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April 2, 2016

Local first responders help others throughout region

By Thom Randall

year — to stabilize people suffering medically-related emergencies such as heart attacks.

The department recently obtained a new 2014 Pierce fire and rescue/pumper truck that carries hazardous materials gear, rescue equipment and emergency medical necessities.

Also, last April the fire company purchased a six-wheel all-terrain vehicle for back-country rescue and firefighting efforts. The department also obtained a new special-operations vehicle — a Ford F350 quad-cab pickup — for transporting a rubber boat utilized by the expanded Lake George Fire Department Scuba Team.

thom@suncommunitynews.com

T

hey are always waiting for the call, ready to respond at a moment’s notice to help those in their community in times of need and crisis.

Local first responders do a lot for their communities, and this special section takes a moment to honor their service and sacrifice for the North Country community.

Warrensburg eyes a new fire station Since its founding in 1921, the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company has been dedicated not only to protecting lives and property of local residents, but also enhancing community life.

Whether it’s the fire company’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner, the Warrensburg Halloween Parade, the the holiday visit by Santa Claus or the Smoke Eaters’ Jamboree, the company’s annual events are beloved by local residents. Also, hundreds of area citizens gather in reverence for the fire company’s annual 9-11 memorial service which is to mark its 15th anniversary this year.

The company has 29 active members, and their roster has stayed steady through recent decades. The company is well equipped with pumpers and tankers.

The company’s fire station, built in 1934, is scheduled to be expanded within the next year or so, with the addition of a garage with five double-bays. The fire district residents voted overwhelmingly this January to bond and build this $1.6 million addition — and construction is to begin next month. This work is to be partially underwritten by a state grant of about $225,000.

In concert with the company’s community spirit, plans call for the present bays of the firehouse to be converted — in a second

Bolton Fire Company active in community

Members of the Ticonderoga Volunteer Fire Department teach kids what to do if they are faced with a fire in their homes.

phase of the project — into a community center complete with a kitchen. Grant funding is being sought for this latter work.

To be accommodated in those new bays are the existing two fire engines, one enginerescue, and an engine-tanker. The company also has a full array of firefighting and rescue equipment including a light tower that turns night into day over a wide area. The Warrensburg firefighters loan this equipment out to other agencies for use at vehicle crash scenes and for rescue operations.

New equipment acquired recently includes 26 Scott Air Packs. They were purchased with a $158,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.

The fire company officers are now considering replacing an aging 1982 pumper fire truck, agency president Kevin Geraghty said.

“Our fire company is in good shape, and our membership remains steady,” he said.

Last year the company answered 174 calls, which is an average number. The most prominent fire in the past several years was the blaze that consumed two buildings at Northeastern Products, which produces pet bedding and litter from virgin timber. The fire was so threatening that firefighters from 16 companies fought to suppress the blaze.

Warrensburg EMS - enhancing citizens’ lives Due to the strong camaraderie enjoyed by its members, the Warrensburg Emergency Medical Services has a solid roster of about 45 dedicated, skilled responders who provide expert assistance at times of critical need.

The independent agency provides Advanced Life Support services 24/7 to the citizens of Warrensburg, Thurman and portions of other surrounding towns.

Just recently, a local man’s life was saved by the fast response of both his family members in starting CPR and a member of the company who rushed to the scene to defibrillate the cardiac arrest victim and prepare him for transport to Glens Falls Hospital.

Such life-saving actions is not rare for the Warrensburg squad members, agency Captain Steve Emerson said, noting that his squad responds to about 1,000 calls per year.

Warrensburg EMS has about 45 members who are constantly updating their training — and several Junior members who are now learning the basics.

The squad members are using the latest equipment, including their three ambulances complete with power stretchers. They have recently applied for a grant to pay for a new higher-technology cardiac monitors.

Warrensburg EMS will be holding an open house event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during which they will be giving out 100 innovative yard lamps that can help emergency responders get to your home faster in a crisis situation.

Lake George Fire adding staff, vehicles The Lake George Volunteer Fire Department has a rich and colorful history, reflecting a commitment to protecting the lives and property of both area residents and visitors — a spirit that has been passed down from one generation to another.

Just recently, this spirit has been reflected in the pending addition of eight new members and two new Junior members, all of whom are undergoing training.

Through such added personnel — including a new paid ‘station keeper” who will be keeping equipment in optimum shape and ready to roll out of Lake George’s well-appointed $3 million firehouse — the department is likely to enhance their service, chief Jason Berry said this week.

“We’re getting back to where we need to be as far as response time is concerned,” he said.

Expanded services for the public include a first-response dispatch of EMTs — new this

Although the Bolton Volunteer Fire Co. is busiest with emergencies in the summer, it is involved year-round in community affairs.

The vast majority of its annual service calls — which range between 140 and 200 — occur during the summer, but throughout the whole year Bolton firefighters are active in fire prevention education and coordinating their charitable activities which include sponsorship of the annual after-prom party, Boy and Girl Scouts, school scholarships, the annual after-prom party, local Little League and environmental camping opportunities.

Bolton Fire Co. President Greg Bolton noted that his agency is well-equipped to battle blazes on water as well as land, as it is responsible for many square miles of area on Lake George. Besides fire trucks, the agency has an air boat useful for ice and whitewater rescues, and deploys a fire boat that pumps water from the lake to douse blazes on Lake George’s near-shore residences as well as burning watercraft.

Also, the fire company just purchased a 4-wheel-drive brush-fire suppression truck, useful in battling woodland blazes.

Bolton’s 32 volunteer firefighters are constantly training on equipment and reviewing new firefighting strategies, Greg Bolton said.

We’ve had no major fires recently and we’re thankful,” he said.

Bolton EMS responds via roads, water Bolton Emergency Medical Services has a unique working relationship with its counterpart, the Bolton Fire Company, in responding to life-threatening situations. Although it is a separate agency, it shares headquarters, equipment and expertise with the Bolton Fire Department, squad captain Earl Mikoloski said.

Bolton EMS responds to about 300 calls annually, with many of them originating from a vast area of Lake George, Mikoloski said.

“We’re responsible for emergencies all the way to the Eastern shore of the lake, from north of Long Island into The Narrows,” he said. The squad also attends to vehicle crashes along eight miles of the Northway — Their service area is 84 square miles of land and water.

To provide for 24/7 Advanced Life Support services, about 12 members of the squad are paid to be on duty, and the remainder are volunteer.

While having the financial support of the town, Bolton EMS depends also on revenues from patient billing as well as donations from citizens, Mikoloski said, noting that recently a large donation provided for the purchase of two automatic CPR “AutoPulse” devices costing about $39,000.

“We’ve always received good support from the community,” he said.

The squad members keep up-to-date on their training which has recently emphasized dealing with drug overdoses, a fast-growing problem across the U.S..

“Maintaining a full roster is a challenge,” Mikoloski said. “We’re always looking for new members.”

Chestertown Fire treasuring tradition The Chestertown Volunteer Fire Co. — dedicated since the 1930s to protecting local >> Story Continued | pg. 3

April 2, 2016 << Continued from | p. 2

residents’ lives and property — has an admirable legacy which it’s been advancing in recent years.

The company has a robust roster of 36 members who enjoy not only their remarkable community service, but the socializing they often share.

Chief Daren Harvey noted that the company has recently acquired a Polaris Sixwheeler Utility Task Vehicle customized for rescue operations and brush fire suppression.

The trailer can be pulled by a snowmobile for back-country medical emergencies.

Well-supported by local municipalities and citizens’ donations, the company moved from its historic downtown station nearly 12 years ago into its new spacious and modern headquarters on Rte. 8 which features four double-bays and amenities for meetings and other gatherings.

Adhering to its respect for history, the company recently bought back its original fire truck — a 1933 Sanford — that had been restored by its interim owner. It has since been used in parades, as well as for a funeral procession for long-time fireman Don Lambert Sr. The purchase means a lot as Robert Swan and Richard Swan, descendents of the fire company’s prime founder Howard Swan Sr., presently serve as officers of the company and the fire district respectively.

One new achievement, Bob Swan said, is that the district has just upgraded all its lighting to LED bulbs, which should conserve cash over the long term for taxpayers.

The company responds to incidents occurring in the southern half of the town of Chester. Last year, it responded to 78 calls, fewer than its average of 100.

The company holds one major annual fundraiser, a golf tournament, which attracts a lot of participants, Bob Swan said.

“Our fire company enjoys good community support,” he said.

Dual roles for Pottersville firefighters The personnel of Pottersville Volunteer Fire Department have a reputation for being well trained — and in recent years, this is not only in fire abatement skills, but in medical first-response procedures. Not too many years ago, the department started sending out their members in fly vehicles to be the first on the scene and offer help.

Fire Chief Guy Swartwout, who has served 28 years in the Pottersville Fire Dept., said that his department was the first fire agency in the region to conduct medical first-response services. Pottersville Fire has outfitted a GMC Suburban with Basic Life Support equipment, so it can be a “fly vehicle” responding to emergency medical calls — useful in part because the department’s service area includes a 10-mile stretch of the I-87 Northway.

The department has 25 members, and many of them are either Emergency Medical Technicians or Certified First Responders. To sharpen their EMS techniques and fire suppression skills, the department conducts two drills per month.

The Pottersville Fire personnel are proud that for many years, they’ve possessed the

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Ticonderoga Police Department

Members of the Ticonderoga Police Department include: Records Clerk Kortney Bessett, Chief Mark Johns, Sergeant Dale Quesnel, Ptlm. Tom Ruby, Ptlm. Jim Banish, Sergeant Adam Hurlburt. (kneeling) Ptlm. Heather Geiner and K-9 partner, Tusko. Not Pictured: Ptlm Sean Mascarenas, Ptlm. Mark Belden, Ptlm. Irven Fluery, Ptlm.

Michael Blaise, Ptlm. Melanie LaPerle, Ptlm. Kevin Kilcullen.

only aerial ladder fire truck between Lake George and Ticonderoga. Just last November, the department replaced their 1982 model, upgrading it with a 2003 edition.

The Pottersville Fire Department responded to 124 calls this past year, which is a substantial number considering the area’s sparse population.

North Warren squad obtains CPR device Emerging from personnel and financial turmoil several years ago, the North Warren Emergency Squad is facing a bright future with dedicated, skilled personnel, solid finances and a renewed mission to help those in need.

The squad responded to 500 calls in 2015, offering Advanced Life Support services with paid staff supplementing its volunteer corps.

Located on state Rte. 8 in a spacious modern building built about a decade ago close to the I-87 Northway, the squad is responsible for incidents spanning a 10-mile stretch of the highway, as well as the entire towns of Chester and Horicon.

Squad Operations Manager Jason Norton said his independent agency has recently obtained an automated CPR device which

wraps around a patient, and can prompt a patient to start breathing.

The squad also replaced one of its three ambulances this last year with a newer model, he continued.

One of the reasons for the squad’s bolstered finances is that the agency is billing patients for services, and donations have increased in recent years, Norton said.

“We have great facilities, top-notch equipment and we’re looking toward the future,” he said.

Stony Creek’s squad is truly unique Since the town of Stony Creek was merely a remote logging and hunting outpost centuries ago, neighbors have always helped neighbors, and the same spirit lives on now in town.

The Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Co. and Ambulance Squad is one of the last of its kind, combining the firefighting and ambulance operations in one organization, and providing emergency medical services without billing patients.

The company serves the entire town of Stony Creek with ambulance transportation

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

and basic life support services, with revenue from donations, fundraisers and some municipal support, Fire Chief John Thomas said.

Part of the reason it can be accomplished, when so many other services have failed, is because the longstanding dedication to community service of its volunteers. Consider the fact that Peter LaGrasse, captain of the ambulance squad, has been providing his expert services for 36 years, and firefighter Ashley Black has been active in the fire company for 54 years.

Six of the company’s 30 total members are Emergency Medical Technicians.

And the tradition of neighborly assistance is being passed on to the next generation, as a Junior member program is active in Stony Creek, Thomas said.

“Anything we can help with, we are likely to be there,” he said. “Volunteer spirit is alive in Stony Creek.”

The company’s vital services — provided 24/7 to residents and visitors — is bankrolled through fundraising events — everything from from dinners and shows to car washes and concerts, Thomas said.

“We’ve got a lot of good members,” he said.

“And people of the community are what make it work, one generation after the next.” >> Story Continued | pg. 4

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April 2, 2016

Ticonderoga Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Ticonderoga Volunteer Fire Department include: Eugene Alteri, Ken Bennett, James Bergeron, Lynette Bergeron, Ben Borho, Peter Borho, Jeffrey Burns, Larry Crossman, Mary Cunningham, Daniel Halpert, Phil Huestis, Chard Jordon, Cory Lake, William Norton, Raymond Thatcher, Jr., Dennis Towne, John Watts, Stephen Yaw, Joey Johns and Keely Rose Jordon.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

<< Continued from | p. 3

Horicon Fire has diverse expertise The Horicon Fire Department not only has up-to-date vehicles to fight fires with ease, but they have an inventory of specialized equipment for their fire-abatement and rescue operations under challenging circumstances. The organiza-

tion has an active, trained scuba dive team with two rubber boats for launching rescue and recovery operations; plus an air boat primarily for rescue work â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and all have been called into duty in a variety of critical situations in recent decades, as the company members possess the abilities and knowledge to fully utilize the equipment.

The department also has a six-wheeler all-terrain vehicle to

fight backcountry brush fires, and between the ATV and their snowmobile, the department personnel can pull the toboggan through all kinds of weather and terrain to rescue people hurt in the woods or stranded in frigid weather.

Considering that the Horicon emergency responders have been regularly active in operations on Schroon Lake, Lake >> Story Continued | pg. 11

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Ticonderoga Emergency Squad

Members of the Ticonderoga EMS include, back from left, Cory Lake, Dave Woods, John Watts, Loretta Euber, Anne Morette, Mickey Fitzgerald; right from left: Patty Cook, Lisa Wendell and Jen Lake Photo by Susan Zacharenko

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April 2, 2016

Putnam Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Putnam Fire Department include Doug Thatcher, Dan Tucker, Sue Tucker, Richard Stormer, Bill Brown, Mike Alteri, Mike Bruce, Earl Harrington, Allan Johns, Dennis Johnson, Sue Johnson, PJ Kolysko and Valerie Stormer.

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Hague Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Hague Volunteer Fire and EMS Squad include Meg Haskell, Terrie Davis, Mara Haskell, Joanne Trudeau, Renee Swinton, Aren Witherell, Tom Haskell, Steve Fleishhacker, Bill Wells, Pat Hintze, Marie Hilliker, Donna Trudeau, Brian Kennedy, Mike Cherubini, Maureen Cherubini, Don Hilliker, Ernie Trudeau, Jamer Belden. Not Pictured: Ray Mury, Linda Mury, Katy Wells, Bill Gourley, Rick Myers, Ron Byder, Diane Trudeau, Harley Trudeau, Jon Hanna, Janet Hanna, Judy Gourley, Lu Megow, Dave Martucci, Marty Fitzgerald.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

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April 2, 2016

A.E. Phelps Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the A.E. Phelps Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department include: back from left, James Marshall, Jerry Douglas, Tom Hudon; middle from left, James Marshall, Jerry Douglas, Tom Hudon; front from left, Cindy Bodette, Lucky Euber, Frank Murray and Greg Eldredge, along with (inset) Pat Perkins, Derrick Whitford and Dave Fleury. Not pictured: J. Palmer, N. Lorette, M. Hurlburt, E. Whitford, S. Bodette, D. Fluery, B. Groncheski, J. HInds, T. Taylor, J. Clarke, M. Hudson, F. Gonyo, J. Norton, L. Euber, B. Shaffer, M. Shaffer, T. Tabor.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

April 2, 2016

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Moriah Emergency Squad

Members of the Moriah Emergency Squad include: back from left, Kaycee Kolodzey (Driver/Att), Brand Michiner (CFR), Rick Maye (Asst. Captain-EMS), Phil Huchro (Driver), Ron Nesbitt, Jr. (Driver); front from left, Lou Paris, Sr. (Captain-EMS), Kelly Ashe (EMT), Judy Brassard (EMT), Carla Girouard (Secretary) and Diane Harvis (AEMT). Not Pictured: Lauren Boyle, Tori Boisvert, Carol Boisvert, Dixon Williams, Lionel Simard, Gary Bedore.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

See the Moriah Volunteer Fire Department, Police Department, page 23

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April 2, 2016

Port Henry Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Port Henry Volunteer Fire Department include: Gary Badore, William Boyle, Richard DeFelice, Robert DeFelice, James Hughes, Michael Hughes, Jr., Christopher Lee, Charles McCaughin, Timothy McCaughin, Jeffrey Maness, Ron Nesbitt, Jr., Phil Smith, Ron Van Slooten, Ben Hanson. Not Pictured: William Ball, William Blood, Tori Boisvert, Thomas Boyle, Timothy Boyle, Charles Bryant, Dan Bryant, Edward Bryant, Allen Burch III, Colin Cutting, Peter Cutting, Lester Daby, Michael Dever, Linda Duross, George Edwards, Thomas Edwards, John Eisenberg, Frank Gilbo, Joseph Gilbo, Travis Gimmler, John HIckey, Phil Huchro, Charles Kolodzey, David LaFountain, Ricky Laing, Thomas McDonald, Mark McLaughlin, Ron Nesbitt, Sr., Mikayla Pooler, William Pratt, Curtis Prevette, Nestor Rodriguez, Brendan Smith, Richard Stockwell, Jr., John Sweet, Bobby Tompkins, Thomas Trow, Brian Venne, Jack Waldron, John “JW” Waldron, Dan Williams.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

April 2, 2016

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Mineville-Witherbee Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Mineville-Witherbe Volunteer Fire Department include (pictured) Jeff Farnsworth, Craig McDougal, Brian Stoddard, Henry Trombley, Adam Wright and Jon Thompson. Not pictured are Billy Allen, Raymond Briggs, Chuck Farnsworth, Wayne Genier, Derrik McCoy, Will Rohrer, Patrick Tromblee, Jessica Zerbe, John Zerbe, George Edwards, John Neggia and Ron Haseltine.

Photo by Ciara Thompson

<< Continued from | p. 4

George and other waterways, they have proven to be able to tackle all kinds of emergencies.

Horicon Fire has about 20 active members who respond to about 100 calls per year, and a number of them participate as members of the Warren County Dive Team.

Thurman Fire Co. has long tradition The Thurman Fire Co. may be modest in its membership, but it has provided valuable services to local residents and area visitors for over a half-century.

Whether it was digging a child buried alive in a collapsing sandbank or rescuing injured mountain climbers in the back country, or taming a raging fire, the Thurman firefighters have done it all through the years.

The spirit of providing neighborly aid was demonstrated in the era of the company’s beginnings, when local citizens banded together with firefighters in 1954 to build the agency’s fire station in Athol.

The company has 13 active members who respond to 50 or 60 calls per year, , fire company president Barb Baker said.

For equipment, they’ve got one fire engine, one tanker truck and one pumper-rescue vehicle. Baker said the company is

working toward getting a new tanker/fire engine to replace their vintage tanker-truck, as it has almost 600,000 miles on the odometer.

“It’s an over-the-road truck that’s been converted,” she said.

“And it has a foot-shift transmission, so only a few of our members can drive it.”

The truck can be quite useful, when called into action, Baker said, noting how it helped quell towering flames last year during the raging fire at Northeastern Products in Warrensburg.

“It shined,” she said, noting the truck’s 3,000 gallon capacity.

>> Story Continued | pg. 12

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April 2, 2016

North Hudson Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the North Hudson Volunteer Fire Department include: pictured - Brian Caza, Bruce Caza, Eric Caza, John Caza, Sr., Donald Dresser, Ken Foster, Dejanira Plumstead, Will Plumstead, Chandler Thompson and Adam Venner. Not pictured: Jessica Besaw, Randy Bessey, Ryan Bessey, James Duntley, Marshall Gero, Chris Keller, Matthew Keller, Dal Langworthy, Michael Marsden, Ronald Moore, Steve Ossenkop, Dave Tart, Emmett Thompson and Steve Thompson.

Photo by Ciara Thomspon

<< Continued from | p. 11

Johnsburg squad moves into new station JOHNSBURG â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Johnsburg Ambulance Squad, once struggling with its finances and inadequate headquarters, has embarked on a new promising path.

After convincing local politicians and the public about its plight, it now receives vital revenue from a tax district, and it

moved into a modern, roomy station it had constructed.

Located for decades in an cramped former Scout hall, Johnsburg EMS is now situated in its $560,000 building at 624 Peaceful Valley Road, thanks to a low-interest state loan and donations totaling nearly $80,000 from more than 100 generous donors and organizations.

The squad is holding an Open House June 4 at their new 3,500 square-feet station to let the public experience its ame-

Thank You Firefighters & EMS Members!

No Job Too Big or Too Small 3948 US Route 9 North Hudson, NY

78762

518-532-7224 518-637-8954

nities, and to thank donors.

The building has three bays, a kitchen, a living room, two offices and two bedrooms, accommodating two full ambulance crews during ski season.

The squad has a service area covering no less than 210 square miles, and they respond to an average of 500 calls per year. >> Story Continued | pg. 16

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Schroon Lake Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the department include Don Anslow Jr., Phillip Armstrong, Wayne Dewey, Lynn Donaldson, George Egan Jr., Dave Feltz, Thomas Finnerty, Don Fish, Joseph Flores, Tom Flynn, Lynn Gifford, Earl Gould Jr., Gordon Graves, Robert Haff, Dan Hay, Ken Hedden Jr., Randy Jacobsen, Don Jenks, Kevin Kelly Sr., Kevin Lavarnway, Tim Mahler, Amy McCoy, Brian McCoy, Kurt McCoy, Lester McCoy, John Mingo, Tom Ringrose Sr., Jonathan Ruggles, Ed Russell, Rodney Secor, Dana Shaughnessy, Larry Shiell, Bob Smith, Dan Smith, Paul Sprague, Jeff Subra, Bunny Suprenant, Orlando Swinton, Bill Tribou, Wayne Welch, Alan Wemett, Jared Whitley, Mark Whitney, Don Whitty and Melinda Whitty

Schroon Lake Emergency Squad

ABOVE: Members of the Schroon Lake Emergency Squad include, Back from left: Ed Russell, Amy Wheeler, Chris Swinton, Orlando Swinton, Larry Bellusio, Dan Riggins, Don Whitly, Wayne Dewey, Tracey Whitly, Larry Gleason, Tom Garcia; front from left: Lynn Donaldson, Ann Ververka, Mary Gleason, Arlene Whitly, Fran Ramirez, Bill Trebou, Tony Ramirez, Marion Weaver, Mary J. McCoy, Lester McCoy. Not present: Timothy Mahler, Jeff Subra, Melinda Whitly

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April 2, 2016

North Creek Volunteer Fire Department Members of the North Creek Fire Department include Scott Allard, Andy Baker, Dreu Briggs, Lloyd Burch, Randy Decook, Ralph Dubay, Aaron Ferguson, Cherie Ferguson, Alenyah Gardiner, DJ Gardiner, Justin Gonyo, Rich Kuhlman, Leo Kushi, Pat Kushi, Caelan Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;hommedieu, Barry Mckinney, Rich Minucci, Scott Monthony, Jonathan Ordway, Mike Ordway, Thomas Ordway, Charlie Rawson, Paul Sears, Alex Smith, Steve Studnicky, Bill Thomas, William Thomas and Ed Tuttle.

File photo

See the Johnsburg Emergency Squad, page 23

April 2, 2016

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Minerva Volunteer Fire Department

ABOVE: Members of the Minerva Volunteer Fire Department include: back from left, Simon Garnder, Jacob Galusha, James Gonyo, Dakota Millington, Randy DeCook, Chad Haneman, Keith Dubay, Eathan Galusha. Middle Row, left to right. Mike Corey, Brandan Collard, Jacob Collard, Al Michelsen, Zachary Boucher, Greg Wright, Cameron Dubay, Brandon Dunbar; front from left, Karen Wright, Karol Millington, Hayley Killon, Patty Warrington, Natalie Royer-Loiselle, Teresa Haley and Debbie Palmatier.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

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Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department

The new home for the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

<< Continued from | p. 12

Johnsburg’s staff of 25 emergency responders deal with urgent needs not only at Tri-County Nursing Home and other facilities for the elderly, but they also respond to emergencies in the rugged back woods, ski slopes and mountains, and travels to adjacent communities for mutual aid calls.

With such varied responsibilities, the squad includes eight staffers, providing full Advanced Life Support paramedic services. The squad’s revenues include patient billing and donations.

In the last year or so, the squad replaced the oldest of its three ambulances with a compact Mercedes Sprinter van that saved not only $70,000 in purchase price, but is costing the squad less than half the fuel expenses of the standard big-box ambulances.

Whether its a skiing collision, an auto crash, a whitewater mishap or a hiker injured in the rugged backwoods, the Johnsburg Emergency Squad members respond where they’re needed — and their dedication prompted the coveted Agency of the Year award in 2013 from the Mountain Lakes Regional EMS Council.

Johnsburg Fire lost ‘one of its best’ The Johnsburg Fire Department provides fire suppression for the hamlets of Johnsburg and Wevertown and southern stretches of the town of Johnsburg down to the Glen bridge and over to the Thurman town line. The company’s 12 volunteers respond to emergencies over a 45 square-mile service area, according to Fire Chief Barry “Chip” Aldrich. They average 35 calls per year.

Their equipment includes two pumper-tankers and one brush truck. Last year, the agency obained six new Scott Air Packs through a FEMA grant.

In the last two years, they responded to three major incidents — on residential fire at The Glen and two on South Johnsburg Road.

This past January, the department lost one of its most dedicated members — Jeff Allen, 54, who served as Assistant Chief and most recently as President. A lifelong local resident, he was awarded just weeks before his untimely passing for having an exemplary record of responding to calls, Aldrich said.

“He was a very active member,” the chief said. “One of the best.”

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

The company is conducting an Open House on April 23, and they will be welcoming prospective members to join their roster. As the company has started a Junior Firefighter program, they will be encouraging teenagers ages 16 to 18 to join and learn the skills and techniques of battling fires.

North River Fire is well-equipped The equipment inventory of the North River Fire Department is pretty remarkable, providing the ability for their 17 dedicated volunteers to suppress fires in all kinds of situations.

North River Fire responds to incidents over all types of terrain from the Hamilton County line halfway to North Creek plus the North River vicinity. The company also responds to mutual aid calls from neighboring communities including Indian Lake and Minerva.

The group’s Auxiliary holds two main fundraisers per year — a chicken barbecue in August and a Harvest Dinner in November to raise funds for their operation.

These skilled firefighters have an all terrain vehicle to aid in forest fires and brush blazes in addition to two recent-vintage >> Story Continued | pg. 18

April 2, 2016

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Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department

Indian Lake Emergency Squad

Members of the Indian Lake EMS include Ken Nichols, Josh Wells and Bill Southwick.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

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Bolton Volunteer Fire Department Members of th Bolton Volunteer Fire Department include: Chris Anderson, Eugene Baker, Gregory Bolton, Gilbert Howse, Jr., Thomas Jordan, Corey Kelley, Ethan LaGoy, Robert LaGoy, William Lambert, Shawn Perry, Donald Roessler, Curtis Truax, Jr., Donald Volkmann. Not Pictured: Stephen Baker, Paul Brown, Harvey Coon, Steven DeLorenzo, Dean Fisher, Jesse Foy, George Guercio, Richard Kober, Warren Kuhle, Erich Neuffer, Erich O. Neuffer, Llse Petermann, Edward Reilly, Richard Schroeder, John Servelli, Ashley Sturdevant, Jeffrey Urts, John Urtz, Andrews Vanbourgondien.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

Bolton EMS, page 25

<< Continued from | p. 16

GMC pumper fire engines. But their most coveted piece equipment — which they loan out to neighboring agencies — might be their 2009 Yamaha 4-wheel-drive side-by-side all-terrain UTV for backcountry rescues and fighting brush fires.

The North River Fire Dept. was founded in 1954, and some of the present members are relatives of the founding members.

Aldrich said although they’ve responded to a good number of calls, there were no major fires in the past three years.

“Lucky us,” he said.

North Creek Fire grieving over Kushi The North Creek Fire Department has 25 dedicated members, who

respond to incidents in the charming hamlet of North Creek and its environs.

The tight brotherhood of emergency responders in northern Warren County was shaken several weeks ago as firefighters grieved the untimely passing of Assistant North Creek Fire Chief Leo Joseph Kushi. The 41-year-old, father of two young sons, had dedicated 15 years to community service through the organization.

Fire Chief Scott Allard said Kushi would be deeply missed.

The department — which has protected the historic structures of North Creek for many decades while preventing loss of life — utilizes two fire engines and a brush truck to conduct its efforts. >> Story Continued | pg. 20

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Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department include, top from left: Frank Erickson (Captain), Larry McAVey III, Daren Harvey (Chief), Joshua Kennedy (1st Asst Chief), Bob Swan, Dennis Packer; bottom from left: James Evans, Joe Slattery, John MacMillen (2nd Lieuenant), Jack Crossman, Allen Fish, David Scroggins (2nd Asst Chief), Pamela Crossman, Thomas Urtz and Paula Zarnetski. Not Pictured: Abigail Anderson, Joseph Bartlett, Laurie Bartlett, Ralph Bartlett, David Brown, Frank Brown, III, Chelsey Crossman, John Crossman, James McDermott, Bradley McNally, Elizabeth Miller, Joseph Miller, Thomas Pereau, Gregory Phillips, James Porter, Glen Redmon, Jr., William Rohm, Ray Stephens, Rob Stephens, Jason Willette, Maria WIllette, Jessica Bartlett-Edick (President - Auxiliary), Mary Bartlett (Vice President - Auxiliary).

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

See North Warren EMS, Pottersville VFD, Page 25

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April 2, 2016

Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Department

Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Co. roster: Corporate Officers: Kevin Geraghty, President; Bonni Roth, Secretary; Sean Geraghty, Treasurer; Kerry Bateman, Director; Paul Bederian, James Hull, Director; Andrew Sprague, Director; Line Officers: Justin Hull, Chief; John Hensler, 1st Asst. Chief; Kevin Roth, 2nd Asst. Chief; Jason Hull, 3rd Asst. Chief; Chris Meyers, 4th Asst. Chief; Phil Hayes, Fire Police; Active Members: David Alexander, Donald Bagwell, Tyler Boutin, Jeremy Crispell, Roger Durkin, Brian Engle, Greg Francisco, Ryan Griffin, Richard Hull, Todd Lawson, Casey Marviglio, Jeffery Monroe, Jessica Monroe, Robert Nelson,Tyson Nelson, Eric Nilsestuen, Matthew Oliver, Matthew Perry, Kory Russell, Jeffery Smith and Douglas Van Norstrand; Honorary Members: Joseph Barlow, Bruce Belden, Terry Combs, Anthony Fortino, Bob Frye, Jonathan Geraghty, Gary Ross, David Spatz, Rudolph Squires; Fire Commissioners: Brian Engle, Chairman; David Spatz, Deputy Chairman; Kevin B. Geraghty, Secretary-Treasurer; Sean Geraghty, Deputy Treasurer; Paul Bederian; James Hull and Gary Ross. << Continued from | p. 18

Riverside Fire has a rail-riding device The Riverside Volunteer Fire Department has a lineup of equipment offering the resources to fight fires in an efficient manner. The department not only has both an engine-tanker plus a standard tanker and a brush truck, but also a high-rail

utility truck that can ride atop train tracks, moving to areas that other vehicles couldn’t normally go. Also, the department recently received a grant for forest-fire suppression equipment, including forestry tools, specialized hoses, axes and goggles — all of which will be useful in the region’s rugged terrain, Chief Harold Parker said.

Responding to between 15 and 22 fire calls per year, the

department covers the hamlet of Riverside — also known as Riparius — as well as thousands of acres up to the town of Chester line. The department members also go across fire district lines to aid their neighboring communities on mutual aid calls.

To help fund their operations, the department relies on rev>> Story Continued | pg. 23

April 2, 2016

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Warrensburg Emergency Squad

Warrensburg EMS squad roster; Line Officers — Stephen Emerson, Operations Manager; Jon Jones, Assistant Operations Manager; Stephen Romano, 1st Officer; Kati Curtis, 2nd Officer; and Heather Romano, 3rd Officer.; Corporate Officers — Acting President: Jamiee Ross, Secretary: Doni Smith; Board of Directors: Robert Farrell, Chairman; Laura Eklund; Pam Fischer; Mike Nichols; John Swertner; Keith Dubay; Tom Pettigrew.; Members — Brooke Ackley, Brian Angell, Mark Bertsche, Beth Blasdell, Brittany Bushey, Pete Cafaro, Aineen Callahan, Anthony Collins, Brandon Combs, Jeremy Crispell, Cameron Dubay, Laura Ecklund, Cathy Emerson, Kathleen Emerson, Marnie Emrick, Ryan Fayette, Jocelyn Fischer, Pam Fischer, Andrew Fish, Eric Fitzgerald, Meaghan Flynn, Renate Flynn, Noelle Guimond, Dennis Harppinger, Lydia Hayes, Sarah Hayes, Travis Howe, Jon Jones, Joycelyn Johnson, Rebecca Keith, John Kindred, Lydia Knickerbocker, Shawn McBride, Justine Monthony, Cheyenne Thomas, Tyson Nelson, Jennifer Nemec, Michael Nichols, John O’Neill, Jason Paul, Sabrina Pimentel, Deborah Ranous, William Ranous Jr., Cal Raphael, Jaimee Ross, Doreen Ryan, Doni Smith, Bill Soutwick, Michael Swanson, Brian Terpening, Bethany Tyner, Doug Van Nostrand, James Watsaw and Tiffany Weiler.

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April 2, 2016

Lake George Emergency Squad

The Lake George EMS squad roster includes Joyce Azukas, Jason Berry , Mike Berry, Peter Berry, Melody Myers, Hank Chrzanowski, Kristina Dreps, George Dunklee, Rosemarie Earl, Tony Fidd, Carolanne Fitzgerald, Lauren Fitzgerald, Grant Gentner, Micki Guy, Chris Hawley, Bruce Kilburn, Howard MacDonald, Pat Mellon, Chris Ost, Tammy Ost, Matt Oswald, Ryan Romano and Vickie Waters.

See Lake George Volunteer Fire Department, Page 26

We Thank You For All You Do!

“We Keep The Home Fires Burning”

www.thefireplaceco.com

78880

2591 Lake Shore Drive Lake George, NY 518-668-9300

Photo by Thom Randall

April 2, 2016

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Moriah Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Moriah Volunteer Fire Department include, on truck from left, Robert Lake, Courtney Clark, Bill Petro III, Joanne Lake; standing from left, Bill Wykes, Gregory Quain, Rick Maye, Bill Trybendis, Brian Glebus, Ed Roberts, Bill Petro, Lari Trapasso, Justin LaValley, George Harrington; kneeling from left, Jolene Clark, James Michener, Danielle Roberts, Mike Beveridge and Dan McLaughlin. Not pictured: Ernie Fleury, Gary Rancour, Brian Collupy, Wilbur Sprague, Mike Moran, Ned Phinney, Jordan Greenough, Dennis Mullen, Ryan Rogers, Brandy Michener, Ben Winters, Dillon Adkins, Dixon Williams, Joe Rogers, Anthony Fleury, Samantha Manley, Robin Roberts,Katelyn Roberts, Sharon Hammond, Shelley Maye and Peggy Quain.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

Johnsburg Emergency Squad

Moriah Police Department

The new Johnsburg EMS building. << Continued from | p. 20

enue from a breakfast fundraiser held annually in early May in conjunction with the Hudson River Whitewater Derby.

Bakers Mills Fire quells rural blazes The Bakers Mills-Sodom Volunteer Fire Department covers a southern region of the town of Johnsburg with a good lineup of equipment and 16 experienced firefighters. Located in the hamlet of Bakers Mills, it covers its hometown as well as responding to calls from Park Road on Rte. 8 southwest to the Hamilton County Line and upcounty towards North Creek.

The area is quite rural and hosts a lot of woodlands.

“Last year we had 18 calls, and most of them were for structure fires or car crashes,” Chief Robert Austin said.

Bakers Mills Fire is equipped with a pumper, tanker and a rescue pumper that carries a 500-gallon tank as well as an array of rescue equipment, Austin said.

“Our members gather often at the station and keep our equipment well maintained,” Austin said, noting their dedication and exemplary volunteer spirit.

Garnet Lake Fire plans addition The 23 members of the Garnet Lake Fire Department respond to the rare emergencies occurring on remote, charming Garnet Lake as well as its bucolic surroundings. The department’s service area also extends southwest in the town of Johnsburg to the Thurman town line. In addition to their fire trucks, the department has a brush truck, useful in quelling back-country blazes.

Fire Chief Frederick Comstock said that newly acquired equipment includes a “turbo-draft” device that can draw water though hoses over a distance of 200 feet — which will as-

sist area firefighters battling blazes near water bodies.

The group conducts monthly training drills so they can keep their skills sharp, Comstock said.

“We don’t have many calls, so our equipment stays in pretty good shape,” he said.

The department is planning to start construction this spring on an addition to their fire station on Garnet Lake Road. Plans call for adding one big bay and a meeting room and one office, while converting the similar existing spaces into a meeting room and one back bay.

“The addition will provide a facility the community can put to good use,” Comstock said.

Moriah Police Chief Steve Stahl.

Moriah Fire has strong citizen support MORIAH — Located in remote southeastern Essex County, the Moriah Volunteer Fire Department plays a vital role in protecting the lives and property of local citizens — and in doing so, it has traditionally enjoyed solid community support, Chief Brian Glebus said.

The department’s 40 firefighters — a lot for the sparse local population — respond to calls from the Port Henry town line to the Mineville line. Their station is located on Tarbell Hill Road in Moriah.

The firefighters not only show up for emergencies, but they also participate in drills and training to keep their skills sharp, Glebus noted.

In return, the local residents attend the company fundraisers, which include several breakfasts held in the summer, Glebus said.

“Everybody turns out — they support us well,” he said,

noting that the department has a proud history.

Glebus concluded that this year, the fire calls have not included consequential or life-threatening fires.

“It’s been spectacularly quiet this year — and everybody’s happy about it,” he said.

Moriah EMS has life-saving expertise MORIAH — Armed with high-tech equipment, expertise and dedicated volunteers, Moriah Ambulance Squad has been achieving what others have said is impossible — providing Advanced Life Support services to town residents with an allvolunteer staff and without billing for services.

For years, the squad has been serving Moriah’s population of about 4,800, responding to emergencies over 71 square miles, averaging 450 calls per years. Exemplifying the squad’s staff ’s remarkable dedication, Captain Lou Paris has turned out for 398 of those calls.

The squad’s roster of 17 members features two ALS techs and one other who is now pursuing ALS certification, as well >> Story Continued | pg. 24

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Thurman VFD

<< Continued from | p. 23

as four Emergency Medical Technicians — and the squad is seeking out new members, Paris said.

The organization dispatches two ambulances, and although they date back to the 1990s, they are maintained in good condition by squad members, Paris said.

“We are looking towards upgrading to newer ambulances soon,” Paris said, adding that the squad recently moved in with the Moriah Volunteer Fire Dept. on Tarbell Hill Road, sharing their station.

While the squad may soon begin billing patients, the squad will be keeping up its commitment to the community, Paris said, noting the continued generosity of citizens who make memory donations and participate in fundraisers.

Prospective members are urged to call 546-7012 for information on joining the squad.

Port Henry Fire emphasizes training PORT HENRY — The Port Henry Fire Department is now gearing up to enable effective response to specialized emergencies including large-scale spills of hazardous materials — including those transported by rail throughout the department’s service area.

Considering its 52 members, Port Henry Fire is one of the largest fire departments in Essex County, Fire Chief Jim Hughes said this week.

In 2015, the department handled 61 calls averaging 3.17 minutes in response time with nine firefighters responding, he said, noting this latter number has improved in the last several months.

The CP Railway Foundation awarded the grant of $7,000 for the hazardous materials abatement equipment, including foam jet nozzles. Hughes said the Port Henry firefighters received extensive training last fall in effective response to derailments.

Additionally, 16 new Scott Air Packs are on their way, thanks to a FEMA grant of $114,000, he continued. Hughes added that over his 31-year career, he’s written successful grant applications for the department that have yielded $238,000 in savings for local taxpayers.

The Port Henry department’s members are committed to sharpening their capabilities, and most of them attend two training nights per month.

“We train as munch as we can, not onlyu with fire suppression, but with Jaws of Life, in surface ice rescue with our six-member dive team,” he said.

“We consider our department to be one of the most specialized and diverse emergency agencies in the region,” he said. “The village of Port Henry has been providing fire service to the community since 1874, and that’s a long history.”

Mineville-Witherbee well-equipped MINEVILLE — The Mineville-Witherbee Volunteer Fire Department has acquired an array of new equipment to aid its skilled personnel in both its firefighting efforts as well as searchand-rescue operations, according to Fire Chief Adam Wright.

The department as acquired a new 4-wheel Mule UTV, which will enable the firefighters to get deeper into the back-country areas to conduct their vital work.

The UTV has tracks so it can move efficiently in snow and on ice, and it has a skid on back complete with a water tank for firefighting chores. New apparatus includes a new edition of Jaws of Life for vehicle passenger extractions.

The equipment will undoubtedly be useful during incidents handled by the department’s 19 active members across their service area of nearly 10 square miles, Wright said.

The Mineville-based department holds numerous fundraisers — dinners, car washes and other events — which receive a lot of support from the public, Wright said.

“We do a ton of stuff to raise money, and we deeply appreciate citizens’ generosity,” he said.

Long Lake Fire now in new station LONG LAKE — The personnel of the Long Lake Fire Long Lake Fire Department are now enjoying the amenities of their new spacious fire station, Fire Chief Tony Clark said.

Built last year, the department’s 26 firefighters moved into the new $936,000 building in December, he said.

The station features four double bays, meeting rooms, offices, a full-size kitchen and plenty of storage space, Clark said, not-

April 2, 2016

Riverside VFD

ing the public will get to see all the station’s features at an Open House event set for May 7.

“We outgrew the old station,” he said, noting the new station will be available for community use. “Now, we have spare room so we can work on trucks, lay hose inside, and have facilities for training.”

The construction expenses were partially offset by donations, supplementing revenue from the fire district’s taxation that’s paying off a long-term loan.

The fire department has a vast territory to cover — Clark said their responsibility spans 350+ square miles.

“So far this year, we’ve had no calls — we’ve been lucky,” he said.

The skills and stamina of the firefighters were put to the test in February 2015 however, when dozens of area firefighters battled a home fire on State Rte. 30 while enduring temperatures as low a minus eight degrees.

Besides their facilities, the department has been upgrading their equipment. Just weeks ago, they purchased eight new Scott Air Packs, partly due to the generosity of local residents, Clark said.

“The community always supports us well,” he said.

Long Lake EMS meets its challenges LONG LAKE — While most all ambulance corps deal with medically-related tasks, the Long Lake Rescue Squad has additional challenges — its vast territory and the issues of reaching their patients.

Their service area of the town of Long Lake is 350+ square miles, and reaching their patients may take up to three hours, squad secretary-treasurer Kathy Buxton said.

“With some people way back in the woods, it can take three hours just to reach them,” she said. With others, like residents on Lake Lila, they can only be reached by boat, she added. The local fire company has often provided transportation for EMTs on Long Lake with their fire boat, she continued. Then transporting them to a medical center would be at least 45 minutes, with a trips to Glens Falls Hospital taking two hours one-way.

So it’s fortunate the squad has two Critical Care technicians providing Advanced Life Support, she said, with backup from five EMTs and six drivers.

This crew responded to 170 calls last year, utilizing two ambulances. A new ambulance was purchased in 2015, replacing one that was 10 years old.

She said that squad members’ dedication was exemplified by Don Howe, the father of squad captain Stephanie Wells. Howe, a former captain, retired in January after responding to 2,279 calls over his 27-year tenure on the squad, Buxton said.

The squad, located on Newcomb Road in the hamlet of Long Lake, is funded by citizens through taxing district. That revenue is augmented by patient billing and public donations.

Indian Lake Fire eyes new fire hall INDIAN LAKE — The 20 active members of the Indian Lake Fire Department are now seeking public support for a new fire station to better accommodate their needs in providing fire protection, Fire Chief Barry Hall Jr. said.

The local fire officials have considered various options, including building a new structure or renovating the former Grand Union supermarket building for a new fire station, he said. This latter proposal would likely cost $1.4 million. The existing fire station has only four bays to house the department’s five fire trucks.

In addition to two 3,000 super-tanker/pumper fire engines, the department has an attack engine, a heavy rescue and brushfire truck, as well as a newly-acquired “Snowbulance” — a customized trailer towed behind a snowmobile (or four-wheeler) for backwoods or wintertime rescues, Hall said.

Indian Lake Fire’s personnel consists of 20 active members as well as 50 others who are retired or exempt from duty. Hall’s father, Barry Hall Sr., exemplifies the lifetime commitment to firefighting that’s prevalent in Indian Lake, the chief said, noting that the elder hall had served as Assistant Chief since 1969 and another officer, Stephen King, has logged 44 years of service.

Such experience is put to good use, as the department has a vast territory of varied terrain that spans 365 square miles, the fire chief said, noting that Indian Lake firefighters respond to as many as 80 calls per year.

Indian Lake EMS offers ALS services INDIAN LAKE — Residents of the town of Indian Lake can

depend on their local ambulance squad to offer top-notch emergency medical services, squad captain Mike Lanfear said.

“We handle all kinds of medical emergencies, including a significant number of deep woods, mountain, trail and snowmobile rescues,” he said.

The Indian Lake Ambulance Corps has a primarily paid staff to provide paramedic-level Advanced Life Support expertise 24/7, and they are backed up by a roster of volunteers, he said.

“We’re all up-to-date with current protocols, supplies and equipment,” Lanfear said.

The squad averages 180 calls per year, and their ambulances travel 55 miles to the nearest hospital.

The squad dispatches two ambulances out of their station located in the middle of Indian Lake Village.

The squad’s work is funded by the town of Indian Lake, patient billing and some fund-raising.

Minerva Fire & Rescue protects public MINERVA — The Minerva Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad is a combined company that not only provides fire suppression but ambulance service as well.

The department has a roster of 37 members with considerable expertise. Sixteen of them are firefighters, 10 are fire police and 11 are emergency medical technicians. They are joined by four associate member EMT’s, three support members and one junior member.

Because the department is dedicated to providing the most expert service, three of its members are enrolled in firefighting courses, and two are finishing up their EMT course work.

Twelve of the department’s members are cross-trained to serve as firefighters, fire police or EMTs. With a solid interest in keeping the department well-staffed, the department has recruited seven new members in the last year. To best serve the town of Minerva, the department has two stations, one in the hamlet of Minerva, and the other in the hamlet of Olmstedville.

The organization is always looking to boost its roster, so prospective members are urged to stop by the firehouse any Monday night, or email the department officers at: mvfd@frontier.com.

Moriah police face new challenge MORIAH — The spread of hard drugs upstate in recent years has meant that the Moriah Police Department has faced new issues in their mission of preserving public safety. Not only do the department’s two officers need to foil more burglaries and larcenies associated with drug use, but they have to deal with overdose victims, Officer-in-Charge Steve Stahl said. This involves administering the opioid antidote known as Narcan, Stahl said.

“Already, we’ve responded to several drug overdoses,” he said.

Operating out of a station in Port Henry, Stahl and his associate officer Art Brassard provide law-enforcement coverage 16 hours per day, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. throughout the town of Moriah. Their jurisdiction spans 71 square miles, and includes the hamlets of Witherbee, Mineville, Moriah Center and the village of Port Henry. The town of Moriah hosts a population of about 4,000 residents and the department responds an average of 175 calls per month.

Brassard has dedicated 19 years to the department and Stahl has tallied 33 years so far in the agency.

While state police officers including investigators can offer valuable expertise in solving cases, a local police force is vital because the officers have a vast knowledge of the town, its people — and their histories.

“I grew up here and live here,” Stahl said. “Local knowledge is important.”

New ambulance for Hague responders The ambulance squad operated by the Hague Volunteer Fire Department will be obtaining a new ambulance May 7, and the department’s EMS personnel are eagerly awaiting the new vehicle. The department responds to a total of about 135 calls per year.

Two ambulances and several fire trucks are dispatched from their station which is located on West Hague Road. The new ambulance will replace one that’s about 23 years old.

For many of the department’s roster of 23 people, volunteerism is a family affair — consider that Squad Captain Meg Haskell’s husband Thomas is a member of the Hague fire police, and Meg’s >> Story Continued | pg. 26

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Pottersville Volunteer Fire Department

North Warren Emergency Squad

Members of the North Warren Emergency Squad.

Bolton Emergency Squad

File photo

Members of the Bolton Emergency Squad include, back from left, Bernie Marki, Kevin Kershaw, Bruce Randall, Rick Schroeder, Doreen Brown, Earl Mikoloski, Ed Sheridan, Harold Shippey; front from left, Holly Marek, Tammie DeLorenzo, Morgan Dunkley, Anne Green and Carolyn von Schenck; Not Pictured: John Servelli.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

www.suncommunity.com

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April 2, 2016

Lake George Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department include, from left, John Kearney, Robert Leombruno, Joseph Oswald, Brandon Combs, Doni Smith, Dennis Mitchell, Bud Gerber and Mac MacDonald. Not Pictured: James Barber, James Barrett, Jason Berry, Peter Berry, Michael Bowie, Ray Calore, Hank Chrzanowski, John Cocozza-Hill, Jeremy Crispell, Tyler Dupaw, John Earl, Robert Evans, Don Fangboner, Lynda Fisher, William Fisher, Ryan Fregoe, Dennis Galloway, Austin Genter, Rob Hickey, Rodney Holden, Alex Lanfear, Brad Lashway, Paul Livingston, Bill Manion, Matt Oswald, Mike Parsons, Garrett Ramsey, Damon Riesz, Mike Shaughnessy, Scott Smith, George Stannard, Hugh Sullivan, John Sullivan, Paul Sullivan and Bill Vlad, Jr., Bill Vlad, Sr. Junior members not pictured: Eric Beecher and Max Brown.

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

Chilson Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Chilson Volunteer Fire Department include: back from left, Third Assistant Chief Jake O’Hara, Firefighter Victoria Sawyer, Junior Firefighter Zach LaBounty: front from left, Chaplain Dave Hirtle, Captain Seth Hunsdon, Board Member/Firefighter Larry Lauman, Firefighter Roger Sawyer, Safety Officer Casie Hunsdon, Firefighter Jason Tausinger, Firefighter Ford Trepanier, Treasurer/First Assistant Chief Mike Trybendis, Chief Steve Hunsdon, and Board Member Steve Phelps. Not pictured: Second Assistant Chief Cody Duvall, Fire Police Captain Fred Hunsdon Sr., and firefighters Jake Denton, Julie Denton, John DiPofi, Tom Forand, Colin Fuller, Danielle Garrow, Dustin Hunsdon, Tyler Jordan, Jim Lambert and Skyler Torrey, as well as Board Chairman Jim Davis, Board Member Lance Dolbeck, and Board Member/Firefighter Robin Lambert. Also not pictured are auxiliary members Bill Abare, Dick Allen, Sue Allen, John Blanchard, Lesli Chandler, Scott Cook, Wendy Davis, Lynn Garrison, Clem Hacunde, Paul Hicks, Marg Lauman, Chuck O’Hara, Sharon O’Hara, Keith Osier, Patti Osier, Ada Phelps, Mark St. Claire, Eric Stoddard, John Stoddard, Cathy Trybendis, Kelly Woods and Rob Woods. << Continued from | p. 24

daughter serves as the squad’s assistant captain. Also, Ray Mury is chief of the Hague Fire Department, and his wife Linda serves as corporate President of the fire company.

The organization provides Basic Life Support services 24/7 to the public with their roster of EMS personnel, a blend of paid employees and volunteers.

At about the turn of the millennium, the department’s fire and EMS personnel moved to their new headquarters on West Hague Road, leaving behind their former station on Rte. 8 in the village of Hague.

The new fire hall serves as a town community center, as it has been hosting the Holiday in Hague fest, Christmas parties, and the popular Chili Bake-Off in February.

The department’s operations are funded by the town, augmented by donations as well as fundraisers, which include a chicken barbecue in May and a Steak Bake in August.

The department operates a 27-foot boat on Lake George to respond to watercraft-based and shoreline fires as well as to reach medical-related incidents on the water.

Putnam Fire has varied capabilities PUTNAM — In recent years, the Putnam Volunteer Fire Department has been arming their firefighters both with specialized equipment and advanced training — to handle difficult and hazardous situations, Fire Chief Doug Thatcher said this week.

Located in Putnam Station, the department has 16 adult members and 5 Junior members ages 16 to 18 years old, all of whom regularly undergo training.

The personnel undergo training for water rescue, first aid response and hazardous materials abatement, and to develop various other capabilities, Thatcher said.

The department responds to 60-70 calls per year on the aver-

age, 3 or 4 of them for water rescue operations.

The department is responsible for covering the entire town of Putnam, about 35 square miles, located in Washington County.

Last year, two members of the Putnam department traveled to Colorado to participate in a live fire training session sponsored by CP Rail, instructing dozens of firefighters to handle a tank-car derailment scenarios involving spilled oil and other hazardous materials.

The Putnam department’s specialized equipment includes a hazmat foam trailer, and a Chevy Suburban used as a “fly vehicle” for speedy Basic Life Support medical emergency response.

Out of the agency’s 70 annual calls, 40 are medical calls.

Their more conventional apparatus includes a 2013 Pierce custom engine-tanker acquired in 2013 and a 2,000 gallon tanker that’s been around for years, and another 4-wheel-drive Pierce engine for rural terrain.

The department’s well-equipped dive team covers the northern end of lake George and the southern end of Lake Champlain.

Ticonderoga Fire studying new home TICONDEROGA — The town of Ticonderoga’s Fire department has a legacy of expertise that has spanned generations, protecting the lives and property of people living and working in this historic mill town.

This long-standing neighborly commitment to serve others has produced a robust roster of 50 active firefighters presently serving in the department.

The organization and town officials are now conducting a feasibility study on developing a new standalone fire station or a public safety center, Chief Matt Watts said. One option is converting the former Grand Union into a fire hall.

The department’s jurisdiction spans the whole town of Ticonderoga except for the hamlet of Chilson, which hosts its own fire company. The Ticonderoga Fire Department serves a popula-

Photo by Susan Zacharenko

tion of about 4,500.

The Department is funded by fire district taxes, augmented by fundraisers and donations as well as their popular weekly bingo games which have hosted as many as 150 people.

The department personnel have enjoyed the recent arrival of a new rescue/fire engine. Possessing the ability to carry extrication equipment, a giant airbag for lifting vehicles and various other rescue equipment, it replaces both a 1992 pumper and a 1995 rescue truck, Watts said.

“While firefighters in one truck can put a fire out, personnel in another truck can now cut crash victims out of a crushed vehicle,” he said.

The most dramatic local fire in recent years was a blaze that consumed a wing of St. Mary’s School in 2014, causing several million dollars of damage. The school building was saved and subsequently renovated.

Watts said the next prominent event the department is holding for the public is a grand reopening April 22 of the local fire museum located at the fire station, and all are invited to attend.

Ticonderoga EMS is well prepared TICONDEROGA — Ticonderoga Emergency Squad has a deep personnel roster, a comprehensive training program and high-technology equipment that allows them to provide a high level of Advanced Life Support services to area residents.

The squad has about 30 members, of whom 10 are EMTs currently enrolled in Critical Care classes pursuing ALS certification, two enrolled in Paramedic studies, as well as five certified Critical Care providers. The remainder of the 30 serve as drivers and attendants, squad Captain Mark Barber said.

The squad provides its advanced services 24/7 to the public.

With the squad responding to about 530 calls per year, they have one of highest call rates in Essex County.

The squad now consists totally of volunteers, although the in>> Story Continued | pg. 27

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EMS - 27

Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Department include: back from left, Peter Lagrasse, Dominic Bussiculo, Richard Moses, John Thomas, Phyllis Wells, Sara Belanger, Ryan Waite, Brandon Thomas, James Mansfield; kneeling, Philiph Dickinson; front from left, Doreen Ryan, Cheyenne Thomas, John Mosher, Ashley Black and Jo-Ann Mosher. Not pictured: Joseph Fisk, Gloffke, Josh Hayes, Justin Thomas, Adam Lomenzo, Tony Lomenzo , April Lomenzo, Katie-Jo Fisk, Casey Banker, Maura McCann, Deborah Mcilrath, , Sloan Russel, Nathan Thomas, Elaine O’Neil Photo by Susan Zacharenko

Horicon Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Horicon Volunteer Fire Department.

Photo provided

<< Continued from | p. 26

troduction of paid staff is scheduled for introduction next year to guarantee coverage for the town as well as Putnam which the squad is contracted to cover, Barber said.

Several years ago, the squad moved into a new station on Champlain Avenue in the hamlet of Ticonderoga.

Equipment purchased recently includes a brand-new ambulance and two new power-stretchers. Additionally, the squad has acquired two new cardiac monitors for their ambulances.

In addition to receiving municipal support, the squad relies on revenue from donations from the public.

Chilson Fire Dept. serves vital role CHILSON — The Chilson Volunteer Fire Co, with 46 members and 22 qualified active firefighters, serves the 30-squaremile area of the town of Ticonderoga known as Chilson that includes Putts Pond and a large portion of Eagle Lake. Its fire district includes extensive tracts of state-owned land. The department is well staffed and equipped to provide fire protection,\ and rescue services including vehicle extractions. Chilson Volunteer Fire Co. also responds to weather emergencies, clears downed trees from roadways, and provides assistance to homebound residents during power outages and other emergencies.

The Chilson Community Center at the fire station is owned by the department; its playing fields and picnic grounds host many community events. The fire company holds two fund raisers every year, a dinner dance in winter and the Chilson Community Barbecue in summer, to help cover operational costs.

Schroon Lake Fire eyes upgrades SCHROON LAKE — The Schroon Lake Fire Department may be equipped well now, but it’s only going to get better. The department just purchased a new 8-wheeler UTV for backcountry rescue and all-terrain fire suppression, and the vehicle can be outfitted with tracks for traveling accross snow in winter.

But that’s not all: the department has a new KME pumpertanker on order which is likely to be ready in January, Fire chief Rodney Secor said.

This new apparatus joins the department’s standard fire and rescue trucks, which are augmented by a fire boat that takes responds to both fire and medical emergencies on and around

Schroon and Paradox lakes.

Schroon Lake Fire has a deep roster of 34 active members who responded to 113 fire calls in 2015. The department’s coverage area extends from the Warren-Essex County line north to the town of North Hudson, spanning 235 square miles.

The department receives financial support from the town of Schroon.

New district funds Schroon Lake EMS SCHROON LAKE — Like many other rural ambulance corps, the Schroon Lake Emergency Squad is now funded by an emergency services district that levies a modest sum on properties within its jurisdiction. The district was in effect as of Jan. 1.

The squad is an arm of the Schroon Lake Fire Department, featuring paid personnel with Advanced Life Support certification on duty 12 hours per day, squad captain Amy Wheeler said. For the remainder of the hours, volunteer staffers, also ALS certified, are on duty. The volunteers on the squad number 23.

The six paid employees are on duty from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days per week. The squad covers the town of Schroon including the hamlets of Schroon Lake, Severance and Paradox. The squad also contracts to serve the entire town of North Hudson.

The squad purchased a new ambulance that was delivered last November, plus they’ve installed two new power stretchers, one each in their ambulances.

The squad saves money by sharing headquarters with the Schroon Lake Fire Department at 28 Industrial Drive in the hamlet of Schroon Lake. The squad’s call volume of 298 for 2015 reflects an increase of 50 over 2014.

Extensive training is emphasized in the squad — and several members are now pursuing advanced training, said squad captain Amy Wheeler, who is attending paramedic school at Cobleskill this fall.

North Hudson selects smaller apparatus NORTH HUDSON — Smaller firefighting vehicles are now being chosen by the officials of North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, Fire chief Brian Caza said this week. They offer some advantages, including accessing tighter spots and being able to maneuver better, he said.

The North Hudson Fire company has recently obtained two new trucks — a Ford F550 Spartan mini-pumper, and a Ford F-550 mini-rescue truck with roll-up doors. The compact apparatus will be particularly useful in responding to vehicle crashes and chimney fires, Caza said. These two vehicles supplement the agency’s one big pumper fire truck, he said.

North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue has 24 skilled, dedicated members that tackle emergency situations throughout the entire town of North Hudson, including a lengthy stretch of I-87 Northway.

The highway has hosted horrendous and deadly crashes over the past several decades, including a tour-bus rollover in 2014.

In an effort to maximize public safety and welfare, North Hudson firefighters respond to EMS calls to administer CPR and first aid — in addition to their fire-quelling duties, Caza said.

North Hudson Regianal Fire & Rescue is located on Rte. 9 in the hamlet by the same name.

Newcomb now receiving ALS services NEWCOMB — Residents of the town of Newcomb now have the security of emergency medical services that include 24/7 Advanced Life Support, according to Nate Bush, Fire Chief of the Newcomb Fire Department & Emergency Squad.

The combined organization has about 20 active firefighters and three full-time paid emergency medical technicians. The department serves the hamlets of Goodnow and Tahawus as well as the town of Newcomb. The department’s personnel responded to two fire calls and 9 EMS alerts this year so far, he said. Annually, the department tallies nearly 100 EMS calls.

The department dispatches one ambulance and four fire trucks. Newcomb Fire officials are now lobbying to obtain a new pumper tanker to replace a 1984 GMC model.

The most prominent fire in 2015 was a devastating blaze that consumed W.D.’s store, the main retail enterprise in the hamlet of Newcomb. Bush noted that the department members are often helped out by local citizens when their assistance is needed, and the community is generous with their financial support which is much appreciated.

“We have excellent community support,” he said. “The town is always right behind us if we need anything.”

28 - EMS

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April 2, 2016