AJ NE EMS_05-26-2012_Edition

A salute to the men and women who dedicate their lives, keeping our families safe...

News

4 192

Enterprise

2012

SPECIAL EDITION

The Adirondack Journal and News Enterprise are published by Denton Publications, Inc.

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Blue Mountain Lake • Bolton Landing • Chestertown • Indian Lake • Johnsburg • Lake George Long Lake • Minerva • Newcomb • Pottersville • Stony Creek • Thurman • Warrensburg

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2 - Lake George Fire

May 19, 2012

Fire Department Roster

LG firefighters proved their skills in recent years

By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com LAKE GEORGE — For decades, the members of the Lake George Fire Department have demonstrated their considerable skill and dedication in protecting the lives and property of area citizens.

During the past two years, however, the firefighters have really proved their mettle in several high-profile incidents.

In late August 2010 — during the height of the tourist season — they battled a fire in a two-story building downtown. Although the blaze threatened a row of structures in the prime core area of the village, they effectively contained damage to the one building.

Last August, the firefighters responded to dozens of emergencies caused by the wrath of Tropical Storm Irene, which ripped through the region, causing millions of dollars of dam-

age, stranding people and moving some houses off their foundations. During that historic storm, Lake George firefighters performed several rescues, removing people out of the path of the raging floodwaters, as well as pumping water out of basements, blocking off road washouts, and reponding to downed live power lines.

With the Lake George firefighters, such efficient, dedicated response is a matter of pride and character.

It’s this same sense of pride and volunteerism they’ve demonstrated for years in hosting the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Convention, for which thousands of hours are required for planning logistics and raising funds.

For such dedication over many decades, the Lake George firefighters were rewarded in 2009 with a new $3 million firehouse.

The Fire Department’s new headquarters is

fitting for its challenging mission: to protect a population that swells in summer at least 20 times, and to keep watch over vast areas of both land and water in the town of Lake George.

These challenges are far more comprehensive than when the fire department was founded in 1891 to protect Lake George’s grand hotels.

Today, this fully-volunteer crew of firefighters is responding to a wide range of emergencies including water rescues, forest fires, and vehicle crashes.

The Department hosts a fully-trained water rescue team that includes scuba diving capabilities and operates a 34-foot dive boat.

Fully equipped, the agency’s apparatus includes a 100-foot tower truck and a heavyduty rescue truck, ready for mass incidents.

The agency responds to about 300 calls per year, a number that has risen in recent years.

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May 19, 2012

Lake George EMS - 3

Lake George EMS: Committed to Community

By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com LAKE GEORGE — With up to 50,000 people crowding Lake George Village for various events in the summertime, —and these visitors’ wide variety of activities — the Lake George Emergency Squad must be ready to respond to virtually any kind of incident on land or water.

And the dedicated members of the agency, primarily volunteers, are always up to the challenge.

The squad annually responds to 700 to 900 calls, including water-related incidents, crashes on the I-87 Northway, and ice rescues, as well as the routine medically-related emergencies.

The emergency squad’s responsibilities include fulfilling the needs of people attending the large, crowded events routinely held during summer in Lake George. These include the Americade motorcycle rally, the Lake George Car Show — and this last year, the Hudson Valley

Volunteer Fireman’s convention, which includes a fivehour parade with tens of thousands marching or watching.

Each year the Lake George Emergency Squad responders encounter critical emergencies that demonstrate their impressive level of training and readiness.

The squad was formed in late 1959 by the American Legion Post 374.

The agency was the first in Warren County to provide Advanced Life Support, and the first to utilize mechanical CPR units, power stretchers, and rapid-response vehicles.

Their ambulances are equipped with GPS mapping, satellite phones, and oxygen lifts, among other features.

This year, the town and village of Lake George are working together, focused on a goal to provide a spacious new headquarters for the squad. In the meantime, the Lake George squad is responding to an ever-greater number of emergency calls and a heavier workload each year, Squad Captain Chris Hawley said, noting that new volunteers are always welcome.

Rescue Squad Roster Chris Hawley, Captain, EMT-CC, Melody Byers — Asst. Captain, EMT, Bruce Kilburn — President, EMT-CC, Henry “Hank” Chrzanowski — Vice President, Chris Ost — Secretary, EMT-CC, Grant Gentner — Treasurer, EMT-Paramedic, , Peter Berry, Paramedic, Micki Guy, Paramedic, Pat Mellon, Paramedic, Lauren Fitzgerald — EMT-CC, Richard Bell, EMT, Jason Berry, EMT, Kristina Dreps — EMT, Rosemarie Earl, EMT, Carolanne Fitzgerald — EMT, Cecile LeBarron — EMT, Richard Morris, EMT, Andrea Sause — EMT, Hugh “Jim” Sullivan — EMT, Howard “Mac” MacDonald, EMT, Michael Berry — EVO, George Dunklee — EVO, Tony Fidd — EVO, Jennifer Hawley — EVO, Jonathan Livingston — EVO, John O’Leary — EVO

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4 - Warrensburg Fire

May 19, 2012

Warrensburg firefighters: Skilled at dousing blazes; Community-minded

By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com WARRENSBURG — In the past several years, the members of the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Co. have excelled in their longstanding tradition of protecting the lives and property of local citizens while volunteering additional hours to enhance the local quality of life.

This spirit of commitment was demonstrated when dozens of local firefighters battled a massive blaze that consumed several outbuildings on River St. — and fought back fastmoving flames to save the historic and carefully restored River Street Plaza complex.The company members demonstrated similar skill in fires occurring during recent years in houses on Lake and Alden avenues and Third St., Fire Company president Kevin Geraghty said last week.

“We have strong spirit in the company and one of the most active rosters in the county,” he said.

The Warrensburg firefighters’ commitment,

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basketball and local youth baseball and softball teams.

The firefighters also sponsor various functions, whether it’s bankrolling events or devoting time towards a cause, or donating to charities.

They’ve helped sponsor the Warrensburg High School after-prom party, as well as holding annual mock after-prom crashes to drive home their message to teens of the dangers of mixing illegal alcohol use and driving.

They’ve also helped launched educational pursuits and careers for decades by sponsoring an array of scholarships.

Also, the fire company has upheld another tradition that’s earned them regional fame.

Since Sept. 11, 2002, they’ve held an annual Sept. 11 memorial ceremony to remember those lost in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the valor of those who gave their lives for others. This ceremony has grown in size and renown as people from afar have experienced the profound spirit of the event and the depth of the Warrensburg firefighters’ commitment to keeping those memories of heroism alive.

So during the local Memorial Day Parade,

townspeople reflect not only the local volunteers’ professionalism and how they’ve saved lives and property for generations, but their enduring community service as well.

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however, extends far past extinguishing blazes. Since the inception of the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Co. in 1921, the local firefighters have been dedicated to enhancing community life.

Their various family-oriented events have created happy lifelong memories for children, whether it was youngsters marching in the annual Halloween parade, sharing time with Santa in his yearly visit to the Warrensburg Firehouse, or enjoying activities with friends at the Smokeeater’s Jamboree.

This carnival-type festival, a regional favorite, is celebrating its 50th year this summer. The Smokeeater ’s Jamboree, a crowd favorite for generations, is to be held this year on July 27 and 28.

Another favorite community service activity has been their free annual Seniors’ Thanksgiving Dinner, one of their many events that define a vibrant hometown community.

The firefighters routinely enhance the lives of townspeople in a variety of other ways, whether it’s providing uniforms for the local school’s marching band, or sponsoring club

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May 19, 2012

Warrensburg EMS - 5

Warrensburg EMS: A deep roster of dedicated volunteers WARRENSBURG — Staffed with volunteers and paid staffers who are committed to protecting the health and safety of local citizens, the Warrensburg Emergency Medical Services team is one of the busiest agencies of its kind in northern Warren County.

Founded in 1949 as an ambulance corps, the local agency has evolved from a service that merely transports people in emergency situations to a squad that can perform a wide array of life-saving functions.

These new abilities have been acquired, particularly in the last two decades, by volunteers dedicating hundreds of hours toward training to boost and update their skills.

The squad has no less than 14 members who are certified as Paramedics or who have advanced Critical Care skills.

In the past few years, the squad has obtained new EKG equipment that enables them to more efficiently transmitting vital signs to doctors at the hospital for their analysis and advice while the ambulance is enroute. Also, they have acquired two intravenous pumps to administer specific medications more accurately.

The emergency squad has a deep roster and a strong sense of commitment to the evergrowing emergency medical needs of area communities.

In recent years, the squad has experienced a hefty increase in calls, and the agency now tallies between 1,000 and 1,200 calls annually With the growing number of calls and increasing medical demands, the squad has staffed up to meet the challenge. They now have Advanced Life Support Technicians available 24/7 hours per week, and have a paid operations manager to keep the enterprise running smoothly. The squad’s annual budget is now $450,000 — a far cry from the minimal budget and functions it had in 1949.

Despite the presence of paid specialists on duty, the volunteers are responding to each call, Emerson said. Plus, they’ve been dedicating hundreds of hours to acquire the latest, most advanced training possible, he said.

With the high volume of calls, the squad’s three ambulances have been racking up mileage, and the agency is now looking into purchasing a refurbished or new one.

Since the squad’s spinoff 13 years ago from the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Co., it has grown considerably, ranging from 35 to 75 active members. Only 13 years years ago, the

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squad responded to less than one-third the calls the team now handles.

The emergency squad now has nearly 60 members, but can always use more, Emerson said, because the region’s medical needs are bound to increase as the citizenry in the area ages. About 85 percent of the calls are from the community — primarily medical calls, and the remaining 15 percent are from incidents on I-87 Northway.

The squad has its challenges, he said, with the heavy influx of traffic and population during the town’s Garage Sale Weekend — during which the squad patrols on all-terrain vehicles — and during the week-long Warrensburg Bike Week and Americade motorcycle rallies.

All these events generate a substantial number of calls.

Emerson said the squad’s volunteers are always ready for a challenge.

“We’ve got the most dedicated membership I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Our motto is: ‘Our patients are our first priority and our members are our greatest asset’ — and our volunteers live by this principle.”

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6 - Thurman/Stony Creek Fire

May 19, 2012

In Stony Creek helping others is a time-honored tradition

By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com STONY CREEK — The emergency responders of the Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Co. and E m e r g e n c y Medical Services Fire Chief/Adv.EMT-CC — Stanley Ross, 1st Ass. squad proved their Chief — William Farr, 2st Asst. Chief — Justin expertise and dedThomasSquad, Captn./Trustee/EMT— Peter ication during the LaGrasse, Squad Lieut./EMT — Maura past 18 months, as McCann, Squad Sergeant/EMT — Samantha they responded to Bradley, Fire Police Cptn./Trustee — JoAnn a number of chalMosher, Fire Co. President — Dexter Baker, Fire lenging incidents.

Co. V.P./EMT — John O’Neill, Trustee — Ashley Topping the list Black, Trustee — Hope Colson, Trustee — John Thomas, Paramedic—Stephen Romano, EMT was the rescue — Maura McCann, EMT — Nate Thomas, Ross during the Fihse, Bryce Bradley, Dominick Bussiculo, Memorial Day Robert Cleveland, Hop Colson, Christine weekend storms in Emrick, William Frankson, William Gloffke, Amy which they, along Harrington, Anthony Lomenzo, Chris Monroe, with town highRoger Monroe, Cheyenne Moses, Rick Moses, way workers, resJo-Ann Mosher, John Mosher, Jami Olden, cued three people John O’Neill, Rob Porter, Anne Taylor from raging floodRobinson, David Robinson, Orlando Rogers, waters sweeping Sloan Russell, Nate Thomas, Zack Thomas through their home.

In that incident, Stony Creek Highway Superintendent Neil Bradley threw a rescue rope to a resident who had been clinging to a window of her submerged home.

Although she briefly disappeared in the raging waters, she was pulled into the bucket of a front-end loader, from which she got to shore by crawling across a ladder, Fire Chief Stan Ross recalled this week. Two other family members were also rescued from the floodwaters, he said.

Fire Department Roster

The incident provided special meaning to the fire company’s 60th anniversary.

The Stony Creek ambulance squad, a division of the fire company, also has experienced a memorable year.

It has recently been designated as a Paramedic agency, upgraded from its Critical Care status, Squad Captain Peter LaGrasse said this week.

“We fully comply with the new high standards,” he said.

“Also, we carry a full complement of life-saving drugs.

Although the squad provides full 24/7 coverage, it is one of the rare squads that does not have paid staffers, and does not bill for its services.

Both the agencies cover some of the most remote areas in Warren County, providing efficient response and caring service for their neighbors in a variety of vital ways.

Founded in 1951, the Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Company has served the town for more than 57 years with an enduring

commitment to help others.

Assisting one’s neighbors is a long-standing tradition in Stony Creek, and the Fire Company’s membership bears witness to this fact. Fire Company Trustee Ashley Black has tallied 50 years of active duty, and he’s now headed toward 60 years.

The Stony Creek Emergency Squad was founded in 1955 as part of the fire company. The first ambulance was a donated 1941 Buick hearse.

Since then, the level of experience required for emergency responders has soared, and training requirements have multiplied, particularly in the last 15 years.

But the Stony Creek volunteers have nonetheless invested hours in training, despite other demands on their time.

More members are always welcome to join and experience the benefits of helping others in the community in times of critical need.

Thurman Fire Department busy with floods as well as battling blazes

By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com ATHOL — Over the last year or so, the members of the Thurman Volunteer Fire Co. have proven their commitment to serving their neighbors, as well as demonstrating they’re ready to respond to virtually any kind

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into gaping washouts, Fire Co. President Barb Baker recalled this week.

“We got four inches of rain in just one hour,” she said. “We got hammered really good.”

Over that weekend, fire company members spent long hours helping dozens of people in the community in one way or another, transporting supplies, pumping out basements,

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Turn to page 19 for details on the Thurman EMS Squad attending to downed power lines, as well as standing guard over washouts.

The firefighters performed similar chores in the April 2011 floods as well as during the fury of Tropical Storm Irene, which caused another round of washouts in late August 2011.

Then this past March, Thurman firefighters backed up their neighboring responders in Stony Creek as they battled the blaze on John Hill Road. In that incident, they proved their renowned skills at pumping water efficiently, drawing it out of a small stream — as there are no hydrants in their rural hometown.

A month earlier, the quick response of longtime fire company member “Cub” Parker saved a trailer from fast-spreading flames.

Parker got to the scene quickly, grabbed an extinguisher he carries in his truck, and he doused a blaze in the trailer’s ceiling that had started out as a chimney fire.

“Cub’s been real handy with that extinguisher more than once,” Baker said. “I won’t let him quit the force.”

Then, there was the fire about three weeks ago in a home off Mountain Road. Firefighters showed up to see flames blasting eight feet high out of the chimney — and the firefighters quelled the blaze before it could do any real damage. The past year and a half, the Thurman firefighters have been exceptionally busy, responding to far See THURMAN FIRE, page 19

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of emergency.

Their dedication was put to the test during the historic 2011 Memorial Day weekend storm, in which raging floodwaters washed out virtually every road in town and swept entire bridges downstream.

For hours that weekend, the Thurman firefighters were busy blocking off canyon-size dropoffs, to prevent drivers from plunging

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May 19, 2012

Pottersville Fire - 7

Pottersville FD serves community for all emergency needs katherine@denpubs.com POTTERSVILLE — The Pottersville Department serves its community through fire response and as the first volunteer department in the county to do first response emergency medical services.

The Pottersville fire district includes an 80-square-mile span that stretches as far north as the Warren and Essex County border and as far south as Loon Lake. Fire Chief Guy Swartwout said of the 131 calls the department received last year, about 70 percent of the calls were medical related.

“The nearest paid EMT

squad is the North Warren EMT Squad,” he said. “We realized we could be there quicker and supply medical care before the ambulance gets there from Chestertown.”

These Pottersville first responders stabilize a patient and prepare them for transport but leave the delivery of the patient up to the responding emergency squad. The drive from Chestertown can take 12 to 15 minutes. Swartwout said in cases of cardiac, respiratory and severe bleeding-related injuries, 15 minutes could mean the difference between life and death.

“Responding quickly allows our team to complete patient

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assessment, begin CPR or treat the wound and have the patients ready to be loaded into the ambulance as soon as they get here,” Swartwout said. The remaining 30 percent of the calls received are fire calls or assistance at vehicle crashes, primarily on I-87 Northway or on state Rte. 9.

Department members each put in about 2,000 hours of service per year.

Department equipment includes the first known aerial apparatus for the Lake George area. It also includes a Suburban SUV for medical emergencies, 3,000-gallon tanker with a six-person cab and has three fire engines.

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Volunteer efforts During the national recruitment day on April 21 and 22, Swartwout said the department used the open house to hold a Citizen Fire Academy Day for members.

“We wanted to take advantage of the open house to spend the day allowing citizens to come in and do fire fighter activities,” he said.

During the day, community members were able to operate the aerial tower, put on the fire suits and air packs the squad members use in emergencies and watched a mock fire demonstration.

The department received

four new applications as a result of the open house.

Swartwout said it’s important that the community supports their volunteers squads.

“The only thing that makes the volunteer department work is people,” Swartwout said. “It’s really important they support the volunteers and maybe volunteer themselves.

“We need their support as much as they need ours.”

The department has 27 members.

For information on joining the Pottersville Volunteer Fire Department call the Office of Warren County Emergency Services at 761-6490.

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8 - Chestertown Fire

May 19, 2012

Chestertown firefighters gaining membership

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time and energy they invested in during the year.

Bill Rohm received the Medal of Valor for his attempt on Dec. 7 to rescue a motorist who was trapped in a car that had fallen upside down into the Schroon River and was submerged in 4 feet of water.

State Trooper Tanner Close was awarded the Citizens Medal of Valor for his efforts in responding to the same call.

Josh Kennedy, Joe Miller, and Laurie Bartlett received the Medal of Honor for responding to a full arrest call at the residence of Jeff Wemmet. When they arrived, his heart had stopped beating. Applying CPR and AED while working in conjunction with North Warren EMS, they were able to revive him before they arrived at the hospital. Wemmet has made a good recovery and is currently doing well.

“That was a good call,” Crossman said.

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CHESTERTOWN — Founded in 1933, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department currently has 41 active members, and Chief Jack M. Crossman said that the biggest challenge the department faces is finding and keeping new members because of the tough requirements that they need to meet.

Every new member must complete a 91hour Firefighter 1 course offered through the county within one year of joining. This demands a great deal of commitment from new members, Crossman said, especially if they have a full time job, work nights, or have pressing family obligations. Despite the demands for joining, they gained six new members in 2011.

The department has had a busy year.

During 2011, they responded to 114 calls.

Crossman noted that they had 14-15 calls alone on the day Tropical Storm Irene hit.

So far this year, they have already responded to 29 calls.

The Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department held their 2012 annual elections on April 5. The following members were elected officers: President, Laurie Bartlett; Chief, Jack Crossman; 1st Assistant Chief, Ralph Bartlett; 2nd Assistant Chief, Daren Harvey; Captain, Joe Miller; 1st Lieutenant, John Crossman; 2nd Lieutenant, Josh Kennedy; Secretary, Pam Crossman; Treasurer, Rich Swan; Sergeant of Arms, Allen Fish.

The following members were elected to the Board of Directors: President, Laurie Bartlett; Vice President, Joe Slattery; Secretary, Pam Crossman; Member, Jim McDermott; Member, Chris Molnar.

Several members were recognized for their efforts and dedication during the department’s annual banquet.

Pam Crossman and Laurie Bartlett both received the Firefighter of the Year Award for all the

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May 19, 2012

North Warren EMS/Horicon Fire - 9

North Warren EMS: Paid staff, volunteers

By Phillip Sherotov denpubs@denpubs.com CHESTERTOWN — North Warren EMS, a non-profit, charitable organization, provides ambulance service for the towns of Chester and Horicon in Warren County.

It was the first in the region to operate as an independent corporation since they established themselves as a distinct entity from the Chestertown Fire Company back in 1993. They were also one of the first to have paid support staff during daytime hours.

Their five paid support staff members work in conjunction with their 25 volunteers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. All calls from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. are answered by volunteers. They responded to 755 calls in 2011.

Their organization has participated in a number of events during the past year.

Mary Oberdorf, who has been the acting President of North Warren EMS since January, said that their goal is to encourage members “to become more involved in the creation of programs, especially with a view to becoming more involved with our

communities.”

They held an open house on Jan. 14 during which ambulances were open for tours and all equipment was displayed on tables in their main room with members ready to explain how it functions and provide demonstrations for guests. LifeNet of New York also attended and explained their medical transportation services to the squad.

Members also participated in Summerfest in Chestertown and Horicon Days in Horicon. During these events, members passed out information on safety in the family and the CPR classes that they offer.

In addition, they offered to take blood pressure and gave out Vials of Life, which are containers where people can store a list of the medications they take and their medical history. These can be critical because in the case of an emergency, responders can easily access the information if the individual is unconscious or unable to speak.

North Warren EMS has also done programs for Head Start and on Halloween where children visit and take a tour of an ambulance and meet staff members. In the event that they or a family member is ever

on an ambulance, it will hopefully not be as scary or stressful because of their prior experience. Members also helped serve Thanksgiving Dinner at the North Warren School.

In March, one of their new Critical Care technicians was called to a scene and helped in the delivery of a breech baby.

Oberdorf said that the assistance of the Chestertown Fire Company was enormously helpful on that call because they came

and salted the driveway which was an impassable sheet of ice. With their help they were able to safely deliver the mother and baby to the ambulance.

North Warren EMS also has a new Board of Directors: Gary Scidmore, Jim Hayes, Rev. Ben Bahr, Amy Culver, and Laurie Newer. Oberdorf noted that all of these board members are involved in EMS and include ambulance drivers, a paramedic, and 2 EMTs. She is also an EMT.

Horicon Fire Department: By land, water & snow The Horicon Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated on April 15, 1946 as a membership not-for-profit corporation under Chief A.C. Bean and his officers. All the members of the Department are volunteers.

The department started with 25 members and one 1947 Chevrolet Army surplus 500gallon pumper, with 1,500 feet of hose.

The new Brant Lake station was built by

the members in 1950. The department’s equipment includes an Articat Bearcat 660 Turbo Wide-track Snowmobile and rescueboggan which is a snowmobile with a toboggan in tow which can safely and comfortably transport injury victims far distances over deep snow. Polaris 500 Six Wheeler, Wild-land Rescue 10 & 15 Ft. Zodiac Water Rescue Boats, an Airboat, and See HORICON FD, page 19

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By Katherine Clark katherine@denpubs.com BRANT LAKE — By land, water and over snow, Horicon Volunteer Fire Department members are trained in the upto-date procedures and equipped with top vehicles to help in any kind of emergency.

The Horicon Fire Department covers an expanse of about 52 square miles and has a

population of 1,600 that swells to about 4,500 in the summer months as many visitors and children attending several major summer camps arrive to play in the mountains.

The department also includes six members trained in victim rescue and recovery.

“We respond to all water-rescue emergencies within Warren County,” said Captain Greg Francisco.

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10 - Bolton Fire & EMS

May 19, 2012

Bolton Fire & Rescue stands ready to respond in an emergency

By Katherine Clark katherine@denpubs.com BOLTON — Though the Bolton Fire Department and the Bolton Emergency Medical Squad are separate, the departments remain strong individually to serve the Bolton community.

The Bolton Fire Department, founded in 1918, has about 32 active members. Officers are Chief Jeremy Coon, First Assistant Chief Dean Fisher, Second Assistant Jeffrey Urtz, Third Assistant William Lambert, Company President Greg Bolton, Vice President Donald Roessler, Secretary Curt Truax and Treasurer Ashley DeMarsh.

The company’s coverage area extents to as far south as Diamond Point and to the Warrensburg town line, as far north as Tongue Mountain and includes a 16-mile stretch of Lake George, a number of other waterways, plus some remote mountainous regions.

The company receives about 180 to 200 calls per year. Luckily, he said, the majority of calls they receive are false alarms due to smoke, motion and fuel alarm sensor mal-

Fire Department Roster Eugene E. Baker, Stephen P. Baker, Gregory J. Bolton, Paul B. Brown, Jeremy T. Coon, Harvey J. Coon, Matthew P. Coon, Mathew R. Coon, John J. Cushing, Steven DeLorenzo, Ashely L. Demarsh, Dean K. Fisher, Theodore H. Goutos, Timothy R. Goutos, George N. Guercio, Gilbert, J. Howse Jr., Richard J. Kober, Warren G. Kuhle, Robert S. LaGoy, Henry L. Lavit Jr., Erich Neuffer, Erich O. Neuffer Vincent T. Posteraro, John C. Reilly, Donald G. Roessler, Guenter Roessler, Matthew S. Smith, Philip W. Staats, Ryan P. St. Amour, Curtis A. Truax Jr., Jeffrey T. Urtz, James W. White, Donald J. Volkmann, Andrew F. Vanbougondien

function. Nonetheless, Bolton said the department is always working to ensure the safety of area residents and visitors.

“We are constantly improving our department through training and with the addition of new equipment,” Bolton said.

The department members each spend an average of 2,000 hours annually doing physical, equipment and safety training.

Bolton said keeping the equipment the crew uses up to date allows the members to work faster and more efficiently.

The fire company has a 32-foot fire boat with a remote control deck that allows the firefighters to battle blazes on Lake George’s islands or burning waterborne craft, or merely to pump large quantities of water out of the lake in dousing land-based fires. For ice and white water rapid rescues the department also has an air boat. Bolton said the air boat is not as fast as the 32-foot fire boat but is ideal for getting around on ice and rivers with shallower bottoms. The department also has a 6-wheeler all terrain vehicle that can take emergency personnel into the rough backwoods for either firefighting or rescue

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For information on joining the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department or to find out how you can help the squad call the Office of Warren County Emergency Services at 7616490.

Bolton EMS serves through all seasons

By Katherine Clark katherine@denpubs.com BOLTON — The Bolton Emergency Medical Squad serves the community through all seasons and brings in reinforcements to help take care of the higher volume Peter French (Captain), Harold Shippey of people in the area during summertime.

(1st Lt.), Bernie Marki (2nd Lt.), Earl Of the 340 to 360 calls the department Mikoloski (operations manager), Linda receives a year, Bolton EMS Captain and Frazier (secretary), Doreen Brown (treasurPresident Peter French said about 90 percent er), Steven DeLorenzo, Carolanne of the emergency calls the department Fitzgerald, Laurie Fitzgerald, Scott Jacobs, receives occur during June, July and August Debby Lasher, Stephen Meigher, Ilse when tourism season is in full bloom on Lake Petermann, Jason Queen, Don Russell, George.

Solomon Seckler, Ed Sheridan, James “During the winter months, our departWhite ment receives the highest number of calls for cardiac and respiratory concerns,” French said. “During the summer, we get more calls for burns, car accidents, allergic reactions, hiking injuries and things like that. We’re kept quite busy on the lake.”

The squad’s emergency calls have kept them so busy, it required the town to hire five paid staff members to be at the squad headquarters for the past two years during the summer.

French said because of the need for the hired EMS and the lack of volunteers, the Bolton squad will also start charging major medical and medicaid for the emergency calls.

“The town has been good to us, but they can’t pay for everything,” French said.

The EMS members of the squad are dedicated, but with high training demands, he understands why fewer people have the time to train and be active members.

“It’s a problem all over the state; it’s not just here,” French said.

The Bolton squad’s headquarters are in the same building as the Bolton firehouse, which allows the departments to utilize each other effectively.

The first organized rescue squad of the town of Bolton was founded in the summer of 1934. The group, made up of high school boys, was trained by Fire Chief Kenneth Palmer and under the leadership of James Baird Maranville. The group served the town until 1938, when most of the boys left town and the squad disbanded.

The Bolton Fire Department took over the duties of the squad under the direction of Marcus Merrill, who was appointed captain annually by the fire chief.

The EMS squad covers a vast portion of Lake George and its islands, stretching as far south as Canoe Island and as far north as the S turns on Tongue Mountain. It also stretches along Trout Lake, Edgecomb Pond, part of Sherman Lake, and I-87 (Adirondack Northway).

The squad receives service calls for water and ice rescue, boat accidents, motor vehicle crashes, and off-road search and rescue missions, as well as the routine medical emergencies.

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May 19, 2012

Minerva/Newcomb Fire & EMS - 11

Minerva FD & Rescue on the move Pictured at left: Members of the Minerva Rescue Squad with the Minerva ambulance. Pictured at right: Minerva Fire and rescue members use the jaws-of-life to remove a car door as part of an extrication drill.

more emergency medical service personnel, the MVFD&RS continues to contribute fully to the community to provide needed emer-

By Mike Corey denpubs@denpubs.com MINERVA — Since its beginning in 1950, the Minerva Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad has been an extremely important part of the Minerva community.

It continues to serve a vital role in fire and emergency medical services protection of the Town of Minerva and its surrounding communities. With an all-volunteer membership, the MVFD&RS has done an admirable job providing for the citizens in the area.

This fire and rescue company has a roster of 31 active senior members, plus four similarly active junior members (ages 14 through 17). Its combined fire and rescue squad status has functioned well over the years.

At first the company was a fire department only — in 1955 the rescue squad portion was established and made to be a part of the overall company. Although there has been a shift over the years from a firefighter-dominated company to one that has

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In 2011 the MVFD&RS responded to 130 emergency calls, of which 101 were EMS and 29 were fire calls. As with other small volunteer fire companies in the area, the MVFD&RS is looking for more volunteers to serve an extremely useful role in the community.

Company President Greg Wright stated that “Absolutely, recruitment and retention of new members is the biggest challenge for Minerva. Folks just don’t seem to have time for it.”

Currently, the MVFD&RS has an active group of junior members, interested in both the EMS and firefighting sides of the fire company coin.

According to Wright, the Junior Program “is going well now, but some of the juniors will be going off to college at the end of the summer. It’s hard to keep them going for the long term.”

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Tom Barnes, Steve McNally, Don Clark (Board of Directors), Al Michelsen, Mike Corey (Board of Directors), Bob Mueller, Corrine Coyle, Harold Shaw (Board of Directors, Cameron Dubay (Captain, Rescue Squad), Debbie Palmatier (Treasurer), Keith Dubay, Greg Wright (President, 2nd Asst. Chief ), Kevin Fusco, Karen Wright (Secretary), Lynn Green (Vice President), Sharyn Wright, Teresa Haley, Simon Gardner, Chad Haneman, Patty Warrington, Kathy Halloran, Debbie McIlrath, Ricale Howe, Laura Smith Ron Howe, Jr. (3rd Assistant Chief), Austin Roy Kerry Killon (Chief), Tonya Leddick (Board of Directors), Meghan LeVielle, Dave Marshall, Peter McNally (1st Assistant Chief) Junior Members Gabby McNally, A.J. Monthony, Karissa Wright, Massena Green

Thank You to all our Volunteers!

By Mike Corey denpubs@denpubs.com NEWCOMB — It’s a very small fire department, but the Newcomb VFD&RS is an active, vital part of the Newcomb community, and has been since its establishment in 1946.

It is one of the few departments in the area that has maintained itself as a combination firefighting and EMS unit. With about 25 active members, the department can be counted on more than ever in an emergency in this fairly isolated Essex County community. In 2011, the department responded to 72 calls, including both fire and EMS calls.

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ing a “wilderness ambulance,” which is similar to the NVFD&RS “snowbulance,” but with year-round capability, able to be taken to back country locations pulled by either a snowmobile or four-wheeler. The fire department has collaborated closely with the Minerva Snow Travelers snowmobile club on this purchase through numerous fundraisers in 2011.

Currently, the MVFD&RS is looking at new ambulances to replace the ambulance it has efficiently run for the past 12 years; the company is truly healthy and moving forward!

For the past two years or so, the Newcomb VFD&RS has had paid Advanced Life Support (ALS) techs and paramedics on duty on a 24/7 basis and have not missed responding to a call during that time.

The department has had paid emergency medical services personnel on duty for the past five years, but only on a fulltime basis for the past two years. The ambulance drivers are not paid, but are trained and readily available when the need arises.

Establishing paid ALS providers was seen as a necessity by the Department, said NVFD&RS. “This is a small community, and with so See NEWCOMB FD, page 17

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12 - Johnsburg Fire & Rescue

Johnsburg FD: Serving the community for decades

By Andy Flynn andy@denpubs.com JOHNSBURG — The Johnsburg Volunteer Fire Company serves this small hamlet community from its headquarters on the Garnet Lake Road.

Founded in 1949, there are currently 13 active members and they responded to 38 calls in 2011.

There’s not a lot going on these days at the firehouse, but there will be this summer as members host their annual Community Appreciation Day at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11.

It’s more or less a block party at the fire station with DJ music and a pig roast. It is always held the second weekend in August.

“This is more or less to let people see what we’re doing and what is going on at the fire company,” said fire chief Chip Aldrich.

With 13 active members, the chief would like to see a few more people join the ranks. With a small department, recruitment and retention is always an issue, especially with the amount of hours it takes for training. But the training is well worth it.

“When we’re called, we have to be trained professionals on the scene,” Aldrich said.

Still, the fire chief is proud to report that two new members have recently joined the fire company.

“We’d just like to let people know it’s a new fire department now,” Aldrich said of the company’s new energy.

May 19, 2012

He also wants to remind residents that there are many more volunteer opportunities at the firehouse than fighting fires, and he encourages people to attend the Johnsburgh Volunteer Fire Company meetings at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month.

Fire Department Roster Matt Aldous (Lieutenant), Chip Aldrich (Chief), Heidi Aldrich, Jeff Allen (1st Assistant Chief), Jesse Allen, Tina Allen (Fire Police Captain), Eric Harrington, Gerry Knickerbocker (Truck Captain), Cory Morse, Kyle Mulligan, Corey Ouellette, Stephanie Richards, Robert Sivo, Josh Virgil

Johnsburg Emergency Squad looking to move its headquarters closer to North Creek

By Andy Flynn andy@denpubs.com JOHNSBURG — The Johnsburg Emergency Squad is still looking to move its headquarters to a new building on the Pleasant Valley Road, closer to North Creek.

In the meantime, newly arrived equipment will help the squad serve its constituents in the various hamlets of the town of Johnsburg.

Responding to between 600 and 700 calls a year, members also lend mutual aid to the towns of Indian Lake, Newcomb, Minerva, Chester and Thurman. In 2011, the squad responded to 720 calls.

Board members expect to work on getting a design for the new building this year, according to Johnsburg Emergency Squad President Kelly Nessle. After a design is finalized, they can focus on raising money to construct the new building.

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“It’s something that’s absolutely essential for us,” Nessle said. “We’ve really outgrown our space.”

The squad recently got rid of two old ambulances.

“They were costing us a huge amount of money in repairs,” Nessle said. “ And they replaced them with two new ambulances, one of which was funded through a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.

The federal government paid for $125,000 of the $137,000 price tag.

One of the new ambulances is a van, which saves the squad on gas money because it gets better mileage. But it’s not as roomy as the regular vehicle.

“It’s just a matter of getting used to working in a smaller space,” Nessle said.

The squad now has three vehicles and 42 members, including three community members.

The Johnsburg Emergency Squad continues to

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patient’s heart rhythm from one of our Lifepak 12 monitors to the physicians at the hospital.

The doctors can see exactly what is happening to a patient and not only advise the paramedic in See JOHNSBURG EMS, page 13

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implement the latest state-of-the-art life-saving equipment. They recently installed new transmitters called “velocitors.”

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North Creek Fire - 13

North Creek Fire Company busy with calls, recruitment andy@denpubs.com NORTH CREEK — The North Creek Volunteer Fire Company holds the distinction of being the largest, oldest and busiest department in the town of Johnsburg.

Founded in 1926, it currently counts 30 members on its roster.

In 2011, the fire company responded to 120 calls, which is higher than average and just four shy of the record in any given year, according to fire chief Steve Studnicky. The reason, he said, was “freak weather,” including ice jams in March, spring flooding in April and May and Tropical Storm Irene in late August.

Johnsburg EMS from page 12 the ambulance, but also call for an emergency catheterization team to be standing by at the hospital, ready to go to work the moment our crews come through the doors. The information from the velocitor is relayed by cell phone carrier. In order to be sure that the cell phone works consistently, signal boosters were also acquired. All three ambulances are equipped with this life saving device.They’ve already used the new velocitor/booster system to great success. Paramedic Dave Lavergne and EMTs Cindy Perkins and Chris Woodard were called to a patient with chest pain, and immediately transmitted the EKG rhythm to cardiologists at the hospital.

A catheterization team awaited the crew’s arrival and rushed the patient to surgery. In the paramedic’s words, “The velocitor paid for itself today.”

New equipment, good training, emergency medical professionalism, and the physicians and staff at Glens Falls Hospital all came together to help out in a dire circumstance.

Studnicky is always looking for more members, and now he is starting to get teenagers interested in firefighting. The North Creek Fire Company recently started a new Explorers Club, which is a coeducational affiliate of Boy Scouts that engages teens age 12-20 in fire or police departments.

Fire officials failed to launch a post last year, but there has been renewed interest, according to Studnicky.

With an aging group of firefighters, “We really have to get renewed interest in the fire department,” Studnicky said.

The Explorers Club now has five members between the ages of 11 and 16.

“It’s brand new to them,” Studnicky said.

“We’re familiarizing them with equipment and tools ... As they get older, on the scene

they’ll already know what the tools are and where to find it on the truck.”

Members recently changed the name of the fire company’s “Auxiliary” to “Support Team” to attract both men and women to this important volunteer corps, which supports the firefighters in a number of ways, from fixing and delivering food during major fires to helping with fundraising. In many places, an auxiliary consists of only women.

With events such as the May 5 Coin Drop at the four corners at Tannery Pond Community Center, this has been a busy spring for the North Creek Fire Company, but a good kind of busy, as opposed to last year ’s record-breaking rain events.

“Thankfully, it’s busier for a different rea-

son other than ice jams and flooding,” Studnicky said.

There are many hours of training required for volunteers firefighters, and while that is difficult for some, it is essential for the work they do.

“It’s a large commitment, there’s no two ways about it,” Studnicky said. “But it’s a life and death situation. It’s not a kids’ game we’re playing here.”

The fire company also finds time to honor young residents who make a difference. On March 24, for example, members held a ceremony at the firehouse honoring 9-year-old Matthew Richards, of North Creek, who called 911 to help his grandfather last fall.

“We have to let the kids know of the important job Matthew did,” Studnicky said.

EMS Roster Board of Directors and Operations Officers: Wes Dingman (community member) Janet Konis (community member) Anne Morse (Community member, Board Secretary) Lou Falzerano (JES member) Kathy Halloran (JES member) Phil Johnson (JES member) Joe Connelly (JES member, VP) Cynthia Perkins (JES member, Treasurer) Kelly Nessle (CEO/ President) Joe Connelly (Vice-President) Corey Ouellette (Captain) Kevin Fusco (Assistant Captain) Holly Steady (Training Officer) Members: Andrew Bulmer, Justin Bibby, Patricia Bibby, Joe Connelly, Mike Corey, Cameron Dubay, Lou Falzerano, Patricia Frasco, Kevin Fusco, Kathy Halloran, Kathy Halloran, Eric Harrington, Debbie Heid, Phil Johnson, Dave Lavergne, Danielle Leddick, Tonya Leddick, Roger Lewis, John MacAlonen, Deborah McIlrath, Rick Morse, Tyler Morse, Kelly Nessle, Robert Nessle, Tom Ordway, John Ordway, Corey Ouellette, Katelynn Ouellette, Naomi Ouellette, Cynthia Perkins, Terry Perkins, Robin Robertson, Tara Sears, Holly Steady, James Watsaw, Maryellen Wood, Chris Woodard, Karen Wright, Sharyn Wright.

North Creek Vol. Fire Co. Roster Scott Allard (2nd Assistant Chief), Thomas Blake, Dreu Briggs, Lloyd Burch, Randy Decook (3rd Assistant Chief), Ralph Dubay, Dennis Duff, Cherie Ferguson, DJ Gardinier, Justin Gonyo, Bonnie Hill, Rich Kuhlmann, Leo Kushi, Barry McKinney, Rich Minucci, Scott Monthony, Jonathan Ordway, Mike Ordway, Thomas Ordway, Pete Parker, Don Pierson Sr., Charlie Rawson, Paul Sears, Julie Studnicky, Steve Studnicky (Chief), Bill Thomas, William Thomas, Tina Thomas, Ed Tuttle (1st Assistant Chief), Joyce Tuttle, Darren West

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14 - Riverside/Garnet Lake Fire

May 19, 2012

Ice jams, flooding keeps Riverside volunteers busy

By Andy Flynn andy@denpubs.com RIPARIUS — The Riverside Volunteer Fire Department sits along the banks of the Hudson River in the hamlet of Riparius.

The department has the unique distinction of serving its community in the town of Chester and the town of Johnsburg. With its founding in 1949, the department currently has 13 active members and one lifetime

member in its ranks.

The number of fire calls can vary greatly from year to year, and its members consider a quiet year to be a successful year.

In 2011, the department responded to 30 calls, which is a little more than average, according to fire chief Bob Frevele. The extra calls were due to some ice jams and weather-related incidents.

The department has three fire trucks, including its most recent addition, a brush truck, a couple of years ago.

One major challenge is that the Riverside Fire District has no fire hydrants; members have to either use their 500-gallon engine tanker and 3,040-gallon tanker to pump water into a portable “pond” or draw water directly from a water source, such as the nearby Hudson River.

Another challenge is recruitment. It is difficult to find members willing to spend the extra hours training and responding to fire calls, Frevele said.

Fire Department Roster Bob Frevele (chief), Dave Filkins (assistant chief), Dave Delorme, Charlie Evans, Francine Kersey, Paul Little, Dee Llewellyn, Jeff Llewellyn, Randy Miller, Dean Smith, Melinda Smith, Ray Smith, Rich Smith, Hank Osterhout (lifetime member)

Garnet Lake FD to add building

By Andy Flynn andy@denpubs.com GARNET LAKE — Founded in 1955, the Garnet Lake Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection to the hamlet and surrounding areas in the towns of Johnsburg and Thurman through a mutual aid network.

Bruce Ashline (President), Fred Comstock Members are looking (Chief), Paul Heid (1st Assistant Chief), forward to putting up a Stephen Hitchcock (2nd Assistant Chief), new metal building next Greg Jones (Safety Officer), Jean to the firehouse this year.

Comstock (Secretary/Treasurer), Brenda It will be connected to Ashline, Chris Barker, Butch Bateman, the current building with David Bateman, Jim Bateman, Lindsay a breezeway and will Comstock, Anthony Heid, Paul Heid, Debbie have a bay for a new Heid, Kyle Hitchcock, Tay Kimbrell, Marvin 4WD “brush truck,” a O'Dell, Brian Passaglia, Dan Prouty, Jake meeting room, kitchen, Sauer-Jones, Jo Ann Smith, Rob Smith bathrooms and a small office.

“We’ve run out of space,” said Chief Fred Comstock. “We’ve been saving for a very long time for this new building.”

The current firehouse only has enough room for the department’s two fire trucks and a small meeting space.

Fire Department Roster

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May 19, 2012

North River/Wevertown/Bakers Mills Fire - 15

North River Fire Company: Helping a neighbor in need Afghanistan. the volunteers.

“I think “I just really what Matt’s want to thank doing is these guys,” important, Julie said. “It and him being makes me proud a member of to know that John Donohue (chief), Catherine our company, there are so Allen (secretary/treasurer), Matthew I think this is many people Allen, William Bibby, Brian the least we that care about Bukovinsky, Willie Davis (2nd assiscan do for tant chief), Gary Flanagan, Kenneth my husband.”

Freebern, Jim Harrison (1st assishim,” Chief Asked about tant chief), Chris Jay, John Donohue said. the festivities up LaCarrubba, Geoff Merrett, Paul Allen left the road, of padMesserele (safety officer), Jack home in dlers and townsMinder, Chris Monthony, Fred Mors January and people enjoying (training officer), Tyler Morse, Erika plans to the freedom of Pesquera, Juan Pesquera, Scott return in the 55th Annual Phillips, Rick Rogo, Wayne D e c e m b e r, White Water Bukovinsky (honorary member), when snow Derby while Josh Donohue (junior member) will most likeMatthew is in ly be on the Afghanistan ground. And fighting for that the time to pile wood is now, so freedom, Julie thought about her the summer heat can season it for family and the sacrifices American next winter. servicemen make for their coun“I was told by my mother-intry. law, who’s also in the fire depart“To me it just proves that peoment, ‘Plan on the guys showing ple here realize that there is a sacup because they’re cutting your rifice always by everybody, the wood,’” said Allen’s wife, Julie. family, the men that are there, the Matthew and Julie were reluc- communities that suffer because tant to accept the help, but the they are gone,” Julie said. “But the help was coming regardless. whole reason they are there is so “I told them all, ‘Don’t worry people can be happy here at about it; we’ll get it done,’” Julie home.” said. “But it does take a big load In small communities like North off my shoulders not having to River, fire companies and other worry about it.” service groups look out for each The Allens use the firewood for other. They’re like family. an outdoor wood furnace to heat “At the firehouse, we’re as close their home. The furnace sits in as any brothers or anything else,” front of their house, between two John Donohue said. “What the fire open-air woodsheds. She walked companies do is an outstanding past the furnace, billowing with job and when you lose one of your smoke, and laid a tray of refresh- members for a year or two so he ments on the tailgate of a pickup can go and defend the country, I truck, next to gas cans for the think this is probably one of the chain saws. She made lunch for nicest things we’ve ever done.”

Fire Department Roster

Pictured above: From left, Juan Pesquera, Jim Harrison and Will Davis — all members of the North River Volunteer Fire Company — pile firewood for fellow member Matthew Allen, who is serving in the Army National Guard in Afghanistan.

By Andy Flynn andy@denpubs.com NORTH RIVER — The North River Volunteer Fire Company provides emergency fire protection in the town of Johnsburg’s northern hamlet region.

There are currently 23 members, including one honorary member and one junior member.

The department was founded in 1954 and is located on the 13th Lake Road in the hamlet of North River.

Members stay active in community events and fundraisers and appreciate the amount of community support they receive. They also train with neighboring departments and provide customary mutual aid support.

There’s not much new at the fire department these days, according to chief John Donohue. They recently bought a new 4WD allterrain vehicle to help with outdoor fires and rescues.

In 2011, the fire department responded to 29 calls, a high num-

ber due to the flooding in the spring and summer. They average 20-25 calls a year, and it’s been a relatively quiet year so far, Donohue said.

The department is supported through its auxiliary unit.

Helping out a member On May 5, eight North River Volunteer Fire Company members cut firewood for one of their members, Matthew Allen, who is currently serving as a medic in the Army National Guard in

Wevertown Fire Company officially disbands; hamlet will still be covered

By Andy Flynn andy@denpubs.com WEVERTOWN — The Wevertown Volunteer Fire Company Inc. closed its doors earlier this spring because officials at the department and the town of Johnsburg could not agree on a fire contract.

Wevertown Fire Chief Jarrett Brown said in early April that his members disbanded the fire company because the town of Johnsburg will not renew its fire contract. The company, which was founded in 1949, is a not-for-profit corporation and needed to sign a contract with the town to pay for coverage in the Wevertown fire district.

“We have had enough of the fight with the town over this contract,” Brown said. “We can’t run on air.”

In early February, accusations arose about the Wevertown Fire Company’s training and ability to respond safely to calls. These are accusations that Brown flatly denies.

Town officials decided to hold off renewing the fire company’s contract until they could see

some of its records, including membership and training lists, equipment lists, and their financial and operating information, according to Johnsburg Town Supervisor Ron Vanselow.

Asked if he would reconsider reactivating the Wevertown Volunteer Fire Company, Brown said, “No. The town won’t give us a contract ... It’s not my fault. It’s what the town wanted ... It really rots that this has to happen.”

The membership could decide as a group to change course, but Brown said he doesn’t think that will happen because of the town.

“We’re willing to try anything that the town wants,” Brown said.

Before this controversy began, there were 15 members at the Wevertown Volunteer Fire Company, and when they disbanded, there were eight, according to Brown.

The fire chief made sure that Warren County Fire Coordinator Brian LaFlure was informed of the members’ decision, as his office is in charge of dispatching emergency responders.

The 911 calls for the Wevertown fire district are now automatically being forwarded to other local fire companies.

Bakers Mills Volunteer Fire Company continues its tradition of support (Editor’s Note: We were unable to acquire a roster and upto-date information about this fire company by press time, and we apologize. However, we’d still like to honor the brave men and women who protect the town of Johnsburg at the Bakers Mills-Sodom Volunteer Fire Company, so we are re-running our story from 2008.)

BAKERS MILLS — Established in 1949, the Bakers Mills-Sodom Volunteer Fire Company continues a tradition of support and protection of two hamlets in the town of Johnsburg.

With 15 members, and a full complement of equipment and training, they enjoy their role and ask for little in return.

“Our department does not ask for anything other than our tax funds,” Chief Lewis Hitchcock said. “If we were to do so, then we would be overtaxing to give money away.”

The department responds to an average of one call a month, with the total number decreasing over the years.

“We’ve been going strong for over 50 years,” Hitchcock said. “The most satisfying part of what we do is our local involvement — all of our members live in our area.”

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16 - Long Lake Fire & Rescue

May 19, 2012

Long Lake Fire & rescue kept busy

Pictured at left: Members of the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department march in the 2011 Hamilton County Memorial Day Parade. Pictured above: Rescue squad members, clockwise from lower left, Pat Benton, Kathy Buxton, Carl Turner, Stephanie Wells, Shawn Wright, Chris Howe, Virginia Jennings, Pat Gibbs, Chris Hample, Stephanie Hample, Eric Hample, Don Howe and Justin St. Amour. Missing from pictures is Chuck Taylor.

By Mike Corey denpubs@denpubs.com LONG LAKE — The Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department has a long history, going all the way back to 1936. It has definitely gone through big changes over the years, but it’s still offering the best in emergency services protection.

The Department relies on its numerous volunteers (the roster includes 42 members) to protect its community, which includes a very large geographic area. With 52 calls in 2011, the LLVFD stays prepared and busy.

The LLVFD has recently collaborated with Long Lake Central School Superintendent Mary Dickerson to develop a program that helps high school students

earn community service credits along with their membership with the Department.

Chief Jerry Woodworth says that this collaboration has a resulted in the acceptance of a number of new junior members into the LLVD&RS, a move that is breathing new life into this well-established fire company.

This connection with the school and its high school students has provided new energy to the Department, according to Woodworth.

One current concern that the LLVFD has identified is the lack of nearby training opportunities for its firefighters.

According to Woodworth, fire training, “when it’s available, is too far away. We can’t afford to pay the government mileage rate to send our members.”

Long Lake is near the geographical center of the Adirondack Park, and trainings are

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LLVFD officers Jerry Woodworth (Chief ), Paul Brown (1st Assistant Chief ), Tony Clark (2nd Assistant Chief ), Jim Piraino (President), Paula O’Brien (Secretary), Al Votta (Treasurer) Rescue Squad officers Don Howe (Captain), Carl Turner (Assistant Captain), Stephanie Wells (Secretary/Treasurer)

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According to Rescue Squad Captain Don Howe, “Attracting and retaining new members is a problem. One of the biggest related issues is that training locations are often too far for many people to travel.”

This problem is similar to that identified by the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department; training availability is limited in the Long Lake vicinity, which lies away from more populated areas where Emergency Medical Services training is more likely to be provided.

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usually held in more populated areas. Woodworth would like to see necessary fire training opportunities that would actually be closer and therefore more useful for the members of his department.

Woodworth indicated that the fire company has been working hard to start construction on a new firehouse — much of the Department’s energies and resources are going to making this project a reality.

Upcoming fundraisers for the LLVFD will include dinner sales during the July Fourth weekend at the Long Lake beach and a chicken barbecue during the Labor Day weekend.

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May 19, 2012

Blue Mountain Lake Fire - 17

More fire, rescue volunteers needed in Blue Mountain Lake Department almost shut down in 2011

By Andy Flynn and Katherine Clark denpubs@denpubs.com BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — After 74 years in service, the Blue Mountain Lake Volunteer Fire Department almost closed its doors in 2011, but the group is now on the rebound thanks to several new members and a renewed commitment from the community.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t need more help, according to Chief Greg George.

“We’re still trying to build up the fire department in terms of numbers,” George said.

In 2008, the Blue Mountain Lake Volunteer Fire Department boasted 24 members. By 2011, that number had dwindled to six, and members were seriously considering shutting down

the fire department.

Then they sent a survey out to about 150 households, making them aware of the crisis and asking residents if they were willing to support the department and join the crew.

About 35 responses came back to the firehouse.

“They definitely wanted a fire department, and some of them were willing to help,” George said.

Now things are a little better with the membership doubling over the past year. There are currently 12 members, and the fire chief would like to see that number grow to at least 15 to make him feel more comfortable.

What would make him feel even better is getting younger members.

With the average age of the department’s membership hovering around 60, youth is the key in sustaining a vibrant fire department.

“People in their 60s aren’t able to provide physical effort like they did in their 30s,” George said.

Fire & Rescue Roster In picture from left: Sue Sessions (ambulance), Ben Strader, Ken Hinckley, Gail Carmichael (ambulance), Tom Johnson, Al Pouch, Chuck Bruso, Bob Lewin, George Gebo, Bob Curry, Jerry Pepper, Bob Armstrong, and Greg George behind the camera.

Rest of roster: Tom Warrington, Gene Darling (ambulance), Pat Benton (ambulance), Rob Stoney, Jack Groll (past chief ), Tim Leach, Mike Lamphear, Jim Pine, Merle Sessions, Jay Scott, Francie Armstrong, Bill Lennon, Bob Radler, Morgan Hinckley, Sidney Hinckley, Lynn Sessions (ambulance), Kyle Curry (ambulance), Kathy Radler (ambulance), Bill Lennon (ambulance), Elizabeth Bocinski (ambulance), and Merrill Pine (ambulance).

The trouble is there aren’t a lot of young men and women living in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake.

The Blue Mountain Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Corps were founded in 1937.

Ambulance Corps In 1938 the department bought its first ambulance. The department currently offers Basic Life Support services to Indian Lake Fire District 2, commonly known as the Blue Mountain

The Department is actively seeking to attract younger volunteers. Both Miga and from page 11 Musso agreed that a dedicated group of volunteers is needed; one idea is to establish a many volunteers working, especially during scholarship that will help make volunteering the day, we needed to hire paid staff,” said more attractive to potential younger memPresident Anthony bers.

Musso. “The average Another issue age of our memberidentified is the need ship overall is to have training around 50 — we opportunities availNewcomb VFD&RS officers need new blood.” able closer to Anthony Musso (President), Mark Yandon (Vice He said that in Newcomb; training President), Joe Connelly (Secretary), Wester Miga general the younger for Emergency (Treasurer) members of the Medical Technician Line Officers department are in and Firefighter One Mark Yandon (Chief), Nate Bush (1st Asst. Chief), college and are home certification is often Booty Bush (2nd Asst. Chief), John Helms (3rd Asst. in Newcomb for only located an hour and Chief), Ken Helms (Captain), Wester Miga (Safety short periods of time. a half away, making Officer) Musso stated that it very difficult for EMT Officers without question, interested members Brian Boya (Captain), Mike Lanphear (1st Assistant), “recruitment and Joe Connelly (2nd Assistant) to make that comretention of memBoard of Directors mitment. bers” is the most Jodie Larabee, Don Bott, Nelson Turcotte, Mark The NVFD&RS important issue facMiller, Mike Yandon, Kevin Bolan has been very busy Fire Police ing the NVFD&RS. outfitting itself over Mike Yandon (Captain), Anthony Musso (Lieutenant) Department the past two years; it Treasurer Wester acquired a new Miga echoed this ambulance in 2010 concern, saying the and a “snowbulance” in January of 2011. department could use more involvement.

Miga said that this important piece of “There could be a good volunteer job for equipment “paid for itself the first time out” everyone in the community,” Miga said. in March of last year, when the snowbulance

Lake Fire District.

The ambulance squad is a fire department based ambulance service working under the authority of Mountain Lakes Regional EMS Council.

“Blue Mountain Lake has a dedicated group of volunteers who assist the ambulance, including firemen, drivers, aides, EMT’s and dispatchers,” Captain and Critical Care Technician Michael Lamphear said.

The department receives about 25 calls per year. During that time volun-

teer enrollment was at an all-time low.

“We would like to thank the community for the outstanding support we receive, and thank the Fire Department for working so closely with us to make sure the residents receive prompt, diligent care in their time of need” For more information on the department visit their website at www.bluemountainfireems.webs.co m to see up to date events, photos, news, or to fill out a membership application.

Newcomb FD

Fire & Rescue Roster

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Members of the Newcomb Volunteer Fire Department with their new “snowbulance” was put to the test during a backwoods rescue. In March of this year, the Department purchased a new battery-powered Jaws-ofLife tool to add to its arsenal of life-saving equipment. Musso said the Department donated the old but still very functional “Jaws” to the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department, which was in need of this equip-

“A Little Bit of Everything” at

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One of the most important fund-raisers and opportunities visible to the Newcomb Community is the famous NVFD&RS Steak Roast, to be held the last Saturday in July this year. This annual major event is well-attended by all members of the community.

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18 - Indian Lake Fire & EMS

May 19, 2012

Pictured are, Back Row (left to right): Jake Wells, Josh Wells, Jay Griffin, Jordan Monthony, Paul Strain, Jr., Paul Blanchard, Berry Hall, Steve King, Dick Streeton, Joe Dumond, Chris Mitchell, Brian Hutchins, Brad Hutchins, Charlie Bruso, Jeff Deshaw Front Row (left to right): Cody King, John Boya, Dalton Aldous, Paul Strain, Sr., Bob Willemsen, Bill Callanan, Brian Wells, Tom Atwell Photo by Bill Quinlivan

Indian Lake FD: Seventy-three years of Service

By Bill Quinlivan denpubs@denpubs.com INDIAN LAKE — Since 1939, the Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department (ILVFD) has been protecting property and lives throughout the community. Over the past year, the ILVFD answered 66 calls.

This year, some of the biggest and most recent news is that the organization just had an election on May 24 to select a new Chief, who will in turn select an Assistant Chief.

“The selection of the new Chief is subject to the approval of the Board of Fire Commissioners,” according to Bill Callanan, Secretary of the ILVFD. “Because their next meeting isn’t until May 7, we will

hold any formal announcement as to who the new Chief is to be until after that date.”

According to Callanan, the challenges faced by the ILVFD do not stray far from those faced by most volunteer departments throughout New York State, namely, recruitment and retention of members, as well as maintaining fast response time.

Here in the Adirondacks, these challenges are not different, but may be more formidable given an aging population and the current economic situation.

“With the economy the way it is, and people having to work longer hours and at greater distances, volunteering time tends to dwindle,” states Callanan.

The point is also made that members having to go at a distance for employment tends to make response time maintenance

that much more of a challenge. But Bill Callanan is quick to add that the ILVFD has not been too severely challenged due to the fact that it has a great group of dedicated members, many of whom work for local organizations.

Callanan also singles out the support of a very active Ladies’ Auxiliary, and a group of Junior Firefighters, of which the department is extremely proud, as key factors in helping the ILVFD meet its challenges and goals.

The ILVFD helps support itself, in part, with a number of activities throughout the year. Among them are: an annual barbeque on July 4 weekend, a pig roast on Labor Day weekend and breakfast at the fire house on President’s Day weekend.

Fire & Rescue Roster Board of Directors Tom Atwell, John Boya, Charlie Bruso, Joe Dumond, Brian Hutchins Officers Chief and Assistant Chief (TBA), Bill Callanan (Secretary), Dick Streeton (Treasurer) Members Dalton Aldous, Steven Benton, Paul Blanchard, Connor Burgess, Belinda Callanan, Walt Cunniff, Jeremiah Delong, Jeff Deshaw, Brian Dunbar, Matt Gadway, Steven Gadway, Jay Griffin, Berry Hall, Jr., Ben Harrington, Brad Hutchins, Brian Hutchins, Corey Hutchins, Marty Hutchins, Brian King, Cody King, Steve King, Ryan Leddick, Chris Mitchell, Jamie Mitchell, Matt Mitchell, Jordan Monthony, Kierstyn Natter, Joe Rathbun, Dale Roberts, Ben Shortt, Shane Shortt, Jenny Strain, Kristina Strain, Paul Strain, Paul Strain, Jr., Brian Wells, Jacob Wells, Josh Wells, Bob Willemsen

Volunteer Ambulance Corps provides critical lifesaving in Indian Lake denpubs@denpubs.com INDIAN LAKE — Founded in 1973, the Indian Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps (ILVAC) has been providing critical and essential life-saving services to the community.

Over the past year, the ILVAC made 218 calls. Of these, 99 required Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, 136 calls involved transportation to a hospital, and four calls were transports to helicopter.

The ILVAC has two ambulances and both are capable of supporting Advanced Life Support at the paramedic level. Between them, ILVAC logged 25,000 miles last year.

Among some of the newest, important capabilities, is the installation on the ambulances of equipment that allows the transmission of 12-lead EKG information to the hospital, helping to evaluate the cardiac state of the patient in the quest to diagnose a heart

attack quicker and deliver the appropriate treatment as fast as possible.

This is extremely important to help minimize the amount and degree of damage to the patient’s heart muscle as rapidly as possible to save a life and help improve the long-term well being of the patient.

In today’s world, medical challenges are not the only kind facing ILVAC. With more retirees coming into the area, ILVAC is looking at climbing call volume, in the face of a declining number of ALS trained personnel. Currently, ILVAC Captain, Brian Boya, is the only Paramedic on the volunteer side. Faced with this shortage and wanting to maintain the Advanced Life Support level of service demanded by changing demographics coupled with the distance of the community from major medical centers, ILVAC is now hiring ALS trained personnel to assure a 24/7 coverage for the community. There are currently eight paid staffers hired

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through an agency used to maintain 24/7 coverage.

In order to meet the added cost of having to hire trained personnel, while limiting the budget impact on the town, ILVAC has started billing for their services as of September 2011.

Most of this billing is covered by the insurance patients possess and there are hardship programs to help patients that find themselves financially challenged in the face of the billing.

“Right now,” comments ILVAC Captain, Brian Boya, “it looks like what we are paying out to hire trained personnel will be covered by the billing.

If this continues, we will hopefully be able to limit the impact on the town budget.”

Despite the fact that there is an ILVAC Junior Corps, many of these young people are lost when they leave to attend college or search for See INDIAN LAKE EMS, page 19

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May 19, 2012

Emergency Services - 19

Revitalized Thurman EMS Squad now on duty seven days a week

By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com THURMAN — Rebounding from contract setbacks last year, Thurman Emergency Medical Services is now staffed up to provide day-in, day-out coverage and a high standard of emergency care.

Yes, the Thurman ambulance corps is back in action, due to strong public demand.

Commitment to training and a deep sense of dedication are all attributes of the volunteers and staff members of the Thurman EMS agency.

These aspects were showcased this past year, as the squad responded to a variety of vehicle crashes, backwoods rescues and medical emergencies — despite a contract with the town that went unresolved for months.

This year, the squad — which was one of the last all-volunteer squads in the region — reached a milestone. Now, the agency has four paid staffers providing 24/7 coverage throughout town.

The squad was launched in the late 1980s as a service of the Thurman Fire Co. after concerns were raised about how long it took ambulances from Stony Creek or Warrensburg to reach the remote areas of Thurman.

But by 2001, the stringent training requirements and administrative demands prompted separation from the fire company, and the squad was incorporated as a separate entity in 2001. Along with this rebirth, the fledgling agency built its new headquarters from the ground up, utilizing the construction talents of squad members with assistance from the community.

The Thurman squad operates on an annual

Picturred above are the primary officers of the Thurman Emergency Medical Services squad are (left to right): Squad Captain Adam Styers, Squad President Jean Coulard and 1st Asst. Captain John O’Neill. budget of about $40,000 provided by the Town of Thurman. This financial base must be augmented with donations and fundraising efforts to pay for operating and equipment expenses.

The squad is well trained, and its personnel takes pride in its expertise.

The skilled squad members work as a team, dedicating the time and talents to the residents of Thurman and surrounding remote areas of Warren County.

This teamwork was vividly demonstrated during the 2011 Memorial Day flash floods, when squad members Adam Styers and John O’Neill spent three days straight either patrolling the collapsing roadways or standing by at the headquarters, ready to respond.

“We have enthusiastic, skilled volunteers, a great headquarters and good equipment,” Styers said. “We’re ready to take care to the needs of the community.”

EMS Roster Adam Styers — Captain, EMT, John O’Neill — 1st Asst. Captain, EMT, Jean Coulard — President, EVO, Lorrie Smith — Secretary, Debra Runyon — Treasurer, Edward Castro — Director, Richard Ovitt — Director, Joyce Eddy — Director, Aaron Beadnell — Director, Barb Farrell — Director, Richard Bell — EMT, Samantha Bradley — EMT, Casey Combs — EMT, James Dow — EMT, Michael Swanson — EMT, Jim Desourdy — EVO, Josh Hayes — EVO, Andrew Knoll — EVO, Ernest Smith — EVO, Jerry Willette — EVO, Rebecca Desourdy — Aide, Rebecca Vaisey — Aide, Casey Blaise — Auxiliary

Horicon FD from page 9 four engines.

The four engines operated by the Department today by comparison, carry a combined over 7,000 gallons of water and over 2 miles of hoses.

The department receives about 110 calls per year, Francisco said. Due to the extreme weather and flooding last year during Company Administration includes Assistant Tropical Storm Irene, the department Chief Mike Harpp, First Asst. Chief Bob received about 140 calls in 2011.

Donahue, Second Asst. Chief Ron Chowske, Of the calls, Francisco said the number of Chief Pump Op. Roger Daby, Captain Greg structure fires are low, but the department Francisco, Lieutenant Kevin Radford, Treasurer responds to more motor vehicle accidents, Joe Burka, Secretary Frank Costello, Chaplain and the department’s Dive Team responds Kevin Radford, and Sargeant of Arms Jack to calls up and down Lake George.

Higgins. The Horicon Department Board of Newest member, Jerry Smit, was recently Directors include, Mike Harpp, Bob Hayes, recognized for completing Firefighter I Richard Blum, Kevin Radford, and Bob Harrison. training, a state-required course for all new Other members in the company include John firefighters, in which he completed over 90 Belline, Rich Blum, Joe Burka, Paul Carstensen, hours of training. Top responders for the Ron Chowske, Frank Costello, Roger Daby, Bob year were also recognized and included Donahue, Frank Feldeisen, Bill Fleming, Greg Greg Francisco and Bob Donahue who tied Francisco, John Francisco, Mike Harpp, Bob for fifth place, Kevin Radford for fourth Harrison, Alissa Hayes, Karen Hayes, Bob place, Bob Hayes third, Jim Hayes for secHayes, Jim Hayes, Scott Hayes, Jack Higgins, ond and Jack Higgins for first place.

Bill Houck, Dick Iasevoli, Ed Jay, Dick Iomnitzer, The Horicon department is always seekJim Murphy, Bob Newton, Kevin Radford, Zach ing new members. Anyone interested in Raymond, Dan Riddle, Jerry Smit, Craig Smith, joining must reside in the Horicon Fire and Doug Smith.

District or work in the district at least 50 percent of the time.

Active membership is limited to persons 18 years of age or older, those who are citizens of the United States and have good moral character.

Application for membership should be made in writing on the application provided by the department. The form needs to be signed by the applicant along with the signature of a sponsoring active member of the department.

Junior membership is available to those 16 and 17 years of age.

Fire Department Roster

Thurman Fire from page 6 more calls than normal, Baker said.

The fire calls are in addition to the routine car crashes and rescue calls, whether it’s a stranded or injured hiker on Crane Mountain or one of the many other local peaks — or a boy lost in the woods.

No one in the region will forget the 2008 incident in which a young child wandered off near Daggett Lake and had been lost in the woods for several hours — but was found by Thurman firefighter Brian Constantineau and his peers shortly before sundown. Constantineau and the other Thurman firefighters were credited with saving the child’s life.

Also in 2008, they helped dig out a local boy who was buried alive by a collapsing sand bank.

The Thurman fire company was incorporated in 1955, and the group’s charter members, along with some help from community volunteers, built the firehouse that still stands in

Fire Department Roster Jeremy Bradway — Chief Allen “Cub” Parker — 1st Asst. Chief, Brian Constantineau — 2nd Asst.

Chief, Jeremy Ward — 1st Lieutenant, Barb Baker — President, Skip Bessaw — Vice President, Viviane Baker — Secretary, Kristin Constantineau — Secretary-Treasurer, , Barry Bradway, Kylie Combs, Jim Desourdy, Gary Gazielle, Mike Gorman, John Haskell, Scott Mosher, Rick Ovitt, Charles Wallace

Athol.

While the company normally encounters only a few residence fires per year, the group is active in responding to a fair number of backcountry rescue emergencies, brush fires and vehicle crashes.

For more than 50 years, Thurman firefighters have put their own lives at risk to assist others — whether it’s their neighbors or summer visitors.

Indian Lake EMS from page 18 employment outside the area. As such there are very few young people in the squad that can take over the service in the next decade.

There are plans for a new phase of reaching out to the young people in the community in an effort to communicate to them that there is an opportunity to go on to receive training to become a basic Emergency Medical Technologist which takes six months and then elect to invest an additional year or two to reach the Paramedic level.

“We can give some of our young people an opportunity to stay here and make a living here,” remarks Captain Boya.

ILVAC is looking at other costs out in the future. Captain

Boya makes the point, “Lots of our citizens don’t realize that our 2 ambulances are really hospital emergency services on wheels. They cost between $120,000 to $140,000 each.

“We will probably need to replace one of our ambulances in about two years,” he said.

In addition to billing for ambulance corps services, the ILVAC has taken over the “Night of Harmony” event at Byron Park the end of each summer as a help to fund-raising activities, helping to take rising pressure off of the Town budget.

“We don’t have any option; this is a service that must succeed. Given where we are, we must keep the Advanced Life Support service level as opposed to falling back to Basic Life Support only,” he said.

It just doesn’t seem that the demographics and geographic location of the community can allow a diminished service offering. After all, lives depend on it.

Rescue Roster Officers Brian Boya (Captain), Mike Lamphear (Assistant Captain), Patty Mahoney (Lieutenant), Jane Locke (Treasurer), Ruby Boya (Secretary) Board of Directors Bill LaPrairie (Chairman), Judy Durkin, Richard Leonard, Rose Goliber, Kathy Bird, Charlie Bruso, Margaret Fleming

20 - Indian Lake Fire & EMS

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May 19, 2012

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