VOLUME XLIII, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JANUARY 2016
Full story on page 5. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Fire News Wishes Everyone A Happy & Healthy New Year
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Fire News, January 2016, Page 3
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In this issue... A Service for Long Island Firefighters and EMS Heroes
RVC House Collapses An overnight blaze destroys a beautiful home in Rockville Centre
See story page 8
Stony Brook Dorm Fire Setauket, and mutual aid units, respond to a second-floor fire in a dorm without standpipes See story page 14
2 Fires in 2 Days Same House Massapequa firefighters respond to a familiar address for a house fire. See story page 29
Fatality at Hempstead Head-on Hempstead firefighters respond to the scene of a head-on in the same location of previous serious accident. See story page 50
Suffolk K9s Assist in NYC Arson Case FDNY, NYPD and ATF are assisted by Suffolk County Accelerant Detection K9s. See story page 66
Obituaries Greenlawn’s Harry Williams, Jr., Bellport’s Edward Bishop, Melville’s Dr. Allen Steinhardt, South Side Hose’s Marty Goffe, Hicksville’s Conrad Strauch See stories starting on page 69
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 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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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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Time to How’m I Doing? Change
Congratulations to all of the officers and chiefs who will be leading their department in 2016. To the members of the company who will be following your new officers, don’t stop reading! This editorial is partly about you. You are needed to help your new officers achieve their goals. Looking back as a young lieutenant, I would not have been a good leader if it was not for the people who followed me down the dark hot hallways or came down to the firehouse to allow me to train them. Seasoned firefighters look out for their new officers. Seasoned members know when to pull an officer aside to offer a “job well done.” Most new officers quickly realize when they’ve made a mistake. If you think you made a mistake, or something didn’t feel right, talk it over with someone who has walked your path. Every officer’s position is different, and most have a learning curve. If you made it to “the seat” you have probably fought a few
fires or handled a few rescues and are comfortable responding to a call. Guess what? It is a rude awakening when you are a first-year officer who ends up being the incident commander at a major incident. Like your first fire, you will feel more confident as additional units arrive to help you with suggestions to organize the call so the members who are battling the incident are kept safe. Most of the time, the calls are the easy part of being an officer. The hard part comes when the officer realizes that problems are developing around the station. Are the dishes building up in the sink? Is the television being left on and coffee cups being left on the table? At times, the officer has to remind guys to clean up. All too often, the member — seasoned or unseasoned — forgets what they were taught as probies. Clean up! Your officer has much more important things to do than to track down who is leaving the place a mess. To the new officer: When you lay out your
training schedule for the year, don’t wait until the night of the drill to figure out what you are going to do. If you drill on Thursday night, come down to the station with the other officers on Monday night and physically run through your drill. Good planning is what helps members walk away with a sense of accomplishment. I often think of NYC Mayor Ed Koch, who did three terms as mayor. His line to the press was “How’m I doing? — Advice to our new officers — ask that same question from time to time. Good luck to all in 2016. …Dennis
Suffolk Federal Re-elects Board Members Suffolk Federal has re-elected of James J. Maggio, Jr., Frank C. Trotta and Joseph Poerio to its Board of Directors. Trotta also serves as Chairman of Suffolk Federal’s Member Services Committee. Frank C. Trotta, Vice Chairman, is the Publisher of 50 Plus Lifestyles, a Long Island based publication covering Long Island boomers and seniors and Fire News with six editions covering seven states including New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. Trotta served as an elected official of the Village of Bellport for 31 years with the last 25 as mayor. He has served as the Chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Town of Brookhaven, Frank C. Trotta Director of the Suffolk County Office for the Aging, Trustee of the Suffolk County Community College and was appointed by the Governor to the Stony Brook University Council. Trotta’s involvement with local charities includes the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Foster Grandparents of Suffolk County, and the American Red Cross. Trotta serves as the Chaplain of the Bellport Fire Department. He is a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and earned both his Bachelor in for the Business Administration and Masters in Public Administration from Long Island University. (Help James J. Maggio, Jr., Chairman, has been a member of the credit union for more than 35 years and a member of its Board of Directors since 2008. Prior to the Board of Directors, he served two years on the Board of Managers of the credit union’s financial services subsidiary and two years as a volunteer on the Loan Review Committee. Maggio retired from Suffolk County as a Senior Legislative Analyst for the Suffolk County Legislature. His responsibilities included analyzing the budgetary implications of pending legislation as well as special studies at the request of the legislature. Maggio earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Adelphi University.
James J. Maggio, Jr.,
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Cover Story
House Fire in Hempstead
The Hempstead Fire Department responded to a house fire on November 16, 2015 on Wellesey Street. Arriving units were greeted by a heavy fire conditions on the first floor of a two-story private dwelling. An aggressive push knocked down most of the fire while members vented and searched. All occupants were able to exit to safety but two dogs died and two were rescued by firefighters. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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North Babylon House Fire
Recently, the North Babylon Fire Company was alerted for a house fire on the eastbound service road of Sunrise Highway with a possible occupant trapped. Chief Cabano arrived on scene to find a single-story house heavily involved and a minivan in the driveway fully involved. First Assistant Chief Caroleo and Third Assistant Chief Cullen arrived and handled the fire attack. Engine 1-8-4 was first in, followed by Ladder 1-8-6. With additional engines arriving, three lines were stretched. The fire caused the garage of the original house to collapse shortly into the operation. The occupant was removed by neighbors through a rear window prior to the fire department’s arrival and was evaluated at the scene; a second person was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with minor injuries. The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. Mutual aid was provided by Bay Shore and West Islip to the scene. Units from Babylon, West Babylon, and Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance stood by. The Suffolk County Arson Squad was requested to investigate. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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RVC House Collapses Early on November 14, 2015, the Rockville Centre Fire Department activated for a house fire on South Marion Place. First arriving units found a 2-1/2 story house fully involved. Multiple arriving engines ran numerous lines as crews tried to make an interior attack. With an imminent collapse being noticed, crews were moved away from the building shortly before the entire exposure 1 let go. With multiple lines in operation, master streams from Lynbrook, Malverne, East Rockaway and Baldwin were used to extinguish the fire that went on well into the morning. Additional mutual aid was provided by Oceanside and Lakeview. There was no one home at the time of the fire. The Nassau County Fire Marshal Office was requested to investigate. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fatality at Medford House Fire
The Medford Fire Department responded to a structure fire on November 16, 2015. Unit 5-14-30 was in charge. On arrival, firefighters were met with heavy smoke from the garage with fire in the attic. Mutual aid included Coram and Farmingville. According to police a body was found in a car parked in the garage. - Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken
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Copiague House Fire
The Copiague Fire Department was activated for a house fire on Hollywood Avenue East on November 4, 2015. Third Assistant Chief Nuzzi arrived to smoke showing from the second floor of the home. Chief of Department Campion requested an engine from Lindenhurst, bringing 1-6-3, and RIT from Amityville, bringing 11-15 to the scene. Engine 1-3-9’s crew stretched a line into the house
as the crew from Ladder 1-3-4 laddered, searched and vented the home. Engine 1-3-7 arrived and assisted. During searches of the house, a dog and two birds were removed uninjured. The occupants were out of the house prior to the fire departments arrival. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Fast Work in Holbrook
On November 29, 2015, the Holbrook Fire Department was activat- Mutual aid was requested from Sayville and Holtsville. Multiple ed for a reported residential structure fire on Ferraro Drive. Chief attack lines were put into operation and the fire was quickly - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez Chris Heinssen arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing. knocked down.
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Quick Job in Elmont
Elmont firefighters extinguished a small kitchen fire at a home on Lynn Drive on November 24, 2015. The call originally came in as an oven fire but the fire extended to the surrounding area. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Lakeview House Fire
The Lakeview Fire Department responded to a working house fire on November 22, 2015. The alarm came in for a kitchen fire at a Champlain Avenue address and arriving units found flames shooting from the rear of the single-story home. A strong advance by the engine company quickly knocked the fire down, with truck company members venting and searching. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Smithtown House Fire
The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a structural fire on Trent Lane early on November 25, 2015. The homeowners were able to evacuate before firefighters started their attack. The fire was brought under control with use of the tower ladder and 2-½ inch handlines. A home to the right of the fire building sustained melted siding and a cracked window. On scene were Chiefs Murphy, Landrigan, Fitzpatrick and Diecidue. Mutual aid came from Kings Parks, Nesconset and Hauppauge with coverage provided by St. James. - Fire News photos by Jeff Bressler, PIO. Smithtown FD
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Dorm Fire at Stony Brook On November 21, 2015, a fire at O’Neill College on the Stony Brook University campus was fought and extinguished by the Setauket Fire Department, with mutual aid from Stony Brook, St. James and Port Jefferson. The blaze was in a second floor room, and the initial alarm to Setauket was based on smoke alarms only. Upon arrival, Assistant Chief William Rohr called for mutual aid. Setauket firefighters had to carry hoses up to the second floor as no standpipes existed in the old dormitory. Once water was brought to bear, most flames were extinguished and the remainder of the alarm resulted in cleaning out debris. Incident command was assumed by Chief Thomas Makarius and Chief Rohr took over operational command. -Fire News photos by Robert O’Rourk
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Elmont Car Fire The Elmont Fire Department recently battled a car fire on E. Cromer Road in Elmont. No injuries were reported and Assistant Chief Luckman was in charge of operations. - Fire News photo by Brian Grogan
Car Fire in Wyandanch The Wyandanch Fire Company was called to a car fire at Lindsay Avenue and Nicolls Road on November 7, 2015. Units arrived to find the engine compartment of a parked sedan on fire. One line was put into operation to extinguish the fire in about 15 minutes. Chief of Department T. Brown was in charge. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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When You Gotta’ Stay Warm ‌
Early on November 15, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department was alerted for an unknown type fire on Washington Avenue. Arriving units found a homeless couple had lit a fire to stay warm in between two buildings. The fire was extinguished with two water cans. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Bethpage House Fire
On November 16, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to a house fire on High Street. Crews stretched two lines and extinguished fire inside the walls on the first and second floors of the two-story home. No injuries were reported and mutual aid came from South Farmingdale and North Massapequa. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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Good Stop in Huntington Manor
The Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to a house fire on Cold Spring Hills Road on November 11, 2015. First arriving units found the residents out and an active fire on the garage level spreading to the second floor. Crews began an aggressive attack on the blaze, which was controlled within a half-hour. Over 50 firefighters were on the scene under the command of Chief Frank
McQuade, with operations handled by Assistant Chiefs Mike DePasquale, Jon Hoffmann and Chuck Brady. Huntington assisted at the scene, while Greenlawn provided standby. The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Fire Marshal were investigating. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
Body Found at Wyandanch House Fire
The Wyandanch Fire Company was alerted for a house fire at the intersection of Deer Street and Irving Avenue on November 28, 2015. First Assistant Chief Deangelis and Safety Officer Miller arrived to fire showing from the rear of a boarded-up dwelling. The fire was contained to one room and brought under control quickly.
During searches of the house, a body was discovered under debris in the fire room. The scene was turned over to the Suffolk County Police and the Arson Squad was requested to the scene to investigate. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Westbury House Fire On December 12, 2015, the Westbury Fire Department took numerous calls reporting a house fire on Grand Street. First Assistant Chief Bartunek arrived and engine crews stretched three lines into the house while the ladder crew started opening up the boarded up windows, laddered the house and began searches. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes with no reported injuries. Mutual aid came from Hicksville, Syosset, Carle Place, Jericho and East Meadow. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Attic Fire in Glen Cove
The Glen Cove Fire Department was on the scene of an attic fire in a private dwelling on November 29, 2015. Mutual aid companies from surrounding areas assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Suspicious Fire in Farmingville
Shinnecock Hills Basement Fire
Early on November 30, 2015, the Farmingville Fire Department was activated for a fire to the rear of a residence on Ridgewood Avenue. Chief Dave Smith advised dispatch of a working shed fire. The first-due crew of Engine 2 stretched an attack line quickly knocking down all fire. Command requested a fire marshal and the Suffolk Arson Squad to the scene. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
On November 24, 2015, the Southampton Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm on Westway Drive in Shinnecock Hills. Duty Captain Pat Collins and Alfred Callahan arrived on scene to find heavy smoke pushing from the basement. Crews found a dryer on fire, which was quickly extinguished. Also responding was Southampton Volunteer Ambulance. First Assistant Chris Brenner was in charge of the scene. - Fire News photo by Chris Brenner/Southampton FD
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North Babylon House Fire
Early on November 29, 2015, the North Babylon Fire Company was alerted for a residential structure fire located on the westbound side of the Sunrise Highway service road. Dispatch was receiving multiple calls reporting a vehicle and house on fire. Suffolk County Police advised dispatch of a fully involved residential structure with possible occupants within. The first-due crew on scene removed one victim from the home, as the fire spread to another structure on the exposure #2 side. Mutual aid was requested from West Islip, Deer Park and Bay Shore. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Wantagh Pizzeria Fire On October 30, 2015, the Wantagh Fire Department was alerted for an automatic alarm at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on Sunrise Highway. When Second Assistant Chief Kelly and Third Assistant Chief T. Bloomfield arrived they encountered a smoke condition inside the pizzeria, which was closed for the night. Chief of Department J. Bloomfield arrived and took command of the scene. Upon entry into the building an oven fire was found extending into the ductwork. It took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Here Comes Santa
On November 29, 2015, Santa hit the hydrant at a house fire while the Hicksville Fire Department was out on their annual Pop Corn Ball Holiday safety awareness run. The fire turned out to be food on a stove. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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Trailer Burns in N. Amityville
Recently, Babylon Central Fire Alarm took numerous calls reporting a fire at the Frontier Trailer Park and activated the North Amityville Fire Company. Second Assistant Chief Benloss was first to arrive to find a heavily involved trailer that hade been recently vacated. Engine 1-7-1 was first due and had a hydrant across from the entrance and its crew put a line into operation. Mutual aid arrived from Amityville, North Lindenhurst, Farmingdale, Copiague and Wyandanch. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes with the trailer a total loss. Chief of Department Harley was in charge of the operation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Wantagh House Fire
On November 17, 2015, the Wantagh Fire Department was called to a house fire on Springtime Lane North. The fire was located on the second floor and was contained there and quickly knocked down with two lines that were put into operation out of the three that were stretched. During searches firefighters removed two rabbits from the home uninjured. (Left):Firefighter Ron Chowske of Wantagh’s Engine 8 holds one of the rescued rabbits. Additional mutual aid was provided by Seaford, East Meadow, Levittown and North Bellmore. Chief of Department J. Bloomfield was in charge of the operation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Harry Loud
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Bay Shore Car Fire
In the early morning of November 13, 2015, the Bay Shore Fire Department was alerted for multiple car fires at a Harrison Avenue home. Chief of Department Ippolito arrived and had several SUVs and piles of tires burning in the yard of the house. Two lines were put into operation to extinguish the fire that destroyed at least two cars and damaged others. There were no reported injuries and the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad was requested to investigate. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Central Islip Car Fire
The Central Islip Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on involved van on arrival. Four CI units responded and had the fire November 18, 2015, at the corner of Lowell Avenue and Juniper under control in a short time. - Fire News photo by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit Street. Crews, under the command of Chief McAteer, found a fully
Car Fire in Wantagh
On November 19, 2015, the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a car fire on Beech Street. In the process of extinguishing the fire, a gas line in the car ruptured. The crew from Engine 695 established a foam line and attacked the gasoline fire. Chief James Bloomfield was in charge of fire operations. It appeared that the car fire was probably caused when the car parked over a pile of leaves which ignited. - Fire News photos by Jack Healy
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2 Fires in 2 Days, Same Massapequa House The Massapequa Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Division Avenue on November 12, 2015. Chief of Department Keuchler, First Assistant Chief Beneville and Second Assistant Chief Stansberry responded. Engine 631 was first on scene and found smoke showing. The crew from 631 had one line in operation with fire showing from the rear of the house while the crew from Ladder 632 searched, laddered and vented. The crew from Engine 635 stretched a second line as crews opened up. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes with no reported injuries. Mutual aid came from Seaford. This was the second time in two days that Massapequa responded to this home; on November 10 they responded to a car fire in the garage that damaged a classic Chevy Camaro. The cause of the fires was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Residents Displaced by Elmont Blaze The Elmont Fire Department battled a working fire in a private dwelling on November 17, 2015. Units responded to the one-story private dwelling on Troy Street and found a heavy smoke condition. Engine companies were able to reach and extinguish the blaze within 20 minutes. Red Cross officials were called to the scene to assist the displaced residents. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Hicksville Attic Fire The Hicksville Fire Department responded to an attic fire in a two-story Cape on Abbott Lane on November 24, 2015. Firefighters stretched two lines and quickly contained and knocked down the main body of fire. East Meadow responded as the FAST unit, while Jericho, Plainview and Westbury were standby. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Rescue at Commack House Fire The Commack Fire Department responded to a house fire on Suttonwood Drive on December 11, 2015. Upon arrival, units encountered a fire burning on the first floor with a female trapped in a front second floor bedroom. Second Assistant Chief Paul Carnevale (center right), FF Bernard Simoes and 4th Precinct Police Officer David Mascarella were able to rescue the occupant from the window. She was taken by Commack Ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital for further treatment. The fire which appeared to have started in the kitchen was quickly brought under control. Mutual aid came from Hauppague and Kings Park. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Valley Stream Mixed Occupancy Fire
In the early morning hours of November 22, 2015, a Nassau County Police 5th Precinct officer on patrol came upon a fire in a row of stores on Ocean Avenue in Valley Stream. The Valley Stream Fire Department was notified and responded, with Engine 344 and 342 responded. The fire was located in the basement of the taxpayer that also housed apartments in the rear. Ladder 346 set up on the exposure 2 side, while Elmont Ladder 7015 set up on the exposure one. The fire extended to the first floor but with four lines stretched and operated, crews were able to contain the fire to the one store with neighboring stores suffering smoke and water damage. Lynbrook was requested to the scene as the FAST unit and was put to work and replaced by Malverne. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Fireplace Fire in Lynbrook The Lynbrook Fire Department operated at a working house fire in the early morning hours of November 22, 2015 on Lakeview Avenue near Devon Street. The blaze appeared to have started in a fireplace with extension to the surrounding areas. Mutual aid companies assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Trash Truck Fire On December 9, 2015, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to a garbage truck fire on Acorn Street in Deer Park. The driver of the truck got out uninjured. The driver tried using a fire extinguisher but was unable to extinguish it. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com
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Fire News, January 2016, Page 33
Lucky Drive-by in Wantagh
Wantagh firefighters extinguished a fire on a patio that involved the patio structure and three 20-pound propane cylinders on Roger Drive on December 4, 2015. The fire was discovered while Assistant Chief Kelly was driving through the neighborhood and noticed a plume of smoke in the air. He found a fully involved patio with impingement upon three 20-pound propane cylinders. He request-
ed a general alarm. First arriving units had the fire quickly under control. Nassau County Haz-Mat was requested to assist in the burning off the one of the three tanks; two were secured. There were no injuries and only minor damage to an exposure. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
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Farmingdale House Fire Draws a Crowd
The Farmingdale Fire Department responded to a house fire on Prospect Street on December 3, 2015. Squad 924 and Lieutenant M. Tortoso tarrived to heavy fire showing from the first and second floors on the exposure 3 side of a 2-1/2 story home. Moments later, Tortoso transmitted a second alarm bringing multiple mutual aid units to the scene. Chief of Department P. Tortoso arrived and took command, while First Assistant Chief Ryan handled the fire attack. The crew from 924 dropped two handlines, Bethpage Ladder 3 set up on the 1-4 corner. As additional Farmingdale units arrived they went to work laddering, venting and searching the home along with Bethpage’s crew. Also responding were Plainview, South Farmingdale, East Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Hicksville and Jericho. Levittown, Seaford and North Lindenuhrst stood by for Farmingdale. It took about an hour to bring the fire under control with one firefighter suffering a minor injury. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Fire News, January 2016, Page 35
Apartment Complex Fire in Farmingdale
On December 5, 2015, the Farmingdale Fire Department was called to a fire at a twostory apartment complex on Conklin Street. Mutual aid came from South Farmingdale, Bethpage (North Massapequa Engine 663, which was doing a stand by for Bethpage), North Amityville and North Massapequa. There were no injuries and the cause is under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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NYSAFC Company Officers Leadership Training (COLT) Program Announced The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is pleased to announce its 2015-2016 Company Officers Leadership Training (COLT) series. The demands on today’s fire officers of all ranks are constantly increasing. NYSAFC recognizes that leadership development is necessary now to protect the future of the fire service. To meet the need for this critical training, NYSAFC offers the COLT program throughout New York state. For COLT, NYSAFC has brought together a slate of instructors, nationally renowned experts in company officer leadership both on and off the fireground, for an energizing learning experience. Each COLT program will feature the lectures “Company Level Leadership: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” with Lieutenant Tim Klett, FDNY, and “The Fire Officer,” with Battalion Chief Daniel McMaster, COLT lecturers Battalion Chief Daniel McMaster, Alexandria (VA) Fire Department and Lieutenant Tim Klett, FDNY. - Fire News photo by Tom Bierds Alexandria (VA) Fire Department. The 2015-2016 COLT series will be held in the Capital District (February 5-6, 2016 - Latham, NY) and Onondaga (for NYSAFC members) and $200 per person Friday from 0900 to 1700, and on Saturday County (April 8-9, 2016 - East Syracuse, for non-members. Both pre-registration and from 0900 to 1200 at each site. Full program details and a pre-registration NY). COLT also was held in Orange County on-site registration will be available for all form are available at www.nysfirechiefs. sites. in December 2015. The two-day COLT program will run on com. Registration for COLT is $175 per person
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Uniondale Stove Fire Stopped
The Uniondale Fire Department received an alarm for a stove fire on Cornwell Street on the morning of December 6, 2015. Responding companies witnessed a large column of smoke and found a heavy volume of fire in the rear of the home on arrival. Lines were immediately stretched and the main body of fire was quickly darkened down. Truck companies searched the home and opened up to check for extension. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND
Gas Main Break in Hicksville On November 4, 2015, the Hicksville Fire Department was called to the scene of a broken gas line on Duffy Avenue near the Wantagh State Parkway. The high-pressure line was struck by contractors and units stood by until the utility company could shut down the line. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Plainview Gas Leak On November 3, 2015, the Plainview Fire Department responded to a report of a ruptured natural gas line on Frankie Lane. A contractor had struck a two-inch line, which was actively leaking. Engine 9544 secured a water supply and stretched one precautionary line. The utility company was able to stop the leak. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
MVA in Garden City Park On October 26, 2015, one person was injured in a two-car MVA with overturn on Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park. Garden City Park firefighters and Nassau County Police were at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenPhotos.com
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Power Out in Malverne The Malverne Fire Department responded to a single-car accident on Franklin Avenue near the Southern State parkway that caused havoc in North Valley Stream early on November 14, 2015. A car smashed into a utility pole knocking out power in a small area and causing traffic lights to go dark on Franklin Avenue. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Nesconset MVA The Nesconset Fire Department responded to an MVA with a motorcycle involved at the intersection of Smithtown Boulevard and Nichols Road. The rider was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News photo by Ron Moneleone
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Car into Pole, Wall
On November 24, 2015, the Plainview Fire Department was alerted, along with the Syosset Fire Department, for an MVA with wires down on Manetto Hill Road by Woodbury Road. The driver was transported to a local hospital after snapping a pole and crashing into the Long Island Expressway overpass wall. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Ronkonkoma MVA
On November 18, 2015, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for an MVA at the intersection of Church Street and Ronkonkoma Avenue. Chief Jon Santoli arrived to find a two-car MVA with one car smashing through a fence and stopping shy of hitting the structure. The crew of Squad 6 arrived and secured both vehicles. The drivers were self extricated but transported to Stony Brook University hospital for their injuries via a Ronkonkoma ambulance. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Manhasset MVA On November 28, 2015, the ManhassetLakeville Fire Department responded to an auto accident with overturned vehicle on Plandome Road, in the vicinity of Leeds Pond in Manhasset. Deputy Chief Kiess arrived and advised that the driver had self-extricated and there was just a minor spill in the roadway. Members of M-LFD Co 1 secured the vehicle and applied a drying agent to the roadway while the driver was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. - Fire News photo by Lee Genser
Serious Injuries in Hicksville On December 9, 2015, the Nassau County Police Department and the Hicksville Fire Department responded to an accident at the intersection of Old Country Road and Levittown Parkway in Hicksville. Four people were injured in the crash. One patient sustained serious injuries in the accident. The head on crash closed eastbound Old Country Road for over thirty minutes until police were able to remove the vehicles and debris from the roadway. -Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
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2 Hurt in Kings Park Rollover
The Suffolk Police and Kings Park Fire Department respond to a serious accident on Indian Head Road, north of Old Northport Road in Kings Park on November 25, 2015. A Cadillac pickup apparently lost control and overturned striking a tree and fence, and trapping the driver and occupant; both suffered serious injuries. Kings Park Ambulance transported one to Saint Catherine’s Hospital, and a Suffolk Police helicopter medevac’d one to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Elmont & FDNY Respond to MVA The Elmont Fire Department and FDNY units responded to a borderline box on the Cross Island Parkway just west of the Southern State Parkway on December 2, 2015. The driver of an overturned vehicle was able to self extricate but was evaluated by EMS at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Door Pop in Malverne A two-vehicle accident on Hempstead Avenue near Atlas Avenue in Malverne made a mess of evening rush hour traffic on December 4, 2015. The driver of one car was briefly trapped in her vehicle until Malverne firefighters could open her door with hydraulic tools. Two people were transported to area hospitals by County ambulance. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Centerport FD Assists Worker after Fall from Roof The Centerport Fire Department responded to assist a worker who fell off the roof of a condominium under construction at Centershore Road and East Main Street on December 7, 2015. The Centerport Rescue Squad ambulance crew and district paramedics were dispatched to the scene, where a 56-year-old man fell approximately 30-feet. A Suffolk Police medevac was requested. The man was airlifted to Stony Brook University Medical Center for treatment of blunt trauma injuries. Centerport units were under the command of Truck Company Captain Robert Simpson. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photo by Centerport FD
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Fatality at Hempstead Head-on
A Lakeview woman was killed in an early morning head-on colli- SUV and a sedan involved. A violent crash occurred in the same sion on Front Street near West Orchard Street in Hempstead early area the week prior. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com on November 21, 2015. Firefighters and police arrived to find an
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MVA in Holtsville On November 21, 2015, the Holtsville Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported overturn on the Expressway Drive South service road in front of the Ramada Plaza Hotel. The crew of Rescue 4 secured the vehicle and the driver was transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital for her injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
5 Injured in E. Meadow 3-Car MVA The Nassau County Police and East Meadow Fire Department responded to a head-on collision involving three vehicles at the intersection of Carman and Stewart Avenues in Westbury on November 18, 2015. Five people were injured; two seriously. All the injured were transported by Nassau County Police, East Meadow, Hicksville and Westbury ambulances to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Coram Handles Head-on MVA On November 22, 2015, a car crossed the double yellow lines On Mt. Sinai-Coram Road and hit another vehicle head-on. Coram Fire Department Heavy Rescue along with Engine 2 responded. Both drivers had to be extricated and both were taken to the hospital with extensive injuries. -Fire News photo by Jim Dunn
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Garden City Overturn MVA On October 26, 2015, one person was injured in a two-car MVA with overturn on Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park. Garden City Park firefighters and Nassau County Police were at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenPhotos.com
Plainview MVA On November 16, 2015, the Plainview Fire Department responded to a report of an MVA at the intersection of Old Country Road and the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway. Two people were injured and transported to a local hospital by units 9549 and 9529. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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Uniondale MVA
At least two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision on Nassau Road near Avenue B in Uniondale on November 14, 2015. An SUV and a pickup truck collided leaving the pickup heavily damaged and on the nearby sidewalk. Uniondale firefighters were on the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
3 Hurt in Nesconset MVA
The Nesconset Fire Department responded to an MVA/heavy rescue at the corner of Route 347 and Lake Avenue. The crew extricated one driver, and three people were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. The accident is under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department. - Fire News photo by Ron Moneleone
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Fire Safety for the Holidays Chief John Murray from the Nassau County Fire Service Academy explaining why smoke detectors are important and explaining safety in regards to holiday lighting. The event was held on December 3, 2015, at the Nassau County V.E.E.B. Fire Service Academy. - Fire News photos by Edmund Coppa and Joseph Sperber
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Brookhaven Safety Officers Meeting On November 12, 2015, the Brookhaven Town Safety Officers held their meeting at the Bellport Fire Headquarters. The guest speaker was Dave Fischler, Attorney, ex-Chief and Safety Officer. He did a mock court trial asking questions to a safety officer witness (played by ex-Chief Ronnie Barz). Over 75 people were in attendance. Many questions were asked and answered. Bellport did an excellent job and was a fine host. - Fire News photo by Ron Moneleone
Happy Thanksgiving On November 22, 2015, the Hauppauge Fire Department Explorers packed up more than 60 bags of canned and dry foods. With turkeys, which were purchased the next day. The bags of food and turkeys were distributed to firefighters and their families. This was all done through the firefighters cancer support network. - Fire News photo by Fred Friedman
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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
Point Lookout-Lido members at their annual Turkey Bowl Football Game. -Provided by Zachary B. Grunther, Lido EC
Dix Hills Fire District defenders get together for a group photo at headquarters. -Provided by Dix Hills FD
On December 5, 2015, Terryville Fire Department Engine Co. 2 held its 9th Annual Toy Drive. - Fire News photos by Joe Lapietra
Nassau Fire Riders. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone
Kings Park Fire Department FAST Team stands by at a recent East Northport fire. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
The Huntington Manor FD kitchen crew served up a great meal for the Fire Chiefs’Council of Suffolk County meeting. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
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Firehouse Kitchen on FOX It is December and the world is bustling with the excitement of the holidays. We at Firehouse Kitchen, are bustling with the excitement of filming our fifth season, which is now underway. During filming, I received a phone call from my publicist, Mike (calm down; I do have a publicist). He had some very exciting news for me! FOX & Friends, from the FOX news channel, wanted to do a piece on Firehouse Kitchen. They asked me to come in on the Sunday, three days after Thanksgiving, and bring some of my recipes. I suggested a better idea. I said, “Why don’t I bring three firehouse cooks, that have been on my show, to share what they can do with leftovers from Thanksgiving?” They loved the idea. Trying to decide on which firemen to bring along was a difficult decision. I thought a great group of guys to ask would be the firemen that have been on my show the most: George Stout and Mike Munoz of the of Long Island’s Blue Point and Wantagh Fire Departments, respectively; and Scott Belgard of New Jersey’s Hightstown Fire Department. All three firefighters have been on Firehouse Kitchen three times. Now, it was time for Fox and Friends! We felt like superstars when we arrived at FOX headquarters in Manhattan. Everyone was so nice. They brought us into the green room, and pretty soon it was show time. We set up the table outside by the Christmas trees and each firefighter prepared to present their recipe. George made yam pancakes with his leftovers. Mike made a burrito, stuffed with cranberry sauce, turkey and gravy and Scott made amazing pork shanks. I said to Scott, “We were supposed to use leftovers from Thanksgiving.” Scott replied, “I’m a chef, Ray, and we’re going on FOX, so I made something awesome.” Scott is a bona fide chef who graduated from the Johnson Wales culinary school. His dish was awesome. Rick, the weatherman on the show, came out to do our segment. I was introduced as the host of the hit show Firehouse Kitchen. Hit show? I’ll take it! Hopefully, the word is spreading. Rick interviewed me about the show and proceeded to taste each recipe. He was blown away. It is pretty cool appearing on a news show that you watch. Who knows, maybe Good Morning America will be next week. Keep watching! To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com.
SHANKS 12 pork shank peeled and cleaned 1 cup of flour 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 quart beef broth 12 ounces pureed tomatoes 2 large carrots diced 3 ribs celery diced
1 large sweet onion diced Bouquet garni ½ cup dry red wine 2 tbsp. smoked paprika 1 tsp sugar ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Directions Season the shanks with the salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large roasting plaque. Dredge the pork shanks in the flour and sear in the roasting plaque. Brown evenly and remove from the plaque. Add the veggies and lightly brown. Deglaze with the red wine, add tomato puree, vinegar, beef, sugar, broth and bouquet garni. Cover and finish in a 300-degree oven until the pork is falling off the bone. Let the shank rest in the juices. Remove pork shanks and bouquet. Reduce broth to a rich and dense glace then puree and strain. Adjust seasoning with additional smoked paprika.
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Lakeview Commissioner and ex-Chief Receives Prestigious National Award
Firehouse Expo and the Fire News presented Lakeview Fire Department Commissioner and ex-Chief Heather Senti with the 2015 Outstanding Leadership Award. The prestigious national award recognizes the management and leadership skills of an individual within the fire service and the impact those skills have made within their department. (From left): Island Park Chief Anthony D’Esposito, Lakeview Chief Freddy Senti, 2015 Leadership Award Winner and Lakeview Fire Commissioner Heather Senti, and Lakeview Fire Commissioner Fred Senti. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Westhampton Ambulance Party Crew
The Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance Kid’s Christmas party committee Kathy Saintfussi, Tracy Martin, 2nd Assistant Chief Bob Bancroft, 1st Assistant Chief Jorge Garcia, Cody Hoyle, Kerry Everhart and Santa. - Fire News photo by Cody Hoyle, WWMAA
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Nassau Juniors at the Fireman’s Home
On September 20, 2015, 94 Junior/Explorers from Nassau County Great Neck, Valley Stream and Wantagh. After the parade they paraded at the 10th Annual Long Island Day at the Fireman's were treated to a great BBQ Lunch. - Fire News photo by Jerry Presta Home. There were nine different Junior/Explorer groups from East Norwich, East Rockaway, Massapequa, Jericho, Hewlett, Mineola,
McLoughlin-O’Brien Wed Edward McLoughlin married Josephine O’Brien on November 15, 2015, at Our Lady of Hope Church in Carle Place. Ed is a charter member of the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band. The FDNY Band made a surprise visit at the wedding and played several songs for the newlyweds. Ed is still active with the band after retiring from the FDNY as a Lieutenant from Ladder 121 in the Rockaways. Ed is also a World War II vet, former FBI agent and NYPD police officer. Ed’s son and grandson are members of the Port Washington Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
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Centereach Juniors Fundraiser The Centereach Fire Department Juniors recently held a 50s Doo Wop Dance fundraiser featuring Stan Zizka and the DelSatins. The Juniors would like to thank the community for making their fundraiser a great success. - Fire News photo by Ron Moneleone
Pt. LookoutLido’s James Burke Retires Over the summer, the officers and members of the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department, Lido Engine Company hosted a retirement party for exCaptain/Commissioner James ‘Bunky’ Burke. James is a 50-plus years dedicated member of the department and was the Chief of Ocean Lifeguards for the Town Of Hempstead. He will always have a home with Lido Engine Company. - Fire News photo courtesy of the Lido Engine Company
Westhampton Ladies Auxiliary Adopts Families The Westhampton Beach Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary adopted families for Thanksgiving. Baskets of food and gift certificates were made up to help the families in need. Pictured are: Michelle Thompson, Meena Chockalingam, Rena Mootoo, Kristi Conroy-Garcia, Tara Kappel, Kerry Everhart, Kim Marks, Diana Reid, Pat Gonce, Maria Cable, Carol Del Vecchio and Cody Hoyle. - Fire News photo submitted by Cody Hoyle; WHB Ladies Aux.
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Centereach Honors Dispatcher Herba
At the November 10, 2015, meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Centereach Fire District, retiring dispatcher Mark Herba was honored for his 19 years of dedicated service to the Centereach community. Known for his calm, assertive and professional manner, Mark will be missed by the board and members of the Centereach Fire Department alike. “We wish Mark well in retirement,” said Board of Fire Commissioners chair Julia Wilson. “Mark was an invaluable employee, but he is also a friend. He will be missed.” In honor of his retirement, Mark was presented with a clock to commemorate his years of service. - Fire News photo courtesy of the Centereach FD
Fire Prevention Awards
The North Massapequa Fire Department recently hosted its annual Fire Prevention Awards ceremony and recognized local elementary school students who submitted award winning posters. The artistic and creative posters all featured fire prevention themes and helped teach important facets of necessary household fire prevention practices. Pictured are students from the Charles Schwarting Elementary School and the Maria Regina School along with Chief of Department Kevin B. Mauro (right), 1st Assistant Chief Frederick J. Ferrara (left) and 2nd Assistant Chief Joseph M. Pesale, Jr. - Fire News photo courtesy of the N. Massapequa FD
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Grant Gets Outstanding Commitment Award
In a brief ceremony held during December’s Department Meeting and Elections of Company Officers, Firefighter Kevin Grant of Wantagh’s Ladder 1 (6911) was recognized with a Chiefs Award for his Outstanding Commitment to the department. Kevin has served some eight-years as a Team Leader in Haz-Mat, has been a department representative to the Nassau County Haz-mat/WMD Committee, a department representative to the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Program, maintains the department meter program including inventory, maintenance and calibration, and conducts annual department-wide meter training for the Training Committee. For this, Kevin has been awarded a Blue Service Bar to be displayed on his uniform. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Huntington Manor Presents Peter Nelson Memorial Award
The Huntington Manor Fire Department presented the Peter Nelson Firefighter of the Year Award to Firefighter Alex Demarest, for his outstanding and dedicated service. The chiefs bestowed the honors at their 112th annual installation of officers. The award is presented annually in the memory of Huntington Manor Chief and FDNY Rescue Co. 4 Firefighter Peter Nelson, who was killed on 9/11 at the World Trade Center. (Pictured from left): Second Assistant Chief Jon Hoffmann, First Assistant Chief Mike DePasquale, Chief of Department Frank McQuade, Alex Demarest, ex-Chief Fred Steenson, Jr., and Third Assistant Chief Chuck Brady. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
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Suffolk K9s Assist in NYC
With the recent rash of fires in the Forest Hills section of Queens the FDNY, the NYPD and the ATF are working together to determine the cause of the fires. The ATF was asked by the FDNY to call in Suffolk County’s two Accelerant Detection K9s. Both dogs, Jul and Tiana, were brought to the scene to perform a search of the multiple fire scenes. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Baymen Help FFs Helping Wounded Warriors During a recent meeting of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior members of the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association presented a $3000 check to the firefighters to help with their efforts to help our wounded warriors. (Right): Joe O’Grady, center, of the Floral Park Fire Department and Chairman of NCFF-OWW, holds the check as (left to right), Baymen members Bobby Finke, Steven Chole, Jack Chole, Mike Harrington, Joe Finke, Eileen Finke, Nydia Anastacio, Peter Olson, and Norman Anastacio, join in. Others wishing to help our wounded warriors can send a donation to NCFF-OWW, 120 Covert Avenue, Stewart Manor, NY 11530. - Fire News photo by Steve Grogan
Firefighters Help Wounded Sergeant US Army Sergeant Robert Scott of Lakeview works out on his new treadmill just presented to him by firefighters from Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior. Sgt. Scott was wounded in Afghanistan in 2009 and is still receiving rehabilitation treatment for a traumatic brain injury at military hospitals in Bethesda, MD, and in Virginia. Sgt. Scott is presently living in a house in Virginia with his mother Valence while he continues his treatment, and occasionally returns to Lakeview. Sgt. Scott and his mother thank Nassau firefighters for remembering Robert and all the wounded warriors that NCFF-OWW helps. Sgt. Scott was also the guest of honor at Lynbrook Fire Department’s wounded warrior concert in September. - Fire News photo courtesy of Valence Scott
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SCVFA Annual Dinner
On October 17, 2015, Fire News had the privilege and honor of attending the SCVFA Annual Dinner at West Lake in Patchogue. Congratulations to Matthew Monahan of the Commack Fire Department, who was presented with the 2015 Suffolk County Firefighter of the Year Award. Congratulations to the officers sworn in by FRES Commissioner Joe Williams: President Peter Cincotta, 1st Vice President Chris Del Vecchio, 2nd Vice President F r a n k G u a r i n o , 3 r d Vi c e President Ryan Murphy, Financial Secretary William Rowse, Treasurer Robert McConville, Sergeant at Arms Robert Sutton.
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Obituary
Greenlawn FD Mourns Ex-Captain Harry Williams, Jr. The Greenlawn Fire Department mourned the loss of exCaptain Harry Williams, Jr., who answered his last alarm at the age of 48, on November 11, 2015. Harry served as a Greenlawn firefighter with pride and dedication for 27 years, rising to Lieutenant and then Captain of the Engine Company. He was also an EMT on the Greenlawn Rescue Squad and earned a Green Cross commendation. Harry served as a driver for all apparatus, was a director for nine years and Co-Chairman of the Fireman’s Fair. Harry was a friendly and popular person in Greenlawn, and was well known in neighboring departments which turned out in large numbers for his Firematic service. Harry was remembered for helping others, and his heart was as big as his smile. Chaplain John McKenna recognized the best efforts of Greenlawn’s Rescue Squad paramedics and EMTs, and the Emergency Room staff at Huntington Hospital that worked diligently in an attempt to revive Harry. Harry made an outstanding contribution to the Greenlawn Rescue Squad by helping to treat and transport thousands of patients over the past 27 years. Harry is survived by his son John M., parents Harry Sr. and Eva, and brothers Carl, Derrick and sister Angela. He was also the caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. (Below): Harry, right, pictured with Huntington Manor firefighter Peter Nelson in the late 1990s. Nelson died in the World Trade Center attacks. - Fire News story and photos by Steve Silverman, portrait by Al Statton
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FDSOA EVENT OFFERS TRIO OF POWERHOUSE KEYNOTES
The Fire Department Safety Officers Association will offer three popular keynote speakers during their annual Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium and their concurrent Safety Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona, January 18-22, 2016. The week will feature three of the fire services’ most popular straight-talkers. The three keynote speakers are: James (Jim) Juneau, Gordon Graham and Chief Billy Goldfeder. James J. Juneau, Juneau, Boll, Stacy & Ucherek, Dallas, Tx, will kick off the Apparatus Symposium on Monday, January 18th. Juneau, a nationally recognized legal authority on issues relating to fire apparatus and emergency vehicle design and operational safety, is a straight-talking attorney on emergency vehicles and firefighter safety training and across the United States and Canada. “We’re going to talk about fire apparatus and the law,” said Juneau. “We’ll deal with safety issues, we’ll deal with the kind of things that matter when you go to the court room and we’ll talk about some of the things that can get you in trouble, like crazy driving, ignoring right-of-way intersections, railroad crossings and intoxication on the job.” Gordon Graham, Graham Research Consultants, Long Beach, Ca, will wrap up the Apparatus Symposium and kick-off the Safety Forum conference, with his comprehensive program, “What real risk management is all about”. Graham, a former California motorcycle police officer, is a police/fire service risk management expert and attorney, dividing his time between study, research, writing, speaking, and consulting in the discipline of risk management. “The focus is going to be on all the things that an informed fire department, informed firefighters, mechanics and safety officers need to know about risk management and what they can do to reduce the injuries and the deaths through the specifying, acquisition, bidding, transport and the training process,” said Graham. Billy Goldfeder, deputy chief, Loveland-Symmes, Ohio, a firefighter since 1973, has served on several IAFC and NFPA commit-
tees and is a prolific writer and outspoken critic of unsafe practices and stupid decisions. Goldfeder’s passion for firefighter safety and “Everyone goes home” has made him the conscience for the North American fire service. Chief Goldfeder, along with Gordon Graham, host and sponsor the website FireFighterCloseCalls.com. Goldfeder will wrap-up the Safety Forum conference on Friday, January 22nd, with his powerful presentation, “Why Things Go Wrong--And What Safety Officers Can Do About It.” “There has been no greater time for fire department safety officers to arm themselves with the best information than now!” said Goldfeder. “Never has the fire service and it’s leadership been so aware of the issues related to firefighter safety, health and survival-and it’s the fire department safety officer who can make the connection between their ‘awareness’ and the ‘reality’ and importance of leadership related to FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL. Truly the fire chiefs ‘right hand person’ when it comes to keeping fire and EMS personnel out of the hospital, and leadership out of the media and the courtroom, the FIRE DEPT SAFETY OFFICER can assure the unnecessary risks are minimal.” Goldfeder added, “What is the one conference focused EXCLUSIVELY on the Fire Department Safety Officer? This one - the only one!” The FDSOA 28th Annual Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium will be held January 18-20, while the 2016 Annual Safety Forum will start concurrently with two Safety Officer Academies and continue with the Safety Forum Wednesday thru Friday, January 22nd. The IAFC’s Safety Health & Survival Section is partnering with the FDSOA to host the Safety Forum and bring safety education to as many fire chiefs and safety officers as possible. For a complete conference agendas and registration information: www.fdsoa.org or contact: Rich Marinucci, Executive Director, Ph: 248-880-1864 or visit: www.fdsoa.org.
HONEYWELL, DUPONT BRING ADVANCED TRAINING TO FIRST RESPONDERS IN ANNUAL FDIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Honeywell (NYSE:HON) and DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) today announced that Honeywell First Responders and DuPont Kevlar have teamed up to award 20 firefighters, EMS and HazMat responders with an expenses-paid scholarship to attend the 2016 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC). FDIC is the largest and most important North American fire training event and tradeshow in the fire service industry with more than 32,000 attending the 2015 event. Hosted every year in Indianapolis, the FDIC 2016 event will take place April 18-23. This scholarship program from Honeywell First Responders and DuPont Kevlar will provide financial support for 20 outstanding, peer-nominated persons to attend classroom training, seminars, and the trade show, beginning Tuesday evening and ending Saturday after the show. Candidates may register for the scholarship program at: app.snapapp.com/fdic-2016-scholarshipprogram. “Restrained budgets often force fire departments to limit the number of attendees to the FDIC show, which may impact their ability to learn about the technologies and techniques that can expand their fire department’s ability to save lives and protect fire fighters,” said Eric Schlett, vice president, PennWell Fire Group/FDIC. “Thanks to
Honeywell and DuPont, advanced safety training will be made available to those who need it most: firefighters who are meritorious, passionate and committed to the noble mission.” To enter, nominators must select a colleague for a chance to win a scholarship to attend FDIC 2015 and submit a short video explaining why you are nominating him/her as a candidate. Examples for consideration: extensive or superior work in his/her role within the fire department; distinguished leadership; remarkable devotion to the community or crisis management; helping upand-coming members of the firefighting profession; and a history of attending training seminars/classes and implementing best practices from his/her training that benefit the department. As a special incentive for submitting videos, this year, the videos will be posted online for voting by Fire Engineering readers, FDIC attendees and the general public. Top videos will be automatically moved to the finals for review by the selection committee. The scholarship is available to residents of the United States and Canada only, and both career and volunteer fire fighters, EMS and HazMat personnel are eligible. The selected scholarship recipients will be announced in February 2016.
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Obituaries
Bellport’s ex-Chief/Comm. Edward Bishop
The Bellport Fire Department lost exchief and Commissioner Edward Bishop on October 31, 2015. He was a 63-year life member of the department. He served as Second Assistant Chief from 1963 to 1965, First Assistant Chief from 1965 to 1967 and Chief of the Department from 1967 to 1969. He was elected as Commissioner in 1971 and served two full terms until 1981. Bishop was also the Historian for Bellport Fire Department — a job he took very seriously. Without his hard work, much of the department’s history would have been lost. Just last year he found a bell that was in storage that had been taken from a 1972 Mack truck and worked with the Benevolent Association to have it refurbished to be used at meetings and services. Ed was a close friend to all members of Bellport Fire Department — whether you were around for 10, 20, 30, or more years,
Ed treated all members the same — with courteousness and respect and was genuinely interested in the lives and families. He was also direct, pulled no punches and ‘told it like it was.’ He was a role model and teacher to new and younger members and while he was a life member of the department and no longer had to be active, not being active was not in Ed’s DNA. Ed was also known as a joke and story teller. He loved to tell people that he was “a son of a bishop.” He was also an avid golfer and hunter. He was very patriotic, having served in the Navy during World War II. He will be sorely missed by all members of the Bellport Fire Department. Ed was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty. He is survived by his son Todd his daughter-in-law Charlene and his stepgrandson Reese. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Obituary
Former FF, Medical Officer Dr. Allen Steinhardt Fourth Asst. Chief Dr. Allen Steinhardt, 86, a former member of the Melville Fire Department, passed away on October 28, 2015, at Pardee Memorial Hospital in Hendersonville, North Carolina. A native of Far Rockaway, he was the son of the late Edgar Morris Steinhardt and Rose Simon Steinhardt. Allen graduated from Lawrence High School, earned a BA at the University of Illinois and his master's at, Columbia University. He then graduated from NYU-Bellevue College of Medicine and served his internship at Meadowbrook Hospital in East Meadow before serving in the US Army Medical Corps as Captain/Medical Officer. He finished his residency in Pediatrics at Meadowbrook Hospital, before opening a private pediatric practice. Steinhardt had been a volunteer fireman since he was 13, having volunteered with Lawrence-Cedarhurst, the FDNY and the Melville Fire Department. Moving to Hendersonville with his
wife Rosemary, he joined the Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department. He leaves his loving wife Rosemary of 43 years, two sons Lyle Aaron and his wife Tracy and sons of Box Elder, South Dakota; and Todd Edward Steinhardt of Charlotte, North Carolina; and two daughters: Deborah Steinhardt Bozan and her sons and husband Brad of New Smyrna, Florida; and Tara Rose Steinhardt of Hendersonville North Carolina; two grandchildren, Kenton Aaron Steinhardt and Katie Steinhardt Andrews, and beloved cats, Pepper and Lavender. A memorial service was held November 14 at the Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department. Dr. Steinhardt will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department Fireman's Fund, PO Box 264, Hendersonville, NC 28758. - Fire News photo by Tom Pesce
Page 74, Fire News, January 2016
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Obituaries
Marty Goffe Remembered
Hicksville’s Hon. Chief Conrad Strauch
On November 12, 2015, former firefighter and Fire News photographer Marty Goffe passed away. Marty was an active member of South Side Hose Company #2 in the 70s, but was a frequent visitor even after leaving. He would stop by with his old fire truck or his 1950 Ford, which he loved. Marty would frequently e-mail Fire News about events that were happing in the Florida fire service. Before his passing, Marty told a few friends that he was involved with the Veteran’s Day Parade in West Palm Beach and was assigned to get a display of old cars and drivers for the parade. Unfortunately Marty passed just after the parade, doing what he liked to do — parading and showing off old cars in honor of our veterans. He will be missed. -Fire News story by William Lynch
The Hicksville Fire Department and Engine Company #7 mourn the passing of 52-year member and Honorary Chief Conrad Strauch. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Page 76, Fire News, January 2016
FireNews.com