1st Responder New York May Edition

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The New York Edition

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MAY, 2017

ZACHARY MARICLE

Milford, NY - At approximately 7:00 P.M. on March 12th, the Milford Fire Department was dispatched to 127 North Main St. for a reported structure fire at the Milford United Methodist Church. On arrival, crews found the church to be fully involved. Command requested additional Mutual Aid to the scene from numerous surrounding departments.

- See full story on page 5

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

The west side of the building was destroyed by the initial explosion.

TODD BENDER

D. HITT

Careless Smoking Causes TwoAlarm Building Fire in Endicott Endicott, NY - On March 8th at 2:14 P.M., the Endicott Fire Department 3rd Platoon was dispatched to a reported building fire on Tracy St. in the village. Chief 25 arrived on scene to find the rear of a threestory, balloon-framed apartment building heavily engulfed in fire.

As Quint 25 and Engine 25-1 arrived on scene, water supply was established and command requested a two-and-a-half inch hand-line to the rear of the building, as well as a one-and-three-quarter inch handline to the third-floor apartment.

Strong winds drove the fire into void spaces on the second and third

JUMP TO FILE #031617114 floors, making extinguishment difficult. As interior conditions deteriorated, attack crews were ordered to evacuate the building and a defensive attack with elevated master streams was initiated.

A second-alarm was requested which recalled EFD off-duty personnel to the scene, as well as mutual aid companies from the Vestal, West Corners, West Endicott, Union Center and Endwell Fire Departments. EFD was assisted at the

scene by Endicott Police, Broome County Office of Emergency Services Fire Coordinators, Union Ambulance, NYSEG and Endicott Auxiliary Police.

Broome County Fire Investigators determined that the cause of the fire was from improper disposal of smoking materials due to a tenant discarding cigarette butts into a hole in the porch.

Tenants of all three apartments were displaced by the fire and aided by the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported.

- DAVID ABELL

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.

Fairview Firefighter O'Connor making entry.

TODD BENDER

Explosion Rocks Hyde Park Steakhouse Hyde Park, NY - On March 20th at 2:00 P.M., Dutchess County 911 received reports of an explosion and fire at Joseph's Steakhouse on NYS Route 9G in Hyde Park. The Roosevelt Fire Department responded and confirmed the fire, leading to the second-alarm. Units from Hyde Park, Staatsburg, Fairview, Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley and others arrived on scene and went to work. Multiple other agencies were toned out to backfill for the departments working at the scene. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Melrose, NY - Melrose Firefighter Blaine Neary and Hoosic Valley Rescue Squad Medic Kyle Miller pose for a photo together after responding to a structure fire in February.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

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May, 2017

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ADVERTISER INDEX Company

1st Priority

Armor Tuff Flooring

Campbell Supply Co.

Churchville Fire Equip Fairmount FD FDIC

Fire End

Page

12,34 24

1,40

25

21

11,31

7

Firehouse Expo

29

Garrison Fire Rescue

25

FIRE 2017

Jerome Fire Equipment

23

25

Hoffman Radio Network

34

Kimtek

11

HVPSL

32

LaFrance Equipment

25

North Eastern Rescue

13

Mid Atlantic Rescue Sys.

Specialty Vehicles Sprint

Task Force Tips

Ultra Bright Lightz

Fatal Structure Fire in Yonkers

Yonkers, NY - During the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 15th, Yonkers Fire units were dispatched to 1 Hawley Place at Odell Avenue for the report of a 10-29 (Structure Fire). Units arrived to find fire on the fifth-floor, auto-exposing to the sixth-floor. Multiple lines were stretched and put into operation, along with multiple master streams and ladder pipes. This fire went to a general alarm which means that every Yonkers Fire unit responded, as well as one Engine and Ladder from New Rochelle. An elderly woman was killed in this fire.

Unfamiliar Roads Lead to Rollover in Kirkwood Kirkwood, NY - On March 27th around 9:30 P.M., Five Mile Point firefighters were dispatched to 223 Loughlin Rd. for a one-car MVA with injuries. Upon arrival, Chief 59 found that the injured driver had self-extricated through the rear window prior to their arrival. For an unknown reason, the driver went off the right side of the road, rolling his vehicle and landing in a Five Mile Point firefighter's front yard. The driver was evaluated by Superior Ambulance, treated for minor injuries and released. Firefighters contained a fuel leak and disconnected the battery, securing the electrical system. FMP FD was assisted at the scene by the Broome County Sheriff's Office and the NYSP. BCSO is continuing the investigation.

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15

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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 18 No. 5 - 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.

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JEFFREY ARNOLD

Fully Involved Truck Fire in Hemlock Hemlock, NY - On Wednesday, March 15th at 4:48 P.M., Hemlock and Livonia firefighters responded to a truck fire at 4775 Federal Road. Fire units arrived on the scene and found a truck fully involved. There were no injuries. Livonia EMS, Livingston County Emergency Management and the New York State Police also responded to the scene.

WILLIAM MURRAY

Three-Car MVA in New Paltz Injures One

New Paltz, NY - The New Paltz Fire Dept. was dispatched to a three-car MVA on March 17th with reports of airbag deployment and persons needing extrication. The vehicles were stabilized and one person with minor injuries was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

PAGE 5

Firefighters Battle Milford Church Fire in Brittle Cold Temps Milford, NY - At approximately 7:00 P.M. on March 12th, the Milford Fire Department was dispatched to 127 North Main St. for a reported structure fire at the Milford United Methodist Church.

On arrival, crews found the church to be fully involved. JUMP TO FILE# Command re- 031317104 quested additional Mutual Aid to the scene from numerous surrounding departments.

Crews had to set up water relays due to having very little access to sufficient water on scene.

Command requested numerous tankers to the scene to set up secure access to water. During their firefighting efforts crews emptied one-of-two village water wells.

Command quickly re-established a water source to nearby waters north and south of the scene and shuttled the water to nearby tankers, engines and aerials to supply lines.

Aerials from Oneonta and Cooperstown were set up at the North and Southeast sides of the church to try and drown the flames and hot spots, while crews with hand-lines worked extensively on the ground trying to get water in through windows. Crews had very little access to the interior due to the building being a brick structure with unsafe conditions inside, making an interior attack unfeasible.

NYSEG was requested to the scene by command to cut power to the building in order to allow aerial trucks to be able to extend their ladders to the church with low hanging wires in the path.

Command requested the Highway Department to the scene as well due to icy conditions on the roadway which caused crews not to be able to work safely around the trucks due to water running down the roadway.

Firefighters spent several hours on scene working to extinguish the fire, but the church was believed to be a total loss. The Milford United Methodist Church has suffered from the loss of a previous facility in 1936 at this same site. The church has been established for over 150 years in the community. On-lookers talked about how much of a loss this is to the community while rallying around to provide hot food and drinks to crews working on scene. Firefighters dealt with high winds and near zero temps for several hours.

During an interview, a Deputy Fire Coordinator from Otsego County who was on scene stated that around 1500-feet or more of LDH was used to supply crews on scene, with another 1500-feet or more of hand-lines used. The fire is believed to have started in the rear of the building, possibly in the kitchen or dining area, but it is going to be under continued investigation.

- ZACHARY MARICLE

ZACHARY MARICLE

ZACHARY MARICLE

ZACHARY MARICLE

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May, 2017

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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

Texas: William ‘Iron Bill’ Dowling, 43 Rank: Captain Incident Date: May 31, 2013 Death Date: March 7, 2017 Fire Department:Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain William ‘Iron Bill’ Dowling passed away on March 7, 2017, from complications of the severe injuries suffered in the Southwest Inn fire on May 31, 2013, that killed four other Houston firefighters and seriously injured many more. The Southwest Inn fire is considered the deadliest day in Houston Fire Department history. In a statement, the Houston Fire Department said of Captain Dowling that “the incredible strength and bravery he showed as he and his family rebuilt his life – and theirs – after his injuries inspired us all. Please keep the Dowling family and all of the men and women of our fire department in your prayers.”

Pennsylvania: Dennis DeVoe, 45 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: March 10, 2017 Death Date: March 11, 2017 Fire Department: Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Initial Summary: Lieutenant Dennis DeVoe died from injuries sustained while responding to a multiple alarm row house fire which had confirmed civilian entrapment. DeVoe’s privately owned vehicle was struck on the passenger side at a controlled intersection by a stolen vehicle, reportedly being operated by an intoxicated 19 year-old female who failed to stop. According to reports, the force of the accident sent Lt. DeVoe’s vehicle through a fence and into a parking lot. The driver of the stolen vehicle who fled the scene was arrested later at the hospital by law enforcement.

Mississippi: Clinton Alvin Beasley, 80 Rank: Deputy Chief Incident Date: March 15, 2017 Death Date: March 15, 2017 Fire Department: Sumrall Volunteer Fire Department

Initial Summary: Deputy Chief Clinton Alvin Beasley and Firefighter Loretta Ann Sykes were directing traffic at the scene where a dump truck got tangled in power lines at Mississippi 589 and Oloh Road (Lamar County, MS) when they were struck by a hit-and-run driver. Both Beasley and Sykes passed away at the scene from injuries sustained when hit. The driver of the vehicle was later apprehended by Lamar County law enforcement.

Mississippi: Loretta Ann Sykes, 53 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 15, 2017 Death Date: March 15, 2017 Fire Department: Sumrall Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Deputy Chief Clinton Alvin Beasley and Firefighter Loretta Ann Sykes were directing traffic at the scene where a dump truck got tangled in power lines at Mississippi 589 and Oloh Road (Lamar County, MS) when they were struck by a hit-and-run driver. Both Beasley and Sykes passed away at the scene from injuries sustained when hit. The driver of the vehicle was later apprehended by Lamar County law enforcement.

New York: Yadira Arroyo, 44 Rank: EMT Incident Date: March 16, 2017 Death Date: March 16, 2017 Fire Department: FDNY EMS Station House 26 Initial Summary: FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo, 44, was assigned to Station 26 in the Bronx and bravely served the Department for 14 years. EMT Arroyo was critically injured while responding to a medical call in the Bronx when an individual seized control of her ambulance and struck her. She was transported to Jacobi Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries. She is the 8th member of FDNY EMS to die in the line of duty, and the 1146th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving our city.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

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VINNIE DOMINICK WILLIAM MURRAY

Porch Fire in New Paltz Quickly Knocked

New Paltz, NY - The New Paltz Fire Department was dispatched on February 15th to a porch fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and there were no injuries.

Vehicle News VINNIE DOMINICK

RON JEFFERS

Hillcrest placed into service a new Pierce Velocity 1500-GPM/300GWT/75-foot quint that possesses a 10-KW generator.

VINNIE DOMINICK

Montgomery Woman Killed in Head-On Collision

Montgomery, NY - The Coldenham FD was called out on the morning of April 3rd for reports of a head-on collision involving two vehicles on International Boulevard and Route 747 in the Town of Montgomery. The Jaws-of-Life was used to free the two drivers, identified as 70-year-old Eileen McAdam and 30-year-old Brittany Bonesteel, from their vehicles. Once removed from their vehicles, the two women were airlifted in separate helicopters to Westchester Medical Center, where Eileen McAdam was pronounced dead. Assisting at the scene was the Orange Lake FD with their heavy rescue. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

The Tallman Fire Department has accepted delivery of a 2017 Seagrave 2000-GPM/1000-GWT/30-B-GFT pumper that carries extrication equipment.

RON JEFFERS

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Hard Decisions EMS ISSUE

CHELLE CORDERO

“Triage is the process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.” (Wikipedia) When an ambulance crew arrives at an MCI and there are more patients than responders or resources, there is a need to treat the most serious patients, based on the injury and condition, first.

Patients with minor and non-lifethreatening injuries may need to wait, and patients who seem mortally wounded may also have to wait. Sometimes that leaves the EMT or Paramedic with some hard decisions, which could feel like choosing who lives and who dies.

Although some of us may not have ever experienced such a reallife event, there are those who have attended very realistic simulation drills and have felt the frustration of these decisions.

Afterwards, there is always second-guessing and guilty feelings.

If the real event is a major multi-casualty scene requiring outside help from other agencies and services, responders should be well versed and follow the set protocols of FEMA/NIMS plans.

The National Incident Management System provides an organized response with set roles and responsibilities and is designed to provide the best possible treatment and recovery of patients with the available providers and equipment.

Unless the incident is a (hopefully) non-traumatic incident, such as a large organized gathering (i.e.: a concert venue), setting up a full NIMS response is usually a delayed response to the initial trauma. The responding medical units that arrive first on the scene cannot wait for the full assembly to respond. Someone has to make the hard decision about who to treat with the available resources, who can wait for more providers and who, no matter what treatment they receive, are unlikely to live. Whatever resources are available must be directed to the critically injured where treatment will make a difference.

Triage begins with an assessment of patients: vitals, level of consciousness, and the mechanism of injury. Critically injured patients with severe bleeding, respiratory difficulty, head injuries with strong vitals, flail chest, mangled and pulseless extremities, or two or more long-bone fractures are among the more severe.

The most severely injured patients should be transported via air

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or ground to the nearest Level 1 Trauma Center; if there is not sufficient resources then priority should be given to those whose vitals are stable and have the greater chances of survival. “Walking wounded” patients should be separated from the more critically injured; these patients can often be transported to non-trauma hospitals by other than an emergency ambulance, such as a school bus or private vehicle.

Unless there are enough resources, patients who have coded, have severe and uncontrollable bleeding with extremely diminished vitals, or show other signs of imminent death, should be left for last.

The first few minutes after any trauma are the most critical for treatment and transport to hospitals. The on-scene response needs to make use of all available resources, including time spent on

each patient. Spending time doing CPR on a 75-year-old man, especially if the code was not witnessed, while another conscious patient is bleeding out because there is no one else to treat him, is not the best use of available resources.

The time spent on a patient likely to die no matter what treatment is received actually “steals” valuable treatment time from patients who will most likely survive with the proper life support. Needless to say, the ideal situation would have enough resources to eliminate any such choices.

EMS providers who have had to deal with triage and mass casualty situations are often advised to attend CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) sessions. Response, necessary and difficult decisions, and patient outcome, can prove to be a very heavy weight for any first responder to carry.

May, 2017

PAGE 9

VINNIE DOMINICK

Town of Newburgh Police Car Versus Telephone Pole

Newburgh, NY - The Cronomer Valley FD was called out on March 12th to an MVA on Powder Mill Rd. and Gardnertown Rd., involving a police unit that crashed head-on into a telephone pole. The officer was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Waterford firefighters venting the roof.

Pastor Fernando Villicana, Fire Service Chaplain.

Local Heroes Chaplain's Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

Isaiah 3:1 (NIV) See now, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support… v2 the hero and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, v3 the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever.

It’s interesting to me how God uses heroes as part of the supply and support structure of society.

As part of His judgement, God removes key people who are essential for a society to thrive. The removal of “heroes” leaves a huge vacuum in that city. Who are the “heroes” described in Isaiah? Well, to be honest, the Bible doesn’t give us specifics on the matter.

However, what is clear is that they are a vital part of the health and all being of that society and are mentioned first in a list of essentials.

If I were to address a group of Firefighters and ask all the “heroes” in the room to stand - few, if any, would respond. Why? Because if you refer to any Firefighter, Paramedic, EMT or Fire Support staff as a hero, they would not want to be identified as such and would most likely tell you that they are just doing their job. Well, they may think they're “just doing their job,” but the fact is that they are a critical part of the fabric of our society.

-When a mother cries out for help and dials 911.

-When a prayer goes out from under the wreckage of a TC. -When a family member is experiencing a full arrest.

PROVIDED

-When first responders roll up on scene of an MCI on the freeway.

-When prayers are being uttered as a citizen is experiencing maybe the very worst day in their lives.

Our Firefighters/Paramedics/EMTs are Gods answer to those prayers.

It's not what you do, it's who you are. You are our local heroes.

“Hard times don't create heroes. It is during the hard times when the 'hero' within us is revealed.” (Bob Riley) It’s not just what you do, it’s who you are! You are a special breed of people who rise to the occasion every shift to answer the call for help. You are our local heroes.

PRAYER: God, we come to you today with a sense of pride yet humbled by the fact that you care for us and are mindful of us. Proud of what you have been able to do through our Fire Departments - humbled and grateful for the strength and skill you have bestowed upon each first responder. A skill which enables them to do what they do to help those in need. We know that your word declares that “without You, we can do nothing.” I pray that your hand of protection would be upon each Firefighter as they place themselves in harms way and continually stand in the gap for the citizens of our cities. We thank you Lord, and pray with the faith that “when they walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

(Isaiah 43:2b) We pray that you would reveal yourself to each and every one of our heroes as they become tools in your hand. We pray all of this in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit AMEN

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Heavy Fire Showing on Arrival in Mechanicville Mechanicville, NY - On March 20th, the City of Mechanicville responded for a reported structure fire at North 4th Ave. and Chestnut Street. The first arriving chief called for the Working Fire dispatch and requested a second-alarm as he had flames shooting 20-feet into the air from the attic windows.

Engine 39-1 arrived on scene and their crews entered the building with a hand-line. They made their way up to the attic area where they encountered heavy smoke, heat and fire.

Mutual aid from Hillcrest, Arvin Heart, Waterford, Hemstreet Park and Round Lake quickly arrived on

JUMP TO FILE #032417126 scene to assist the interior crews.

Waterford's Tower-1 took the sidewalk, fitting between a telephone pole and a stop sign, so that they could use their aerial device as power lines hampered their ability to use the street to set up.

Interior crews were able to knock down the fire in the attic and the second-floor within 20 minutes.

Tower-1's crew vented the roof, found some hidden fire and had the interior crew knock it down and also hit the hot spots.

Firefighters had to cut a hole in the floor to remove the heavy weight of the water on the second-floor, allowing it to drain out of the building.

Firefighters conducted salvage operations and helped save the resident's items and unreplaceable memories.

Firefighters were on scene for a few hours conducting heavy overhaul. The family was able to make it out safely, but the home sustained a large amount of fire and water damage. No firefighters were injured on scene and Saratoga County Fire Investigators are investigating the cause of the fire.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

DEPARTMENT PROFILES

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

In March, Hillcrest Fire Company 1 moved into a new firehouse located on North Main Street.

RON JEFFERS

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

PAGE 11

Over a Dozen Residents Saved from Four-Alarm Apartment Complex Fire Colonie, NY - On March 22nd, the Fuller Road FD, along with Midway, Latham, Shaker Road, West Albany, Menands, Schuyler Heights, Stanford Heights, Boght, Colonie Village, North Bethlehem, JUMP TO FILE# Town of Colonie 032417125 Duty Crew and Colonie EMS, responded to 12 California Ave., at the Towne Tower Apartment Complex, for a reported structure fire.

On arrival, Rescue-3 made their way to the second-floor, where they encountered a heavy smoke condition with extreme heat. The firefighters then relayed to dispatch that they had a working fire on the second-floor and multiple residents were not able to get out. Command immediately requested multiple additional engines and FAST teams from mutual aid companies in the Town of Colonie to the scene, as well as over 10 ambulances. The Signal30 was called and a third-alarm was transmitted.

As additional engines arrived, heavy fire burst through the window on the second-floor and crews on the second-floor reported zero visibility conditions as they were trying to rescue trapped residents from the building. Command had all incoming apparatus immediately start to evacuate the building.

Firefighters stretched multiple high rise packs to the second-floor and connected packs to the standpipe while in zero visibility conditions and extreme heat. As this was going on, multiple firefighters were rescuing people who were trapped in the building on the floor above the fire. One after another, firefighters brought the victims outside. At one point, a resident who was in a window had to be rescued. Midway and Fuller Roads' ladder truck set up in the front of the building to be able to pull out any residents from the floors above that needed to be rescued.

Firefighters forced the door and had heavy fire conditions in the apartment on the second-floor.

Crews were able to knock down the fire quickly, but still had heavy black smoke and extreme heat on the second-floor. West Albany firefighters were sent to the secondfloor to start to force any door that was closed and had not yet been checked for trapped victims.

Firefighters searched floor-byfloor, all the way up to the fifthfloor, removing anybody that was still in the building. One firefighter declared a Mayday on scene as he was on low air, but was quickly found. He was removed from the building with no injuries. EMS treated multiple patients on the scene for minor injuries. A doctor was also brought in to standby on scene in case of an emergency.

Multiple towns and counties were asked to standby or relocate to the scene for this fire, including

West Crescent FD, Clifton Park Ambulance and the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services.

Firefighters conducted extensive overhaul on the second-floor of the building and had heavy smoke conditions throughout the second, third, fourth and fifth floors. Crews remained on scene for most of the night. Multiple patients were transported to local hospitals to be evaluated. The Red Cross was brought in to assist those residents who were displaced from the building.

The fire is currently under investigation.

This was one of the largest operations the Town of Colonie has seen in a long time. Over 200 firefighters were on the scene, along with over 50 pieces of apparatus and equipment. Over a dozen rescues were made during this fire.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

Fuller Road FD's Truck-3 hitting the room with a master stream.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGE 12

May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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Wind-Driven, Multiple Alarm Fire Hits Town of Colonie Apartment Building Colonie, NY - On March 3rd, the Fuller Road Fire Department, along with Shaker Road, Midway, West Albany, Latham, Colonie Village Fire Company and the Town of Colonie Duty Crew, were dispatched to Fuller Road and Central Avenue for multiple reports of an apartment complex on fire with multiple explosions heard.

Command immediately called the Signal-30 as heavy fire and smoke rolled out onto Central Avenue. With the Fuller Road firehouse only 100-feet away from the scene, crews arrived on scene quickly and immediately started to protect the exposure structure, trying to make a knock down from the

JUMP TO FILE #030617147 exterior of the apartment complex.

Winds gusting up to 50-MPH with temperatures in the single digits hampered firefighters' efforts to quickly knock down the fire and bring it under control. The heavy wind fed the fire, causing flames to blow 20-feet away from the side of the apartment building and into the adjacent parking lot of a commercial building.

Fire crews mounted in aggressive exterior attack on the apartment building using over a half dozen hand-lines and master

streams on scene. The Shaker Road and Latham Fire Departments set up their truck companies and went into master stream operations to bring the fire under control. While crews started to hit hot spots from the outside of the structure, additional personnel started putting rock salt down as the scene became very icy with the overspray occurring.

Firefighters were still on scene conducting heavy overhaul at 1:00 A.M. No firefighters or civilians were injured and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

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

JEFFREY ARNOLD

Binghamton, NY - Antique apparatus from the Chenango Bridge Fire Company in this year's Binghamton St. Patrick's Day Parade.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Another Veteran Retires from Poughkeepsie FD Poughkeepsie, NY - And just like that, the Poughkeepsie FD lost 63 years of experience in two days. The day after 43-year veteran Mike Marinucci retired, Andy Stone, a 20-year member of Group-4, retired on the same day he was hired 20 years earlier; February 24th.

Stone started his career as a relief man, not assigned to any particular apparatus. Over the course of time and under the leadership of then Lt., now Captain Mike Brophy, Stone ended up being assigned to Tower Ladder2, operating out of the Booth Hose house on Main Street. In 2013, he transferred to Engine-3 at the Hooker Avenue station, where he was partnered with Firefighter Chris Sekul.

Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison was on hand once again to take part in the celebration at the PFD headquarters and thanked Andy for his 20 years of dedicated service to the City. According to Rolison, "Andy's career was dedicated to protecting the City of Poughkeepsie. We have a department with lots of traditions and lots of bravery. That's a big deal for the City and a big deal for me.

I'm honored to be able to person-

JUMP TO FILE #022417119 ally thank Andy for his service."

Reminiscing about some of the calls that he's responded to in his 20 years, two stand out. The first was an enormous blaze at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center in Poughkeepsie and the second was when he responded in Engine-3 to an MVA that resulted in two children, ages 6 and 7 being orphaned instantly. According to Stone and his partner, Chris Sekul, the police were chasing a wanted individual eastbound on NYS Route 44/55 when the vehicle ran a red light and hit another vehicle broadside, killing both front seat passengers, Shawn and Patricia Wonderly. The children were hospitalized for minor injuries.

Standing in front of the PFD HQ, Andy Stone explained that a 20-year career was always his plan. The former head car builder for Skip Barber Racing plans to go back to working on cars and also work at a farm/inn located in northern Dutchess County.

May, 2017

PAGE 13

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- TODD BENDER

T. HUFTEN

Vehicle Fire During Winter Storm Stella

Firefighter Andy Stone (left), with partner FF Chris Sekul on Stone's last day.

TODD BENDER

Endicott, NY - On March 14th, EFD Platoon 3 was dispatched to a vehicle fire at 1001 Park St. in the Endicott Library parking lot. Chief 25, Engine 25-1 and Quint 25 arrived quickly to find a Hyundai Sonata with a working fire in the engine compartment. A one-and-three-quarter inch line was deployed from Engine-1 and the fire was contained to the engine compartment before it was quickly extinguished. An investigation revealed that the driver had become stuck in the 20+ inches of snow in the un-plowed parking lot. When he became stuck, he revved the motor so much that it caught fire. There were no injuries reported. Endicott Fire was assisted on the scene by the Endicott PD and After Hours Towing.

PAGE 14

May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Firefighters Battle Blaze at Northway Toyota in Latham

HEATHER PILLSWORTH

George "Cudda" Hillman marching in the 2012 Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association annual parade.

BOB ROOT

Community Mourns Loss of George “Cudda� Hillman Newburgh, NY - George Hillman, better known as "Cudda" to all who knew him, was laid to rest on Monday, March 27th after a funeral mass held at Our Lady of the Lake Chapel in Newburgh.

George was part of the Winona Lake Engine Company for over 50 years, serving as a charter member and past president. He was born on August 20, 1937 in Cornwall, NY and passed away at the age of 79 on Friday, March 24th in Middletown, NY. George served in the Army in the 82nd Airborn and worked with his sons in each of their businesses. A family statement reads that "He was best friends to all of his sons and grandchildren."

Survivors include his Com-

Colonie, NY - On March 18th, the Latham Fire Department, along with West Albany, Shaker Road, Verdoy, Fuller Road, Boght, Town of Colonie Duty Crew and Colonie EMS, responded to North- JUMP TO FILE# way Toyota at 727 032417129 Louden Road in the Town of Colonie for multiple reports of a structure fire.

The first arriving chief on scene, Car-26, reported that he had heavy fire pushing from the front of the building on the "Alpha/Bravo" side of the building. Engine 415 and Truck 4 arrived on scene, with 449 following right behind them.

Firefighters from 415 forced entry into the building, encountered heavy fire conditions and proceeded to knock down the bulk of the heavy fire. Because the building did not have sprinklers in that area, the fire was able to get into the ceiling and into the roof.

As firefighters began to knock down the fire, heavy dark brown smoke started to pour from the roof area above where the fire was.

Truck-4's crew deployed to the roof for ventilation operations where they discovered a significant fire load. After heavy fire vented through the roof, command requested the "All Out" for everyone in the building.

Truck-11 set up on the corner of the building, deployed their ladder and started a master stream operation to knock down the heavy fire. With a hidden section in the roof area, the fire hid itself, causing problems for firefighters to get out it. Firefighters from Truck-11 started to cut the side of the building in order to gain access to that

Latham firefighters about to re-enter the building and knock down the rest of the fire.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

area with a K 12 saw. As soon as firefighters opened up the roof area, they were able to knock down the remaining fire.

Due to extremely cold temperatures on scene, the mist from the hoses caused an icy glaze all over the parking lot, creating a slippery situation for firefighters. This incident could have been a lot worse

had it not been for the quick actions of the duty crew and the volunteer firefighters of the Town of Colonie.

No injuries were reported and no one was in the building at the time of the fire. The Town of Colonie fire services is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

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

JUMP TO FILE #033117100 panion, Joanne Cardillo of Middlehope; son Bernard J. Hillman and his wife Stacey of Montgomery, NY; son Timothy G. Hillman and his wife Gina of Montgomery, NY; son Brian M. Hillman of Montgomery, NY and four grandchildren, Zachary, Dykota, Brittney and Jake. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Cudda touched so many lives and he will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. May he rest peacefully.

- BOB ROOT

JEFFREY ARNOLD

Lima, NY - The Lima Vol. FD in Livingston County has placed into service this Spartan/RD Murray 2000/500 105' ladder truck. The truck saw original service with the Fishers Fire District in Victor, NY.

May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

PAGE 15

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PAGE 16

May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

JEFFREY ARNOLD

House Fire in Honeoye Falls

Honeoye Falls, NY - On Wednesday evening, March 8th, firefighters responded to a house fire at 29 Maplewood Avenue in the village of Honeoye Falls, located in Monroe County. Honeoye Falls was assisted with Mutual Aid from the Mendon, Rush and East Avon Fire Departments.

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.

Firefighters on scene of the working structure fire.

JOHN SMITH

Structure Fire Devastates Falconer Residents Falconer, NY - At 7:35 A.M. on March 22nd, the Falconer Fire Department was dispatched to West Main Street for a reported structure fire. Falconer Car-401 went on scene and confirmed a working structure fire with heavy black smoke showing from the third-floor.

Falconer Mayor James Rensel stated that 15 residents were dis-

JUMP TO FILE #032217108 placed, along with several businesses impacted. "This is absolutely devastating for Falconer," Rensel said. "But we will come together and do what we have to to make sure everyone is fine."

Fire departments from Kennedy, Gerry, Jamestown, Celoron, Frewsburg, Busti, Lakewood, Kiantone, Fluvanna, Ellery Center with the rehab trailer and Randolph from Cattaraugus County assisted Falconer at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- JOHN SMITH

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Beacon Fire Department is located in Dutchess County, New York.

JOHN SMITH

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

PAGE 17

Three-Alarm Fire Hits Broadway in the City of Cohoes

BOB MCCORMICK

Railroad Ties Fire for Storm King Firefighters

Storm King, NY - The Storm King Engine Company was dispatched on March 6th to a fire on the railroad tracks that run along the Hudson River. Car-1 advised 36 control that the fire was in the area of the switch, which then notified CSX of the situation and held trains from the area. Car-1 advised that the fire started under the switch and that brush was burning.

Storm King firefighters advised rail service that they were extinguishing the fire on the tracks so that any other trains on the track would be notified.

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

FRANK ROBINSON

The Mechanicstown Fire Department operates this 2014 Seagrave 1500/750/30 foam.

KEN SNYDER

The Chemung Fire Department uses this 2012 Ford F-250 as Unit 581 for medic and vehicle accident calls.

Cohoes, NY - On March 12th, the City of Cohoes Fire Department was toned for an alarm of fire at 10 Broadway. The first arriving police unit in the area had heavy fire pushing from the three-story, balloon-frame struc- JUMP TO FILE# ture and started to 031417100 help evacuate the residents from the home.

The first arriving engine on scene immediately declared the Signal30 and transmitted the thirdalarm.

Command had a three-story, multiple occupancy dwelling, with heavy fire pushing from the second and third floors and multiple exposure issues on each side.

The narrow city streets it made it very difficult to get apparatus down to where the area of the fire was without placing crews in danger of the collapse zone. Firefighters set up multiple master streams and portable deck guns and started to try to knock down the heavy fire.

Crews grabbed multiple hand-lines and brought them down the alleyway to try to knock down the heavy fire in the rear of the building. The glow from the fire and heavy smoke could be seen from as far away as the City of Troy.

As firefighters were working to bring the fire under control, a collapse occurred on the "Bravo," "Charlie" and "Delta" sides of the building. On the "Delta" side of the building, a wall collapsed onto a neighboring house. Firefighters quickly grabbed multiple hand-lines and started to knock down the fire before it could spread to the house. A large part of the building landed on the "Bravo" side, but firefighters who were working in the alley between the buildings were able to scramble out of the way unharmed.

Firefighters from the City of Troy, Albany, Green Island, Watervliet Arsenal, Watervliet and Cohoes battled the blaze until the early hours of the morning.

Neighbors helped comfort the residents who were displaced from the home, giving them blankets to stay warm with, as they had made it out of the house with nothing but the clothes on their back.

No firefighters were injured on scene and all residents made it out safely. The home was a total loss and two other properties sustained damaged from the collapse of the main fire building. The fire is under investigation the area of Broadway was closed during the incident.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Firefighters hitting the side of the exposure building as it catches fire.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGE 18

May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Automatic Fire Alarm or Is It? STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

JEFFREY ARNOLD

Blaze Destroys House in Avon Avon, NY - Multiple fire departments from Livingston, Monroe and Ontario counties were dispatched to a house fire at 6693 North Avon Road in the Town of Avon around 10:30 P.M. on March 23rd. Fire units from East Avon arrived on the scene, found the home fully involved and a third-alarm assignment was struck, bringing tankers in from the Lima, Avon, Honeoye Falls, Livonia, Lakeville, Caledonia, Geneseo, Hemlock, West Bloomfield, Rush, Henrietta, Scottsville, Mendon and Mumford Fire Departments. There were no injuries reported, but several dogs inside the home were killed in the blaze. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Livingston County Office of Emergency Management.

Governor Cuomo Announces $45 Million in Emergency Communications Grants Awarded Across New York Albany, NY - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on March 29th that $45 million has been awarded for counties across the state to upgrade critical technology and improve emergency communications systems. This funding will enable local governments to expand their ability to communicate, exchange valuable data, and streamline information through their systems to enhance collaboration and assist first responders.

"In an emergency, every second counts," Governor Cuomo said.

"This critical funding will improve the quality and efficiency of emergency response capabilities across New York, while supporting the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect their neighbors and their community."

The State Interoperable Communications Grant, which is administered by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, has awarded more than

JUMP TO FILE #033017112 $275 million in five rounds to 57 counties and New York City. In addition, 10 regional partnerships or consortiums have been formed as a result of this grant program. This represents an increase in participation of more than 50 percent since the program was launched in 2010.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, "It is vital to emergency response to continually upgrade and enhance communications systems including 911 technologies.

This grant funding allows counties and New York City to continue to make improvements to their emergency communications systems to help protect New Yorkers."

Senator Thomas Croci, Chair of the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs said, "Our residents count on our

first responders having seamless communication during an emergency situation. This funding is essential for counties to improve emergency response and quickly respond to calls for help when minutes count."

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations said, "In an emergency, every second counts. When an emergency or disaster occurs, counties need a system that is faster, more flexible and resilient to keep up with communication technology used by the public daily. I applaud the Governor and my colleagues for passing this measure in the budget last year and look for to its implementation in counties like Erie County."

To see a full list of the fiscal year 2016 State Interoperable Communications grant awards, visit www.Governor.NY.Gov - NYS DHSES

The other morning, as I was finishing breakfast and admiring the 22-inches of freshly fallen snow from two days prior, my pager opened, announcing for my department to respond to an Automatic Fire Alarm at a private residence. I pushed away from the table, bundled up, and headed for the location, which was less than a mile from my home.

En-route to the location, an additional dispatch announced that the alarm company had called back, reporting an overheated pan on the stove. With the heavy snow plowed up on the side of the road, it made it difficult to spot addresses on mailboxes, which were covered in snow. As I found the correct location, a residence sitting back 200-feet from the street, the first rig pulled up. Three of us trudged up the driveway, rang the door bell and were met by the homeowner, who offered her apologies for having us respond to an unnecessary alarm. She explained that she was drying a large cast iron frying pan on the stove and had momentarily forgotten about it, that is, until the home alarm sensed the smoke and activated the alarm system.

The homeowner had called the alarm company requesting they cancel the alarm and was advised that the fire department was on the way and couldn’t be cancelled.

We explained how her alarm system works and how fire dispatch works in conjunction with her alarm system. The homeowner was most appreciative of our response and explanation as to why we continued our response to her location. We said our goodbyes as she continued to apologize, and headed back to the fire station.

Our fire department, like many others, is dispatched to many AFA’s (automatic fire alarms) in our community, and as in many departments, we have members who tend to shrug off AFA’s with a negative remark, and others who may not respond to the alarm. The members will complain that the AFA’s are wearing them out, the constant crying

“Wolf” when there is no wolf, has an impact on them.

Many years ago, fire alarm systems were found in commercial buildings, buildings of public assembly, institutional facilities, and where fire sprinkler systems were installed. Today, under the name Security Systems, they can be found in almost any type occupancy, including residential homes. The primary function of the alarm system is to detect and initiate the transmission of an alarm to a private monitoring agency, where it is then transmitted to the local 911 dispatch center.

Fire, Police or EMS assistance, or any combination, will be automatically dispatched and once on the way, will not be returned by dispatch. Dispatch may transmit additional information, but they will not terminate your response.

That will be determined by on scene investigation, or department policy. On scene investigation is always the best method. Maybe the occupant thought the problem was minor and had not noticed any fire spread. Cancelling response based on occupant call back may result in having to play catch up, followed by legal ramifications.

There also are false alarms transmitted from AFA’s caused by a variety of reasons. The primary reason would be poor, or lack of maintenance. Dust in the detector head is common; blow it out with a can of air and the system is back in business. Every now and then, the system may malfunction for no apparent reason. If it is a continual problem, the system needs technical assistance to correct the problem. Many communities have local ordinances that levy fines after so many false alarms are transmitted.

AFA’s are a part of the American technology age and they do make the job of firefighting safer by initiating early response to what may be smoke scares or incipient fires. Even I have a system!

Definition of automatic fire alarm system: a fire alarm system which detects the presence of a fire and automatically initiates a signal indicating its detection.

To be continued...

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

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

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

PAGE 19

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Eight People Left Homeless After Three-Alarm Structure Fire in Troy Troy, NY - On the morning of March 7th around 1:20 A.M., the City of Troy Fire Department responded for an alarm of fire at 168 4th Street. The first arriving City of Troy police units JUMP TO FILE# on scene immedi- 030817111 ately forced entry into the building and started assisting residents out as heavy fire blew through the three-story, balloonframe house.

Engine-6 arrived on the scene within a minute of the dispatch and called the Signal-30 while Car-4 called a second-alarm.

Firefighters stretched multiple hand-lines into the building and also around the back of the building, where flames were shooting out of every window.

Firefighters set up multiple master streams in the back of the structure to protect exposure buildings. One building was attached to the structure, but firefighters fought hard and kept the fire from getting inside the adjacent structure.

Firefighters called in the City of Albany, Watervliet and Green Island to assist the City of Troy.

Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the second and first floors, but were forced out as conditions rapidly changed inside the home. Car-4 ordered the evacuation of the building.

Firefighters then moved to exterior operations, deploying multiple ladder trucks on scene and multiple two-and-a-half inch hand-lines. The heavily involved building could be seen from miles away as it lit up the night sky over the City of Troy.

Around 2:30 A.M., crews were able to get a handle on the fire. Firefighters were on scene for most of the morning and investigators were brought in to assist the City of Troy in determining the cause of the fire.

No firefighters were injured on scene. The residents of the home were also uninjured, but did not have time to grab any personal belongings before escaping the fire. The building was deemed a total loss and was taken down the next morning, leaving eight people homeless.

Truck-2's operator keeping the water flowing to the guy on the roof.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Mass Notification - Paul Revere or the Click of a Button?

by Chief Joel Miller

Back in the good ol’ days, mass notification was fairly simple. All it took was one call to the local television and radio stations by a confirmed source and the news would appear on the screen, or echo across the air ways. Of course, that was during the era when everyone watched their local television channels and listened to local radio stations. A more simple time when satellite radio was just a dream and the local stores and businesses didn’t have piped-in-music from corporate office on the other side of the country.

Today’s world is a completely different environment, where technology has made things quite different.

Most everyone now has satellite television, Amazon Fire sticks, Netflix, or some other type of non-local televised entertainment. Not to mention that radio now has satellite, Pandora, Spotify, and many more listening options, such as a personal playlist on our phones that sounds through the car stereo system, minus the advertisements of course. The masses cannot be notified of local news if the mass amount of the population isn’t tuned in to local broadcasting.

So how does your department notify the masses when there is an emergency or evacuation situation in progress? Do we need to revert back to the days of Paul Revere and ride through the streets yelling “Haz Mat situation at intersection of 3rd and Oak! Avoid the area and shelter in place if you are in a three block radius of the incident.” Sounds a little crazy, doesn’t it. I don’t think we can go back to those days since no one would even hear us from inside their well-insulated homes and automobiles. As you already know, the masses can’t even hear a Federal Q siren blaring from behind them in traffic.

Today, the fire service does not have to ride through the streets on horseback yelling, nor do we have to reinvent the wheel. It’s as simple as the click of a button on your smart phone. That’s right. In a couple of easy steps, you can notify hundreds,

even thousands of people, along with television stations and radio outlets of an emergency situation, all while instructing the population of what they need to do.

What is the name of this wonderful device? Social Media! That’s right, and it’s FREE! You have the power of real time notification at your fingertips. Hold your own press release live with Periscope, Facebook Live, or Instagram Live. You can give people the most current and up-to-date information with a quick Tweet on Twitter, just like President Trump. You have the same power as the President of the United States!

Okay, maybe that’s a little exaggerated, but you do have the same power on Twitter.

Cal Fire uses Periscope for situational updates and daily fire reports during wildland fire season. You hold the power to report local news to the citizens of your bustling metropolis, down to your one horse town, giving them the latest and most crucial information in real time without even making a phone call, or waiting for someone to approve the interruption of Days of Our Lives, or Taylor Swift belting out “ Shake it Off.” Okay, okay……maybe it’s not quite that easy and now you have some work to do. Your department will need to choose the social media outlet that best fits their needs and start building a following. The reality is that almost everyone has a smart phone with them almost 24/7. Most jump every time someone starts a live broadcast or updates their online status.

Social Media has three great characteristics that the fire department administration will love. First, IT'S FREE! Second, it’s easy to use. And third, there are multiple options available. There are even social media consults, like myself, that can help you build and execute a plan.

So, tap into social media now and be the new Paul Revere when you need mass notification. “The fire department is coming! The fire department is coming!”

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

Troy firefighters pulling a two-and-a-half inch line to the back of the fully involved building.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

TODD BENDER

Poughkeepsie Works to Extricate Driver

Poughkeepsie, NY - Poughkeepsie FD's Engine-1 and Ladder-1 were dispatched at 1:17 P.M. on March 9th to a one-car auto accident with entrapment. Upon arrival, heavy entrapment was confirmed which brought Engine-2 to the scene at the Laurel Street exit ramp from Route-9 in Poughkeepsie.

The driver of the vehicle, still alive, was eventually extricated and transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital, where he was then airlifted to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla.

JOHN HOPPER

Two-Alarm House Fire in Yonkers Yonkers, NY - On the morning of Saturday, March 4th, Yonkers fire units were toned out to 22 Cox Avenue for a possible structure fire. Units arrived on scene to find a fire on the first-floor and a report of people jumping out of the windows.

A 10-30 (All Hands) was transmitted, shortly followed by a second-alarm due to the fire extending in the walls and to the cockloft. Multiple lines were stretched and the main body of fire was knocked down. The fire went through the roof, but was also quickly knocked down. The fire was placed under control with an approximate two-hour duration.

May, 2017

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

BOB MCCORMICK

Fuel Truck Overturns on Fostertown Road in Newburgh SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Heavy Fire Destroys Twin Lake Apartment Complex Buildings Clifton Park, NY - On March 12th, the Clifton Park, West Crescent, Halfmoon-Waterford, Hillcrest, Jonesville, Visher Ferry, Boght and Round Lake Fire Departments were dispatched for a reported structure fire at the Twin Lake apartment complex.

The first arriving sheriff unit had heavy fire showing from the roof of the building and relayed what he had on scene to the dispatcher. The sheriff's deputy then started to make sure that the building was evacuated. The first arriving FD unit on scene immediately went to work searching the apartment buildings, as heavy fire was starting to spread throughout building numbers 53, 54 and 55.

Crews were able to make sure that everyone was out of the building and immediately began attempting an aggressive interior attack, but due to the building not being sprinklered and having newage lightweight construction, it went up quickly. Command requested the All-Out as heavy fire conditions spread rapidly through the area of the roof line, causing collapses onto the apartments below.

Firefighters then backed out of the building and mounted a master stream operation to try to knock down the bulk of the fire. With over 80 firefighters on scene work-

JUMP TO FILE #031417102 ing to try to contain the fire, command requested firefighters from Boght Fire Company from the Town of Colonie to the scene to assist with suppression efforts, as well as to be a back up FAST team due to the large size of the complex and the collapse that had occurred.

The heavy winds and freezing weather conditions hampered firefighters' efforts in battling the fire and bringing it under control quickly. The heavy winds fed the fire, allowing it to spread rapidly through the unsprinklered apartment building. At one hour into the incident, firefighters were able to knock down the majority of the fire and started the heavy process of overhauling the multiple apartments that were completely destroyed.

No firefighters were injured on scene and all residents who were home at the time of the fire were able to make it out safely. The building sustained heavy damage.

Officials determined the cause of the fire to be from one of the occupants trying to start a fire in a decorative, non-functional fireplace.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

Newburgh, NY - The Cronomer Valley FD was dispatched to an overturned fuel truck at 237 Fostertown Road on March 25th. The Middlehope FD was also called to the scene, along with a HazMat crew and 36-13 Deputy Fire Coordinator. The Town Newburgh Police handled traffic control during the incident. One subject was taken from the scene to Saint Luke's Hospital. The Town of Newburgh PD is investigating the accident. Central Hudson was also at scene.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Seventh Annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off Held in Troy Troy, NY - The seventh annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off officially began at Brown's Brewing Company's Revolutionary Hall in Troy around 2:00 P.M. on February 11th, with nine local fire departments competing for the golden hydrant and bragging rights for 2017, JUMP TO FILE# while also helping 030617136 out two great local organizations.

The event costs $10 to get in and all proceeds go to the Burn Center, as well as the Firemen's Home in Hudson, NY. Last year, over $4,000 was raised. The event welcomes all ages and it's a great time for the whole family!

Competitors this year included the Fuller Road, Shaker Road, Verdoy, Green Island, Watervliet, Troy, West Sand Lake, Menands and Defreestville Fire Departments. Each fire department's chili had its own special taste and kick to it, from Defreestville's South of the Border chili, to Green Island's Colorado Green chili, to Menands' smooth tasting, smokey flavored chili.

Members from each of these firehouses worked countless hours perfecting their chili to present to

the public and try to win their vote.

The competition was very fierce this year, as everyone perfected their chili and wanted to win, but the judges were the ones who decided the winner of each category, with the exception of the "People's Choice" award, one of the hardest votes to win. This year, the People's Choice award went to the Watervliet Fire Department.

Other winners for 2017 included event newcomer, Shaker Road Fire Department, winning 3rd Place; the West Sand Lake Fire Department, winning 2ndPlace; and the Defreestville Fire Department, taking home 1stPlace!

Approximately 260 guests attended the event, which raised $2,640 this year. Brown's Brewing Company is going to hold this competition every year on the second Saturday of February to help raise essential funding for the Burn Center and Firemen's Home and are looking for additional competitors from throughout New York State to come out and compete for 2018's golden hydrant!

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

All competitors from the 2017 seventh annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

American Firefighters, Heroes in Action VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

American Firefighters Heroes in Action

By Brain Damage Films 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: $19.95 (DVD) This DVD is 70 minutes in length. It is dedicated to the brave men and women of all fire departments across America. It promotes the viewers to support their local firefighters. Its purpose is to provide action footage of many emergency scenes where firefighters show dedication, professionalism and efficiency, resulting in most cases with the saving of life.

The clips are quick. They are of different types of fires (one of a car fire set by vandals), a boat rescue and numerous traffic accidents. Most of the accidents resulted from alcohol and bad judgement. The locations are not identified, just the time of the incident’s operation and type of call.

The viewer can see by the apparatus lettering and firefighter uniforms as to where most of these incidents occurred. In almost all of the scenes, the American River Fire Department operated. This department is part of the Sacramento County, California Metro Fire District, which includes a number of other fire departments.

There are many close up shots, particularly when patient immobilization and extrication came into play. Conversations among the emergency responders can also be heard.

This is a video that does justice to the recognition of the work of firefighters and is a salute to their professionalism and compassion for the patients that required emergency medical service. I, as a retired member of the fire service, appreciate the recognition shown by Brain Damage Films.

May, 2017

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

FACES OF NEW YORK’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

To see your “Faces” in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.

STEVE WHITE

Staten Island, NY - FDNY Battalion Chiefs John Gregorio, John LaBarbera and Jack Crowe at the 2017 FDNY Awards Luncheon, held on March 16th.

Troy, NY - South Schenectady Asst. Chief France at the 7th annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off, held on February 11th.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

MIKE CAREY

Colonie, NY - Members of the Boght Fire Department who took part in a week-long series of training exercises in February.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

RUSH FD

Rush, NY - Rush FD members took a group photo on March 13th after holding a drill at Leary School, where they played Dodge Ball with Air Packs and full equipment!

Colonie, NY - Verdoy FD Captain Vanblarcom getting ready to vent the side of Northway Toyota's roof, which caught fire on March 18th.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Change Starts with YOU HEALTH & FITNESS

by Robert “Pip” Piparo

If you have read my past 1st Responder News articles, you may notice a trend forming. I’m sure when you see the word 'fitness' though, the trend that is forming doesn’t come to mind. Most folks probably think these articles are about backs and bi’s, and chest and tri’s, or the latest diet and exercise craze that’s sweeping the nation; but they're not. They are about a cultural shift within the fire service. Hopefully by now, I have laid a good enough foundation to have most of you convinced that this change needs to occur, and needs to occur now.

Somehow, the fact that for the past 15 years, cardiac related events have been the leading killer of firefighters nationwide, just doesn’t seem to be enough. We still have firefighters who believe that being fit is not part of their job description.

But hey, thats the fire service that we all know and love. Change is bad, even if it makes you stronger, faster and healthier; i.e., a firefighter who is better at their job and who will live longer. Now the question is, where do we go from here? The answer my friends, is simple. We work to make ourselves better, which will in turn make the fire service better.

I recently spent some time with the Chief of a large department and he explained it to me like this: 'If my people are happy and healthy, then they are going to do a better job for the people we are here to protect.

After all, they are the ones we are here for.'

So now it’s time to step up and make the change. You have to make this change in your life and you have to commit to it. It won’t be easy and it shouldn’t be easy. After all, if it

was easy, everyone would be doing it! You will have failures, you will have bad days and you will continue going back to the old way. That’s all ok! That’s life. But just like an Alfred told a young Bruce Wayne: Why do we fall?? So we can learn to get back up again.

Each week I hear success stories from firefighters who are just like you, unsure if they should start working out, unsure of how to start, or where to go. The first day is always hard and the second day is even harder, but guess what; they should be! See, that's the thing firefighters need to accept about fitness.

It always has to be hard, you can always get stronger and faster. You have to put in that hard work to get results. You are required to get results, not just for you, but for them, the people you swore an oath to protect.

You also have something unique to our society. You have hundreds and thousands of brothers and sisters who understand, who do our job everyday and know just how hard it is. Fitness brings us all together. We all have something different to bring to the table. We can learn from each other because there is no 'one' way to get “firefighter fit," just like there isn’t 'one' way to put out a residential structure fire.

Just like when we put out a fire, there are some tried and true strategies and tactics that will work to get you on a path to being fitter, and over my next few articles, I would like to highlight the ones I feel can provide the most benefit to everyone.

I am lucky enough to have a network of friends around the world, who work hard each and every day to stay fit. I am going to draw from them and share their experiences here. Should you have any ideas, questions or suggestions for this column, please feel free to email me at Pip@555fitness.com. After all, this is all about us; us changing the fire service culture towards fitness for the better.

D ID YOU K NOW

?

Applying Super Glue to cotton results in a rapid chemical reaction that releases enough heat to cause minor burns, so typically this should be avoided. However, if enough super glue is added to the cotton, it will catch on fire, making this a great trick to keep in mind in survival situations. So if you ever find yourself lost in the woods with nothing but a first aid kit, this little trick will help you start a fire.

May, 2017

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

DRILLS/TRAINING

To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

An extra engine was called to the scene for water and manpower.

JOHN SPAULDING

Flames Consume Auto Detailing Shop in Rochester RUSH FD

Rush, NY - The Rush FD held a drill at Leary School on March 13th, where they played Dodge Ball with Air Packs and full equipment!

A total of 12 Firefighters and Officers made up the two teams, including Chief Jim McNeil, Asst. Chief Jon Faugh, Capt. Joe Watlack, Lt. Kyle McNeil, Firefighters Eric McNeil, Tyler Grillo, Marica Scott, Jason Dundon, William Stanton, Kevin Kolmetz and Explorers Tom Dundon and Josh Gretzinger. Support personnel Bob Faugh EMT, Paul Bischoping EMS PA, Beth Faugh Exp. Advisor and Doug Watson also attended. Safety Officer Tim Relyea was the referee. They played an hour of dodge ball and had a ball!

Rochester, NY The Rochester Fire Department responded for smoke coming from a building on March 10th. Further updates reported the building to be an auto detailing shop. Companies arrived to find smoke showing from a single-story, concreteblock building.

Firefighters from Group 3 (Twitter @iaff1071) found fire on the "C" and "D" sides of the structure. The building had a flat roof

JUMP TO FILE #031217100 and a number of cars in one of the driveways which slightly hampered firefighting efforts.

After gaining access to the building, crews were met with fire at the door which was marked with a red 'X', signifying no entry.

The inside of the garage appeared to be filled with vehicles and de-

bris. An extra engine was called to the scene as strong winds were pushing flames from the "C" side.

AMR provided two ALS ambulances on scene and the Rochester PD secured several roads during the incident. The Rochester FD Fire Investigation Unit was investigating the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

- JOHN SPAULDING

MIKE CAREY

Colonie, NY - The Boght FD spent the week of February 20th training at the site of the former Michael's Banquet House on Route 9 in Latham. The 18,500-square-foot facility opened in the 1960s, but recently closed. The property was sold to Albany Medical Center with plans to tear down the existing building and build a 30,000square-foot EmUrgent Care facility. BBL Construction is overseeing the project and graciously allowed the fire department to conduct a series of training exercises inside the building before it's demolished. During the course of the week, firefighters conducted numerous exercises, from advanced FAST techniques, to rescue and hose advancements, to forcible entry and roof operations. On the final day of the week, Boght was joined by the Menands FD for the roof operations training.

JOHN HOPPER

Multiple Crews Battle House Fire in Scarsdale Scarsdale, NY - Scarsdale firefighters operated at a fully involved house fire at 33 Black Birch Lane during the early morning hours of Sunday, March 5th. Mutual aid companies from White Plains, Hartsdale and Greenville also responded.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos for our “Women in Firefighting” feature, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

JEN LASHER

Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund founder, Bill Newland, drops the puck at the 2017 Battle of the Bravest hockey game.

2017 “Battle of the Bravest” Charity Hockey Game Held in Binghamton Colonie, NY - Shaker Road Firefighter Phyllis Rinella smiles for the camera while at the scene of a structure fire on March 24th.

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Binghamton, NY - Four years ago, while playing a game of shinny on a frozen pond in Binghamton, a couple of firefighters decided to expand their standard weekend activity and put a friendly game of hockey together that was comprised of firefighters from all over Broome County. Camaraderie, fitness and fun were on the agenda that year and people came from far and wide to see the unprecedented event. Four years later, they've raised and donated nearly $20,000 to cancer research.

Bill Newland, a retired City of Binghamton Firefighter, Founder and President of the Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund Inc., was approached about possibly tying his organization to the event and he immediately jumped at the opportunity.

The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund Inc. is a nonprofit 501(C)3 organization commit-

JUMP TO FILE #032117113 ted to raising funds for cancer research programs. Funds are allocated to established programs that seek to impact those cancers that have higher occurrence rates among firefighters.

Although their focus is on “Fire Fighter Cancers”, EVERYONE will benefit from the foundations’ efforts because as we all know, cancer does not discriminate.

March of 2015, the first official year of the game as a fundraising charity game, brought in and donated over $2000, and the event was off and running. On March 19th 2017, the third Annual “Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game” again took place at the Ice House Sports Complex. This time, over $9,200 was raised, 100% of which

was once again donated to the cancer fund.

Mr. Newland was quoted in a post-game gathering as saying, “None of this could be done without you, your hard work and your support for this event." Everyone, from the players, to the game coordinators, Mr. Newland himself, the corporate donors, event spectators and game day operation workers, make this event a success and have an equal part in raising this money, 100% of which will all go to finding a cure for cancer and GIVING CANCER THE BOOT!!!

To follow and support the event on Facebook, search “Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game Community”. To learn more, or donate to the cancer fund, visit www.letsfirecancer.org.

Firefighters shake hands after the 2017 Battle of the Bravest hockey game.

- J MURPHY

JACKIE MCMANUS

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

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May, 2017

RICHARD BILLINGS

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

WILLIAM MURRAY

Structure Destroyed

by Blaze in Kingston Kingston, NY - The New Paltz Fire Dept., along with other departments were dispatched for Mutual Aid to the Gardiner Fire District on March 20th for a fully involved structure fire.

The structure was a total loss and had to be torn down by an excavator. New Paltz responded to the scene with their ladder and tanker.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2017

PAGE 33

The approximate size of the collapse area was 125' x 25'.

RHINEBECK FD

Roof Collapses Under Two-Alarm Structure Fire Hits the Weight of Heavy City of Mechanicville Snow in Rhinebeck Waterford firefighters going to the roof to vent the building.

Mechanicville, NY - The City of Mechanicville Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at 36 Saratoga Avenue around 12:15 A.M. on March 6th.

Before the first arriving engine was on scene, the Mechanicville PD evacuated neighbors from homes that were threatened by the fire. The first arriving chiefs on scene immediately called for the second-alarm, as fire was showing on the secondfloor and starting to extend into the exposure structure. Command requested EMS to the scene for a Priority-1 resident who had injuries from the fire. Three additional ambulances were also requested to the scene.

Command had a working fire on the second-floor of a large, twostory, balloon-frame structure, with

JUMP TO FILE #030617137 extension into the attic. Engine 39-5 was the first engine on scene, stretched a hand-line to the secondfloor and aggressively went to work knocking down the fire.

The second-alarm brought in the Arvin Hart, Waterford, Stillwater, Hemstreet Park and Hillcrest Fire Departments to the scene, as well as Round Lake for a FAST team and Clifton Park for a second FAST. Engine 39-5 was able to quickly establish a water supply in front of the structure. The freezing temperatures and snow-covered streets and sidewalks made it challenging for firefighters to operate on scene. Waterford's Tower-1 arrived on scene

SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

and was immediately put into operation to vent the roof.

Crews working inside of the home had extensive overhaul, so command re-designated Round Lake, which was the FAST team, to go to work inside with firefighters from Hillcrest. Clifton Park took over as the active FAST team. Firefighters had heavy overhaul because of multiple layers in the ceiling that prevented crews from gaining easy access to the attic area to hit hotspots.

The fire was placed under control quickly and only one resident was taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The Saratoga County Cause and Origin team were investigating the fire.

- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

Rhinebeck, NY - At approximately 2:30 P.M. on Wednesday, March 15th, the Rhinebeck Fire Department was dispatched to Williams Lumber at 6760 Route 9, for a roof collapse, with one individual reportedly pinned under the collapse.

Upon arrival, it was determined that all employees and customers had safely evacuated the building, including the person who was reported as being pinned.

A member of the Rhinebeck Fire Department, Firefighter Bill Vickery, was shopping in the store at the time of the incident and assisted in the safe evacuation.

Central Hudson was notified to respond and shut off electric

JUMP TO FILE #031617104 service to the building. The Rhinebeck Building Inspector was also requested to the scene. The store was closed and would remain so for an undetermined period.

The section of the roof collapse was approximately 125' by 30'. It is believed that the cause of the collapse was from the excessive snow load placed on the roof from the prior day's snowstorm.

Assisting on scene was the Dutchess County Sheriff's patrol.

- HENRY CAMPBELL

COMMAND VEHICLES

If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

BOB MCCORMICK

Tractor-Trailer Rollover on Thruway

Port Crane Fire Company utilizes this vehicle, designated as Command 37.

JEFFREY ARNOLD

Newburgh, NY - The Winona Lake FD was dispatched to a tractor-trailer rollover and spill on March 9th, located on the I-87 (Thruway) southbound entrance ramp. The NYS Police and Town of Newburgh EMS also responded to the scene.

Firefighters checked and controlled the spill while EMS evaluated the driver. State Police were investigating the cause of the rollover.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Two Past Chiefs from Rush FD Receive Area EMS Awards Rush, NY - Two Past Fire Chiefs from Rush FD recently received area EMS awards.

James J. Bucci Jr. received the Monroe/Livingston STEP EMS LLOYD LEVE award for his years of service, caring JUMP TO FILE# commitment, dedi- 032417113 cation, strong leadership skills, teaching skills, communication skills, creativity and ingenuity to EMS in Rush Henrietta and Monroe County.

Jim is currently Dep. Chief at Henrietta Ambulance and Chairman of the Monroe County EMS Advisory Board. He was the driving force behind the new EMS trunking radio system. He will receive this award at the STEP EMS conference breakfast on April 1st.

Robert Faugh received the Monroe/Livingston regional EMS council HARRIET WEBER award for demonstrated dedication, responsibility, exemplary professional behavior, ingenuity and insight in Rush, Monroe County and NYS EMS environment. Bob was the voting member for the 800 NYS Fire Districts on the State EMS Council. He was involved in the Monroe County Fire and EMS advisory boards for 20 years, State and County Fire/EMS Instructor and was 5th Batt. EMS Coordinator for 25 years. He was Rush FD EMS Director for 25 years and an EMT since 1972.

Bob was a NYS EMT and Critical Trauma Care instructor in Monroe County and at the MCC Police Academy & State Police Academy. He will receive his award on May 21st at the EMS kick off event at the Public Safety Training center. His nomination will go to the state EMS council for consideration for the NYS award.

- BOB FAUGH

Visit us online for more news around the states! www.1rbn.com

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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May, 2017

FDNY

JOHN HOPPER

Bronx Crews Handle All-Hands Boat Fire FDNY 14-year veteran, EMT Yadira Arroyo.

PROVIDED

Hundreds Mourn Loss of Slain FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo Bronx, NY - FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo, 44, died on Thursday, March 16th after a man stole her ambulance and ran her over with it. EMT Arroyo was a 14-year veteran with the FDNY and leaves five children behind.

The incident occurred as EMT Arroyo was driving the ambulance to an emergency call with her partner, a 31-year-old female, who was in the passenger's side. At approximately 7:10 P.M., a bystander got Arroyo's attention to tell her that a man was riding on the back bumper. When EMT Arroyo got out of the ambulance to investigate, 25-year-old Jose Gonzalez jumped into the driver's seat.

Both EMT Arroyo and her partner struggled with Gonzalez, trying to get him out of the ambulance. As Arroyo tried to pull him out, Gonzalez put the ambulance in reverse, knocking her down to the ground.

Gonzalez drove over EMT Arroyo and then put the ambulance in drive and proceeded to drive off, dragging Arroyo across the street. Arroyo's partner watched as Gonzalez ran over her partner and then drove off, striking two parked

JUMP TO FILE #032317110 vehicles before coming to a rest.

EMT Arroyo was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Jose Gonzalez was taken into custody and later charged with murder, grand larceny and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs.

Later reports stated that 25-yearold Gonzalez is considered "severely mentally ill" and that he has 31 prior arrests.

Arroyo's partner was also taken to Jacobi Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries to her neck and shoulder.

On Friday, March 17th, FDNY members gathered outside of EMS Station 26 to hold a bunting ceremony in EMT Yadira Arroyo's honor. A wake was held on Thursday and Friday, March 23rd and 24th at Joseph A. Lucchese Funeral Home in the Bronx. Arroyo's funeral was held on Saturday, March 25th at St. Nicholes of Tolentine R.C. Church in the Bronx.

- LINDSEY PALMER

Bronx, NY - On the morning of Monday, February 27th, Bronx Fire companies responded to 157 Pilot Street, off City Island Avenue, for the report of a fire in a warehouse.

Engine-70 arrived as first-due with Ladder-53 to find heavy smoke showing from a large warehouse and transmitted a 10-75. Other responding units were delayed due to the Pelham Bay Draw Bridge being up at the time.

JUMP TO FILE #030617115 While still responding, Battalion-20 requested an extra Engine and Truck. The bridge was lowered and units were able to continue to the scene. Upon their arrival, crews located the fire in a boat that was inside the warehouse, which was pulled out by employees before the

fire could extend.

Three lines were stretched and put into operation, one of them being a foam line. Division-7 requested a Foam Unit to respond (Engine-96 with Foam Carrier-96), and the fire was quickly knocked down. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 45-minute duration.

- JOHN HOPPER

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

PROVIDED BY RUSSELL CURLEY

New York, NY - FDNY Engine-256, a 1958 Mack "C" model, responding to an alarm in 1961.

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

FDNY

JOHN HOPPER

Store Fire Goes to Seven-Alarms in Queens Queens, NY - On the late evening of Saturday, March 4th, Queens Fire Alarm dispatchers received multiple calls for a fire in a store at 110-14 Liberty Avenue and 110th Street. Battalion-51 arrived with first-due units, Engine-285 and Tower Ladder-142, and transmitted a 10-75 for a heavy smoke condition coming from a two-story mixed occupancy.

Division-13 arrived, transmitted an All-Hands and requested an additional engine and truck to the

JUMP TO FILE #030617122 scene. A second-alarm was transmitted shortly after, but companies had a difficult time locating the fire.

A third-alarm was then transmitted for heavy fire extending into the cockloft and to the exposures.

A Mayday was transmitted by a member of Ladder-143, who had to use his personal safety system to bail out of the building due to the

heavy amount of fire. The member escaped safely and was treated by EMS. Field Comm transmitted a fourth, fifth, sixth and then seventhalarm.

A total of 17 hand-lines and multiple tower ladders were put into operation. The incident was placed under control with an approximate four-hour duration and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

- JOHN HOPPER

JOHN HOPPER

FDNY Flies Drone for First Time at Four-Alarm Structure Fire

Bronx, NY - On the evening of Monday, March 6th, Bronx Fire Companies responded to 653 Crotona Park North at Arthur Avenue for the report of a fire in a multiple dwelling. Battalion-18 arrived and transmitted a 10-75 for fire on multiple floors of a six-story, H-Type, multiple dwelling. Shortly after requesting an additional engine and truck, the 18 transmitted a second-alarm for fire extending into the cockloft and to the floors below via a shaft. Multiple lines were stretched and put into operation on each floor of fire. Division-6 arrived and transmitted a third-alarm. The fire was knocked down on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors, but due to heavy fire still on the 6thfloor and in the cockloft, a fourth-alarm was transmitted. All fire was eventually knocked down with multiple hand-lines.

The FDNY flew its Drone for the first time at this fire.

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.

JOHN HOPPER

Bronx Units Respond to Vacant Dwelling Fire

Bronx, NY - On the evening of Friday, March 3rd, North Bronx Fire Companies responded to 725 East 224th Street at White Plains Road for the report of smoke coming from a vacant private dwelling. Engine-38 arrived as first-due with Tower Ladder-51 and transmitted a 10-75 for fire in two-and-a-half story, vacant, private dwelling. Two lines were stretched and the main body of fire was quickly knocked down. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 25-minute duration.

FDNY Ladder 155 operates this 2016 Seagrave, 75-foot Tower Ladder.

FRED ENGELMANN

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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May, 2017

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

JOHN HOPPER

RON JEFFERS

FDNY Tower Ladder 12 crossed the Hudson for a mutual aid run to Union City, N.J. on the morning of March 4th. A row of dwellings were burning on Summit Avenue with a heavy ember condition that started a fire in the steeple and roof of a church one block away. Due to fires in other areas, mutual aid was thin and the FDNY was summoned. Ladder 12 responded to Manhattan Box 600, along with Engines 1, 14 and the 8th Battalion. This was the second time since 2001 that the FDNY responded to Union City, in the same neighborhood. That year, there were numerous multiple alarm fires in the area, including three in Union City alone.

Four-Alarm Structure Fire in South Bronx

Bronx, NY - On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 1st, South Bronx Fire companies responded to 1342 College Ave., between East 169th and 170th Streets, for the report of a house fire. Tower Ladder-44 arrived as first-due and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in a two-story, 20x40, private dwelling. Battalion-17 put All-Hands to work on arrival with an extra engine and truck.

Shortly after, a second-alarm was transmitted due to fire spreading to the exposures. Heavy fire spread throughout five buildings, requiring the transmissions of a third and then fourthalarm. The main body of fire was eventually knocked down with nine hand-lines and a tower ladder. The fire was placed under control with an approximate two-hour duration.

COMMAND VEHICLES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

STEVE WHITE

Third-Alarm Fatal Fire in Staten Island

Staten Island, NY - At 4:04 A.M. on March 6th, firefighters responded to 68 Driggs St., located in the Great Kills section of Staten Island, for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a fully-involved, two-story private dwelling, with one confirmed fatality. The fire was declared under control by 5:52 A.M and the cause is under investigation.

This vehicle is utilized by the FDNY EMS supervisor.

STEVE WHITE

PAGE 38

May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

FDNY

Vehicle News

In Staten Island, BFU 4 has been assigned a 2016 GMC 350 model brush unit, with a Danko skid possessing a 200-GPM pump and 250-gallon water tank.

RON JEFFERS

STEVE WHITE

Paramedics Alexis Buttermark and Keisha Brockington were honored for evacuating a bagel store in April of 2015, with high CO readings and treating patients while awaiting FDNY units.

Pictured are Chief of Dept. James leonard, Fire Commisioner Daniel Nigro with paramedics, and Chamber members Sal Sottile and Gerald Peters.

The FDNY has deployed 11 Rescue Medic ambulances throughout the five boroughs. These new ambulances are three-and-a-half feet higher, six-feet longer and four-feet wider. They are staffed by two paramedics.

STEVE WHITE

JOHN HOPPER

Two-Alarm Store Fire in Bronx Quickly Knocked

Bronx, NY - On the afternoon of Tuesday, March 28th, Bronx fire companies responded to 121 Dreiser Loop for the report of fire in a store. Engine-66 arrived as first-due with Ladder61 and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in a store. Battalion 15 put All-Hands to work on arrival and requested an additional Engine and Truck (E-62/L-32) to the scene. Shortly after, Battalion 15 transmitted a second-alarm due to fire in the basement and on the first-floor. Four lines were stretched and put into operation. The main body of fire was quickly knocked down on the first-floor. The incident was placed under control with an approximate one hour duration.

STEVE WHITE

FDNY Rescue 5 members received the top Chamber award for rescuing a fellow firefighter from Ladder 82, who was trapped in a structural fire in 2016.

2017 FDNY Valor Awards Luncheon Held in Staten Island Staten Island, NY - The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce held the 2017 FDNY Valor Awards Luncheon on March 16th at the Hilton Garden Inn, where Firefighters and EMS members were honored for the years covering 2015 and 2016.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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FDNY

Firefighter Martinez after donating the van, shakes Chief of Department James Leonard's hand at a ceremony in the quarters of Engine-157/ Ladder-80.

STEVE WHITE

JOHN HOPPER

Queens Fire Companies Battle Garage Fire

Queens, NY - During the early morning hours of Saturday, March 18th, Queens Fire Companies responded to 150-36 12 Road at Clintonville Street for the report of a fire in a garage. Battalion52 used All-Hands on arrival for fire in a two-story motor vehicle repair shop. A 10-70 (Water Source Needed) was transmitted for a bad hydrant, but was quickly resolved. Battalion-52 requested an additional Engine and Tower Ladder (E306/TL138) to the scene. Two lines were stretched, one was put into operation and the main body of fire was quickly knocked down. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 30 minute duration.

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.

STEVE WHITE

Firefighter Jimmy Martinez at his former quarters of Engine157 and Ladder-80 in Port Richmond, Staten Island.

Retired FDNY Firefighter in Cancer Remission Donates Van to City

Staten Island, NY - Retired FDNY Firefighter Jimmy Martinez of Engine-157/Ladder-80, who is a World Trade Center and Hurricane Sandy First Responder, recently donated a custom van to the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation. Firefighter Martinez, who underwent chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant, is now in remission. The family transport van is crucial to FDNY members and their families, which brings sick and injured firefighters to doctor and medical appointments.

STEVE WHITE

Staten Island, NY - FDNY members pose for a photo op after attending the St. Patrick's Day parade, held on March 5th.

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May, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY