VOLUME XLV, NO. 6
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FEBRUARY 2018
Story on page 6. - Fire News photo courtesy of Halesite FD
Fire News Welcomes Everyone to the LI Mega Show!
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In this issue... A Service for Long Island Firefighters and EMS Heroes
Windy, Cold Bayville Fire A Sound-fronting home is fully engulfed by wind-driven flames on arrival. See story page 26
Quick Work in Amagansett Firefighters make a quick stop of a garage fire. See story page 58
Looking Back: Sid Parkan A sampling of the work of the dean of Long Island fire photography, Francis ‘Sid’ Parkan. See story page 68
4 Car MVA in Levittown A sedan collides with a pickup at high speed, then the driver flees the scene. See story page 104
Montauk Installs 2018 Officers The MFD continues its New Year’s Day tradition of installing its officers.
See story page 142
Obituaries Centereach’s Daniel Peluso Levittown’s Charles D. Giudice
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 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, JoeLapietra, 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, Francis "Sid" Parkan, 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, 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 COPYRIGHT 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
Ridge’s Fred L. Meyer, Jr. See pages 153, 156 and 157
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 EMS Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . .starts on page 98 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 146 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 148-149 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 152 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 154
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.
45 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 45th 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
It’s Been Rough With extremely cold temperatures, the past few weeks have been rough for many first responders. I am sure if you live in areas of northern NYS or New England, you are used to cold winters. I can only speak for where I live. With record cold temperatures and a snowstorm, the beginning of 2018 has tested the skills and dedication of many. We start 2018 remembering Philadelphia Lieutenant Matt LeTourneau who died in the line of duty. The 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department died after the interior of a home collapsed, pinning him under debris. One day after a storm tore through the Northeast, covering New Jersey roadways with snow, a Jersey City police lieutenant was hit and killed while helping a motorist on his way to work. We remember 20-year veteran Lieutenant Christopher Robateau. In the Bronx, a three-year-old boy playing with the burners on a stove, alerted his mother that a fire had erupted in their firstfloor apartment in the Bronx. When the mother and her children fled the burning apartment, she made a fatal mistake; she left the apartment door open. The tragic result was the deaths of at least 12 people,
including at least four children. Yes, 2018 started on a negative note. It has tested your skills as a first responder both physically note and a mentally. What can we learn from these tragedies? I’ll quote Executive Director Jerry DeLuca of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs, “What will it take for New York to take fire safety seriously? How many people have to die for us to take action?” It is not only New York that has to take fire safety seriously. It is time for a national campaign to ask all of our friends in government to come together and unify codes. Unifying building codes saves lives and prevents property loss. After 65 people died due to the ravage of Hurricane Andrew, enhanced building codes were put into place. As DeLuca recently noted, the code changes resulted in reduced property loss and fewer lives lost. The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs has been advocating for home fire sprinklers in new oneand two-family homes for more than 30 years. As responders, we know that sprinkler systems save lives. At your next fire prevention demonstration, think about demonstrating and educating the community on new ideas. Show
your community the positive effects that sprinklers have on knocking down a fire. Another important program is educating the community about the importance of adopting a fire hydrant and making sure it is dug out immediately after a snow storm. And finally, think about reinforcing the importance of closing the doors behind you when a fire erupts and you leave the fire building. Winter is underway. Fire prevention is something that should be reinforced all year. Maybe it is time to receive a grant so that funds are available for a yearly fire prevention program. Continued education on fire safety is what helps save lives. - Dennis
Announcements CORRECTION
In the December 2017 edition of Fire News on page 28, Farmingdale Columbus Day Parade, the text stated, “The number 28 NASCAR Camping World Series truck, sponsored by the FDNY, was also in attendance.” It should be noted that the organization which owns the car is NASCAR's only not for profit race team and they race in honor of all those lost on 9/11 and for all the uniformed service members that have been lost since. The organization neither seeks nor receives funding from the FDNY or the City of New York. Check out the video done by FOX Sports about FDNY Racing on their website Draf10Motorsports.com to learn more about the car. — Ed.
LEGISLATORS, FIRE SERVICE LEADERS, AND MAYORS PLEDGE TO HELP FD PROVIDE EMS
State Senator Betty Little and State Assemblymember Billy Jones joined representatives from the State's largest fire service organizations and the New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM), today in Albany to call on the Legislature to support a bill that would alleviate an affordability crisis impacting fire departments across New York State. Providing emergency medical services (EMS) can place a severe strain on fire departments, and fire departments are the only EMS providers in New York State currently prohibited from recovering any of the associated costs. This legislation (S. 0363A/A. 7717A) is sponsored by State Senator Little and Assemblymember Jones and is a bipartisan effort to provide parity among New York State's EMS providers. Much of the ambulance coverage in New York State is provided by fire departments, many of which are smaller and staffed with volunteers. These fire departments are responding to an ever-growing volume of medical calls, with many now handling more EMS than fire runs. Staffing an ambulance requires a significant investment in personnel, equipment, training, and time, and this investment is causing an affordability crisis in the fire service. This legislation provides a simple solution. It allows fire departments to recover the costs of running EMS calls without raising any taxes. One
source of untapped funds is patients’ already-existing healthcare policies. The money recovered would be used to ensure that ambulances can continue to operate with sufficient staffing and be available whenever they are needed, while also enhancing the level of emergency medical services available in the community. Every other ambulance provider in New York State is already permitted to do this. Fire departments are the only ones who are not, and this legislation would place the various providers on equal footing. Equally important, it would help provide support for many small fire departments that so often serve as the backbone of many towns and villages across the State. The passage of this legislation would give some much-needed financial assistance to many of the State's departments, while also likely yielding improved response times and service for New Yorkers — and at no cost to the taxpayer.
WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS?
Fire News would like to remind its readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper. Feel free to e-mail your photos to li@firenews.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.” We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.
DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO? Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department, and contact information. E-mail us at li@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help. — Ed.
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Who’s Saving You?
The 5th Annual Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Seminar was held on November 3 and 4, 2017. The two-day seminar started at the Suffolk County Fire Academy with a ceremony that dedicated a new Flashover Simulator to the academy. The simulator was paid for with a donation made by Joseph and Barbara DiBernardo in memory of their son Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo. The all-day hands-on part of the
seminar followed the dedication and challenged the skills of the participants. A series of lectures were presented on day two of the seminar in the Three Village School District in Setauket. To learn more about the seminar visit www.joeydfoundation.org/seminars/2017seminar/. Look for future seminars given by the Joey Foundation in Fire News. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Cover Story
Halesite Battles Mansion Blaze
On December 22, 2017, the Halesite Fire Department was activated for a reported basement fire in the historic Bay Crest section of Huntington Bay Village. First-due units requested reactivation and mutual aid for a fully involved structure fire in an 8,000-square-foot mansion. Fire was venting through the windows throughout the first floor, with hot pressurized smoke from the upper floors. Huntington Bay Police Chief Christopher Jack informed fire units the structure was empty. Crews reported a collapse of the first floor into the basement and defensive operations were commenced. The scene was under the command of Chief Greg Colonna, with assistance from First Assistant Chief James Magerle and Second Assistant Chief Dom Spada. Mutual aid came from Huntington, Centerport, Huntington Manor, Cold Spring Harbor and Greenlawn. Northport provided standby coverage and Huntington Community First Aid Squad stood by at the scene. Town of Huntington Highway Department crews assisted in demolition of the structure. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photos courtesy Halesite FD
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5 Displaced by Bay Shore Blaze On December 3, 2017, the Bay Shore Fire Department was activated for a residential structure fire on North Penataquit Avenue. Chief Edward Kunz, Jr., arrived at the two-story private home with the first floor fully involved. The Islip Fire Department stood by for Bay Shore while Brentwood 3-2-8 responded as the FAST. Bay Shore units stretched two lines searched and vented the roof. A little more than an hour after the initial alarm, the fire was brought under control, with extensive overhaul required. The Red Cross assisted with emergency housing for at least five residents. The Town of Islip Fire Marshal’s office responded to the scene as did the Suffolk County Arson Squad. - Fire News photos by Richard Stark and Paul Mazza
Magnesium Changes Tactics in Sag Harbor
Members of the Sag Harbor Fire Department fought a fire in an ing column, but was subsequently mitigated with D-Class extinImmaculate Pools truck in their storage yard on Clay Pit Road guishers and foam. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Michael Heller early on November 22, 2017. The attack was hampered by the discovery of magnesium that was used in the truck’s motor and steer-
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Multiple Calls Alert Roosevelt
The Roosevelt Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on found a heavy fire condition on the second floor of a two-story splitBainbridge Street on the December 27, 2017. Responding compa- level home. Mutual aid companies assisted at the scene. nies were advised of multiple calls by the dispatcher. Arriving units - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Huntington Manor Hits Garage Fire
The Huntington Manor Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at Depot Road and East 12th Street in Huntington Station on December 27, 2017. Second Assistant Chief Chuck Brady confirmed a commercial garage fire. Firefighters proceeded with an interior attack and a search for possible victims. The scene was declared under control in about 35 minutes. Mutual aid was provided by the Huntington, Melville and Cold Spring Harbor, and the Huntington Community First Aid Squad. Units were under the command of First Assistant Chief Jon Hoffmann. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photos courtesy Huntington Manor FD
Brentwood Storage Facility Fire
The Brentwood Fire Department responded to a fire at Fifth Avenue Self Storage on December 28, 2017. First Assistant Chief Boyle found numerous units fully involved in the single-story building with the fire spreading to neighboring units. Chief of Department Derbyshire and Second Assistant Chief Kelly arrived with Chief Derbyshire taking command and the assistant chiefs handling the fire attack. Engine 3-2-2 and 3-2-14 entered the facility and put multiple lines into operation to extinguish the fire that spread to over a dozen back-to-back units. It took over an hour to bring the fire under control. Mutual aid came from Bay Shore, Central Islip, Islip and Deer Park. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Copiague Lumber Yard Fire
The Copiague Fire Department was alerted for a reported building fire on Montauk Highway on December 7, 2017. Chief of Department Fitch, along with Assistant Chiefs Nuzzi and Miller, arrived to find a lumber storage building well involved. Engine 1-3-9, followed by Ladder 1-3-4, and Engines 1-3-5 and 1-3-7 stretched multiple lines as the crew from Ladder 1-3-4 made entry. It took about an hour to bring the fire under control with the building heavily damaged. Mutual aid came from Lindenhurst. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
North Massapequa 4-Alarmer
The North Massapequa Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Kingsberry Road. Assistant Chiefs 6601 and 6602 saw smoke visible over the morning rush-hour traffic. Assistant Chief 6602 arrived to fire showing from the 2/3 corner of a two-story, peaked-roof, private dwelling. Engine 665 placed a line in service as second alarm was transmitted due to manpower shortage and Collyer’s Mansion-like conditions. Wantagh, Bethpage and Seaford
arrived as mutual aid. Five lines were put into operation as the mutual aid assignment went on to a fourth alarm for more manpower. Crews brought the fire under control in in about two hours and no injuries were reported. Mutual aid also came from Massapequa, South Farmingdale, Farmingdale, Levittown, East Meadow, Bellmore and North Bellmore. - Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
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Manhasset-Lakeville Handles Car Fire
On November 12, 2017, while en route to North Shore University Hospital, A8767 alerted Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Dispatch to a car fire at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Allen Drive in Great Neck. Deputy Chief Mazurkiewicz encountered a fully involved vehicle fire. Engine 8735 and 8733 responded and extinguished the fire. - Fire News photo by Lee Genser
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Amityville Car Fire The Amityville Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle fire in a salvage yard on Dixon Avenue on December 9, 2017. All four chiefs, Engines 1-1-3, 1-1-4 and Ambulance 1-1-12 responded and found a fully involved sedan. The crew from 1-1-3 used one line to extinguish the fire, the crew from 1-1-4 overhauled the vehicle after the fire was extinguished. Chief of Department Erath was in charge of the scene. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
SUV Fire in Deer Park
N. Patchogue Car into Pole
On November 6, 2017, a couple traveling west on Long Island Avenue just off of Commack Road in Deer Park had their SUV catch fire. The Deer Park Fire Department under the command of 1-4-30 Anthony Biolsi responded. The couple were transported to the Good Samaritan Hospital by Deer Park Rescue as a precaution due to the fumes and the smoke and because the wife was nine month pregnant. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com
On December 3, 2017, the North Patchogue Fire Department was activated for a vehicle fire at the intersection of the westbound Sunrise Highway Service Road and Robinson Avenue. Upon arrival, commanding units were met with a fully involved vehicle and a utility pole down. Squad 3 made a quick knockdown of the fire without further incident. The driver of the vehicle escaped with only minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Plainview Handles Car Fire
Farmingville Car Fire
On October 11, 2017, the Plainview Fire Department responded to an MVA with fire on the westbound Long Island Expressway by Sunnyside Boulevard. The car was in the HOV lane and fully involved upon arrival. Crews quickly got water on the fire and extinguished it. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
On December 10, 2017, the Farmingville Fire Department was activated for a reported vehicle fire on Lenore Lane. Upon arrival, Chief Dave Smith advised incoming units of a working car fire. First due crews made a quick knockdown of the fire without further incident. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Knockdown in North Amityville Early on December 9, 2017, the North Amityville Fire Company was alerted for a vehicle fire on Branbury Court. Engine 1-7-1 and Ambulance 1-7-7 responded and arrived to find an involved van parked in front of a house. The crew from 1-7-1 put one line into operation to extinguish the fire in about 10 minutes. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
Cars Burn in Medford Early on November 30, 2017, the Medford Fire Department was activated for a vehicle fire reported to be threatening a structure on Beechnut Avenue. Upon arrival, commanding units were met with two fully-engulfed vehicles in a residential driveway. Crews made a quick knockdown of the fire without further incident and no extension to the structure. No injuries were reported. Command requested a fire marshal and arson squad to the scene for an investigation. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Shed Fire Threatens Home
The South Farmingdale Fire Department was called to a garage fire at a home on Grant Street on November 30, 2017. Units arrived to a fully involved detached shed, which had already collapsed, but was threatening the home. Engine 972 put two lines into operation to quickly bring the fire under control. One line was used on the structure and the second was used to cool several propane tanks damaged by the fire. The crew from Ladder 978 checked the house for extension, which was negative, but the fire damaged the side of the home and a car parked in front of the shed. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Mutual aid came from Farmingdale, Bethpage and Massapequa. Chief of Department Mackie was in charge of the scene. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Smoke Shows in West Sayville On December 21, 2017, West Sayville was activated for a structure fire at the Oakdale Storage Facility on Montauk Highway in Oakdale. Assistant Chief Brian D’Onofrio reported smoke showing from four separate units on the first floor. Assistant Chief Jeff Houghtalen assumed command while Assistant Chief D’Onofrio took over operations. First arriving units dropped a five-inch supply line and an aggressive handline attack was initiated. Entry to the units was accomplished with saws and hand tools and an extensive overhaul operation ensued. Mutual aid came from Bohemia, Sayville, East Islip, Bayport and Great River. - Fire News photos by Harry D’Onofrio, ex-Chief WSFD and Bryan Lopez
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Flames on Arrival in West Babylon
The West Babylon Fire Department responded to a house fire on 14th Avenue on October 31, 2017. First Assistant Chief Schumann arrived to fire coming from a front window of the home. Engines 1-9-6 and 1-9-2 had two lines stretched with one going into operation to knock down the fire placed it under control within 20 minutes. The crew from Heavy Rescue 1-9-15 searched and vented; the occupants home at the time exited safely. The fire was deemed suspicious and its cause was under investigation. The North Babylon Fire Company was requested to the scene for RIT. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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And It’s Not Even Summer
The Massapequa Fire Department responded on December 20, One line was stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down, 2017, to a report of a gas barbecue fire at the rear of a home on keeping fire damage to the exterior of the home. Seaford also Ocean Avenue in Massapequa. Engine 6311 arrived to a fully responded. Chief of Department Beneville was in charge. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy involved BBQ fire on the deck and against the rear of the home.
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Smoke and Flames in Old Westbury
Westbury fire crews responded to a house fire in Old Westbury on Campo Circle on December 17, 2017. Units arrived to heavy smoke throughout the home, with some flames showing from the roof. The occupants were able to escape without injury. Mutual aid asol assisted. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Kevin Imm
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Wind, Cold Complicate Bayville Battle
A Bayville home was gutted by fire on December 13, 2017. Bayville firefighters were called to the Pleasantville Drive home, just off Bayville Avenue. The split-level home was already engulfed and flames were fanned by a fierce, cold wind off Long Island Sound. Freezing temperatures made fire operations especially difficult and additional departments from surrounding communities were called to assist. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Storage Container Burns in Yaphank
On December 6, 2017, the Yaphank Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on North Dunton Avenue. Medford's chief advised of a fully involved storage container. Crews from Yaphank and Medford quickly knocked down the fire. - Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey
Sayville Kitchen Fire
The Sayville Fire Department responded to a report of a residential structure fire on Loop Drive. Units arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen and, due to Collyer's Mansion-like conditions, were forced to make their initial attack from the rear of the dwelling. Two lines were stretched, crews opened up and searches were completed. Mutual aid was provided by the Holbrook, West Sayville, Bayport and the Community Ambulance Company. - Fire News photo courtesy Holbrook FD
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Quick Knock in Brentwood The Brentwood Fire Department responded to a house fire on Brentwood Parkway on December 18, 2017. Ladder 3-2-28 arrived to smoke showing and upon further investigation found fire coming from the back of the house, which had spread into the attic and went through the roof. Engine 3-2-12 along with the crew from Engine 3-2-15 stretched and operated two lines to extinguish the fire, and bring it under control in about an hour. First Assistant Chief Boyle was in charge of the scene. East Brentwood responded as RIT. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and John Ippolito, Jr.
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2 FFs Injured at Massapequa Fire
On January 3, 2018, the Massapequa Fire Department received a call for a shed fire in the rear of a home on Willow Street in East Massapequa. Engine 6315 and Ladder 632 responded. Three lines were stretched into the dwelling. Heavy fire was found in the rear of the first floor and the entire second floor as three lines were stretched in. Amityville, Wantagh, North Massapequa and Seaford responded as mutual aid. Bellmore, South Farmingdale and Bethpage stood by in Massapequa. Chief of Department Beneville was in charge of the operation. Units were on scene for three hours. The home on the 2 exposure suffered some damage due to the extreme heat of the fire and two firefighters sustained minor injuries. - Fire News photos by Ed Tuffy
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Gordon Heights Trailer Fire
On December 31, 2017, the Gordon Heights Fire Department was further incident. No injuries were reported. Command requested a activated for a fire to the rear of a home on Wilson Avenue. fire marshal to the scene for an investigation. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez Commanding units were met with a fully engulfed, unoccupied mobile home. The first-due crew made a quick knock down without
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Mineola Blaze The Mineola Fire Department was alerted to a fire in a private dwelling on January 1, 2018. The fire appeared to be contained to an attached garage but the radiant heat did significant damage to the home next door. Mutual aid companies assisted at the scene. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Risk Management As always, nothing can replace preplanning, SOPs, following the commands of the incident commander (IC) and your departments protocols and training. Risk management is a complex subject, an important topic and I have written about it in the past (see Fire News, February 2015). Risk management is defined as, “The process of minimizing the chance, degree, or probability of damage, loss or injury.” It is an important subject for the Safety Officer (SO), and books and publications should be a major part of the SO’s arsenal. Dave Dodson, Fire Department Incident Safety Office, Third Edition (2016), breaks risk management down into five categories. The first category is hazard identification. The primary function of the SO is to identify a hazard. We, as first responders, continue to come into contact with hazards in the form of toxic smoke. Benzene and hydrogen cyanide are two of the carcinogens that are on top of the list. We wear SCBA during our initial operation, but far too often we see our first responders remove the mask during overhaul operations. The SO must be aware of the importance of continuing to wear the SCBA and must notify the IC or an officer of the hazard. During general meetings, the SO should discuss this during the Safety Moment. A Safety Moment, started by Ted Kern, Safety Officer from Ridge, is when, during each general meeting of the membership, the SO discusses a safety topic for about 15 minutes. The second category is hazard evaluation, wherein the hazard is assigned a relative importance, and a value is established based on frequency and severity. These values can be established from data, education and training. The third is hazard prioritization. A high frequency and high severity hazard should be avoided or immediately corrected. If several hazards are present, the hazard with the most frequency and severity should get the most attention and for lower levels of hazards could be handled by an Assistant Safety Officer (ASO). The fourth is hazard control. According to Dodson, elimination, reduction, adaption, transfer, or avoidance can do this. The fifth is hazard monitoring. The SO should always be monitoring the hazard, even after mitigating actions have been taken. According to Kipp and Loflin, Emergency Incident Risk Management, (1996), “… to many, attempting to manage risks may be similar to trying to stretch a rope around a fog bank: nebulous at best, impossible at worst. That may be the reality in many situations. However, with the basics in hand, sound decisions will be easier to make.” In the publication of the United States Fire Administration (FEMA FA-166, Emmitsburg 1966), Risk Management Practices in the Fire Service, “Risk Management is a system, not a solution.” The SO is not a risk management professional, but must recognize the need to improve decision making when considering the safety of first responders. It is the SO’s job to mitigate Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) and injuries. Ex-Chief Jeff Bailes President Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association, Inc. www.btsoa.org • 631-495-1313 Jeff Bailes has been an unpaid professional firefighter for 43 years, and a former Chief of the Selden Fire Department and is still an active member. He is one of the Founders and President of the Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association Inc. a not-for-profit New York State Corporation, of which we have over 190 members in Brookhaven Town, and is the lead safety officer for the Selden Fire Department of which we have 30 safety and health officers and is on their training committee. He is an Instructor for the Fire Department Safety Officers Association course and, is on the their Education Committee. He has also been an EMT for several years.
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Central Islip Vacant House Fire
The Central Islip Fire Department was called to a house fire on South Road on December 26, 2017. Chief of Department Murphy arrived to find a single-story vacant home heavily involved. Engine 3-7-1 was followed by Ladder 3-7-5, which set up in front of the house for master stream operations. Engine crews put multiple handlines into operation to bring the fire under control in about 90 minutes. Mutual aid came from Hauppauge and Islip Terrace. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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North Amityville Collapse
The North Amityville Fire Company was called to a house fire on Rodney Place on December 28, 2017. Second Assistant Chief Riordan arrived to find fire in the basement of a single-story home that had spread to the attic. Chief of Department Collins arrived and took command. Engine 1-7-1 stretched the first line to the basement. Responding mutual aid crews stretched additional lines to the first floor. The fire caused part of the roof to collapse and all members were pulled out for a short time. It took about an hour to bring the fire under control with no reported injuries. Mutual aid was provided by Copiague, Amityville, North Lindenhurst and East Farmingdale. The cause of the fire was under investigation; several people were displaced. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Sparks Start Manorville Fire On December 7, 2017, sparks from welding may have started a fire on Chapman Boulevard just east of County Road 111. The Manorville Fire Department, Manorville Ambulance and Suffolk police responded. Numerous specialty emergency units were requested to the scene because of the hazardous materials involved. - Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui
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Ronkonkoma Blaze
The Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a fire on November 19, 2017. Crews arrived to heavy fire showing. Crews from Ronkonkoma, Farmingville, Nesconset and Lakeland battled the fire, while crews from Centereach and Holtsville stood by. - Fire News photos by Amanda Coffey
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New Year’s Day Fire in Mineola
On New Year’s Day 2018, the Mineola Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Evelyn Road between Frank Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard. Responding units were advised by Nassau County Fire Communications that multiple calls were being received, and arrived to find an attached garage fire in a two-story private
dwelling with fire extending to exposure two. Carle Place, Garden City, Williston Park and East Williston were also among the departments mutual aided. Two handlines were put into operation. All fire units were under the command of Mineola Chief of Department Brian Santosus - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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St. James House Fire
The Saint James Fire Department responded to a house fire on the residents were able to safely evacuate prior to the arrival of first December 29, 2017. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with responders. The fire was brought under control in an hour. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber a heavy fire condition throughout. Assisting at the scene were mutual aid companies from Nesconset, Smithtown and Stony Brook. All
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Workin’ at the Car Wash, Baby‌
The East Farmingdale Fire Department responded to a building fire on Broadway on January 10, 2018. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with a heavy fire condition in a car wash. A car which was stored inside the structure was fully involved. Crews had to cut roll down gates to gain access. Mutual aid came from Farmingdale, South Farmingdale and North Amityville. The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Babylon Town Fire Marshal were investigating the cause. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Fire News, February 2018, Page 49
Save in Oakdale House Fire
Early on December 24, 2017, the West Sayville Fire Department responded to a house fire on Connetquot Road off Cross Road in Oakdale. Units encountered heavy fire from the front of the home. The first-due engine used its deck gun to knock down the fire and then crews advanced with handlines. Once inside, crews found a victim and removed the person out the rear of the second floor. Mutual aid came from Sayville and Bohemia. The occupant was treated and removed by Sayville Community Ambulance and was medevac’d to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News photos by John Ippolito, Jr. and Harry D’Onofrio
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Medford Storage Yard Blaze
On December 6, 2017, fire broke out in a storage yard at a business on the south end of North Dunton Avenue, south of Granny Road. The Medford and Yaphank Fire Departments responded. Firefighters were assisted by workers using construction equipment to break the large stockpile of lumber apart. A concern to officials were shipping containers (their contents unknown) in the area that were exposed to flames. - Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui
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Central Islip House Fire
First Assistant Chief Patrick C. Murphy of the Central Islip Fire Department was in command of operations at a fire on Oakdale Avenue on November 22, 2017. Chief Murphy reported that in addition to the rapidly progressing fire, there were power lines down in the front of the residence. The structure suffered heavy fire, smoke and water damage. The Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad was contacted to conduct an investigation. Mutual aid came from Hauppauge, Islip Terrace, East Brentwood and East Islip, and the Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance. - Fire News photos by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit
FireNews.com
Been There, Done That
The Hempstead Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire on the evening of November 6, 2017. The vacant two-story house on Jerusalem Avenue was the scene of several fires in the past. Companies encountered heavy fire conditions on arrival but quickly knocked down the blaze. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Occupant Jumps in Smithtown
The Smithtown Fire Department responded to a house fire on Brooksite Drive on January 2, 2018. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an occupant who had jumped out a window to escape the home. The resident was transported by Smithtown Fire Department Ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital. A second occupant was also treated for injuries. Assisting at the scene were mutual aid companies from Hauppauge and Kings Park, while Nesconset stood by. Firefighters returned to the scene the following morning to extinguish a rekindle. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber and Bryan Lopez
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Fire in the Walls in Franklin Square
The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department responded to a building fire on the afternoon of December 24, 2017, for fire in the walls and duct work of a meat market on Nassau Boulevard near Cambridge Avenue. Extensive overhauling and ventilation kept units on the scene for nearly an hour. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
North Lindenhurst Laundry Burns
The North Lindenhurst Fire Department was called to a reported fire in a commercial building on December 15, 2017. Second Assistant Chief Stallone was first to arrive followed by Chief of Department Steiger and First Assistant Chief Connell. The fire was located in a laundry business in the building. Engine 1-11-1 stretched one 2-1/2 inch line, as the crew from Ladder 1-11-4 began making entry into the building. As additional units arrived, a second line was stretched. The fire destroyed the laundry and damaged at least one neighboring business with water and smoke. It took about an hour to bring the fire under control. Mutual aid was provided by the East Farmingdale, Copiague and Lindenhurst. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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School Bus Fires in West Babylon
The West Babylon Fire Department was called to a vehicle fire in the bus yard of the South Bay School on Great East Neck Road on December 17, 2017. Chiefs arrived to two school buses burning, threatening other buses and a building. Chief of Department Manzi requested additional engines to the scene because of the long stretch
from the closest hydrant. Engines 1-9-8 and 1-9-3 laid 2100 feet of supply line. The crews from Ladder 1-9-4 and Heavy Rescue 1-9-15 checked the building for extension and overhauled the buses. The fire destroyed two buses and damaged two others and the building before being brought under control. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Amagansett Fire Department firefighters were called a fire in a garage with a living space above it on the Northway in Barnes Landing on December 19, 2017. Chief John Glennon called for one engine from East Hampton to stand by and a tanker from the Springs to the scene. The fire was quickly knocked down without incident. - Fire News photos by Michael Heller
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Freeport Basement Fire The Freeport Fire Department responded to a working fire in the basement of a private dwelling on Pennsylvania Avenue on December 23, 2017. Two handlines were stretched, but only one was used to knock down the blaze. Truck companies searched and vented the upper floors. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Riverhead Trailer Fire Riverhead firefighters responded to a fire in a trailer home on River Road on December 27, 2017. The occupants were treated for smoke inhalation and transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui; aerial image by Vinny Bologna
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Birds Saved in Roosevelt On December 27, 2017, members of the Roosevelt Fire Department, along with Uniondale and several other mutual aid companies, contained a bedroom fire, as Nassau County police removed pet birds from a Bainbridge Avenue home. - Fire News photo by John Scalesi
Hempstead House Fire Hempstead Hose 2 and Ladder 2 were the first companies to arrive at a fire on Rhodes Avenue off Westbury Boulevard on December 16, 2017. The main body of fire was in the basement of a two-story private dwelling and Uniondale was designated the FAST for the operation. During the incident, Uniondale was put to work as an additional truck company and Rockville Centre was redirected as the new FAST. Also on scene was an ambulance from Lakeview. Units from Roosevelt and South Hempstead stood by for Hempstead. All occupants made it safely out of the home and at least one handline was stretched and put into operation. Fire units were under the command Hempstead Chief of Department Sandas. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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House Fire in Medford
On December 1, 2017, firefighters from Medford responded to a house fire on Blackpine Drive, between Swisstone Street and Lumberpine Drive. Suffolk police and Medford Volunteer Ambulance also responded. The fire was said to have started in the garage and extended to the second floor before burning through the roof. North Patchogue responded on mutual aid. - Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui
Fast Work in Mineola
Recently, the Mineola Fire Department responded to a house fire on Foch Boulevard. Chief 1600 reported fire in the walls in the rear. The blaze was quickly knocked down by Engine 161 and Ladder 168. Carle Place responded as the FAST. The scene was under the command of Chief of Department Brian Santosus. - Fire News photos by Christopher Focazio
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Centereach Makes Quick Knockdown
In November, the Centereach Fire Department responded to a from Centereach and Selden responded as did ambulance crews working fire on Elliot Street in Lake Grove. The home had numer- from Centereach, Selden and Stony Brook. Ronkonkoma stood by - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam ous birds, a goat and a dog on the premises. All animals were safe- to cover. ly removed, while the second floor fire was extinguished. Crews
FireNews.com
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Truck Fire in Medford
On November 23, 2017, a flatbed tow truck caught fire on Peconic Avenue, just outside the entrance to Gershow Recycling. Two of the four cars the truck was towing were heavily damaged by fire, as well. The Medford Fire Department and SCPD responded. - Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui
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Remembering the Work of Francis ‘Sid’ Parkan
Fire News would like to take you back in time to the days of film photography. Francis ‘Sid’ Parkan, who passed away on October 17, 2017, was ahead of his time and set the example for all photographers to follow, as he documented the fire service in Suffolk County. He was a true professional and will always be remembered for the legendary work he did. - Fire News photos provided by Kevin Parkan
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Foam, Water Save Home On January 5, 2018, the Massapequa Fire Department responded to a car fire in the driveway of Southhampton Drive townhouse. Crews knocked down the fire, preventing it from spreading to the home, needing a foam line after a fuel tank let go. - Fire News photos by Kevin Imm and Paul Mazza
FireNews.com
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Quick Work in Massapequa
On January 6, 2018, the Massapequa Fire Department operated at home. Two handlines were stretched with one going into operation. the scene of their second working fire of the new year. The fire, on Seaford also responded. Firefighters made a quick knockdown. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com St. Marks Place off Ocean Avenue, was in the crawl space of the
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Heavy Fire in Kings Park The Kings Park Fire Department responded to a building fire on Main Street on December 30, 2017. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with a heavy fire condition which caused considerable damaged to three businesses. Assisting at the scene were Commack, Smithtown, Nesconset, East Northport, Northport and Commack Ambulance. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
FireNews.com
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Border Truck Fire
The Farmingdale and East Farmingdale fire departments responded to a reported truck fire on Eastern Parkway near Denton Place on the border of Nassau and Suffolk counties, on the evening December 27, 2017. Farmingdale Second Assistant Chief Di Bartolo arrived to find a tractor trailer loaded with toilet paper products well involved. Chief of Department Ryan, Squad 924, Ladder 926, Ambulance 9299 and Fire Police 927 responded from Farmingdale.
Chief of Department Joseph, Assistant Chiefs Iuzzini and Welliver and Engine 1-5-2 responded from East Farmingdale. One line was stretched from each engine and it took over an hour to bring the fire under control after heavy machinery was brought in to break apart the trailer and burning stacks of paper. The fire is considered suspicious and is under investigation. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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House Destroyed in Central Islip
The Central Islip Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Church Street off of East Suffolk Avenue on December 16, 2017. Upon arrival, Chief Murphy reported that the vacant residence was heavily involved in fire. Mutual aid came from the Islip Terrace, Sayville and Brentwood. Due to the advanced progress of the fire, the structure was totally destroyed and the Town of Islip was requested to the scene with heavy equipment for demolition. - Fire News photos by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit
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Westbury House Fire
The Westbury Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire on Campo Circle off Glen Cove Road in Old Westbury on December 17, 2017. When firefighters arrived, they found fire on the number four side of the home extending upwards. At least two handlines were stretched and put into operation. Mutual aid came from Jericho, Hicksville, Uniondale, East Meadow, Carle Place and Roslyn, along with Mineola Volunteer Ambulance. All occupants made it safely out of the home. All fire units were under the command of Westbury Chief of Department Bartunek. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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Central Islip House Fire On December 18, 2017, the Central Islip Fire Department responded to Atlantic Street for a fire at the rear of a home. OIC was Chief of Department Patrick Murphy. - Fire News photos by John Ippolito, Jr., and Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit
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East Meadow House Fire
Early on December 16, 2017, the East Meadow Fire Department was dispatched to a home on Merrick Avenue for a reported smell of smoke. When firefighters arrived, they were met with fire showing at the one-four corner of the home with a significant smoke condition. After investigating, firefighters encountered fire on the second floor of the home. North Bellmore was notified as the FAST. Levittown was notified for an additional truck to the scene. East Meadow Engine 611 was the first to arrive and put two handlines into operation. Additional mutual aid was provided by Bellmore and North Merrick. All occupants made it safely out of the home. Fire units were under the command of East Meadow Chief of Department Joseph Lennon. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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Massapequa Fights Two-House Fire On December 11, 2017, the Massapequa Fire Department responded to a house fire on Biltmore Boulevard in Massapequa. Engine 6311 and Ladder 632 were first to arrive along with Chief of Department Beneville. As units pulled up, an attached garage collapsed. The home next to the fire building also ignited. No one was home at the time the fire started and no one lived in the home next door. Seaford and Wantagh responded on mutual aid. North Massapequa, Bethpage and South Farmingdale stood by at Massapequa. - Fire News photos by Ed Tuffy
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Lindenhurst Worker
On December 19, 2017, the Lindenhurst Fire Department responded to a house fire on 31st Street at New York Avenue in the Village of Lindenhurst. Upon arrival, crews encountered fire to the rear of the location and quickly went to work knocking down the fire. Mutual aid was provided by North Lindenhurst and Copiague. Lindenhurst 1st Assistant Chief Santoli was in charge. - Fire News photos by John Ippolito, Jr.
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Northport Battles House Fire
The Northport Fire Department responded to a house fire on Ocean Avenue on December 11, 2017. Crews began an aggressive attack on the blaze that began in the kitchen. East Northport, Eaton’s Neck and Centerport responded or stood by. The resident of the home was removed by Northport Police officers, was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to Huntington Hospital by the Northport Rescue Squad. The fire was placed under control within 20 minutes, under the command of Chief Brad Wine assisted by Assistant Chiefs John Jacobsen and Dennis Sheridan. - Fire News story and photos by Steve Silverman
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West Hempstead Car Fire
West Hempstead firefighters battled a car fire on Roy Street near Cherry Valley Avenue on December 29, 2017. A Town of Hempstead sanding truck was summoned to treat the iced over streets in the area. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Manorville MVA, Fleeing the Scene
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Shirley House Fire Displaces 8
On December 3, 2017, Suffolk County Park Rangers notified their dispatcher of a car fire in a vacant lot next to a PSE&G substation at the end of Weeks Avenue, south of Moriches Middle Island Road. Officials believe that while joyriding, the operator flipped the vehicle, ripping the driver’s door off, and then fled the scene. The SCPD 7th Precinct assisted in the search for the fleeing driver. The Mastic Fire Department responded. - Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui
On December 22, 2017, the Brookhaven Fire department responded to a fire in a two-story home in Shirley on Schenk Drive. A woman and seven children, ages two through 17, were home at the time of the fire but escaped without serious injuries. Center Moriches also responded as RIT. - Fire News story by Thomas J. Lambui; photos by G.L./LiHotShots
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Car Burns in Levittown
On December 15, 2017, Wantagh firefighters responded to a car fire in the parking lot of a row of stores located on Wantagh Avenue near Stony Lane in Levittown. The fire brought Engines 2, 4 and 7 to the scene. The car sustained heavy damage but there were no injuries. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Car Fire Ignites Brush
The Plainview Fire Department responded to a fully involved car on the westbound Northern State Parkway in Plainview, which also sparked a fire in a large area of brush on the shoulder. The fire was extinguished and a passenger of the car was transported. -Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
FireNews.com
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Firehouse Kitchen
Pancakes at the FDNY Ski Races By Ray Cooney This is going to be a two-part article. I cooked with my very good friend, Bobby Rollins, aka, Bo-Ro. Bo-Ro and I were firefighters in Ladder 127 and I reached out to him to appear on Firehouse Kitchen. I did this not because of his great cooking skills, but because of his comedic attitude and knowledge of the FDNY. Bo-Ro is a character. He showed up with his own cooking utensils, which looked as if he bought them at a thrift store. He had a barbecue spatula, that his grandfather bought him in Norway. He called it his “Norwegian Spatula.” I asked, “What’s on the menu?” He replied, “My specialty. Blueberry pancakes.” He informed me that he learned to make these pancakes at the FDNY ski races back in 1993. They were snowed in that year and the only ingredients they had were the ingredients to make hot cakes! The conversation between me and Bo-Ro was as if we were still in the firehouse preparing the meal. We picked up where we left off years ago — making fun of guys, remembering nicknames and having lots of laughter. One nickname that jumped out was the Giant Head (called so because we swear it could be seen if you were in outer space). I won’t give any names, but if he’s reading this, he will know it’s him. His name came up because his favorite meal in the firehouse was pancakes because we always had mix in our commissary and he didn’t have to dig into his pocket for the meal (not saying that he’s cheap or anything!). Cooking with Bo-Ro brought back a lot of funny memories and some really close-to-home-points with 9/11 and my time in the fire department. I will go into details about
this in the next article along with the recipe. This one-hour shoot with Bo-Ro made me feel like I was back in the kitchen at Ladder 127 on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, New York. I was thankful for these memories this day. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com. Don't forget to friend us on facebook at Firehouse Kitchen.
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Hempstead firefighters, along with mutual aid companies, battled a in the rear extending into the attic. The blaze was brought under fire in an unoccupied private dwelling on Thorne Avenue on control within 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com December 9, 2017. Heavy smoke was showing on arrival, with fire
TRAIN UP Where Leaders Come To Train Explore Now: WWW.FDIC.COM Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
H.O.T. Evolution (Outside) 4 HOUR Basics of Tactical Emergency Care - HYBRID- NEW
Mark Litwinko Lieutenant Fort Wayne Fire Department
Monday, April 23, 2018: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Description With the increasing number of high-threat, mass casualty incidents, there is an immediate need for responders and agencies to adapt strategies and tactics, safely and efficiently mitigate the incident and provide care to the victims. The evidence-based content is consistent with the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care guidelines and recommendations. Participants are provided with the tools for continued training at their own department specific to casualty care as it relates to the Rescue Task Force concept. Attendees will leave with instructional materials, knowledge of evidence-based medicine specific to high-threat incidents, and a framework for program design. This is a highly interactive course with opportunities to test the latest equipment through ample hands-on training.
Reality in Virtual Reality: Training for the Future Thursday, April 26, 2018: 3:30 PM - 5:15 PM Room: 500 Ballroom Description You will embark on a virtual journey through the fire service, led by Leicestershire (England) Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with RiVR, to see what they have achieved over the past three years and how they did it. You will be looking ahead to the training environments of the not-so-distant future that were created and designed through virtual and augmented reality and the methods and practices of these two forward-thinking organizations. You will also be looking at how virtual reality is set to change the way humans learn!
Paul Speight Watch Manager Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
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Quick Knockdown in Selden On December 22, 2017, the Selden Fire Department was activated for a vehicle fire on Middle Country Road and North Evergreen Drive. Units arrived to a fully involved vehicle fire. - Fire News photo by David Rubin
Centereach House Fire On December 20, 2017, Centereach firefighters responded to a house fire at the corner of Tree Road and Garden Lane. Firefighters made an aggressive attack, on the second-story fire, with the help of neighboring departments. - Fire News photo by Nick Donoghue/Stringer News.
Lynbrook KOs Bedroom Fire The Lynbrook Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on December 18, 2017. Units responded to the Sherman Street home near Marshall Avenue and found a small bedroom fire which was quickly extinguished. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Up Close & Personal
SCFA Instructor Ron Schnall gets a visit from his grandchildren. - Fire News photo courtesy of a proud grandpa
Ex-Chief Dan Guilfoil of Kings Park Fire Department takes a blow after operating at a working building fire on Main Street in Kings Park on December 30, 2017. Ex-Chief Guilfoil was just appointed a 4th Division Coordinator 4-0-4 for Suffolk FRES. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND
Construction Accident in Garden City Garden City firefighters were called to the scene of a construction accident at a private house on Merillon Avenue near Kilburn Road on December 22, 2017. A worker was injured while working on the second floor and firefighters and county police EMS were needed to package him and remove him to ground level . - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Centerport Clears Fallen Tree on Christmas
The Centerport Fire Department were called out on a windy December 25, 2017, for reports of a tree down across Route 25A near Lone Oak Drive. The tree struck electrical lines, causing a power outage in the area. Crews used chainsaws to cut up the tree and removed it from the roadway. Centerport Deputy Chief Dr. Jack Geffken assisted clearing the tree with the use of his compact bucket loader. Two Centerport engines were dispatched and under the command of Assistant Chiefs Rich Miltner and Andy Heglund. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Centerport FD
Car Into Building
On January 7, 2018, the Freeport Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a car-versus-building on Hampton Place in a dead end off Westend Avenue. Firefighters checked the home inside and out and found only cosmetic damage. The driver of the auto refused medical attention. Engine 213, Ladder 217, Heavy Rescue 217-2, and Ambulance 219 alongside the Freeport chiefs operated at the scene. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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2 Hurt in Mastic MVA
At least two people were injured in an MVA at the intersection of Mastic Road and Southaven Avenue on December 10, 2017. The Mastic Fire Department, Mastic Ambulance and Suffolk police responded. The injured were transported to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
West Hempstead MVA
On October 31, 2017, two cars collided at the intersection of Hempstead Avenue and Sycamore Street with an SUV flipping over onto the sidewalk. By the time West Hempstead units arrived at the scene, all the occupants of both vehicles had escaped on their own. Nassau County EMS personnel were on the scene evaluating for possible injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Pinned in Franklin Square
A man was seriously injured on October 27, 2017, after he was pinned under an SUV on Hempstead Turnpike. Franklin Square responded and lifted the vehicle to gain access to the injured man. He was transported to an area hospital by Nassau County EMS ambulance. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Old Westbury MVA
The Old Westbury Police and Westbury Fire Department respond- turned. Two of the drivers were injured and transported by ed to an accident on the eastbound Long Island Expressway, east of Northwell Ambulance to the hospital. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber exit 39/Glen Cove Road on January 1, 2018. At least three vehicles were involved, including a tractor trailer and a car which over-
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4-Car MVA in Levittown The Levittown Fire Department, Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corps. and Nassau County Police responded to a four-car accident at Wantagh Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike on December 30, 2017. A sedan collided with a pickup truck at high speed, causing the pickup to overturn and burst into flames. An SUV was also hit and collided with another car. The two people in the pickup were pulled out by passersby before the vehicle was engulfed. The driver of the first car fled the scene on foot. The two people in the pickwere taken to Nassau University Medical Center and the occupants of the SUV refused medical attention. Engine 627, Heavy Rescue 624, Ambulances 6212 and 6218 responded. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Car into School Bus On November 9, 2017, Massapequa Fire Department Ladder 632, Squad 8, Ambulance 639 and the chiefs responded to an MVA with a car under the back of a school bus on Front Street at Lincoln Avenue in Massapequa Park. The driver of the car was out of the vehicle when units arrived and was transported to a hospital by NCPD Ambulance. The school bus was not occupied at the time of the accident. - Fire News photos by Ed Tuffy
FireNews.com
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Deer Park School Bus MVA
On January 2, 2018, a Deer Park school bus was involved in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Deer Park Avenue and Grand Boulevard. There was at least one injury to a passenger on the bus who was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip by the Deer Park Fire Department Ambulance. The driver of the other vehicle appeared to be uninjured. - Fire News photos by BTFirePhoto.com
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EastportManorville MVA The Eastport and Manorville Fire Departments, Manorville Ambulance, Suffolk Police and ESU responded to an MVA on December 23, 2017.A man lost control of his pickup truck while traveling southbound on CR-111. The driver had to be cut from his vehicle by firefighters. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
Ronkonkoma Goes to the Movies On December 27, 2017, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for an MVA with entrapment in the Regal Movie Theatre parking lot. Chief Vincent Diaz was met with a single vehicle that had crashed into multiple parked vehicles in the lot. The crew of Rescue 8 extricated the patient who was then transported to Stony Brook University Hospital via a Ronkonkoma Ambulance for her injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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3 Hurt in Massapequa MVA The Massapequa Fire Department responded to a two-car MVA at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Cartwright Boulevard in Massapequa Park on December 2, 2017. Firefighters from the Squad Company and Ladder 2 went to work immediately to remove the driver’s door from one vehicle, after which, the driver was transported to a local hospital by Ambulance 6310. The passenger from the same vehicle was transported to the hospital by a Wantagh Ambulance. The driver of the second vehicle was transported by a NCPD Ambulance. Chief of Department Beneville was in charge at the scene. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy
Bayport-Blue Point 5-Car MVA On November 27, 2017, the Bayport and Blue Point Fire Departments responded to a border call for a five-vehicle MVA with overturn at Nicolls Road and Montauk Highway. Under the command of Chief Paul Dolce both departments worked together to extricate the patients. Community Ambulance of Sayville responded and transferred injured. - Fire News photo by Dana Fleming
Pinned in Franklin Square A man was seriously injured on October 27, 2017, after he was pinned under an SUV on Hempstead Turnpike. Franklin Square responded and lifted the vehicle to gain access to the injured man. He was transported to an area hospital by Nassau County EMS ambulance. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
2 Injured in Plainview MVA On November 5, 2017, the Plainview Fire Department was alerted for an MVA with entrapment on Old Country Road. Arriving units found a three-car MVA with one person pinned in a minivan. NCPD ESU officers pulled the car away from the van while crews operated to extricate the driver. The driver was transported to the hospital along with the passenger in serious condition. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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Yaphank MVA A driver was injured when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree at the entrance to the Swezey Avey House on Yaphank-Middle Island Road, between Main Street and Walters Street. Suffolk Police and Yaphank Fire Department responded to accident. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
Live Wire in Bethpage On November 12, 2017, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to a report of wires down and burning on South Oyster Bay Road in Hicksville. A primary wire was burning on the ground and crews waited for the utility company to deenergize the line and then they extinguished the fire. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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Commack MVA The Commack Fire Department and Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded to an MVA on New Highway and Parkway Drive South on December 5, 2017. One vehicle caught fire and was extinguished by Commack firefighters. Two patients suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Southside Hospital. Two engines, including the holiday decorated Hess Truck from Company 3, responded under the command of Chief Rich Myers. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
Arrest After Accident in Shirley A woman was arrested after an accident at the intersection of Montauk Highway and Garden Place, at the entrance to the Kohl’s/South Port Shopping Center in Shirley on September 26, 2017. The Mastic Fire Department, Mastic Ambulance and Suffolk Police responded. Detectives and the DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) unit were notified. The woman was arrested as she was found to be driving the car high on drugs with a four-year old in the rear seat. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
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Wantagh Handles MVA Wantagh firefighters had to pop the hood of a car involved in a two-car accident on November 5, 2017, at the intersection of Stony Lane and Wantagh Avenue. One woman was injured. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Freeport MVA The drivers of two vehicles suffered minor injuries after a collision on Merrick Road near Park Avenue in Freeport early on November 14, 2017. Freeport firefighters and police were called to the scene after a pickup and an SUV collided in the roadway causing the SUV to roll onto its side. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
E. Farmingdale Car Fire The East Farmingdale Fire Company was called to a car fire at a business on Allen Boulevard in the early morning of November 8, 2017. Second Assistant Chief Welliver and Engine 1-5-6 responded and found a BMW sedan burning. The crew extinguished the fire in about 10 minutes. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
East Meadow MVA At least one person was injured on November 28, 2017, after a sedan collided with the rear of a carting truck on Glenn Curtis Boulevard just west of Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. The roof and most of the passenger side of the car were sheared off in the crash. Nassau County police and EMS units responded. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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MVA in Selden
Uniondale Car, Car, Pole
On September 26, 2017, the Selden Fire Department was activated for an MVA at the intersection of Blue Point Road and Middle Country. Multiple people were transported. - Fire News photo by Steve Walsh
On November 11, 2017, the Uniondale Fire Department and county police and EMS were on the scene of a two-vehicle accident on Uniondale Avenue near Summer Avenue. The impact of the crash sent one car into a utility pole which was sheared at the base. The pole and its energized wires landed atop one of the cars. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Mastic Beach MVA
Greenlawn Overturn
Three people were injured and transported by ambulance to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center after a collision between two vehicles at the intersection of Havenwood Drive and Neighborhood Road on October 15, 2017. A westbound pickup truck driver allegedly tried to turn, and travel in the wrong direction on to Neighborhood Road, and was struck by an eastbound vehicle on Havenwood Drive. After being struck, the pickup struck a telephone pole. The Mastic Beach Fire Department, Mastic Beach Ambulance, Shirley Ambulance, and Suffolk Police responded. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
The Greenlawn Fire Department was dispatched to an MVA overturn on Cuba Hill Road and Elbomar Drive on October 10, 2017. The single vehicle was found to have veered off the road hitting an embankment, striking a tree and overturning back into the roadway. The occupant was able to self-extricate prior to department arrival. Greenlawn Rescue Squad EMS treated and transported the patient to Huntington Hospital. Units were under the direction of Chief of Department Mike Bellis, supported by Assistant Chiefs Angelo Santomauro, Peter Miller and Duty Officer Lieutenant Rich Jones. - Fire News photo courtesy Greenlawn FD
Car into Building in Bethpage
Truck Overturn in Roslyn
On October 16, 2017, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to multiple calls for a car into a building on Central Avenue. Arriving units found an SUV had crashed through a fence and struck a unit in the senior complex on Hickey Boulevard. No one in the home was injured and the driver was transported to a local hospital. The building sustained minor damage. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
On November 10, 2017, Roslyn fire companies operated at the scene of an overturned tractor trailer with entrapment on Old Westbury Road just off Glen Cove Road. Firefighters, along with the Nassau County Police ESU, extricated the driver of the truck and transported him to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Nassau County Hazmat was called to empty the truck’s saddle tanks and to help with a large spill. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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East Northport Motorcycle Crash
The East Northport Fire Department handled a motorcycle accident direction of Second Assistant Chief Tom Bourne. The patient suffered on Laurel Hill Road opposite Northport High School on October 14, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Huntington - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman 2017. An engine, ambulance and paramedic unit responded under the Hospital.
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Westhampton Ladies Pasta Night On October 27, 2017, the Westhampton Beach Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Pasta Night to benefit their community service projects such as Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Maureen’s Haven. It was well attended and enjoyed by all! (Back row): Ilona Lowenthal, Susan Balogh, Rena Mootoo, Pat Gonce, John Makarewicz, Tara Kappel, Joy Makaewicz and Jackie Angus. (Seated): Erica Olsen, Guest Chef Eli Raynor, Cody Hoyle and Carol Del Vacchio. - Fire News photo by Cody Hoyle
FASNY Scholarship to Huntington Station Student and Firefighter The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has awarded the 2017 FASNY Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Volunteer Scholarship to Vincent Pastore of Huntington Station. He received a certificate and scholarship of $1,500 for his volunteer service in the community from FASNY member Eugene Perry. Pastore will be attending the University at Albany this upcoming fall, and plans to study homeland security. His long-term goal is to work for the federal government. He became a member of the Huntington Manor Fire Department when he began high school. He also has various family members who are members of the fire department as well.”"I have been around the fire department my entire life,” he said. “Commitment to community is a priority for me; it is part of who I am.” Pastore is one of 20 students chosen for this scholarship out of numerous applicants. - Fire News photo provided
Car Fire in West Hempstead
Firefighters in West Hempstead doused a car fire on Poplar Street near Hempstead Turnpike on December 1, 2017. Police were also on the scene and there were no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Greenlawn Hits Truck Fire The Greenlawn Fire Department was dispatched for a reported vehicle fire in the area between Hasty Lane and Jill Court on December 20, 2017. Under the command of Second Assistant Chief Angelo Santomauro assisted by Third Assistant Chief Pete Miller, an involved dump truck was found at the end of Hasty Lane. Engine 2-7-7 arrived and extinguished the fire. Engine 2-7-8 and Quint 2-7-2 provided additional support, as EMS 2-7-15 stood by. There were no injuries reported. - Fire News photo courtesy Greenlawn FD
Overturn in Roslyn On December 20, 2017, Roslyn Fire Companies responded to an MVA with overturn on Willis Avenue, south of the Long Island Expressway. Units found one car overturned and the occupant removed by Nassau County police. The driver was treated by Roslyn Rescue EMS and NCPD EAB. - Fire News photo by John Ippolito, Jr.
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Westbury Hosts Mall Drill The Westbury Fire Department hosted a multi-department drill at the Roosevelt Field Mall on the November 12, 2017. The drill, which was held in coordination with Simon Mall management and security, presented firefighters with the scenario of having a fire and smoke condition in various stores of the mall on more than one floor. In making the drill as realistic as possible dummies acting as victims were strategically placed throughout the wing of the mall in which firefighters were operating. The drill helped firefighters work on a variety of techniques. Also participating in the drill were Garden City, Carle Place, Mineola, Roslyn, Williston Park, and Hicksville. Nassau County Fire Communications also had their field communications unit on scene. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
Tree, Wires Down in Kings Park The Kings Park Fire Department and Suffolk Police responded to a PSEG was called to shut power off in the area so the fire could be tree and wires down and burning, which started a car fire on extinguished and scene deemed safe. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber Walnut Road on January 4, 2018. Firefighters were confronted with a primary wire brought down by a fallen tree and high winds.
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Red Knights Donate to Brookhaven The Red Knight Chapter 26 presented a check and Teddy bears to the Town of Brookhaven. - Fire News photo by Jim Brown
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like… Hicksville firefighters get into the holiday spirit decorating Station 1. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Nassau Firefighters Help Local Wounded Veterans In November, Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior gave out $9100 in King Kullen supermarket gift cards so that wounded and homeless wounded veterans would have food for the holiday season. The firefighters gave $7500 of the gift cards to those wounded veterans receiving treatment at the VA Hospital at Northport. Another $1600 in gift cards were given out to wounded and homeless veterans at a Freeport Stand-down. Of the $9100 in King Kullen gifts cards, the grocery company donated $600. (Right, top): Joseph Sledge, Senior Leadership Assistant for the VA at Northport (second from left) accepts the gift cards from NCFF-OWW Chairman Joe O’Grady of the Floral Park FD. Also in the photo (left to right) are ViceChairman Mike Kushner (Stewart Manor), Vice-Chairman Steve Grogan (Lynbrook), and Secretary Terrence Powderly (Bellerose). (Right, bottom): NCFF-OWW ViceChairman Steve Grogan hands out King Kullen gift cards to the homeless and wounded veterans at the Freeport Stand-down. - Fire News photos by NCFF-OWW
Roslyn Rescue Rocks for Wounded Warriors Each year the firefighters of Roslyn Rescue Fire Company sponsor Roslyn Rocks, a doo wop show, at Roslyn High School to raise funds for Nassau County Firefighter-Operation Wounded Warrior, which, for the past 13 years, have been helping our wounded servicemen and women. This year’s event in October raised $26,000. This was Roslyn Rescue’s eighth show for wounded warriors and they have raised over $160,000, all of which is used for our wounded warriors. (Left): the chairpersons of Roslyn Rescue's event, Betty and Henry Krukowski, present the check to NCFF-OWW Chairman Joe O’Grady (Floral Park FD) as (left to right) NCFF Vice-Chairman Steve Grogan (Lynbrook), NCFF-OWW Secretary Terrence Powderly (Bellerose), NCFF-OWW Vice Chairman Mike Kushner (Stewart Manor) join in. - Fire News photo by NCFF-OWW
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East Meadow High Rise Drill at NUMC
On November 12, 2017, all seven companies of the East Meadow Fire Department converged on the Nassau University Medical Center to participate in a large-scale high-rise fire simulation. Planned by the instructors of the EMFD Training Committee, the simulation was a reported fire on the 16th floor. The floor was used as a storage floor, so firefighters had access without disturbing the operation of the facility. At 0900 firefighters and medical technicians poured into the medical center in full gear. With Chief Joseph Lennon set up in the lobby to initiate East Meadow’s Incident Command Post, company officers began reporting in for briefings, getting appointed sector command positions, and instructions on deploying crews. Lennon was joined by Assistant Chiefs Phil Fertitta, Eric Becker and James Walsh, who took command roles. A true test of endurance and skill, the drill allowed firefighters first-hand participation in all levels of command, an opportunity to move 2-1/2 inch attack lines to a simulated upper-level fire, the ability to build resources of equipment and the extra manpower it would take to gain control of a fire, and most importantly, to carry out the written EMFD High Rise Plan currently in place. By 0945 it was announced that all objectives had been met, and members could begin the breakdown of hose, and the return of all equipment. Immediately following, personnel geared down and gathered for a brief review of the incident by the instructors of the Training Committee. Approximately 65 firefighters and EMTs put the plan to the test. - Fire News story by John J. O’Brien, Sr.; photos by Jay Zinger
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Sound Beach Visits Convent On December 20, 2017, members of the Sound Beach Fire Department made their annual visit to the Daughters of Wisdom Convent located within their district. The nuns were delighted to greet Santa and sing carols with their local emergency responders. - Fire News photo by Stefanie Handshaw
Long Beach FFs Make Christmas Memorable Late on December 19, 2017, a few firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department became aware of a Long Beach woman battling cancer who is expected to undergo a double mastectomy. In less than 24 hours members were able to provide a Christmas party for the family, which included food, gifts for the family of three, and a visit from Santa Claus. The party, which was held at Long Beach Fire Headquarters, was a success and was made possible, not only with the help of the fire department, but several businesses that rose to the occasion to brighten the holidays for this family. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
Monument to KIAs Unveiled Members of the Nassau County Fire Riders Motorcycle Club, North Bellmore Fire Department, Bellmore Fire Department and the Patriot Guard Riders came out to support John Benson from Troop 192 for the unveiling of his memorial monument in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Cold War, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and the war in Afghanistan. A job well done by John Benson. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
Dix Hills Fire District Breaks Ground on New Fire and Emergency Facility On December 11, 2017, the Dix Hills Fire District broke ground on initial construction of a major fire district improvement project. The ground-breaking ceremony was held at headquarters on East Deer Park Road. The new Dix Hills Fire District facility will be a permanent home for Company 2. Construction of the new facility is expected to be complete by summer 2018. “We’re a very busy department with a fast-growing volume of over 2,300 calls per year,” Chairman Feld explained. “The construction of a new Morton-type building combined with the modernization of headquarters, means that the expansion of fire and emergency services to meet community needs will be more efficiently and effectively achieved. Firefighter and emergency personnel safety and security will be similarly maximized, and we will also be able to better meet required OSHA and ADA compliance.” The firm of Bartlett, Amoruso an Recce, Architects PC, (Hauppauge) is providing architectural supervision with Rick Bartlett heading the project. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
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Montauk Holds ‘Seniors Holiday Dinner’ It was a big day at the Montauk firehouse, as the trucks moved out of the garage, so the dining tables could move in. Chief Vinnie Franzone and the entire Montauk Fire Department, along with the Montauk Lions Club, held their 38th Annual Montauk Seniors Holiday Dinner. Montauk Boy Scout Troop 136 assisted with serving. There was a free four-course dinner for each senior, including ham, turkey and all of the traditional trimmings. The musical atmosphere was provided by Sarah Conway and the Playful Souls. - Fire News photo by Richard Lewin
Ice Rescue Practice Volunteers of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department took to the icy waters of Quantuck Bay for an ice rescue drill. Firefighter Chad Lynch (yellow suit) is shown being hauled back to shore with his “victim” played by Captain Tom Glover. The firefighters were joined by members of the fire police and the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance Association. - Fire News photo courtesy Westhampton Beach FD
Hoboes 2017 Champs The Central Islip Fire Department Hoboes, 2017 New York State Motorized Drill Team Champions. - Fire News photo by Kimberly Murphy
West Hempstead Helps Santa On December 24, 2017, the West Hempstead Fire Department was called out to help Santa Claus make his rounds in town. - Fire News photo by Bill D’Alessandro
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Nassau County Parade and Drill Awards On November 10, 2017, the Nassau County Volunteer Firemen’s Parade and Drill Team Captains Association held its 49th annual installation and awards dinner at the Coral House in Baldwin. Teams and departments were on hand to receive awards for the parade and drill season. Congratulations to the Freeport Dead End Kids for their first place total points in the County Old Fashioned Drills and back-to-back State Old Fashioned Drill Team Awards. The West Hempstead Westerners took first place for total points in the County Motorized Awards. Hempstead Chief Scotty Clark from Hempstead (Yellow Hornets) received the Nassau County Life Award. -Fire News photos and story by Bill D’Alessandro
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Freeport Honors Richie Grempel Prior to the start of Freeport Hose 4’s December 2017 company meeting on December 5, 2017, Honorary Chief Richie ( or ‘Artie’) Grempel was honored and awarded for his 65 years of service to the Freeport Fire Department. Chief Grempel received awards from Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, who was present at the meeting, as well as the chiefs of the Freeport Fire Department and the officers of Patriot Hose Company No. 4. Also in attendance for this special occasion was Richie’s son Rick who went on to thank the company for everything they have done for his dad. The officers and members of Patriot Hose Company No. 4 wish Honorary Chief Grempel many more years of health and happiness and thank him for everything he has done and continues to do for the company. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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Huntington Chiefs Council Installation and Awards The Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs’ Council recently held their annual installation dinner at the Larkfeld Manor. Huntington Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia administered the oath of office to the Executive Board members: President John McDonough of Northport, First Vice-President Dan McConnell of Halesite, Second Vice-President Chuck Brady of Huntington Manor, Secretary Chris Ingwersen of Cold Spring Harbor, and Treasurer Gary Hontz of Eaton’s Neck. The Chief Todd Sammis Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Firefighter/EMT Jake Milliken of the Northport Fire Department. Milliken was recognized for his heroic actions at the Gunther’s Tap Room fire last May. Milliken spotted the fire while driving on Main Street, called in the alarm and assisted with the evacuation of residents living in apartments on the upper floors. - Fire News story and photos by Steve Silverman
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Some Tough Mudders In October 2017, five members of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department competed in the Tri-State Tough Mudder in Englishtown, New Jersey. The event consisted of a grueling 10-mile run with lots of mud and more than 20 obstacles to negotiate. With names like “Block Ness Monster” and “Everest 2.0” these obstacles demanded teamwork, endurance and dogged determination. All five of the department members completed the course unscathed in a little over four hours. The participating volunteers were Firefighters Paul Bugge, Bryan Hoffman, Paul Hoyle, and Kristen Gordon; and Lieutenant Jeff Wachenfeld. - Fire News photos by John Neely
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Northport FD Dedicates Memorial Monument
The Northport Fire Department recently dedicated a memorial monument at fire headquarters on Main Street. The department also buried a time capsule containing many historic artifacts and photos. The Honor Roll granite monument lists the names of deceased members since the department was founded in 1889. Members who passed away after 10 years of service or more or who have died in the Line of Duty are also included on the wall. Chief Brad Wine recognized ex-Chief Bruce Berglund and Firefighter Nick Prochilo for their work on designing and constructing the monument and presented them with gifts. In addition, Firefighter Bob Cross was recognized for the electrical work on the monument, and Firefighter Brett Jones for donating the flag pole, researching the names on the monument as well as photographing the monument during its construction. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
East Meadow Truck Fire On December 21, 2017, the East Meadow Fire Department received calls reporting a truck fire in the vicinity of Best Market. Engines 1 and 2, and Ladder 1 responded. First Assistant Chief Phil Fertitta arrived and requested PSE&G as the overhead wires were involved. He was then joined by 3rd Assistant Chief James Walsh. Engine 611 stretched an attack line off their tank water, while other firefighters stretched a five-inch line to a hydrant off Hempstead Turnpike. Within 10 minutes all visible fire had been knocked down. - Fire News story by John J. O’Brien, Sr.; photo by Jay Zinger
Northport Honors Bruce Berglund for 50 Years of Service The Northport Fire Department recently recognized ex-Chief Bruce Berglund for 50 years of outstanding and dedicated service. Berglund served as Chief from 1984 to 1986, and is still an active member of the department. Berglund received awards and honors from the State of New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Fireman’s Association of New York State, Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council and Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs Council. In addition, Berglund was presented with proclamations from the New York State Assembly, Suffolk County and Huntington Town. (From left, front row): Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, Second Assistant Chief Dennis Sheridan, Chief Brad Wine, Bruce Berglund, John McDonough, President of the Huntington Fire Chiefs Council, First Assistant Chief John Jacobsen, and Anthony LaFerrera, NYS Chiefs Director. (Back row): Huntington Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia, Assemblyman Andrew Raia and Jerry Owenburg, FASNY Trustee. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
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Good Luck to Montauk’s 2018 Officers Every New Year’s Day the Montauk Fire Department formally announces and swears in the officers for the new year. MFD Chief Vincent Franzone, First Assistant Chief David Ryan and Second Assistant Chief Mitchell ‘Mickey’ Valcich welcomed families and friends to congratulate and to celebrate. Montauk Fire District Commissioner (and ex-Chief) Richard Schoen did the swearing in. Joseph Dryer, Chairman of the Montauk Fire District Commissioners, took the oath from newly elected Commissioner James Wright. - Fire News photos by Richard Lewin
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Enjoy Retirement PO Dave Williams Congratulations to Port Jefferson ex-Chief and SCPD Police Officer Dave Williams on his retirement. Dave served for 25-plue years in the Suffolk County Police Department. He served in 6th Precinct, the SCPD Highway Unit, the SCPD Motor Carrier Unit and for the last 12years served with the SCPD Aviation Unit. Dave had the pleasure of being an instructor, teaching recruits about firefighting and the fire service. He was an integral part of the Suffolk County USAR team and represented the police department on SC-TF1. He was also an EMT evaluator at the police academy. Dave enjoyed giving lectures to many fire departments and chiefs associations about the SCPD Aviation Unit. Along with his 38-year service in the Port Jefferson Fire Department, PO and ex-Chief Williams can say he had a great career serving the communities in Suffolk County. In the future, Dave plans on working part time as a paid on-call firefighter for the Horry County Fire Department in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and he hopes to join the State USAR team in South Carolina. Good luck Dave, Long Island will miss you! - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Up Close & Personal
Ex-Captain Chuck Mackie and his daughter Firefighter Kaitlin Mackie of the Massapequa Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy
East Hampton Fire Department 2nd Assistant Chief Jamalia Hayes, with his young daughter Jay’La at the East Hampton Fire Department’s Open House on October 8, 2017. - Fire News photo by Michael Heller
Members of East Rockaway Ladder 403 on the scene of a house fire on Mildred Place. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography. com
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Brookhaven Tech Rescue Team Responds to Coram On December 11, 2017, the Coram Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported vehicle into house on Orleans Green. Upon arrival, commanding units were met with one car completely into the structure. The occupants of the vehicle fled the scene. Mutual aid was requested from the Selden Fire Department for their technical rescue team. Command requested a fire marshal and building inspector to the scene as well. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Overturn in Ronkonkoma On December 13, 2017, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for an MVA with overturn on Hawkins Avenue. Commanding units were met with a singlecar MVA overturn with no entrapment. Rescue 8 secured the vehicle and Suffolk County Police ESU righted the car. Command requested the Suffolk Water Authority to the scene due to a broken fire hydrant. The driver was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for his injuries via a Ronkonkoma Ambulance. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
Members of Kings Park Fire Department operating at the scene of a car fire on Walnut Road during a snowstorm on December 4, 2017. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Central Islip Fire Department Engine and Hose Co. 3 with Santa Claus on December 17, 2017. - Fire News photo by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit
Congratulations to the Locust Valley Fire Department and Hook and Ladder Company #1 for 125 years of serving the community. - Fire News photo by Danny Bittner, Jr.
The Westhampton Beach Fire Department Juniors and their advisors baked and decorated over 1700 cookies for widows/widowers, sick, infirm and elder members. - Fire News photo by Cody Hoyle
The Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance Kid’s Christmas Party committee of Tracy Martin, Kerry Everhart, Cody Hoyle, Kathy Hallock, Joe Sanders, Kathy Saintfussi and Shanise Pegues. - Fire News photo submitted by Cody Hoyle
Members of the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Co at their annual Santa Run on December 9, 2017. - Fire News photo by Frank La Bella
New Hyde Park Truck Company 175 and Floral Park Truck Company 123 exchanged holiday cheer at Christmas time. - Fire News photo by BC John J. Nykiel, FDNY
Members of the North Bellmore Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone
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HENDRICKSON AWARDED NEW YORK STATE TRAINING GRANT Hendrickson is pleased to announce it has been awarded a workforce training grant of $86,900 from the State of New York. The grant will allow Hendrickson employees to receive training that will keep the company on the forefront of evolving technologies and business practices. The award is part of the New York State Economic Development Grants, which are intended to enable companies to help their employees stay competitive in the global economy. “We are excited about the growth opportunity this presents for our staff and Hendrickson as a whole,” said Craig Probst, President of Hendrickson. The training, which will begin in early 2018, will include advanced technical training for fire apparatus and emergency equipment, Cummins Engines along with professional development in business management and processes. Hendrickson has a history of investing in its staff and the New York State grant is making it possible to take ongoing development to a new level. This is another critical step in positioning Hendrickson as the best-inclass provider of emergency vehicles and services.
FDSOA LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD TO SULLIVAN The joint session of the Fire Department Safety Officer Association’s Apparatus Symposium and Safety Forum, held January 17, 2018, in Scottsdale, began by recognizing a legend in roadway safety for the emergency services. Richard Maddox, chairman of the FDSOA board of directors, announced John ‘Jack’ Sullivan, director of training, Emergency Responder Safety Institute, the 2018 winner of the annual Dave Dodson Lifetime Service Award. “Jack Sullivan has been a member of the FDSOA for many years and served as trainer and instructor in highway incident safety to thousands and thousands of fire and EMS personnel across the country,” said Maddox. “He is passionate and committed to keeping emergency personnel safe while operating at highway incidents.” Sullivan is a career safety professional and subject matter expert on roadway incident operations and emergency responder safety. In 1972 Sullivan became a firefighter and EMS provider and over the course of 25 years served with fire departments in Paoli, Pennsylvania, Chesterfield County, Virginia, and Lionville, Pennsylvania. In 2001, Sullivan joined MC Innovations (MCI; www.mcinnovations.com) and is the Managing Partner of Loss Control
Innovations (LCI) a division of MCI. He also serves as Director of Training for the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (www.respondersafety.com). A frequent speaker at national and regional conferences, Sullivan shares specific, proactive strategies and tactics for protecting emergency workers from being struck by vehicles while working on or near roadways. Among his many qualifications, Sullivan is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a Professional Member of The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). In addition, he is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and the National Fire Protection Association. Sullivan has over 15 years of service as a Reservist and Adjunct Instructor for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). Currently, he is assigned to the Virginia Emergency Operations Center in Mission Tracking for the Virginia Emergency Support Team when deployed for declared disasters. In accepting his award, Sullivan stated the biggest hazards on roadways today are “D” drivers - drunk, distracted or drowsy. “Our training never included the fact that drivers would not be looking out the windshield,” he said.
F D S O A Chairman Maddox also recognized Grady North, EONE, who is retiring from the FDSOA Board of Directors. “One of the calmest people in the room, Grady North brought great expertise from the business world for our organization.” The FDSOA’s 31st Annual Apparatus Symposium and the 2019 Annual Health & Safety Forum will be held in Orlando, Florida, January 20 to 24, 2019, at the Wyndham-Orlando Resort on International Drive.
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Obituary
Centereach Mourns Ex-Chief Daniel Peluso
It is with deep regret and sadness the Centereach Fire Department announced the passing of Daniel Peluso ex-Chief and ex-Commissioner. Danny Peluso was a 32 year member of the department, joining in June 1985, as a member of Emergency Company 1 and later Engine Company 3. Danny worked for many years as a mechanic and would later work on the apparatus. He was very skilled with tools, especially with the extrication tools at MVAs. Danny was a skilled Instructor for newer members of the department and served many years on the training staff. He quickly rose through the ranks and was elected Lieutenant of Emergency Company starting in 1988 and later moving up to Captain from 1992 through 1994. He was elected an Assistant Chief in 1995 and served through 1997 when he was elected Chief of the Department in 1998 and 1999. He was elect-
ed Commissioner serving from 2001 to 2003 and again in 2015. Danny was also Vice-President of the Long Island Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians and was a Fire News contributor about emergency vehicles, as well. As dedicated a firefighter, he was even more dedicated to his family and friends. He married his wife Tracy in 1989 and has two children, Danny and Erin. Danny enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going on vacations, and playing and singing in his band. As serious as he could be in an emergency he could also give everyone a good laugh. We have not only lost a member of our department but of our family as well. We send the deepest sympathy, condolences and love to his family. Rest Easy Brother you will never be forgotten. -Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Obituary
Levittown’s Charles D. Giudice
Chief Charles D. Giudice, a 33-year member of the Levittown Fire Department and Engine Company 3 passed away on December 10, 2017. Charlie served as Engine Company 3 Secretary in 1992. From 1994 to 1996, he served a year as Second Lieutenant and two years as First Lieutenant. Charlie served as Captain of Engine Company 3 in 1997 and 1998. The Department elected Charlie to Third Deputy Chief in 2004 and 2005, Second Deputy Chief in 2006 and 2007, and First Deputy Chief in 2008 and 2009. Charlie was installed as the 34th Chief of the Levittown Fire Department. Charlie grew up in Rosedale, Queens. He and his wife Jayne married in March 1980. Charlie was a Construction Manager at Bancker Construction in Islandia. Charlie is survived by his wife Jayne and their three adult children, Matt (Shannon), Kristen and Christopher. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to: Nassau County Fire Fighters Burn Center Foundation, PO Box 246, Levittown, NY 11756; burncenterfoundation.org/main.htm. -Fire News photos by Kevin Imm
FireNews.com
Fire News, February 2018, Page 157
Obituary
Ridge’s Fred L. Meyer, Jr.
On November 15, 2017, Fred L. Meyer, Jr., a 40-year member, ex-Captain, and honorary Chief, of the Ridge Fire Department was interred at Calverton National Cemetery. Meyer died on November 11, 2017, at home at age 70. Firefighter Meyers reportedly died of 9/11 related cancer from spending time at Ground Zero in the days after the attack. - Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui
Page 160, Fire News, February 2018
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