucket Brigade. They would meet monthly to discuss different techniques to fight fires.

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Shed Fire with Hidden Dangers for Firefighters in West Sand Lake West Sand Lake, NY - The West Sand Lake Fire Department responded to 2 Anglers Court for a reported structure fire on December 26, 2017. The caller stated that the shed in the front yard was on fire.

West Sand Lake's fire chief reJUMP TO FILE# ported that he had a 011118109 heavy black column of smoke showing as he was heading to the scene. On arrival, the chief called for the Signal 30 for a fully involved shed with flames reaching 30-feet into the air. Engine 43-6 arrived on scene, pulled a single hand line and was able to bring the fire under control quickly.

The shed contained over 25gallons of acetone which fueled the fire. Command requested the Rensselaer County Fire Investigation Team to the scene as well as DEC due to the chemicals that were stored in the shed. The fire is believed to be accidental, caused by a heating lamp inside the shed. No firefighters were harmed and the shed was a complete loss.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Dead in Six Minutes ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

JOHN BECHTOLD

Vehicle Leaves Roadway and Rolls Over in Ulster Town of Ulster, NY - At 3:00 P.M. on December 10, 2017 a vehicle rollover on Sawkill Road, just north of Denver Road, brought Ulster Hose Co. #5, Moblie Life support and the Town of Ulster police to the scene. The vehicle reportedly left the roadway, then struck and traveled on top of a guardrail before rolling over at the end of the guardrail. It was unknown as to why the vehicle left the roadway. Police said the investigation is ongoing and tickets are pending. The driver complained of back and hip pain.

DEAD IN SIX MINUTES The biography of Dr. Stanley MN Zydlo Jr, MD and the Creation of the modern Paramedic and EMS System

By Paul Ciolino Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8526 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $20.00 This book is soft cover, measures six by nine inches and has 271 pages.

It should go without saying that we know what paramedics are and the EMS system. It is probably not commonly known about when and where it started. This book will clear that all up. It is the story about the doctor who created them.

He started the movement in Chicago back in the 1970’s and it included several surrounding towns outside of the city. It is a biography written by a friend who is not in EMS but who admired Dr. Zydlo who was, in the least, an exceptional person and professional. It takes you not only through his life, but through his bur-

densome journey to introduce this new concept for emergency medical care.

As with many new ideas, this was criticized and fought tooth and nail by countless doctors, nurses and even fire chiefs as an example. The doctor, however, was relentless in his quest to provide yet another means of saving human life. It was by pre-hospital care.

There are twelve chapters and an epilogue, all titled. Each starts out with a passage made by a famous person whom I recognize, as well as people I did not know, but nevertheless spoke words of wisdom. Throughout the book you will read about tragedy and miracles. You will read about a number of emergency service workers and firefighters who distinguished themselves for the ideal of saving lives. You will read about Ambulance 15 of the Chicago Fire Department stationed in a poor, bad neighborhood that never stops producing medical calls. You will read about statistics regarding shootings, stabbings, drug overdoses and what have you all of which contribute to a never ending production line of patients.

It goes without saying that this book is a must for anyone who works in EMS and wants to know where it all started. For that matter, it is a book for anyone interested in what EMS is all about. It is also a salute to Doctor Zydlo and the men and women who dedicated themselves unconditionally to saving lives, many times at the risk of their own! Some of the chapters are a little longer than others, but nevertheless it is a book that is hard to put down!

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

JOHN SCHUMAKER JR.

BOB MCCORMICK

Firefighters Bring Christmas to Family Whose Home was Destroyed by Fire Newburgh, NY - On Sunday, December 24, 2017 Dan Leghorn and Winona Lake Fire Departments responded to the Courtyard Suites Hotel at Stewart Airport.

The reason all the engines raced there was to deliver presents to a family that had lost their home to a recent fire in the Meadow Hill area.

The displaced family has been staying there since the fire, inside

JUMP TO FILE #010218114 of a conference room. Firefighters brought in presents that were in a trailer that the district owns. In one of the engines was a man dressed in red, old Saint Nick! The children were seated in chairs as the firefighters sorted through presents, which they opened as

Santa watched.

Some of the firefighters that were there to deliver gifts were also at the house fire earlier in the month. Both companies got together and wrapped all the presents so that the children would have some presents to open for Christmas.

JOHN SCHUMAKER JR.

- BOB MCCORMICK

JOHN SCHUMAKER JR.

Home in Rensselaer a Total Loss, Homeowner Taken to Westchester Burn Center

BOB MCCORMICK

Rensselaer, NY- Shortly before 1:00 A.M. on the morning of January 6th, Rensselaer Fire Department was notified of a structure fire at 701 Washington Ave., in the City of Rensselaer. Being that the north end firehouse is located a block away, Ladder 1 and Engine 2 arrived within one minute of dispatch. Upon arrival of Engine 4, crews were met with a frozen hydrant. Firefighters had to then stretch hose lines back to the hydrant in front of the north end fire station. The occupant of the home received burns and suffered smoke inhalation as a result. He was taken to Westchester Burn Center for treatment. Mutual aid was brought in from Clinton Heights, East Greenbush, Defreestville and Wynantskill Fire Departments.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Woman in Critical Condition After SUV and Bus Collide in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - An 18-yearold woman who was a passenger in an SUV was in critical condition following a collision with a school bus on Thursday night, December 28, 2017. The crash happened around 5:00 P.M. at the intersection of Fostertown Road, North JUMP TO FILE# Fostertown and 010218135 New Road according to Lt. James Nenni from the Town of Newburgh P.D. The SUV either ran the stop sign or otherwise failed to yeild the right of way to the bus. The force of the collision then pushed the SUV into a tree. The woman in the SUV had to be extricated by members of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department. She was treated by Mobile Life Support Services and then flown to Westchester Medical Center in critical condition.

The SUV driver was taken to Saint Luke's Hospital with injuries not believed to be lifethreatening. Several people on the bus were also taken to the hospital. The driver of the bus, a 54year-old man, was not hurt. The accident remains under investigation.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

GARY HEARN

Christmas Day House Fire in Washingtonville

Washingtonville, NY - At 3:02 P.M. on December 25, 2017 the Washingtonville Fire Department was alerted for a report of a basement fire at 2864 Rt. 94. Upon arrival, Chief Skelly found smoke emanating from a one-story private dwelling. Further investigation revealed a fire in the basement of the building.

Engine 584 stretched a oneand-three-quarter inch line to the rear of the building, at the request of the Assistant Chief. The interior basement stairs in these types of houses are normally found in the rear, just inside the back door; a straight shot. There was also a

Bloomington and Kingston firefighters work to free the driver of an SUV.

JOHN BECHTOLD

One of the vehicles after extraction of the driver was complete.

JOHN BECHTOLD

JUMP TO FILE #010218112 separate exterior entrance to the basement.

Assistant Chief Bates, the crews of 579, and Salisbury Mills conducted searches on the firstfloor and checked for fire extension. The crew of South Blooming Grove Engine 587 conducted secondary searches of the first-floor and basement. Blooming Grove VAC and Blooming Grove PD were at the scene.

DID Y OU K NOW

- GARY HEARN

?

Firemen enter buildings with temperatures greater than what you cook meat at in your oven. A burning building typically reaches 600 degrees on the bottom floor and can get up to typically 1500 degrees in the ceiling! Most people don't cook their food at more then 450 degrees.

Thruway Crash with Heavy Entrapment in Ulster County Town of Rosendale, NY - A three-car/tractor-trailer accident on the New York Thruway at Mile Marker 84 northbound involved heavy entrapment for one driver on December 7, 2017. The Bloomington FD, with assistance from the City of Kingston FD, worked for a lengthy period of time to extricate the driver of an SUV. The SUV had struck the left/rear of a flat bed truck parked along the shoulder of the roadway. There was one minor injury.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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Chili F.D. Responds to Four Fires Within 48 Hours to End 2017 Chili, NY - The Chili Fire Department in the southwest corner of Monroe County (near Rochester) finished 2017 with four working fires, all occurring within 48 hours.

The first fire was reported via a telephone alarm for a shed on fire. The JUMP TO FILE# shed was discov- 010418106 ered to be fully involved with an exposure problem.

The channel was secured due to a 200-pound propane tank inside the shed. The call originated on 12/26/2017 at 12:36 P.M. at 29 Ballantyne Road. The occupant of the property was near the ignition source and sustained burns to his face and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

The second fire occurred at 2852 Chili Avenue at 7:50 P.M. on 12/26/2017. This fire reported was a single-dwelling fire with the possibility of people trapped, but it quickly escalated to heavy smoke and flames. Units on scene had water supply issues, including a passing motorist not paying attention who clipped a supply line, emptying the hosebed of one of the engines. Multiple mutual aid was requested to the scene.

The road was closed for four hours while crews extinguished the fire and picked up. One civilian was treated for chest pain while a couple of firefighters had slip and fall injuries but were not transported by EMS. The third fire occurred at 1602 Park Hill Court, a multi-unit apartment complex with light construction. Moderate winds drove the fire into the next building. In all, 22 people were left homeless. This alarm was struck at 2:56 A.M. on 12/27/2017, also reported with people trapped.

One person jumped from a window to escape the blaze. Streets were closed due to supply lines crossing the road. A staging area was established for multiple engines and aerials that went to work. A transit bus was brought in for firefighter rehab. In all, five aerial devices went to work to quell the three-alarm fire.

The last fire occurred on Ballantyne Road in a single-family occupancy. This alarm was struck at 5:08 A.M. on 12/28/2017 by a passerby who reported fire from the basement at 85 Ballantyne Road. It was an occupied singlefamily dwelling as well which required more mutual aid to the scene. The ambient temperature was just 4-degrees and firefighter rehab was again put into operation using a transit bus.

All of these fires occurred during sub-freezing temperatures.

The Chili Fire Department is one of the largest all-volunteer agencies in Monroe County with 110 active members. During these fires, countless members from around the area were called in to assist either at the scene or cover

calls with fill-ins.

The following day, an engine from the Brighton Fire Department filled in overnight so members could get some quality sleep. All of these men and women hold fulltime jobs outside of the firehouse and had to return to work between some of the fires. Chili Fire Department Chief Pat Donovan said that "the use of mutual aid was instrumental in containing the fires in both equipment and manpower".

He added that no equipment failed or was damaged as the result of these incidents.

Gates Deputy Chief Derek Hardy said, "it's extremely uncommon for any suburban department to get that many fires in that short of a time". Gates was also called to the third-alarm fire at the Parklands. Hardy said they had a "real heavy fire load on arrival". The Gates Fire Chief, Jim Harrington, added that "in frigid conditions, water turns to ice, hoses become brittle and stiff, and the protective gear becomes coated in ice". Chili Chief Donovan echoed those remarks, commenting that the focus was on the firefighters with fatigue.

The mutual aid system was created in Monroe County and has since spread across the country. It is used on a daily basis in most of New York State.

With this many fires in a town of 30,000 residents, people started asking if the fires were related.

The Chili Fire Department issued a statement that although the fires were not completely investigated by the Monroe County Fire Bureau, they were certain that they were not connected in any way.

- JOHN SPAULDING

COLIN WILLIS

BOB MCCORMICK

BOB MCCORMICK

Cronomer Valley F.D. Delivers Santa

Newburgh, NY - On December 17, 2017 Cronomer Valley F.D. had Santa Claus riding on a fire engine to check up on all the boys and girls throughout their fire district. They stopped at houses and were greeted by excited children and their parents.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Livingston Avenue Home Destroyed by Fire in Albany Albany, NY - On December 18, 2017 the Albany Fire Department responded to an alarm of fire at 793 Livingston Avenue. The first arriving engine on scene called for the Signal 30, followed by the second-alarm quickly called by command. Firefighters had heavy fire in the rear of the building that was rapidly spreading.

Firefighters forced entry into the building and started to search the home for any residents. During the search of the home, firefighters discovered one of the family pets inside and extricated it from the building. Crews used multiple hand lines to rapidly and aggressively bring the fire under control.

Firefighters inside the struc-

BOB MCCORMICK

JUMP TO FILE #011118108 ture had heavy overhaul to conduct after the fire was brought under control. Multiple Albany firefighters and paramedics from Mohawk Ambulance worked on the family's pet for over 25 minutes trying to revive it on scene, but unfortunately were not able to.

The building suffered severe damage throughout and the residents were not able to move back in. The fire is currently under investigation by the city of Albany‘s fire investigation team. No residents or firefighters were injured on scene.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

BOB MCCORMICK

BOB MCCORMICK

Three-Car MVA with Injuries in New Windsor New Windsor, NY - Vails Gate FD, Cornwall EMS, New Windsor EMS, and Cornwall Village and Town police responded to a three-vehicle car accident on State Route 32, in front of Quality Towing, on January 15th. Vails Gate firefighters assisted with injured patients and checked vehicles, also spreading speedy dry on fluids that were on the roadway. A total of six people were transported to Saint Luke's Hospital. Village police directed traffic at the scene. Town of Highland and Town of Newburgh EMS were placed on standby for Cornwall and New Windsor EMS. JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

I, Robot EMS ISSUE

CHELLE CORDERO

There are mechanical devices which can seriously augment resuscitation efforts and CPR in pre-hospital response to a cardiac emergency.

These devices can literally take over compressions on a patient. This does NOT mean that being trained in standard CPR is a thing of the past; use of mechanical devices can enhance the care provided during sudden cardiac arrest.

During a call to an unresponsive victim the crew would immediately, after checking for breathing and pulse, begin CPR while another member sets up the mechanical CPR equipment and AED. (Yes, an AED can still be attached and compressions paused while the unit is analyzing.) The mechanical CPR device is not a one-size-fits-all solution; some patients can be too small or too large, since the device needs to make appropriate contact with the sternum area. Manual CPR continues until the device is in place.

The unit will continue to compress following AHA guidelines under the watchful eye of the crew and can eliminate many of the variations in rate or depth than can occur in longterm manual compressions. Another advantage of using the mechanical device means that less responders are needed since the mechanical device does not fatigue and crew members do not need to keep switching off due to fatigue. CPR in transit is not subject to stop-and-go compressions while loading or unloading when the device is in use.

Most importantly, in addition to allowing for the necessary perfusion

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

to keep the patient both alive and viable, the patient can be strapped safely onto a locked-in gurney, receive CPR, and the crew members can travel in safety while seated and secured.

Crews using mechanical compression devices in the back of the rig have suffered less back injuries since they do not have to deliver compressions while the ambulance maneuvers through traffic to the hospital. In many cases, one can say that the mechanical device increases the survival rate for both the patient and the crew.

Some of the units available are (descriptions provided by Art Hsieh, MA, NRP of the Public Safety Training Center in Northern California): The ZOLL AutoPulse delivers chest compressions using a load-distributing band that is wrapped around the victim’s chest and tightened rhythmically by a battery-powered electrical motor; Physio Control’s LUCAS is powered by compressed air, the LUCAS 2 is battery powered — both devices compress the chest with a piston in a more compact configuration; and the Resuscitation International ROSC-U Miniature Chest Compressor which uses a chest compression component, attached to the patient's chest, that is powered by a battery-controlled unit.

Some agencies have already invested in units but there are others, sadly, who have questioned the cost “when there are already EMTs who know CPR”. Some old school EMS responders also find it difficult to get on board with this new bio-tech and question the need for mechanical compression devices. Still, several studies have been conducted through the years and most have shown varying numbers of improved survival along with increased crew safety.

Agency directors who have purchasing power need to evaluate the cost of the unit versus the cost of an increased patient survival rate and overall crew safety.

GARY HEARN

Tractor-Trailer Fire in Maybrook Truck Wash

Maybrook, NY - On December 18, 2017 at 6:04 P.M., the Washingtonville F.D. was dispatched as the FAST for a tractor fire (tractor of a tractor-trailer), in a truck wash on Neeleytown Road. Rescue 581 responded. The crew stood-by at the scene.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

FDNY WORKING FACES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

STEVE WHITE

Richmond Engine Co. 1 Receives FEMA Grant

Staten Island, NY - Richmond Engine Company 1, a volunteer fire company in Staten Island, was awarded an Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) to purchase new state-of-the-art Scott Paks and masks. Matt Manfredi, the owner of AAA Emergency Supply Company, Inc. in White Plains, provided the new masks. Photo shows Matt Manfedi explaining the new features of the upgraded equipment.

STEVE WHITE

FDNY 21st Battalion Chief William Simpson, with 21 aide at an AllHands gas leak in Staten Island.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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FDNY DEPARTMENT PROFILES

If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

The Cold Brings Seven Alarms to the Bronx STEVE WHITE

Engine 205, Ladder 118 located at 74 Middagh Street in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn.

STEVE WHITE

Engine 3, Ladder 12, Battalion 7, located at 150 West 19th Street, Manhattan.

Engine 207, Ladder 110, Battalion 31, located at 172 Tillary Street, Brooklyn.

STEVE WHITE

Bronx, NY - A seven-alarm fire worked its way through a four-story OMD on January 1st, injuring at least 23 residents, four seriously, and leaving dozens homeless.

The fire was re- JUMP TO FILE# ported at about 5:30 010318102 A.M. at 1547 Commonwealth Ave., a four-story irregular building with apartments over a firstfloor furniture store. The fire appears to have started in the store and spread heavy smoke throughout the upper floors by the time firefighters arrived. Numerous rescues were made as lines were stretched into the store. Additional alarms were transmitted as conditions deteriorated. Flames were visible out of windows on different floors. As soon as the flames were knocked down, they appeared at another window on a different floor. At that point, all members were withdrawn and operations went defensive.

Three tower ladders went into operation knocking down visible fire as soon as it appeared. Heavy fire vented out of the rear, but that was hit with hand lines. Heavy smoke continued to push from the structure for several hours until it finally began to dissipate. Additional alarms continued to be transmitted, mainly for rotating members due to the cold. An FDNY Assistant Chief stated that probably at least two of the alarms were due to the cold. By 11:00 A.M., four tower ladders were still in operation. The condition of the building kept operations defensive.

The Department of Sanitation was called in for salt due to the ice build up in the area and an MTA bus was summoned to help keep residents warm.

- BILL TOMPKINS

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

FDNY

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Second-Alarm Fire at Queens Scrapyard Queens, NY - FDNY firefighters in Queens fought an intense, but relatively brief two-alarm fire on December 31, 2017. A phone alarm was received at 9:20 A.M. for a fire opposite 4625 Metropolitan Avenue. The 10-75 was transmitted at 9:23 A.M., with the second being sounded at 9:33 A.M. The fire building was an approximate 25'X100' one-story corrugated metal building. Members were soon backed out and two tower ladders set up. With a multi-versal in the front door, the fire was knocked down and put "probably will hold" at 10:39 A.M. Haz-Mat was called due to possible unknown substances. No injuries were reported.

FDNY

Massive Five-Alarm Bronx Fire Claims 12 Lives Bronx, NY - "This is the worst fire tragedy we have seen in this city in a quarter of a century. It will rank as one of the worst losses in a fire in many years.

Based on the information now, I’m sorry to report twelve New Yorkers are dead, including one child. Four people are critically injured, fighting for their lives, and there are other serious injuries as well. Because of FDNY’s quick response, at least 12 people were

JUMP TO FILE #011118114 rescued,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio regarding the fatal five-alarm fire in the Bronx on December 28, 2017.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said, “In a Department that’s certainly no stranger to tragedy, we’re shocked at this loss.

The fire started on the first-floor

and quickly spread upstairs. People died on various floors, they range in ages from 1 to over 50.

This tragedy is, without question, historic in its magnitude. Our hearts go out to every family who lost a loved one here and everyone fighting for their lives.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- FDNY

FLASHBACK

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

STEVE WHITE

Two-Alarm Structure Fire in Staten Island Staten Island, NY - On December 15, 2017 at 10:16 P.M., firefighters responded on Box 2257 to 129 New Dorp Plaza for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews had fire on three floors of a three-story 30'x50' structure. Division 8 reported the fire as "probably will hold" at 11:34 P.M.

PHOTO COLLECTION BY RUSSELL CURLEY

FDNY High Rise Ladder 1, a 1961 Mack/Magirus 144' rear mount, responding to an alarm of fire. This ladder would later be reassigned to High Rise Ladder 24.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2018

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FDNY

STEVE WHITE

Second-Alarm Attic Fire in Staten Island

Staten Island, NY - At 10:39 A.M. on December 20, 2017, Battalion 22 transmitted a 10:75 for fire in the attic of a vacant private dwelling located at 531 Clove Road. Division 8 transmitted a second-alarm for a heavy fire condition at 10:47 A.M. At 10:55 A.M., Division 8 reported that a member fell from the attic onto the second-floor. The firefighter escaped with a minor injury. At the height of the fire, five lines were stretched and in operation. Car 8 reported the fire as "probably will hold" at 11:13 A.M.

PET FRIENDS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Pet Friends” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

STEVE WHITE

Meet FDNY K-9 "Bucca". Bucca and his partner, Joe, are the first Accelerant Detection Canine team in the FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation. Bucca is trained in detecting ignitable liquids and counter terrorism. K-9 Bucca is named in memory of Fire Marshal Ronnie Bucca who died on September 11, 2011.

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Dozens Burnt Out in the Bronx Week Before Christmas Bronx, NY - A four-alarm fire tore through the top floor and cockloft of a five-story “U” shaped OMD in the Bronx just over a week before Christmas, leaving many displaced.

A fire that appar- JUMP TO FILE# ently started in a 121817135 fifth-floor kitchen at 1686 Clay Avenue had spread to the cockloft of the 55’X80’ multipledwelling by the time firefighters arrived at 5:15 A.M. on December 17, 2017. A second-alarm was transmitted at 5:22 A.M. as companies initially tried to hold the flames to the “B” wing cockloft. Within 10 minutes, the fire had extended to the “A” wing and a third-alarm was sounded at 5:32 A.M. Tower Ladders 33 and 44 set up in front as four lines were stretched.

Visible fire broke through the roof and soon vented out the cockloft of the “B” wing. The cornice of the “B” wing began to collapse and members were then withdrawn from that wing so the tower ladders could operate.

A fourth-alarm was transmitted at 6:02 A.M. as the two tower ladders went to work. Within 15 minutes, all visible fire had been knocked down and companies were able to re-enter. All searches were completed and overhaul was done.

The fire was placed under control at 7:15 A.M. One minor injury was initially reported.

- BILL TOMPKINS

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

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February, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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