Page 70, Fire News, October 2016
FireNews.com
Autism Training for First Responders
Teacher and Nassau County VEEB President Phil Malloy’s daughter, Jillian Malloy, had spoken to her father about some of the challenges with dealing with autistic children. Realizing that education was a necessary component, she directed him to people that would help organize this training. He approached County Executive Ed Mangano and they contacted OEM Commissioner Craig Craft and with additional support from Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino and Councilman Anthony D’Esposito they set up the training. Two experts in the field — Sergeant Jimmy Donohoe and Captain Bill Cannata — were brought in and presented the training. They covered the different levels of autism, tools to help ID
people with autism and sensory problems, calming techniques, as well as tips on where to look for missing autistic children. EMS Academy Chief Frank Chester, along with NCEMS Academy instructors put the program together and it was presented on August 31, 2016, at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center. Approximately 150 first responders took advantage of this unique training opportunity. (Left to right): Deputy Commissioner James Kane (NCOEM), Chief Frank Chester (NCEMSA), Captain Bill Cannata, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Jillian Malloy, President Phillip Malloy (NC VEEB) and Sergeant Jimmy Donohoe. - Fire News photo by Ray Maguire
Nassau Holds Incident Conference In two of the more recent mass shooting attacks on American soil the fire service has been pressed into service to assist local law enforcement. In both cases (San Bernardino, CA and Orlando, FL) fire departments were there to supplement police forces to aid in evacuation, treatment, and transportation of victims. The chief of the Nassau County Police Department, Steven Skrynecki, had presented the police department response protocol to numerous organizations. Those included the Association of Fire Districts of Nassau County (AFDNC) and the Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County (FCCNC), among others. It was apparent during these presentations that, should the unthinkable happen in Nassau, the fire service would need to be prepared to assist. A focus group of dedicated chiefs and members met at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy this past May to kick things off. A core group of instructors from the fire academy were tasked with developing a policy and subsequent training program that would be slated to be delivered to all members of county fire and EMS services. Second Deputy Chiefs Scymcyk, Becker, and Chavatte have the unique perspective as chiefs of their departments as well as law enforcement backgrounds. They formulated a policy using nationally established protocols and input from the focus group. On August 10 an informational meeting was held at Adelphi
University with over 200 attendees, including county officials, school officials, chiefs and commissioners. A presentation was made by Chief Skrynecki and Nassau County Fire Service Academy Chief Instructor Robert Hughes. The meeting concluded with a question/answer period from a panel of Fire and Police representatives. The formal training of Nassau County Chiefs is slated to begin in the late fall/early winter timeframe. Additional plans include tabletop exercises and live drills with local law enforcement participation. It is expected that all members of the fire and EMS services will eventually receive this training. We would like to thank President Riordan and Adelphi University for providing the venue for this important meeting. (Left to right): Deputy Chief Kevin Canavan (NCPD), Chief Robert Hughes (NCFSA), 2nd Deputy Chief Eric Becker (NCFSA), 2nd Deputy Chief Steve Scymcyk (NCFSA), Chief Ray Maguire (VEEB Board), Chief Steve Skrynecki NCPD Chief of Department), Chief Frank Kirby (NCPD), Chief Kevin Smith (NCPD), Lieutenant Bill Leahy (NCPD) and Assistant Chief Tim Placilla (Firecom). - Fire News photo by Ray Maguire