VOLUME XLVI, NO. 4
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 DECEMBER 2018
Story on page 34 - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Happy Holidays from the Staff at Fire News
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In this issue... A Service for Long Island Firefighters and EMS Heroes
Cars Burn at Elmont House Fire
Founded 1973
Several cars burn in a suspicious fire at the rear of a residence.
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story page 10
House Destroyed in Springs East End crews resort to a surround-and-drown attack on a fully involved home. See story page 22
Surprise Recovery at Massapequa Blaze A fire, and why a dog was found chained in the basement of the house, are under investigation. See story page 26
Oceanside’s Klein to Head FASNY Oceanside’s Steven E. Klein was elected President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. See stories on page 60
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 Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, JEB LADOUCEUR, Publisher Emeritus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Vinnie Ammirati, Tim Asbell, Bill Bennett, Dennis Berger, Chris Brenner, Jeff Bressler, Kirk Candan, Wayne Carrington, Amanda Coffey, Ed Coppa, Bill D'Alessandro, Mike DesCalso, Jim Dunn, Larry Fox, Lee Genser, Myron Goldstein, Bryan Gosik, Brian Grogan, Steve Grogan,Mike Guarino, Daniel Gunther, Michael Gunther, Stephanie Handshaw, Jeff Havlik, Jack Healy, Branden Heller, Michael Heller, Christine Heeren, Robert Holley, Cody Hoyle, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Kate Kuntz, Tom Lambui, Joe Lapietra, Richard Lewin, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Kurt Ludwig, Brad Maier, John Mancino, Paul Mazza, Terry McCarrick, Lou Minutoli, Ron Monteleone, Jim Mooney, Ilene Morris, Michael Murphy, Charles A. Murphy, Mike Oppedisano, John Neely, Phil Orlando, Robert O'Rourk, Kevin Parkan, Tom Pesce, Kevin Peterson, Jackson Pokress, Jerry Presta, Myles Quinn, Jerry Rudolph, Dave Rubin, Jim Rugen, AJ Ryan, Steve Schaefer, Drew Silverman, Steve Silverman, Joe Sperber, Rich Stark, JoAnn Stephani, Brian Thomas, Ed Tuffy, Joe Virgilio, Steve Walsh, Dennis Whittam, Cameron Wilken, Michael Wiwczar, John Wladyka, Jr. COLUMNISTS: Jeff Bailes, Paul Hashagen, Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder, Danny Peluso, Bradley Pinksy, Tom Rinelli
Yaphank Takes Brush Truck Comp ... Again
COPYRIGHT 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Yaphank makes it four back-to-back wins at the Brush Truck competition held in Calverton. See story on page 70
Obituaries East Moriches’ Thomas Kelley, Jr. Centereach’s Hugh R. McNeill
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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
Floral Park’s Robert R. Spillman See pages 84 to 86
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 EMS Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . .starts on page Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 41 & Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page
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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
46 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 46th year of publication. If you have any stories, photos and good memories from the past, please send them to LI@FireNews.com.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Good Luck to our New Leaders In January, many of you in the fire-rescue and emergency services will be leading your company for the first time. Have you given thought to what your responsibilities are? Whether you are in a paid service or a volunteer service, moving up to lead a group of responders is a serious and challenging position. Let’s face it, you are directly responsible for the training and safe performance of a number of people who will be performing dangerous activities, such as walking into a burning building or a drug den to save lives. How your company trains, maintains gear and drills directly affects their performance. Think about this for a minute; did you take things seriously when you were a firefighter? I ask, did you actually remove your personal rope from its bag and check it or did you check it by simply looking at it and saying, “hmm, looks good to me, why bother taking it out to inspect it?” Have you ever heard about leading by example? Let’s face it, you can’t expect your company to respond at three in morning if you never did this yourself. Taking over a company whether it was successful or unsuccessful is not an easy task. In 1985, I purchased my home. It had a lawn that looked like a golf course. Guess what? At the end of my first summer the lawn
looked horrible. It didn’t take long for me to realize what I thought was an easy task required knowledge, dedication and hard work to maintain the “simple” task of growing grass. How did I correct my mistakes? I read books, talked to people who had great lawns and listened to the senior citizen on my block who had successfully been down the same road I was presently walking on. In our business, you should not be learning by mistakes. You should not be making mistakes that may ultimately take the life of a member. You, the new officer, must be sure you know what you are doing! You need to stop and evaluate yourself. Are you, as a new officer, going to lead by example? Your members are not going to take their jobs seriously unless you are with them. Ask questions, make suggestions, encourage members to step up with new ideas and discuss the ideas with your other officers. Maybe the ideas have value and maybe they don’t. Ernest Hemmingway once said, “When people talk, listen completely.” (If you don’t know who Ernest Hemmingway is, Google him!) Your team must know that you trust them. How do you do this? You do this by giving your team members responsibilities. It shows that you trust them.
For the company members: FDNY Firefighter Ray Pfeiffer, a hero who passed from 9/11 cancer once said to me, “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” In the fire service you must live by this rule. A new officer has a lot to worry about. He needs the support and trust of the company and should not have to guess whether or not you are doing the right thing. Good luck to all new officers as you lead your company in 2019. -Dennis
Announcement RUN FOR A CLAUS AND TOY DRIVE
fire service and other fire sprinkler advocates in North America who use HFSC educational information, NFPA data, and NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative resources to educate decision makers on home fire sprinklers. These efforts are aimed at convincing legislators and code officials to support sprinkler requirements at the local, state, or provincial level. The award recipient will receive a $1,000 grant to further fire sprinkler advocacy and educational efforts in their area. Past recipients of the Bringing Safety Home Award have included members of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, who helped defeat a legislative bill that would have weakened Maryland’s statewide requirement for sprinklering new homes. Fire chiefs influential in passing fire sprinkler requirements in their town have also received this award. NFPA and HFSC will accept nominations for the BRING SAFETY HOME AWARD NFPA and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) are accepting Bringing Safety Home Award through November 30, 2018. Visit nominations for its Bringing Safety Home Award, which recognizes NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative website to submit a nomination. Or, outstanding efforts by a safety advocate who diligently promotes the pleae share this announcement with your contacts. importance of home fire sprinklers. The award honors members of the
The Terryville Fire Department Company Two will be holding a 5k Run/Walk on Deccember 8, 2018. Come on out and Run for a Claus. The run begins at 0900 (rain or shine). The cost of the run is $25 per runner ($30 the day of the run). The entry fee includes a Commemorative T-shirt. To register, visit www.elitefeats.com Claus 5K. Following the run from 1000 to 1500, TFD Company 2 will be holding their Annual Toy Drive. Donate a new unwrapped toy and get a free photograph with Santa. The TFD Station 2 is located at 632 Old Town Road at Terryville Road.
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Vacant Dwelling Fire in Hempstead The Hempstead Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire at the intersection of Nassau Parkway and Booth Street on the afternoon of November 6, 2018. Units discovered a working fire in a vacant private dwelling on Nassau Parkway. Mutual aid companies assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Deer Park SUV Fire On November 4, 2018, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to Patricia Avenue and Overton Street for a fully involved SUV. The first arriving engine quickly doused the fire, but it melted the fence the SUV was parked at. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhotos.com
Have a Happy and Safe
Holiday Season!
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Chief of the Department Keith Kern addressed the audience with exChief Wes Weeks on the left and 2nd Assistant Chief Tom deHaan on the right.
Ex-Chief Wes Weeks, as MC, reading the names of each departed member. In the background are Chief of the Department Keith Kern ringing the department’s bell with 2nd Assistant Chief Tom deHaan on the left.
Memorial Services at the Seaford Fire Department
Chief of the Department Keith Kern ringing the department’s bell with 2nd Assistant Chief Tom deHaan.
The Seaford Fire Department held its Annual Memorial Services at its headquarters on October 6, 2018, to honor and eulogize the 166 members of the Seaford Hook Ladder and Engine Company No. 1 who have answered their last call since the inception of the department. John Annitto, Chief of the Department from 1974 to 1976, was added this year. The ceremony included the reading of each departed member’s name, with their name projected on a large screen TV and the striking of the department’s bell each time a name was read. The service concluded outside by the placing of a wreath at the department’s Old Fire Bell. Ex-Chief Wes Weeks was the master of ceremonies. Chief of the Department Keith Kern thanked the members for attending and Lieutenant Tom Reid read the EMT’s Prayer. TJ White and Keith Lacoff provided the pipe and drum music. - Fire News photos by Jack Healy
Rockville Centre Memorial Service On October 7, 2018, the Rockville Centre Fire Department held their annual Memorial Service at Firefighters Memorial Park in Rockville Centre. This year, ex-Captain Brian Ahern (Eureka Hook Ladder and Bucket Company 1), Firefighter William Bath (Alert Engine and Hose Company 2), exCaptain Eugene Brown (Defender Hose Company 1), Honorary Chief William Gross (Reliance Hose Company 3), and Honorary Chief George Leach (Live Oak Engine Company 1) were remembered. In addition to the memorial service, a new monument was dedicated in memory of all members lost in the line of duty. -Fire News photos by OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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Basement Fire in Rocky Point Recently, the Rocky Point Fire Department responded to a residence on Hawthorne Road for a basement fire. The Wading River and Sound Beach Fire Departments, and Suffolk Police also responded. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
Medford House Fire On August 7 2018, the Medford and North Patchogue Fire Departments, and Medford Ambulance responded to a house fire on Old Medford Avenue. It was believed the fire may have been started by a lightning strike. - Fire News photo by Dennis Berger
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Heavy Smoke in Uniondale
The Uniondale Fire Department was alerted for a building fire on October 15, 2018, in a Town of Hempstead housing complex on Uniondale Avenue near Park Avenue. Heavy smoke was seen pushing from the upper portion of the building and firefighters went to work attempting to locate the seat of the blaze. The majority of fire was in the attic space above the second floor apartments. Mutual aid companies also responded to the scene. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Cars Burn at Elmont House Fire The Elmont Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Alden Avenue off Elizabeth Street on the afternoon of October 18, 2018. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy fire at the rear of a two-story private dwelling. The fire quickly reached a second-alarm equivalency due to limited manpower. Among the departments called were Floral Park, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Franklin Square and Munson, Inwood, Valley Stream, Hempstead and Lynbrook. The cause of the fire, which consumed several vehicles in the rear of the house, was under investigation. All fire units were under the command of Elmont Assistant Chief Falco. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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MVA with Fire in Mineola The Mineola Fire Department responded to a car fire at the scene of an auto accident on East Jericho Turnpike near Barwick Boulevard on the morning of October 16, 2018. The fire was quickly extinguished. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Tough Job in Hempstead The Hempstead Fire Department, along with numerous mutual aid companies, battled a stubborn, smoky house fire on Greene Avenue on October 25, 2018. The blaze may have originated in the basement but quickly spread up the walls to the first and second floors. Extensive truck work was required to reach the seat of the fire. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire at West Babylon Gas Station
The West Babylon Fire Department responded to a reported car away from the gas pumps. The driver, who noticed the car smoking fire at the Speedway Gas Station at Little East Neck Road and while driving, was able to exit the car uninjured. The fire was extinGreat East Neck Road around 0030 on September 7, 2018. First guished in about 10 minutes. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza Assistant Chief Sullo arrived to find a sedan fully involved and
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Hempstead Fire On October 25, 2018, the Hempstead Fire Department, with Chief Clark in charge, was toned out for a fire on Green Avenue. - Fire News photo by Bill D’Alessandro
Lynbrook House Fire The Lynbrook Fire Department was dispatched for the report of a house fire on October 27, 2018. Units arriving at the Clifford Street home found a fire in the second-floor rear of the home and handlines were stretched to battle the blaze. Truck companies vented and searched, and the incident was brought under control. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Setauket House Fire Stopped
The Setauket Fire Department was toned out on October 22, 2018, for a house fire on Blueberry Lane. The call was re-toned and mutual aid was called from Stony Brook, St. James, Port Jefferson, Terryville, Centereach, Selden and Nesconset, and SBVAC provided EMS support. The fire was quickly located in the wall above the fireplace and extended to the attic. An aggressive attack quickly brought the fire under control and kept the damage to the initial fire area which included the roof, living room and chimney. - Fire News photos by Robert O’Rourk
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Valley Stream Smoker The Valley Stream Fire Department operated at a house fire on October 24, 2018. Units found a heavy smoke condition at the Woodlawn Avenue home and quickly went to work. Mutual aid companies also responded to the scene. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Family Safely Evacuates in Medford The Medford Fire Department responded to a house fire on Matsunaye Drive on October 23, 2018. The family safely evacuated the home and there were no injuries reported. North Patchogue and Hagerman responded on mutual aid. - Fire News photos by Dennis Berger
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Condo Fire in Calverton
The Riverhead Fire Department, Riverhead Ambulance and soffit and then extended into the cockloft causing heavy damage to Riverhead Police responded to a fire that broke out at a condomini- the second-floor unit. No injuries were reported and the fire marum on Bluffs Drive North, at the Knolls of Fox Hill complex. shal’s office was investigating. Flanders responded on mutual aid. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com Officials believe that the blaze originated on the exterior of the twostory building. The fire extended up the side of the building into the
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Plainview Attic Fire The Plainview Fire Department responded to a house fire on Thomas Lane on November 5, 2018. Units arrived to a heavy fire condition in the attic. Mutual aid came from Bethpage, Hicksville, Jericho, Melville and Hicksville. It took over 60 minutes to bring the fire under control. Units were on scene for an extended period conducting extensive overhaul exposing deep seated fire in concealed areas of the attic. The Nassau Police and Nassau County Fire Marshal investigated the cause. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber and Bryan Lopez
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Smoke Condition at Rehab Facility
While taking over from a serious traffic collision on Middle Country Road, the Smithtown Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at the Brookside Multicare Facility located on Route 25A. Units arrived to find smoke in the building. Mutual aid was requested from Kings Park, Hauppauge and Nesconset. The source of the smoke was found to be a defective HVAC unit. There were no injuries and all units were back in service within 90 minutes. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam, story by Chief Fire Marshal Andy Brofman
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Suspicious Blaze in Mastic
On October 16, 2018, the Mastic Fire Department was activated for a residential structure fire on Broadway Avenue. Upon arrival, commanding units were met with a fully involved vacant structure. Mutual aid came from Brookhaven, Ridge and Manorville. Crews were kept to exterior operations only. Command requested a fire marshal and arson squad to the scene due to the suspicious nature of the blaze. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Good Stop at Centerport Fire
Quick action by Centerport firefighters minimized damage to a home after a fireplace fire spread into an interior wall and basement of a home on Little Neck Road on September 10, 2018. Units were under the command of Assistant Chiefs Rich Miltner and Andy Heglund. An engine also came from Greenlawn. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to locate the fire inside the family room wall. Firefighters pulled the wall and cut a hole in the floor where the beams were already charred, and were able stop the fire from causing further damage. One Greenlawn firefighter sustained a fractured finger and was transported to Huntington Hospital by Greenlawn Rescue Squad. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Centerport FD
2 Hurt in Brookhaven MVA-Fire
On September 2, 2018, two people were injured, one reportedly with a compound fracture to their ankle, after the driver of a small sedan lost control while exiting the eastbound Sunrise Highway at Yaphank Avenue south. The vehicle burst into flames after striking a large tree. The Suffolk Police, the Brookhaven Fire Department and South Country Ambulance responded. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
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House Destroyed in Springs Blaze At 0243 on October 28, 2018, members of the Springs Fire Department responded to a working fire on Thanet Way in the Lionhead section of Springs. Arriving units found a residence fully involved, and mutual aid was immediately called for from Amagansett and East Hampton. Due to the heavy volume of fire and a resulting unstable structure, suppression was limited to a surround-and-drown attack. During overhaul operations an excavator was brought in to knock down the remainder of the building so crews could safely extinguish any remaining hot pockets. The East Hampton Town Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating. - Fire News photos by Michael Heller
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Quick Work in Valley Stream Valley Stream firefighters operated at the scene of a fire on the night of November 7, 2018. The fire was in the walls of a home on Dean Street between Broadway and Green Street. Malverne was designated the FAST for the operation and responded with Ladder 434. Elmont responded with Ladder 707. Firefighters put at least one handline into operation resulting in a quick knock down of the fire. Fire department units were under the command of Valley Stream Chief of Department Croak. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
Basement Dryer Fire at Nassau Coliseum In the early morning of November 4, 2018, the Uniondale Fire Department was dispatched to a building fire at Nassau Coliseum on Hempstead Turnpike. As units got on the road, they were advised that they were responding to a dryer fire in the basement of the arena. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fire in the basement held by the building’s sprinkler system. Uniondale firefighters stretched a precautionary line using the standpipe system. Firefighters overhauled the area around the dryer and found no extension. One civilian was transported by Uniondale Ambulance 7511 to Nassau County Medical Center for smoke inhalation. All fire units were under the command of Uniondale Chief of Department Seibert. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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Centereach Commercial Fire
In the early morning hours of November 2, 2018, the Centereach an active fire. The fire was quickly knocked down, and contained to Fire Department was activated for a commercial structure fire at the garage portion of the building. Command requested a fire marMikes Auto Care on Middle Country Road. Commanding units shal to the scene for investigation. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez were met with smoke showing. First-due units forced entry to find
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Dog Found at Vacant House Fire The Massapequa Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on County Line Road shortly before 0600 on November 7, 2018. When firefighters arrived, they were met with heavy fire showing from a 1-1/2 story private dwelling. Mutual aid came from South Farmingdale, North Massapequa and Amityville. During searches firefighters located an emaciated dog in the basement of the home, which was removed and turned over to the proper agency. Three handlines were stretched and additional mutual aid was provided by North Bellmore and Wantagh among others. The cause of the fire and how the dog ended up in the basement of the home, which was believed to be vacant, were under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Massapequa Chief of Department Stansberry. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com, Paul Mazza and Ed Tuffy
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Commercial Fire in Hauppauge The Hauppauge Fire Department responded to a fire at Chemex Pool Supply on Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge on October 11, 2018. Firefighters had to force entry into the closed building, discovering a smoky fire inside. Mutual aid companies from Smithtown, Nesconset and Central Islip and the Islip Hauppauge Ambulance assisted at the scene. It took an hour to bring the fire under control with overhaul and securing the scene taking an additional hour. Firefighters had to be decontaminated upon exiting the building from exposure to chemicals. The Islip Town Fire Marshal and Suffolk Police were investigating. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Wantagh Diner Fire
On October 10, 2018, the Wantagh Fire Department responded for a smoke investigation at the Circle M Diner on Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh. Upon arrival, smoke was found throughout the kitchen and basement areas. Engine 3 Captain Chris Gross assumed command and had two lines stretched while firefighters searched for the cause of the smoke. A crew from Engine 2, led by Firefighter Mike Fratello, went to the roof and saw smoke coming from a vent. Ladder One, led by Lieutenant Steve Burke, opened up the roof and located the fire, which was quickly extinguished. The cause appeared to be electrical in nature. Levittown, North Bellmore and Bethpage also responded. - Fire News photos provided by John F Scalesi; story by Kevin Regan, PIO
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Wantagh House Fire Late on October 12, 2018, the Wantagh Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Willow Street in Wantagh. Captain Chris Gross from Engine 3 was driving in the area and reported that the house was fully involved with fire coming out the left side and rear. Captain Gross found an elderly resident exiting the home and he assisted her away from the house, then advised responding units that all occupants were out. First Assistant Chief Ken Kelly arrived and assumed command as 3rd Assistant Chief Lenny Mathewson took command of interior operations. Engine 5, led by Captain Paul Krussman, hooked up to a hydrant and stretched a line to the first floor while Engine 3, led by Lieutenant Phil Schaff, stretched an additional line to the second floor. Ladder One, led by Captain Bill Van Leer, and Ladder Two, led by Captain Mongiello, worked on the interior, conducting searches as well as opening up walls and ceilings. Engine 7, led by Captain Dan Brandon, stretched a line to the rear of the house to attack fire in the garage and rear breezeway, while being fed water by Engine 2. The Massapequa and Seaford Fire Departments also responded. Bellmore and North Bellmore stood by and ambulances came from Levittown and Massapequa. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention The homeowner was transported for evaluation. - Fire News photos provided by Chief Kelly, Paul Krussman and K2MPhotography.com; story by Kevin Regan, PIO
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East Farmingdale FD: On-Scene Firefighter Decontamination In recent years there have been several scientific studies linking a higher rate of occupational cancer and other diseases to exposure to fireground contamination. This research has had a profound impact on the fire service and has led to a greater awareness of occupational exposure for firefighters. It has also led to the implementation and or adjustments of evidence-based procedures aimed at reducing occupational exposures. A procedure currently being implemented in the East Farmingdale Fire Department is onscene decontamination. The purpose of this decon procedure is to quickly remove fireground contaminants and increase firefighter safety. Performed properly, on-scene decon can reduce the absorption and cross contamination of dangerous fireground contaminants. Wet or dry decontamination (dependent on weather conditions) has been shown through research to provide a median reduction in cancer causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; these are one of the dangerous components of soot). This reduction is 85 percent for wet decontamination and a PAHs reduction of 23 percent for dry decontamination. Soot is generally composed of lipid soluble compounds such as PAHs and is “sticky� and not easily removed from turnout gear without effective scrubbing with soap and water. The surfactants in dish soap act on the lipid molecules and enable them to be washed away from the surface of the gear. The agitation of the brush coupled with the water and dish soap solution is the key to removing the harmful PAHs that are on the contaminated gear. The immediate objective is to remove as much fireground contamination while still on scene. This will minimize exposure and absorption while preventing cross contamination to the apparatus, firehouse, and beyond. On scene decontamination is one important step that minimizes absorption of dangerous gasses into our bodies. They also minimize cross contamination that can continue to expose members and their families long after the initial exposure on the fire ground. - Fire News story by Frank Leeb, photos by Jessica Leeb
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Risk Management First, on behalf of the Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association we want to congratulate Jeffrey Merryman on his election to chairman of the Fire Departments Safety Officer Association (FDSOA), and Eric Valliere as Vice-Chairman. We also want to thank Richard Maddox and Marty Albert for all they have done in the name of safety. Last week, I attended one of the top classes regarding risk management. The class was held at the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland. This six-day course took us through all the steps of risk management, taught by two very well qualified instructors: William Shouldis and Jon Hart. The class, populated by 31 SOs from all over the US, was extremely informative, as we shared and discussed safety issues we all endure in our agencies. The course title was “Safety Program Operations.” The goal of this course is to further that operational objective by providing participants with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to develop strategies to manage risk associated with the provision of firefighting, EMS and special operations services that focus on the reduction of firefighter and emergency services fatalities and injuries. If you’re thinking of attending go to www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/. The travel is reimbursed by FEMA and the food should be paid by your sponsoring agency. If not, the Brookhaven Town Safety Officers will cover up to $200. Restrictions apply, call 631495-1313. At What Risk? A firefighter was in the interior of an unoccupied structure when the floor collapsed and the firefighter was a Line Of Duty Death (LODD). The structure was so badly burned, the building was razed, and a new one built. In a few months it was occupied — all with insurance money. That is where the match up begins. We are sworn to safe life and property, but at what risk do we attempt to save property? A firefighter's life? We are well trained and well equipped. We can enter an immediate dangerous to life and health (ILDH) environment, rescue a victim and come out unharmed. We are not equipped to withstand wall and floor collapses. Risk Management has five steps: 1. Risk Identification a. Analyze data. b. Research reports and trends. 2. Risk Evaluation a. Likelihood of occurrence of given hazard and severity of consequences. b. Based on frequency and severity. c. Awareness of organizational culture. 3. Risk Prioritizing a. Frequency and severity of occurrence. b. Any risk that has a high probability of occurring and serious consequences deserves immediate action 4. Risk Control a. Personal protective equipment (PPE). b. Standard operating procedures (SOPs). c. Training and education. 5. Risk Monitoring a. Evaluation of the whole process. b. Indications the process is or is not working Acceptability of risk. No building or property is worth the life of a firefighter. No level of risk is acceptable where there is no potential to save lives or savable property. If conditions change and risk increases, strategy and tactics should be evaluated. Unacceptable risks. There is no reason to risk the life of a firefighter by sending him/her to conduct an interior attack on a fire in an unoccupied building. WATCH ME, WATCH YOU! Ex-Chief Jeff Bailes President Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association, Inc. www.btsoa.org 631-495-1313
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Cover Story
Vacant Motel Burns to Ground
Fire companies from both Nassau and Suffolk counties battled a massive fire in an abandoned motel in the North Amityville Fire District on October 25, 2018. The alarm came in around 1025 for a fire at the well-known vacant motel, which was site of a fatal fire about four years ago. Billowing black smoke could be seen for miles and flames through the roof were reported by incoming units. Large caliber streams were immediately put in place and several 2-1/2 inch handlines were stretched to protect nearby exposures including an adjacent garden apartment complex. The building eventually collapsed onto itself and it took fire units more than two hours to bring the incident under control. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Protecting the Protectors On October 29, 2018, at the Deer Park Firehouse the board members of the TOBVFA hosted a seminar presented by FDNY Deputy Chief Frank Leeb on reducing occupational exposure to fireground contaminants. Members from around Town of Babylon Fire Departments also received information from Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Timothy Graves pertaining to new information about a bill that was passed in New York State to protect firefighters which goes into effect in January 2019. - Fire News photos by BTFirePhoto.com
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Attic Fire in Garden City Park On the night of October 29, 2018, firefighters operated at the scene of a fire in a home on Denton Avenue in the Garden City Park fire district. The main body of fire was in the attic of a two-story private dwelling. Mineola was designated the FAST and responded with Heavy Rescue 1610. Williston Park Engine 861 and New Hyde Park Ladder 175 also responded. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Units from Garden City and Manhasset-Lakeville were called to standby. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND
CO Alarm in West Sayville
The West Sayville Fire Department responded to a call of carbon monoxide alarm going off on November 6, 2018, at the Rite Aid drug store on the South Service Road of Sunrise Highway in West Sayville. - Fire News photo by Dennis Berger
Clean-up in Medford
The Medford Fire Department and Brookhaven Fire Marshall handled a hazmat chemical cleanup at Woodside Avenue and Station Road on the Medford-Bellport border on August 3, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis Berger
Saving 2 Lives ‌ and a Pay Back
On August 6, 2018, the owners of the Southern Boulevard home, Grace Kunzig and her husband Hauppauge Firefighter Larry Kunzig, were alerted to a woman and her husband in front of their home. Grace noticed the woman was suffering from some unknown condition and alerted Larry, who was playing with their grandchildren in the backyard. Larry immediately went to action and instructed Grace to call for help as the woman was unconscious and not breathing. The Nesconset and Hauppauge Fire Departments responded to the home and assisted with CPR, and transported the woman to Stony Brook University Hospital where an emergency C-section was performed. As of this writing, the mother and baby were reportedly doing well. Just eight months ago, the Kunzigs were involved in another emergency when Grace became unconscious and stopped breathing on New Year’s Day. Some of the same members of the Hauppauge Fire Department including Lieutenant Michael Mendola and his brother Firefighter Andrew Mendola responded to the Kunzig home and assisted with CPR to Grace, which helped save her life. Eight months later on a hot summer night, Grace and her husband were able to pay back the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez
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2 Fatalities at Holbrook MVA
Late on August 25, 2018, the Holbrook Fire Department was activated for an MVA with a reported ejection and the vehicle into woods at the intersection of PatchogueHolbrook Road and Woodside Avenue. Crews worked to extricate the occupants who were transported to Long Island Medical Center with serious injuries. Two of the occupants succumbed to their injuries shortly after. Police closed the road in the area for the accident investigation. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Suspicious Car Fire in Plainview On September 30, 2018, the Plainview Fire Department responded to a car fire on Glenwood Road. Crews extinguished the fire that was deemed suspicious. - Fire News photo by Immsterfirephotos.com
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2ND ANNUAL NEW YORK TACTICAL EMS CONFERENCE EXPO Featured faculty such as Lt. Colonel Stephen Rush, M.D.-USAF The 2nd Annual New York Tactical EMS Conference Expo is coming to Long Island January 5 and 6, 2019, at the Huntington Hilton ParaRescue Medical Director; Dr. Amado Alejandro Baez, MDChairman-Tactical Medicine, American College of Emergency Expo Center in Melville. The expo will bring together the best training and products in the Physicians; Dominic Marino, DVM - FBI/ATF K-9; and Dr. John Trentini, M.D., Ph.D. Special guest appearance by fields of EMS, fire and law enforcement. There is former US Army Easy Company “Band of 10,000 square feet of vendors, exhibits and public Brothers” Medic, SSG. Al Mampre. safety trade show featuring products by Quick-Clot, Who is the Conference Designed For? Armor Express, ATT Tactical, Techline The NY Tactical EMS Conference is designed Technologies, AT&T FirstNet, Safariland, North for all first responders (Fire/EMS/Law American Rescue, Rescue Essentials, and many Enforcement/RN/MD/DO/PAs/NPs/Personal more local and national names. The two-day Protective Detail/Security and others). Check out Training Conference features some of the top educathe faculty and course list at www.medicineinbad tors. The conference will also have both an NAEMT places.com/2019courses. certified 16-hour Tactical Emergency Casualty Care The NY Tactical EMS Conference was created by (TECC) Provider Course and an eight-hour Tactical Shawn Soler and Tony Emanuele, the owners of Combat Casualty Care Course (TCCC). The training Medicine in Bad Places, who are both police officers conference will feature over 25 classes with MCI inciand NAEMT instructors who travel the country teachdent debriefs, Operational Medicine and Tactical ing tactical medicine and are passionate about bringMedicine case reviews, topics and hands on scenario ing together police, fire, EMS, and hospital care and skills training. providers. Additionally, Northwell Health’s Trauma Institute Register today at tacmedexpo.com. Agency disand Center for Learning and Innovation have partnered counts available for six-plus members, contact: nytactiwith Medicine in Bad Places to create the Surgical Skills calemsexpo@gmail.com for discounts. Limited disPost-Conference Lab. Two four-hour sessions will be counts available for Medical Residents and ALS/BLS stuoffered and each session will be comprised of five skill dents, FLEOA, and state SWAT organizations. stations, include Endotracheal Intubation with Video For more information: www.tacmedexpo.com. Like us on Laryngoscopy, Supraglottic Airway Insertion, IO Insertion, Facebook: Medicine in Bad Places Facebook Page. Extremity Suturing, and Surgical Airway Insertion.
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Several Injured in Shirley MVA On August 21, 2018, Brookhaven and Shirley Fire Departments, Shirley Ambulance and Suffolk Police responded to a two-car MVA between a small SUV and a pickup at William Floyd Parkway and Havenwood Drive East. At least two people, including a small child, were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, while others were taken to Long Island Medical Center. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
Into Condo in Deer Park On October 2, 2018, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to a car into the Quail Run Condominiums. The driver jumped a curb, took out a handicap sign and ran into a condo on Quail Run Drive. The driver was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com
Critically Injured in Patchogue
Heavily Pinned in Jericho
The driver in a single-vehicle crash on September 28, 2018, in Patchogue was critically injured, police said. The driver was driving an SUV north on Waverly Avenue near Gateway Boulevard when she lost control and struck a utility pole, North Patchogue Fire Department and Ambulance responded to scene. The woman was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News photo by Dennis Berger
On September 26, 2018, the Jericho Fire Department responded to an MVA with entrapment on Cedar Swamp Road in Old Brookville. Arriving units found a car into a utility pole with the driver heavily pinned. Jericho firefighters and Nassau County Police ESU worked together in a lengthy operation to extricate the driver who was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. - Fire News photo by Immsterfirephotos.com
Brookhaven Overturn
Extrication in Setauket
The Brookhaven Fire Department, SCPD Highway Patrol, and South Country Ambulance responded to a two-car accident on the eastbound Sunrise Highway, between Horseblock Road and William Floyd Parkway. A pickup overturned, spewing its contents all over the roadway. Both lanes of the eastbound Sunrise Highway were closed. The injured were transported via ambulances to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
On October 5, 2018, the Setauket Fire Department and Suffolk ESU were called to rescue the driver of a large dump truck which had crashed into a large tree, crushing the side of the driver compartment and pinning the driver under the dash. Both of Setauket’s heavy rescue crews released the victim after an hour of work to free his legs from the steering column and dashboard, which had collapsed. He was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News story by Robert O’Rourk
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Rollover in Ridge
Extrication in Patchogue
On July 24, 2018, the Ridge Fire Department responded to a 360degree rollover on William Floyd Parkway just south of the LIE. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
The driver of an SUV became trapped in his vehicle after rear-ending a large box truck on Sills Road (CR-101) on July 6, 2018. The Hagerman Fire Department, South Country Ambulance, Suffolk Police and ESU responded. The driver had to be cut from his vehicle and was taken via ambulance to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
Deer Park Overturn On September 9, 2018, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to an overturn on Old Country Road and Osceola Avenue. The overturn was a result of wet roads. The driver and his passengers got out on their own and were checked out by Deer Park EMS and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com
MC Victim of Hit-and-Run Early on September 17, 2018, the Blue Point Fire Department and Patchogue Volunteer Ambulance Company were dispatched to an MVA on the eastbound portion of the Sunrise Highway Service Road. Units were met with a semi-conscious dirt biker down in the middle of the road. The biker was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle. Commanding units called for aviation, and crews prepared an LZ. The patient was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries. Suffolk Police closed the road for an accident investigation. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Double Fatality in Commack The Commack Fire Department and Commack Ambulance responded to a fatal accident on Jericho Turnpike in Commack on September 12, 2018, at 0210. A car apparently lost control while driving in the area of Veterans Memorial Highway and Jericho Turnpike and crashed into the gas pumps at the Sunoco Gas station and caught fire. The two occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at scene. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
MVA in Yaphank Just about at the start of rush hour on July 11, 2018, authorities were notified of a Jeep which had overturned and struck a pole, on Yaphank Middle Island Road, just south of Rustic Road. The Yaphank Fire Department and Suffolk Police responded. The driver was injured and taken via ambulance to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
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Ronkonkoma 2-Car MVA
Recently, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for an MVA at the intersection of Patchogue-Holbrook and Portion Roads. Assistant Chief Eric Cook was met with a two-car MVA and advised incoming units of negative entrapment. The crew of Rescue 8 secured both involved vehicles. One driver was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Melville Heavy Rescue
The Melville Fire Department responded to a MVA heavy rescue involving a tractor-trailer and SUV at Walt Whitman Road and the South Service Road on October 13, 2018. Both vehicles traveled several hundred feet down the service road through the woods and came to rest in the parking lot of the FedEx building, striking two parked vehicles. Melville firefighters extricated the driver of the SUV, who was transported to Nassau University Medical Center with serious injuries by the Melville Rescue Squad. The driver of the truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and was transported to Plainview Hospital. Units were under the command of Assistant Chief David Kaplan. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Melville FD
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3-Car MVA in Uniondale The Uniondale Fire Department and the Nassau County Police ESU operated at the scene of a car into a building on the night of October 17, 2018, on Front Street off Uniondale Avenue. When the vehicle came to a stop after hitting the storefront it landed near the Bilco doors to the store’s basement. This caused gasoline to spill down the stairs into the below-ground storage area. Three vehicles were involved with no entrapment and only minor injuries. All fire units were under the command of Uniondale First Assistant Chief Skelly. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
Collision in Sayville The Sayville Fire Department and Sayville Community Ambulance responded to an MVA on October 16, 2018, at the corner of Johnson Avenue and the North Sunrise Highway Service Road in Bohemia. The injured occupants were transported to Long Island Medical Center. - Fire News photo by Dennis Berger
Lindenhurst Rollover The Lindenhurst Fire Department and Suffolk Police responded to an accident on North Queens Avenue on September 12, 2018. The driver of a small SUV driving on North Railroad Avenue lost control and went off the road onto and over the railroad tracks and overturned, trapping the driver. Crews put multiple tools into operation and extricated the driver in about 20 minutes. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with serious injuries. The cause of the accident was under investigation. Chief of Department Vinciguerra was in charge of the scene. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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2 for 1 in North Bellmore MVA
On the evening of October 20, 2018, the North Bellmore Fire Department, Bellmore-Merrick EMS and resources from the Nassau County Police Department operated at the scene of a car versus building on Jerusalem Avenue off Bellmore Road. The single-vehicle accident resulted in two stores receiving minor damage and three people being injured. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle and storefronts while medical personnel tended to the aided. All fire department units were under the command of North Bellmore Assistant Chief Narell. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
Car into Shop in Williston Park
Garden City Park and New Hyde Park units responded to an MVA when a driver lost control of his vehicle and plowed through the storefront of the Rite Aid on Hillside Avenue near Herricks Road in Williston Park on October 23, 2018. The store was open at the time but no one was in the area of the crash when it occurred. The interior of the store was heavily damaged. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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2 Hurt in Moriches MVA Two people were injured when the driver of pickup lost control while on Jerusalem Hollow Road, between Moriches-Middle Island Road and Sunrise Highway South Service Road on September 28, 2018. The Suffolk Police and Center Moriches Fire Department responded. Firefighters used hydraulic tools to cut out one of the occupants. The injured were taken via fire department ambulance to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
Bethpage Overturn On November 5, 2018, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to an MVA after the driver lost control after being cut off by another car and overturned on Hicksville Road in Bethpage. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Bethpage firefighters secured the car and turned the scene over to Nassau County Police units. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
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Brookhaven Fire Police, Sheriffs Hold Seminar On October 9, 2018, the Brookhaven Fire Police held their first joint training seminar with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department at The Waterview at the Port Jefferson Country Club. The scope of the seminar was “Powers of Fire Police” and “Planning and activation for safety on the road.” Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., gave the opening address and thanked the fire police for their dedication and professionalism. Instructors were William Weick Deputy Sherrif Instructor and Deputy Sherrif Jason Korte from the K-9 unit. The Brookhaven Fire Police wish to thank Denise Scidmore, Corporate Director of the Cliffside Restaurant, and her staff for the generous donation of the space and food, including Matthew Michel’s 1943 Pizza Bar’s Rolling in Dough pizza truck. - Fire News story and photos by Jim Dunn
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Blakeman Attends Fire Marshal Meeting
Hempstead Town Councilman Bruce Blakeman (third right) presented a Certificate of Recognition to Michael Essig, President of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police, during a meeting of the Fire Marshal Benevolent Association of Nassau County. The event was held on October 11, 2018, at Oheka Castle in Cold Spring Harbor. Also attending were Michael Mastrangelo, President of the
Fire Marshal Benevolent Association of Nassau County; John B. Kelleher, Jr., Vice President of the Fire Marshal Benevolent Association of Nassau County; Brian J. Flaks, Legislative Director of the Fire Marshal Benevolent Association of Nassau County; New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin; and Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand. - Fire News photo provided
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Sound Beach Open House Sound Beach’s Fire Prevention Open House was held on Sunday, September 21, 2018. - Fire News photos by Stefanie Handshaw
Massapequa Open House On October 14, 2018, the Massapequa Fire Department held a Fire Prevention Open House where firefighting and rescue operations were demonstrated for approximately 150 residents. Along with the demonstrations, children were given a chance to shoot water from a fire hose and operate a fire extinguisher. - Fire News photos by Ed Tuffy
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2018 Annual Meeting and Conference for the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York
-Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Oceanside’s Steven E. Klein Named President of FASNY Lifelong Oceanside resident and veteran Oceanside Fire Department volunteer Steven E. Klein was sworn in as President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) at the association’s 146th annual convention in Syracuse. In his new role, Klein will lead the statewide organization, responsible for supporting and advocating for the 105,000 men and women who make up New York State’s volunteer fire service. “After more than 50 years in the fire service, it is an incredible honor to be elected President of FASNY,” said Klein. “In my new role, I will continue to stand with and lead the State’s volunteer fire service, and one of my primary objectives will be to increase the number of volunteer firefighters across New York. One way to do this is through the training and recruitment of our young citizens and promotion of youth fire programs across the state. I would like to see additional attention and funding spent on recruitment, youth groups and junior firefighter training programs to secure the safety and wellness of the residents of New York for generations to come.” Klein’s focus on youth training and programs hits close to home. His joining the volunteer fire service started a family legacy that now runs three generations deep. Klein’s son Kevin is currently serving his second stint as Chief of the Oceanside Fire Department, and his grandson Christopher is a new, probationary member of that department. Klein first joined the Oceanside Fire Department in 1965, quickly becoming deeply involved in all aspects of the organization. He has since served in a wide variety of administrative and line officer positions, including a term as Chief of Department in 1984. Shortly after joining Oceanside Fire Department, Klein began dedicating much of his time to advocating for and supporting volunteer firefighters, both at the regional and the state level. He is a past president of the Fire Chiefs’ Council of Nassau County and the Nassau County Firemen’s Association. He has served on the Nassau County Fire Commission and is a past chairman of the 2nd Battalion Fire District. Klein joined FASNY in the late 1960s and was appointed to the Fire Prevention (now the Fire Prevention and Life Safety) Committee. In 2002, Steve was elected Trustee of the Firemen’s Home, and was reelected in 2007, serving until 2012. His time on the Board of Trustees included seven years as Secretary. Klein has also been a director of the FASNY Foundation since 2003 and has served as president of the foundation board. In 2014, Klein was elected to the FASNY leadership, assuming the role of 2nd Vice-President. Two years later, in 2016, he was elected 1st Vice-President. Klein is retired from the United States Postal Service. He is a graduate of Oceanside Senior High School and SUNY Farmingdale and still resides on Long Island with his family. He has two children and three grandchildren.
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East Meadow Installation Dinner 2018
East Meadow Fire Department Commissioner Scott Farber administers the oath of office to the Assistant Chiefs, (below, left to right) Eric Becker, James Walsh, and Paul Kosiba. Congratulations also to Philip Fertitta (above) as he was sworn in as the Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department with his son Matthew and daughter Stephanie looking on. - Fire News photos by Joe Virgilio
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Babylon Hosts Wounded Warrior Fundraiser
On July 20, 2018, the Town of Babylon hosted the Annual Wounded Warrior Bike Ride. The 26-mile ride started at Babylon Town Hall, riding to Amityville onto Copiague, Lindenhurst, West Babylon, Babylon and to St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip. After a brief rest and rehabilitation stop, the riders crossed the Captree Bridge onto the Ocean Parkway where they finished at Cedar Beach. Flag arches were provided throughout the course by Town of Babylon fire departments and the West Islip Fire Department. As the riders arrived at the finish line they were greeted by numerous volunteers including, fire and rescue departments, police, volunteer ambulance corps, health and emergency service providers. Volunteers from many of the Town of Babylon departments and West Islip cooked food for the participants. Funds raised go towards helping our wounded warriors and veterans. A very sincere “Thank You� to everyone who made this very successful event happen. - Fire News photos by Brad Maier
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70th Anniversary in Flanders Flanders Fire Department members marched in their 70th anniversary parade on September 29, 2018. - Fire News photos by John Neeley
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Wetdown in Garden City Park On October 13, 2018, the Garden City Park Fire Department held a dedication ceremony for the new Tower Ladder 151, a 2018 Pierce 95-foot Midmount Tower Ladder. The new 151 replaces a 1994 Simon-Duplex 95-foot Midmount Tower Ladder. Tower Ladder 151 is assigned to Merillon Hook and Ladder Company 1 based out of Garden City Park Headquarters. - Fire News photos by OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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5K Run in Memory of FF Bocchimuzzo
The first annual 5K run was held on October 13, 2018, at the Suffolk County Police Headquarters, for a scholarship fund to benefit Tony’s two sons, James and Nicholas. Coram firefighter Anthony (Tony) Bocchimuzzo, passed away in 2017. Over 210 runners took part in the race and the winner was Joshua Jastemski. Donated funds reached over $3,000. Among the attendees were Suffolk County Legislature Sarah Anker, Police Chief Stuart Cameron, Deputy Commissioner James Skopek, and Tony’s father Anthony Bocchimuzzo, Sr. - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
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New Quarters in Mastic Beach On September 17, 2018, the Mastic Beach Ambulance Company officially open its new headquarters on Neighborhood Road and Diana Drive. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Red Knights Host Memorial Ride in Honor of a 9/11 Hero On October 7, 2018, New York Chapter 43 of the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, hosted its annual “Keith’s Ride” in honor of 1st Lieutenant Keith G. Fairben, a Floral Park Firefighter and Paramedic with New York Presbyterian Hospital, who lost his life saving others on 9/11. The ride raised funds for the Keith Fairben Paramedic Scholarship, which funds scholarships for Nassau County firefighters studying to become paramedics, and was attended by well over 200 people and motorcycle clubs from all over Long Island. Starting from the New Hyde Park Applebee’s, an annual supporter and sponsor of the event, the ride made its way to Jones Beach, returning to the Elks Club, another annual sponsor, on Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park. There the riders and local community were treated to a BBQ donated by the New Hyde Park Diner. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Keith Fairben Paramedic Scholarship is encouraged to contact the Floral Park Fire Department at 516-326-6328. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Yaphank Takes Brush Truck Comp
On September 30, 2018, the Manorville Fire Department hosted its 5th annual Brush Truck Training Competition in Calverton. Teams from Yaphank, North Patchogue, Patchogue and Selden competed, but nobody could stop Yaphank Team 1, making it a four time back-to-back champ! - Fire News photos by Amanda Coffey and OverThe EdgePhotography.com
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Suffolk County Firefighters Emerald Society 30th Anniversary
Congratulations to the Suffolk County Firefighters Emerald Society as they celebrated their 30th anniversary on October 13, 2018. Thank you to President Dan Gallagher for a job well done as president in 2018. Good luck to David Nulty as he takes over the reins as president in 2019. Honored at this year’s dinner were the following people: Irishwoman of the Year - Kate Browning The Larry Williams Award for Valor Second Lieutenant Miguel Barba and Firefighter Jose Abraca of the Central Islip Fire Department. The Brennan-Shrang Award for Valor 2nd Assistant Chief Patrick Diecidue, 3rd Assistant Chief Timothy Duckham, ex-Chief John Hansen, ex-Captain Jennifer O’Brien, and Firefighter Joseph LaRocco from the Smithtown Fire Department. The Harold Lally Lifetime Achievement Award - Commissioner Van Johnson, Coram Fire Department and ex-Captain Dennis Whittam, Terryville Fire Department and Fire News Editor. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Melville Hosts Annual Open House
The Melville Fire Department recently hosted their annual Open House at fire headquarters. The event brought many visitors that learned about fire prevention and safety, and got to see live firefighting and heavy rescue demonstrations. Special thanks to the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center and Love
on a Leash Therapy Dogs for their participation. “The Open House is a great opportunity for our residents to learn about our department, and provide them with an educational and enjoyable experience.� said Chief Chris Nolan. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
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CHIEF JOHN M. BUCKMAN III HAS JOINED THE IAMRESPONDING TEAM AS ITS NEW DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL OUTREACH IamResponding.com is pleased to announce that Chief John M. Buckman III has joined the IamResponding team as its new Director of Government and Regional Outreach. IamResponding is excited to have Chief Buckman join its team of emergency services professionals and looks forward to working with Chief Buckman to enhance its current product offerings, and to expand its current customer base of more than 7,500 emergency services entities. Chief Buckman has served as a volunteer firefighter for 48 years, fire chief for 35 years and association leader for more than 30 years. He is a past-President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (2001-2001), he co-founded and served as Chair of the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the IAFC from 1988 to 1996, and he was the first ever recipient of Fire Chief Magazine’s Fire Chief of the Year Award in 1996. Chief Buckman is a co-founder of the National Fire Academy Alumni Association, where he served as Secretary-Treasurer from 1998 through 2014, and he was also the Director of a Fire and Public Safety Academy Training System for 15 years. He has authored over 150 articles in various fire service journals, co-authored the 3rd Edition of Recruiting, Training and Maintaining Volunteer Fire Fighters, Lessons Learned from Fire
Service Leaders, and is the Editor of the Chief Officers Desk Reference. In joining the IamResponding team, Chief Buckman conveyed that: “I am grateful to the IamResponding team for this opportunity. As a long-time IamResponding user, I know that the IamResponding product serves many valuable functions in our fire and EMS service, including the reduction of emergency response times, the enhancement of pre-scene knowledge and communications, and the easing of staffing burdens. Supplemental dispatch notifications, more effective use of volunteers (whether for all or a portion of the response team), mapping of and routing to the scene, many pre and post-incident reporting functions, and even NFIRS incident reporting can all be accomplished within the IamResponding solution. What I have learned from my use of the IamResponding system is that IamResponding does far more than most people realize, but is very easy to use. I look forward to working closely with the IamResponding team to continue to advance this industry-leading system.” For more Information about IamResponding’s products and services, please visit www.IamResponding.com or call 877-509-0381. Chief Buckman may be reached at JBuckman@emergencysmc.com.
HENDRICKSON ADDS FIRE APPARATUS INDUSTRY VETERAN TO LEADERSHIP TEAM Hendrickson announced the appointment of Kevin Crump to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. Kevin is a seasoned leader who has led large and complex operations for Volvo’s transit bus division, Seagrave Fire Apparatus, and Spartan Motors. Kevin specializes in rapidly improving and growing businesses within the specialty vehicle market. Kevin has a long and deep relationship with Hendrickson, which dates back to his time as President of Crimson Fire and then Managing Director of Spartan Motors Emergency Response Vehicle division where Kevin was responsible for all operations at their facilities in South Dakota, Pennsylvania and Florida.
“As Hendrickson begins its next phase of growth and planned succession, we knew it was critical to add a leader to the team who could dramatically accelerate our growth trajectory in the areas of emergency vehicle sales and service,” said Craig Probst, President of Hendrickson. When asked about his decision to join Hendrickson, Crump said, “I am honored to join the Probst family and the great men and women of Hendrickson. I believe we will transform the business into a best-in-class operation.” Kevin has been relocated from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Port Jefferson, New York.
HOME TO BE AWARDED TO VETERAN A home was purchased using proceeds from the Fairway Foundation’s Purple Heart campaign in Brookhaven, for the Veterans Home Giveaway project. The Fairway Foundation volunteers, sponsors and local veterans invite the Long Island community to assist in identifying a veteran to be awarded the home located in Mastic. The Fairway Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization, launched the Purple Heart campaign to help increase awareness of the obstacles our veterans face when returning to civilian life, and to raise funds to assist veterans in need on Long Island. With over 100,000 veterans, Long Island has the highest population of veterans in New York State. The Foundation raised enough funds locally to purchase the threebedroom ranch-style home currently under renovations. All veteran candidates must have ties to Long Island, served post 9/11/01, received an honorable discharge and have been awarded a Purple Heart Medal. The nominee must also earn less than the Long Island median income and have the capability to afford the property
taxes, insurance, utilities and upkeep of the home. Applications are still being accepted. The home will be awarded to the Veteran not with the greatest injury but the greatest need so long as the Veteran meets the criteria. A panel of veterans from several veteran organizations including the VFW, American Legion will make the final decision. Visit The Fairway Foundation Facebook page or VeteransHomeGiveaway.org to view photos and video clips. E-mail FairwayFoundationNY@gmail.com or call 631-881-5110 to learn more about how to apply for the home giveaway. Together we can all make a difference in the life of a veteran.
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Cold Spring Harbor 9/11 Memorial Dedication
The Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department dedicated its 9/11 Memorial in June 2018, at the Cold Spring Harbor Firemen’s Park on Main Street opposite headquarters. The steel beam is believed to have come from Tower One of the World Trade Center and is 17-feet long, four-feet wide and weighing in at just over 18,000 pounds. It is one of the last remaining pieces of steel made available by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for use as a memorial. Thanks to the generous help of the Town of Huntington and local construction companies, the memorial was erected in the fall of 2017. Cold Spring Harbor firefighters were joined by neighboring fire departments, local residents, as well as local, state and federal elected officials. The Port Authority Police Pipe Band was also on hand for the dedication ceremony. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
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Huntington First Aid Squad REMSCO Award Recipients Honored Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Huntington Station) honored and congratulated members of the Huntington Community First Aid Squad (HCFAS) for being named Suffolk County Regional Emergency Service Council award winners. Honored for their work were HCFAS members: Casey Orr, who became HCFAS Chief in 2017 at age 26; John Palmieri, a 40-year member who is President of the unit received an honorable mention for the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award; Mark Brenner received an honorable mention for EMS Educator of Excellence; Elizabeth Mohr, RN, who joined the squad as a youth member and later became an EMT, Captain and 1st Deputy Chief, was awarded an honorable mention as a Registered Professional Nurse of Excellence; Jake Levinsky has been a junior member serving in Explorers Post 215 since 2016. His dedication helped him earn honorable mention as Youth Provider of the Year. In addition, the Greenlawn Fire Department won EMS Agency of the Year for its leadership in the Town of Huntington. Pictured from left, Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly congratulates REMSCO award recipients Elizabeth Mohr, Casey Orr and Mark Brenner of the Huntington Community First Aid Squad. - Fire News photo provided
Wolves Win Leg Trophy A Leg Trophy was presented at the 2018 Islip Town Drill by the East Islip Guzzlers Drill Team. This trophy was presented in memory of George Hechler. George was a 69-year member of the Guzzlers which were started in 1949. The trophy was won by the Islip Wolves for scoring the most points in the Ladder Races. - Fire News photo by Kevin J. Parkan
Page 80, Fire News, December 2018
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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
The crew of Ambulance 4-5-6 of the Nissequogue Fire Department operating on Short Beach Road on November 3, 2018. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
The Holtsville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary poses for a quick photo after cooking dinner for a monthly department meeting. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Ladies Auxiliary members of the Holtsville Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Jim Dunn
Members of Massapequa Fire Department’s East End get together at a recent standby in North Massapequa. - Fire News photo by Lt. Mike Langer MFD, Eng. 4
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Fire Safety at Stony Brook University On October 17, 2018, the college students at Stony Brook University participated in a fire prevention program at the facility. Fire safety at colleges and universities is a serious program that refreshes the principles of fire safety for students who reside at colleges. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
Fire News, December 2018, Page 81
Page 82, Fire News, December 2018
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Up Close & Personal
Three Massapequa chiefs with a South Farmingdale chief at working fire. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy
Quogue 3rd Assistant Chief Dave Schaffaeur and his stepson Tyler Hershmen get together at a recent basement fire. - Fire News photo by Chris Osborne
Members of the East Moriches Fire Department on their marine unit near Moriches Inlet on September 19, 2018. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
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Fire News, December 2018, Page 83
Up Close & Personal
Syosset Firefighter Stephanie Linden from Emergency Engine Company 4 at a recent working fire. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Bayport Engine Company Lieutenant Ryan Fleming pictured after a recent fire. - Fire News photo by Colleen Fleming
Dan Coffey of the Farmingville Fire Department and Karl Krumsiek of the Ronkonkoma Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey
Page 84, Fire News, December 2018
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Obituary
East Moriches’ Thomas Kelley, Jr. The East Moriches Fire Department mourned the loss of ex-Chief and exCommissioner, Thomas Kelley, Jr., who answered his last alarm on October 21, 2018, age 61. As a well respected firefighter and friend, Kelley was a staple to his community. He joined the Eastport Fire Department in 1975 and later transferred to East Moriches in 1981. Accumulating nearly 43 years of combined service, Mr. Kelley has dedicated his life to his community. He was an active member of Hose Company 2, and became Chief of the Department in 1991. He was later the Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners where he served for 16 years, and was also the President of the Benevolent Association. Kelley’s leadership, love and devotion to the fire service and fellow members was second only to that for his family. He was a faithful husband to Claudia, a loving father to Kimberly and Melissa, and a proud grandfather to Maisy, Benjamin and Josie. May Tom continue to serve and watch over his family from above, and forever rest in peace. Visitation and Firematic services were held at Moloney-Sinnicksons Funeral Home, with funeral services at St. John The Evangelist, R.C Church. Interment followed at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. - Fire News photos and story by Edward Schneyer, Chief, East Moriches FD
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Fire News, December 2018, Page 85
Obituary
Centereach’s Lt. Hugh R. McNeill
The Centereach Fire Department announced the passing of Life Member and past-Fire Police Lieutenant Hugh R. McNeill. ‘Hughie’ McNeill first joined the Department in 1964 as a member of Rescue Company 1 and was an active member until 1971. Hughie returned to the department in 1996 joining the Fire Police Company. From 2000 through 2008 Hughie served as 1st Lieutenant of Fire Police and served as 2nd Lieutenant from 2009 through 2011. Hughie was also a member of the Centereach Hose Jockey’s Drill Team from when he joined the department until it was disbanded in 1968; he enjoyed sharing stories from his time with the team. Hughie also served on many department committees over his years of service. In 2008, Hughie received Life Membership for completing 20 years of active service in the department. Hughie was a great man and a well respected and dedicated member of the department and will be greatly missed by all. The department extends its deepest condolences to his friends and family. Rest Easy Brother. -Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
Page 86, Fire News, December 2018
Obituary
Floral Park’s Robert R. Spillman It is with deep regret the members of H&L Company 2 announce the passing of Robert R. Spillman after a courageous battle with cancer on October 13, 2018. Bobby joined the Floral Park Fire Department on January 10, 1955, and served his local communities in numerous capacities for just over 63 years. He was a member of the Floral Park Doodlebugs, the Nassau County Drill Team Captains Association and several other fire service organizations. He is still a legend and respected by many in the Fire Department Drill Team Community. We begin to mourn the loss of an icon of the Floral Park Fire Department, the Nassau County Fire Service and the Village of Floral Park. - Fire News story by Joe O’Grady, FPD Secretary
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Page 88, Fire News, December 2018
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