20 minute read

FIRE 2021

212 degrees

Chaplain’s Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

One of the many things I learned in the Fire Department Drill Tower was that at 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And with steam, you can power a train. One degree! When water turns to steam the expansion ratio is 450/1. 450 more effective than water at 211 degrees. Applying one extra degree of temperature to water means the difference between something that is simply very hot and something that generates enough force to power a machine. A beautifully uncomplicated idea that should feed our every effort. Consistently pushing us to make the extra effort in every task, action and every responsibility we undertake. 212 serves as a scientific/natural law and a spiritual law. It reminds us that seemingly small things can make tremendous differences. In the lives of believers, this entire thought has a much greater outcome – salvation, eternal life, making a spiritual impact on the world that we live in. Let me ask and answer the question that most of you are/should be thinking about now:

WHAT IS NEEDED TO REACH AND MAINTAIN THE BOILING POINT IN MY LIFE? What is needed to transform me into steam?

1. Position yourself over the heat source:

Leviticus 6:12 (ESV) The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning…

Being Spirit filled and Spirit led is deliberate act of your will. If you want to go from a subdued, unenthusiastic, lukewarm existence to the boiling point (212) which produces steam - you will have to position yourself for it. Position yourself over the fire of God!

2. Be constant:

1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV) Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Stay long enough for the fire to do its work. Be steady, stable and unmovable when it comes to your dream or vision. Never allow yourself to be thrown off or removed by things you see around you (failure of people, administration, bureaucracy).

3. Maintain concentration and focus:

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

Your efforts must be such as to harness the steam and focus it where it is needed. A laser beam can cut through several inches of steel. That laser is no more than concentrated light. The bottom line - do whatever necessary to raise your temperature. Let us ask God for help in moving from a simmer, to a boil, to steam which has the ability to produce power.

Read more columns on our website! www.1rbn.com

JOHN LAUFFER

Sunday Night Fire Destroys Red Hook Barn; No Animals Hurt

RED HOOK, NY - On May 16th at 8:54 P.M., the Red Hook Fire Company and Tivoli Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire at 412 Route 199 in Red Hook.

Upon arrival within four minutes, Assistant Chief Mike Lane found a barn fully involved with another structure nearby, as well as several propane storage tanks. He immediately called for a second-alarm. This brought equipment and manpower from Rhinebeck, Milan and Livingston and placed Pine Plains on stand-by in their quarters for Milan. Hillside and Germantown relocated to Red Hook and Tivoli to cover those stations.

Per Command due to heavy fire in the structure an exterior attack was initiated and the fire was knocked down in about 45 minutes. Overhaul and clean up of the fire, including use of a backhoe, was completed at about 12:30 A.M.

One firefighter was transported to Northern Dutchess Hospital and later released.

Approximately 40 fire department members were at the scene, as well as the Red Hook Police, NY State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff's Office and Northern Dutchess Paramedics. Dutchess County 911 dispatchers provided communication and coordination throughout the fire, especially in the early stages.

The Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division is investigating the cause of the fire, which has not yet been determined.

JUMP TO FILE #051821100

- JOHN LAUFFER

LONG ISLAND LONG ISLAND

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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Manorville Goes to Work at House Fire

MANORVILLE, NY - At approximately 1:30 A.M. on May 16th, police and fire officials responded to reports of a house fire on Frontier Trail, off Bauer Ave. The first responding chief arrived on scene to find the garage of the home well involved. The chief radioed back to Fire Rescue Dispatch and requested to reactivate his department for additional manpower and start the mutual aid plan to the scene. Two lines were stretched and placed into operation. The occupants were able to make it out of the home, which was confirmed by firefighters. Mutual aid was sent to assist on scene and with standby crews from East Moriches, Center Moriches, Ridge, Yaphank, Brookhaven, Eastport and Wading River. Mastic was also requested, but later cancelled. Firefighters worked the scene for over an hour-and-a-half due to extensive overhaul. The scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Fire Marshal's office and SCPD Arson Squad to investigate.

Additional news from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com

PATRICK D'ONOFRIO

Motorcycle MVA in Oakdale

OAKDALE, NY - For the second time within a week, the West Sayville Fire Department responded to an MVA involving a motorcycle on May 25th. Thankfully, this patient only suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by the Sayville Community Ambulance Company.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Minor MVA Leads to Fatal Second Crash in Ronkonkoma

RONKONKOMA, NY - Just after 11:30 P.M. on May 4th, a minor accident on the Long Island Expressway, in which both drivers were not injured, suddenly turned deadly. The original accident caused the driver of a white car to spin onto an exit ramp while the other driver's car remained in the express lanes. After speaking with the other driver involved in the accident, the 29-year-old returned to his car and had just entered the driver's seat when his car was struck from behind by a tandem FedEx tractor-trailer, ejecting and throwing him into the roadway where he was pronounced dead. SCPD and detectives closed the expressway for about six or seven hours to investigate the accident. The driver of the second car was transported by Ronkonkoma ambulance with minor injuries. The driver of the FedEx truck was not injured and remained at the scene.

MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Meet 1st Responder News correspondent Frankie Verderame from Centereach, NY! Frankie, aka "Frankie The Buff", is 19-years-old and is a Probationary Firefighter in the Centereach Fire Department on Long Island. When he's not working and responding to alarms, he can be seen taking photos for 1st Responder Newspaper. Frankie is pictured here at a recent taxpayer drill at the Suffolk County Fire Academy that the Centereach FD attended.

LONG ISLAND LONG ISLAND

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Family Home Gutted by Fire in Middle Island

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY - At 9:58 P.M. on May 12th, firefighters were alerted to a reported structure fire at 10 Saddlebrook Ct. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on the first floor and fire through the roof on the second floor. Firefighters advanced a line through the front door while hitting the second floor with a deck gun. Multiple mutual aid companies responded to assist Middle Island with the battle and overhaul. No injuries were reported, and all remaining units took up about 90 minutes later.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021 30-Plus Departments Battle with 6-Alarm Red

Devil in Westbury

WESTBURY, NY - At 8:49 P.M. on May 6th, firefighters were alerted to a reported structure fire at Jamaica Ash & Rubbish Removal on Covert Lane. First arriving units were met with a completely engulfed building. Mutual aid went out to over 30 departments, who battled the blaze for over 12 hours before it was placed under control. LIRR service in the area was shut down as fire raged throughout the building, which mostly contained rubbish from offices and recycled paper products and metals. Multiple departments were still on scene as of 8:00 A.M. the following morning. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Officers put up crime scene tape after a child was fatally struck by a car in Shirley.

3-Year-Old Fatally Struck by Car in Shirley

SHIRLEY, NY - On Saturday, May 8th at about 10:30 A.M., the Suffolk County 9-1-1 center received a call for a pedestrian struck on Floyd Road North, between Hampton Ave. and Floyd Road in Shirley.

Officers from the Suffolk County Police 7th precinct, as well as resources from Mastic Ambulance and Mastic FD were dispatched to the scene. A Suffolk Police MEDCAT unit also responded to the scene to assist.

On arrival, first responders found a 3-year-old child that was hit by a vehicle as it was leaving a driveway. The child was in traumatic arrest at the time emergency personnel arrived. Captain Steve Januskewicz {5-12-50} arrived on scene and immediately requested county to upgrade the alarm from a chief’s investigation to a general alarm. Rescue truck 5-12-10 was dispatched to the scene. Mastic Assistant Chief Mike M {5-37-31} responded to the scene, as did Responder 5-37-81 and Ambulance 5-37-19.

According to Suffolk Police, the child was taken to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue. He was then transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital where he died from injuries sustained. The vehicle was impounded, and further details were not available.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Suffolk Police 7th Squad detectives at 631852-8752.

JUMP TO FILE #050821103

- JOHN WALTHERS

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.

LONG ISLAND LONG ISLAND

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING

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

ROCKY POINT, NY - Meet Caitlin Thrash, cheerleader by day, firefighter by night! moved up to the regular department around the same time she did.

Caitlin is not just your average young lady; she's an inspiration to many. Caitlin is a senior at Shoreham-Wading River High School, and in addition to her studies and being on the cheer squad at school, she also has other very important responsibilities. When asked about whether the guys treat her differently because she's a female, she said they don't. She did however admit that some of the training can be a little tough so she has to work harder, but her friends and fellow department members are super supportive.

Caitlin is currently a probationary member in the Rocky Point Fire Department Company #3. She originally joined the fire service around the age of 14 when one of her neighbors, who is a chief in the department, struck up a conversation with her about the department's Junior Firefighter program. Little did she know that this would lead to bigger things. Caitlin had her first working fire in April of this year and when asked if she was nervous about it, she said that though the heat was something to get used to, the training she had done prior in the Juniors Program and regular department definitely helped ease her nerves. The very next evening the department had another house fire and she saw some more action.

Now a few years later, Caitlin is one of just a handful of female members in the department, most of whom are EMTs. She joined the department as a probationary member in October of 2020. I was able to sit down with Caitlin recently to discuss her involvement in the fire service, as well as how she balances it all.

Caitlin said she was originally a little nervous when she first joined the Junior Program a few years ago, but that changed after she built great relationships with the guys in the program, some of whom had Though right now she is balancing her school, work and volunteer schedules, Caitlin plans on sticking with the fire service as a volunteer and eventually aspires to work her way up the ranks into being an officer.

Caitlin's advice for any fellow women who may want to join the fire service but are nervous is to just try it, and if need be join with a friend. “The more women the better!”, says Caitlin. For her, she said it was one of the best decisions she ever made, and she has made many great relationships because of it.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Fully involved apartment above funeral home.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Dogs Alert Residents to Fire at Funeral Home in Selden

SELDEN, NY - Just before 11:00 P.M. on May 25th, a family who resides above the Giove Funeral Home on Route 25 in Selden were alerted and awakened by their two dogs barking franticly to smoke and fire in the upstairs apartment, and were able to escape without injury.

Employees of the funeral home had just left and came back to remove one funeral casket to a safe location in the rear of the building. A passing Selden ambulance advised the department of flames visible from the roof. Firefighters from Selden and as many as six departments responded and went to work to extinguish the blaze. At one point all members were pulled from the building due to a partial collapse inside. No injuries were reported and the fire was brought under control about one hour later.

The Giove Funeral Home has been in Selden for over 55 years. It's owner, a former commissioner, was in Florida at the time of the blaze.

JUMP TO FILE #052621100

- CHRIS SABELLA

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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

LONG ISLAND LONG ISLAND

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Firefighters from multiple departments operated at this fully involved house fire in Holbrook on May 9th.

Fire Guts Home in Holbrook

HOLBROOK, NY - On Sunday, May 9th at about 11:00 A.M., the Holbrook FD was activated for a reported structure fire on Blue Point Road, located off Rudder Drive. Multiple calls were taken for a reported fully involved house.

A member arrived on scene and confirmed the house was well involved. Engine 3-15-6 pulled up first due and went to work, quickly stretching a line. Mutual aid was requested into the scene from Holtsville, Sayville, Farmingville, Bayport and North Patchogue. Multiple lines were stretched and two tower ladders were put into operation.

Firefighters worked for a little over an hour before 3-15-31 placed the scene under control. There was extensive overhaul to complete. At least one civilian was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Islip Town Fire Marshal was on scene investigating and the Islip Town Hazmat was also called to the scene. Ronkonkoma FD stood by for additional alarms at Holbrook FD.

JUMP TO FILE #051521102

- JOHN WALTHERS

APPARATUS IN ACTION

Working commercial fire in Bohemia.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Multiple Cars Burn Inside Bohemia Commercial Building

BOHEMIA, NY - On Tuesday evening, May 18th around 8:00 P.M., the Bohemia FD was activated for a commercial building fire at 360 Knickerbocker Avenue.

A Community ambulance in the area advised of heavy smoke coming from Unit 12, with at least four cars fully engulfed inside. The building consisted of several units, all with steel roll-up doors. Mutual aid response went out to least four area departments.

First-in units reported a working fire and began to go to work, stretching one-and-three-quarter and two-and-a-half inch lines. Firefighters opened up the unit to find heavy flames from four or five cars, with extension to a second unit. Firefighters had the scene under control after about one-and-a-half hours, with minimal extension to a third unit, which appeared to have only smoke and water damage.

Members of Community Ambulance set up and maintained a rehab area along with five ambulance crews standing by at the scene. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

JUMP TO FILE #051921109

- CHRIS SABELLA

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.

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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

LONG ISLAND LONG ISLAND

WORKING FACES

If you have 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

BRADLEY FOWLER

Mastic Beach Volunteer Ambulance Co. Second Assistant Chief TJ Falah.

BRADLEY FOWLER

Mastic Beach FD Fire Police Officer Edward Nasiello, Sr. on scene of a working fire in Mastic on 4/23/21.

ON THE LITER SIDE

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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mr. Mailbox, the newest Safety Officer? Or is it just some gear on a mailbox after the fire is out...Guess one will have to use their imagination!

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Firefighters work to put out this vehicle fire after a car hit a pole on May 16th.

Vehicle Bursts into Flames After Hitting Pole in Shirley

SHIRLEY, NY - On Sunday, May 16th just after 12:30 A.M., the Suffolk County 9-1-1 center dispatched a call to the Mastic FD, Mastic Ambulance and officers from the Suffolk Police 7th Precinct for a report of a vehicle crash with fire on the William Floyd Parkway in the northbound lanes, near Linden Lane.

Mastic FD Captain Steve Januszkiewicz (5-12-50), along with Chiefs Rudy Sunderman (512-30) and Gene Martucci (5-1231), advised Fire-Com on Fres Ops 3 that they were responding to the scene. Captain Januszkiewicz arrived on scene within a short time after activation and confirmed a vehicle hit a pole, and the auto was fully involved. All occupants were out of the vehicle.

First due Engine was 5-12-1 was directed to stretch a line and go to work on the car fire. The booster line was also put into operation to assist with the firefighting operation.

Additional units responded into the scene, including Mini Pumper (5-12-5) and Rescue (5-12-10A). Crews joined up and assisted with the operation and made sure the scene was secure. Fire Police members assisted SCPD 7th Precinct with closing the northbound lanes. Multiple ambulances responded into the scene from Mastic, Mastic Beach, Shirley Ambulance Companies and Center Moriches FD.

Multiple people were taken to Long Island Community Hospital, and one was taken to Stony Brook Hospital. The condition of the people was not given.

All fire units were back in service within roughly one hour of the call being dispatched, and the scene was turned over to SCPD who waited for PSEG to arrive and tend to the severely severed pole.

JUMP TO FILE #051821104

- JOHN WALTHERS

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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

FDNY

THIS OLD HOUSE

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

FDNY Ladder Co. 8's quarters, in Tribeca, was used in the Ghost Busters movies. The company sports tee shirts boasting same. The outside of the firehouse was also used in the Seinfeld episode, "The Code." Kramer visited the captain of the house to offer better routes to fires, after he acquired a scanner radio.

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

FDNY Ladder Co. 8 backs into quarters from a run. The company currently uses a Ferrara 100-foot rear-mount aerial ladder. Fleet #FL11016.

STEVE WHITE

Three-Alarm Fire with Collapse at Private Dwelling in Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, NY - On May 30th at 6:20 A.M., firefighters responded on 3-3 Box 0218 to 255 Howard Avenue, in the Grymes Hill section of Staten Island for a reported structure fire. Crews arrived to find a 50'x80' vacant, two-story frame, peaked private dwelling with fire through the roof. There was a total collapse of the structure and two firefighters sustained minor injuries. The fire was placed "probably will hold" at 7:39 A.M.

VEHICLE NEWS