Fire news li 4 15

VOLUME XLII, NO. 8

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 APRIL 2015

Turn to page 6 for the full story.

-Fire News photo by Brian Grogan

Fire News Welcomes Everyone to FDIC Visit us at Booth 5867 in the Convention Center

Page 2, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 3

i

In this issue...

Close Call in North Bellmore Two firefighters fall into a basement during a blaze, but both make it out unscathed.

See story page 14

House Fire in Rockville Centre Two firefighters bail out a back window during a fast-moving fire.

See story page 28

Gas Explosion in Water Mill Two civilians are burned and a house destroyed in a natural gas explosion.

See story page 30

27 Injured in Dix Hills Bus-Truck MVA A boxtruck collides with a school bus, initiating a Mass Casualty Incident call.

See story page 60

Suffolk FM Assists Schenectady Suffolk Fire Marshall Don Lynch assists ATF and Schenectady FD with a fatal fire investigation.

See story page 79

Mastic Loses Two Leaders Ex-Chief George Zaglool and ex-Chief and Life Member Dante Bilotta remembered.

See story page 107

A Service for Long Island Firefighters and EMS Heroes Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, JEB LADOUCEUR, Publisher Emeritus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tim Asbell, Bill Bennett, Chris Brenner, Kirk Candan, George Caracost, Wayne Carrington, Mike Cimino, Charles Cole, Joe Comprato, Ed Coppa, Bill D’Alessandro, Mike DesCalso, Jim Dunn, Larry Fox, Lou Gelabart, Martin Goffe, Myron Goldstein, Richard Gomez, Bryan Gosik, Carol Griffin, Brian Grogan, Steve Grogan, Daniel Gunther, Michael Gunther, Jeff Havlik, Jack Healy, Branden Heller, Michael Heller, Robert Holley, Andrew House, Linda Imbriale, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Joe LaPietra, Paul Llobell, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Andrew McShane, Brad Maier, Paul Mazza, Terry McCarrick, Mike McCarthy, Lou Minutoli, Ron Monteleone, Jim Mooney, Ilene Morris, Michael Murphy, Charles A. Murphy, Phil Orlando, Robert O'Rourk, Francis "Sid" Parkan, Kevin Parkan, Tom Pesce, Kevin Peterson, Jackson Pokress, Myles Quinn, Christina Rahn, Leonard Rivera, Dave Rubin, Jerry Rudolph, Jim Rugen, Orlando Salcedo, Steve Schaefer, Alan Shields, Drew Silverman, Steve Silverman, Steve Smaldon, Tom Smyth Jr., Bob Sorenson, Joe Sperber, Rich Stark, Andrew Tetreault, Ed Tuffy, Joe Turner, Walker Turner, Alex VanSantvoord, Joe Virgilio, Joe Volpi, Dennis Whittam, Michael Wiwczar, John Wladyka Jr. COLUMNISTS: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Chief Billy Goldfeder, Bradley Pinsky, Roseann Mariani COPYRIGHT 2015, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: LI@firenews.com

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 EMS Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . .starts on page 54 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 102 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 104 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 106 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 108

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above.

We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

42 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 42nd year of publication.

If you have any stories, photos and good memories from the past, please send them to LI@FireNews.com.

Page 4, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Revitalize Through Knowledge Thankfully the air temperature has risen above freezing and the snow that has blanketed the firehouse since December is vanishing. Springtime is the season for rebirth. I am not talking about nature. I am talking about the fire service. Have you given any thought to what has been going on during the cold months? As a first responder, you most likely concerned yourself with standbys during storms, making sure hydrants in your area were dug out and, like a true athlete, you found the time to train so you were ready for your next battle. This winter was rough on all of you. We had many serious fires and EMS calls. As spring revitalizes us, remember our brothers and sisters who were lost this winter.

What has been going on in the fire service that has a direct impact on you, the first responder? Most of you cannot answer this question. If I asked you what is happening on April 15-16, 2015, could you tell me? This important date is The National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium, which is held in Washington, DC. Each year over 2000 fire and emergency officials go to our nation's capitol to attend seminars, participate in meetings with our friends in Congress and network to build positive relationships with our peers. At the conclusion of the event, our highest ranking officials pay tribute to our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.

In the hierarchy of the emergency services, we have districts, towns, cities, counties, states and our country. It is imperative that we work toward one goal, which insures the safety of you, the first responder. The Congressional Fire Services Institute has been working very hard to protect you. Thanks to our friends in government, Congress has approved the Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Funding Bill.

A Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Bill was introduced into Congress by Senator Susan Collins (ME) and Congressman Peter King (NY-2). Learn more about these bills and other bills by visiting www.CFSI.org. You must educate yourself about the bills which directly affect you. Your voice needs to be heard. Talk to the people in the councils that represent you to make sure that they are present in Washington to voice support for the programs that will help you do your job safely.

Fire News will be at CFSI, along with many of our advertisers, councils, organizations and firefighters. I strongly urge you to visit the CFSI website at www.CFSI.org. Stay informed and voice your concerns about the FireRescue and Emergency Services. …Dennis

THANK YOU! 91,400 for the likes!

(Let’s make it 100,000!)

ANNOUNCEMENTS FRED 3 SEMINAR

Nassau County is holding a training class called “FRED 3 - The Trilogy.” This is a day-long free seminar for fire and EMS from Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. Participants will receive eight hours of CME credit. The event will be held April 19, 2015, at the Morrelly Conference Center, 510 Grumman Road, West Bethpage. Topics include: Firefighter/EMS Well Being; Company Officers, Tips and Tricks; Treating the Autistic Trauma Patient; You’ve Been Subpoenaed; I was Trying to Get to the Call; What’s an IED; Member Retention; Junior FD/EMS Corps and more. To reserve a seat, e-mail FireResponderEducationDay@gmail.com. There is no fee.

TOWER CLIMB AT ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER

Two foundations established to assist military heroes who have suffered devastating injuries, and to ensure that children who have lost parents in war will still be able to obtain the education they wish, will hold the first stair climb event at One World Trade Center.

The event, entitled The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Presents A Tower Climb Honoring Captain Billy Burke, will take place Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 0800.

The joint announcement was made by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers and the Captain Billy Burke Foundations. “Our foundation couldn’t be more honored to be chosen to hold the first stair-climb event at One World Trade Center,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “I am sure that everyone who participates will be thinking about how their efforts are enabling us to offer vital assistance to our military heroes.”

Michael Burke, boardmember of The Captain Billy Burke Foundation, and brother of Capt. Burke, said, “Billy would be humbled and grateful to know that, in his memory, funds are going to assist military heroes who have suffered devastating injuries, and to help ensure that children who have lost parents in war will still be able to obtain the education they wish.”

EAST END VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Family Service League (FSL) is looking for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of Long Island children living in Eastern Suffolk County. We are seeking volunteers to train as Homework Tutors, Adolescent Craft and Activity Helpers, and Pre-School Aides.

FSL offers initial training classes, ongoing supervision and continuing education for all volunteer candidates.

Operation Success volunteers assist with Homework Help and Tutoring for elementary students in our after-school program at the FSL Riverhead Family Center. RECESS volunteers assist with activities such as arts and crafts, games, sports and outings during this recreational program designed for children from ages seven to 17 who are coping with mental illness. FSL Riverhead Family Center sessions are scheduled for Saturdays from 0900 to 1130.

Preschool volunteers assist teachers who are helping to mold young minds through our Universal Pre-K program in Laurel.

Morning and afternoon programs are weekdays throughout the school year. Scheduling is flexible.

To find out more about these and other opportunities please contact: Mary Winterle, 631-470-6772 or mwinterle@fsl-li.org.

ROCK FEST 2015

The Brookhaven Fire Department will be holding a Rock Fest on Saturday, June 6, 2015. Gates open at 1600 and the show starts at 1700. Entrance tickets are $5 per person. Refreshments and raffles will be available for purchase. Bring your chair or blanket for a night of great music and fun. Come to the Brookhaven Fire Department Fireman’s Park located on Montauk Highway and Old Town Road, across from headquarters. Contact Mike Verni at 631-286-2228 or visit www.Brookhaven FD.com for more information.

AN EVENING WITH JEFFREY WANDS

The Hewlett Fire Department and Exempt Association will hold an evening with psychic/medium and radio personality Jeffery Wands on Saturday, April 25, 2014. Seating starts at 1800 and the event will begin at 1900. The proceeds from the performance will be contributed to fire department-related charities.

The Hewlett Fire Department is located at 25 Franklin Avenue in Hewlett. Tickets for the event are $35 per person and can be purchased at www.brownpaper tickets.com/event/1138415. Admission includes refreshments, and raffles will be available for purchase.

Seating is limited to those 16 years of age and older. For more information, please call 516-316-5947 or e-mail Kahern@HewlettFD.org.

FireNews.com

Welcome Home

On March 16, 2015, Suffolk Police Officer Mark Collins, who was shot while performing his duties in Huntington, was released from Stony Brook University Medical Center. Mark, who is an ex-chief and commissioner of the North Bellmore Fire Department, was cheered on by hundreds of brother and sister police and fire offi-

Fire News, April 2015, Page 5

cers. In the photo he is greeted by Suffolk Police Officer Nicholas Guerrero. Officer Guerrero suffered severe injures as a result of a hit and run accident and was released from Stony Brook back in October. Fire News wishes Suffolk County Police Officer Mark Collins a full recovery.

-Fire News photo by Andrew Tetreault

Page 6, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Apt. Complex Inferno in Hempstead

FireNews.com

Apt. Complex Inferno ...continued

On February 20, 2015, Hempstead firefighters were joined by more than a dozen neighboring departments to battle a massive fire, that swept through a Hempstead Village apartment complex on Terrace Avenue. About 18 apartments were destroyed with 50 others sustaining serious damage. More than two hundred residents were displaced and being sheltered in a nearby community center. There were no serious injuries reported.

- Fire News photos by Brian Grogan, Paul Mazza, Bill D’Alessandro and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 7

Page 8, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Fire at SUNY Stony Brook

On February 21, 2015, Fire Marshals were dispatched to the Physics Building on the Stony Brook University campus in response to a report of a burning odor. Upon discovering a slight haze in the mechanical equipment room of the building, Fire Marshals activated the fire alarm. Responders, including local fire department volunteers, discovered insulation material burning within the north facing exterior wall and extinguished the smoldering material. The cause of the fire was construction related. The building was cleared for normal operations for the following day.

- Fire News photos

by John Dielman

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 9

NEWLY ARRIVED TWO TOOLS AT ONCE

TNT tools were used to cut down the NYC Crane Collapse

Get the Best and the Strongest Cutters Available

NOW USING TNT TOOLS SOUTHOLD - COMPLETE CHANGE TO “TNT” Rescue truck and pumpers East Moriches Fire District Rescue – All TNT on their new truck Yaphank Fire District North Bellmore Fire District Jamesport Fire District FDNY – Numerous orders switched to NEXUS “hot swap” couplings completed in field, NO OUT OF SERVICE Yaphank Fire Department FDNY SOC Command FDNY - Rescue “1” FDNY - Rescue “2” FDNY - Rescue “3” FDNY - Rescue “4” FDNY - Rescue “5” East Norwich Fire Department Syosset Fire Department Port Washington Fire Department Jamesport Fire Department Greenport Fire Department Hasting on the Hudson Fire Department Nissequogue Fire Department Hagerman Fire Department Kings Park Fire Department New York Police Department Emergency Services (ESU)

Max Cutting Force 320,000 lbs

LIFETIME WARRANTY AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS SAVING LIVES KEEPING AMERICANS WORKING

YOU’RE RIGHT PERFORMANCE IS EVERYTHING!

TNT RESCUE SYSTEMS, INC.

Fire & Rescue Apparatus Sales, Inc.

40 Haven Avenue Port Washington, New York 11050

(516) 883-1116 Fax (516) 767-7034 jduncan@chieffire.net

Page 10, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Bay Shore House Fire

On February 4, 2015, Firecom activated the Bay Shore Fire Department for a residential structure fire on Manatuck Boulevard. John Ippolito, Jr., (3-130) was on scene in less than three minutes, reporting smoke present in the two-story residence, which also served as a day care center. The fire was contained to a single room, on the 3-4 corner, and was extinguished in short order. Brentwood was mutual aided, West Islip stood by at Bay Shore, and Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance was on scene.

- Fire News photo by Rich Stark

Car Fire on the By-Pass Recently, the Nesconset Fire Department was activated for a vehicle fire at Route 347 and Southern Boulevard. Units arrived under the command of Assistant Chief John Martins to a fully involved car fire. Fire police closed Route 347 eastbound.

There were no reported injuries.

- Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Factory Fire in Deer Park On January 29, 2015, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to a report of smoke on North Industry Court.

Deer Park chiefs arrived to smoke pouring out the eaves.

Entry was made by popping doors to locate the fire, and smoke started pouring out from the doors and window when they were taken out. Units stretched two handlines, knocking down the fire that was caused by space heater.

Deer Park Chief Larry Bradbury requested assistance from Deer Park, Bay Shore, Brentwood, North Babylon, Wyandanch, West Islip, North Lindenhurst, East Farmingdale and Wyandanch Wheatley Heights Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com

Car Fire on the SOB On January 15, 2015, the Wantagh Fire Department alerted Stations 2 and 4 for a car fire on southbound Route 135 at Exit 3 after Third Assistant Chief Kelly came upon the burning vehicle. The driver pulled to the side of the road and exited the vehicle before it was engulfed. Engines 692, 694, 697, Safety Car 6920, Medic Car 6969 and Ambulance 6919 responded. Chief of Department Jackowitz was in charge.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 11

Terryville Building Fire

On a very cold February 24, 2015, the Terryville Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire at the Comsewogue School District Maintenance Facility on Terryville Road. Upon the arrival of Chief Pilkington (5A4-31), mutual aid resources were requested. The fire was contained and extinguished. Great job to all involved and thanks to the Terryville Ladies Service Company, Port Jefferson, Selden, Mt. Sinai and Miller Place for assistance.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

Page 12, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Wind-Fed Fire in Amityville

On February 22, 2015, the Amityville Fire Department alerted for a house fire on Park Avenue in Amityville. Chief of Department Waegerle arrived to heavy fire showing from the 1-4 exposure on the second floor extending into the attic due to high winds and balloon construction.

Engine 1-1-3 was first due and stretched multiple lines to the house with the crews from Engine 1-1-2 and 1-1-4.

Ladder 1-1-5's crew forced entry and were met with fire on the first floor and the second floor staircase. With the fire on the second floor being knocked down, the conditions in the attic deteriorated and all members were pulled from the house and went into an exterior attack with the deck gun of 1-1-3 and master stream from 1-1-5. First Assistant Chief ran operations, with Second and Third Assistant Chiefs Greey and Hegarty handling the fire attack. Mutual aid was provided to the scene by the Copiague, North Amityville and Lindenhurst; Massapequa and North Lindenhurst stood by at Amityville Headquarters until Massapequa Ladder 636 was moved up to the scene to assist with overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

Page 14, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Very Close Call at N. Bellmore Blaze

On February 19, 2015, units from North Bellmore, Bellmore, Wantagh, Levittown, North Merrick, Merrick, North Massapequa and Seaford responded to the scene of a fully involved Cape Cod-style home on Haff Avenue in North Bellmore. The fire originated in the basement of the home and rapidly spread throughout due to the heavy winds and venting prior to the units arrival. Two firefighters from the Merrick Fire Department, while attempting a search, were seen to fall through a hole on the first floor and into the burning base-

ment. First Assistant Chief Tom Gies of Merrick immediately radioed a Mayday and went for the stairs. There he met 3rd Assistant Chief Ken Kelly of Wantagh and Firefighter Kevin Sharkey of North Bellmore advancing a line into the basement in an attempt to get to the firefighters. As they opened the line, Gies advanced and found the two. Both firefighters made it out safely. As conditions deteriorated all units were pulled out as tower ladders went to work.

- Fire News photos by Harry Loud and Paul Mazza

631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com

Page 16, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

One More Time in Farmingville

In the early morning of March 7, 2015, the Farmingville Fire Department was activated for a residential structure fire on Lenore Lane at the same house they fought a working fire at just hours prior. Numerous calls were coming into dispatch from neighbors living on the block that heavy smoke was again coming from the home. Upon arrival commanding units were met with heavy fire conditions and transmitted a working fire.

Mutual aid was requested from Holtsville, Selden, Ronkonkoma and Medford. The stubborn fire burned for well over two hours before being placed under control. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez, Ron Monetleone, Amanda Coffey and David Rubin

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Quick Work by Lakeview The Lakeview Fire Department transmitted a working fire on February 12, 2015, for a fire on the first floor of a 11/2 story home on Coolidge Avenue.

Engine company members doused the flames quickly, and mutual aid companies were on the scene.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

EASTERN SURPLUS & EQUIPMENT CO.

1-855-332-0500 Dave@easternsurplus.net • www.easternsurplus.net

CUSTOM BUILT MILITARY 6X6 BRUSH/FIRE/RESCUE TRUCKS STOCKING 2 1 2 TON ½ AND 5 TON ALL WHEEL DRIVE/6X6 – U.S. MILITARY TRUCKS • All wheel drive • Custom fabricated brush guards • Winches/Plows/Dump beds supplied and installed • Emergency Rescue- enclosed van bodies design built • Full paint service in our 50’ end draft booth

• Over 150 trucks in stock to choose from • 100% parts support in stock • Full service/repairs to your truck in our shop located on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia PA • Pickup/delivery service available

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 19

House Fire in Holtsville

2 Injured in Wantagh Fire

On the morning of February 16, 2015, the Holtsville Fire Department was activated for a residential structure fire on Lowell Avenue. Upon arrival, commanding chief 5-11-32 transmitted a working fire with reports of flames and smoke visible. Mutual aid was requested from the Farmingville Fire Department for RIT. The fire was quickly knocked down without further incident.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

A fire in a Mark Alan Drive home in Wantagh caused injuries to the homeowners and damage to the home on February 16, 2015.

Wantagh Assistant Chief Ken Kelly arrived to find a medium smoke condition in the basement. He, along with a police officer, immediately escorted an elderly couple from the home. The male occupant had sustained second-degree burns of the hands while the female occupant was treated for smoke inhalation. Both were taken to Nassau University Medical Center by fire department ambulances. Fire was found in a crawl space and was quickly extinguished but the floor had to be opened to look for extension.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire was caused by thawing a frozen pipe.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

T E C H N O L O G I E S I NC .

The

Divator M KII/Scuba A Full Service Dealer for

CFS II Containment Fill Station for SCBA and SCUBA The CFS ll Containment Fill Stations are Available in One, Two and Three fill positions

Meets all Requirements of NFPA 1901 WE

ARE A UTHORIZED D ISTRIBUTORS FOR S ALES /S ERVICE AND P ARTS OF I NTERSPIRO AGA D IVE M ASKS

CALL TODAY FOR

A

Q UOTE .

Demand B etter...

Demand BAUER

Schedule Annual Flow Test NOW!

(800) 7 16-5 5 550

Page 20, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Uniondale Blaze Guts Home

A house fire broke out in a garage on Commodore Road in Uniondale on January 28, 2015. Firefighters from 11 departments battled the blaze, which gutted the house. One firefighter was injured.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Garage Fire in Hicksville

The Hicksville Fire Department responded to a garage fire on Willow Avenue on March 9, 2015. Upon arrival, units attacked a detached garage with a heavy fire condition extending to a car parked in the driveway. Assisting Hicksville were East Meadow, Jericho, Westbury and Plainview. The cause was under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 21

Hicksville House Fire

On February 4, 2015, the Hicksville Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Jerusalem Avenue by 9th Street. Arriving units found smoke showing and a kitchen fire that had extended into the attic. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire, which was brought under control in about 40 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Kevin Imm

Page 22, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Uniondale 3-Alarmer On February 18, 2015, the Uniondale Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Dale Place. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story residence with heavy fire through the roof in the rear. A second alarm was struck when the hydrant on the fire block was found to be frozen, causing the first due crews to quickly backstretch from two blocks away. The fire appeared to start in the rear of the house on the first floor, extending through an exterior wall to the second floor and the attic. A third alarm was struck for additional manpower as the fire proved to be a stubborn one, with extensive overhaul being required. Assisting were East Meadow, West Hempstead, Baldwin, Hempstead, as well as South Hempstead ambulance.

- Fire News photos by Tim Asbell and Bill D’Alessandro

Page 24, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Keeping Busy in Manhasset-Lakeville House Fire On February 13, 2015, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Companies 1, 2, 3 and the Ambulance Unit were dispatched for a reported house fire in a 2-1/2 story house on Brookwold Drive. Ambulance 8767 was the first unit to arrive on scene and reported smoke showing and confirmed that all occupants were out.

Deputy Chief Kiess (8701) arrived on the scene two minutes later and transmitted a Signal 10 for a working fire. Engine 8712 was the first unit to arrive on the scene, with Quint 8728 immediately following it and made an aggressive push on the main body of fire, which was located in the rear half of the house.

- Fire News story by Kirk Candan; photo by Scott Chen and Joe Toole.

Truck Fire On February 22, 2015, ManhassetLakeville Fire Department Company #5 was dispatched to the intersection of Shelter Rock Road and Old Shelter Rock for a reported truck fire. Chiefs Farrone (8705), Candan (8704) and Kiess (8701) all responded. Engine 8758 arrived on the scene and extinguished the burning truck.

- Fire News story by Kirk Candan; photo by Kyle Dugger

Car Fire

On February 15, 2015, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #4 was dispatched to the parking lot of Waldbaum’s on Great Neck Road for a reported vehicle fire. Engine 8740 arrived first on scene of a working car fire. Deputy Chief Candan (8704) released all units from the scene within 20 minutes.

- Fire News story by Kirk Candan; photo by Kirk Candan and Lee Genser

Apartment Fire On February 2, 2015, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Companies 3, 4, 5 and the Ambulance Unit were dispatched to a reported apartment fire in the second floor of a three-story apartment building on Welwyn Road in Great Neck Plaza. Engine 8735 was the first piece of apparatus to arrive, followed

by Engine 8740. All searches were negative and the fire was contained to one bedroom with no extension to the floor above. All occupants were removed prior to unit’s arrival; one occupant was transported to a local hospital by Ambulance 8767.

- Fire News story by Kirk Candan; photo by Kyle Dugger

Page 26, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Selden Goes to Work During Storm

During a snowstorm on February 17, 2015, the Selden Fire Department was toned out for a working structure fire on Liberty Avenue. With the help of mutual aid from Terryville, Farmingville, Centereach and Coram, the fire was brought under control.

Thanks to Ronkonkoma EMS for covering the Selden district.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam and Ron Monteleone

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 27

Farmingville Car Fire

The Farmingville Fire Department responded to a car fire on Engine 2 was first due and, despite the magnesium in the car, it was Allegheny Drive South on February 26, 2015. While Chief Dave knocked down rather quickly. All chiefs were on scene with the crew - Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken Smith was enroute he was notified of a fully involved car fire. from Engine 3.

Page 28, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

House Fire in Rockville Centre

The Rockville Centre Fire Department, under the command of Chief John Thorp, fought a stubborn house fire on South Long Beach Road on the morning of February 14, 2015. The fire quickly spread from the basement and up the walls to the top floor.

Mutual aid to the scene came from East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Lakeview and Oceanside. Malverne stood-by at fire headquarters.

At the height of the fire two firefighters came out a back room window to escape the fast moving fire. Three firefighters were injured.

- Fire News photos by Steve Grogan and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 29

East Brentwood Commercial Blaze On February 26, 2015, the East Brentwood Fire Department was dispatched to a reported building fire on Suffolk Avenue. Chief Vasquez arrived to fire showing from the exposure one side of a two-story commercial building housing multiple businesses. Chief of Department Grarmmenos arrived and took command.

Engine 3-3-1 was first due and stretched two lines along with the crew from Rescue Engine 3-3-5. The Brentwood Fire Department arrived with Ladder 3-2-8 and Engine 3-2-2.

Additional mutual aid was provided to the scene by Bay Shore, Central Islip, Commack and Islip Terrace. The fire was brought under control in about an hour with the Hookah Lounge destroyed and the rest of the building suffering smoke and water damage. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Bryan Lopez

Page 30, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Gas Explosion in Water Mill On February 11, 2015, the Southampton Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a structure fire on Old Country Road in Water Mill. As the first chief signed on, dispatch reported that there was an explosion at the residence. Upon arrival, two subjects were found severely burned on their face and hands.

Southampton Town and Southampton Village were requested to the scene. As paramedics arrived, two helicopters were requested to medevac the burn victims to the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital. North Sea was requested for mutual aid for a pumper to stand by and to cover the landing zone. After the initial attack there was a second explosion. National Grid was on scene quickly and firefighters dug through two feet of snow to help them find the gas shut off. Approximately 30 minutes into the call the gas was shut off. The explosion sent parts of the residence — which was a total loss — 60 feet away.

Southampton Chief Mike Kampf was in charge.

- Fire News story by Chris Brenner; photos courtesy of SFD

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 31

Page 32, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

House Fire in Plainview

Late on February 23, 2015, the Plainview Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house fire in the vicinity of Frederick Drive. The Bethpage Fire Department was immediately notified for an engine dual response. Plainview Tower Ladder 9533 along with Bethpage Engine 9044 crews immediately stretched handlines and began searches and ventilation. Firefighters braved subzero conditions to extinguish the blaze. Plainview responded with Engines 9511, 9522, 9544 and 954, Ladder 9533, Rescue 957, Rehab unit 9530, and EMS units 959, 9529, 9549 and 9599. Mutual aid was received from Bethpage, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Jericho, South Farmingdale and Syosset. The scene was under the command of 9501.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm; story courtesy Plainview FD

Smithtown Structure Fire

On February 22, 2015, the Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a structural fire on Stony Hill Path. Upon arriving on the scene Chief 4-2-31 (Murphy) upgraded the alarm to a working structural fire. The fire started outside, under the rear deck of the home and began spreading to the exterior wall. Engine 5-2-5 stretched a line to the rear of the structure and extinguished the fire. On scene were Chief Murphy; Engines 4-2-5, 4-2-2 and 4-2-15; Rescue 4-2-9; Ladder 4-2-7; and ambulance 4-2-62.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Bressler, Smithtown FD/PIO

Vacant House Fire in Westbury The Westbury Fire Department responded to a house fire on Madison Avenue in Westbury on March 10, 2015. Upon arrival a heavy fire condition was present in the house, which appeared to be vacant. Police on scene were reporting homeless people possibly living inside, but searches were negative and the fire was quickly brought under control.

Assisting were Hicksville, Jericho, Carle Place, Bethpage, Plainview and Williston Park. The Nassau County Fire Marshal was investigating the cause, which appeared suspicious.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

2 Escape Floral Park Blaze Two residents were able to escape to safety after a raging fire broke out on the second floor of their home on Crocus Avenue in Floral Park on the evening of March 9, 2015. The Floral Park Fire Department was quickly on the scene to extinguish the blaze.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 33

Page 34, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

2 Escape Lindenhurst Blaze

Recently, the Lindenhurst Fire Department responded to a house fire on Madison Avenue. The homeowner and his son escaped the fire. Lindenhurst and West Babylon responded.

- Fire News photos by Eddie Coppa

1 Injured in Dix Hills House Fire The Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a house fire February 28, 2015, on Seaman Neck Road. The three residents of the home were safely evacuated prior to the department’s arrival.

Battling sub-freezing temperatures and slick ice, firefighters were faced with a heavy fire on the first floor which quickly extended to the second floor and attic. Firefighters began an aggressive attack on the blaze, which was contained within a half hour, under the command of Chief Robert Fling, supported by First Assistant Chief Tom Napolitano. Greenlawn and the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps provided standby coverage. A woman suffered minor burns to her lower extremities and was transported to Huntington Hospital by the Dix Hills Rescue Squad. The fire was under investigation by the Huntington Town Fire Marshal and Suffolk Police Arson Squad.

- Fire News photos by Steve Silverman

Page 36, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Garage Fire in North Massapequa

On March 11, 2015, the North Massapequa Fire Department was alerted for a garage fire on North Atlanta Avenue. First arriving units, Engine 2 and Ladder 1, transmitted a working garage fire with extension to the house. Massapequa, Seaford, Wantagh,

Bethpage and South Farmingdale were called for mutual aid. Most of the fire was quickly extinguished. Due to the intensity of the fire the garage was a complete loss. The homeowner was home at the time the fire started.

- Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy

FireNews.com

Truck Fire in W. Hempstead

On February 21, 2015, standby units covering the West Hempstead Fire District for their annual installation dinner were called to the scene of a truck fire on Hempstead Turnpike near Broad Street.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Dead Hydrants Complicate Greenport Blaze

On February 19, 2015, the Greenport Fire Department operated at a working fire on Kaplan Avenue. Even with multiple dead hydrants they were still able to secure a positive water source.

Mutual aid came from East Marion, Orient, Cutchogue and Mattituck.

- Fire News photo by Andrew Miller

Fire News, April 2015, Page 37

Page 38, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Smithtown House Fire

The Smithtown Fire Department responded to a house fire on Forest Lane on March 5, 2015. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire in the attic area. A snow covered fire hydrant had to be dug out. After an aggressive attack the fire was quickly extinguished. Operations. were under the command of 1st Assistant Chief Tim Murphy.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 39

Holbrook House Blaze

Late night on March 1, 2015, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for a residential structure fire on Patchogue-Holbrook Road. Upon arrival, commanding Chief Tim Blewett 5-24-30 was met with a fully involved structure with heavy fire on the first and second floor. Chief Blewett requested mutual aid from Nesconset, Lakeland, Holbrook, Centereach and Holtsville. Firefighters battled the blaze for well over an hour in frigid temperatures before it was declared under control. The homeowners’ dog perished in the fire, but no other injuries were reported. Command requested a fire marshal and the arson squad to the scene.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez

Page 40, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Body Shop Blaze in N. Amityville

On February 14, 2015, the North Amityville Fire Company was alerted for a building fire at an auto body shop on Sunrise Highway. Second Assistant Chief Benloss arrived to fire showing from the roof area of the one-story commercial building. Engine 1-7-1 was first due, picked up a hydrant and its crew stretched two lines. Engine 1-7-10 and Heavy Rescue 1-7-5 were on scene shortly after. Chief Benloss requested mutual aid to the scene from the Farmingdale, Amityville, Copiague, North Lindenhurst, East Farmingdale and Wyandanch. Farmingdale set up their ladder to the roof, knocking down the fire and bringing it under control in about 30 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

“Shining a New Light on Service”

Battery operated Pelican LED Scene Lighting • No Gasoline, Oil, fumes, hard starting, noise or vibration • No extension cords, tripping hazards, electrocution concerns • No rig maneuvering, flashlight holding, blown bulbs

Just sit it where you need it and turn it on 2-Settings: Low 1000 Lumens 15-Hrs High 2000 Lumens 8-Hours Standard with 115 Volt automatic charger.

Optional tri-pod and 12VDC charger available.

$639 Phone: 631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 41

House Fire in Valley Stream The Valley Stream Fire Department responded to a working house fire on the morning of February 25, 2015. The blaze did heavy damage to the main floor of the ranch style home on Gold Street.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire, Explosion in Brentwood

On February 22, 2015, the Brentwood Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire on Third Avenue. With 3-2-30, Javier Valentin, in charge, the department arrived on scene to find a rear cottage in flames. Two lines were stretched extinguishing the blaze, sparked, apparently, by a ruptured propane line which destroyed the cottage.

The Bay Shore Fire Department responded on mutual aid, Brentwood Legion Ambulance was on scene and rendered care to the occupant of the cottage, who was inside at the time of the explosion and fire and who was later hospitalized at Stony Brook University Hospital.

- Fire News photo by Rich Stark

Fire in the Snow in Wyandanch On January 27, 2015, the Wyandanch Fire Company was alerted for a house fire on Briarwood Road. Upon the arrival of Chief of Department T. Brown, Second Assistant Chief D. Brown and Safety Officer Miller there was heavy fire showing from the 1-2 corner of the first and second floor, extending into the attic. Icy roads after a large snowstorm hampered response. Engine 1-10-1 was followed by 1-10-3, 1-104, Ladder 1-10-5 and Heavy Rescue 1-10-7. Crews stretched and operated two lines and had the fire knocked down and under control in about an hour with the house heavily damaged. Deer Park was requested to the scene for an additional engine.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

House Fire in Central Islip On January 15, 2015, the Central Islip Fire Department responded to the report of a residential structure fire on East Beech Street. With 3-7-30, Kevin McAteer, in charge, units arriving found a working fire in the basement. Two lines were stretched and put to immediate use. Both primary and secondary searches were negative with all visible fire knocked down shortly afterward. Assistance came from Hauppauge, Islip Terrace and Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance.

The Arson Squad and PSE&G also responded. A family dog died in the blaze.

- Fire News photo by Rich Stark

Page 42, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Fireplace Fire in E. Rockaway

Chimney Fire in Nesconset

Firefighters from the East Rockaway Fire Department fought a working fire in a private dwelling on the afternoon of February 1, 2015. The fire originated in the area surrounding the fireplace and spread to the adjoining exterior wall. Mutual aid companies were on the scene to assist.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Recently, the Nesconset Fire Department was toned out for chimney fire on Alexander Avenue. Under the command of Chief 31 James Keane the fire was quickly extinguished. Mutual aid came from Ronkonkoma and St. James. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Holbrook Shed Fire The Holbrook Fire Department was activated for a shed fire on Furrows Road on January 12, 2015. Engine 6 was the first on scene and knocked down the fire with no extension. Engine 2 supplied water to Engine 6. Chief 3-15-30 was in charge with help from 3-15-31.

- Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 43

Page 44, Fire News, April 2015

House Fire in Bay Shore

Early on February 17, 2015, at the start of yet another snow event, the Bay Shore Fire Department was notified of a structure fire on Captains Way in The Admiralty. Shortly afterwards, 3-1-30, John Ippolito, Jr., arrived on scene, advising there was smoke showing with heavy fire on the number 4 side. Engine 3-1-2 and Tower Ladder 3-1-4 arrived and 3-1-4 set up for roof operations. Engine 31-2 had two lines stretched and was using tank water until 3-1-1 laid

FireNews.com

into the hydrant to supply 3-1-5, which relayed water to 3-1-2. The fire was brought under control in short order after which overhaul was performed. Assisting were West Islip, Islip, North Babylon, Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance, the Town of Islip Fire Marshal’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad.

- Fire News photos by Rich Stark

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 45

5 Injured in Levittown 3-Car MVA/Fire On February 13, 2015, the Levittown Fire Department was alerted for an MVA with fire at the intersection of Jerusalem Avenue and Constellation Road. Arriving units found two cars on fire with all occupants out and a third car in a snow bank. The eight-degree temperature did not hamper firefighting efforts and the two cars were quickly extinguished. Five people were hurt and three were transported to NUMC. Chief of the Department Donald Epple was in command.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Car Fire in North Lindenhurst The North Lindenhurst Fire Department responded to the Zwanger Pesiri medical building for a reported car fire in the parking lot on February 23, 2015. Second Assistant Chief Steiger, Engine 1-11-3 and Ambulance 1-11-7 responded. The crew from 1-11-3 put one line into operation to extinguish the fire in about 15 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Page 46, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Taxi Fire in Bay Shore On February 22, 2015, the Bay Shore Fire Department was alerted for a car fire on East Forks Road near Spur Drive South. Chief of Department Ippolitio and First Assistant Chief Kunz arrived on scene and found a minivan taxi involved in the street.

The driver exited the vehicle safely before the vehicle was engulfed. Engines 3-1-2, 3-1-3 and Ladder 31-4 responded, with the crew from 3-1-2 putting one line into operation to extinguish the fire in about 15 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Suspicious Car Fire in Selden In the early morning of February 25, 2015, the Selden Fire Department was activated for a vehicle fire on Roosevelt Avenue. Upon arrival chief in command 5-25-30 was met with a working fire in the engine compartment. The fire was quickly knocked down and a fire marshal was requested to the scene for the suspicious nature of the alarm.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Page 48, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Car Fire in Southampton On March 2, 2015, the Southampton Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a car fire on Longview Road in Shinnecock Hills. Police arrived on scene and reported it to be a working car fire. Units arrived and extinguished the fire quickly.

- Fire News photo by Chris Brenner, Southampton FD

Lakeland Handles LIE Car Fire On February 21, 2015, the Lakeland Fire Department was activated for a vehicle fire on the Long Island Expressway between exits 58 and 59. Commanding units arrived to find a working fire in a car’s engine compartment.

Engine 2 was the first on scene and made a quick knockdown. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 49

Motel Fire in Bohemia On March 3, 2015, the Bohemia Fire Department was activated for a structure fire at the Lakeland Inn Motel on Lakeland Avenue. Upon arrival command was met with smoke showing from a room on the second floor. Mutual aid was requested from Lakeland, Holbrook, West Sayville, and Sayville Community Ambulance. Crews entered several rooms on the second floor to pull ceilings, and the fire was quickly declared under control.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Cold Work in Bethpage On February 23, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to a report of a building fire on Hicksville Road by Avoca Avenue. Arriving units found heavy smoke coming from a two-story dwelling. Crews were able to knock down a fire in the kitchen before it extended to the second floor and other apartments. Truck companies searches were all negative and extensive overhaul begun in the frigid temperatures.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Page 50, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Fire Contained in Bethpage On February 26, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department was alerted for an automatic alarm at a Norfolk Avenue home. Arriving units found nothing showing upon arrival but as crews investigated they discovered a fire in a second floor bedroom. Fire fighters were able to keep the fire contained to one room and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

House Fire in Uniondale On February 18, 2015, the Uniondale Fire Department responded to a working house fire on Dale Place. Firefighters were hampered by freezing temperatures and frozen hydrants. Mutual aid companies were on the scene to assist.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 51

Dix Hills Douses Car Fire on NSP

Dix Hills Fire Department volunteers were dispatched to a fire that Two engines, an ambulance, and a paramedic unit responded under destroyed an SUV on the Northern State Parkway on March 9, the command of First Assistant Chief Tom Napolitano and Third 2015. Firefighters arrived to find the fully involved SUV on the Assistant Chief Joe Williamson.

- Fire News photo by Dix Hills Fire Department parkway’s eastbound lanes, just west of the Deer Park Avenue exit.

Page 52, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Huntington Manor Battles Transformer Fire The Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to a transformer fire at the Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington Station, located behind the Cheesecake Factory on March 9, 2015. Under the command of Chief Frank McQuade with the support of Second Assistant Jon Hoffmann, about 50 firefighters responded with four engines, two heavy rescue trucks, a ladder truck and Fire Police. The Melville Fire Department provided RIT, while Huntington provided a standby engine. Huntington Community First Aid Squad ambulance crews were also dispatched to the scene.

- Fire News photo by Drew Silverman

Electrical Fire KO’d in Setauket On March 11, 2015, the Setauket Fire Department responded to a structure fire on White Pine Lane.

Firefighters quickly exposed a fire in the wall and knocked it out before it had a chance to spread.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 53

Restaurant Fire in Deer Park

At around midnight on February 12, 2015, the Deer Park Fire Department was alerted for a building fire at the Shang Hai Chinese Restaurant on Deer Park Avenue. First Assistant Chief Biolsi was first on the scene and had smoke showing from the roof of the four-store taxpayer. Chief of Department Bradbury arrived and requested mutual aid from North Babylon, two RIT units from Wyandanch and Dix Hills; West Babylon stood by at Deer Park.

Assistant Chiefs Biolsi, Scarfi and Jacob handled the fire attack as

Engine 1-4-11 picked up a hydrant and crews stretched and operated two lines. Ladder 1-4-10 set up in front of the stores and its crew went to the roof to open. The fire extended into Park Avenue Barbers on the exposure 4 side and those two stores were heavily damaged, a third store, Dix Hills Meats suffered smoke damage and the fourth store, a bar called The Den, open at the time, was not damaged. The fire was knocked down and brought under control in about 45 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Page 54, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND

Serious Smithtown MVA

On March 13, 2015, the Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for an MVA with heavy rescue requested on Route 25A in the vicinity of the Avalon Gardens Nursing Home. Upon arrival, units began working on a two-vehicle accident. The driver of one of the vehicles was pinned and needed extrication. Upon removal the driver was transported to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center. The driver of the other car involved also required transportation to the hospital.

Both were critical. On scene were Chiefs 4-2-31 (Murphy), 4-2-32 (Landrigan), Engines 4-2-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-5, Emergency Vehicles 4-2-10, 4-2-10A, King Park Rescue 4-1-9, Ambulances 4-2-61 and 4-2-62.

- Fire News photos by Jeff Bressler and Joseph C. Sperber

MVC and Then Some in Deer Park

On March 4, 2015, the Deer Park Fire Department, responded to an MVC on Deer Park Avenue where an SUV and a car crashed and one continued up onto the sidewalk and crashed through the front window of UR Stylist Nail & Spa. There were several people in the nail salon but none were hurt. The drivers were transported to hospital with unknown injuries.

- Fire News photos by BTFirePhoto.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 55

Page 58, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

3 Injured in Medford MVA

The Medford Fire Department was activated for an MVA with Suffolk Police had its helicopter land, but the three injured patients heavy rescue on February 10, 2015, at the intersection of North were transported to Brookhaven Hospital with unknown injuries.

Ocean Avenue and Pepperidge Court. Medford Ambulance was the North Patchogue was also mutual aided for an ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken first on scene and had one patient in the driver’s seat heavily pinned and unconscious. Hydraulic tools were required for extrication.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 59

MVA in Farmingville On the night of February 17, 2015, the Farmingville Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported overturn on Woodycrest Drive. Upon arrival, Chief 5-18-31 reported the victims were self-extricated. The crew of Rescue 8 arrived to secure the vehicle.

Multiple victims were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for their injuries via a Farmingville Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

MVA in Uniondale The Uniondale Fire Department was on the scene of a single-car accident with overturn on Charles Lindberg Boulevard in Uniondale early on February 23, 2015. Icy roads are thought to have played a role in the incident.

- Fire News photo

by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 60, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

27 Injured in Dix Hills Bus-Truck MVA

On February 13, 2015, the Dix Hills Fire Department was activated for an MVA between a school bus and a box truck at the intersection of Deer Park Avenue and Seaman Neck Road in Dix Hills. Dix Hills First Assistant Chief Thomas Napolitano arrived on scene along with a paramedic and found numerous injured passengers.

He immediately alerted dispatch of a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) requiring additional resources. Within minutes, three ambulances from Dix Hills arrived on scene, followed shortly by mutual aid ambulances from Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps, East Northport, Melville, West Babylon and the Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance Corps. Greenlawn also provided an ambulance,

which was rerouted during the incident to handle another MVA. Additionally, Suffolk County Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services sent the MERV. Also on scene were firefighters and a Dix Hills Heavy Rescue Engine, which used the hydraulic spreaders to extricate a passenger from the box truck. There were 27 people injured and transported from the scene, 14 by ambulances, and 13 on the MERV, which was manned by three Dix Hills EMTs. All the patients transported sustained non-life threatening injuries, and were treated at four area hospitals. The school bus was traveling from Copiague High School to Wilson Technological Center in Dix Hills.

- Fire News photo by Dix Hills Fire Department

FireNews.com

Nesconset MVA

In the early morning of February 13, 2015, the Nesconset Fire Department was activated for a two-car MVA at the intersection of Smithtown Blvd and Lake Avenue South. Upon arrival, commanding units found one driver self extricated, but laying in the road complaining of severe chest and back pain. The driver was quickly transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for his injuries.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

MVA in N. New Hyde Park

A wild scene on Lakeville Road outside the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in North New Hyde Park occurred just after noon on February 15, 2015. Two vehicles collided with one landing atop the other with three occupants trapped inside the vehicles.

Manhasset-Lakeville firefighters and NCPD ESU units safely removed the people.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 61

Page 62, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Fatality in Deer Park MVA On February 28, 2015, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to an MVA on Grand Boulevard and West 2nd Street A car crashed through a snowbank, hitting a cinderblock wall, breaking the cinderblocks apart and knocking over the dumpster inside. The person in the car was thrown from the car into the parking lot. Suffolk Police were investigating this fatal accident.

- Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com

3 Injured in W. Hempstead MVA Three people were injured on February 24, 2015, in a two-car accident on Woodfield Road near Maple Street in West Hempstead. Lakeview firefighters and EMS were on the scene. One vehicle left the roadway and came to a stop on a front lawn.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 63

2 Injured in N. Patchogue MVA

The North Patchogue Fire Department was activated for an MVA to remove the doors and the roof. Two patients were transported; with heavy rescue at the intersection of Route 112 and Old Medford one to Stony Brook University Medical Center and one to Avenue on February 26, 2015. North Patchogue Chief 5-17-32 was Brookhaven Hospital with unknown injuries.

- Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken in charge and confirmed the pin. Rescue 5 was on scene in minutes

Page 64, Fire News, April 2015

NYSAFC Technical Rescue Leadership Forum 2015

FireNews.com

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) hosted its first Technical Rescue Leadership Forum on February 28, 2015, in the Capital District. This free program for technical rescue team leaders was coordinated by NYSAFC's Special Operations Committee. More than 50 students from across New York state participated in the event. (Front row, left to right): William Xikis (NYSAFC Special Ops Committee), NYSAFC Director Robert Parese, Jonathan Kohan (NYSAFC Special Ops Committee), lecturer Robert Maynes, lecturer Peter Rizzo (NYSAFC Special Ops Committee), and NYSAFC Director John Sroka. (Back row, left to right): Raymond Maguire (Chairman, NYSAFC Special Ops Committee), NYSAFC 2nd Vice President Joseph Fahd, and NYSAFC Director Thomas Cain.

(Below): Deputy Assistant Chief (Ret.) Robert Maynes (FDNY) discussed response to Hurricane Sandy.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 65

Page 66, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Sleep Deprivation and its Effects on First Responders What the ISO and HSO Should Know By: Bob Delagi 3rd Division Director, Suffolk County Fire and EMS Safety Officers Association While intense focus on scene safety is appropriately linked to things like emergency vehicle operations, targeted hybrid violence, secondary devices, and the implications of dealing with aggressive patients, we cannot afford to overlook another danger to first responders … a far les sexy danger … sleep deprivation. Much has been reported in the mainstream media about dozing while driving, and we are not immune from that phenomena. The Incident Safety Officer (ISO) and Health and Safety Officer (HSO) curricula each contain information on emergency responder wellness and mitigation strategies as a foundation for reducing errors, injuries and deaths in our workplace.

At first glance, readers may immediately react by thinking that it’s impossible to doze while driving with emergency lights, sirens and air horns to an alarm or to the hospital, or working on the fire ground, but it goes much deeper than that. There is a growing body of literature documenting that the very traits we depend on to be successful — alertness, vigilance, and quick decision making based on limited information — have been proven to be negatively affected by sleep deprivation. The International Association of Fire Chiefs published a comprehensive report entitled The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Firefighters and EMS Responders, in June, 2007 Consider for a moment the trend that has occurred in the field of emergency medical services, in which we are seeing many agencies hire salaried providers to augment volunteer shortages. While this very positive, very necessary and very successful strategy has proven highly effective in reducing response times, an unintended consequence emerges that cannot be ignored, and if recognized, can be managed successfully. The problem stems from the combination of per diem work, and a relatively low hourly wage without benefits, that results in EMS providers working for multiple agencies, doing multiple shifts, over multiple days, often consecutively.

Now, factor in any combination of activities that collectively alter our natural circadian rhythm such as a full-time job, family obligations, volunteer obligations, etc., and the result is a work force at increased risk for driving accidents, injuries, medication errors, lackluster judgment, dropped patients, and strained inter-personal relationships with patients and co-workers. Long-term effects include increased risk for hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, and diabetes. The answer is not to stop hiring per diem workers, rather, it’s to recognize the very real short- and long-term affects of sleep deprivation and to develop policies to mitigate this risk by limiting the number of consecutive hours providers can work. Much like as has occurred throughout other areas in the emergency response profession, our “push-on-at-allcosts” attitude must be balanced by minimizing the adverse health effects from the dangers we face.

According to Kerry Kuehl, MD, Dr. P.H., and co-director of the Human Performance Laboratory at the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), being awake for 18 consecutive hours produces cognitive impairment that is the equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent, and being awake for 24 hours can cause the same cognitive impairments as a person with a blood alcohol level of 0.096 percent, well over what we refer to as the legal limit. The paradox here is that while we would never allow alcohol consumption on the job, we chalk up the potentially impaired judgment from sleep deprivation as an acceptable part of the profession. Similarly, OSHA reports a clear and convincing cause and effect relationship between an increase in worker injuries and consecutive hours worked.

Reflecting on the information we learn in the preparatory chapter of our EMT original and refresher training, recognizing risks, eating nutritious food, getting enough exercise and relaxation, and ensuring regular and uninterrupted sleep are keys to maintaining a healthy body and mind avoiding the effects of chronic sleep deprivation. Emergency response agencies and providers can benefit from sleep deprivation mitigation strategies that have been successfully implemented in other professions, such as residency medical education; shipping industry; trucking industry; and the airline industry. While the causative hazards may be different, the results are the same. The ISO/HSO plays an integral role in incorporating these strategies into the agency specific health and safety plan.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 67

Maybe Use a Sled Next Time

Not How to Enter an Office

On March 1, 2015, the Farmingville Fire Department was activated for an MVA Heavy Rescue on South Bicycle Path. Commanding Chief 5-18-30 was first on scene and advised negative entrapment.

The car ended up atop a snow bank and was winched off by 5-188. There were minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

The Nassau County Police and Westbury Fire Department responded to a car which drove through an occupied office building on Brush Hollow Road in Westbury on March 10, 2015. The driver who had a passenger, apparently lost control while entering the parking lot and crashed through the building trapping both inside the vehicle. Firefighters and police were able to safely extricate the two occupants who suffered minor injuries. Luckily nobody inside the office was injured. The building department was called to the scene to check the structural integrity.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Page 68, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Levittown School Bus Accident On March 6, 2015, the Levittown Fire Department responded to a report of an overturned school bus on Gun and Chimney Lanes.

Units arriving found that the rear tire of the bus had broken through a storm drain and was leaning. Firefighters removed 22 children from the bus and one child was injured, but a parent refused medical attention at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

MVA on the SSP Wantagh firefighters responded to a two-car accident on the Southern State Parkway near Route 135 on March 6, 2015. The accident caused injuries to one woman, who was transported by fire department ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 69

The Medford Fire Department responded to an MVA with overturn to open the car along with manpower from multiple engine compaand pin early on March 1, 2015, in the woods on North Ocean nies. Medford Ambulance transported one patient to Brookhaven Avenue by Summerfield Gate. The Medford chief requested struts Hospital with unknown injuries.

- Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken to be used to secure the vehicle. Rescue 15 used its hydraulic tools

Page 70, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Off Road on the WSP On March 4, 2015, Wantagh firefighters responded to a car that left the Wantagh State Parkway and struck a tree. Wantagh Assistant Chief Joe Gross III (right) and Safety Officer Bill Gilmor await the ambulance as driver of the car speaks with a state trooper. The woman sustained minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Overturn in Hauppauge The Suffolk Police and Hauppauge Fire Department responded to an MVA overturn on Old Willits Path near Mackay Drive on February 19, 2015. The driver was treated by Hauppauge-Central Islip Ambulance for minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

The Official Publication of NYS Drill Teams

Page 72, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

MVA in Levittown

On February 26, 2015, the Levittown Fire Department responded to a report of an overturned car on Longfellow Avenue with entrapment. Upon their arrival two men were self-extricated and the utility companies were called for a snapped pole and sheered hydrant.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

MVA in Holtsville

In the early morning of February 7, 2015, the Holtsville Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported overturn on the northbound side of Nicolls Road. Upon arrival, commanding units found the vehicle overturned into an area of woods alongside the road. The driver was self extricated with assistance from Suffolk County Police Emergency Service units prior to fire units arrival, and was then transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for his injuries via a Holtsville ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 73

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) LODD Investigations Over the years, many of our senior firefighters have been hearing about line of duty death (LODD) and have come to accept the fact that we work in a dangerous environment and must realize we are going to lose our brother and sisters every year. Some even say and believe, ‘when it’s your time, it’s your time.’

We must learn and retrain ourselves that all LODDs do not have to happen. One of the best sources for a safety officer to learn about a LODD is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

NIOSH is an institute within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.

In 1998, Congress appropriated funds to NIOSH to conduct a firefighter initiative that resulted in the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP), which examines line-of-duty-deaths and on-duty deaths of firefighters to assist the fire service and to prevent similar deaths in the future.

The agency does not enforce compliance with State or Federal occupational safety and health standards and does not determine fault or assign blame. Participation of fire departments and individuals in NIOSH investigations is voluntary. Under its program, NIOSH investigators interview persons with knowledge of the incident who agree to be interviewed and review available records to develop a description of the conditions and circumstances leading to the death. Interviewees are not asked to sign sworn statements and interviews are not recorded. The agency’s reports do not name the victim, the fire department or those interviewed.

The NIOSH report’s summary of the conditions and circumstances surrounding the fatality is intended to provide context to the agency's recommendations and, “is not intended to be definitive for purposes of determining any claim or benefit.”

As Safety Officers we must keep track of the LODDs reported by the U.S. Fire Administration. They will send you an alert every time an LODD is experienced with brief

information. Although I do not recommend this, I have contacted several departments who had an LODD, expressed my condolences, and let them know who I am and then asked some brief questions.

My good friend Murrey Loflin of NIOSH is investigating the LODD of our brother Assistant Chief Sanford of the Inwood Fire Department. He is going to send me a report once it is completed and I will certainly share it with all of you.

The reason why there was an LODD is very important and should be discussed at your department meeting and as part of your safety report. Sure the senior guys won’t want to hear it, but the new members must know what’s going on.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia, NIOSH can be reached on line at www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire.

- Past-Chief Jeffrey Bailes President Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association, Inc. www.btsoa.org

Page 74, Fire News, April 2015

Patchogue Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2014 Patchogue Fire Department award winners. In a ceremony held at the Patchogue Fire Department Headquarters on February 13, 2015, the following members were honored: Thomas A. McBride - Steven Rate Achievement Award; Ronald Lang - The Jimmy Conklin Achievement Award-Van Guards (Captain Bill Champlin IV); Kevin Krause - The Hook and Ladder Achievement Award-Hook and Ladder (Captain Matt Acuri); Joe Arabia, Sr. (55 Years) - The Fire Police Achievement Award - Fire Police (Captain Lonnie Duncan). Ten Most Active Members: Bobby Smith (401 alarms out of 440); Jim Devito, Jr. (373 alarms); Bill Champlin III (362 alarms); Jeff Baer (343 alarms); Bill Rowse (342 alarms); Joe Liguori (340 alarms); Joe Frisina (330 alarms); Bob Safranek (285 alarms); Don Nogiewich (281 alarms); and Matt Acuri (279 alarms). Congratulations to all!

- Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam

FireNews.com

Chaplain’s Statement on Mourning Band Regs The New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, at its February Board of Directors meeting, has issued a statement to clarify the proper usage of a mourning band for chaplains.

The official protocol states, “Out of respect for the role of the Fire/EMS Chaplain, at no time and under no circumstances is the badge of the Fire/EMS Chaplain to be covered.”

The Board of Directors was asked for clarification after a number of chaplains and departments were confused over whether a chaplain should wear a mourning band when officiating or attending a service where mourning bands are worn.

Chief Chaplain Ken Hessel stated, “The Chaplains badge includes a religious symbol indicating the faith of the chaplain and whether the symbol is the Cross, Star of David, Crescent, or any other identifying symbol it is disrespectful to that faith to cover up the symbol of that faith.”

The mission statement of the Chaplains Association is, “to unite all Chaplains of the State of New York in order to promote a deeper and wider knowledge of one another in the true ecumenical and interfaith spirit; and to establish statewide procedures of standardization in serving our fellow firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and God, our supreme Chief.”

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 75

Extrication in East Brentwood On March 2, 2015, the East Brentwood Fire Department was activated for a heavy rescue on Express Drive South. First responding unit, Ambulance 3-3-8, was advised that SCPD was on scene confirming the pin and requesting a rush. On arrival, they encountered a single vehicle with extensive damage from hitting a utility pole and landing on a snow embankment. While EMS crews assessed the victim, Squad 3-3-5 arrived and put their tools to work. Due to the victim’s injuries ALS was established on scene by Rescue Captain Perez along with SCPD COPE Unit. Firefighters and SCPD ESU worked together to free the victim. The patient was transported by helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital.

- Fire News photo by Rob Ciabattari

3-Car MVA on SSP Wantagh firefighters and medics tended to an injured woman at a three-car accident on the eastbound Southern State Parkway near Route 135 on March 4, 2015. A Smithtown firefighter was passing by and was first on scene to help stabilize the woman prior to the arrival of Wantagh.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Page 76, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Airlift Needed at Medford MVA

Multiple people were taken to the hospital, including one by helicopter, after a three-vehicle crash that included a pickup truck and a Suffolk County Transit bus on February 18, 2015, in Medford. Responders from SouthCountry Ambulance, Hagerman, Brookhaven and Suffolk County Police Department ESU responded to the call.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 77

Morning Pride Certified Repair Center Lions Certified MOBILE TURNOUT GEAR REPAIR SERVICE On-Site Service Available • • • • • •

Repair all brands of equipment Minor and Major Repairs Restriping Radio Pockets Name Plates Call For Helmets

More Details

Turnout Gear Cleaning Repair of Department and Personal Equipment Thorogood

Stocking Distributor Sho-Me Products, Over a HundredBearcat/Uniden Scanners in Stock

By Weinbrennere

Uniden Bearcats ScotchliteTM

Installation of Harness Loop to Bunker Gear at Your Fire Department Stocking Distributor of Gemtor Harness

Fire in the Wire, Inc. Div Of Firefighters Equipment of N.Y., Inc

(516) 564-1069 Fax (516) 564-4687

400 Hempstead Turnpike West Hempstead, New York 11552

www.FFENY.com

Page 78, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Firehouse Kitchen

By Ray Cooney This month I invited two guests to the Bayport Firehouse to cook on the show.

New Jersey Firefighter Rob Papparo and Rochester, New York, Firefighter Ava Liebowitz. They e-mailed me about a very cool organization they are a part of, called 5-5-5 Fitness. This name was derived from part of the code used to alert others that we have had a death of a firefighter and this is always a reminder to keep yourself fit. Their website 555fitness.com is focused on firefighter fitness, exercise and healthy meals. The number one killer of firefighters is heart disease.

This website strives to help ensure and encourage a healthier firefighter way of life.

When I first met them, I was taken back. ‘Pip,’ a.k.a. Firefighter Papparo, showed up with a crazy haircut and a constant smile from ear to ear. Ava is a tall, attractive blond fitness model (on the side) who would look out of place in most firehouses. We made a stuffed pepper meal that was healthy as well as delicious.

Usually when cooking with me, if it was going to be delicious, it sure wasn’t going to be healthy! The bacon and butter I love to use were missing, yet, the taste was out of this world.

After we prepared the peppers and placed them in the oven, we had some time to kill while they were cooking. We went down to the apparatus floor and went to work on one of their fitness regimens. The 5-5-5 Fitness program utilizes fire fighting equipment in its exercise routines. This makes the program conducive to firemen while at work. There is no more excuse of, “I don’t have the proper equipment to work out.” Squats with a section of hose on your back and pulling a Stokes basket filled with tools are just two examples of the exercises we performed. While performing this workout, I quickly realized that all the cooking and eating, during the filming of these shows did not help my waistline or stamina! I made a bet with Pip that I would be 30 pounds lighter next season, after following his regimen.

To find out more about 5-5-5 Fitness visit 555fitness.com. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com. You can always view all episodes of the show at foodytv.com and tune in to NYC-TV, Saturdays at 1500 and Tuesday's at 1400. Check your local listings for station.

HEALTHY PEPPERS 4 Bell peppers (tops cut off, stemmed, seeded. Also cut just a little off the bottom, to create a flat surface keeping the peppers upright ) 1/2 lb ground turkey 1 small can of black beans (drained and rinsed) Small bag of frozen corn 1/2 onion chopped 1 jar of salsa Small can of tomato sauce Small can of sliced green olives (optional) Package of taco seasoning Salt and pepper to taste Handful of Cilantro, chopped 1 bag of shredded lite Mexican cheese blend Preheat oven to 350. In a skillet, saute onions in a drizzle of olive oil and taco seasoning. Add ground turkey and brown. Add the black beans, green olives, 1/2 bag of corn, 1/2 of the jar of salsa and 1/2 of the chopped cilantro. Stuff the peppers tightly with the turkey mixture (there may be a little extra) and add a sprinkle of cheese on top. In a baking dish, pour in the tomato sauce and remaining salsa. Place the peppers in the baking dish, being careful to keep them upright. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, remove from oven. Spoon some of the tomato sauce from the pan over the peppers, garnish with cilantro and serve.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 79

Suffolk FM Assists Schenectady

Suffolk County Fire Marshall Don Lynch arrives on the scene of the fatal fire on Jay Street in Schenectady, on March 8, 2015, to join ATF agents already on site to assist the Schenectady Fire Department in their investigation of a fatal fire that gutted a fivestory building early on March 6, 2015. Seven people were injured in the fire with one confirmed dead and four others missing. The fire left 18 people homeless; they were assisted by the Red Cross.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Call for quotes on your next chiefs car or responder.

Specializing in custom consoles and containment areas

DEAL WITH PROFESSIONALS ! ...Let us design a Preventative Maintenance Schedule for you

• Fabrications • Refurbishing • Collision Work • Body Modifications • New Chassis Remounts • All Phases Of Fire Apparatus & Rescue Repair Custom Preventative Maintenance Schedules Available.

Custom Money Saving Remounts

SALES & SERVICE MIKE & HARRY BUGLIONE NORTH BABYLON, NY

(631) 669-5 5230 • (631) 669-1 1566

We Employ EVT & ASE Certified Technicians

FAX

Page 80, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

New York Wildfire Academy Brush Truck Training Program The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (Academy) held its fourth ever Brush Truck Training Course for the Volunteer Fire Service this March.

The brush truck course, which was taught by a combination of local and national instructors, is based on a national training program, but has been specifically adapted to the unique situations found in Long Island’s fire-prone Pine Barrens region.

“The volunteer fire service on Long Island has for years courageously battled some of New York State’s most historic wildfires,” Central Pine Barrens Commission Executive Director John W. Pavacic said. “The response of the volunteer fire service to the Sunrise Fire in 1995 and Crescent Bow Fire in April 2012 are just a few examples of their willingness and effectiveness in battling these historic fires. By offering this training the Academy hopes to add a few more tools to the arsenal needed to battle these devastating blazes.”

The Brush Truck Training Course consisted of two days of classroom training, and, on the following weekend, volunteer firefighters spent approximately three hours maneuvering brush trucks through forested and sandy areas.

The Academy held the course in late March in order to better prepare volunteer firefighters for the wildland firefighting season on Long Island which reaches its peak in April.

In 2013, New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, the Academy debuted this course, which attracted volunteer firefighters from the Eastport, Flanders, Lakeland, North Babylon, Orient and Westhampton Beach volunteer fire departments.

Participating fire departments in the Spring 2014 courses included: Brentwood, Cutchogue, Eastport, East Quouge, Flanders, Gordon Heights, Hagerman, Kings Park, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Massapequa, North Babylon, North Sea, Patchogue, Shelter Island, West Babylon and West Sayville.

Participants in the Fall 2014 course included volunteer firefighters from Deer Park, East Hampton, Flanders, Mastic, Nesconset, Patchogue, and West Babylon.

Training was conducted at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank and on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation property in Ridge.

For more information on these or other courses offered please go to www.dec.ny.gov/education/73.html.

If you have any questions about the Brush Truck Training Course Academy, you may e-mail the Academy at NYWIMA@pb.state.ny.us or call directly at 631-769-1556.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 81

Nassau Juniors Plan for Monument On July 12, 2014, the Junior Officers of the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association met with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano to discuss the future of the association. One of the topics the juniors discussed was about leaving a legacy for encouragement to future Junior Firefighter organizations. They explained how this is the only association for juniors and that it started in Nassau County and was growing at an enormous rate.

They brought up the idea about erecting a monument in one of the parks in the county for everyone to see. In the following months they met with County Executive Mangano and the Parks Commissioners office and it was decided the best place for the monument would be in Eisenhower Park.

In late September 2014, the juniors started with different design ideas, working with the monument builder, Durite International, and the architecture firm, Lawless and Mangione.

After months of working together they finalized the design in February 2015. They set the ground breaking for April, with the completion and dedication to be in May 2016 on the Association’s 10th Anniversary.

At present there are 42 Junior/Explorer groups in Nassau County; 38 are part of the Association. It is hoped that by the dedication all 42 groups will join the association.

To further the training of the Junior program the Association is working side by side with our Fire Training Academy Staff to bring the state of the art Fire Camp to Nassau County this summer.

Each year the juniors provide an annual

community event. Last year they collected 258 toys for Cohen’s Children's Hospital. This year they are organizing a county-wide drive for Wounded Warriors.

When the association first started its mission statement was to bring the Juniors and Explorers of Nassau County together for camaraderie and community service as well as train with other departments so everyone might gain the ultimate training experience. Over the last nine years, they have easily accomplished that, not only for the kids but the advisors and other adult leaders.

(Above, left to right): President Kelly Hastings, 1st Vice President Mitchell Bailey, 2nd Vice President Charlie Lynch, builder Allen Sedaka, builder Maurice Sedaka, architect Kenneth Santelli, Treasurer Richard Field, Sergeant-at-Arms Bryan Sheer and Secretary Ryan Hunt.

For information on the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association go to www.ncjfa.org. To see what they have been doing the last nine years, search them on YouTube “Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association 2013.”

“Shining a New Light on Service”

• Battery Operated Exhaust / PPV fan.

• Starts instantly on battery Power.

Just set it in place and turn it on • High velocity Jet Stream works 6-20’ from door • Operates on Battery Power for 20-80 minutes.

• 115V with built in trickle charger • Two fans take up less room than one competitive PPV fan.

• Call for a Free on-site or live burn demonstration

Battery or 115V

Phone: 631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com

Page 82, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Chiefs Council of Nassau Installation

On February 21, 2015, the Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County held their 18th Annual Installation Dinner.

Congratulations to President Robert Kloepfer, First Vice President David Weinstein, Second Vice President Anthony Trip, Third Vice President Thomas McDonough, Sergeant at Arms John Tassiello, Treasurer Roy Dahlen, Financial Secretary Anthony Trip, and Council Secretary Richard Messina.

Good luck to all of the Chiefs as they lead the organization in 2015.

-Fire News photos by Kevin Imm

FireNews.com

Selden Ice Rescue Drill

Selden Fire Department Rescue Company 4, which also includes a technical rescue truck, took part in an ice rescue drill on February 16, 2015, at Artist Lake in Middle Island.

- Fire News photos by Amanda Coffey

Fire News, April 2015, Page 83

Page 84, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Lindenhurst Gets New FP Vehicle

On February 24, 2015, the Lindenhurst Fire Department held a ceremony for its new Fire Police Unit 1-6-8. The vehicle was donated by Nassau Fire Apparatus and the Buglione family in memory of Andy Buglione's wife, Vicki. Tom Brennan Mayor of the Village of Lindenhurst was on hand to present Buglione from Nassau Fire Apparatus with a certificate of appreciation for making the vehicle possible. Captain Lenny Pukki of the Fire Police Squad also presented a plaque to Andy and thanked him for the new vehicle. The vehicle will have a plaque honoring ex-Captain and First Lieutenant of the Fire Police, Jeff Schneider, who recently passed away.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 85

West Hempstead 2015 Installation

On February 21, 2015, in the middle of a snow storm, the West Hempstead Fire Department held it 90th annual Installation of its chiefs and officers. The dinner was held at the Sand Castle in Franklin Square. (Above): Chief of Department Peter Lilli (middle), with (to his left) First Assistant Chief Michael Vogt and (to his right) Second Assistant Chief David Norton. (Above, right): Chief Lilli with the Westerners Drill Team of which he is part. (Right): Chief Lilli with his ladies auxiliary and president Rebecca Boettcher sitting on his lap. Despite the snow and rain a great time was had by all. Good luck to Chief Lilli on his time as Chief.

- Fire News photos by Bill D’Alessandro

Page 86, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Hagerman New Fire Police Unit In 2014, the Hagerman Fire Department placed Fire Police Unit 5-10-9 in service. The vehicle is a 2014, all-wheel-drive vehicle.

On top of unit is an LED warning sign to alert on-coming vehicles.

This unit can be used on the beach for water rescue operations.

- Fire News photo

by Dennis Whittam

65th North Shore Firemen’s Holy Name Society Communion On March 1, 2015, the North Shore Firemen’s Holy Name Society held its 65th annual Communion Breakfast at St. Dominic’s Church in Oyster Bay. The morning consisted of a beautiful Mass celebrated by parish Pastor Rev. Kevin Smith, followed by an enjoyable breakfast and Holy Name program at the parish auditorium.

This year’s installation was in memory of pastPresident George Warner of Glenwood Fire Company, who passed away in 2014.

Jerry Presta welcomed everyone and intro-

duced toastmaster Jose DaRocha followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Paul Yura. The invocation and grace was led by Deacon Ted Kolakowski. Jose DaRocha introduced the guests and Paul Walters installed the officers that included President Joe D’Amato, 1st Vice President Tony Tripp, 2nd Vice President Frank Pellegrino, 3rd Vice President Christopher Pizzo, 4th VicePresident Paul Yura, Secretary Tony Tripp, Treasurer Daniel E. Giordano and Financial Secretary Thomas Delaporte. Scholarship win-

ners were also noted.

In closing, the Benediction was led by Deacon Kolakowski. In addition to the rest of the program, everyone had the privilege to listen to some inspiring words from newly ordained priest guest speaker Father Joseph Scolaro, who grew up in Bayville and attended school at St. Dominic’s. Proceeds from the breakfast go to the scholarship for members of the 5th and 8th battalion's children.

- Fire News story by Carol Griffin

Page 88, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Father and Son

Holtsville Firefighters (father and son) ex-Chief Wayne Petry and 2nd Lieutenant Wayne Petry, Jr. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Mother and Daughter

Holtsville Fire Department ladies auxiliary (mother and daughter) life member Melissa, alongside ladies auxiliary president Christina Hogan.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 89

Page 90, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Smithtown Chiefs Council Awards

The Smithtown Township Fire Chiefs Council held their Annual Awards Dinner on February 6, 2015, at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown. The council awards those members who performed outstanding service during various fire and EMS calls during the previous year. The officers of the council congratulate all the award winners and thank them for their outstanding efforts.

Award Winners were: Nesconset — EMS Unit Citation; Kings Park — EMS Unit Citation and Fire Unit Citation; St. James — EMS Unit Citation and EMS Unit Citation; Nissequogue — EMS Unit Citation and Fire Citation; Smithtown — EMS Unit Citation and Life Saving Award; Commack FD — Bronze Medal Winner — FF Matt Monahan; Kings Park — Bronze Medal Winner – Capt.

Peter Laura; and St. James — Bronze Medal Winners — ex-Chief Marty Thompson and Deputy Sheriff Colleen Thompson.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

Page 92, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Firefighters from the Lakeland Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Firefighters of the 106th Rescue Wing’s fire crew from Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Hagerman Fire Department after a house fire on February 20, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Joann Stephani

Wantagh firefighters.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

First-due crew of Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Engine 8712 after working house fire on Brookwold Drive.

- Fire News photo by Lee Genser

Southampton Fire Department Hockey Team.

- Fire News photo by Chris Brenner

Westhampton Beach Fire Department.

Members get together after a recent rescue drill.

- Fire News photo courtesy of John Neeley

Holtsville chiefs stand alongside the junior firefighters at their junior installation dinner.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 93

Page 94, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Quogue Gets New Chief’s Car

Quogue Fire Department Chief Bruce Davidson received keys to his new 2015 Ford Expedition from Tommy Otis of Otis Ford. The vehicle was prepped for fire service by Proliner of Medford.

- Fire News photo by Chris Osborne

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 95

Incident Safety Officers Academy

On February 28 and March 28, 2015, the resolute Hose Company #1 of the Sayville Fire Department held its 11th Annual Incident Safety Officers Academy. Over 130 firefighters and EMS personnel from Nassau and Suffolk Counties attended this 16 hour intensive training program. If you are interested in attending next year’s program, please contact Rich Maddox Chief instructor at Safetysfd@gmail.com.

- Fire News photos by Harry D’Onofrio

Page 96, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Looking Back - Sound Beach

- Fire News photos by Stefanie Montenegro

On June 11, 2014, Sound Beach firefighters participated in a training scenario requiring the rescue of a downed firefighter in a partially collapsed structure. While wearing their hoods backwards to simulate the blindness of heavy smoke conditions, they crawled through narrow spaces to retrieve a dummy using a sled harness device.

On May 28, 2014, members of Sound Beach Fire Department participated in a search and rescue drill, where they practiced many skills including forcible entry, confined space maneuvers, and victim extrication on a slked.

The Miller Place Fire Department joined Sound Beach Fire Department on April 20, 2014, for a training drill at the bluffs in Sound Beach. A dummy represented a victim trapped on the bluffs.

Using a rope system, firefighters practiced descending with a Stokes basket and retrieving the victim.

On October 10 and October 17, 2014, the Sound Beach Fire Department opened its doors to the general public and then to Miller Place’s Boy Scout Troop 204. Everyone had many opportunities to learn about fire prevention, firefighting, and safety, and, of course, to have a generally good time!

Page 98, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Setauket Ice Rescue Drill The Setauket Fire Department took advantage of this winter’s cold and icy weather to practice their ice rescue skills on a pond along Belle Meade Road. Using their sled as a stretcher, the rescuers extended it into the water under the victim in order to secure him to the sled for a safe extrication. The crew, that was ashore, pulled the ropes to bring in the sled, victim and two rescuers safely to land.

- Fire News photos by Robert O’Rourk and Ron Monteleone

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 99

Honoring a Half-Century (Plus!) of Firefighting Knowledge The Port Jefferson Fire Department is proud of their 50-year members.

Their dedication to our department and our community is much appreciated. Most have served as chief, honorary chief or company officer. All together these men have served over 590 years and, as we all know, just making it to 50 years in one fire department is quite an accomplishment. (Back row, left to right): exChief and ex-Commissioner Arthur Olsen; ex-Chief Hugh Campbell; Firefighter Robert Freeman; exChief and ex-Commissioner Michael Lee; Honorary Chief and exCaptain Robert Rauss; ex-Chief Robert Walker. (Front row, left to right): Honorary Chief James Newcomb; Honorary Chief and exCaptain Fredrick Gumbus; ex-Chief and ex-Commissioner Harold Tranchon. (Cameo photos) Honorary Chief and ex-Captain A. Graham Vandall; Honorary Chief and ex-Captain Walter Baldelli.

- Fire News photos

by Ron Monteleone

Page 100, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Up Close & Personal Selden Fire Department 3rd Assistant Chief, Will Cotty and his cousin, Captain of Rescue 4, Rich Cotty.

- Fire News photo

by Amanda Coffey

Welcome to the Club

It’s a Girl Congratulations to ex-Captain Jake Parrish and Nicole Parrish of the Selden Fire Department on the birth of their daughter. Paeyton Nicole Parrish was born on December 16, 2014.

SCOTT

BREATHING AIR COMPRESSOR SYSTEMS

Simple · Clean · Quiet Sales · 24 Hours Service · Parts Servicing all brands

631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com

Vice President Tom Mc Donagh and President John Mc Cormack welcome their newest member Chris Moskos to the Nassau County Fire Riders MC. Chris is an ex-chief of the Hicksville Fire Department.

- Fire News photo

by Ron Monteleone

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 101

Up Close & Personal Holtstville Firefighter Bryan Lopez and Selden Junior Firefighter Tom Kania.

- Fire News photo

by Amanda Coffey

Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department 1st Deputy Chief Scott Garrigan (8703), PWFD ex-Captain Vinny Costa, M-LFD 3rd Deputy Chief Kirk Candan (8704).

- Fire News photo

by Lee Genser

Wantagh EMS Captain Steve Lincke.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Page 102, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

MINERVA BUNKER GEAR CLEANERS ANNOUNCES PROJECT CLEAN HOODS, NEW MONTHLY PROGRAM TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE FIREFIGHTER HOODS. In an effort to protect the health and safety of firefighters, Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners introduces a new monthly program to clean and sanitize hoods. Fire departments need a least two hoods per member to join the program and free shipping is provided both ways.

Hoods are bar-coded with the department’s name and serial number. Each hood is thoroughly washed with Fire Soaps detergents and sanitized using an EPA Registered Hospital Grade Fabric Sanitizer which kills 99.99 percent of germs and bacteria. The hoods are then inspected and individually wrapped. Departments that participate in Project Clean Hoods receive a 10% discount on all of their bunker gear cleaning and inspection.

Minerva selected the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) to receive five percent of the proceeds from Project Clean Hood.

FCSN is dedicated to provide timely assistance to all fire and EMS personnel and their family members who have been diagnosed with cancer.

“Firefighters get cancer at a rate three times higher than the rest of the population,” said Joe Xiras, founder of Minerva. “Hoods provide protection during fireground operations, however they soak up smoke and soot that are full of carcinogens. We hope that Project Clean Hoods helps firefighters reduce their risk of cancer. We also want to continue to support the FCSN and their national firefighter cancer awareness and prevention programs.”

ucts for the fire and ems industry. For more information about Minerva and its range of services, please visit http://bunkergearcleaners.com.

About FCSN

Cancer has become the most dangerous threat to the health and safety of America's firefighters. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network provides timely assistance and one-on-one peer support to fire/EMS members and their families after a cancer diagnosis. FCSN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, also educates the fire/EMS community about cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and treatment options.

For more details, please visit firefightercancersupport.org.

About Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners

Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners, with locations in New York, Charlotte and Miami, serves more than 1,000 fire departments nationwide from small volunteer to large metropolitan departments.

Minerva is fully NFPA 1851 compliant and has taken the lead in developing the Fire Soaps line of detergents and anti-bacterial prod-

FIREHOUSE EXPO: PASSING IT FORWARD MENTORING TOMORROW’S LEADERS The theme for Firehouse Expo 2015 is “Passing it Forward… related to their field of expertise and provide attendees with two disMentoring Tomorrow's Leaders,” which is something that Firehouse tinct viewpoints.

• Moderated Panel Discussions. Featuring some of the most Magazine’s late Editor Emeritus Harvey Eisner greatly believed in.

This year’s Expo will be dedicated to Harvey, and it is in his memo- notable names in the fire service.

For more details visit ry that this year’s event honors the longstanding contributions of our FirehouseExpo.com/DiscoverFirehouseExpo. most iconic figures, but also focuses on the future leadership of the fire service. Firehouse Expo 2015 will feature more than 130 educational sessions, product debuts from leading fire service companies and many new programs such as: • 1st Annual Firehouse Fire/Rescue Competition. Featuring fiveperson teams competing in eight timed events in succession to simulate the rescue of a downed firefighter.

• Fast-paced “Rip and Run” Training Session. Designed to simulate ripping an article out of the magazine to conduct a quick, hardhitting drill with your company or crew.

• Fire Family Life Program. Presented by Firehouse and FirefighterWife.com. Firefighters and their families can engage in activities that are fun and informational and earn their Fire Family Certification along the way.

• Firehouse “Fit for Duty” Initiative and the Fitness Showcase.

Designed to emphasize the importance of firefighter health and fitness.

• Featured “Pass it Forward” Sessions. Where a veteran fire service instructor and an upcoming fire service leader discuss specific topics

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 103

Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council Installation Brunch

The Annual Installation Brunch of the Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council took place on March 8, 2015, at Majestic Gardens. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine was on hand to swear in the Executive Board.

Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle, who was appointed liaison to Fire and EMS Services, was also on hand to present each executive board member with a proclamation.

The elected Officers for 2015 are: President, Scott Thebold Yaphank Fire Department; 1st Vice President, James Scholl Port Jefferson FD; 2nd Vice President, John Bartnik - Selden; 3rd Vice President, Tom Connors Brookhaven; Sergeant of Arms, William Savage - Wading River; and Secretary, Frank Scibilia - Mastic. The remaining Officers are Joe Danowski of Manorville (Treasurer) and James Vaz of Brookhaven (Chaplain).

The executive board presented the following awards: Department of the Year was presented to the Selden Fire Department; Officer of the Year was awarded to Secretary Frank Scibilia. Brookhaven Town Legislative Aide Lori Anne Casdia was presented with a plaque and flowers as thanks for her years as liaison to our council.

Representation from the following fire departments and organizations attended: Selden, FASNY President Bobby McConville, Mastic, Brookhaven Fire Districts, Ridge, Brookhaven Fire Police, Center Moriches, The Riders of Fire Motorcycle Club, Farmingville, Suffolk County Fire Districts, Port Jefferson, Brookhaven Fire Safety Officers, Davis Park, Suffolk County Volies, Ocean Bay Park, Brookhaven Drill Team Captains, Blue Point, Director of NYS Assoc. Eugene Petricevich and Wading River.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez

Page 104, Fire News, April 2015

Halesite’s New Juniors

The Halesite Fire Department and their newly sworn-in Juniors in front of 223 before marching in the Huntington St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

- Fire News photo by Kate Kuntz, Halesite FD/PIO

FireNews.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 105

Page 106, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 107

Obituaries

Mastic’s George Zaglool The family, friends and firematic family of Commissioner and ex-Chief George Zaglool lost more than a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and fellow firefighter. They lost a man with integrity, loyalty, values, and compassion; someone who knew the meaning of brotherhood and family.

George joined the Mastic Fire Department in 1979 and served the department as a Second Lieutenant in 1982-1983, First Lieutenant in 1984-1985, Captain in 1986, Assistant Chief in 1991-1992, and as Chief of Department in 1993-1994.

George had 36 years of service in the department and had been Commissioner in the Mastic Fire District for the past 17 years. He was very dedicated to the fire service and was proud to say he was a member of Mastic Fire Department.

During his fire career George received the Suffolk County Medal of Valor in 1992 when he rescued a child from a house fire. George has touched many lives in his 36 years as a firefighter including those of the firefighters’ families. He had a watchful eye and treated his brother firefighters’ families as if they were his own.

Words cannot explain the loss that many of us feel right now. One thing that needs to be remembered is that George left something with each and every one of us; a memory, story, or something he taught us to be remembered forever. He has made us stronger and taught us life-long lessons and, while he may not be here in person, he will always be with us in spirit.

Rest easy my brother. We have it from here. - Fire News story by Mike Guarino, Mastic FD/PIO

Mastic’s Dante Bilotta Once again the members of the Mastic Fire Department are mourning the loss of one of their own and are paying their respects to ex-Chief and Life Member Dante Bilotta, a strong, brave man with a lot of firefighting knowledge and skill.

Danny joined the department on February 11, 1976, and after a few years joined the ranks of line officer serving as a Second Lieutenant from 1980 to 1983. He moved up to First Lieutenant in 1984, and served as Captain in 1985 and 1986. While as Captain he was also in charge of department training. He then moved up to the rank of Assistant Chief in 1987 and 1988 and proudly served as Chief in 1989 and 1990.

Whether on the fire ground, training, or at a general meeting, when Dan spoke people listened, and he knew how to command attention. With 39 years in the Mastic Fire Department the members were used to having Danny around ,and one thing that rings true about Dan, he worked hard at what he loved, he loved what he did and he was honored and proud to do it. He will be missed.

- Fire News photos by Mike Guarino, Mastic FD/PIO

Page 108, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 109

Wantagh 2015 Installation In a gala ceremony held on February 14, 2015, officers and members of the Wantagh Fire Department were sworn in. The first to be sworn in were lieutenants, followed by captains of the various units within the department. This was followed by the swearing in of 1st Assistant Chief James E. Bloomfield, 2nd Assistant Chief Joseph C. Gross III and 3rd Assistant Chief Kenneth S. Kelly. Chief of Department Jason T. Jackowitz was then escorted by ex-Chief John Loeber and ex-Chief Steve Dunn before Commissioner Don Snyder for his oath. Chief Jackowitz's family joined him at the podium.

- Fire News photos by Harry Loud

Page 110, Fire News, April 2015

FireNews.com

Smithtown Chiefs Memorial Service

The Smithtown Chiefs Annual Memorial Service was held on March 8, 2015. The service is held to honor all deceased chiefs and ex-chiefs, as well as any department members and auxiliaries that passed in the prior year.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone