1st Responder New York June Edition

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JUNE, 2020

Second-Alarm Duplex Fire Lights Up the Morning Sky in Colonie

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Colonie, NY - On April 12th at 5:04 A.M., the Town of Colonie 911 dispatch center received multiple phone calls for a reported structure fire at 19 Dowling Road, with reports of extremely large explosions coming from the house.

- See full story on page 10

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

FIRE AND EMS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TO COVID-19 FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY Lake County, FL Fire Rescue to begin sterilizing Here's how Bergen County, NJ firefighters are stepping up safety N95 masks TAVARES, FL – Lake County Fire Rescue will begin the process of sterilizing N95 masks for reuse among first responders in Lake County. In partnership with the Florida Department of Health, the Lake County Office of EMS and Medical Director, and the Lake County Office of Public Safety Support, the procured Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination Unit can sterilize up to 300 masks at once during the three-hour process.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that N95 masks sterilized with Hydrogen Peroxide blocked infectious particles just as effectively as new masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved N95 sterilization and reuse, which will assist in filling the gap while product manufacturers work to meet the growing demand.

The mask integrity will be rou-

JUMP TO FILE #041320119 tinely evaluated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A sample run was completed over the weekend and tested by Advent Health. The test was negative for any bacteria or the virus, proving that the process is successfully sterilizing the masks.

“This will put our first responders at ease knowing that there is a system in place that will ensure an unlimited supply of PPE,” said Lake County Fire Rescue Chief Jim Dickerson. The Sterilization process is being conducted by Lake County Fire Rescue’s Special Operations Response Team; Hazardous Materials team members will wear personal protective equipment during

the process to protect both themselves and the integrity of the sterilized masks.

“The science behind it is highly effective,” said Meaghan Hislop, a biologist with CURIS Decontamination Systems. “What our device is going to do is disperse the Hydrogen Peroxide into the air and then hold the saturation in the air for a certain time period.”

The career firefighters of Lake County Fire Rescue protect county residents and visitors in an area covering approximately 1,200 square miles, with nearly 70,000 residences and up to 2,000 commercial properties. For up-to-date news on Lake County Fire Rescue, visit, www.facebook.com/LakeCountyFireRescue or www.twitter.com/lakefirePIO. - LAKE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Nine Concord, NH Firefighters Cleared to Return to Work CONCORD, NH- Nine City firefighters who were self-quarantined at home have been cleared to return to duty after a person they came in contact with tested negative for COVID-19.

The nine members from two different fire companies responded to the same residence on different days for EMS runs unrelated to the coronavirus. Interim Concord Fire Chief Guy Newbury reported a patient from the home was transported to the hospital twice and someone in

JUMP TO FILE #040720100 the household later exhibited signs of COVID-19.

The city announced a few days later that the test results revealed the patient were not infected with COVID-19 and all nine firefighters were cleared to leave home after being quarantined and return to duty.

"The department will continue to utilize the protocols put into place

regarding personal protective equipment so our department can continue to treat patients in out community safely," city officials said in a statement. City firefighters were only using personal protective equipment or PPE on medical calls where COVID-19 was suspected. However, the recent scare quickly resulted in a change of department policy even when a patient is not suspected of COVID-19.

- JAY HEATH

Hampton, FL Center Serving as Temporary COVID-19 Testing Site OCALA, FL - April 22, 2020 – Ocala Fire Rescue paramedics will be staffing a temporary COVID-19 testing site at the Hampton Center, 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd.

Testing will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to

JUMP TO FILE #042220109 12pm, until further notice. Testing will be for symptomatic patients, by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2590.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

amid coronavirus outbreak BERGEN COUNTY, NJ New Jersey residents are being told to stay home and avoid the dangers of the coronavirus. Yet thousands of men and women across the state are capable of breaking their self-quarantine at a moment’s notice as firefighters.

First responders are always deemed essential personnel in times of trouble, but the spread of the virus has brought with it added safety precautions. That is especially evident in Bergen County, which has seen the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 of any county in New Jersey.

“Firehouses are closed,” said Alan Silverman, fire official for the borough of New Milford. “It’s not often that you can say that’s the case. All meetings and drills are canceled. The door is locked unless there is a call.”

When there is an emergency, firefighters are asked to come out only if they show no symptoms themselves. Apparatus used is cleaned thoroughly, including a bleach spray for the inside of the trucks, and tools are checked to be in working order, used only in an emergency.

New Milford, much like other communities, has taken to social media and its own website to let people know what steps they can take if there is an alarm. Residents are asked to put signs on front doors if someone inside is infected with the virus. Residents are also being asked to inform dispatchers when calling for an emergency.

Dispatchers across the area have been instructed to relay virus information, providing a code over the radio to firefighters. The code, which may vary from town to town, is confidential to the public, so as to not worry other citizens who may be listening to dispatches.

Fire companies have Tyvek suits and goggles that can be worn instead of the usual turnout gear

JUMP TO FILE #033120115 and bunker pants in case there is a residence with a COVID-19 case.

Standard firefighting gear is swapped out when possible in a situation. Despite regular gear being cleaned often to remove hazards absorbed into the materials, the suits provide a safer alternative to first responders in this situation.

“We are here to serve our communities, but our priority for safety has always been our fellow firefighters,” said Marty Loesner, chief of the Little Ferry Fire Department. “If we do not keep ourselves safe, we cannot be there to keep our residents safe. We have to still provide a service, but we have to be as safe as humanly possible at this stage of the game.”

Departments have also cut themselves down to smaller crews in firetrucks when it's possible, to keep crews at a distance from one another.

“We have been fortunate to have a light load of calls,” Loesner said. “We haven’t had to use some of the policies we have in place. Hopefully, we don’t have to. If we do, we hope our residents can help keep us safe so that we can do the same for them.”

Silverman, who also works as a fire inspector in New Milford, said inspectors were informed this week that inspections have ceased for the time being as a safety precaution.

“I am in touch with the borough administrator often to check in on the situation,” Silverman said. “I don’t imagine that we will be allowing any fire inspections in town until probably May. That alone might keep some businesses closed that could otherwise remain open.”

- ROBERT AITKEN JR. NORTHJERSEY.COM

As the nationwide impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves daily, we would like to know what measures your fire department or squad is taking to protect and enhance the health security of yourselves and of our communities. Please share your department’s or squad’s plan for COVID-19 response to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

ADVERTISER INDEX Company

Page

Backstop USA Campbell Supply Co.

23 1,36

Churchville Fire Equip

19

Fire Districts of NY

7

Firehouse Apparatus

25

Garrison Fire Rescue

19

Jerome Fire Equipment

19

Kimtek

21

LaFrance Equipment

19

Mid Atlantic Rescue

3

North Eastern Rescue

9

Raynor Garage Doors

20

Specialty Vehicles

11

Team Equipment

GUY ZAMPATORI JR

Working House Fire in Rochester Rochester, NY - Firefighters responded on Saturday, April 18th, to Alphonse Street for reports of a house on fire. Engine 16 arrived to find fire showing from the 'B' side. Battalion 1 arrived and declared a working fire in a two-story frame house. One resident escaped the fire prior to firefighters' arrival. It took about one hour to bring the fire under control.

Fatal Apartment Fire in Cohoes Claims One Life

13, 17

VCI

22

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 21 No. 6 - 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. Printed in Canada.

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 BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

BOB MCCORMICK

Two-Alarm Structure Fire on Stillwater Lane in Newburgh

Newburgh, NY - Cronomer Valley FD was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 2 Stillwater Lane on April 18th. Command arrived with flames showing through the roof and requested a resound for a structure fire. Mutual Aid requested to the scene included Good Will, Middle Hope, Plattekill, Coldenham, Air National Guard, and Winona Lake Fire Departments. Marlboro FD stood by during the incident. The fire was declared under control just after 80 minutes. Town of Newburgh EMS, Town of Newburgh Police, New York State Police and Deputy Fire Coordinator 36-13 were also at the scene.

Cohoes, NY - On April 18th at 1:36 P.M., the city of Cohoes Fire and Police Departments, along with City of Watervliet, Watervliet Arsenal and Green Island Fire Departments, Colonie EMS and Empire Ambulance were dispatched to 30 Mangam Street for a structure fire with reports of a person trapped in the building.

The first arriving police unit on scene had heavy fire and smoke pushing from the first floor of the building. The officer on scene attempted to make entry to the rear of the structure, but due to the extreme heat, was pushed back out of the building. The first arriving engine on scene declared the Signal 30. The commanding officer on scene requested a recall of manpower for Cohoes, Watervliet and the Green Island Fire Department.

Firefighters on the first arriving engine immediately pulled multiple hand lines to the front door of the house, and as soon as the hose was stretched the pump operator charged the lines. Firefighters began to make an aggressive knock down and pushed into the apartment where they encountered heavy fire conditions

JUMP TO FILE #050420115 throughout the first floor and heavy smoke throughout the structure.

Several firefighters from the next arriving truck company began the primary search for the reported trapped victim and as all of the visible fire was knocked down, crews completed the search and discovered the individual reported trapped inside. Firefighters checked for all signs of life, but the person was declared deceased.

One person on scene was transported to Samaritan Hospital for smoke inhalation. Multiple fire investigators from the New York State Homeland Security’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control arrived on scene and started their investigation.

The mayor of the city of Cohoes released a statement later in the afternoon that one adult had unfortunately perished in the fire.

No firefighters were injured on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

PAGE 5

Child Jumps from Second Floor Window to Escape House Fire in Ravena Ravena, NY - Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire in Ravena with reported entrapment on Saturday, April 18th. Emergency crews were dis- JUMP TO FILE# patched to 64 Main 042120105 Street with reported entrapment of one child and a dog around 8:35 P.M. "Upon my arrival I had heavy fire on the second floor rear windows," said Assistant Chief Kevin Phillips of the Ravena Fire Department."Prior to my arrival, police on the scene witnessed a 12-year-old child jump from the second floor window."

Phillips says the child suffered an ankle injury, but the injury did not require transport to the hospital.

He said there had been many renovations at the home over the years and that there were multiple ceilings that hindered firefighting efforts.

"We had to cut through all of them to get to the attic section to finally put it out," Phillips said.

Fire departments on the scene included Ravena, Coeymans, Coeymans Hollow, New Baltimore, Selkirk and Medway-Grapeville with their rehab trailer. It took approximately one hour to get the bulk of the fire knocked down, and two more hours to get the fire officially out, according to Phillips.

Another difficulty was the location of the nearest hydrants to connect to. Phillips said they had to lay their supply line about 1000-ft. from the scene. "Usually we don't have to lay that far, but Main Street is a little different," he said.

He says there was one dog that was trapped in the residence and found deceased on the second floor of the structure.

The fire appears to have originated in the rear of the structure on the second floor.

"When I arrived, three of the four windows in the rear had fire pushing out when I got here," Phillips said. "Flames were probably 30-ft. in the air."

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Albany County Sheriff's Department and New York State Fire Investigators.

Also assisting on the scene were Ravena Rescue, Coxsackie Ambulance, Albany County Paramedics, Albany County Sheriff's Department, Coeymans Police, and New York State Police.

On standby was another crew from Selkirk at the Coeymans Firehouse, another crew from New Baltimore and Coeymans Hollow at the Ravena Firehouse, Westerlo at the Coeymans Hollow Firehouse, Elsmere on standby for Selkirk, and Coxsackie Fire also on standby.

There were no additional injuries reported on the scene.

- THOMAS MARRA

A child jumped from a second floor window to escape a house fire in Ravena on April 18th.

Firefighters fought the stubborn fire for hours.

THOMAS MARRA

THOMAS MARRA

PAGE 6

June, 2020

1 Ardmore Street • New Windsor, NY 12553

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS •••

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

CORRESPONDENTS •••

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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

North Carolina: Joseph Jessie Tucker, Jr., 62 Rank: Safety Officer Incident Date: March 8, 2020 Death Date: March 8, 2020 Fire Department: Thoroughfare Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, March 8, 2020, Safety Officer Joseph Tucker was driving the department’s engine to a structure fire before complaining that he wasn’t feeling well to his coworkers. After arriving at the scene, Tucker was immediately transported to the Wayne UNC Hospital where he passed away.

Pennsylvania: Jerome Guise, 34 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 9, 2020 Death Date: March 9, 2020 Fire Department:Citizen's Fire Company No. 1 of Mt. Holly Springs Initial Summary: While battling a fire at a single-family home, Firefighter Jerome Guise was fatally injured when the structure’s heavy timber front porch roof collapsed on him. Firefighter Guise was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Michigan: Benjamen "Ben" Lauren, 23 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 13, 2020 Death Date: March 13, 2020 Fire Department: Forsyth Township Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, March 13, 2020, at approximately 2130hrs, Firefighter Benjamen “Ben” Lauren and Forsyth Township Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene of a fire in a duplex. While working the interior of the structure, part of the floor collapsed and Lauren became trapped between the first and basement floors. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under investigation.

West Virginia: Zachary S. Blankenship, 26 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 5, 2020 Death Date: March 15, 2020 Fire Department: Montcalm Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Thursday, March 5, 2020, Firefighter Zachary S. Blankenship and the Montcalm Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire at a residential structure. Upon returning home, approximately 5 hours later, he collapsed. Blankenship was immediately taken to the Bluefield Regional Medical Center where it was determined he suffered a stroke. He was later flown to a hospital in Roanoke, Virginia.

Blankenship was pronounced deceased at 1442hrs on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

New York: Michael Field, 59 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: March 24, 2020 Death Date: April 8, 2020 Fire Department: Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On March 24, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Michael Field responded to a medical emergency at a residence where a patient had a known case of COVID19. He subsequently contracted the virus and passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

North Carolina: James "Tank" Waters, 40 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: April 7, 2020 Death Date: April 7, 2020 Fire Department: Tryon Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Chief James “Tank” Waters was assigned to work from his residence due to being quarantined for COVID-19 precautions. While on official duty, he fell ill and suffered a medical emergency. EMS crews responded and treated Chief Waters to where he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

CLAIMS SERVICE...

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

PAGE 7

It’s where the rubber meets the road

Fancy packaging, discounted pricing and potential dividends mean very little if your VFBL provider denies your claim or handles it poorly.

Discounts and dividends don’t really concern the injured volunteer who needs diagnostic testing or surgery that isn’t being approved.

When your volunteer is injured in the line of duty, no one provides better claims service than Fire Districts Mutual... No One! If taking care of your injured volunteer is high on your priority list, you need to talk with us. Since 1978 we’ve been providing the best possible claims service to volunteers injured in the line of duty.

THEY DESERVE NO LESS. For a no obligation quote, contact your agent or call:

Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Company, Inc. Inquire about our Health & Safety Officer training program!

777 Chestnut Ridge Road - Suite 2 Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977-5670 Phone: (888) 314-3004 • Fax: (845) 352-2022 www.fdmny.com

PAGE 8

June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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.

These patches are from the Otter Lake Fire Department, located in the Adirondacks of New York state.

The spice blend you never knew you needed....

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

Let’s be honest, grilled chicken gets played out and quite frankly sucks a lot of the time. Chicken breast, while healthy, often falls short when it comes to flavor. Here is the good news, it doesn’t have to!

Spices are your friend when it comes to cooking, and this goes beyond just salt and pepper. Looking in the spice section of the supermarket, you can find pretty much anything from turmeric to smoked sea salt, and everything in between. This is a tremendous asset to us when we get in the kitchen because it allows us to take something as simple as a piece of grilled chicken and change its flavor each and every time we cook.

Ok, so now you are in the supermarket, looking for that spice blend to make your grilled chicken not suck. But every bottle you pick up is loaded with salt and a bunch of other

crap you can’t pronounce. Sure there are a few companies out there making great rubs, blends, etc. using good ingredients, but they are few and far between. And while I do find myself reaching for these when I am in a pinch and short on time, they do not compare to a homemade spice blend or rub. Making your own is not only healthier but it allows you to tailor it to your own liking, adjusting heat, salt, spice, etc. Often I find myself making more than I need just so I have it on hand. And one spice I absolutely love having around is actually a blend of various spices called Za’atar. It originates from the Middle East and is used in a variety of ways such as a vegetable and meat seasoning, mixed with olive oil to serve as a dip, blended with Labneh (a strained, thick Arab yogurt) or sprinkled on to hummus. Needless to say it is one of the more versatile spices in the kitchen. Traditionally it is made with a dried herb called Za’atar, which is hard to get in the United States, so common substitutes are dried oregano, savory, thyme and my favorite, marjoram.

There is also salt, sesame seeds and most important, sumac. Sumac is a

dried berry which is ground up to make a tart, almost lemon like powder and can now be found in most supermarkets. It is key in Za’atar so don’t skip it! All of these spices when blended together add an earthy, salty, sour flavor that is hard to beat. It can take any bland, mundane ingredient and make it shine.

Aside from using it in this recipe, if you put your leftovers in a plastic bag in the fridge it will stay fresh for a couple of weeks, perfect for the summer! This stuff is fantastic on grilled fish, shrimp and vegetables too, so having some around will certainly make your grilling season much more enjoyable.

This recipe for Grilled Chicken with Lentil-Chickpea Salad is the perfect compliment to Za’atar and a great way to start using this spice blend. The yogurt adds a delicious tang while adding the much needed “fat” element to the dish. Pomegranate seeds provide a nice, tart crunch.

And the lentil-garbanzo salad packs a ton of protein and fiber. So get the fires lit and spice up your life with some Za’atar! Pun intended!

Stay safe, eat well!

PROVIDED

ZA'ATAR GRILLED CHICKEN W/LENTIL-GARBANZO SALAD

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, thinly sliced in half 2 Lemons, halved EVOO Salt, to taste Za’atar Seasoning, recipe to follow 1 Cup Lentils, cooked according to package 15 oz. Can of Garbanzo Beans 1 Red Onion, thinly sliced ½ Cup Pomegranate Seeds ½ Cup Fresh Herbs, chopped (Basil, Mint, Parsley or any combination of) 4 Cups of Arugula 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt

PROVIDED

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY!

Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Za’atar Spice: yields ¼ cup 1 Tbsp. Sumac 1 Tbsp. Cumin, ground 1 Tbsp. Sesame Seed, ground 1 Tbsp. Dried Marjoram, ground - sub. dried thyme or oregano 1 tsp. Sea Salt 1 tsp. Fresh Cracked Black Pepper Zest of 1 Lemon (optional) Procedure:

-Place the chicken breasts in a deep container or bowl. Drizzle with EVOO, juice of ½ of a lemon and a healthy pinch of Za’atar seasoning. Marinate

for 30 minutes up to 2 hours in the fridge.

-While the chicken is marinating, cook the lentils according to package and drain.

-In a medium bowl, add the cooked lentils, garbanzo beans, red onion, a pinch of fresh herbs and a pinch of za’atar seasoning as well as the juice from the other ½ of lemon. Stir, taste and adjust seasoning.

-Preheat grill to high heat.

-Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes

or until internal temperature is 165°F.

AJ FUSCO

-While the chicken is grilling, combine yogurt, a drizzle of EVOO, pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon in a bowl.

Stir, taste and adjust seasoning.

-Assemble the salad: Smear the yogurt on the bottom of the plate, top with arugula, followed by the grilled chicken.

Top with lentil - garbanzo salad, a drizzle of EVOO. Scatter the fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds. Top with more za’atar seasoning. Serve.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

PAGE 9

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant Burns in Honeoye Falls Honeoye Falls, NY - At approximately 2:04 P.M. on April 23rd a citizen walking down Monroe Street in the village of Honeoye Falls noticed smoke coming from the rear of the closed 4 JUMP TO FILE# Seasons Chinese 042720108 restaurant and immediately reported it to on duty personnel at the Honeoye Fall Fire station.

Personnel from the Rush Volunteer Fire Department, Mendon Fire, Lima Volunteer Fire Department, East Avon Fire Department, Henrietta Fire District, Pittsford Fire Department, and Livonia Fire Department were called to the scene to assist in fire suppression.

HFFD Chief Hood was Incident Command.

Firefighters found heavy fire in the first floor restaurant, the second and third floor apartments, as well as fire self-venting through the roof. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack to suppress the flames. It is an old balloon constructed building with many years of remodeling with false ceilings, etc.

The Rush Pumper 582 crew set up a blitz attack using a line from Ladder HFFD 560 from the rear to reset the fire on the second and third floor, which gave the interior crew a better situation to knock the rest of the fire down.

Heavy black smoke and flames from the rear area turned into white smoke within five minutes.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down at 2:30 P.M. and the fire was under control at 3:15 P.M. Extensive overhaul operations were conducted to ensure that there were no hot spots left.

Fortunately, there were no injuries to any firefighters or civilians.

Thank you to the Ionia Volunteer Fire Co. for providing a fillin. The Monroe County Fire Bureau and Monroe County Sheriff's Office also assisted and are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

- BOB FAUGH

Visit our new website!

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Blitz attack at the rear.

ROB DAHLEN

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PAGE 10

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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

Newburgh, NY - Winona Lake Engine Company was called out on April 9th to a car fire at 123 Route 17K. There were no injuries.

VINNIE DOMINICK

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Second-Alarm Duplex Fire Lights Up the Morning Sky in Colonie New Paltz, NY - New Paltz Fire Dept. was dispatched during a snow/sleet storm on March 23rd, for a tractor trailer overturned on the NYS Thruway. There were numerous fender benders near the same location during the storm.

WILLIAM MURRAY

BOB MCCORMICK

Structure Fire in City of Newburgh

Newburgh, NY - City of Newburgh FD was dispatched to a structure fire at 87 West St., April 25th. Flames were showing from the second floor as crews arrived. Firefighters used two lines to knock down the fire. Mutual Aid that assisted included West Point and Air National Guard to the scene, while Coldenham and Goodwill stood by at the Public Safety Building. Orange County Deputy Fire Coordinator 36-13 and Mobile Life were also at the scene. City of Newburgh Police blocked West Street during the incident.

Colonie, NY - On April 12th at 5:04 A.M., the Town of Colonie 911 dispatch center received multiple phone calls for a reported structure fire at 19 Dowling Road, with reports of extremely large JUMP TO FILE# explosions coming 050420117 from the house. As police were coming into the area they notified the dispatcher that they had heavy fire, smoke and embers shooting into the morning sky.

As police officers and paramedics from Colonie EMS arrived on scene and were attempting to make sure everyone got out of the house, a massive explosion suddenly went off, rocking the nearby houses. The paramedics on scene notified the first chief on the air to start the second-alarm.

The West Albany Fire Department's chief immediately requested the second-alarm, bringing Latham, Fuller Road, Shaker Road, Colonie Village Fire Co., Fire Services, and the Town of Colonie Air Bank to the scene. As the first Chief arrived on scene he notified the dispatcher that he had a large amount of embers showering nearby houses and transmitted the Signal 30.

Engine 459 arrived on scene within minutes and deployed multiple hand lines to the front of the house. Truck 3, Engines 454 and 406, Rescues 2 and 12, and Truck 4 quickly arrived on scene. Firefighters deployed multiple hand lines to the rear of the building, but power lines came down and landed on a metal fence, causing the fence to become electrically charged.

Crews made an aggressive push after knocking down some of the fire in 19A but were pushed

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

back out of the building. Firefighters made entry into the neighboring attached apartment and discovered fire on the second floor which was starting to breach through the firewall on the first floor. Firefighters immediately started to knock down any visible fire on the second floor and began to pull the ceilings.

As Truck 3 was setting up, firefighters started to ladder the building and command was notified that the floor in the first fire building was completely compromised. Truck 3 immediately went into master stream operations and started to knock down the heavy fire. A combined effort of over a half dozen hand lines, blitz fires, and master

streams was able to knock down the heavy fire.

At about 5:45 A.M., firefighters had all visible fire knocked down and began conducting heavy overhaul as investigators began to find the cause of the fire. The duplex number 19 was a complete loss.

Firefighters were able to minimize the damage to the second apartment where residents inside were able to recover some of their belongings.

Over 60 firefighters assisted battling the fire during the early hours of the morning. No injuries were reported and the fire is currently under investigation.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

After the Pandemic The Emotional Toll EMS ISSUE

CHELLE CORDERO

The Coronavirus crisis has ravaged our country, our EMS personnel, and all healthcare on the front-line. As of the writing of this article New York State has suffered more than 12-thousand deaths, with New York City and the southern counties being the epicenter of most confirmed cases and deaths. EMS responders have been running non-stop, riding seemingly endless shifts, and all too often falling to the sickness themselves, sometimes fatally.

One EMT recently interviewed for a local news broadcast mentioned that his typical call volume has, at the minimum, quadrupled and that he knows most patients he transports never make it out of the hospital. He also admitted being reduced to tears when he has had to tell patients’ families that they are not allowed to ride in the rig or even show up at the hospital to be with their loved ones and they all realize it may the last time they ever get to say “I love you”.

Aside from the physical demands which have included lack of sleep and lack of proper PPE, too many of our state’s EMTs and Paramedics have seen their friends, co-workers and sometimes family members fall ill and die. Our brave EMS teams have often been called to act often beyond their scope and to make desperate triage decisions because of an overburdened health care system and overcrowded hospitals. Crews are advised not to attempt to revive suspected (or confirmed) COVID patients if they have coded or to perform procedures which could generate aerosols that would transmit the virus to others. The “decision” to let someone die in your care goes against the grain of most EMS and can weigh heavily with guilt and regrets.

911 operators do their best to ascertain if a patient exhibits any Coronavirus symptoms or has had contact with any known sufferers so that they could warn the responding crews. While basic Personal Protective Equipment is

always donned during a response, if the supplies are available then authorized masks, gowns and eye/face shields are also worn; too often crews need to rely on simple face-masks made of linen and gloves simply because supplies have dwindled dangerously low.

And yet the ambulance crews still rush to every patient’s side. Many EMTs and Paramedics are often afraid to return to their own homes and families for fear of bringing the virus along with them.

WHEN… When this pandemic is over and ambulance and hospital ERs are once again dealing with the mundane (in comparison) calls that most EMS and emergency courses train for, our health responders will truly never be the same again. They will have lived through a COVID “war zone”, they will have lost colleagues, neighbors and loved ones and they will be left with the time to dwell on all the decisions, all the deaths, and all the exhaustion. There will be sleepless nights from nightmares, tears and regrets, grief, anger and disbelief. The resulting depression could lead to poor health, substance abuse, anger, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts.

The state and individual agencies need to plan now for CISD and grief counseling as well as finally giving recognition to our EMTs and Paramedics who gave so much of themselves to fighting this virus despite the overwhelming numbers and lack of supplies.

Our first-responders need to be allowed to grieve, to cry and to know they are not weak to seek help. Therapists need to be available, but not just any therapists, counselors need to understand what our EMS personnel have gone through and the things they’ve seen and experienced.

Simple compassion won’t cut it.

CISD counselors must know EMS, they must understand the hard decisions and what it actually means to “have been there”. Crisis teams and counselors need to be formed now so that they can learn what is actually going on and what our EMS personnel are being exposed to every day.

EMS, along with other healthcare workers, have been on the frontlines and their contributions have been vital to a, hopefully soon, recovery and reopening for our state and our country. EMS is as essential to our well-being as breathing the air around us.

D. HITT, THROUGH THE SMOKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Quick Response Limits Damage to Vacant Endicott Motel West Endicott, NY-On Monday, afternoon, April 20th, the Endicott Career Fire Department was requested to a West Main St. vacant motel to assist West Endicott Fire Department for smoke in the building. The Broome County Sheriff's Office and New York State Police patrols noticed smoke while in the area investigating suspicious activity.

Upon Chief 25’s arrival, he reported a working fire and requested the first due engine to

JUMP TO FILE #042320100 obtain a water supply. Quint 25, with a crew of four, hit the hydrant and laid in a supply line. The crew pulled a hand line and made an aggressive interior attack. The fire was put out within a matter of minutes and kept to the room of origin.

West Endicott and West Corners Fire crews assisted with traffic control, searching the building

for occupants, ventilation and checking for fire extension.

NYSEG arrived on scene to make sure the utilities were secured.

Union Volunteer Emergency Squad, Inc. stood by on scene.

There were no injuries and the cause is under investigation by Broome County Office of Emergency Services Bureau of Fire Investigation.

- DAVID ABELL

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON

Cornwall Fire Department once ran this 1981 Mack CF 106'LTI Ladder. The unit is now privately owned.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

JOHN SMITH

Structure Fire for Jamestown

Jamestown, NY - At 7:07 A.M. on April 15th, Jamestown Fire was dispatched to 205 West Seventh Street, between Washington Street and Rose Alley, after a passerby spotted flames coming from the first floor of the property. At 7:09 A.M., Car 1 went on scene and reported a working structure fire with heavy smoke showing. At 7:12 A.M., Car 1 requested an off shift of 12 plus 1. At 7:16 A.M., Celoron Fire Department was dispatched to the scene for their ambulance. Off duty firefighters were also called to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

BOB FAUGH

Rush Vol. Fire Department Celebrates 100 Years of Service with “Quarantine Parade�

Rush, NY - Rush Volunteer Fire Dept. is celebrating their 100 year anniversary providing fire, rescue and ambulance, fire prevention and complete scouting programs for boys and girls to the town. The department consists of 38 members in a small town located 12 miles south of Rochester, NY (on I-390 near I90), with 3,500 people covering 38square-miles.

To commemorate their milestone, Rush FD held a "Quarantine

JUMP TO FILE #040620104 Parade" on Friday night, April 3rd.

The idea came about when Fire Chief Jon Faugh (who is also a NYS Trooper) drove his personally owned 1970 fire pumper around town and people suggested that the whole department should have a parade.

The parade was held during

some slight rain with three pumpers, one rescue, one ambulance and one brush truck, along with eight private volunteer cars with lights and sirens. They covered 42 miles of roads in town from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, and were amazed with how many people were out by the street with best wishes and signs to show their support.

- BOB FAUGH

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

PAGE 15

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

THOMAS MARRA

A crew from the Selkirk Fire Department on the scene of a mutual aid chimney fire at a mobile home park in Coeymans.

GARY HEARN

Campbell Hall House Fire

Hamptonburg, NY - At 7:32 P.M. on April 12th, the Washingtonville FD was dispatched on the 1st alarm mutual aid assignment as the FAST to a report of a chimney fire in a house on Eager Road in the Town of Hamptonburg. Upon arrival the Campbell Hall FD found fire in the walls of a two-and-a-half story wood-frame dwelling (balloon construction). The crew of Washingtonville Rescue Engine 580 was put to work checking for fire extension and conducting overhaul operations on the second floor of the dwelling and a second FAST was requested. The fire was contained to the walls on the first and second floors.

IN SERVICE THOMAS MARRA

Members of the Medway-Grapeville Fire Department covering up their faces due to the new mask regulations in effect in New York state for COVID-19.

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

KEN SNYDER

Quint 39-45 of the East Fishkill Fire District in Dutchess County is a 2018 Spartan/Marion 1500/500/20/75'LTC.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

VEHICLE NEWS Kirkwood, NY - Over the last few months, members have been working on a project to replace one of Five Mile Point Fire Department's two brush trucks. The aging 1990 Ford Brush Truck had been needing repairs on a regular basis and had been in need of significant work or replacement. Through the cooperation, skill sets, and hours upon hours of work put in by many department members they are proud to present to you with the new Brush 59-1. This truck features a 2010 Chevy 2500 chassis with extensively beefed up suspension and off road tires. This chassis was purchased with the flatbed already installed and only 24,000 miles. A skid unit with 250-gallons of water and a roughly 500-GPM pump. Compartmentation was added to both sides and some custom mounts and hose trays. All LED lighting, an interior lightbar, and a new siren were installed along with custom graphics. Look for this truck around the Town of Kirkwood and surrounding areas responding to emergencies in the near future and for many years to come!

MICHAEL E. POLLOCK

We Love EMS sign placed in front of Brighton Volunteer Ambulance as a gesture of thanks for the service of First Responders, especially EMTs during this coronavirus pandemic. Pictured (L to R): Brighton Vol. Ambulance EMTs Angela Daley and Polymnia Triantafilou.

“We Love EMS” Sign Placed in Front of Brighton Vol. Ambulance

NICHOLAS GRISWOLD

Rochester, NY - Brighton Volunteer Ambulance (BVA) often receives notes of appreciation from patients or their families after they transport them to the hospital. In this instance, BVA got a different kind of note, courtesy of a local doctor, that was not a patient.

Dr. Bryce Yermen, M.D., a Brighton town resident and an emergency physician at the University of Rochester - Strong Memorial Hospital got the idea after he saw a “thank you” sign put up for a local

JUMP TO FILE #032920103 doctor by an out-of-state doctor thanking him for his service during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Yermen thought, “It’s not just the doctors. It’s also the First Responders here and across Monroe County.” He wanted them to know just how much they’re appreciated. “We’re very proud of the EMTs and the services they’re pro-

viding.” He said, “They’re on the front lines, in the trenches.”

“It’s phenomenal,” said Dennis Mietz, president of Brighton Volunteer Ambulance. “To see somebody in the community recognizing what we do is a great feeling.”

Terri Kane of Card My Yard, the sign company said, “This is really about thanking our community for supporting all the people who are keeping us going.”

- MICHAEL POLLOCK

NICHOLAS GRISWOLD

VINNIE DOMINICK

House Fire on S. Plank Road in Newburgh

NICHOLAS GRISWOLD

Newburgh, NY - Orange Lake FD responded to 373 South Plank Road on March 29th for reports of a structure fire. Winona Lake Engine Company was requested to respond along with City of Newburgh as the FAST. One person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The fire is under investigation.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Thrilling Tales of the Montrose Search and Rescue ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

One Person Killed in MVA on North Lake Ave. in Brunswick Brunswick, NY - On April 14th at 3:26 P.M., the Brunswick Fire Company No. 1, with the Center Brunswick Vol. Fire Company and Mohawk Ambulance Service, were dispatched to the intersection of North Lake Ave. and Genesee St. for a traffic accident with entrapment.

The first arriving Chief on scene had a car versus jeep with an elderly male trapped in the vehicle.

Engine 4-2 and first response four arrived on scene and began to ex-

JUMP TO FILE #050420116 tricate the victim from the car.

Two additional mohawk ambulance rigs were requested to the scene. As firefighters were able to successfully extricate the elderly individual from the vehicle they discovered the individual did not have a pulse and began to administer CPR. Firefighters and paramedics administered advanced life

support measures for over 35 minutes on scene. Unfortunately, due to the injury sustained in the crash, the elderly individual had passed away on scene.

The Rensselaer County Sheriffs Department arrived on scene and set up a perimeter around the accident and is currently investigating the accident. The driver of the Jeep was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

Thrilling Tales of the Montrose Search and Rescue

By Mike Lawler Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $24.99

This is a soft cover book measuring 6 ½ inches by 9 inches and has 122 pages. These are select incidents responded to and operated at by the Montrose Search and Rescue team. Since 1947 this team of dedicated volunteers has been rescuing, and in some cases recovering, victims in the mountainous regions not too far from the city of Los Angeles, California. The group is from Crescenta Valley. After the history chapter the rescues are broken down into the categories of mountain. Ice and snow, car crashes, dog, plane crash, underground and the liter side of rescues.

The book is inundated with both black and white and color

photos and the stories are such that they brought me to both joy and sorrow because not all came to a happy ending. We think of volunteers as always being on call to fight fires and answer ambulance and rescue calls and for that we should all be respectful. However for Montrose, many of their calls last for extended times and involve difficult access situations, many times compounded by adverse weather conditions as well as treacherous ground conditions resulting from such weather. We must realize that victims need rescue either because of what predicament they are in or simply due to being unconscious or having injuries that cause them to become immobile.

In my younger years I would have been able to physically keep up a firefighting or rescue team but now being in the “fall” of my life so to speak I get exhausted as I empathize the agility needed to be a member of the team. Do not get me wrong…it is not that I get tired of reading of these incidents. On the contrary they are unique and keep you in suspense. It is just to picture myself in their place and the energy they expel in doing their devoted work. And all of this without pay!

This book is an easy read in terms of short stories, but the details of them make you want to hug your loved ones because on short notice and in innocent ways there could be a chance of loss or serious injury many times due to Mother Nature.

VEHICLE NEWS

GARY HEARN

Fatal House Fire in Woodbury FRANK ROBINSON

Mechanicstown FD in Orange County now operates a 2020 Spartan/Rescue 1 Heavy Rescue.

Woodbury, NY - At 4:17 A.M. on April 21st, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched as mutual aid for a house fire on Route 32 in Woodbury. Engine 584 responded.

Upon arrival, the crew of Engine 584 was split, and a second handline was stretched to the second floor while the remainder of the crew conducted a search and opened up the walls and ceiling to expose the fire.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

THOMAS MARRA

NBFD Receives Donation of Pet Oxygen Masks

New Baltimore, NY - The New Baltimore FD received pet oxygen masks to better care for pets involved in fires. The masks were donated by the Invisible Fence company where a demonstration was held at drill on Monday, March 16th. The masks were donated as part of the Project Breathe program put on

by Invisible Fence. This program donates oxygen masks to fire departments and other first responders in order to provide the proper equipment necessary in order to help save animals suffering from smoke inhalation from a fire. The program allows for one kit to be donated per station. Each kit includes a small, medium and a large mask. Masks were donated to be on apparatus at both of the stations within the fire department.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

GUY ZAMPATORI JR

Vacant House Fire in Rochester Rochester, NY - Rochester Firefighters responded early Tuesday morning, May 5th, to Delamaine Dr. for a house on fire.

Battalion 1 arrived to find heavy fire showing from the 'Delta' side, first and second floors of a vacant house. The roof eventually collapsed. This was an exterior attack only, and the fire was under control within an hour.

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

Dump Truck Rollover in Rochester Rochester, NY – On Wednesday morning, May 6th, Rochester firefighters and AMR ambulance responded to a dump truck rollover crash on I-490 East, near the Goodman Street exit. The driver and passenger were assisted from the truck and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The truck was hauling crushed stone, which spilled across the highway. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the New York Sate Police.

June, 2020

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Rescues Made at Four-Alarm Structure Fire in Rochester Rochester, NY - When firefighters arrived to Monroe Ave. around 2:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 28th, they were greeted with heavy smoke and fire shooting from the second floor of the building, burn- JUMP TO FILE# ing out of control 042820106 with five people reportedly trapped inside.

According to crews, it took about 15 fire companies and 75 firefighters to battle this blaze. Firefighters were quickly able to get into the building and find everyone, rescuing them through a front window on the first floor.

Crews said multiple pets were also rescued by firefighters.

Firefighters were on the roof of the building creating vents for the smoke and fire to escape, but due to the compromised structural stability of the building those firefighters had to be pulled off the roof and a collapse zone was established. The fire was placed under control within two hours.

- GUY ZAMPATORI JR

GUY ZAMPATORI JR

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

PAgE 23

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.

BOB MCCORMICK

Fatal Pedestrian Vs. Train in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - New Windsor Police and FD were dispatched on April 5th to the railroad tracks on River Road, just south of Walsh Avenue, for a reported subject hit by a southbound train. New York State Police were also at the scene, as well as New Windsor ID and detectives.

Boght Engine 400 on the scene of a structure fire.

MIKE CAREY

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PAGE 24

June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

NEW YORK

KIMTEK Unveils Six New Brush Truck Skid Units with CAT Ultra High-pressure Pumps BRITTANY JOHNSON/SERVPRO

April 15, 2020–Orleans, VT KIMTEK has added six new ultra high-pressure models to its brush truck series skid unit lineup. The new 400 Series FIRELITE® FCUHP-401, -402, -403 deluxe, 404, -405, and -406 basic model skid units are desired by departments needing affordable brush truck units with an industry leading CAT ultra-high-pressure pump.

To additionally meet departments' specific needs, KIMTEK offers the new 400 Series in options that include a patient transport area which can hold a long board or stokes basket or accommodate other optional items that can be added such as storage boxes and supply line trays.

These units include the FIRELITE FCUHP-401, -402, and -403 models. The FCUHP-404, -405, and 406 models integrate a more basic design and include no patient transport area.

All of KIMTEK's FCUHP-400 Series skid units are equipped with an electric rewind Hannay 1500 Series reel and come in 125, 160, or 200 gallon water tank configurations.

They are powered by a 9-HP Honda

GX270 electric start coupled to a CAT triplex gearbox-driven ultra high-pressure pump producing 6.7 gpm at 1200 psi. The 400 Series brush truck skid units also include 100 feet of 1/2" high pressure rated booster hose with a CAT dual-strike foam nozzle capable of delivering foam or water. The CAT foam system permits a foam induction rate of 0.5% to 6.0%.

Incorporating KIMTEK's trademark sleek and sensible design, the new FIRELITE FCUHP-400 Series Brush Truck Skid Units are affordably priced yet produced with the same high-quality materials and workmanship that departments throughout the world expect from KIMTEK. These 400 Series units incorporate all-aluminum diamond plate construction, aluminum tubing, pressure gauge, inlet filter, and primary and secondary pressure relief valve system. All the NFPA fully baffled water tanks are on reinforced bases with spaces to accommodate a fork lift for easy installation in brush trucks.

KIMTEK Corporation is the largest producer and marketer of ATV/UTV-specific skid units for public safety agencies in the U.S. KIMTEK's FIRELITE® fire and rescue skid units and MEDLITE® medical skid units are now in service in all fifty U.S. states and across Canada, all branches of the military, the National Park Service, numerous NASCAR tracks, sporting complexes, schools, universities, and in several countries worldwide.

KIMTEK Transport skid units are made in the USA. Founded in 1984 as a research and development company dedicated to advances in life safety technology in the fire sciences, KIMTEK Corporation manufactures and markets a full line of FIRELITE and MEDLITE Transport skid units for emergency service UTVs and pick-up trucks. For more information, please contact KIMTEK at 888-546-8358 or visit www.kimtekresearch.com or www.brushtruckskids.com.

About KIMTEK Corporation

BRITTANY JOHNSON/SERVPRO

ServPro Gives Back to Fire Department in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - ServPro of North Orange County reached out to Good-Will Fire Department's Chief, Chris Wilson, and asked if they could disinfect their trucks and station, at no cost, to thank them for what they as volunteers do for the community. On Monday morning, April 13th, ServPro showed up at the station with all equipment, supplies and manpower to disinfect the trucks, station, gear, dispatch, bathrooms, decon room and ready room. Thank you to ServPro for helping to protect out firefighters during this critical time while battling COVID 19.

KIMTEK

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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June, 2020

Stay Safe Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

Stay safe is a phrase that we have known from years ago. It would be our way of telling other responders to be careful. It was a constant reminder.

Now we hear many people saying that to each other.

During this present challenging time we need to stay safe. Domestic violence, suicide and depression is on the increase. People are getting cabin fever. People are trying to stay in contact using the different meeting platforms. I have even ventured to utilize FaceTime and Zoom meeting and trying to figure our Teams. These platforms give a face to the voice but there is nothing like being in the presence of the other individual.

People are now doing some funerals with Zoom or having wakes that way. Right now, social distancing is becoming the norm. Many of the houses of worship are having services or devotionals on a social platform.

People are trying whatever they can to do provide some "normalcy".

We need to be working diligently on self-care or resiliency. We need to

Bob Long

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

know the thing that will bring us joy and practice it on a regular basis. Yes, it is great to spend more times with the family but I think that we all know that after a while we all need our own space. Everyone needs their own personal corner, where they can go to get away from everything.

No matter what is going on in society, even this pandemic, we see people that never stop and most people cannot figure out the mindset. Fire, police and EMS never skip a beat. Even when all this is going on and society is trying to figure out how their future is going to change, fire calls are still being answered, ambulances are still rolling to give aid and law enforcement is still going out. The procedures may be modified but Emergency Services still respond. We need to say "Thank you" to each other.

In this time I also want to thank the medical personnel that are working long and hard hours. I am also impressed to see how many businesses are still operating. There are too many to name and my appreciation goes out to all that are still going.

Let me end by saying thank you, stay safe and look out for one another.

We will see each other on the other side of this challenge.

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

LONGISLAND

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

WWW.1RBN.COM

NEWS

JUNE, 2020

MASTIC BEACH BATTLES SECOND BLAZE WITHIN ONE WEEK THAT DESTROYS A HOME

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach, NY – On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Mastic Beach FD responded to a report of a house fire on Overlook Drive. Chief McGown was the first to arrive on scene and immediately requested reactivation on a working fire and to start the mutual aid plan due to finding an involved home.

- See full story on Page 29

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

LONG ISLAND ADVERTISER

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A guide to finding great companies

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 21 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 t y p o graphical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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Additional news from Long Island can be found

Mastic Beach Assistant Chief Jeff McGown emerges from a house fire with flames through the roof, April 17th.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Crews from Multiple Departments Battle Mastic Beach Blaze Mastic Beach, NY - On the afternoon of Friday, April 17th, the Mastic Beach FD was activated for a report of a house fire with a possible occupant trapped on Hugenot Drive. Chiefs Jeff McGown, Fred L., and Tom Montreuil quickly responded to the call and were in contact with FIRE-COM moments after dispatch. While responding, FIRE-COM updated the details saying that PD confirmed that all occupants were all able to get out safely.

On arrival, Assistant Chiefs Fred and McGown reported smoke and flames showing and FIRECOM immediately reactivated for a working fire and started out mutual aids. He also reported a large propane tank in the yard and in danger. Tanker 2 and Engine 3 arrived on scene and crews went to work stretching lines. They were joined a short time later by crews from Mastic.

Firefighters went to work to put water on the house fire, as well as working to keep the propane tank as cool as possible to avoid it turning to a worse situation if the tank were to rupture or explode. Addi-

JUMP TO FILE #041920103 tional mutual aid was called to the scene from Brookhaven. Center Moriches FD was also called. Stand by crews were requested to Mastic Beach's quarters, and Manorville also stood by.

Firefighters were able to keep the tank cool and extinguished the house fire to mitigate the danger.

The Town Of Brookhaven Fire Marshals came out to assist with burning off the propane, which was an extended operation and kept fire personnel on scene for several hours.

Brookhaven and Suffolk County Fire Coordinators were also dispatched to the scene due to the nature of the call. Mastic Beach Ambulance provided rehab support and Suffolk PD closed the road in the area and kept a small gathering of people back for safety reasons.

The scene was later turned over to the fire marshal's office to investigate.

- JOHN WALTHERS

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

on our website at www.1rbn.com FRANKIE VERDERAME

Centereach FD Engine 2 (5-5-2) enjoying the great sunset!

EVAN ROLLA - ROLLA'S IMAGES

Car Fire Quickly Knocked in East Brentwood

East Brentwood, NY - The East Brentwood Fire Department was activated for a reported car fire on Fulton Street, near Myrtle Avenue, at 8:24 A.M. on Tuesday, April 15th. Engine 33-5 arrived first due to an involved auto in front of 78 Fulton Street. The fire was quickly extinguished without incident.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Backyard Bamboo Fire Extinguished in Mastic Beach

Mastic Beach, NY- On Saturday, April 11th at about 1:10 P.M., the Mastic Beach Fire Department was activated for a report of a structure fire on Allanwood Dr. Assistant Chief Jeff McGown was first to arrive on scene and found smoke showing from the backyard. Upon investigation in the rear of the house Chief McGown found a decent sized bamboo fire. He immediately requested the first due unit 5-13-2 to come into the rear and stretch a line to the yard. The crew from unit 2 made a quick and aggressive attack and were joined by Engine 3’s crew to assist. Assistant Chief Fred assisted in direction operations. Firefighters were able to make a knock down on the aggressive fire. One neighbor was checked out for smoke inhalation by Mastic Beach Ambulance Co. No other injuries were reported. The scene was turned over to a fire marshal after it was placed under control.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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LONG ISLAND 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.

Members of Mastic EMS stand with Firefighter Anthony Zayas after a fire call at Speedway Gas on April 11th.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach EMS members Dan Madsen and Captain TJ Falah, who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 Pandemic, stand by at a recent fire call in Mastic Beach.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach Battles Second Blaze Within One Week That Destroys a Home Mastic Beach, NY – On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Mastic Beach FD responded to a report of a house fire on Overlook Drive.

Chief McGown was the first to arrive on scene and immediately requested reactivation on a working fire and to start the mutual aid plan due to finding an involved home.

Chief of Department Tom Montreuil arrived a short time after and took command of the scene. On arrival of the first due Tanker and Engine, Assistant

JUMP TO FILE #042620103 Chief McGown quickly assisted with pulling a line and went to work with other members of the department to attack the fire. The deck gun on Tanker 5-13-2 was also put into operation.

With assistance from Mastic, Brookhaven and Center Moriches, they were able to bring the fire under control. The occupants were able to make it out unharmed, but

the house sustained heavy damage.

The Ridge FD stood by for Mastic Beach and handled additional alarms as they came in. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal and Suffolk County Police Arson squad. Local roads in the area were closed for an extended period of time so that firefighters could safely operate.

- JOHN WALTHERS

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020

Driver Dies After Crashing Into Roslyn Home

Roslyn, NY - On April 4th, a driver was killed after his car left the roadway and flew up into a house off Glen Cove Road.

Multiple fire departments and Nassau Police responded to find the driver pinned. The impact of the crash started a small fire which was quickly extinguished. The driver was pronounced at the scene.

North Babylon Vol. Fire Company operates a 2005 Pierce Quantum 1750/750.

FRANK ROBINSON

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach Chief Tom Montreuil in command at a recent house fire on Overlook Dr.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach Firefighter Kevin Barrett heads back to the truck wearing a surgical mask due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Firefighters operate at a house fire on Yaphank Ave. in Brookhaven, April 5th.

Firefighters Rescue Two Dogs from Burning Home in Brookhaven Brookhaven, NY- On Sunday, April 5th at about 6:22 P.M., the Brookhaven Fire Department and South Country Ambulance were dispatched to a report of a house fire on Yaphank Ave., near Deer Meadow Run. Chief of the Department Peter DiPinto, Jr. was the first to arrive on scene and found fire in the rear of the home. A reactivation for a working fire was requested. The first due engine arrived and the crew immediately went to work

JUMP TO FILE #041120105 stretching the line. The fire started on the first floor and had quickly spread to the second floor.

Crews from Bellport and Hagerman Fire Departments were also called to the scene to assist Brookhaven. Together, the three departments were able to make fast work of extinguishing the fire.

A person in the home was checked

out by members of South Country Ambulance. Firefighters also removed two dogs safely from the home which seemed to be okay despite smoke inhalation.

Yaphank Ave. was closed in the area while firefighters operated on scene. Mastic FD stood by at Brookhaven Station 1 for additional alarms. The scene was later turned over to the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal’s Office.

- JOHN WALTHERS

ANTIQUE APPARATUS

If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Hagerman Assistant Chief Tim Dunham (facing camera) and his father, Chief Thomas Dunham (facing away), operate together at a fire in Brookhaven.

North Amityville Fire Company still owns their 1961 American LaFrance 1000/400.

FRANK ROBINSON

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

PAGE 31

LONG ISLAND EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020

Pilot Survives Plane Crash at Calabro Airport in Shirley

Suffolk County Police Department's search and rescue MEDEVAC.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020

Shirley, NY - The Mastic FD responded for a reported plane crash at Calabro Airport in Shirley on the afternoon of May 3rd. A resident said he heard the plane's engines cutting in and out when the pilot landed hard and flipped just off the runway. The pilot was believed to be uninjured. The plane was leaking fluids, which Mastic FD handled. The FAA was notified and requested to respond.

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.

BRADLEY FOWLER

Family Dog Dies in Mastic Beach House Fire Mastic Beach, NY - At 5:49 P.M. on March 25th, the Mastic Beach Vol. FD and Mastic Beach Vol. Ambulance Co. were activated for a residential structure fire on Beaver Drive, between Dell Road and Chestnut Place. Mastic Beach Vol. FD First Assistant Chief Fred Loiacono (5-13-31) arrived on scene and confirmed a working structure fire. Chief Loiacono located all of the family members outside the home, but the family’s dog was still inside and unfortunately did not survive. Mastic FD responded to the scene for the rapid intervention team (RIT) and BrookHaven FD to the Mastic Beach FD head quarters for a standby. No injuries were reported. The house was gutted by the fire. The Mastic Beach FD operated on the scene for two hours.

CHUCK LOWE

Nassau County, NY - Valley Stream New York Fire Department's "old style" department patch.

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

June, 2020

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FDNY

Four Women Die in Bronx Three-Alarm Blaze Bronx, NY - On March 31st, a three-alarm fire on the sixth floor of a Bronx apartment building took the lives of four women.

At 7:30 P.M., first due units arrived at 1560 Grand Concourse to heavy fire JUMP TO FILE# out of multiple win- 040120102 dows on the sixth floor of a six-story 280’x140’ OMD. Engine 42 immediately requested an additional engine and truck. A secondalarm was transmitted on the arrival of Battalion 17 at 7:33 P.M., followed at 7:39 P.M. with a third-alarm.

Lines were stretched to the fire floor and soon had the heavy fire in Apartment 603 knocked down. Fire had broken through the roof above the apartment, but crews were able to keep the flames from advancing through the cockloft. Heavy smoke was throughout the fire floor as searches were made.

Searches located two females in the fire apartment and two other women in an adjoining one. They were removed via interior stairs with CPR being performed. The women were transported and later pronounced at the hospital.

Companies continued to open up to locate any hot spots. The smoke slowly lessened and the fire was placed as "probably will hold” at 8:21 P.M. Initial investigation determined that a space heater may have been the cause.

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

- BILL TOMPKINS

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.

STEVE WHITE

All Hands House Fire in Staten Island

Staten Island, NY - On April 4th, firefighters responded to 181 Exeter Street in the Great Kills section of Staten Island for reports of a fire in a one-story private dwelling. Pictured are firefighters in the process of stretching a line to quickly knock down the fire.

FDNY E214 & L111 members produced this "Nut House" company patch many years ago.

CHUCK LOWE

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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June, 2020

FDNY

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Get the most out of your hobby!

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

1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph submissions.

Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information!

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

845-534-7500 ext. 212

STEVE WHITE

A new mural was installed on the front door of Richmond Engine 1's firehouse in March. Richmond Engine 1 is a volunteer fire company in Staten Island and dispatched by the New York City Fire Department.

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY!

Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

STEVE WHITE

Injuries Sustained at Attic Fire in Staten Island

Staten Island, NY - Firefighters were dispatched on 7-5 box 3660 at 5:03 P.M. on April 21st to 190 Annadale Road for a reported structure fire. An All Hands was called on arrival for fire in the attic of a one-and-a-half story private dwelling. The fire was placed under control at 5:32 P.M., with two minor injuries reported.

Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

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June, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Proudly Serving Eastern Half of NY, Eastern PA, & NJ

CLEAN CABS Cleanliness and Decontamination is at the forefront of our industry like never before!

If you ask a firefighter what clean cab means to them, you will get a few different answers.

Many believe it is just removing the SCBA from the crew area, it’s not.

That’s just an option, one of many Spartan options!

Spartan offers a variety of options for you to choose from, just like we always have!

Advanced Filtration System

SCBA Containment

Spartan’s Contaminant & Management system includes an outside compartment to store the SCBA tanks and packs that is easily accessed but still shielded from the cab interior.

Spartan’s Advanced Filtration System features a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can trap or filter out almost 100% (99.97%) of toxic particles and contaminants that are airborne in the cab.

The filter is placed at the top of the back of the cab wall to not impede cab space.

Easy-clean seating

Easy-Clean Interior

Our easy-to-clean liner covers the interior surfaces with a seamless material impervious to gases and liquids.

Contaminants brought into the cab from boots or shed from PPE can easily be cleaned once the apparatus is back in the station. Gaps in materials where contaminants could hide are eliminated.

Floors

Treadplates can be covered with an easy-to-clean finish with no stair nosing to catch debris and rolled edges for easy cleaning.

Spartan partnered with H.O. Bostrom to provide minimally seamed, zip-off seat covers with a foam block encapsulated barrier that reduces gas and liquid absorption. The seat covers are removeable and replaceable for deeper cleaning to remove any toxins that transfer from firefighters or their gear.

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2 Route 94, Lafayette, NJ • Tel: (973) 756-1600

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2040 State Route 208, Montgomery, NY • Tel: (845) 565-7700