Fire news long island 10 15

VOLUME XLIII, NO. 2

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 OCTOBER 2015

Full story on page 6 - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn

National Stair Climb For Fallen Firefighters See page 65

Page 2, Fire News, October 2015

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 3

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In this issue...

Hicksville School Bus Fire Responders are met with a fully involved minibus with all students and the driver out.

See story page 14

Home Burns in Middle Island Despite hot and humid conditions, responders stop a house fire.

See story page 29

Plane Crash on LIRR Tracks Bethpage and Hicksville respond to a small plane crash with one fatality and one survivor.

See story page 32

4 Injured in Nesconset MVA Nesconset and Centereach respond to an accident in front of the Smith Haven Mall.

See story page 44

Wantagh’s Swenson Turns 100 Rose Swenson of the Wantagh Ladies Auxiliary turned 100 on August 30, 2015.

Stories start on page 55

Obituary: Locust Valley’s Brian Ritchie See stories page 90

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 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.

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

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Page 4, Fire News, October 2015

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are you ready for the challenge?

Hopefully you have looked at your Fire Prevention Program and redefined your goals and objectives to educate students about the importance of fire safety. Changing batteries in smoke detectors is important and students should be encouraged to go home and discuss fire safety with their parents. Knowing what to do when the alarm goes off is the key to survival in a real fire situation. I am sure by the time you read this editorial your local schools will have had several fire drills.

Many years ago I looked forward to the fire safety presentation of Nassau County Fire Marshal Andy Steinmuller.

Andy came to many of the local schools and captivated, educated and motivated students to go home to teach their parents about fire safety. He took the topic of Fire Safety and developed it to a point that students of all levels understood the importance of planning and knowing how to get out alive when a fire occurs in the home.

Is there really a need to have a dozen or so fire drills a year in schools? I say, yes! Recently I researched fires in schools. I recalled three major school fires in my area, one of which the students were in the building when the fire broke out. Fortunately, the staff of teachers was well versed in what to do when the fire alarm sounded. Hundreds of lives were saved by the actions of these educators.

College students are not exempt from fire drills and fire education, either. I recalled the major fatal fire at Seton Hall University in 2000, which took the lives of three students. The students who started the fire as a prank were imprisoned for their actions and the college was fined by the federal government for failing to have a fire plan in place to protect its employees during the deadly dormitory fire.

What can you do to educate the students who live in your community? First off, take this task seriously.

Showing off equipment impresses kids of all ages. Is this what you want to do? Of course we want to show our students who we are and what we do. However, I think it is more important to teach our audience that when they hear the alarm, they need to put their evacuation plan into action. They need to understand the principles of “stop, drop and roll.” Trust me; it is not just young children who need to know this. Many parents don't remember this simple life saving tip. If your department has an open house to teach fire safety, remember your goals. You want everyone who attends this event to go home and review their evacuation plan, test smoke alarms, know what the silent killer — carbon monoxide — is, and know how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

Educating our community about Fire Safety is a probably one of the most important things we can do to save lives. Are you ready for the challenge? …Dennis

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUFFOLK COUNTY FIRE, RESCUE & EMERGENCY SERVICES TO RECEIVE SAFER GRANT

Congressmen Steve Israel (D-Huntington), Peter King (R-Seaford), and Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) announced a federal grant of $1,299,065 for the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services as part of the competitive Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding will be used to reinstate the Suffolk Educational Program for Retention in the Volunteer Emergency Services (SERVES), which was discontinued last year due to lack of funding.

The SERVES program will recruit first responders by providing each fire department with the tools to conduct advertising and public relations campaigns, concentrating on recruiting minorities and women. With this federal funding, Suffolk County plans to place an additional 1,900 recruits over the next four years.

This grant was awarded as part of the FY2014 SAFER grant program, which will award approximately $340 million to fire departments nationwide. More information on the SAFER Grant Program can be accessed at www.fema.gov/.

NVFC AWARDED GRANT TO ADDRESS FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) a $786,580 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant to conduct a series of health and safety initiatives over the next year. The grant will help the NVFC build on existing health and safety programs as well as address emerging issues facing the fire and emergency services.

A cornerstone of the NVFC’s mission is to address firefighter health and safety, reducing injuries and deaths among the volunteer fire and emergency services. The NVFC, with support from previous FP&S grants, administers groundbreaking health and wellness programs including the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, the Share the Load behavioral health support program, and the B.E.S.T. Priorities for Health and Safety. In addition, the NVFC has released resources and training to help with vehicle safety, cancer awareness and prevention, and other critical areas of firefighter health and safety.

With this grant, the NVFC will focus on creating a culture of knowledge and safety in the fire and emergency services, emphasizing the need to change attitudes and actions to an environment that embraces safety and takes proactive measures to lessen the risks that personnel face. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive awareness campaign, education, and the development of resources. Key areas that will be addressed under this grant include cancer, behavioral health, and risks while responding or on the incident scene.

The grant will allow the NVFC to offer training through its Virtual Classroom, develop a handbook on how and why to make this cultural shift to safety, and develop a standards implementation guide. In addition, the NVFC will hold its second Training Summit and roll-out an awareness campaign addressing key health and safety issues facing the volunteer fire service, including behavioral health concerns such as depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.

The FP&S Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. Learn more about the grants at www.fema.gov/fire-prevention-safety-grants.

BROOKHAVEN TOWN SAFETY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION MEETING

The next meeting of the Brookhaven Town Safety Officers will be held on Novermber 12 at the Bellport Fire Department. The main topic is: “The Safety Officer and the Liabilities.” You are the safety officer at a fire scene when something goes terribly wrong leading to firefighter fatalities and serious injuries. In a civil lawsuit, you are called to testify. Are you ready? Can you be held liable? Being a safety officer comes with tremendous responsibilities including the intestinal fortitude (guts) to tell a chief that his decisions have increased the risk for firefighter safety. This presentation will better prepare you if called to court and will allow you to ask questions about how you serve as a safety officer.

The keynote speaker, David H. Fischler, Esq., is the former Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services where he worked as Deputy Director of Fire Safety, Director of Fire Safety and Chief Fire Marshal for almost 29 years. He was involved in major incidents at which safety officers played a significant role. He is a 43-year member of the St. James Fire Department having served as assistant chief and Chief-of-Department and was a safety officer for the department. Dave practices law in New York with emphasis of fire/EMS/emergency management issues, firefighter cancer and post-911 injuries and illnesses.

RIVERHEAD’S 179TH ANNIVERSARY

Come and celebrate the Riverhead Fire Department’s 179th anniversary at their open house during Fire Prevention Week. The open house will be held at the firehouse at 540 Roanoke Avenue in Riverhead on October 4, 2015, starting at 1300.

There will be demonstrations, food and beverage, music, a display about the department's history and live burns.

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CENTRAL ISLIP OPEN HOUSE

The Central Islip Fire Department will hold its annual open house on October 9, 2015, from 1830 to 2100 at the department’s Station 2 located at 110 Wheeler Road in Central Islip. There will be demonstrations, displays, a free Child ID program, poster and essay contest winners, giveaways and more.

FIREFIGHTERS VS. CANCER

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is taking on a new challenge: cancer. Central to this new, statewide campaign is “Firefighters Fighting Cancer”, a FASNY-produced video that highlights the stories of six cancer survivors from across New York State. These six brave men and women exemplify the dedication to their communities that is a hallmark of New York’s volunteer fire service, but they also showcase a disturbing trend. All six were seemingly healthy, with no notable health issues to speak of, when they received their respective cancer diagnoses. Based on the types of cancer these firefighters were each diagnosed with, it is believed that their illnesses may likely be a by-product of their work as volunteer firefighters.

The full video can be viewed at www.fasny.com/fightcancer New York State legislation sponsored by State Senator Michael Nozzolio and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther would provide presumptive cancer coverage to New York’s 92,000 volunteer firefighters. The bill would cover several types of cancers presumed to be linked to firefighting, ensuring that no firefighter diagnosed with cancer would be left looking for help. The bill would ensure that New York’s volunteer firefighters have the safety net that they deserve, and that a cancer diagnosis does not spell potential personal and financial ruin.

FASNY will use the Firefighters Fighting Cancer video to generate grassroots-level support for this critical piece of legislation, which passed the Senate last session, but ended the session in committee in the Assembly.

Although FASNY has instituted a robust education and awareness campaign to inform firefighters about the risk of cancer, and how to avoid it, the truth remains that the risk of cancer must be recognized as a part of modern firefighting. Education and awareness can only go so far — New York’s firefighters need presumptive cancer coverage.

“There are 92,000 reasons that volunteer firefighters should have presumptive cancer coverage in New York State,” said FASNY President Robert McConville. “Watch ‘Firefighters Fighting Cancer’ and learn the stories of these brave men and women. Share it with your friends and your families, and

please let your legislators know that presumptive cancer coverage for volunteer firefighters is not only the necessary thing to do, but the right thing to do.

No firefighter should be left wanting for help and assistance during their most desperate hour.”

“This legislation will provide greatly needed presumptive cancer coverage to the 92,000 volunteer firefighters in New York State who are at a significantly higher risk for cancers due to their exposure to carcinogens and other deadly toxins,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Firefighters all deserve presumptive cancer coverage, regardless of whether they are career or volunteer,” said Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. “All firefighters face incredible danger in order to help others, and all are exposed to deadly carcinogens in the process.

As such, all firefighters deserve the same benefits. Fires do not discriminate, and neither should we.”

Key Facts on Cancer: 1. Firefighters are 102 percent more likely to develop testicular cancer than the general population; 2. Firefighters are 53 percent more likely to develop multiple myeloma than the general population; 3.

Firefighters are 62 percent more likely to develop cancer of the oesophagus than the general population; 4. Firefighters are 21 percent more likely to develop intestinal cancer than the general population; 5. Firefighters are 26 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than the general population.

THANK YOU! 100,000

for the likes!

(Help us get to 110,000!)

Page 6, Fire News, October 2015

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Obituary

Ex-Chief Lawrence G. Sesso, Sayville, F.D.

It is with deep regret that the Chiefs’ Office of the Sayville Fire Department regrets to announce the Line of Duty Death of former Chief and active firefighter Lawrence G. Sesso, 40. On Saturday, August 22, 2015, the Sayville Fire Department responded to a reported fire at the Bristal Assisted Living complex located on Lakeland Avenue in Sayville. Chief Sesso operated at the scene assisting with operations at the command post along with other chief officers. A small contents fire was extinguished upon the arrival of the fire department. When the incident scene was secured, all units continued on to the annual Town of Islip Parade being held in Central Islip where Sesso joined fellow Sayville members in the line of march.

A short time thereafter while returning to Sayville, Chief Sesso suffered a cardiac episode and was immediately transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Chief ‘Larry’ Sesso was a lifelong resident of Sayville and a dedicated member of the Sayville Fire Department for the past 23 years.

He was a proud member of the Hook and Ladder Company and served in all capacities of the company including Lieutenant and

Captain. However, the crowning accomplishment of his fire service career was being elected to the Chiefs’ ranks and serving as the Chief of the Sayville Fire Department from 2009-2011, something he was very proud of.

It was only a matter of time before Chief ‘LG’ Sesso became a popular figure, especially at the Islip Town Chiefs level. He was instrumental in forming many of the current day relationships shared today between departments from opposite corners of the township and the many Chiefs who called Larry their friend, a testament to the type of person he was.

He was also a proud member and huge supporter of the Blue Jays Drill team. Over the years, it was not uncommon to see Chief Larry throw on his old racing jersey to join the team for the annual town drill, otherwise he could be found in the stands leading the chants for his team.

Larry was also a distinguished police officer for both the New York City Police Department and the New York-New Jersey Port Authority Police for the past 18 years. Beginning in 1998 he served in the busy 75th Precinct in Brooklyn and moved to the Port Authority police in 2002

and became a PBA delegate and advocate for all Port Authority police officers. He worked at Kennedy Airport.

A community servant and a “Fireman’s Fireman” with a contagious smile and unyielding dedication to others, his sudden passing came as a shock to everyone who knew him.

The passing of Chief Lawrence G. Sesso leaves a huge void in the Sayville Fire Department, the Port Authority Police and throughout his hometown of Sayville.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn Sesso and three children Gregory (14), Deanna (six) and Lauren (four).

Firematic services were held at Raynor and D’Andrea Funeral Home in West Sayville on August 26, with internment at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Sayville.

In lieu of flowers, the Sesso family requests that donations marked “In Memory of Lawrence G. Sesso” be sent to the Sayville Fire Department at 107 North Main Street, Sayville, NY 11782.

A fund is being set up for his three children.

Page 8, Fire News, October 2015

Fully Involved in Setauket

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On September 3, 2015, the Setauket Fire Department battled a structure fire on Birchwood Avenue, which was fully involved on arrival. With the help of mutual aid from Port Jefferson, Stony Brook, Terryville and Selden, the flames were confined to the original structure with minimal radiant heat damage to a nearby home.

- Fire News photos by Andrew Tetreault

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 9

Freeport Fire Takes Two Houses

The Freeport Fire Department battled a house fire on Raynor Avenue on August 30, 2015, which quickly spread to the home next door. Mutual aid companies assisted.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 10, Fire News, October 2015

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Suspected Arson in Centereach On the evening of August 26, 2015, the Centereach Fire Department was activated for a reported residential structure fire on Parsnip Pond Road. The Village of Lake Grove Fire Marshal Andrew Brofman 5-5-40 was the first unit on scene and was met with heavy fire showing on the first and second floor of the 1/2 corner. The fire marshal requested mutual aid from Nesconset, Ronkonkoma and Stony Brook. Attack operations were kept exterior only on the vacant home, and a quick knockdown was made by first-due companies.

Command requested Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad to the scene to investigate.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez and Joseph C. Sperber

Page 12, Fire News, October 2015

Hempstead House Fire

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The Hempstead Fire Department responded to a working fire in the basement of a home on Remsen Avenue on September 2, 2015.

Arriving units discovered a well advanced basement fire with heavy smoke pouring from the house. Lines were stretched while truck members searched and vented. Red Cross officials were called to the scene to assist the displaced residents.

- Fire News photos

by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Manhasset Basement Fire

A working fire was transmitted in Manhasset on September 2, 2015, for a fire in the basement of a house under renovation on Linden Street.

Workman ignited the blaze while cutting an oil tank for removal.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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‘The Book House’ Burns in Ronkonkoma

On September 1, 2015, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for reported structure fire across from the adult home on Lake Shore Road. First-due Squad 6 arrived on scene to find the old, vacant, Lake Ronkonkoma Book House fully involved.

Nesconset was mutual aided to the scene and the fire was quickly knocked down with no injuries. The building stood as a historical local landmark to the community. Command requested a fire marshal to the scene to investigate. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez

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Yaphank Brush Fire

On September 6, 2015, the Yaphank Fire Department was activated Middle Island, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Ridge and Medford. The for a brush fire on Rustic Road in a large area of woods behind a fire was quickly controlled with no injuries reported.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez residential area. Mutual aid was requested from Gordon Heights,

Hicksville School Bus Fire

The Hicksville Fire Department and Nassau County Police respond board were able to evacuate without injury. Firefighters quickly to a school bus fire on 22nd Street in Hicksville on September 2, extinguished the flames. The children were removed from the scene 2015. Responders were met with a Hicksville School District by school district officials and safely transported to school.

- Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber and Kevin Imm minibus engulfed in flames. The seven children and bus driver on

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1 FF Treated for SI in CI The Central Islip Fire Department responded to a house fire on Applegate Drive on August 28, 2015.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find the rear of the home and a detached garage involved with flames extending to a home next door. Assisting at the scene were units from Hauppague, Brentwood and Islip Terrace. Islip stood by. One firefighter was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by Central IslipHauppague EMS. It took 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. Suffolk Police and Islip Town Fire Marshal office were investigating the cause.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

11 Displaced in CI Fire On August 28, 2015, the Central Islip Fire Department was notified of a house fire on Applegate Drive. With First Assistant Chief Robert McGee in charge, a working fire was confirmed with heavy fire in the rear of the house, a one-story ranch. Two lines were stretched and put into operation.

While it was originally reported that there were occupants within, all residents of the home were safely accounted for.

The fire was knocked down in short order with overhaul following. Mutual aid to the scene came from Hauppauge, Brentwood and Islip Terrace. Islip was requested to the stand by. The Central Islip Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance, Islip Terrace Ambulance and Brentwood Legion Ambulance and Exchange Ambulance of the Islips also responded. The Red Cross was requested to respond to the scene to procure emergency housing for 11 people. The Islip Town Fire Marshal was on scene as well the County Arson Squad.

- Fire News photo by Richard Stark

FF Injured in West Hempstead Blaze A fire broke out at National Wholesale Liquidators in West Hempstead on August 27, 2015. The blaze may have started in a trash compactor on the outside of the complex but extended into the loading dock before firefighters were able to bring it under control. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was transported to an area hospital.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Bill D’Alessandro

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House Fire in Roosevelt

On August 22, 2015, the Roosevelt Fire Department was activated utes. The home was heavily damaged. Mutual aid came from for a house fire on Prospect Street. Upon the arrival of the first Hempstead, Baldwin, Uniondale and Merrick. Freeport, South units, heavy fire was showing from the 1-4 corner. Quint 734 picked Hempstead and North Merrick stood by.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza up a hydrant and had multiple lines stretched into the house with the crew from Engine 732, to knock down the fire in about 20 min-

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 19

Floral Park Biz District Fire

The Floral Park Fire Department responded to a working fire in a payers. Mutual aid truck companies were called to the scene to row of stores in the middle of their business district on August 12, assist with search and ventilation.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com 2015. The fire appeared to be contained to the roof area of the tax-

Page 20, Fire News, October 2015

Basement Fire in Malverne

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The Malverne Fire Department extinguished a small fire in a private dwelling on Aberdeen Street on August 13, 2015. The blaze started in a basement stairwell with minor extension to upper floors.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Vacant House Fire in Deer Park

The Deer Park Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Tell Avenue on July 29, 2015. Chief of Department Bradbury arrived and took command while Assistant Chiefs Biolsi, Scarfi and Jacob handled the fire attack, with heavy fire showing from the exposure 3 side of the house, which was reportedly vacant. First-due Engine 1-4-11 stretched two lines. West Islip responded for RIT and North Babylon Ladder 1-8-6 was the first-due truck company and took the

front of the house; it was followed shortly by Deer Park Ladder 14-10. The ladder crews searched, vented and laddered the home.

The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes and contained to the rear of the house. Additional mutual aid to the scene was provided by the Bay Shore and Brentwood.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 21

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Page 22, Fire News, October 2015

Dumpster Fire KO’d in Southampton On August 8, 2015, the Southampton Fire Department was toned out for a dumpster fire on Mariner Drive in Southampton Village. First unit arrived to a fully engulfed dumpster and quickly extinguished the fire. Chief Mike Kampf was in charge of the scene.

-Fire News photos by Chris Brenner

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Page 24, Fire News, October 2015

Amityville Car Fire

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The Amityville Fire Department was activated for a car fire in the with Engine 1-1-4, Ambulance 1-1-11 and Fire Police 1-1-7. The parking lot of the Teachers Federal Credit Union on Broadway on crew from 1-1-4 put one line into operation to extinguish the fire in - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza August 22, 2015. Third Assistant Chief Hegarty responded along about 10 minutes.

Burning Laptop

On September 1, 2015, the Setauket Fire Department was notified and Port Jefferson EMS. There was a moderate to heavy smoke of an automatic fire alarm ringing at SUNY Stony Brook Campus condition throughout the building. The cause of the fire was a burnChemistry Building. A second phone call reported smoke through- ing laptop in a first-floor classroom.

- Fire News photo by Andrew Tetreault out the building. Under the command of Chief Thomas Makarius, Sr., mutual aid was requested from Stony Brook, Port Jefferson,

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 25

4 Displaced in Elmont Fire

A woman was injured after a fire broke out at an Elmont home on the scene to assist with the four people displaced by the blaze.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com Miriam Court on August 17, 2015. Elmont firefighters had the fire under control within 20 minutes. Red Cross officials were called to

Page 26, Fire News, October 2015

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E. Farmingdale Commercial Fire

On August 27, 2015, the East Farmingdale Fire Company activated for a building fire on Allen Boulevard. Upon arrival of Second Assistant Chief Iuzzini heavy fire was showing from the exposure 2-3 corner of a one-story linen supply company, which was closed for the day. Chief of Department Wisz arrived and took command. As crews made entry into the building, a collapse of the 2-3 corner caused the members to withdraw and put an exterior attack in place. With the handlines and master streams, the fire was knocked down in about two hours.

Mutual aid came from North Lindenhurst, North Babylon, South Farmingdale, Farmingdale, West Babylon and the WyandanchWheatley Heights Ambulance Corps for their Rehab Unit. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Town of Babylon Fire Marshal’s Office and Suffolk County Police Arson Squad.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

Hagerman House Fire Quick Work in Bethpage

In the early morning of August 17, 2015, the Hagerman Fire Department was activated for a reported residential structure fire on Amsterdam Avenue. Upon arrival, Chief 5-10-31 was met with heavy fire showing from the 1/4 corner. Mutual aid was requested from Bellport and North Patchogue. The fire was quickly knocked down with no injuries. Command requested a Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal and Suffolk Police Arson Squad to the scene to investigate. Hagerman was again activated hours later that morning for a rekindle.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

On August 3, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire on Normandy Drive. A fire in the wall from an outlet was quickly extinguished.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 27

West Islip Fire On August 14, 2015, FRES activated the West Islip Fire Department for a structure fire on West 4th Street.

Upon arrival 3-17-30, George Baxter, reactivated with a working fire. Two lines were stretched and put into operation, with the fire being extinguished shortly thereafter. Extensive overhaul was required. Mutual aid came from Bay Shore, North Babylon and Babylon.

- Fire News photo by Richard Stark

It’s Supposed to Cool Things Down ‌ The Bayport Fire Department responded for a residential structure fire on August 2, 2015. Chief 32 was in charge and arrived to find fire to the rear of the building. Mutual aid came from Sayville and Blue Point. The cause of fire was an malfunction in an air conditioning unit. The fire was knocked down quickly with very little extension.

- Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken

Page 28, Fire News, October 2015

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Smoke Condition in Westbury, Not On August 18, 2015, the Jericho Fire Department received numerous calls for a smoke condition on the third floor and in the elevator shaft of the Viana Hotel and Spa on Brush Hollow Road in Westbury.

Crews searched for the source and found that two dry chemical extinguishers were discharged in a hallway and no action was required.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Arson in Hicksville Car Fires On September 7, 2015, the Hicksville Fire Department responded to multiple calls for multiple cars on fire on Morgan and West Nicholai Streets. Crews extinguished the fires that were deemed suspicious; an empty gasoline container was found next to one of the vehicles.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Kitchen Fire in Bethpage On September 3, 2015, the Bethpage Fire Department was alerted for a report of a house fire on Stewart Avenue by Nottingham Gate. Arriving units found an extinguished kitchen fire and an aided with a burn to the arm. Crews overhauled the kitchen and checked for extension and the aided refused medical attention at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Bellport Brush Fire On September 6, 2015, Fire News photographer and pilot Jim Mooney flew over the site of a recent brush fire off of Station Road in Bellport.

- Fire News photo by Jim Mooney, Eagle Eye Air Photo

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 29

Home Burns in Middle Island Recently, the Middle Island Fire Department and mutual aid departments battled a fire on Heather Court.

Despite extremely hot and humid conditions, responders quickly brought the fire under control.

-Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

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Babylon House Fire

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Leaking Propane Tank in Wantagh

On September 5, 2015, Babylon Central Fire Alarm took numerous calls reporting a house fire on Alexander Street in Babylon. Chief of Department Sasuk and Second Assistant Chief Golub were on the road quickly and advised of the numerous calls. Chief Sasuk arrived first and transmitted a working fire and requested West Babylon for RIT and an ambulance from North Babylon. Engines 1-2-3, 1-2-5 and Ladder 1-2-8 arrived and encountered a 1-1/2 story home heavily involved, with all occupants out and accounted for. The crews stretched several lines to extinguish the fire, which heavily damaged the house and had some extension to its upper level. It took over an hour to bring the fire under control with one of the occupants transported to Good Samaritan Hospital with smoke inhalation.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

On August 5, 2015, Wantagh firefighters were called to a Briar Lane home for a leaking propane tank.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 31

Fire on the Sunrise

On August 28, 2015, the Blue Point Fire Department was activated the road. The crew from first-due Engine 2 made a quick knock for a vehicle fire on the eastbound Service Road of Sunrise Highway down of the fire and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez in front of the Shore Motor Inn motel. Upon arrival commanding units were met with a fully involved auto on the right shoulder of

Page 32, Fire News, October 2015

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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND

Fatality in Small Plane Crash On August 16, 2015, the Bethpage and Hicksville Fire Departments activated for a reported plane down on South Oyster Bay Road, on the border of the two districts. First arriving units encountered a single engine plane that had hit a railroad crossing signal light, crashed upside down and burst into flames on the tracks of the LIRR Ronkonkoma line killing the pilot and injuring a passenger. Multiple apparatus from both departments and numerous agencies responded with Bethpage Engine 9044 putting two lines with foam into operation to extinguish the fire. The injured person who was pulled from the plane was taken to Nassau University Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries and was released the next day. Bethpage Chief of Department Resto was in charge of the scene.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Lucky Night on the GSB

On the evening of August 5, 2015, the West Islip Fire Department, US people aboard. The Coast Guard pulled five boys, ages four to 18 from Coast Guard and Suffolk County Police conducted a search after the water.

- Fire News photo by Edmund J Coppa receiving a call of a boat on fire in the Great South Bay with several

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 33

Page 34, Fire News, October 2015

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Roof Rescue in Smithtown The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for an EMS response on September 9, 2015, on East Main Street and Lawrence Avenue. Smithtown EMS arrived on the scene to assist an injured construction worker on the roof of a shopping center. Upon arrival, 3rd Assistant Chief Diecidue (4-2-33) requested the Company 7 tower ladder (4-2-7) be dispatched. Company 7 positioned the ladder and sent the bucket to the roof with a Stokes basket to remove the worker, who was transported to the Stony Brook University Medical Center.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Bressler SFD/PIO

Gas Leak Results in Evacuation The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department responded after a construction crew, working on local road improvements, struck and ruptured a gas line on Claflin Boulevard early on August 13, 2015. Several homes were evacuated as a precaution. Fortunately emergency crews were able to find and shut down the leaking line.

-Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Stuck Elevator in Wantagh Wantagh firefighters responded to a call of people stuck in an elevator on August 11, 2015. The incident occurred in a Wantagh Avenue office building when the elevator stopped between floors. The people were removed without incident after the elevator was lowered to the basement.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 35

3-Car MVA in Seaford On August 27, 2015, the Seaford Fire Department was attending firematic training at the Fire Service Academy in Bethpage and were being covered by Wantagh, which responded to a three-car MVA with an overturn and entrapment on the eastbound Sunrise Highway over the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway. Under the command of Wantagh’s 1st Assistant Chief Joe Gross, units responded to the scene along with police units, stabilized the vehicle and transported the injured.

- Fire News photo by Jack Healy

3 Injured in Wantagh MVA On August 22, 2015, a three-car MVA occurred at Sunrise Highway and Beech Street. The impact caused one SUV to overturn. The driver of another SUV was trapped due to a driver’s side impact. The third car had an injured driver, as well. Nassau County Police responded with three ambulances and an Emergency Service Unit. The Wantagh Fire Department, under the command of 3rd Assistant Chief Peter Bloomfield, responded with their heavy rescue truck and an ambulance. The injured were taken to local hospitals by NCPD and fire department ambulances.

- Fire News photo by Jack Healy

Page 36, Fire News, October 2015

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Coram MVA On August 30, 2015, the Coram Fire Department was activated for an MVA on Middle Country Road, east of Route 112. Coram transported two victims to Mather Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

- Fire News photo

by David Rubin

3 Injured in Holtsville MVA On August 28, 2015, the Holtsville Fire Department was activated for an MVA with a reported heavy rescue at the intersection of Long Island and Woodland Avenues. First responder 5-11-81 was the first unit on scene and confirmed entrapment of the driver. The crew from Rescue 4 arrived and quickly extricated the person. The driver and two children that were inside the vehicle were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 37

MVA in Franklin Square On September 4, 2015, Franklin Square firefighters and EMS personnel responded when a female driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into two building facades and a utility pole on Hempstead Turnpike.

- Fire News photo

by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Semi Overturns in Freeport The Freeport Fire Department responded to an overturned tractor trailer on the early morning of September 6, 2015. The food delivery truck was traveling eastbound on Sunrise Highway when it turned southbound onto S. Main Street and tipped onto its side. The driver was slightly injured and transported to an area hospital via Nassau County ambulance.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 38, Fire News, October 2015

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Lucky to Be Alive On August 27, 2015, a silver sedan was driving east on the Southern State Parkway between exits 33 and 34 when the vehicle side swiped an SUV, bounced off it, and hit the left guardrail sending it airborne for a distance of approximately 30 feet. The vehicle then struck the top corner of the underpass and was sheared in half. The driver was ejected, but, surprisingly, suffered no apparent life threatening injuries and was conscious and alert immediately following the crash. Crews from the East Farmingdale Fire Department secured the vehicle and transported the driver to Good Samaritan Hospital. Silver paint was visible at the top half of the bridge, showing how high the vehicle hit.

- Fire News photo by Christopher George

Almost on the Tracks On August 21, 2015, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to a two-car MVA in which one vehicle was hit in the back and almost pushed on to railroad tracks; when the crossing gates activated they hit the vehicle’s roof. One person was injured and transported to the hospital.

- Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com

2-Car MVA in Massapequa On the early morning of August 18, 2015, the Massapequa Fire Department was alerted for an MVA at the intersection of eastbound Sunrise Highway and Park Boulevard. Chief of Department Keuchler, and Second and Third Assistant Chiefs Stansberry and Batt responded, along with Ladder 632, Squad 8 and Ambulance 6310. Both cars sustained major damage and both drivers were injured.

The crews from 632 and Squad 8 secured the vehicles and handled a fluid spill. The injured drivers were taken to Nassau University Medical Center by Ambulance 6310 and Nassau County Police Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Lucky in Lakeview Lakeview firefighters and EMS crews were on the scene of a two-car accident inside a gas station at the intersection of Eagle Avenue and Woodfield Road on August 17, 2015.

Both vehicles missed hitting the gas pumps.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 40, Fire News, October 2015

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3 Injured in Hicksville MVA On August 9, 2015, the Hicksville Fire Department responded to an MVA. Crews transported three people.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

MVA with Fire in Plainview On September 6, 2015, the Plainview Fire Department responded to an MVA with fire on Manetto Hill Road. Arriving units found a wellinvolved auto with the occupant being handled by county EMS. The fire was extinguished and the aided transported to the hospital.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

SSP Motorcycle Accident The Wantagh Fire Department responded to a motorcycle accident on Southern State Parkway near the Wantagh State Parkway on August 21, 2015. The driver was taken to NUMC with non-life threatening injuries.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 41

Car Into Basement in N. Amityville The North Amityville Fire Company was called to an MVA with reported car into a house on Matthew Drive on August 21, 2015. First Assistant Chief Collins was first to arrive and found a car into the front of a house with the front end hanging into the basement and substantial damage to the house.

The car’s two occupants were out of the vehicle. Heavy Rescue 1-7-5 and Ambulance 1-7-8 responded. The two occupants of the car were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital by 17-8 and Amityville Ambulance 1-1-11. East Farmingdale and West Babylon were called to the scene for their Technical Rescue Teams to shore up the basement area. Farmingdale was also requested to the scene. There were no injuries to anyone in home.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Wantagh 3-Car MVA Wantagh firefighters responded to a three-car MVA with three people injured on August 22, 2015, at Sunrise Highway and Beech Street. All of the injured were taken to local hospitals by fire and police ambulances.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Page 42, Fire News, October 2015

FireNews.com

Coffee and a Show

A driver lost control of her vehicle, jumped a curb, and plowed into an unoccupied Garden City store on August 26, 2015. No one was injured but stunned onlookers watched from their seats outside a nearby cafe. Garden City Fire Department and police resources were on the scene.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 43

Extrication in Holbrook

On August 19, 2015, the Holbrook Fire Department was activated for an MVA on the eastbound Sunrise Highway Service Road, just east of Church Street. The call was dispatched as an overturn and was confirmed on arrival. Firefighters and Suffolk County Police

Emergency Services used hydraulic tools to extricate the driver and only occupant. The extrication was under command of 3-15-31. The Holbrook Fire Department Ambulance transported the victim to an area hospital.

- Fire News photo by David Rubin

Page 44, Fire News, October 2015

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Bethpage MVA

On August 19, 2015, Bethpage Ambulance 906, while returning from an alarm, came across an MVA at the intersection of Stewart and Cedar Avenues. They reported two aided, no pin and a small spill.

Crews secured the cars and transported one of the two aided.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

4 Injured in Nesconset MVA

The Suffolk Police, and Nesconset and Centereach Fire Departments responded to a serious accident in front of the Smith Haven Mall on Middle Country Road and Moriches Road in Nesconset on September 2, 2015. The two-vehicle accident caused a

pickup truck to overturn trapping two occupants inside. A total of four people were injured, two critically. It took personnel using hydraulic equipment over an hour to extricate the occupants from the pickup.

- Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 45

Gas Line Break in Malverne The Malverne Fire Department responded to Sydney Avenue on June 8, 2015, after a contractor struck a gas line during construction. Precautionary lines were stretched, but emergency crews were able to cap the leak without further incident.

- Fire News photo

by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Entrapment in Islip On July 6, 2015, the Islip Fire Department was notified of an MVA with possible entrapment at Moffitt Boulevard and Commack Road. Engine 34-7 arrived to find a two-car accident with two minor injuries and the driver of the one vehicle trapped. The crew of Engine 3-4-7 and Rescue 3-414 popped the driver’s door to free the driver. The Exchange Ambulance of the Islips then transported the person to Southside Hospital. The driver of the second vehicle refused medical attention. Islip units were under the direction of Captain Alden Schroeder.

- Fire News photo by Jared Gunst

Page 48, Fire News, October 2015

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Sound Beach, Terryville Juniors Drill

On the August 14, 2015, the Junior Companies from Sound Beach Fire Department and Terryville Fire Department worked together in a joint hose-handling drill. They practiced flaking out the line, maneuvering a charged line around obstacles, and hitting targets with the stream.

Afterwards, they enjoyed a barbecue together at Terryville’s Fire HQ. - Fire News photos by Stefanie Handshaw

Masem Scholarship to Brett Malm In July, the Patchogue Fire Department, awarded the Firefighter John Masem Memorial Scholarship presented by the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. (Left to right): ex-Chief Tom Newham (John Masem’s grandfather), his wife Sally, past-President SCVFA Gene Perry, SCVFA Scholarship Chairman Keith Vella, recipient Brett Malm, SCVFA President Peter Cincotta, Artie Malm, Pam Malm, Bradley Malm and Brendan Malm 2014 recipient.

- Fire News photo by Tom Newham

N. Massapequa’s McCarthy Gets Bartolotto Scholarship North Massapequa Fire Department Chief Kevin B. Mauro (right) and ex-Chief Marc A. Timpano, who also serves as a North Massapequa Fire District Commissioner (left), recently joined in presenting the annual Carmelo Bartolotto North Massapequa Fire Department Scholarship to Thomas F. McCarthy, a resident of North Massapequa, who will attend SUNY New Paltz in the fall. Thomas, an Eagle Scout, excelled in the classroom and in community service, which earned him the coveted scholarship. Looking on proudly was Thomas’ father Chris, who is a long-time firefighter with the North Massapequa Fire Department’s Ladder Company 1.

- Fire News photo provided by John Leone

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 49

Sound Beach’s 85th Anniversary Parade

On August 8, 2015, the Sound Beach Fire Department celebrated its 85th anniversary.

-Fire News photos

by Stefanie Handshaw

Page 50, Fire News, October 2015

FireNews.com

Albertson’s Melameds Get FASNY Provider of the Year On August 31, 2015, members of the Albertson Fire Department and the leadership of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) gathered to honor two of their own. Joel and Andrew Melamed were recognized in a ceremony at their hometown Albertson Fire Department after receiving the FASNY EMS Provider of the Year Award in Albany on August 22, 2015.

The Melameds received the award after executing a daring and dramatic rescue of PWCer on the Great South Bay in July 2014.

“Joel and Andrew’s actions are consistent with the finest traditions of the volunteer fire and EMS service,” said FASNY President Robert McConville. “Through quick thinking, courage, and teamwork, they saved the life of a fellow human being under very dangerous conditions. For their heroism, FASNY is proud to name Joel and Andrew EMS Providers of the Year.”

The Rescue On July 20, 2014, the Melameds were relaxing, off-duty, on their boat in Long Island’s Great South Bay when a Mayday call came over their VHF radio. A PWCer had collided with another vessel in the Lindenhurst Channel, the operator unconscious in the water.

Springing into action, the Melameds maneuvered their boat closer and located a 45-year-old man face down in the water.

The Melameds dove into the water, swam to the unconscious individual, and hauled him aboard the swim platform of another boat that had come to assist.

The victim was unconscious and not breathing. The Melameds began to perform CPR as the boat raced toward the shore. They had to maintain their balance on the narrow swim platform and avoid the boat’s propellers, which were only a few inches away.

After approximately 10 minutes, the boat was intercepted by the US Coast Guard. The patient was transferred to the Coast Guard vessel, along with the Melameds who continued to perform CPR. By the time the vessel reached its dock, the patient had regained a faint pulse and was breathing again. He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip by the Babylon Volunteer Fire Department.

Two weeks later, the patient was released from the hospital, having made a full recovery.

Aside from demonstrating remarkable bravery in this incident, the Melameds also showed how early and effective CPR can make the difference between life and death. The urgency and skill with which Joel and Andrew handled the emergency undoubtedly helped to save the man’s life. For these efforts, Joel and Andrew Melamed are named the FASNY EMS Providers of the Year.

- Fire News photos courtesy Dave Wollin/FASNY

(Left to right): EMS Providers of the Year (and Albertson Firefighters/EMTs) Joel Melamed, Andrew Melamed; FASNY 2nd Vice President Steve Klein; Albertson Fire Chief Jason Lasek.

- Photo courtesy of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York

(Left to right): FASNY 2nd Vice President Steve Klein; FASNY EMS Providers of the Year (and Albertson Firefighters and EMTs) Andrew Melamed and Joel Melamed; FASNY President Robert McConville.

- Photo courtesy of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York

FASNY EMS Providers of the Year Joel Melamed (left) and Andrew Melamed (right).

-Photo courtesy of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 51

MLFD Ex-Captain Preston Hicks, Sr. 50 Years of Dedication Ex-Captain Preston ‘Lett’ Hicks, Sr., joined Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #3 on April 9, 1965, when he was 18, following in the footsteps of his older brother Neil, who was already a member of Company #3, as well as his cousins Wayne and Kenneth Paradise, who were members of Company #2. Preston would go on to proudly serve Manhasset-Lakeville Company #3 as Lieutenant from 1986 through 1990 and as Captain from 1990 through 1992. Preston has also been a life-long member of the Manhasset-Lakeville F.D. Minute Men Competitive Drill Team.

As a new member, Preston was very motivated and an active volunteer firefighter. “I loved jumping on the fire trucks and responding to alarms,” said Preston; and not much has changed over the past 50 years. Preston’s dedication to the community and fire department is very visible as he continues to respond to fire and rescue incidents on a daily basis. Earlier this year, the Manhasset American Legion Post 304 presented Preston with their Firefighter of the Year Award in recognition of his 50 years of dedication and service.

Keeping up with the tradition of the Hicks family, Preston’s eldest son, Preston Hicks, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Company #3 at the age of eighteen. He remained a member for many years until he moved to Westbury, where he is now serving as a Lieutenant.

The Manhasset-Lakeville commissioners, chiefs, line officers and members would like to thank Preston Hicks, Sr., for his 50 years of service and look forward to the years ahead.

- Fire News story by Kirk Candan

Page 52, Fire News, October 2015

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North Patchogue Works with Guide Dog Foundation The North Patchogue Fire Department hosted an outing for The Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown New York on August 21, 2015. Bonnie Norjen, Group Leader, arranged the outing with the help of Commissioner Larry Santangelo. Larry and his wife, Leslie, are puppy raisers and breeder/caretakers. These outings facilitate important exposures in the puppys’ training. The puppies encounter obstacles such as stairways, doors, elevators, tight spaces, new smells and sounds. They get to experience diesel engines, sirens, men in turnout gear and masks. They were also able to run and play in the picnic area after they finished their class. If you would like more information on raising a puppy, please visit The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind at www.GuideDog.org. Information is also available for veterans in need of an assistance dog at www.VetDogs.org.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Larry Santangelo

Nassau County Juniors Fire Camp Fahrenheit 516 During the week of July 20, 2015, Juniors and Explorers from 13 different fire companies took place in the first newly formed Junior Fire Camp Fahrenheit 516."The camp was designed to give these kids their first hands-on experience. The camp program was designed by the County Juniors Board of Directors, the Academy Staff, Chief Brown, Chief Hughes, and FSA Instructors.

Junior Board Chairman Jerry Presta said the idea for the camp came when some of the juniors from Nassau County were traveling over

five hours to other states to attend camps. The two week primary and essential course was modified into a five-day course of which 70 percent was comprised of hands-on training.

On the last day, the campers filled out evaluation forms, on which everyone wrote, “It

was too short.”

Special thanks go to the Fire Service Academy and the entire Nassau County VEEB Board for their constant support for the Juniors and Explorers in Nassau County.

Thanks also to the following for their donations: the 5th Battalion Softball League, Port Jeff Sports of Port Jefferson for the camp shirts and the Boy Scouts of America for the water bottles. To take a look at what went on at the camp visit our website at www.ncjfa.org and click on Fire Camp.

ATF Arson Class

On September 2, 2015, the ATF with the assistance of the NYPD’s Arson and Explosion Squad, and FDNY and Suffolk County Fire Marshals conducted a live fire arson training for prosecutors at “The Rock,” the FDNY’s Fire Academy. The three-day course provided the prosecutors from NYC, US Attorneys Office, and Nassau and Suffolk Countys, as well as out of state prosecutors, with a basic knowledge of fire dynamics, scene preservation, evidence collection, use of accelerant detection dogs and legal issues.

-Fire News photos by Ed Simonetti

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 53

2015 NY Wildfire and Incident Mgt. Academy Eighteenth Annual Academy October 22 - November 1, 2015

The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission's Wildfire Task Force, will hold the eighteenth annual New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (NYWIMA) from October 22 through November 1, 2015 at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY. Among the courses offered this year are Wildfire Powersaws and Storm Debris Removal, Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior and Brush Truck Training for the Volunteer Fire Service.

The Academy will also offer three free courses: Basic Wildland Search Skills and Social Media for Disaster Response and Recovery.

The Academy offers Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior along with Fire Operations in the Urban Interface free of charge to Nassau and Suffolk County volunteer firefighters.

Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior is offered as a five day classroom session or as a one-day field day session. Both options are fully recognized by the National Wildfire and Coordinating Group (NWCG), which governs wildland firefighting standards across the country.

The five-day session and the field day session allow volunteer firefighters to participate in future New York-based wildland prescribed fire operations and allows them to be eligible for out-of-state nationwide wildland fire suppression mobilizations with various federal and state agencies.

The Academy expects the driving portion of the Brush Truck Training Course to be conducted on a newly constructed 1.3-mile training route at the Suffolk County Fire Training Center in Yaphank.

Participating fire departments in the three past sessions of the Brush Truck Training courses included: Brentwood, Cutchogue, Deer Park, East Hampton, Eastport, East Quogue, Flanders, Gordon Heights, Hagerman, Kings Park, Lakeland, LawrenceCedarhurst, Mastic, Massapequa, Nesconset, North Babylon, North Sea, Orient, Patchogue, Shelter Island, West Babylon, Westhampton Beach and West Sayville.

This year the classroom portion will be held on October 24 and 25 with the driving portion being held on October 31 or November 1.

Volunteer departments are free to choose which day they would like to do the driving portion of the course. Brush trucks only need to be brought to the field day portion of the class.

The Academy is also pleased to present, in conjunction with the FDNY, an All-Hazard Field Reconnaissance course. This course is a field intelligence course designed to teach mapping and damage assessment skills so that emergency planners can better prioritize what areas should get resources in the event of a large scale disaster response effort.

“Based on the experience the entire tri-state area had after Superstorm Sandy, there is clearly a need for this class,” said John Pavacic, Pine Barrens Comission Executive Director.

Building upon the Academy’s success in training Town of Islip emergency management personnel in a variety of Incident Command positions at the 2014 Academy, the Academy for the first time has added an observer position to its incident management team training options.

The observer designation is designed to be a maximum five day training opportunity that allows people who only have limited exposure to the actual functioning of the Incident Command Team and System to come in and learn how the planning process works, how local resources interact with incident management teams and to learn how local goals and objectives can be heard and acted upon in an incident response.

Participants in the Incident Management Team trainee program will shadow and work with Academy managers in the Academy's Operations, Planning and Logistics sections.

The trainee programs will be held in two sessions scheduled to run from October 22 through October 26 and from October 26 October 30.

Training activities will involve developing operational and safety plans for activities that include extensive chainsaw activities, prescribed burns, dozer and heavy equipment operations, helicopter operations and all-terrain vehicle and brush truck operations.

This year’s academy will feature three advanced level classes in incident management that the Academy is offering in conjunction with the New York State Office of Emergency Management. Course offerings are: (COMT) Communications Unit Technician, (L-958) Operations Section Chief and (L-962) Planning Section Chief.

“The Academy appreciates the support it receives from the New York State Office of Emergency Management,” Pavacic said. “This partnership has resulted in raising the preparedness level of emergency response personnel in the region and across the state. The courses offered this year are important building

block courses for positions in the Operations, Logistics and Planning sections of an Incident Management Team. These courses build the skills needed for personnel to function as members of an incident management team.”

The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission's Wildfire Task Force will conduct the Academy along with a consortium of federal, state and county agencies including: (Federal): Brookhaven National Laboratory, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (State):, Central Pine Barrens Wildfire Task Force, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Emergency Management Office, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control; and (County and Other Organizations): Dowling College, Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services, Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation, Suffolk County Incident Management Team, Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the Colorado Wildfire and Incident Management Academy.

Class registrations received after September 25, 2015, will be assessed an additional $5 per day for each day of class enrollment.

Discounted enrollment fees of $60 per day, per class are available for individuals who register for classes before September 1.

Classes that do not meet minimum enrollment standards by September 14 will be cancelled.

Academy attendees are encouraged to register online for the Academy at www.nywima. com .

Additional information is available at the Academy’s website: www.dec.ny.gov/education/73.html. If you have any questions about the 2015 New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, you may e-mail the Academy at nywima@pb.state.ny.us or call directly at 631-769-1556.

Page 54, Fire News, October 2015

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A Check Presented for Wounded Warriors

Recently, Dominic Oreste, Secretary of the Oddfellows Mineola Pacific Lodge Post 125, presented a $500 check to Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior to help their efforts in helping our wounded warriors. Oreste, (left), presents the check to NCFF-OWW president Joe O’Grady of the Floral Park Fire

Department, as, (from right to left), Mike Kushner and Scott Ballard, both of the Stewart Manor Fire Department, join in.

Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior website is NCFF-OWW.org.

- Fire News photo by Steve Grogan

Navy SEAL Comes to Floral Park

In May, former US Navy Seal Robert O’Neill ,who was part of the famous DEVGRU (better known to the public as Seal Team 6) that killed Osama Bin Laden, came to Long Island for a fundraiser for Floral Park Fire Department’s Hook and Ladder Company 2, and Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior. O’Neill

presented a seminar on leadership and teamwork and also spoke about his SEAL training. The event took place at Hofstra University’s threatre. O’Neill, who served in the military for 17 years, is one of the country’s most highly decorated Navy SEALs. - Fire News photo by Steve Grogan

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 55

Wantagh’s Rose ‘Rosie’ Swenson Turns 100 Rose Swenson of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Wantagh Fire Department celebrated her 100th birthday on August 30, 2015. A party was held at Wantagh’s Station 1 with many friends and family attending.

Rose joined the Ladies Auxiliary in 1955 and served on many committees during her 60-years of service and was always available. So much so that she was elected as Honorary President for her dedication.

Although unable to drive for the past two years, the ladies pick her up to make sure she attends meetings. She is also a delegate to Nassau County and whenever possible attends these meetings.

She joined after her late husband John joined the Wantagh Fire Department in July 1954. John had served as a member of Company 2 and was assigned to Engine 2, Engine 7 and Fire Police. He also served as Recording Secretary, Vice President and President of Company 2 from 1984 through 1987 and was active until his death in 1992.

It seems that helping has always been in Rose’s blood, as she worked as a ‘lunch lady’ at the Division Avenue School and later the Salk Middle School.

In addition to John’s and Rose’s dedication to the Wantagh Fire Department they found time to raise a family. They have two children,

Carol and John (dec.), and she is the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, with a fourth on the way.

Besides the many gifts from family and friends, she was acknowledged for her 100 years with a citation from Congressman Peter King, a citation from Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, a Certificate of Recognition

from Senator Kemp Hannon and a citation from Nassau County Legislature Steve Rhoads.

The evening ended with the singing of Happy Birthday and the blowing out of candles on a cake. Not 100 candles, but three, and Rose gave it her all and they were out with the applause of all present.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Page 56, Fire News, October 2015

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Sloatsburg F.D. In a very funny e-mail I received from the Sloatsburg Fire Department, located in upstate New York, they commented on the show I did with Firefighter Mike Brockbank from the FDNY. Mike was cooking with a plastic fork. In Mike’s defense, all the silverware was locked up in the firehouse in which we were cooking and house watch couldn’t find the key. So like any good fireman, fireman find a way! This spurred the Sloatsburg comment, “Why don’t you come to Sloatsburg to film a show, where we have real knives and forks to cook with?” I happily accepted.

Sloatsburg is a beautiful, little town about 15-miles northwest of the Hudson River (off the New York Thruway). When I arrived at the firehouse, they were just getting back from a run. I said to one of the firemen, as he was stepping out of his bunker gear, “Hi. I’m Firefighter Ray and I’m here to film Firehouse Kitchen.” He replied, with a big smile, “Oh, you’re the guy. The cook’s committee is in the back.” The firehouse was an old one. It had a recreational room that looked like the inside of an old barn, but in a good way. It added to the old-time country feel of the town.

Around back, I met John Barcowski, Jack Collins and Ronnie Herman. John was the head cook and was bigger than life. John, with a great big smile, asked, “Are you ready for some jambalaya? But first, we have to have an adult beverage.” I said with a smirk, “Of course we do.”

This turned out to be a great show. John and Jack had great chemistry cooking together. They were ‘busting each other's chops,’ telling fire stories and sharing Sloatsburg history, while Ronnie did all the prep work in the background. He was the man behind the scenes.

On this episode, I introduced our firehouse pride moment.

Sloatsburg’s pride was a 1954 Dodge pickup. It was a small pick-up with four-wheel-drive that had a pumper on it and could go anywhere! It was perfect for brush fires. Hey, they are in the Catskills, so it’s an essential vehicle for their department.

The jambalaya was delicious, and we made some heart attack Italian bread. It wasn’t so much the meal that made my experience at this firehouse one to remember, it was the guys.

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com or visit us on facebook.

“Ye Old Firehouse” is History

Demolition has begun on the historic “Ye Olde Firehouse” on Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

SLOATSBURG'S JAMBAYALA (serves 4)

3 Kielbasa links 3 green peppers 2 onions 1 lb. raw, peeled shrimp 1 lb. crayfish tails Garlic powder

Cajun seasoning 1 cup Sliced green olives 1 cup rice 1 cup water Salt and pepper

Slice kielbasa, peppers, onions and olives. Make sure all shrimp and crayfish are de-shelled. In a large sauce pan, sauté kielbasa until golden brown. Add green peppers and onions. As they soften, juices will fill the pan. Pour in cup of dried rice (add water if needed). Reduce to a high simmer and cover. Once rice is cooked, add shrimp and crayfish. Use garlic powder, salt and pepper and cajun seasoning to taste.

Mix together. Add more water if needed. When just about done, add the olives. Stir together and serve.

Page 58, Fire News, October 2015

FireNews.com

Town of Babylon Hosts Wounded Warrior Ride

The Town of Babylon hosted the Annual Wounded Warrior Bike Ride on July 17, 2015. The day kicked off at Babylon Town Hall with the opening ceremony and then the ride continued around the Town of Babylon through West Islip over the Robert Moses Causeway and finished 26 miles away at Cedar Beach on Ocean Parkway. Numerous volunteers provided many services throughout

the day to the thousands of riders that participated. This year the weather was absolutely gorgeous and made the ride most memorable and enjoyable for all. It was another huge success supporting our military servicemen, servicewomen and veterans honoring them for their service and sacrifices to a grateful nation.

Babylon Chiefs Scholarships

On June 24, 2015, the Babylon Town Chiefs Association presented the 2015 Chiefs Scholarship awards to the winners. The following received the scholarships: Dominique Jones, (Babylon) Breanna Morrow (Babylon), Haley Sorensen (Wyandanch), Dominick Fraccalvieri (Babylon), Lauren Augello (Babylon), Danielle Caputo (North Lindenhurst), Joseph Leis (East Farmingdale), Melissa Riback (East Farmingdale), James McKeever,Jr. (North Babylon), Natalie DiMasi (West Babylon), John DiModica (Deer Park), John Costanzo (Babylon), Alyssa Sasuk (Babylon), Vincent Cotrone (Deer Park), Nicholas Irizarry (East Farmingdale), and Malik Hampton (North Amityville). Not all of the recipients were able to attend. The Town of Babylon Chiefs Association would like to congratulate all of the winners on their achievements and wish them continued success in their college education.

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 59

No Freelancing - Again!

I sometimes wonder if anyone is listening.

Over and over we lecture, talk, have meetings, discussion and then, out of nowhere, exactly what we talk about preventing happens.

Freelancing. Have we discussed this numerous times at meetings, conferences and training sessions? How many safety classes have we attended where we are told freelancing is not to be?

Okay, so who is being told no freelancing? I would say somewhere in their tenure would be chiefs, officers and anyone else capable of performing as an incident commander, and of course safety officers.

Let’s look at the Incident Commander (IC) at a working house fire, interior attack operation. Can the IC monitor everyone on scene?

No chance. How about the officer or crew chief? To a certain degree; but how many times have responders been sent back to the apparatus for additional tools or equipment alone?

Where is their crew when they return? Now this responder has an opportunity to freelance.

A firefighter may say, ‘let me take a walk totally rely on them at this point.

Training crews should be teaching firefightaround back and see if I can do anything,’ or ‘maybe my crew went inside ... let me see if I ers to always check in with the IC, Crew Chief, ISO, etc. and know what the Incident Action Plan (IAP) is.

Anyone operating outside that plan is freelancing. Crews operating outside the IAP or operating alone is considered freelancing. The ISO assists the IC in assuring everyone is following the plan.

I know in many departments it is difficult convincing others to have a safety officer on scene, but on all structure fires there should be an ISO and three ASOs. On working structure fires, there should be a safety officer on each corner of the structure. They should be talking to each other, can find them.’

How about when a crew member responds watching crews operate, looking for freelancto a fire and wants to work with other members ing and keeping an eye on the integrity of the of their company that arrived earlier and wan- structure. ders off looking for them? This could happen Ex-Chief Jeff Bailes President very easily on mutual aides. As a safety officer Brookhaven Town Safety Officers it is very difficult for us to know where every Association, Inc. crew is at all times. We certainly have difficulwww.btsoa.org ties if first responders operate on their own.

631-495-6418 Accountability systems help, but I would not

‘As a Safety Officer it is very difficult to know where every crew is at all times.’

Page 60, Fire News, October 2015

FireNews.com

Centerport’s Feeley Celebrates 50 Years Ex-Chief James Feeley recently celebrated his 50th anniversary of dedicated service with the Centerport Fire Department. Feeley was recognized for his outstanding service at a department meeting, and a commemorative cake was served in his honor. He has held the rank of Chief of the Department twice — first in 1984-1985, then went up through the officer's ranks again to become Chief in 2000-2001. Feeley also served a term on the Board of Fire Commissioners and started the Centerport Dive Team while he was Chief in 1985. He is a former EMT and served for 28 years on the Centerport Rescue Squad. Feeley is a past recipient of the Firefighter of the Year Award, and has received Fire and Feeley, First Assistant Chief Tom Boyd and Second Assistant Chief Rescue response awards multiple times. Since 2002, Feeley has Rich Miltner. (Back row): First Vice President Dr. David Plosky, served as a Suffolk County Deputy Fire Coordinator for Water Second Vice President Randy Howard, and Secretary Sam Jones.

- Fire News photo by Steve Silverman Rescue. (Left to right, front row): Chief Brian Mark, ex-Chief James

Melville Receives Donation On July 22, 2015, the Melville Fire Department received a donation from Regional Director V.P. and General Manager, David L. Fincannon, CHA, of the Hilton Hotel on Broad Hollow Road. The check was presented to Chief Michael Mc Keefrey in his office at Headquarters. (Also pictured): Director of Catering Lorraine Girnus and Fire District Manager David Hobart.

- Fire News photo by Tom Pesce

Sound Beach’s Handshaw Weds Fire News Contributing Photographer Stefanie Handshaw and Captain Darran Handshaw of the Sound Beach Fire Department were married on June 13, 2015, at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Stefanie Handshaw

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 61

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Suffolk County Drill at Riverhead July 18, 2015 Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Team Points Central Islip 25 North Lindenhurst 17 Islip 16.5 Bay Shore 16 East Islip 11

-Fire News photos by Mike Heller

Page 64, Fire News, October 2015

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Bay Shore Jrs. Take First On July 16, 2015, the Bay Shore Jr. Redskins claimed a first place win under the lights on the track, hosted by the Hagerman Fire Department.

- Fire News photos by JoAnn Stephanie

Hempstead Invitational Drill August 8, 2015 Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Team West Hempstead Central Islip New Hyde Park Port Washington Hicksville

Points 25 24 21 13.5 10.5

- Fire New photos by Bill D'Alessandro

Page 66, Fire News, October 2015

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West Sayville Junior Invitational Drill July 19, 2015

Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Team Bay Shore Central Islip West Sayville East Islip Islip

Points 37 29 21.5 21 15.5

-Fire News photos by JoAnn Stephanie

Central Islip Junior Invitational Drill July 12, 2015

On July 12, 2015, the Central Islip Junior Hoboes placed first.

The tournament was hosted by the Bay Shore Junior Redskins.

Visit www.NYSDrillTeams.com for the results.

-Fire News photos

by JoAnn Stephanie

FireNews.com

SAFER Grant for Nassau OEM, and Suffolk FRES U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Peter King today announced $1,560,000 in federal funding for the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and $1,299,065 for the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services.

Specifically, the funding for Suffolk County will go towards the Volunteer Firefighter Tuition Assistance program, and will be a fouryear grant that will pay for any school that has a campus in Suffolk.

The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson in support of this funding.

“These much-needed federal funds will provide Nassau and Suffolk Counties with the resources to maintain and expand fire departments across Long Island. Our first responders are our primary line of defense — they safeguard our residents and protect our property. That’s why it is crucial we provide them the support they need to recruit and hire an adequate number of staff so they can do their jobs to the best of their ability and keep the community safe,” said Senator Schumer.

“This federal funding will enable Nassau and Suffolk Counties to hire more firefighters,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When we’re able to maintain and create positions for first responders, we can respond to more emergencies and help save more lives. I will continue working to ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively.”

“I understand how critical this funding is for our firefighters,” said Rep. Peter King, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “These funds will ensure that Suffolk County and Nassau County have the necessary resources and equipment to keep them safe and protect the Long Island community.”

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, front line firefighters available in their communities.

Fire News, October 2015, Page 67

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GREENLAWN 2015 PARADE TROPHY WINNERS BEST BAND: 1st: The Street Band (marching with Huntington) 2nd: Deer Park FD Band (marching with Melville) MOST MEMBERS IN LINE: (Under 30) 1st: Commack MOST MEMBERS IN LINE: (Over 30) 1st: East Northport 2nd: Centerport BEST APPEARING DEPARTMENT: 1st: East Northport 2nd: Centerport 3rd: Melville BEST JUNIOR DEPARTMENT: Huntington Manor BEST OVERALL DEPARTMENT: East Northport Parade Judges provided by the Glen Cove FD. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman

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GREENLAWN FD ...continued

Fire News, October 2015, Page 69

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Hagerman Labor Day Drill Ends the Season September 5, 2015 Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Team Central Islip North Lindenhurst Islip West Sayville Copiague

Points 28 20 18 10.5 10

- Fire News photos by Michael Heller

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 71

Shawn Nagle Becomes Southeast Regional Fire Management Officer Shawn Nagle has been appointed National Park Service Southeast Region Fire Management Officer.

Shawn was born and raised in Bellport, and was a volunteer firefighter with the Bellport Fire Department during the ’95 wildfires, an assignment that sparked his interest in prescribed burns and environmental preservation. The position is only one of seven in the country.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Barbara Nagle

The National Park Service has recently announced that Shawn Nagle is to become the Regional Fire Management Officer of the Southeast Region Wildland Fire and Aviation Program. Nagle will lead a program that supports 63 park units grouped into five zones across the southeast region.

Nagle is currently the fire management officer of the Natchez Trace Parkway, where he oversees the Mississippi River Fire Management Zone. Prior to being promoted to FMO, he was the NATR fuels management specialist and Assistant FMO. He maintains several wildland fire qualifications and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the RFMO position. Nagle was also a lead crewmember and assistant supervisor of the Wildland National Park. He has interagency experience serving in positions in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bellport Fire Department.

Nagle also has years of experience in the Incident Command System and will continue to work closely with all divisions in support of ICS training, events and incidents. He is currently a Division Supervisor on the interagency Southern Area Blue Incident Management Team and an Operations Section Chief trainee on the NPS Eastern Area All Hazard Incident Management Team. Nagle has helped manage incidents such as Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, Civil War 150th Anniversary events at Gettysburg and Kennesaw Mountain, the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry, and the Selma to Montgomery 50th Anniversary event.

Nagle holds an Associate Degree in Forest Technology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forest-Ranger School and a Bachelor’s Degree in National Resource Management-Forestry from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse. Shawn Nagle and his wife Chris have two children.

Fire News wishes Shawn well in his new endeavor as Regional Fire Management Officer.

Page 72, Fire News, October 2015

FireNews.com

MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Firefighters from the Gordon Heights Fire Department at a recent brush fire.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

The Southampton Hose Company at a recent drill.

- Fire News photo by Chris Brenner

New Hyde Park Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Bethpage Fire Department Fire Police.

- Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Lynbrook Truck Company wins tournament.

- Fire News photo by Steve Grogan

Firefighters from the Lakeview Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Sea Cliff Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Firefighters from the Patchogue Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 73

Up Close & Personal

A Chief’s Son’s Life Joseph Charles Gross IV — Already wanting to run the Command Post at Wantagh Fire Department -Fire News photo by Lisa Lang-Gross

Ex-Chief Ken Ford and Lieutenant Doug Costello of the Holtsville Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Page 74, Fire News, October 2015

Starting Early Nine-year-old Gavin Barnett is currently a junior at Center Moriches Fire Department where his mother volunteers as an EMT. Gavin began collecting patches when his department’s exchief gifted him his first one as a reward for learning CPR when he was eight-years old and watching his mother study for her EMT. Since then he’s been hooked. Gavin writes letters, knocks on departments’ doors, approaches chiefs at parades and has plenty of family and friends helping him in his quest. Aside from building his collection, pursuing this hobby has matured him and taught him how to behave like someone much older than his years. Gavin has 119 fire department and ambulance corps patches, with his primary focus being to obtain all Suffolk and Nassa insginias — he does have one that hails from Walldorf, Germany, also. Gavin aspires to become an EMT, flight medic and hazmat tech. So who knows? Those patches just might be the inspiration he needs to stay the course.

- Fire News photos courtesy of a proud mom and dad

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 75

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Welcome Home in Nesconset The Nesconset Fire Department welcomed home SPC Ryan Mauldin of the US Army from a tour in Afghanistan. The Nesconset and Saint James Fire Departments set up an archway with their ladder trucks displaying the American flag in front of his home for his arrival. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders lined both sides of his street with American flags, along with friends and neighbors.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

FireNews.com

Summer Celebration at Atlantic Beach Rescue - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

Fire News, October 2015, Page 77

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Wantagh’s Marine 1 on Patrol

New Rescue Truck for Farmingville

The Wantagh Fire Department’s Marine 1 Fire/Rescue boat patrolling near Jones Inlet - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

On August 22, 2015, the Farmingville Fire Department’s Ladder & Rescue Company #1 held a wetdown celebration for their new mini-rescue truck Unit 5-18-9 built by Firematic. The rig was blessed by Farmingville’s Fire Chaplain Robert Wallace.

Neighboring departments such as Holtsville, Selden and Gordon Heights came to join in the wetdown fun and welcome Rescue 9 to Farmingville Fire Headquarters.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 79

Centerport FD Takes First Place in Huntington Softball The Centerport Fire Department Softball Team captured the Huntington Town Firemen’s Softball League Championship, having finished the season with an outstanding record of 21-3. (From left, kneeling): Mike Gunther, Kyle McLaughlin, Tom Boyd, Brian Ciafardoni, Nick Malico and Brianna Simpson.

(Standing): A.J. Jensen, Chris Cunningham, Cody Cunningham, Manager Robert Ciafardoni, Brian Bienwald, Pete Reilly and Jim Malico.

- Fire News photo by Steve Silverman

New Member for Riders of Fire Congratulations to the newest member of the Riders of Fire Motorcycle Club, George Demasi.

George is a past-Assistant Chief of the Mastic Beach Fire Department and a life member of the Mastic Beach Ambulance Company. (Pictured): President Joey Nuccio, George Demasi and Vice President Greg Carter.

- Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Page 80, Fire News, October 2015

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9/11 Memorial in Seaford

Dix Hills Remembers Terry Farrell

A 9/11 Memorial Service was held at the Seaford High School dedicated to the five Seaford High School graduates who died in the September 11 attacks: brothers Thomas (FDNY) and Timothy Haskell (FDNY), John Perry (NYPD), and Robert Sliwak and Michael Wittenstein, both who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald.

Family, friends and the Seaford community were present at the service, as well as an honor guard from the Nassau County Police Department Pipe & Drum Corps, which marched with members of the Seaford Fire Department and other firefighters of the FDNY. During the ceremony a Nassau County Police Helicopter with its high intensity light on flew over in tribute.

- Fire News photo by Jack Healy

As they have done every September 11 since that infamous day in 2001, the members of the Dix Hills Fire Department visited the gravesite of their Chief Terry Farrell, also a firefighter with FDNY Rescue Company 4, who was killed along with 342 of his brother firefighters at the World Trade Center. At the St. Patrick's Cemetery in Huntington, Dix Hills firefighters gathered to pray and remember Terry on the 14th anniversary of 9/11. Chief Robert Fling welcomed the department and guests, which was followed by prayer by ex-Chief and Commissioner Phil Tepe who spoke about Terry and his dedication as a firefighter. Company Two Captain Brett Tepe read a speech that was given at an FDNY Rescue 4 memorial dedication.

- Fire News photo by Steve Silverman

9/11 Memorial in Wantagh

Floral Park 9/11 Memorial

Ex-Captain John Licata of Wantagh’s Engine 7, tolls the traditional four-fives during 911 ceremonies at Wantagh's Station 2. The department honored Firefighter Lee Fehling of Wantagh’s Ladder 1 and Engine 235, FDNY; ex-Captain Kevin Donnelly of Engine 4 and Lieutenant of Ladder 3, FDNY; and Firefighter Timothy Haskell of Wantagh’s Engine 3 and Firefighter of Squad 18, FDNY. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud

On September 11, 2015, the Floral Park Fire Department held a ceremony at their memorial to remember those who were lost on September 11, 2001.

- Fire News photo by Steve Takacs

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 83

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9/11 Memorial in Hicksville

On September 6, 2015, the Hicksville Fire Department held its annual September 11th Remembrance ceremony at Station #3 on Strong Street. The memorial remembers all who perished that day including ex-Chief Terrence Farrell, ex-Captain George Howard and the 10 Hicksville residents who died in the attacks.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Merrick 9/11 Memorial

The eternal flame located at Friendship Engine & Hose Co of the Merrick Fire Department. on the night of their 9/11 memorial ceremony. Ex-Chief Ronnie E. Gies was killed in the attack.

- Fire News photo by John Fabian

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 85

Bayville Pump Training Bayville Fire Company crew train with portable pumps.

- Fire News photo

by Nick DeJesu, BFC

Bethpage Juniors Bethpage Juniors at a recent fair selling raffle tickets for their fundraiser.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Page 86, Fire News, October 2015

FireNews.com

NFPA’S PUBLIC EDUCATION DIVISION NEW PUBLIC EDUCATION SPECIALISTS On August 20, 2015, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) public education division announced the addition of three public education specialists: Kelly Ransdell, Meredith Hawes and Jeffrey Donahue. In these newly-created positions, Ransdell, Hawes and Donahue will be responsible for working in coordination with state and local fire departments to support their fire safety education efforts. Each specialist will focus on specific regions of the U.S. Ransdell (New England and southern regions) previously worked as the deputy director of the North Carolina Department of Insurance - Office of State Fire Marshal for nearly 15 years, overseeing its prevention, programs and grants division. She also worked as the state director of Safe Kids North Carolina, which includes 42 coalitions covering 72 counties. Ransdell currently serves on many state and local committees related to injury prevention, and formerly served on the NFPA 1035 committee that provides technical assistance on national fire prevention standards. In addition, she is a member of Safe Kids Harnett County.

Hawes (Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions) brings experience in non-profit administration, corporate training and public education on local, state and national levels.

She is a member of the Aging and Disability Resource Collaborative of Northwest Michigan Steering Committee, the coordinator of the Traverse Bay Area Hoarding Task Force and serves on the Board of Governors for the National Cherry Festival. Hawes was also a fire and life safety public educator for

the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department.

Donahue (western region) is a fire service veteran with more than 34 years of experience, including his last assignment as division chief/fire marshal for the City of Reno (NV) Fire Department. He has worked closely with NFPA as a board member of the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA), most recently serving as first vice president and chapter committee chair.

"We're excited to have Meredith, Kelly and Jeff on board," said Judy Comoletti, NFPA's public education division manager.

"Each specialist will play an important role in delivering fire safety through various parts of the region. I'm confident that each of them will make a measurable difference in effectively reaching communities throughout the U.S." Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. For more information visit www.nfpa.org.

All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

FAMA AWARDS 2015 PHILLIP L. TURNER SCHOLARSHIP TO TYLER LAMBERT The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) has awarded its 2015 Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship to Oklahoma State University student Tyler Lambert.

Lambert is a senior at Oklahoma State University and plans to graduate this year from the School of Fire Protection and Safety in the College of Engineering and Technology. He currently serves as a volunteer firefighter for Ingalls (OK) Fire Department while maintaining a 3.25 GPA. He received the $5,000 scholarship in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to the fire service.

The award is given annually by FAMA and has been sponsored since 2009 by FAMA member Akron Brass Co., a worldwide marketer and manufacturer of high performance life-safety, firefighting and emergency rescue equipment. A presentation was made today at the FAMA Technical Committee meeting held in conjunction with the Fire-Rescue International conference in Atlanta, GA. During the application review process, the FAMA Education Committee asked students to explain their reasons to pursue a career in fire. Tyler responded, “I am passionate about a career in firefighting and challenged by the opportunity to someday serve as a fire protection engineer. I am fortunate enough to be able to continue to serve as a volunteer fire fighter while attending OSU. Firefighting runs in my family history. My father, my brother and I all serve on our hometown fire department in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey.”

Lou Milanovich, FAMA Education Committee Chair, stated, “The funds from this scholarship will help Tyler pay for his final year in the Fire Protection Engineering MS program at OSU.” “Akron Brass is honored to sponsor the Phillip L. Turner Scholarship. Education is a key part of the philosophy at Akron

Brass, and we feel it is our responsibility to provide individuals like Tyler an opportunity to build the critical skills and knowledge to be successful in life and as leaders within the fire and emergency service industry,” stated David Durstine, Vice President for Akron Brass.

On behalf of FAMA, we wish Tyler much success in his future endeavors.

The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association is a non-profit trade association committed to enhancing the quality of the emergency service community through the manufacture and sale of safe, efficient emergency-response vehicles and equipment. For more information, visit www.fama.org.

FireNews.com

Fire News, October 2015, Page 87

Suffolk County Holds Inaugural Marathon

On September 13, 2015, Suffolk County held its inaugural marathon to benefit veteran services and organizations.

Marathons are only possible with a dedicated staff of organizers who plan to deal with all situations that might arise, both good and bad. For more than a year, Suffolk County Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services, Suffolk County EMS and the Suffolk County Police Department worked together to organize the event, which featured about 3600 runners and thousands of spectators. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, who led the marathon initiative and who also ran in the race, announced, following the event, that it raised approximately $160,000 for veterans. Bellone thanked FRES and the Fire and EMS services for their strong support in planning and keeping the event safe. The cooperation and commitment of fire and EMS agencies in Suffolk County was outstanding, all are to be commended for their dedication to serving and providing the necessary assets to make this a safe event.

-Fire News photos by Wayne Carrington and Dennis Whittam

Page 88, Fire News, October 2015

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Fire News, October 2015, Page 89

Sound Beach, Miller Place Practice

Melville’s Extrication Drill

On August 19, 2015, Sound Beach and Miller Place firefighters and EMTs got together for a joint low-angle rescue drill on the bluffs of Sound Beach. The training event provided an excellent opportunity for members of both departments to practice the rope work, knots, climbing techniques, and teamwork required to rescue a victim from the often unstable bluffs.

- Fire News photo by Stefanie Handshaw

Melville firefighters are constantly responding to extrications on both the LIE and Northern State Parkway, and thus, are always practicing their removal techniques.

- Fire News photo by Tom Pesce

Page 90, Fire News, October 2015

Obituary

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Locust Valley’s Brian Ritchie Nassau County Fire Riders Motorcycle Club and the Locust Valley Fire Department mourn the loss of Brian Ritchie. Brian was a 44-year member and ex-Chief of the Locust Valley Fire Department and a charter member of the Fire Riders Motorcycle Club.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

Page 92, Fire News, October 2015

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