VOLUME XLII, NO. 11
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JULY 2015
Turn to page 55 for the story. -Fire News photo by Mike Heller
Fire News Welcomes Everyone to Firehouse Expo in Baltimore Visit us at Booth 636
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 3
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In this issue... Dix Hills Afternoon Blaze A wind-swept fire proves problematic for Dix Hills firefighters.
See story page 28
Garage Fire in North Merrick A good stop is handled in a fire believed started at an electrical service. See story page 39
House Destroyed in Central Islip An intense structural fire in a vacant house causes a second-floor collapse. See story page 47
High-Speed Crash in North Bellmore The driver disappears after smashing into the garage of a home. See story page 67
It’s Drill Season! Coverage of the Lindenhurst Invitational.
See story page 72
Obits: Holbrook’s Pedersen; Centerport’s Zeis; Dix Hills’ Reithel; Westhampton Beach’s Overton; Bellport’s Hollmann See stories page 106 to 110
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
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 EMS Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . .starts on page 58 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . .pages 61 and 103 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 98 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 104
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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Into the Job? A long time ago, I sat at my first company meeting as a probationary firefighter. At this meeting, the captain asked for volunteers to step up to the plate and represent the company on various committees. I thought to myself that, as a probie, I wasn’t included in this part of the meeting. After all, I was attending the Suffolk County Fire Academy to become a firefighter. I was also thinking about the long list of courses that I wanted to take to make me a better firefighter. How was I going to find the time to represent the company on a committee? Then, an ex-chief tapped me on the shoulder and said, “You’re with me and you’re on the Museum Committee.” To this day I have coffee with ex-Chief Martin who turned out to be my mentor and friend in the fire service. Yes, I learned to fight fires, pump trucks, fill out squads to assist our ambulance corps and I represented my company and department on numerous committees. I soon learned that being a firefighter was a lifestyle and there was a lot more to it than just responding to calls. Like many of you, I looked to reading Fire News when it came to the firehouse. It didn’t take long before I realized that my mentor was right. The fire service was more than fighting fires and responding to EMS calls. For some reason I read Fire News from the back to the front. I looked at the happy faces of responders in the Motley Crew section of the paper. I also read about the events that filled up the paper that were not EMS or fire related. Yes, this crazy business we are in is a lot more than responding to calls. Count how many events in the paper that Fire News covers that are not related to incidents. We cover these events in our newspaper because you are there. We care because you care! This year, 2015, Fire News will be at over 23 expositions. We also will attend countless events that support you, the first responder. Fire News is proud that we can attend your events and report on them in our pages. (On a side note, your department should have a Public Information Officer so that the word gets out about events you are doing to raise funds for various causes such as the Cancer Foundation, the Burn Center and unfortunate families.) When all is said and done, remember that you will be a better first responder when you continue your education in the fire service and become involved with the committees in your department. Attend seminars and become an active department member who strives to be the best of the best. Hear the words that FDNY Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo once asked, “Are you on the job or are you into the job?” I think many of you are definitely into the job. Fire News will be there to support you and we will continue to do what we have done successfully for over 43 years and that is to honor you with coverage of every aspect of the fire-rescue and emergency services in our newspaper and on Facebook or Instagram. …Dennis
ANNOUNCEMENTS Dear fellow firefighters, The Board of Fire Commissioners of the Inwood Fire District would like to extend their appreciation to the entire Nassau County Fire Service for all their assistance, support and condolences on the untimely passing of Chief Joseph Sanford, Jr. Joe was a great firefighter and a better friend and we are all, quite aware that this could happen to anyone of us anytime we answer the alarm. As a employee of Nassau County, as well as a firefighter, Joe’s loss is felt by many but, not nearly so much as by his family. The support the fire service has given, from far and near, to the Sanford family has not gone unnoticed and is appreciated by all of us here in the Inwood community. As the Sanford family experiences all those ‘firsts’.... first Fathers Day, first summer, etc., without Joe; we need to be there to get them through all these terrible days. It is in these times of hopelessness that true friends come forward with whatever they can to support those that need. We respectfully request that all who read Fire News, please, clear your schedule for the August 4, Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Game at Yankee Stadium. Please, purchase you tickets through tunnel2towers.org/. Proceeds of the game will go directly to assist the Sanford family. Sincerely, Joe Ruvolo, District Manager (Note: Supporters can contribute to the effort by purchasing tickets to the game through July 10 at T2THeroes.com. Discounted tickets on the Main Level are available; $60 tickets have been discounted to $50. — Ed.)
FDNY, NFFF HONOR NATION’S BRAVEST
National Fire Prevention Week this October will culminate with the National Stair Climb, an event honoring firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Previous stair climbs have focused solely on the 343 members of the FDNY who perished on 9/11. The National Stair Climb, scheduled for October 10, 2015, at Citi Field, will expand the scope of this tradition to remember all of America’s fallen firefighters, and is the first event of its kind to take place in New York City with the support of the FDNY. Participants will climb 2,200 steps in Citi Field. These steps symbolize the 110 stories of the World Trade Center Towers - the ascent that FDNY firefighters took on September 11, 2001 — and the ultimate sacrifice that 343 first responders made that day. It also is a journey of hope, raising funds to help programs for surviving family members of firefighters across the country. The first 9/11 stair climb took place in Denver in 2005 when five Colorado firefighters gathered at a highrise to climb 110 flights of stairs in memory of their 343 FDNY brothers. In 2010, they partnered with the NFFF to hold a series of climbs around the country. The National Stair Climb is open to the public and to all ages. Proceeds will benefit the FDNY Counseling Services Unit and the NFFF. Participants will receive a name badge honoring or in memory of the firefighter for whom they have chosen to climb and an event t-shirt. Early registration costs $35 until August 31. For more information and to register, visit www.nationalstairclimb.org.
FUNDRAISER AT YANKEE STADIUM TO HELP FAMILY OF FALLEN NEW YORK FIREFIGHTER JOSEPH SANFORD, JR.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation, in conjunction with the New York Yankees, will be hosting a fundraiser to pay off the mortgage of fallen NY Firefighter Joseph Sanford, Jr. “We were thrilled to obtain tickets to a Red Sox game since these two teams have one of the most storied rivalries in all of professional sports,” said John Hodge, COO of Tunnel To Towers. “These tickets will not last long, so people should purchase them right away.” Supporters can contribute to the effort by purchasing tickets to the August 4th Yankees vs. Red Sox game now through July 10th at T2THeroes.com. Discounted tickets on the Main Level are available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the fundraising efforts to pay off the mortgage on the Sanford family home. In December, 43-year-old volunteer firefighter, Joseph Sanford, Jr. was critically injured while battling a house fire on Long Island and later died of his injuries. Sanford was a 17-year veteran of the Inwood Fire Department, and leaves behind his wife, Jacqueline Scott-Sanford, and daughter. The Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation has initiated fundraising efforts to pay off the mortgage on the Sanford home, with a fundraising goal of $300,000. Bank of America’s L.I. Market President, Robert Isaksen, has joined the effort by announcing that his bank would match every penny Tunnel To Towers raises, up to 50-percent of the outstanding mortgage. One way prospective donors can help contribute to the effort is by purchasing tickets to the August 4th Yankees vs. Red Sox game at Yankee Stadium at T2THeroes.com. 1,000 tickets in the 205-210 section on the Main Level are available for purchase now through July 10th. $60 tickets have been discounted to $50 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the fundraising efforts. In addition, supporters can make an outright donation to the purchase of the Sanford home on the Tunnel To Towers Website or at T2THeroes.com. Gesturing toward firefighters at a press conference in April, Tunnel To Towers chairman and CEO Frank Siller said, “We are in awe of what you do every day.” Please help us support our heroes.
Announcements continued on page 70.
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Massapequa Condo Fire
On May 31, 2015, the Massapequa Fire Department was alerted for a fire at the Southgate at Bar Harbor Condominiums. Chief of Department Keuchler, Second Assistant Stansberry were on the road quickly and were advised that Nassau County Police were on scene confirming a fire in one of the units. Upon Chief Keuchlers arrival he had heavy fire showing from the first floor exposure 3 side. Two occupants in the burning unit were removed uninjured by police, who had also evacuated the adjacent unit. Engine 634 picked up a hydrant and was followed by 6315 who came in from the oppo-
site direction and also picked up a hydrant. The crews from both engines had lines in operation in the building and one to the exterior of the unit to knock the fire down that was spreading across the roof. The crews from Ladders 632 and 636 laddered, vented and searched the building with all searches negative. Four residents were displaced by the fire and were helped by the Red Cross. Seaford provided a FAST unit and the North Massapequa stood by for Massapequa. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Garage Fire in Brentwood On May 8, 2015, the Brentwood Fire Department took numerous calls reporting a garage fire on Udall Road near Bay Shore Road. Engine 3-2-4 was first due and was immediately followed by Engine 3-2-15 and Ladder 3-2-28 and encountered a fully involved one-story, detached garage. Crews stretched two lines with one going into operation to knock down the fire, which had caused most of the structure to collapse. West Islip was requested to the scene for RIT. Third Assistant Chief Kelly was in charge of the scene. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Yard Fire in Farmingville Tshe Farmingville Fire Department was activated for a structure fire. Upon arrival, Assistant Chief 5-18-32 went to the rear of the home and found an active fire to the rear of a shed with some extension to a neighboring fence and surrounding rubbish. The alarm was quickly placed under control. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Quick Work in Melville Recently, the Melville Fire Department was activated for structure fire on Penn Drive. Upon arrival, Chief Michael Mc Keefrey noticed smoke coming from the top floor and called for mutual aid from Dix Hills and Huntington Manor. A quick response contained the fire to the upstairs room and minor damage to the laundry room below it. An electrical system fault was determined to be the cause. - Fire News photo by Tom Pesce
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Wantagh House Fire
Wantagh firefighters responded to structure fire on Naomi Street on May 13, 2015. The fire originated in an attached shed and spread to the home and a deck. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Uniondale 3-Alarmer On the morning of May 14, 2015, the Uniondale Fire Department was toned out for a deck fire. On arrival, units found heavy fire throughout most of the house. Three alarms were transmitted and it took crews two hours to bring it under control. - Fire News photo by Bill D’Allesandro
Islip Structure Fire On May 14, 2012, FRES activated the Islip Fire Department for a structure fire on Chicago Avenue. Thomas Butler, Sr., 3-4-32, reported smoke on the horizon and called the working fire as soon as he arrived. With 3-4-30, Carmine Paolicelli, in command, the home, a two-story building with an attached garage, had heavy fire on the second floor with flames through the roof. Approximately half an hour after the initial activation, all visible fire was knocked down and extensive overhaul was performed on the house, which was very heavily damaged. Also responding were Bay Shore, East Islip, Islip Terrace, West Islip and Exchange Ambulance of the Islips. - Fire News photo by Rich Stark
Page 10, Fire News, July 2015
FF Injured in Brentwood Blaze
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The Brentwood Fire Department was activated for a reported house fire on Brentwood Road on May 11, 2015. First arriving were Second and Third Assistant Chiefs Boyle and Kelly who had heavy fire showing from the basement and first floor on the exposure three side of a two-story house. Chief of Department Peterson and First Assistant Chief Derbyshire arrived along with first-due Engine 3-2-15, Heavy Rescue 3-2-18 and Ladder 3-2-28. Multiple lines were stretched into the house, while the ladder crews laddered, searched and vented the house. Bay Shore Fire Department was requested to the scene for RIT. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 11
Bay Shore Car Fire
On May 13, 2015, the Bay Shore Fire Department was alerted for a report of a car fire at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Oak Street in Bay Shore. - Fire News photo courtesy of John Ippolito, Jr.
Car, House Fire in North Patchogue
Late on April 15, 2015, the North Patchogue Fire Department was activated for a residential structure fire on Cozzens Place. Upon arrival, Chief 5-17-30 was met with heavy smoke and visible fire from the 3/4 corner of the home, as well as a working car fire in the driveway. The fire was quickly knocked down without further incident and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Water Mill Structure Fire Members of the Southampton Fire Department fought a fire in a vacant commercial building on Montauk Highway in Water Mill on May 9, 2015. First-arriving units encountered a basement fire in the main building of what had been a garden center store, but soon discovered that the fire had extended up the 1-4 corner of the building to the roof. Mutual aid came from the North Sea, Hampton Bays, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor and East Hampton. - Fire News photo by Michael Heller
ManhassetLakeville Douses House Fire On May 14, 2015, the ManhassetLakeville Fire Department responded to a fire in an office/apartment complex on South Middle Neck Road. Great Neck provided mutual aid to the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Melville Condo Blaze On May 22, 2015, the Melville Fire Department activated for a fire in the Villages West complex off Pinelawn Road. A passerby saw the fire, pulled into the complex and alerted a security guard and then went to the row of town houses on Brattle Circle that were involved and started knocking on doors alerting the residents. First responding apparatus had heavy fire visible from a distance and arrived to fire through the roof of multiple units. It took about an hour to knock down the fire that destroyed and damaged eight units. The fire displaced approximately 20 people who were aided by the American Red Cross. Mutual aid was provided to the scene by Plainview, Dix Hills, Huntington Manor, East Farmingdale, Wyandanch and Farmingdale. Units from Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor stood by at Melville. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 13
House Destroyed in Coram
Recently, the Coram Fire Department responded to a structure fire on American Avenue. Firefighters quickly moved on the fast moving fire that eventually destroyed the home. One firefighter was injured and transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Mutual aid came from Miller Place, Selden, Mount Sinai, Middle Island, Gordon Heights, Medford and Centereach. -Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone and AJ Ryan
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Bellport Handles Car Fire
On May 18, 2015, a call went out for a car fire on eastbound Sunrise Highway west of William Floyd Parkway. The Bellport chief arrived and confirmed a working car fire. The female driver of the vehicle said that she smelled something burning and quickly pulled the vehicle to the shoulder and exited. Bellport Fire Department unit 5-1-5 arrived and extinguished the fire quickly. - Fire News photo by Jim Rugen
Remsenberg House Fire On May 13, 2015, the Eastport Fire Department responded to a house fire on Bridal Path in Remsenberg. Chief 5-8-31, arrived to find the front porch on fire with extension to the front of the house. Engine 5-8-3 went to work utilizing two handlines to quickly knock down the exterior fire. Engine 5-8-5 and Heavy Rescue 5-8-7 also responded, as did a ladder from East Moriches and an engine from Westhampton. Forcible entry was made to the interior where crews extinguished the interior fire. An ambulance crew from Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance was called to the scene. - Fire News photo by John Dalen, PIO/Eastport FD
Hempstead Fire On May 8, 2015, the Hempstead Fire Department responded to a one-room blaze in a home on Belmont Parkway. Mutual aid companies assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Smithtown Basement Fire
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On May 22, 2015, the Smithtown Fire Department responded to a injury but the home sustained extensive damage. Assisting were house fire on Brilner Drive. A fire broke out in the basement of a crews from Nesconset, Hauppauge and Saint James. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber occupied one-story ranch. Everyone was able to escape without
Haz-Mat Fire in Westbury On May 9, 2015, the Westbury Fire Department responded to a report of a truck on fire against a building at the intersection of Hopper and Main Streets in New Cassel. Arriving crews found a steel shipping container used for storage on fire. The fire was knocked down with no extension to the building and the haz-mat unit was called for flammable liquids stored in the container. - Fire News photos by Kevin Imm
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 17
Car Fire in Hicksville On May 12, 2015, the Hicksville Fire Department responded to a fully involved car on Newbridge and Glenbrook Roads. The fire was extinguished in a few minutes and crews overhauled the interior of the car. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Truck Fire on the LIE While the Dix Hills Fire Department was battling a house fire on May 26, 2015, Deer Park and North Babylon responded to the eastbound Long Island Expressway near Bagatelle Road for a reported vehicle fire. Deer Park Second Assistant Scarfi, Engine 1-4-6 and North Babylon Engine 1-8-8 responded and arrived to find a tree service truck fully involved on the shoulder. Crews used one line to extinguish the fire in about 20 minutes. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Medford House Fire
On May 21, 2015, the Medford Fire Department was activated for and Medford Volunteer Ambulance Company. Multiple attack lines a reported residential structure fire on Jacobson Court. Upon were put into operation and the fire was quickly knocked down - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke and fire from the second without further incident. floor. Mutual aid was requested from North Patchogue, Holtsville
Product Debuts at Firehouse Expo! This year’s exhibit floor features over 200 of the biggest brands in the fire service as well as new exhibitors, moderated panels and a FireRescue Competition. In addition to companies like Pierce, KME, Spartan ER, Sutphen, Smeal, Amkus, Bullex, Hurst, Lion, Stryker, Genesis, and Paratech, we’ve also got tons of brand new exhibitors such as: Active911, APR Plastic Fabricating, Brewer Fitness, Country Pride Food Service, Enovative Technologies, Fairfax Cryobank, FireRescue GPO, NPPGov, Foremost Medical Equipment, GPS Networking, Halyard Health, Hi-Dow Professional, IdentiFire, KC Sign Company, Little Arms Studios, MadhouzFire, MyTopo, Nest Labs, Newline Interactive, Positive Promotions, Stang Industries, StationPride.com, Stewart S i g n s , STORAGELogic of Maryland, Inc., Strong Swift Durable, and Wendell's. Other activities in the exhibit hall: July 16-Fire Rescue Competition: Semi- Finals - nine teams are competing to be crowned the national champions! Moderated Panel: East Meets West Part II | Fireground Strategy & Tactics - Research and Application with John Salka and Derek Alkonis. Fire Family Life Program: Join other firefighters and their families engaging in fun and informative activates. Fitness Showcase: An eight-minute demonstration will be held every hour on the hour on the exhibit floor. July 17- Moderated Panel: Firefighter Health and Safety with Michael O’Brian, Bryan Frieders, John Tippett and Eric Numberg. Fire
Family Life Program: Firefighters and their families have fun earning their Fire Family Life Certification. Fire Rescue Competition: Watch to see which two teams will move onto the finals! Fitness Showcase: An eight-minute demonstration will be held every hour on the hour on the exhibit floor July 18 - Fire Rescue Competition: The wining team will be crowned! Fire Family Life Program: Say goodbye to your new friends. Fitness Showcase: An eight-minute demonstration will be held every hour on the hour on the exhibit floor. Harley-Davidson Drawing: Will you be driving home on a Hog? The drawing will take place at 1430. The City of Baltimore Welcomes the Fire Service, You and Your Family! While the events of April and the days following are etched in everyone’s minds, much has happened since. Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach has visited the Baltimore Inner Harbor, has visited Camden Yards and visited the Baltimore Convention Center, where we will host the
32nd annual Firehouse Expo. We are pleased to inform you that visitors to the Inner Harbor today, and during the week of Firehouse Expo, will experience a Baltimore very similar to last year, and the years prior. The city is back and open for business and so is Firehouse Expo. Click on www.Baltimore.org to start planning your trip to Baltimore, today.
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 19
Car Fire Destroys 2 Vehicles
On May 22, 2015, the South Farmingdale and Farmingdale Fire fire. The fire was in the engine compartment of one vehicle and Departments responded to a reported car fire in the parking lot of quickly spread to the adjoining vehicle, destroying both. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza the Stop and Shop Supermarket on Motor Avenue. Farmingdale Assistant Chiefs Ryan and Tortoso arrived to find two vehicles on
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Quick Work in Riverhead On May 23, 2015, the Riverhead Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Sandalwood Lane. The small fire was extinguished before crews arrived by Riverhead Police. Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance also responded. - Fire News photo by Andrew Miller
Fast Job in Valley Stream On May 27, 2015, the Valley Stream Fire Department responded to an attic fire in a home on North Cottage Avenue. One line was stretched and the fire was extinguished without extension. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 21
Vacant House Fire Suspicious
The Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a house fire on Carriage Court on May 31, 2015. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story vacant home with a heavy fire condition. Two firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion. The Suffolk Police and Huntington Town Fire Marshal were notified to investigate the cause, which appeared suspicious in nature. Assisting at the scene were firefighters from Melville. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Melville House Fire
On May 14, 2015, the Melville Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on East Mall Drive. Third Assistant Chief Nolan arrived to heavy fire showing from the garage area on the exposure four side of a two-story home. Additional information was received that there were two dogs inside. Chief Nolan made entry and removed the dogs safely, as units started to arrive. Engines 2-5-3, 2-5-7 and Ladder 2-5-2 crews put four lines into operation and vented the house. The electrical service to the house ran underground and was burning at the street level. Firefighters had to wait for the arrival of PSEG to turn off the power to extinguish that fire. Mutual aid was provided to the scene by Plainview, Wyandanch, Huntington Manor and East Farmingdale; Farmingdale and Dix Hills Ambulance stood by at Melville. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Westbury House Fire
On May 26, 2015, the Westbury Fire Department was alerted to multiple calls of smoke coming from a home on Pepperidge Road. Arriving units stretched one line to the front door, finding the fire on the second floor of the two-story home. - Fire News photos by Kevin Imm
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Fire at Republic
Just after midnight on May 26, 2015, the East Farmingdale Fire Company was activated for a building fire on Conklin Street near Airport Plaza. First Assistant Chief Joseph arrived and had a vacant two-story building burning on the former Fairchild Republic property. Responding apparatus had difficulty accessing the building because the property has numerous large piles of mulch across it. Engine 1-5-2 and Ladder 1-5-15 were the only ones to enter the property to attack the fire. Engine 1-5-1, 1-5-3 and 1-5-6 staged on Conklin Street with 1-5-6 supplying 1-5-2 from a nearby hydrant. Heavy equipment was requested to the scene to knock down the remainder of the building. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Mike Oppedisano
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 27
Dix Hills Basement Fire
Edgewood Preserve Brush Fire
On March 23, 2015, the Dix Hills Fire Department responded to an early morning house fire on Seaman Neck Road. Two residents were able to escape the smoky blaze unharmed which broke out in the basement of the one-story home. About 70 firefighters from Dix Hills, Deer Park, Greenlawn and Melville aggressively battled the blaze. The Dix Hills Rescue Squad had several ambulances and a rehab unit on the scene. Huntington Manor and Greenlawn provided standby. The blaze was brought under control under the command of Dix Hills Chief Robert Fling and Assistant Chiefs Tom Napolitano and Joe Williamson. PSEG was requested to the scene to shut power and disconnect a burning electrical service line. The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and the Huntington Town Fire Marshal were investigating the cause of the fire. Suffolk County Fire-Rescue Coordinators were also on the scene assisting. - Fire News story and photo by Steve Silverman
On April 25, 2015, the Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a large brush fire in the Edgewood Preserve adjacent to Commack Road. The fire spread south from Dix Hills into Deer Park, fueled by low humidity and high winds. Mutual aid was requested from two-dozen departments for stump jumpers from as far as Holtsville and Bethpage, to gain access to the thickly wooded preserve. Over 250 firefighters responded and battled the multiple blazes. Due to the magnitude of the fire and that it involved two fire districts areas, command was a joint effort headed by Dix Hills Chief Robert Fling and Deer Park Chief Larry Bradbury. Suffolk County Fire-Rescue Coordinators were also on the scene. The Suffolk County Police Department provided a helicopter for situational reconnaissance. - Fire News photo by Jason Hoffman
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Dix Hills Battles Afternoon Inferno
On May 26, 2015, the Dix Hills Fire Department was activated for a working house fire on Arielle Court. First arriving units found very heavy fire conditions coming from the two-story home. An aggressive interior attack was initiated, but firefighters were ultimately forced from the building due to unsafe conditions and the extreme amount of wind-swept fire. Flames were so intense that radiant heat extended to the house next door, igniting the exterior siding. Under the command of Chief Robert Fling, over 70 firefighters and EMTs from Dix Hills worked to extinguish the blaze with assistance from Melville, Greenlawn, East Northport, Huntington Manor and Huntington. During the alarm the Deer Park, North Babylon and Wyandanch provided standby coverage, while EMS was provided by the Commack Volunteer Ambulance and Huntington Community First Aid Squad. Fortunately the residents escaped the fire unharmed, and no firefighters were injured battling the blaze. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza, Tim Asbell and courtesy Dix Hills FD
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At Least it Wasn’t a Friday
The Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a fire which extensively damaged a vacant house on Carriage Court on Sunday, May 31, 2015. Nearly 50 firefighters battled the blaze using five trucks and had the fire knocked down within a halfhour, under the command of Chief Robert Fling, and operations by Assistant Chiefs Tom Napolitano and Joe Williamson. Melville assisted at the scene, while Deer Park and Greenlawn provided standby coverage. The Dix Hills Rescue Squad was on the scene with ambulances, rehab, paramedic and first responder units for EMS support. The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Fire Marshal were investigating. This was the thirteenth major house fire that the Dix Hills FD has responded to this year. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 31
Comm’l Fire in Lakeview
On June 6, 2015, the Lakeview Fire Department responded to a working fire in a single-story commercial building on Woodfield Road. The fire was quickly knocked down but extensive overhaul was needed to check for extension. A faulty hydrant in front of the fire building created a heavy water condition throughout the area. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Page 32, Fire News, July 2015
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Huntington Battles Building Fire On May 26, 2015, the Huntington Fire Department responded to a commercial office building fire on New York Avenue near Leverich Place. Centerport, Halesite and Huntington Manor assisted at the scene, while Cold Spring Harbor and Greenlawn provided standby coverage. About 65 firefighters using eight trucks battled the raging blaze, under the command of Chief Robert Berry. There were no injuries reported, and the Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Fire Marshal were investigating. - Fire News photos courtesy Huntington FD
Brush Fire in Bethpage SP
On May 22, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to a and used tank water from both engines to extinguish the fire. brush fire on a walking path in Bethpage State Park. Engine 9044 Plainview Engine 951 stood by at the staging area. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm and 9077 stretched one line, adding several lengths to reach the fire,
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House Fire in S. Hempstead
On June 5, 2015, the South Hempstead Fire Department was called to the scene of a house fire on Helena Drive. The fire appeared to have started in the rear of the home with extension to the rear wall and garage. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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House Fire in Levittown
Future Firefighter
On June 7, 2015, Wantagh firefighters responded to a house fire on Holmes Street in Levittown. The fire was contained to the exterior of the home and there were no injuries. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Kenneth Sperber, who just turned three, checking out the jump seat of a Seagrave engine at Miller Place Fire Department headquarters on April 10, 2015. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 37
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Good Stop at Halesite Attic Fire
On May 16, 2015, the Halesite Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire on East Neck Road. Upon arrival, firefighters were faced with an involved attic fire, which soon spread to the second floor of the home. Under the command of Chief Dan McConnell, crews began an aggressive interior attack through the
front door and up the spiral staircase to the second floor. Firefighters were able to push back the flames and confine the fire to the attic and rear of the home. Halesite was assisted by Huntington, Centerport and Cold Spring Harbor, with Huntington Manor on standby. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 39
Garage Fire in North Merrick
On June 3, 2015, the North Merrick Fire Department operated at a garage fire on Alice Avenue. The fire was believed to have originated at the electrical service. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Page 40, Fire News, July 2015
Attic Fire in Jericho
FireNews.com
On June 4, 2015, the Jericho Fire Department was alerted for a fire. Ladder 931 from Hicksville assisted in the overhaul. The fire report of a house fire on Woodbridge Lane. Arriving units found a was contained to a small area in the attic. - Fire News photos by Kevin Imm fire in the attic with a heavy smoke condition, caused by an AC unit. Engine 942 stretched one line to the front door and extinguished the
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 41
Vacant House Fire in N. Patchogue
Late on June 11, 2015, the North Patchogue Fire Department was Mutual aid was requested from Hagerman for RIT and Medford activated for a reported residential structure fire on Robinson for an engine. Multiple attack lines were stretched, and the fire was Avenue. Upon arrival commanding units were met with a working quickly knocked down without further incident. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez fire, with heavy fire on the top floor in a two-story vacant home.
Page 42, Fire News, July 2015
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Fatality at Levittown Blaze
On June 9, 2015, the Levittown Fire Department responded to a 911 call for a house fire on Wadsworth Avenue with a person trapped. Chief of the Department Donald Epple was first on the scene, but was unable to make entry due to the heavy fire coming from the home. Crews made an aggressive attack, but the first floor had collapsed into the basement and crews were forced to go to exterior operations. Fire fighters located the victim in a rear bedroom, but the victim had succumbed. - Fire News photos by Kevin Imm and Paul Mazza
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3 FFs Burned at Uniondale Blaze At least three firefighters suffered burns on May 14, 2015, while battling a massive house fire on Argyle Avenue in Uniondale. Flames quickly spread up the exterior of the two-story home and extended to the inside. Two adjacent homes also sustained damage from the radiant heat. Mutual aid companies from surrounding districts assisted in the operation. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Revisiting Nesconset Fire
The Nesconset Fire Department responded to a house fire on Nichols Road on May 1, 2015. Firefighters were confronted with fire which appeared to have started on a mattress in a two-car attached garage converted to a living area. Mutual aid came from Ronkonkoma and Saint James while Smithtown stood by. The blaze was under control in 30 minutes with no injuries reported. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 45
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Page 46, Fire News, July 2015
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Quick Car Fire Knockdown On April 17, 2015, the Central Islip Fire Department was activated for a reported vehicle fire on the eastbound Long Island Expressway off-ramp at exit 58. The crew of Engine 3-7-4 was first on scene and made a quick knock down of the fire. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
E. Farmingdale Fire On May 11, 2015, the East Farmingdale Fire Company took multiple calls reporting a fire coming from the roof of a house used as a real estate office on Route 110. Chief of Department Wisz was first to arrive and transmitted a working fire with fire showing from the exposure three side roof from under a row of solar panels. Crews made entry into the building and secured the power so the fire could be knocked down. The occupants that were working inside at the time evacuated the building safely prior to the fire department’s arrival. South Farmingdale and Farmingdale assisted. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 47
House Destroyed in Central Islip
The Central Islip Fire Department responded to an intense structural fire on April 2, 2015 in the vicinity of Lowell Avenue and Atlantic Street. Third Assistant Chief Patrick Murphy was first on scene reporting heavy fire showing at a vacant structure on Atlantic Street. First Assistant Chief Bob McGee assumed command of operations. All rooms in the home, including the garage, were found to be fully packed with debris stacked almost to the ceilings, which prohibited an interior attack. Ten CIFD units with 65 firefighters responded, who were assisted by mutual aid responses from Islip Terrace, Hauppauge, East Islip and Lakeland. Numerous handlines and tower ladder operations were required to control and extinguish the fire. Due to the eventual collapse of the second floor, the building was demolished by Islip Town Public Works. The Suffolk County PD Arson Squad was called to investigate, and the Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance also was on scene. The CIFD Ladies Auxiliary was also summoned to assist in supplying a Signal #8 at the fire’s conclusion. - Fire News photos by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit
Page 48, Fire News, July 2015
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Coram House Fire
On May 6, 2015, the Coram Fire Department responded to a working structure fire that turned out to be at a former Coram firefighter’s home. Mutual aid came from Selden, Middle Island, Gordon Heights and Terryville. - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
FireNews.com
Smoker in Hempstead The Hempstead Fire Department responded to a backyard shed fire on April 11, 2015. Smoke from the Parsons Drive blaze could be seen for miles but the fire was quickly extinguished. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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3 Burned in Freeport Blaze
On May 5, 2015, the Freeport Fire Department was activated for a building fire at the Gulf gas station at North Long Beach Avenue and Sunrise Highway. There were workers removing gas from underground tanks of the closed station when something ignited gas fumes causing three workers to suffer third degree burns. Multiple vehicles were engulfed with the building and other equipment. With Engine 214 on a hydrant, Engines 211, 213 and 216 picked up additional hydrants to supply more handlines. Crewsused multiple lines with foam to knock down the fire and keep it from spreading to a Jaguar dealership on the exposure four side. Mutual aid came from Baldwin, Oceanside and Bellmore. First Assistant Chief Vancott was in charge of the operation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 51
Farmingdale Fire at LIRR Sta.
On May 22, 2015, the Farmingdale Fire Department responded to a Engine 924 stretched one line and extinguished the fire. brush fire at the Farmingdale railroad station. The crew from - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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Busy Time for Dix Hills On April 21, 2015, the Dix Hills Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Campbell Drive. First arriving units encountered heavy smoke coming from the garage of a twostory home. The fire came through the door and extended to the second floor. Quint 2-8-8 took the put its ladder to the second floor and stretched multiple lines. With the crews from the additional engines the fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes with the house sustaining substantial damage. Greenlawn came on mutual air and Deer Park, Huntington Manor and Melville stood by for Dix Hills. First Assistant Chief Napolitano was in charge. This was the tenth working fire for Dix Hills and later that day they would respond to their eleventh, a basement fire on Durham Drive. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Brush Fire in Massapequa On April 16, 2015, the Massapequa Fire Department was called out for a brush fire in the woods between the Southern State Parkway and Pepper Circle North. The fire, which appeared to have started as a result of a blown electrical phase on a utility pole, was fueled by a thick undergrowth of dry leaves and strong winds. Crews were battling several brush fires in the area that afternoon and were stretched thin but were able to bring the fire under control in just under an hour. The South Farmingdale Fire Department was also on scene. - Fire News photo by Tim Asbell
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 53
Nesconset Chimney Fire Recently, the Nesconset Fire Department was activated for a chimney fire on Armon Street. Under the command of Assistant Chief Albert Anderson the fire crews quickly extinguished the fire. - Fire News photo by Ron Moneleone
We Think the Food’s Done Central Islip firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire on Wheeler Road on March 13, 2015. Engine Co. #1 Captain Robby Miller commanded operations at the scene, as four CIFD units responded. It was found that food was burning on a stove with no extension. - Fire News photo by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit
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East Hampton Store Fire Early on April 24, 2015, the East Hampton Fire Department was dispatched to a working structure fire in the rear of the J Crew store on Main Street. RIT units and additional manpower were called in from Amagansett, Springs and Sag Harbor. - Fire News photos by Michael Heller
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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND
Lucky Kid in Rocky Point
In May, a 14-year-old boy at the North Shore Little League complex on Route 25A was in a batting cage when he was struck in the chest by a batted ball. The boy immediately fell to the ground and coaches determined he was in cardiac arrest. The league has an AED on site, which was set up while others performed CPR. Once attached, the AED advised to shock, which the operator did, and the boy’s heartbeat was restored. Rocky Point Fire Department Ambulance was called to the scene and the boy was rushed to Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson where he was admitted. - Fire News photo by AJ Ryan
Water Rescue in Lake Ronkonkoma On May 19, 2015, the Lakeland Fire Department was activated for a reported water rescue in Lake Ronkonkoma. Command requested mutual aid from Ronkonkoma, Nesconset and St. James. The two men were quickly brought to shore by a rescue swimmer. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Pedestrian Hit in Selden On April 17, 2015, the Selden Fire Department was activated for a reported vehicle-versus-pedestrian MVA at the intersection of Middle Country and Dare Roads. The pedestrian was secured and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital via a Selden ambulance for his injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Cyclist Hit in Centereach On the night of April 23, 2015, the Centereach Fire Department was activated for a car-versus-pedestrian MVA at the intersection of Route 25 and Rustic Road. Upon arrival commanding units found an unconscious 20-year-old male who had been struck while riding his bicycle. EMS personnel quickly secured the patient and transported him to Stony Brook University Hospital for his injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 59
MVA in Wantagh Wantagh firefighters responded to a car and van MVA at the intersection of Old Jerusalem Road and Wantagh Avenue on May 14, 2015. There were no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Convenient MVA in Melville On May 12, 2015, a van and a smaller vehicle collided head on in front of the Melville Fire Department Headquarters at Sweet Hollow and Walt Whitman Roads. The two drivers were stabilized and taken to North Shore Plainview Hospital with minor injuries. In charge of the scene was Chief Michael McKeefrey. - Fire News photo by Tom Pesce
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Overturn on the Robert Moses On May 10, 2015, the West Islip Fire Department was alerted for an MVA with reported overturn on the southbound Robert Moses Causeway, between Montauk and Sunrise Highways. The driver of an SUV lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the guard rail causing the SUV to overturn over the guard rail and land on the passenger side in the northbound lanes. A passing vehicle going north was damaged by debris from the accident. The driver self extricated and was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for his injuries. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Car into House in Setauket At the junction of Sheep Pasture Road and Pond Path, a car went through the intersection and struck the house opposite Pond Path on May 12, 2015. The Setauket Fire Department responded and made sure that the electrical connection to the house, where the car struck, was undamaged. They also removed the shrubbery and tree that were overrun by the vehicle. The lone driver was taken care of by EMS personnel. - Fire News photo by Robert O'Rourk
Dix Hills Heavy Rescue Overturn On May 2, 2015, the Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a crash on Commack Road north of Euclid Avenue. Upon arrival firefighters found a two-car accident with a minivan on its side, and a woman trapped in the vehicle. Firefighters used heavy rescue tools to quickly extricate the victim by removing the windshield. The drivers of both vehicles suffered injuries and were transported by Dix Hills Rescue Squad ambulances to area hospitals. - Fire News photo courtesy Dix Hills FD
3 Injured in Lakeland MVA On April 18, 2015, the Lakeland Fire Department was activated for an MVA at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and 3rd Street. Upon arrival commanding units were met with a two-car MVA with both drivers self extricated. Multiple ambulances were requested for three people with injuries. The crew of rescue 3-13-6 arrived to secure the vehicles, and the three people were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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1 Injured in Levittown MVA On June 5, 2015, Wantagh firefighters responded to a two-car accident on North Jerusalem and Loring Roads in Levittown. One woman was injured and transported to NUMC by Wantagh Rescue 2. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
SUV into Store On June 10, 2015, the Massapequa Fire Department responded to a call for a car into a building on Sunrise Highway at Seaford Avenue. Engine 631, Ladder 632, Ambulances 638, 639 and 6310, and the Squad Company responded to the scene with Chief of Department Keuchler in charge. There was one occupant, the driver of a large SUV, who was removed from the vehicle and then transported by a police ambulance. The Squad Company then shored up the front of the building to prevent any collapse. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy
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Ronkonkoma MVA On April 28, 2015, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for an MVA on the eastbound side of the Long Island Expressway. Upon arrival, Chief Kevin Murray (5-24-32) was met with a two-car MVA with a person trapped. The crew of Rescue 8 quickly arrived to extricate the victim by removing the vehicles doors and roof. The driver was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital via a Ronkonkoma ambulance. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Infant Hurt in Elmont MVA The Elmont Fire Department was on the scene of a two-car MVA on May 13, 2015. The accident, on Sweetman Avenue, sent two people, including an infant, to the hospital. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 65
Into the Woods in Farmingville Early on May 20, 2015, the Farmingville Fire Department was activated for an MVA with a reported overturn into the woods at the intersection of Adirondack Drive and Midvale Avenue. Upon arrival, Chief Dave Smith (5-18-31) advised incoming units the driver was self extricated. The crew of Rescue 8 arrived shortly after and secured the vehicle. The driver was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Lost Control in Selden Early on May 19, 2015, the Selden Fire Department was called to Mooney Pond Road near Highview Terrace after a driver lost control on a curve, left the roadway and flipped after striking some landscape bricks. The driver was able to self extricate and was taken by Selden EMS to Stonybrook University Medical Center with minor injuries. Firefighters secured the vehicle under the direction of Chief of Department Michael Matteo. - Fire News photo by AJ Ryan
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Nesconset MVA Recently, the Nesconset Fire Department was activated for an MVA at Rosevale Avenue and Smithtown Boulevard. Rescue crews used hydraulic tools to extricate the driver. Mutual aid from Ronkonkoma was called to transport the driver to Stony Brook University Hospital. Assistant Chief 32 John Martins was in command. - Fire News photo by Ron Moneleone
Lakeview MVA On May 8, 2015, the Lakeview Fire Department was called to an auto accident in the eastbound lanes of Southern State Parkway near Woodfield Road. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 67
High-Speed Crash into House Early on May 21, 2015, the North Bellmore Fire Department was alerted for an MVA with a car into a house on Dewey Avenue. A car left the road at high speed and drove into the side of a garage causing substantial damage. Heavy Rescues 653, 6512, Technical Rescue trailer 6533 and Ambulance 651 responded under command of Chief of Department Rut. Members checked the house and found that nobody was home and that the driver of the car fled from the scene. It is unknown if the driver was injured in the accident. The scene was turned over to the Nassau County Police who were investigating the incident and searching for the driver. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
3 Injured in Bethpage MVA On April 27, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to an MVA with pin at Stewart and Pine Avenues. Ladder 4 was first due and used hydraulic tools to remove the driver’s door, extricating the driver, who was transported to NUMC in serious condition. Two other people were transported to local hospitals. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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Pickup into Levittown Staircase On May 16, 2015, the Levittown Fire Department was alerted for a report of a car into a house at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue and Cotton Lane. Crews found a pick-up truck into a home with the staircase compromised and two people trapped unhurt on the second floor. Crews were able to remove the two people on the second floor and secure the scene. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Mastic MVA On May 23, 2015, the Mastic Fire Department received a call for an MVA accident on Mastic Road southbound at Southaven Avenue. Mastic Chief Rudy Sunderman (5-12-30) reported the MVA involved two vehicles, with one onto the lawn of a home. Mastics Unit 5-12-2 arrived and secured both vehicles. Mastic Ambulance transported the male driver of one vehicle, who complained of chest pain and shortness of breath, to Brookhaven Hospital. - Fire News photo by Jim Rugen
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MotorcycleCar MVA on WSP On May 30, 2015, Wantagh firefighters responded to a motorcycle-car MVA on southbound Wantagh State Parkway south of the Southern State Parkway. The motorcyclist was stabilized and taken to NUMC with nonlife threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
3 Injured in Holbrook MVA On May 29, 2015, the Holbrook Fire Department was activated for a two-car MVA with reported heavy rescue on Patchogue-Holbrook Road in front of the entrance to the Holbrook Country Club. Upon arrival first commanding chief on scene 3-1531 advised incoming units of negative entrapment. Command requested two ambulances for multiple injured patients. The crew of Rescue 7 arrived quickly to secure the vehicles. Three people, one a child, were transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital via a Holbrook ambulance. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
ANNOUNCEMENTS Continued from page 4.
BILL SUPPORTING FF AND EMT BENEFITS State Senator Tony Avella’s legislation to require that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers receive death benefits within 90 days of application passed the State Senate. Currently, the Volunteer Firefighters Benefit Law (VFBL) and Volunteer Ambulance Workers Benefit Law (VAWBL) provides death benefits to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who die in the line of duty. However, throughout the years, VFBL/VAWBL death benefits payments have become delayed, with some cases stagnating for years. In at least one instance, a widow was forced to wait two and a half years before being compensated, almost losing her home as a result. These delays cause significant hardship for the beneficiary of the deceased volunteer, placing a huge financial and stress burden on the family. Senator Avella’s bill helps surviving spouses and beneficiaries through the claims process by ensuring that benefits payments are received within 90 days of application. “Our Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers have answered the highest call of civic duty — placing their lives on the line when we need them most. When a volunteer falls in the line of duty, we must stand by these brave men and women in their time of need. That’s why I am proud to announce that the State Senate has passed my bill to require VFBL/VAWBL benefits be paid within 90 days. This fundamental bill will make certain that the loved ones of our fallen volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers will not have to senselessly wait for the support they need,” said Avella. The bill has been introduced in the Assembly by Assembly Member Kevin Cahill. “Over 92,000 dedicated volunteers put their lives on the line every day responding to fires and other emergencies in their communities across New York State. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Avella, they can all be assured that if they are called upon to make the supreme sacrifice in the course of their duties, their families will be quickly provided with the benefits allocated for them,” said Robert McConville, President of FASNY.
Page 72, Fire News, July 2015
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Lindenhurst Invitational Drill June 6, 2015 Place 1 2 3 4 5
Team Points Central Islip 26 West Sayville 24 Islip 15 Bay Shore 12 North Lindenhurst 10.5
-Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
The Official Publication of NYS Drill Teams
Page 74, Fire News, July 2015
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LIAFTA Holds First Get-Together
The Long Island Antique Fire Truck Association held its first get together on June 14, 2015, at Heckscher State Park in Great River. Over 50 historical and classic firefighting rigs from throughout Long Island were on display. Organizers are hoping to make this an annual event. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber, Andrew Tetreault, Jim Dunn, Tim Asbell and Tom Rinelli
FireNews.com
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LIAFTA Holds First Get-Together
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Chuck Varese Remembered
On May 9, 2015, the Northport Fire Department hosted the eighth annual Chuck Varese Jaws of Life Tournament. Chuck, an active Northport firefighter and son of then-Chief of Department Robert ‘Beefy’ Varese, was killed while riding his motorcycle to work by a driver who was convicted for driving under the influence of drugs. This tournament has been held for eight years in his memory. Fifteen teams competed in this event including two Juniors teams. Teams from Northport, Northport's junior firefighters The Smokeaters," East Northport, Commack, North Bellmore, Huntington Manor, Amityville, Greenlawn and Melville with their Signal 24 team. First place went to Huntington Manor, secondplace went to Greenlawn, and third place went to Melville’s Signal 24 team made up of firefighters from Melville, Northport and Huntington Manor. All cars for the event were generously donated by Gershow Recycling. As usual, all enjoyed an outstanding breakfast and BBQ lunch. - Fire News photos by John Mancino and John McKenna
Page 78, Fire News, July 2015
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Lindenhurst Parade
(Left): Grand Marshal of the parade, ex-Captain Howard Rutherig, Jr., of the Breslau Engine Co.1 who was honored for his 60 years of service. (Top right): The color guard of the Lindenhurst Fire Department. (Top left): The chiefs of the Lindenhurst Fire Department, Michael DeGregorio, (left to right): Third Assistant Chief John Palermo, First Assistant Chief Paul Vinciguerra, Second Assistant Chief Craig Santoli. -Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Levittown Memorial Day Service
The Levittown Fire Department held their annual Memorial Day service at their Station #1. - Fire News photos by Kevin Imm
Fire News, July 2015, Page 79
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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
Members of the Terryville Fire Department proudly get together with TFD charter member and ex-Chief Wallter Bihajlo. -Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
Hicksville Fire Department Juniors. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
The ladies of the Levittown Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Firefighters from the West Islip Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
The Montauk Fire Department Extrication Team: Thom Fleming, Mike Mirras, Chris Carillo, Joe Lenahan, Domingo Schiappacasse and Franisco Estrella. - Fire News photo by Carol Greene, TERC US
Melville firefighters operating at a working house fire in Dix Hills. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Nesconset Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone
Junior firefighters from the Ronkonkoma Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 81
Cooking with my Husband This month’s article is going to be written a little differently than normal. Since I am the one that is always typing up the articles for Firefighter Ray, and this month’s article is about me, we thought it would be interesting to get a take on filming from the guest’s point of view. First, let me introduce myself. I am Lori, Firefighter Ray’s wife. Secondly, let me inform you that the only reason I was a guest on the show was because he had a last minute cancellation and needed to fill the spot. Being the good wife, I agreed to help him out and we filmed our first episode together. This wasn’t the first episode for my family. You have all seen my father, Anthony, on the show every season. You can even catch my mother at the end of my episode. With all that being said, it was a beautiful day in Bayport when we filmed. Like all shoots go, I was told we would start at 9 a.m. and didn’t begin until 10:30. Preparation, for the meal I was making on the show, began the night before. I was making twice baked, bone-in pork chops and breakfast potatoes (yes, for dinner). Firefighter Ray said he would help me prep the meal the night before, but as any wife knows, this was not happening (and I didn’t really want him in the kitchen, as he has mentioned on previous shows). By the time he arrived home that night, I had everything prepared and cooked what needed to be cooked. Back to filming. Once we began shooting, Ray turned from my husband to Firefighter Ray. I only hope he doesn’t kiss all his guests! We began preparation on the pork chops and potatoes. Firefighter Ray was trying to be helpful and cut the potatoes, but I had to take the task away from him We joked around back and forth. He has a great sense of humor, probably one of the reasons I have stayed with him all these years! It definitely wasn’t because of his cleanliness in the kitchen. After all was cooked and the food was ready, we had another guest join us for the tasting. As I mentioned earlier, my mother came on and gave some stories of her own memories of Ray and I when we were younger. Of course, when Ray tasted the pork chops, he said they were unbelievable. Best he’s ever had. He’s a smart boy! Being married to a firefighter is sometimes hard. You never know if they are going to make it home after their shift or if you are going to get “that call.” You do learn to deal with it and not worry so much as time goes on, but it is always in the back of your mind. I did get such a call, on our anniversary, 11 years ago. Ray had fallen,from a ladder,while venting a second story window. He sustained internal injuries as well as a fractured spinal cord and severe damage to his hips. With all this having happened, I would never tell him he couldn’t be a fireman, because it is what he truly loves doing. He pours all his love of the fire department into this show, as his way of keeping his fire department days alive. The camaraderie and connections they make, while on the job, enforces his drive to do whatever he can to help others that are injured along the way. This is what Firehouse Kitchen is all about. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com.
By Lori Cooney, aka Mrs. Firefighter Ray
BREAKFAST POTATOES (not just for breakfast) 6 medium size Idaho potatoes 1 large onion Salt, pepper, paprika Extra-virgin olive oil Using a large sauce pan, use enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Put on medium heat. Dice onion and put in once oil is hot. Clean, peel and cut into cubes the potatoes. Once the onion is beginning to brown, add the cubed potatoes. Cover with paprika and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients to ensure seasons are evenly distributed. Cover sauce pan. Check every few minutes and mix to prevent burning of the potatoes. When potatoes are soft (not mushy - when you can easily put your fork into one), they are done. Remove from pan using a straining spoon (to avoid the potatoes from sitting in oil in serving dish). Garnish with parsley and enjoy. Great with any dinner meal and in a morning breakfast omelette.
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75th Anniversary South Country Ambulance
On May 16, 2015, close to 300 members and guests attended the annual South Country Ambulance Installation of Officer Dinner held at Eastwinds catering in Wading River. This year the Department was celebrating their 75th anniversary as well as installing the officers for 2015. Gregory C. Miglino, Jr., was sworn in as Chief of the Department for his 19th term by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward P. Romaine. Luis Salinas was sworn in as Chief of Operations for his tenth term by Congressman Lee Zeldin, and Amy Thomas was sworn into her fourth term by Brookhaven Town Tax Receiver Lou Marcoccia. Chairman of the Board of
Directors Louis Valentino and his board were also sworn by Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle. After the swearingin ceremony a video documenting the 75 years of growth within the department was shown to the guest, which was followed with the 2014 award recipients. They are as follows: Member of the Year, Michelle Benincasa; Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year, Edward Smith; Basic Life Support Provider, Stephanie Traveras; and Rookie of the Year, Christopher Antieri. A good time was had by all. - Fire News photos by William J Nevins, Jr.
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Centerport Custom Car Show
The Centerport Fire Department Eagle Truck Company recently hosted their 20th annual Antique and Custom Car Show under sunny skies at picturesque Centerport Beach. This year’s show brought over 200 cars, trucks and motorcycles, ranging from early classic antiques, hot rods, muscle cars, and of course fire apparatus. Firefighters from many area departments came out, with Halesite
taking the prize for Best Appearing Fire Apparatus with their 1924 Ahrens Fox pumper. Featured for the first time this year was the 9/11 Tribute Car, which depicts a magnificent photomural dedicated to the first responders and citizens that lost their lives. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
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Rehabilitation Several years ago I went through NFPA 1521 and made a note of every function a safety officer had to accomplish at an incident scene. I came up with about 125 different job functions. So when asked if I will ever run out of safety tips, it looks like just writing about a job function once a month I’m good for 10 years. Recognition of safety officers and the safety program is still on the back burner of many departments. Long Island Fire News allowing us to print these tips is a big help for safety officers to overcome the culture problems we encounter. Every once in awhile something takes place where we get a big boost. That happened to be the case when the Brookhaven Town Chiefs Council awarded the Selden Fire Department as Fire Department of the Year and one of the reasons was, members of the Selden Fire Department were responsible for the startup of the Brookhaven Town Safety Officer Association. The second milestone was when Chief Gregory C. Miglino, Jr., of the South Country Ambulance Company, invited this President to their installation dinner. We were among several dignitaries who supported their 75th anniversary. I am asking all departments to include a president of one of the several safety officers associations to give safety some recognition and invite these people to your installation dinner or similar function. Chief Miglino, Jr., and the South Country Board of Directors, are a class act! You showed leadership. Recognizing safety officers indicates your concern for the safety of all first responders. Now, for the safety tip. NFPA 1521 4.5.7 states, “the incident safety officer shall have and maintain a knowledge of incident scene rehabilitation strategy.” In the annex section it goes on to explain, “the ISO is not responsible for establishing the rehab tactical level management component but needs to ensure that it is established and is adequately staffed with personnel and resources.” That’s it ladies and gentlemen. We only have to confirm its existence and make sure its functioning properly. Some safety-aggressive departments have rehab vehicles outfitted to prepare hot and cold refreshments. In an excellent article in Firehouse magazine (May 2015), Gary Ludwig writes, “there are updates to NFPA 1584 Standard On The Rehabilitation Process For Members During Emergency Operations, And Training Exercises and Firefighters should be rehabbed following the use of a second 30-minute or 45 minute Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinder, a single 60-minute SCBA cylinder or 40 minutes of intense work without SCBA.” NFPA 1584 goes on to note that all firefighters entering rehab should have all vital signs obtained. The risks of carbon monoxide (CO) is a growing awareness and addressed in NFPA 1584. Any firefighter involved in firefighting operations who is sent to rehab should be monitored for CO. NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program 8.9.3 states, “such on scene rehabilitation shall include rest, hydration, active cooling where required, basic life support care, food where required, and protection from extreme elements.” Rehabilitation is an important part of the incident scene and it is the responsibility of the safety officer to ensure the Incident Commander has one set up. Ex-Chief Jeff Bailes President Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Assoc., Inc. 631-495-6418 www,btsoa.org
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FDSOA Candidate My name is Richard C. Maddox and I am announcing my candidacy as Chairman of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association Board of Directors. I am a member in good standing of the association, am a certified incident safety officer, and health and safety officer, and have been a member of the Association for 22 years. I meet the current requirements of the association's bylaws for the position of Chairman During the past 22 years I have gained much valuable information and knowledge from my fellowship and attendance at many FDSOA Conferences and educational opportunities. I have had the privilege to be part of the Incident Safety Officer Curriculum Committee with Past Chairman Dave Dodson, Past Board Members, and the late David Ross, Phillip Chovan, and Robert Finley as the committee developed the current curriculum and certification for the Incident Safety Officer. After being elected to represent this association as Eastern Regional Director, I was proud to support the estab-
lishment of the Health and Safety Officer Certification program. Today both certification programs have approximately 4500 certified firefighters /EMS personal. During my last term as Vice Chairman, Chairman Michael Petroff appointed me as the Chairman of the Executive Director Search Committee to replace the retiring Executive Director. The process resulted in the hiring of Rich Marinucci as Executive Director. The past few years have challenged the FDSOA. The retirement of Executive Director Mary McCormack and Certification Coordinator Robert Finley, consolidation of the Boston and Collinsville offices, hiring a new Executive Director, updating member database, re-accreditation of the Association by the Pro-board and changes to our reference standard NFPA 1521 were challenges met and conquered. I ask for your support in my quest to become Chairman of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association. I fully under-
stand the challenges that face me and the Association. I promise to work every day to represent every member of this association to the best of my ability, for every day of my term. I look forward to working with each of you in a very special calling firefighter safety and health. Please visit my Facebook page for more information, or call me at 631-767-4658. Thank you again and I would greatly appreciate your vote. Richard C. Maddox Vice-Chairman and candidate for Chairman FDSOA
Ridge Installation On March 21, 2015, the Ridge Fire Department held their 74th Installation Dinner at the Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. Congratulations to Stan Klein for EMS High Point Award and Overall High Points, Charles Hepner for Fire High Point Award, James Demeo for The William Kaspereit Memorial Award, Kevin Corrigan for The Walter Darcy Memorial Award, Michael Tutunjian for The Richard Gianmugnai Memorial Award, Paul Callegari for The Jack Austen Memorial Award, Shaun Harris, 2nd Lt. Michael Dudley and Josh Sibbald for EMS Person of The Year Award, Katherine Stasys for EMT of The Year, and Charles Hepner for Firemen of The Year. Good luck to the Chief of Departmnt Shawn T. Davis, 1st Assistant Chief Michael Gianmugnai and 2nd Assistant Chief Louis Kaiser. - Fire News photos by Ron Montelone
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N. Massapequa Installation Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto (left), Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joseph D. Muscarella (second from right) and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker (center) recently attended the Annual Installation Dinner of the North Massapequa Fire Department. Chief of Department Kevin B. Mauro (second from left), who is the 46th chief in the history of the North Massapequa Fire Department, was installed for the second year of his two-year term. Also on hand was North Massapequa Fire District Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners Michael G. Antonucci, who is also an ex-Chief of the Department. -Fire News photo by Kurt Ludwig
North Massapequa’s Ferro, FF of the Year The North Massapequa Fire Department named Ed Ferro, Firefighter of the Year at their annual installation dinner. Firefighter Ferro was honored for his outstanding dedication to the department and to the community. He received an ovation when the award was presented by Commissioner Antonucci. - Fire News photo by Jackson Pokress
Fourth Battalion Leaders The Fourth Battalion Fire District, encompassing the departments of East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne, and Rockville Centre, recently swore in their newly elected officers for the coming year. Ex-Chief John Van Houten of the East Rockaway FD, (right), swears in, (from second right to left): Chairman John Hennig, Rockville Centre Fire Department, Vice-Chairman John Matzen, Lynbrook FD, Secretary Robert Klose, East Rockaway FD, and Treasurer John Mirando, Rockville Centre FD. - Fire News photo by Steve Grogan
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Northport Kids Helping Veterans The youngsters from the Northport Junior firefighters program, “The Smokeaters,” along with those from the Northport High School Project Vets program, teamed up to assist the Northport American Legion with their annual Mothers Day poppy sale. Stationed at the intersection of Ocean, Church and Main Streets, over 900 poppies were sold to the very generous neighbors of the community. All money collected went to support programs at the Northport VA hospital. - Fire News photo courtesy of John Mancino
Halesite Junior Officers Sworn In XOn April 13, 2015, Chief McConnell swore in the newly appointed officers of the Halesite Juniors Program. The following Halesite Junior Firefighters will serve as officers until the first election of Juniors in August, 2015. Captain - Brady Anna; 1st Lieutenant Jack Toomey; 2nd Lieutenant - James Willis; Secretary - Luke Giordano; Treasurer - Lukas Fleisig; and Sergeant-at-Arms - Anthony McDonald. Congratulations to Halesite’s new Junior Firefighter Officers. - Fire News photo by Kate Kuntz, PIO, Halesite FD
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 91
FMASCO Shotgun Fundraiser On June 6, 2015, the Fire Marshal Association of Suffolk County (FMASCO) held their annual Shotgun Shoot fundraiser, which benefits the Firefighter Cancer Support Network-NY and the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center Fund. Over 130 shooters ranging from expert marksman to novice first timers participated. Some of the highlights of the day included; Bill Ammann, Albertson FD - 1st place Men; Stacy Peterson, St. James FD - 1st Place Women; Hagerman FD - 1st Place Team; and St. James took the Best Appearing Team. There was also a great showing from all the junior shooters who participated, with Dominic Coppa taking home the trophy for best in that division. Thank you to the Mastic Beach Fire Department for a great barbeque, Suffolk Sportsman for providing loaner guns and instruction, and the Long Island Shooting Range for their continued support of our event. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Seminar
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation would like to thank everyone who participated and came out to support the Foundation on May 29-30, 2015. We hope to see everyone next year. Visit www.JoeyDFoundation.org for future seminars. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 93
Up Close & Personal Freeport Chiefs Honored Former-Chief John R. Horton Chief of Department 1973-1974, former-Chief John A. Capozzoli Chief of Department 1971-1972 and former-Chief Carl E.(Sonny) Wallman Chief of Department 1972-1973 were honored for their service at the Freeport Installation on April 25, 2015. - Fire News photo courtesy of formerChief Julius Ellison
Lakeview to FDNY “K� (Left) Lakeview Chief of Department Freddy Senti would like to wish FDNY Deputy Chief Tom Galvin and FDNY Chief of Department Ed Kilduff a happy retirement. - Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
Dix Hills 3rd Assistant Chief Joseph Williamson (right) operating at a house fire on Carriage Court in Dix hills on May 31, 2015. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
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Happy Retirement to Brian Grattan Robert ‘Brian’ Grattan, a long time employee at the Suffolk County Fire Academy, retired on March 28, 2015. Brian was hired as a per diem field instructor on April 25, 1988. He spent the next 12 years training students in the live fire buildings at the academy. In October 1999, Brian was hired as a maintenance mechanic. His responsibilities changed from instruction to maintenance of the Fire Academy field and all of its training props. In April 2012, Brian was promoted to Chief of Field Operations. During his 27 years with the Academy, Brian’s dedication helped maintain the quality of training delivered by the Suffolk County Fire Academy. On March 26, 2015, a party was held at the academy to celebrate his retirement. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 95
Up Close & Personal
Riders of Fire MC's newest member, Vincent Rodowicz. Vincent is a Yaphank fireman and is ex-Captain of Co. 2 and EMT. (Left to right): President Joey Nuccio, Vincent and Vice President Greg Carter. - Fire News photo by Ron Moneleone
Commissioner Van Johnson of the Coram Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone
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Huntington Manor Installation
Lupinacci Pays Tribute to EMS
Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R, C, I- South Huntington) recently attended the Huntington Manor Fire Department's 112th Annual Installation Dinner. While at the event, Lupinacci presented a citation to Francis McQuade, the newest Huntington Manor Fire Department Chief, and recognized the department’s continuous efforts to keep the Huntington community safe. The department also honored all active firefighters who have served more than 20 years in the department, Hose Company I, Hook and Ladder Company, and the Fire Police for their commitment to preserving the safety of Huntington. (Left to right): South Huntington School District Superintendent Dave Bennardo, Chief of Huntington Manor Fire Dept. Francis McQuade, Huntington Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia, and Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci.
Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R, C, I-South Huntington) accompanied by Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R,I,C-East Northport) and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, honored fallen Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers at the ‘Tree of Life’ Memorial in Albany. “EMS members work around-the-clock to assure our families are in good hands in moments of crisis, and it's important to recognize their services and sacrifices,” said Lupinacci. “We are fortunate to have some of the best EMS members right here in New York State, and I was glad to see several dedicated Long Island EMS members make the trip to Albany for this event as well.” (Left to right): Andrea Golinsky, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, Robert Franz, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Assemblyman Andrew Raia.
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Memorial Day in Hicksville The Hicksville Fire Department held its annual Memorial Day service at Station # 1. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
EMS Memorial Dedication Honors Nesconset’s Huffer Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R, C, ISmithtown) recently attended the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Memorial Dedication at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The assemblyman was on hand to honor fallen EMS, ALS and BLS first response personnel, particularly Nesconset Fire Department exChief Ross E. Huffer, who lost his life in the line of duty last year. Huffer was one of two honored at this year’s dedication ceremony. “Today is a day to remember our fallen first responders and their families,” said Fitzpatrick. “It is my privilege to honor Chief Huffer, a true credit to the Nesconset Fire Department and the ranks of firefighters across Long Island. He gave 48 years of his life to the department and our community. Our thoughts and prayers, along with our thanks for his service, go out to his family.” Huffer was awarded numerous citations and service medals over the years for his service, including the Smithtown Fire Chiefs Council’s
Unit Citation in 1992 and 1994, and the Medal of Valor for saving a resident from a house fire in 1981. Since 2004, the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services Memorial has honored EMS, ALS and BLS first responders who have fallen
in the line of duty while following established laws, regulations, policies and protocols. Pictured: Assemblyman Fitzpatrick at the EMS Memorial Dedication, along with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader, John Flanagan, and Assemblyman Andy Raia.
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PIERCE EXPANDS DEALER TERRITORIES FOR CHURCHVILLE FIRE EQUIPMENT, FIREMATIC SUPPLY, AND GLICK FIRE EQUIPMENT Leading Pierce dealerships take on new territories in New York and Pennsylvania. Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced an expansion of the dealer territories for Churchville Fire Equipment, headquartered in Churchville, New York; Firematic Supply Company of Long Island, New York; and Glick Fire Equipment, based in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. The three organizations have more than 90 years of combined experience representing Pierce Manufacturing. Churchville Fire Equipment adds counties in central New York to its present territory of western New York State. Firematic Supply Company adds counties in north and east New York State in addition to its current territory of Connecticut and southeastern New York. Glick Fire Equipment expands to the northeast and now serves all counties in Pennsylvania. “Churchville Fire Equipment, Firematic Supply Company and Glick Fire Equipment are three top-tier organizations, and are among the most respected Pierce dealerships in North America,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. “Over many years, all three companies have proven themselves with outstanding sales, service and afterthe-sale support. Pierce is proud to expand the responsibilities of each in the region.” Founded in 1951, Churchville Fire Equipment has been a Pierce dealership for more than 40 years. An employee-owned company (including 95% current or former firefighters), Churchville Fire Equipment offers unmatched support and two state-of-the-art service facilities. This Pierce Service Brigade dealership features EVT certified mechanics, mobile service vehicles, metal fabrication equipment and a $500,000 replacement parts inventory. Visit
www.churchvillefire.com for more information. Firematic Supply Company has represented Pierce for 35 years and is the recipient of Pierce’s 2014 Service Dealer of the Year award. The company offers comprehensive customer support through a complete mechanical service center and a factory-authorized pump service center, factory trained mechanics, custom fabrication and design, comprehensive testing resources and an extensive parts inventory. Firematic’s staff is renowned for developing unique solutions to complex challenges. Visit www.firematic.com for more information. Glick Fire Equipment Company, Inc. has exclusively represented Pierce apparatus since 1998. The company provides the highest quality products and personalized service, with locations serving both eastern and western Pennsylvania. A Pierce Service Brigade dealership, Glick Fire Equipment is comprised of more than 58 team members including 22 factory-trained technicians of which 17 have achieved certified Pierce Master Technician level. The company offers mobile service capabilities from 11 full time road technicians, comprehensive customer training, and a $1,300,000 replacement parts inventory. Visit www.glickfire.com for more information.
FERRARA FIRE APPARATUS UNVEILS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER AT INTERSCHUTZ 2015 Ferrara Fire Apparatus, a worldwide leader in premier custom heavy-duty fire apparatus unveiled the Guinness World Record Title Holder for Highest Pumping Capacity Fire Engine at Interschutz 2015 in Hannover, Germany. The Inundator Super Pumper was on display June 8 to 13, 2015 at the fairgrounds booth in the USA pavilion.
Company Vice President of Sales Jonny Carroll stated, “We chose Interschutz 2015 to unveil the Inundator Super Pumper because it truly is a global stage. The Inundator SP and its pumping capabilities will change the firefighting and industrial firefighting industries. A new bar has been set and there has never been a piece of fire equipment built that will have such an impact. Ferrara continues to be the most innovative Fire Apparatus manufacturer in the world.” Ferrara Fire Apparatus custom manufactures a complete line of heavyduty fire, emergency and rescue vehicles. The custom chassis selection includes the Ultra, Inferno, Igniter, and Cinder. Ferrara’s line of apparatus includes the MVP rescue pumper, custom and commercial pumpers, tankers, rear and midmount aerial ladders and platforms, walk in and walk around rescues, incident command trucks and trailers, wildland interface, and the Inundator high flow industrial pumper.
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Nassau Juniors Monument Ground Breaking
On April 26, 2015, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano assisted the Officers of the NCJFA at Eisenhower Park, in the ground breaking at the site of their monument which will be unveiled in May 2016, on their 10th anniversary. (Left to right): Sergeant at Arms Bryan Sheer, 1st Vice-President Mitchell Bailey, NCJFA
Chairman Jerry Presta, President Kelly Hastings, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Secretary Ryan Hunt, 2nd Vice-President Charlie Lynch, Treasurer Richie Field. To follow the construction and dedication, follow us on Facebook “Nassau Juniors.� - Fire News photo by Jerry Presta
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Suffolk Fire Marshals Honored
Recently, the Suffolk County Legislature recognized Suffolk County Fire Marshals Brett Martinez and Don Lynch, along with their K-9 partners, Jul and Tiana, for their dedication and commitment to fire and arson investigation. Fire Marshals Lynch and Martinez are two of approximately 50 ATF-certified canine teams
across the country. Fire Marshal Martinez holds the unique distinction of being the longest serving ATF-certified ADC handler in the United States. Congratulations to Fire Marshal Brett Martinez, Fire Marshal Don Lynch and Accelerant Detection K9s Jul and Tiana. -Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 101
Detective Moore Remembered in Massapequa
On May 23, 2015, a Memorial Day ceremony was held at the duty. This year, slain NYPD Detective Brian Moore, was honored Massapequa Towers of Freedom Military Monument to commemo- and remembered as the Moore family was present. -Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam rate the supreme sacrifice made by the men and women of the US military, as well as first responders who have died in the line of
Annual Race Nets Greenport $25Gs Peconic Landing, one of the largest senior communities in Suffolk County, annually sponsors a May Mile/5k Run with proceeds going to the Greenport Fire Department. This year Chief Jeffrey Weingsart was presented with a check for $25,700 by Robert J. Syron, CEO of Peconic Landing. - Fire News photo by Myron Goldstein
Westbury’s Olson Honored for 50 Years of Service The Westbury Fire Department honored exChief John Olson for his 50 years of service to the department and the community. Olson joined the department on July 20, 1965. He was also a member of the FDNY for 33 years, retiring in 2002. He became chairman of the 9th Battalion Fire District of Nassau County in 2005, and served on the board for over 20 years. He was Captain of Hose Co. #1, Chief of Department, Chief Instructor, continues to serve on the Board of Instructors, and served on several truck committees. He received the Harry Buck Award in 1989 and 2002. He has constantly shared his firefighting knowledge both on and off the fireground. New members reach out to him for guidance
Ex-Chief Olson has been married to Elise and with the assurance that ex-Chief Olson gives his all to the entire Westbury Fire for 46 years and has two children, John and Department. He is a true example of volunteer Christine, and is the proud grandfather of firefighting at its best, and remains a Class A Victoria, Payton, Patrick and Jack. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm Firefighter with over 20-percent attendance.
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Centerport Memorial Day Parade
The Centerport Fire Department hosted their annual Memorial Day parade and service, which was very well-attended by the community. Besides firefighters and apparatus, the parade featured marching bands from the Harborfields Schools, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, as well as Girl Scouts and Brownies from local troops. After the parade, the
ex-Chiefs led a flag-raising ceremony at the Park Circle Monument opposite the firehouse. This year’s guest speaker was Sergeant Robert Ferri, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam. Refreshments were served by the Centerport Cadets and the Ladies Auxiliary held their Bake Sale. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 103
Westbury Honors FF Ardis for 50 Years Service The Westbury Fire Department honored Firefighter Richard Ardis for his 50 years of service to the department and community. Ardis was born April 21, 1930, in Harlem, one of six children. To help support his family he trained as a boxer and fought in the Golden Gloves and became a welterweight champion of the 28th Infantry while serving in the US Army during the Korean War. Upon his return from service, he married his childhood sweetheart, Christina. Married for 63 years the couple have three children Toni Ann, Michael, and Dominick. Ardis also made many lifelong friends during his career as a meatcutter. After moving to Westbury, Rich joined the Westbury Fire Department in 1965. He continues to be a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Westbury Senior Citizens and volunteers in the Reading and Mentoring Programs at the East Meadow Schools. He and his wife are charter members of the Donatello Sons of Italy, having served as chaplain of this organization. He is one of the ‘money makers’ on the department’s Fund Drive Committee and a member of Southern NY Firemen’s Association and Nassau County Firemen’s Association. Richie, better known as ‘Poppy,’ is admired and loved by his grandchildren Nicole,
Cristina, Victoria and Dylan and his new great- who have had the opportunity to know him grandson Edward James and his son-in-law throughout his many years of distinguished service. Richie, You make us proud. Wiley and grandson-in-law Edward. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm; story Richie is a soft spoken individual who by the Westbury FD brings a true meaning of gentleman to all those
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East Meadow Installation East Meadow Assistant Chiefs (left to right): 1st Assistant Chief John McGee, 2nd Assistant Chief Joe Lennon and 3rd Assistant Chief Phil Fertitta take the oath of office at the 85th Annual Installation of the East Meadow Fire Department held on May 16, 2015. - Fire News photo by Joe Virgilio
Kane Installed as E. Meadow Chief With his son Joe at his side, and his assistants behind him, James Kane is installed as the Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department, at their annual Installation Dinner held on May 16, 2015. - Fire News photo by Joe Virgilio
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Obituary
Holbrook’s Pedersen Passes
On June 7, 2015, the Holbrook Fire Department mourned the loss of 60-year Life Member and Honorary Chief Charles Pedersen. Pedersen passed on June 3 at 76-years old. A full firematic service was held and he was interred at Calverton National Cemetery. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez
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Obituary
Centerport Mourns ex-Chief and Commissioner Gus Zeis The Centerport Fire Department mourned the loss of ex-Chief and Commissioner Gus Zeis who answered his last alarm on May 16, 2015, at 77 years of age. Zeis was a proud military veteran who joined the US Air Force in 1957, and was an aircraft mechanic. After serving in the military, Zeis went to work for Grumman Aviation as an Aircraft Engineer, and worked on the electrical systems for Gulfstream Aircraft. In the early 1970s, he left Grumman and started his own successful business, Zeis Electric. Zeis joined the Centerport Fire Department in 1965 and climbed up the ranks to become the Lieutenant and Captain of both Engine Co. 3 and Engine Co. 2. He served four years in the assistant chief ranks before becoming Chief of the Department from 1992-1993. Zeis loved playing softball, and was inducted into the Huntington Softball Hall of Fame. He became a Life Member in 1999, and stayed active in the fire service as the Centerport Fire District Manager, and was later elected Commissioner, which he was at the time of his passing. Zeis was predeceased by his loving wife Carole. He was the devoted father of Michael, the First Assistant Chief of the Greenlawn Fire Department, and his wife Kristin. He was also the beloved grandfather of Michael, Jr., and Samantha, and the dear brother of Priscilla Jahier, Randy, Thomas, Wayne, Darrell and the late Pamela Alice Zeis. Donation to the Long Island State Veterans Home, 100 Patriots Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790-3300, in memory of Gus, are appreciated. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
Dix Hills ex-Chief Fred Reithel The Dix Hills Fire Department mourned the loss of well-respected ex-Chief and pastCommissioner Fred Reithel, who answered his last alarm on May 21, 2015, at the age of 93. Reithel served in the US Navy where he built PT boats, then worked for Sperry where he produced the navigation system for submarines. He later bought land on Caledonia Road in 1955, where he built his own house and joined the ranks of the Dix Hills Fire Department. Reithel served the department with dedication and commitment in his 52 years of service, serving as a Lieutenant for 14 years, Chief from 1974
to 1975, and Commissioner for 11 years. The department and Dix Hills community has grown and developed much in the last 52 years, and Fred had seen it change from a predominantly rural community to a mainly residential area with several heavily traveled major highways running through the district. Although times have changed, the department has progressed due to the dedication of its members like Fred Reithel. Chief Reithel will be deeply missed by the Dix Hills Fire Department and community. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 109
Obituary
Westhampton Beach’s Chief William Overton The Westhampton Beach Fire Department regretfully announces that Chief William ‘Bo’ Overton has answered his final call. Chief Overton died on May 15, 2015, after a long illness. Chief Overton was a 47-year member of the department. He served as an Assistant Chief a number of times and was the department’s Chief Engineer from 1997 to 1998. At the time of his death he was serving as 1st Assistant Chief. He was consistently among our top responders and continued to answer calls until he was physically unable to do so. Born in Port Jefferson in 1943, he was a graduate of Westhampton Beach High School where he was a star athlete in baseball, football, basketball and track. He joined the US Army in 1962 and was stationed in Korea. Upon returning stateside he served as a drill instructor before being honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1965. In that year he joined the Westhampton Beach Village Police Department. He earned an associate’s degree from the Suffolk Community College and graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He remained with the village department until retiring in 1998 with the rank of sergeant. Chief Overton was a CPR instructor for over 40 years and was active in local youth sports, coaching hundreds of youngsters in football, baseball and basketball. He was one of the founders of the Westhampton Beach PAL. Training was a passion with Chief Overton during his years in the department. He believed that training should be an ongoing process throughout a career in the fire service. He led by example, taking courses and workshops and attending drills until the very end of his career. Chief Overton is survived by his partner Joanne Penney, a daughter Erin, sons Patrick and Keith, a brother James, and granddaughter Erica, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Michael. - Fire News photos courtesy of Denise Civiletti/RiverheadLocal.com
Page 110, Fire News, July 2015
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Obituary
Bellport’s Fred Hollmann, Jr. Passes
The Bellport Fire Department lost 22-year member Fred Hollmann, Jr. on May 1, 2015, at the age of 90. Fred was a member of the Fire Police, having joined the department in 1993 after his retirement from Verizon. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jeanne, and two sons, Fred and Steven. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Lillian. Fred is the stepfather to Karen, Tim, Susan and Terry and grandfather and great-grandfather to eight. Fred was a World War II Navy veteran. He was very involved in his community and the fire department. He was loved, and will be missed, by many. Firematic services were held at the funeral home and at his interment. - Fire News photos by Brian Lopez
Page 112, Fire News, July 2015
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