February 2024
Volume LI, No. 6
See story on page 94. - Fire News photo by Tom Lambui
Fire News Welcomes all to the 2024 LI Metro Fire/EMS Expo See Us in the Lobby, Booths 8 & 9.
PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298
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Fire News, February 2024, Page 3
In this issue... Your Guide to the 2024 Metro Fire/EMS Expo Exhibitors List, Schedule of events, location map and more.
See story on page 4
Trench Collapse Fatality A trench collapses on a worker installing cesspool rings in Head of the Harbor. See story on page 24
Levittown Strip Mall Blaze Two days before Christmas, firefighters respond to a fire in a row of shops on Hempstead Turnpike. See story on page 56
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus CONTRIBUTORS: Vinny Ammirati, Ken Bradbury, Chris Brenner, Jeff Bressler, Kirk Candan, Amanda Coffey, Ed Coppa, Bill D’Alessandro, Jim Dunn, Larry Fox, Lee Genser, Bryan Gosik,Brian Grogan, Steve Grogan, Mike Guarino, Stephanie Handshaw, Robert Holley, Cody Hoyle, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Tom Lambui, Richard Lewin, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Kurt Ludwig, John Mancino, Paul Mazza, Lou Minutoli, Ron Monteleone, Michael Murphy, Charles A. Murphy, Mike Oppedisano, John Neely, Robert O’Rourk, Kevin Parkan, Tom Pesce, Kevin Peterson, Jerry Presta, Myles Quinn, Jim Rugen, Drew Silverman, Joe Sperber, Richard Stark, JoAnn Stephani, Brian Thomas, Ed Tuffy, Joe Virgilio, Steve Walsh COPYRIGHT 2024, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
SPECIAL SECTION This section concerns the legal and financial issues you and your departments in the fire and EMS service face today. See story on pages 76 to 93
Yearly Calendar of Events Nassau & Suffolk
FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext 3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com
Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:
Never have to say, “Aww, I wanted to go to that show!” again. See story pages 112 to 114
Obituaries Massapequa’s Stuart Paolino
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.
Pt. Lookout-Lido’s Peter Zaccaria Commack’s Lou Sollicito See story on pages 142, 143, 145
PLUS: Fire News You Can Use . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 40 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 120 Motley Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 130 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 138 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 144
51 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 51st year of publication. If you have any stories, photos and good memories from the past, please send them to LI@FireNews.com.
Page 4, Fire News, February 2024
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HANDS-ON TRAINING FORCIBLE ENTRY
February 2-4, 2024 Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, NY Hosted by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) & the Islip Town Fire/EMS Museum Educational Center
Presented by the Suffolk County Fire Academy In conjunction with the 2024 Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo Saturday, February 3 & Sunday, February 4 Session A: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Session B: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Registration (Pre-Registration Required by January 29): $150 per person (includes one ticket for entry to the Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo) No course prerequisites. Maximum 25 students per session.
SEMINARS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. "The First Line Goes Where?" Battalion Chief John Salka, Fire Department City of New York
EXHIBIT HOURS Friday, February 2: 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 3: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
EDUCATION HOURS Friday, February 2: 3:00 - 6:15 p.m. Saturday, February 3: 9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Sunday, February 4: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
EXHIBITORS LIST COMPANY/EXHIBIT BOOTHS 1st Responder News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 Affordable Drill Towers . . . . . .143, 145,147, 149 Aire-Deb Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239, 241 All American Awards & Uniforms, Inc. . . . . . .123 Alpine Software Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .441 American Nitrile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .636 American Red Cross - Long Island . . . . . . . .738 Armor Tuff Fire House Flooring . . . . . . .137, 139 ASI Fire/Rescue Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . .105, 107 Autogod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150 Bio Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Blood Borne Pathogen Services, Ltd. . . . . . .544 BOLT Rescue, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .539 Bryx, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .752 Certified Ambulance Group . . . . . . . . . .127, 129 Chief Fire & Safety Equipment . . . . . . .535, 537 Choice Marketing, Inc. & Choice Clean Gear, LLC . . . . . . . .726 Circul-Air Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350 Clean Air Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .638 Code 1 Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .413 Columbia Southern University . . . . . . . . . . . .712 Command Fire Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .754 CompX Security Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153 Comtech 2-Way Communications . . . . . . . . .748 The Cop Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .662 Cutco Cutlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334 Door Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .746 Eagle Emblems & Graphics . . . . . . . . . .732,734 East Coast Rescue Solutions . . . . . . . .331, 333 East Wind Long Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Emergency DECON Services . . . . . . . . . . . .424 Emergency Responder Products, LLC .614, 616 Emergency Services Insurance Program (ESIP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 4 EMSSHIRTS.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 13 ESI Equipment, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254 ESO Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .620 FDNY Emerald Society Pipes & Drums . . . . .111 FDNY Rescue 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Co., Inc. . . .124, 126 Fire News, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9 Fire Rescue Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 Fire Service Women of New York State, Inc. .724 Fire Soaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .434 Fire-EMS Safety Officers Association . . . . . .736 Fire-End & Croker Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . .240, 242 Firefighter Cancer Support Network . . . . . . . .10 Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) . .714, 716 Firefly Admin, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 Firehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .624 Firehouse Dolls, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728 Firehouse Payroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155 Firematic Supply Co., Inc. . . .30, 31, 32, 33, 34, . . . . . . . . . . . .102, 204, 304, 404, 504 Fisher Sportswear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Frank G. Relf, Architect, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . 442 Gabrielli Truck Sales . . . . . . . . . . . .354, Outside GBC Fundraising Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . .644 Geargrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .440 Gennaro Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .431 Get Hosed Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Gettin' Salty Apparel & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142 Grant Guys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101, 103 H2M Architects + Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . .234 Hang-Dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .730 Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment . . . . . .213, 216, 225, 226, 312, 313, 325, 326, 425 Hi-Tech Fire & Safety, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .432, 531 Holt & McArdle Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .744 Homes for Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .750
COMPANY/EXHIBIT BOOTHS Hyatt Regency Long Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . .339 ICommand Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 ImageTrend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .436 Island Chimney Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .337 Island Tech Services, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .642 Islip Town Fire/EMS Museum Educational Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Job Town Tools, MPW . . . . . . . . . . . . . .648, 650 KB Emblem Co., LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 Kussmaul Electronics Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .618 L.I. Proliner, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144, 244, 250, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .344, 444, Outside LeafFilter Gutter Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . .640 Lincoln Financial Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .533 Long Island Fire District Legislative Committee . . . . . . . . . .718 The LOSAP Group of RBC Wealth Management . . . . . . .626 M. Norris and Sons, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439 Medicine in Bad Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437 MES - Coastal Fire Systems . . . . . . . . .119, 121 Metropolitan Data Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .338 Middle Island Fire Department . . . . . . . . . . . .664 Millburn/Blendex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 MTA Long Island Rail Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Narclock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133, 135 Nassau County & Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Councils . . . . . . . . . . . .708 Nassau County Junior Firefighters . . . . . . . .740 Nationwide Instruction for Cardiovascular Education . . . . . . . .706 Neville Fleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .513, 526 New York Fire Book Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 New York Life Nassau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .720 New York State Association of Fire Chiefs . . .15 New York State Department of Health EMS Bureau . . . . . . . . . .336 New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .758, 760 Northwell Health Crisis Management - . . . . .117 Onspot of North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151 Penflex Actuarial Services, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Power Home Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335 Precision Art, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341 Promofect, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .762 Quick Med Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .438 Renewal by Andersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .756 Safe Fleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .433, 435 Safeware, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236, 238 Sagamore Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .532 Sandpebble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .646 Sendlewski Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .622 Slate Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710 SoundOff Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154 South Shore Fire & Safety . . . . . . . . . . .610, 612 Specialty Ambulance Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 Squad 51 History & Education Project . . . . .100 Stryker Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .538 Suffolk County Fire Safety Educators . . . . . .742 Suffolk County Firefighters Emerald Society . . .6 Sunset Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232 Tele-Lite, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Trend It Branding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 US Digital Designs by Honeywell . . . . . . . . .722 VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists . . . . . . . . . . .450, 454, 552 VESO Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120 VFIS/Hubbinette-Cowell Associates, Inc. . . .634 Viking ESP Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .332 Waterway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .541 Whelen Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .340, 342
5:15 - 6:45 p.m. "Basic Engine Company Operations" Lieutenant/Assistant Chief Gary Benedict, Fire Department City of New York/Baldwin Fire Department
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. "Whys, Wise, and Wisdom" Lieutenant Paul Haynes, Syracuse Fire Department 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. "Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Hazards and Response Tactics" Battalion Chief Brian Fink, Fire Department City of New York and Director of Risk & Response Anthony Natale, Fire & Risk Alliance 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. "Recruitment and Retention: Is that the Problem? Or Is it Leadership and Training?" Deputy Chief/Operations Chief Paul Melfi, City of Olean Fire Department 2:45 - 4:15 p.m. "Setting Up for Success" Battalion Chief Christopher Eysser, Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. "Creating a Modern and Innovative New York State EMS System" New York State EMS Director Ryan Greenberg, MBA, FACPE, NRP 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. "Elements of a Strong Peer Support Program" Captain Mary Jo Stuparich, Baldwin Fire Department
SEMINARS FOR JUNIORS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. "Stop the Bleed" Captain Robert Leone, Farmingdale Fire Department and Detective Michael Di Bartolo, New York City Police Department 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. "Narcan" Community Action for Social Justice 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. "Stop the Bleed" Captain Robert Leone, Farmingdale Fire Department and Detective Michael Di Bartolo, New York City Police Department Sunday, February 4 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. "Stop the Bleed" Captain Robert Leone, Farmingdale Fire Department and Detective Michael Di Bartolo, New York City Police Department 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. "Narcan" Community Action for Social Justice
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Stony Brook Heavy Rescue
On January 18, 2024, at 1821, the Stony Brook Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Route 347 and Stony Brook Road for an MVA with overturn and occupants trapped. Upon the arrival of Chief 30, he confirmed the overturn. The patient self-extricated. A portion of eastbound 347 was shut down, as SCPD ESU worked to get the vehicle upright. The patient was transported to the hospital in stable condition. - Fire News photo by Jeremy Walters
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Halesite Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast Halesite Fire Department’s Hose Rescue Company is hosting its 16th Annual Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast from 0900 to noon on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Please come down with your friends and family to support this fundraiser. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children three to 10 (KIDS UNDER 3 ARE FREE!). As in years past there will be exciting raffles including the ever popular “Lottery & Money Tree,” Islanders and Mets tickets, and the Super Bowl Snack Cooler! We will also have gift certificates to local restaurants and shops included in gift baskets. So kick-off your big gameday with a real WIN and join us for an all you can eat breakfast; we hope you’ll think it’s Super fun! - Dominic Spada, Chief of Department, Halesite FD
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Fire News, February 2024, Page 7
Seaford House Fire
On the night of December 20, 2023, the Seaford Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies, operated on the scene of a working fire on Parkview Avenue in the dead end off Boston Avenue. Firefighters stretched three handlines and put at least two into operation for a vehicle fire with extension into a two-story private dwelling. Firefighters had the main body of the fire quickly extinguished and were able to keep the fire from extending deep into the residence. The cause of the fire was under investigation and there were no reported injuries. Seaford First Assistant Chief Cottone 6801 had command of the incident until the arrival of Seaford Chief of Department Kern. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and Paul Mazza
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NEW FEATURE
Send info to Frank@FireNews.com
LI FIRE ASSOCIATION PURSUES BENEVOLENT FUND LAWSUIT By Doug Miller, Vice President, The Long Island Association of Fireman’s Benevolent Associations
The Long Island Association of Fireman’s Benevolent Associations continues its determined legal campaign to compel the New York State to overhaul and audit the foreign fire tax system. The association is now gearing up to file additional legal action in federal court, targeting major insurance companies involved in
the collection and distribution process. A commonly asked question is, “What do fire benevolent associations use this money for?” These funds tare used to assist volunteer firefighters who become medically disabled either during alarms or due to medical issues preventing them from responding. Given the inherent dangers of firefighting, injuries are not uncommon, and the benevolent steps into help cover expenses not covered by insurance or personal finances. The high costs associated with medical treatment and insurance pose a significant burden, especially considering that many volunteers lack complete medical insurance cover-
age or, in some cases, have no insurance at all. Achieving Class A status as a volunteer firefighter involves substantial financial investments and years of training. The commitment to 24/7 volunteer service would be financially unattainable if borne by tax dollars, making the benevolent associations instrumental in keeping members in service and available to respond to alarms.The Long Island Association of Fireman’s Benevolent Associations is also seeking restitution for past years. If a department is interested in obtaining information or joining this lawsuit contact Ed Chackmakian, www.chaklaw.com or via phone at 631-232-6600.
LONG ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE FIGHTING FOR YOU! Now in their 49th year the Long Island Fire District Legislative Committee continues to be a strong voice and advocate for important issues affecting the fire and EMS community in Nassau, Suffolk and beyond. They have been instrumental in getting the EMS Cost Recovery Act and the 25 Year EMS Retirement Bill passed in Albany. Stop by booth #718 at the Long Island Fire Expo on February 3rd and 4th at the Nassau Coliseum to find about more about their priorities for 2024, make a donation or become a member. New York Islander Butch Goring will host a “Meet & Greet” at their booth February 3 from noon to 1330.
2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES The Fire Service Alliance, consisting of Association of Fire Districts of the State of NY, FASNY, NYS Association of Fire Chiefs, The Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of NY, County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of NY, have announced their 2024 Issues of United Concern. Budget Items: • Improving Tax Benefits available to Volunteer firefighters. • Increasing the state income tax credit, which has been stagnant at $200 since 2006. • Amending 2006 language to remove an arbitrary prohibition on collection of both the state income tax credit and any local real property tax exemptions. • Combatting fire deaths by providing a sales tax exemption on home life safety products. • Provision of cost relief to underwriters related to administration of cancer coverage. Building Code-Related Initiatives • Adoption of 2024 Codes, including provisions for residential sprinklers. • Lithium-Ion Batteries: ensure responsible sale, use, and adequate training for emergency responders. • Continued emphasis on illegal conversions, restoration of mandated separations. Emergency Medical Services • Ensure maximum participation in Cost Recovery, continue (Continued on page 109)
See page 8 for details
ASSEMBLY BILL 7219 Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano is a co-sponsor of a bill in the State Legislature that will allow volunteers in the Fire/EMS to obtain credit for service if they are working in a public job. For every five years of voluntary service they put in, the new law would give them a year of credit in the public retirement system, up to a three-year limit.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE MARCH 2, 2024 The Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY) is pleased to offer the Ned Carter Memorial Scholarship Award for high school seniors. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by March 2, 2024. For more information and the application, go to: https:/www.afdsny.org/application.php.
SUFFOLK LEGISLATURE Under the leadership of Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey, Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness Committee Chairman Dominick Thorne, and several others, the fire service saw several beneficial resolutions including accepting the donation of a dog grooming bath and faucet from the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for use by Fire Marshal’s Office; an additional $125,000 for the Suffolk County Fire Academy (VEEB) and two new Fire Marshal I positions and more. With the help of Legislator Tom Donnelly, a former Deer Park Fire Commissioner, the allotment of $1.5 million for the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association & the Town of Babylon for the development of a museum to preserve the history of firefighting and rescue services in the First Division.
FEMA TEEN LEADERS WANTED 3/4/24 DEADLINE FEMA is accepting Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) applications from students grades 8 through 11 who want to make a positive impact on their communities. The council brings teens together from across the nation who are interested in community preparedness and looking to build leadership skills and networks that will feed their success.Applications must be submitted no later than March 4. New council members will be announced in June 2024. Learn more about the council and access the application materials at the Youth Preparedness Council page on FEMA.gov.
Page 12, Fire News, February 2024
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Nice Stop in Roosevelt
The Roosevelt Fire Department made q uick work of a detached garage fire on December 11, 2023, at 1035. A fast response from Roosevelt and mutual aid companies kept the damage to nearby exposures at a minimum. Pictured is the fire as seen from home directly behind the fire address on Henry Street only moments prior to the knockdown. - Fire News photos by Michael Conklin, K2MPhotography.com and FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, February 2024, Page 13
Fatality at Hicksville Fire The Hicksville Fire Department was alerted by Nassau County Firecom for a house fire with possible people trapped on Ninth Street at about 0610 on December 21, 2023. First arriving units encountered a fully involved house. Information about the house was there was a heavy clutter condition throughout. Engine 937 and Bethpage Ladder 4 arrived and started working. As crews advanced lines into the house and begin searches, a deceased person was found on the first floor. Due to deteriorating conditions and previous damage from a fire in June, Chief of Department Moskos had all members evacuate the house and went to an exterior operation. With numerous handlines and the master stream from Plainview Ladder 9533 the bulk of the fire was knocked down before members re-entered. Units were on scene several hours doing overhaul through the cluttered conditions. There were no other injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation. Chief of Department Moskos was in charge of the scene. Mutual aid came from Bethpage, Westbury, Plainview and Levittown. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and K2MPhotography.com
Massapequa House Fire
The Massapequa Fire Department was called to a house fire on Iroquois Street about 2320 on January 20, 2024. First Assistant Chief Friedland arrived to find that the electric service to the house dropped and was burning. Chief Friedland arrived and transmitted a working fire for fire showing from the exposure two side exterior, extending into a room on the exposure two-three corner of the single-story home. All searches were negative, and the occupants home at the time exited safely. Engine crews put two lines into operation to extinguish the fire and had it under control within an hour. Mutual aid came from Amityville and South Farmingdale. Units from Seaford and North Massapequa stood by. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Medford House Fire
On November 8, 2023, Medford crews responded for a house fire on Blackpine Drive. Suffolk Police and Stony Brook Ambulance also responded. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
Roslyn Landscaper’s Trailer Fire
Roslyn Fire companies made quick work of a landscaper’s trailer fire on the morning of December 13, 2023, in an apartment complex parking lot on Middleneck Road in the Flower Hill section of the district. Unit 598 under the command of Chief 5600 extinguished the fire. The landscaping company was able to disconnect their truck from the trailer before being damaged. This call was originally received as a house fire. - Fire News photo by Michael Conklin
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Fire News, February 2024, Page 17
Car Fire in Mt. Sinai
On November 22, 2023 A mid-size sedan erupted into flames just after passing through the gate at the entrance to Woodbridge Strathmore Terrace on Chippendale Drive near Plymouth Avenue.
The Mt. Sinai Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Andrew Samour, extinguished the blaze within minutes. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
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Westhampton Dunes House Fire The Westhampton Beach Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 800 block of Dune Road at 0846 on December 22, 2023. The alarm had been called in by a Westhampton Dunes constable on routine patrol. Chief Darryl Schunk activated the department’s mutual aid pre-plan. Chief Schunk and Second Assistant Chief Jeff Wachenfeld reported heavy smoke coming from the ground floor and garage. The crew of 7-8-1 and Second Assistant Chief Jeff Wachenfeld, were able to gain access to the unoccupied home through the garage door and the firefighters soon had water on the fire which was brought under control in about 15 minutes. At approximately 1015 the scene was turned over to the Suffolk County Fire Marshal. Mutual aid came from Eastport, East Quogue, Quogue and East Moriches; Flanders stood by. The Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance and the East Moriches Ambulance were also on scene as were the Westhampton Dunes and Westhampton Beach Village police departments. - Fire News story submitted by John Neely
Fire in Roslyn HVAC Mechanical Room On the morning of December 14, 2023, four units from the Roslyn Fire companies used one handline to extinguish smoldering insulation in the mechanical room of a single-story furniture store. The fire originally was received as an automatic alarm for Port Washington Boulevard in Flower Hill and was quickly upgraded to “smoke in the building.” The incident was brought under control in less than 15 minutes, but overhaul kept units on scene for over an hour. Damage was contained to the Mechanical Room. RHFCO ex-Chief Gannon was in command of operations. - Fire News photo by Michael Conklin
Baldwin Garage Fire
On the night of December 13, 2023, the Baldwin Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies, operated at a working fire on Grant Avenue off Exeter Street. Firefighters stretched two handlines and put at least one into operation for fire in a detached garage with extension to a second detached garage. The main body of the fire was quickly extinguished, and the cause of the fire was under investigation. One civilian was transported from the scene to an area hospital with unspecified injuries. All fire department units were under the command of Baldwin Chief of Department Dworsak. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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Rocky Point House Fire
East Islip House Fire Snuffed
On December 15, 2023, just after 1508, the Rocky Point Fire Department was toned out for a structure fire on Nymph Road, in Station 1’s area. Within seconds, Chief of Department McCarrick requested an engine from Sound Beach due to the alarm being a “no doubter.” Upon 30’s arrival, he observed heavy fire pushing out of the structure. An engine immediately tapped a hydrant and put a line into service. Company 1 Firefighter and nozzle-man S. McCabe was able to make an aggressive push and darken down the main body of the fire. Company 2 Firefighters B. Lattman, D. Russell and V. Trapani were able to gain access to the roof to begin ventilation. Mutual aid came from Sound Beach, Miller Place and Brookhaven National Lab. The homeowner was evaluated by EMS but was not transported. - Fire News photo by FirstDueFireMedia
On December 13, 2023, at 1648, the East Islip Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Pequot Lane. Apparatus 3-5-31 and 3-532 arrived and notified 3-5-30 of a working fire with fire in the garage. Unit 3-5-4 made a quick knockdown of the fire. Mutual aid was provided by Islip, Islip Terrace and Central Islip while Bay Shore and West Sayville stood by. The scene was under the command of Chief of Department Brian Scharfschwerdt, Jr. - Story by EIFD; photos by Rich Stark FC-49
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Nesconset Structure Fire At 1442 on December 22, 2023, the Nesconset Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Avalon Circle. First units arrived to fire showing on three floors and throughout multiple apartments. Engine 4-4-3 immediately placed two 1-3/4 inch handlines into service. The crews were pulled from the structure when the integrity of the roof and third floor deteriorated. After a period of defensive operations which knocked down the fire, crews re-entered to complete extinguishment. Units from the Smithtown, Nissequoge, St. James, Ronkonkoma, Lakeland, Kings Park, Centereach, Central Islip, and Hauppauge operated on scene. All units operated under the command of Assistant Chief Daniel Madden. - Submitted by the Nesconset Fire Department, Joseph C. Sperber and Chase Millwater
Page 24, Fire News, February 2024
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Fatality at Trench Collapse
On January 8, 2024, at approximately 1434, the St. James Fire Department was activated for a miscellaneous alarm on Piper Lane in Head of the Harbor for a male buried in a trench. St. James EMS was unable to make contact with the male and advised of a worker buried approximately 10 feet underground. The worker was digging in a trench to install a cesspool, when suddenly the dirt collapsed, crushing him and burying him. Suffolk County Police and Head of the Harbor Police arrived and requested ESU to the scene. St. James then reactivated the alarm for a technical rescue. Mutual aid was started from Nesconset and Setauket. At around 1454, command advised that the rescue was being switched to a recovery. After hours of digging, the victim was located at approximately 1809. Mutual aid was provided by East Islip, Smithtown, Nesconset, Nissequogue, Hagerman, Selden, Setauket and Stony Brook. The Huntington First Aid Squad and Stony Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps. provided additional EMS resources at the scene. Multiple fire coordinators and Suffolk OEM was also notified. Smithtown Park Rangers also assisted. - Fire News photos by Chase Millwater and K2MPhotography.com
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Setauket Attic Fire Snuffed
On January 6, 2024, at 2146, the Setauket Fire Department was dispatched to Old Field Road for an automatic fire alarm activation. The call came through the alarm company reporting the activated head to be an attic smoke detector. Upon the arrival of Chief 31, he reported active fire on the 2/3 corner. Contact with the homeowner s, who were not at home, was made, and they confirmed that the house was vacant. With the fire being in the attic,
there were some difficulties getting to it. Mutual aid came from Port Jefferson, Selden, Centereach, Terryville, Stony Brook, and Stony Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The fire was extinguished, and units were back in service in under three hours. The scene was turned over to the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshals and was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Jeremy Walters and Chase Millwater
East Meadow House Fire
In the early morning hours of January 6, 2024, the East Meadow Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies, operated at the scene of a working fire on Stephen Marc Lane off Richmond Road. Firefighters put multiple handlines and one master stream into operation for heavy fire and a minor collapse in a two-story split-
level private dwelling. All occupants made it safely out of the residence and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation. East Meadow Chief of Department Fertitta had the command. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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EV Fire Extends in Lindenhurst
The Lindenhurst Fire Department was alerted for a reported vehicle fire next to a building at Surfside 3 Marina on South Wellwood Avenue about 0045 on January 11, 2024. Suffolk County Police found a fully involved car and the side of the building on fire. Engine 1-6-1, Engine 1-6-6 and Ladder 1-6-4 arrived and the crew from 1-6-1 stretched the initial line. As the first line was operating, it was realized that what was burning was what was left of an EV (electrical vehicle). Engine 1-6-6 secured a hydrant and supplied 1-6-1. That crew then put a second line into operation. Ladder 1-6-4 set up in front of the building, and its crew went to the roof to check for extension and made entry into the building to do the same. The damage to the building was contained to the exterior. An SUV parked near the EV had heat damage to its paint. Although the fire was knocked down quickly, units were on scene about an hour and 45 minutes, operating both lines to cool the battery cells of the EV. A representative from the marina assisted with the use of a forklift to first lift the shell of the vehicle to give the lines access to the bottom of the vehicle, then flipped the vehicle completely over. The lines operated until it was deemed that the cells were cooled enough to shut down. There were no injuries. The Village of Lindenhurst Fire Marshal and Suffolk County Police Arson Squad were requested to investigate the cause of the fire. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
Multi Car Fires in Oceanside
In the late afternoon of January 8, 2024, the Oceanside Fire Department operated at the scene of a multiple-vehicle fire in the Sands Shopping Center on Long Beach Road off Mott Street. Firefighters put multiple handlines into operation to extinguish the fire which damaged as many as half a dozen vehicles. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire was under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Oceanside Chief of Department Michael Gress. - Fire News photos by K2Mphotography.com
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Wantagh Chimney Fire At approximately 1445 on December 31, 2023, Wantagh Fire Alarm received a single call for a chimney fire on Oxford Road in Wantagh. Assistant Chief William Van Leer arrived to fire on the second floor of a large two-story private dwelling. Chief of Department Tom Bloomfield assumed incident command. Wantagh engines stretched a hoseline to the second floor of the home. Firefighters from Engine 2 assisted in getting the first hoseline in position and then stretched a second line. A third line was also stretched to the exterior exposure by crews from Engines 693 and 697. Ladders arrived and their crews started conducting searches and ventilation operations as well as placing ladders around the house for access to the roof, as well as egress in the event of an emergency. The Wantagh FD EMS Squad was also on scene. The fire appeared to have originated in the vicinity of the chimney and extended to the second floor and attic. All visible fire was knocked down in approximately 20 minutes, This was Chief Bloomfield's last fire as Chief of Department as his eight years in the Chief’s Office came to an end at midnight and he had to leave for work immediately after this fire, ironically as a Firefighter with the FDNY. The officers and members of the department would like to thank Chief Bloomfield for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the department and community which we serve. He will be returning to Ladder 1, along with his brother, ex-Chief James Bloomfield who was his Command Post Aide for this incident and father, ex-Captain Pete Bloomfield, who was the chauffer of Ladder 1. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com, OverThe EdgePhotography.com and Paul Mazza; story by Kevin Regan, PIO
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Quick Work at Garden City Fire
Good Save at Hicksville Blaze
On the morning of January 5, 2024, the Garden City Fire Department responded to a house fire on Cathedral Avenue. Mutual aid came from West Hempstead and Franklin Square Munson. One line was stretched and all units were up in about 40 minutes. - Fire News photo by Bill D’Alessandro
On December 24, 2023, just after 1710, Hicksville Chief of Department Moskos came upon a smoke from a house on Maple Place and immediately notified dispatch to transmit a Signal 10 with reports of occupants trapped. While the department was being dispatched, Chief Moskos entered the house to search for the trapped occupants and was able to locate and assist the sole occupant to safety. Engine 935 stretched the initial line to begin extinguishing the fire on the first floor of the house. Three lines were stretched to extinguish the main body of fire with the assistance of crews from Bethpage, Westbury, Jericho, East Meadow and Syosset. The main body of fire was quickly knocked down and, after extensive overhaul, the scene was placed under control. The occupant assisted from the house was treated and released at the scene. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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Stubborn Car Fire Extinguished
Lynbrook firefighters under the command of Chief Danny Ambrosio extinguished a working car fire on Sunrise Highway on December 13, 2023, just after 1800. Vulcan Company 2 used one hoseline to attack the fire which had fully engulfed the vehicle. Engine Company 1 also responded and took the hydrant in Atria's parking lot and brought a
second line to attack the fire as the gas tank let go and burning gasoline flowed into the gutter. When the fire was finally extinguished truck company members overhauled what was left of the vehicle. Firefighters were on the scene for over an hour. - Fire News story by Steve Grogan; photos by Brian Grogan
Page 38, Fire News, February 2024
Islip Basement Fire
Shortly before 1700 on January 3, 2023, the Islip Fire Department was alerted for a residential structure fire on Mulberry Road. Responding units were advised that multiple calls were being received. Second Assistant Chief Joseph Ferrari arrived and confirmed smoke showing and an active basement fire in the two-story home. Engine 3-4-1 stretched the initial attack line down to the basement quickly knocking down the fire and containing it to the basement. All occupants were able to safely evacuate prior to arrival and one rabbit was removed from the second floor. Mutual aid came from East Islip, Bay Shore, Islip Terrace, Brentwood and Exchange Ambulance of the Islips. Units were under the command of Chief of Department Jared Gunst. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Arson Section and the Town of Islip Fire Marshal’s office but did not appear suspicious. - Fire News story by Islip FD; photo by Rich Stark FC-49
Fatality at Hempstead Basement Blaze
One occupant of a Hempstead home was killed in an early morning fire on Devon Road on November 13, 2023. Fire units arrived to find a smoky fire in the basement of the two-story home. A male victim was soon discovered but was unable to be saved. Fire marshals believe a space heater may have been the fire’s cause. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Lake Grove Kitchen Fire
On January 1, 2024 at approximately 1742, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on Magnolia Avenue, in Lake Grove. Arriving units were met with smoke showing from the home. The fire, discovered in the kitchen, was quickly knocked down. Searches revealed a dog in the home, which did not survive. Mutual aid
came from Lakeland, Holbrook, Nesconset, Centereach, Holtsville, Farmingville and Stony Brook. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Lake Grove Fire Marshal and Suffolk County Police Arson Squad. The fire was deemed accidental. - Fire News photo by Chase Millwater
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Up Close & Personal
East Meadow Chief Becker at a recent house fire in East Meadow. - Fire News photo by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
Members of Hempstead Truck 1 at a recent wetdown in Mineola. - Fire News photo by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
Plainview Chief of Department Rivera running command at a recent Plainview house fire. - Fire News photo by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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18 Displaced in Central Islip Blaze
On December 24, 2023, the Central Islip Fire Department was notified of a residential structure fire on Myrtle Avenue. With 3-7-30, Vincent Plotino in charge, units arrived to a two-story residence with a two-car attached garage converted into living space. Fire extended from the converted space to the main house and attic. Mutual aid came from East Islip, Hauppauge, East Brentwood, Lakeland and Brentwood; Islip Terrace covered. EMS coverage was provided by Central Islip Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance with assistance from Commack Volunteer Ambulance. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Additionally, a dog from the residence was transported to a veterinary hospital for evaluation. The American Red Cross was notified to assist 18 displaced residents from three separate families. - Fire News photos by Rich Stark FC-49, Ken Bradbury, Chase Millwater and Joseph C. Sperber
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North Bellmore House Fire
The North Bellmore Fire Department operated at a working house fire on Old Britton Road on January 19, 2024. Fire was evident on the exterior of the house but quickly extended into the two-story home. Wantagh Fire Department responded as the FAST. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Harry Loud
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Fatality at Melville House Fire The Melville Fire Department was alerted for a reported shed fire at a home on Wilmington Drive about 0440 on December 26, 2023. According to a Suffolk County Police statement, there was a sudden explosion from the shed which, within seconds had fire jump to the large single-story home and cause a partial roof collapse. During the operation, neighbors reported seeing the homeowner’s dogs outside on Christmas but had not seen the homeowner. Crews put five handlines and one master stream into operation to knock down the fire in about an hour. Due to the collapse, searches were hampered and the Town of Huntington was requested to the scene with an excavator to take down the house and remove sections of the roof to assist in searching for the unaccounted-for resident. During the searches, a deceased male was found in the home. Some units remained on scene into the morning. There were no other reported injuries. Mutual aid to the scene was provided by Dix Hills, Huntington Manor, Farmingdale, Deer Park, East Farmingdale and Wyandanch. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Deli Fire Extends in West Babylon
The North Babylon Fire Company was alerted for a reported building fire on Little East Neck Road about 1740 on December 28, 2023. First Assistant Chief Alt and 3rd Assistant Chief DeAngelis arrived and advised Babylon Central Fire Alarm that the fire was in West Babylon’s district. West Babylon was initially activated for a dual response engine, which then changed to a full department response. Crews arrived to heavy smoke showing from the twostory, mixed-occupancy building. With the arrival of additional engines, at least two more hydrants were secured on both sides of Little East Neck Road. Engine crews pushed the initial line into the building and located fire in the rear of the deli. That line made good progress, but was eventually pulled from the building as the fire had extended into a rear storage area and two adjoining storefronts and was burning between multiple layers of roofs making it difficult to get to the seat of the fire. Several handlines and master streams were used to fight the fire for several hours. The Town of Babylon was requested for an excavator to knock down the rear of the building where several collapses occurred. The last units left the scene about 0045. Mutual aid came from East Farmingdale, Wyandanch, West Islip, Deer Park, Babylon, North Lindenhurst and Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza, www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com and Joseph C. Sperber
Page 50, Fire News, February 2024
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Hicksville Working Fire
Late on the morning of December 23, 2023, the Hicksville Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies, operated on the scene of a working fire on Jerusalem Avenue off West Cherry Street. Firefighters put at least two handlines into operation for a fire in the basement of a 2-1/2 story, peaked roof, private dwelling. The fire
managed to extend to the floors above; however, firefighters had the fire quickly extinguished. The cause of the fire was under investigation and there were no reported injuries. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, February 2024, Page 51
Pt. Lookout-Lido Handle House Fire
Roslyn Commercial Kitchen Fire
The Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on December 21, 2023. Arriving companies discovered a fire in the rear of the home on Leamington Street which had already extended to the interior. Mutual aid units were alerted for assistance to the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
The Roslyn Fire companies, assisted by a Mineola FAST made quick work of a commercial kitchen fire on December 29, 2023, at the Prime 1024 restaurant on Northern Boulevard near Port Washington Boulevard. Firefighters used three extinguishers, the AES system and a handline to extinguish the blaze which started in a fryer and extended into the duct work. Northern Boulevard was closed for an hour during of the incident. - Fire News photo by Michael Conklin
Page 52, Fire News, February 2024
Oceanside Working Fire
On December 24, 2023, at approximately 2010, the Oceanside Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on Chance Drive. First Assistant Chief Gress to arrived to heavy fire from the second floor and side of a two-story house. Engine 248 and Ladder 2442 began the initial attack, stretching a line into the house and locating the main body of fire. With the arrival of additional crews, at least three lines were placed into operation to extinguish the main body of fire and protect the adjacent exposure, which received heat damage. With the assistance of crews from Island Park, Long Beach, Baldwin, Rockville Centre and Lynbrook, the fire was placed under control in approximately 45 minutes with crews continuing to overhaul the structure. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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Restaurant Roof Fire in Wantagh
At approximately 1500 on January 2, 2024, the Wantagh Fire Department was alerted for a building fire at Simply Greekalicious on Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh. Third Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann arrived and was told that workers were making repairs to the roof and possibly caused a fire. Engine 1 with Lieutenant Dolley in charge was followed in by Engine 7 who stood by a hydrant and were led by Lieutenant Pat Maher. They were followed by Ladder 2 and Ladder 1 with Captain Alexis Avolio and ex-Captain Nick Finocchio in charge. Both truck companies raised their ladders to the roof as a hose was stretched from Engine 1. Members worked to remove layers of roofing material to expose and extinguish burning plywood and support beams. The fire was extinguished quickly and overhaul continued for a short time. All fire department operations were completed in approximately 35 minutes. The Town of Hempstead Building Department and the Nassau County Board of Health were notified and responded to the scene. - Fire News story and photos submitted by Kevin Regan, PIO
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Copiague Car Fire
The Copiague Fire Department was alerted for a vehicle fire at East Riviera Drive and East Minerva Road about 1045 on January 10, 2024. Chief of Department Miller, Engines 1-3-5, 1-3-10 Ambulance 1-3-27 and First Responder 1-3-80 responded. Engine 1-3-5 found the engine compartment of a compact car on fire. That crew put one line into operation and had the fire extinguished in a few minutes. The driver of the vehicle was not injured. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Hempstead Clubhouse Fire
On December 22, 2023, just after 1600, the Hempstead Fire Department was dispatched to a building fire at the intersection of James LL Burrell Boulevard and Westbury Boulevard. Chief of Department Joyce was quickly en route and advised by Fire Alarm Central that there was an active fire in the kitchen. Engine 5 stretched the initial line to quickly knock down the main body of fire. With the assistance of crews from West Hempstead, Uniondale and Rockville Centre, the fire was placed under control in under 30 minutes with overhaul conducted by crews on scene. - Fire News photos by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
Levittown Strip Mall Fire Stopped
On the morning of December 23, 2023, the Levittown Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies, operated at the scene of a working fire on Hempstead Turnpike off Gardiners Avenue. Firefighters put at least two of handlines into operation for fire in a single-story taxpayer. The main body of fire was in a vacant nail salon with extension to an adjacent florist. Due to an aggressive
attack by the units on scene, other businesses within the row of stores were spared from significant damage. The cause of the fire was under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Levittown Chief of Department Herold. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and John Scalesi
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Fire in the Walls in Freeport
The Freeport Fire Department operated at a working house fire on Smith Street on November 30, 2023. The blaze may have started on the exterior but extended into the home requiring extensive opening up of several walls. The Roosevelt Fire Department responded as the FAST. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND
HazMat Call in East Islip
In the afternoon of December 11, 2023, the Town of Islip HazMat Team was called for an investigation on East Madison Street in East Islip for a compromised and unknown acid container. Mike Allen (HM-1) was greeted by the homeowner who allowed him access to the container in the basement. HM-1 assessed the bottle and requested a full team callout to identify the acid and take proper actions. Upon arrival and donning of proper protective equipment, the HazMat Team made entry and it was determined that the acid was picric acid which, among other characteristic, is more explosive that TNT. The acid crystallized and the team had to stop all operations and evaluate the options for mitigation. It was determined that one member would enter the structure and
give a saline bath to the cap of the acid container so it would be able to be opened safely. After evaluating further, The Babylon Town HazMat Team was called to provide sodium bicarbonate which neutralizes acid. The acid was then carefully placed into water with the sodium bicarbonate to breakdown the crystals and render it safe. Islip Exchange Ambulance was called to the scene for evaluation of all members who entered the home. The Suffolk County Decon Strike Team was also requested to assist with the removal of the suits and decon of the members and scene. Mutual aid came from Islip Terrace. All units were back in service in about six hours. - Fire News photos by Jack McNamara
Bay Shore Car into Home
A car attempting to exit the westbound Southern State Parkway onto Spur Drive North and Fifth Avenue in Bay Shore crashed through the front of a home on December 16, 2023, at 1020. The car caused substantial damage but, luckily, all occupants of the home
were uninjured. One female was sleeping in the room where the car crashed. The Brentwood Fire Department, Suffolk Police and Town of Islip Fire Marshal and Building Department were all on scene investigating. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
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Centereach MVA Rollover
On December 25, 2023, at approximately 1606, the Centereach Fire Department responded to an MVA with reported overturn, vehicle fire and entrapment at Holbrook Road and Sanford Road in Centereach. Units arrived on scene to find one overturned vehicle. No fire or entrapment was found and patients were able to selfextricate. Units discovered a utility pole cracked at the base from the high impact crash. Patients were transported to a local hospital with injuries. - Fire News photo by Chase Millwater
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Levittown MVA
Units responded to a two-car accident at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue and Sprucewood Drive in Levittown. The driver of one car was injured and the passenger of the other was also injured. The driver of the second car was RMA. The accident occurred on January 3, 2023, around, 1230 and brought units of the Wantagh Fire Department as well as Nassau Police ESU to the scene. ESU dragged one car from the other to allow firefighters to gain access to the injured. They were taken to Nassau University Medical Center by Rescue 2 and a police ambulance. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Page 62, Fire News, February 2024
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5 Injured in Garden City MVA
On December 3, 2023, at approximately 1620, the Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported MVA with entrapment at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Garden Street. Third Assistant Chief Roeper confirmed a two-car MVA with occupants trapped and the vehicle on its side. With Rescue 146 en route, Chief Roeper made access through the windshield of the vehicle and with the assistance of 1st Assistant Chief Taunton and Garden City Police, extricated the trapped occupants in the overturned vehicle. At least five patients were transported from the scene by NYU Langone EMS and Nassau County Police Ambulance. The scene was turned over to Garden City Police for further investigation. - Fire News photos by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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Garden City MVA Garden City firefighters and village police were on the scene of an MVA on Rockaway Avenue near Merillon Avenue on December 16, 2023. There were no serious injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Middle Island Single Car MVA On November 21, 2023, a single-car crash closed Longwood Road in both directions. The crash occurred around noon on Longwood Road, just east of the Longwood High School, when the driver lost control and struck a telephone pole, cracking the pole at its base. The female driver of the vehicle was injured and taken to the hospital via ambulance. The Suffolk Police and Middle Island Fire Department responded. It was unclear if any power was out in the area, but the pole needed to be replaced. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
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Turkey Day MVA in Levittown
Three persons were injured in a two- car accident at the intersection of Old Jerusalem Road and Wantagh Avenue in Levittown, on November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day) at about 1300. Wantagh firefighters and medics secured the cars and treated the injured.
One of the injured was RMA while the other two were transported to Nassau University Medical Center by Rescue 2. None of the injuries were considered life threatening. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
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Brentwood 2-Car Collision The Brentwood Fire Department and Brentwood Legion Ambulance responded to a two-car MVA at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Heywood Street in Brentwood on January 10, 2024, at 0615. Two vehicles collided at the intersection injuring both drivers. Washington Avenue was closed to local traffic until the vehicles and debris were removed from the roadway. Local flooding was present in the area. Brentwood Legion ambulance transported the injured to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
New Year’s Eve MVA A New Year’s Eve 2023 MVA injured one person and left one RMA at the intersection of Old Jerusalem Road and Wantagh Avenue in Levittown. The accident occurred around 1900 as Wantagh firefighters were leaving Station 2 after a prior alarm. They secured the cars as medics stabilized and treated the injured. The aided was taken to Nassau County Medical Center by Rescue 2. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
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Carle Place MVA The Carle Place Fire Department was dispatched to a two-vehicle accident with rollover on December 22, 2023, at Cherry Lane at Asbury Avenue. There were no serious injuries reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
MCI in Selden … Kiwis the Culprit On December 12, 2023, at approximately 1414, the Selden Fire Department was activated for an EMS alarm on Hawkins Road at the Hawkins Path Elementary School in Selden. The call was activated as an allergic reaction. Units arrived to find six patients. An MCI was declared and the Centereach Fire Department was activated for an additional ambulance. It was discovered that students ingested kiwis, causing the mass reaction. All patients were transported to nearby hospitals. - Fire News photo by Chase Millwater
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Selden MVA On December 15, 2023, at 1815, the Selden Fire Department was dispatched for an MVA at the intersection of Middle Country Road and Highview Drive involving a pickup and a sedan. Selden members extricated victims who were transported to a hospital. - Fire News photos by Vinny Ammirati
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Mastic Beach Car/School Bus MVA
The left lane of the southbound William Floyd Parkway was closed as a result of a vehicle crash involving a school bus and a car in Mastic Beach. At least one person was injured. Parkview Drive was closed in both directions as well. The Suffolk Police, Mastic Beach Fire Department and Mastic Beach Ambulance responded to the scene. - Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui
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Kings Park Holds Garage Fire At 0658 on November 22, 2023, the Kings Park Fire Department was dispatched to a garage fire on Pulaski Road. Unit 4-1-30 arrived to smoke showing shortly thereafter. Engine 4 arrived and secured a water source and stretched a 13/4 inch attack line. The fire was kept from any extension into the building. - Fire News photo by Evan Rolla
Terryville House Fire
On November 11, 2023, at approximately 1856, the Terryville Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on Miller Avenue in Terryville. Terryville Chief 31 was the first chief out on the road and arrived to smoke showing. It was discovered that there was a singlestory home with an exposure on the 2 side with fire in the walls, spreading throughout the attic. Terryville Engine 12 stretched a line and Truck 4 set up its bucket. The fire was knocked down quickly.
A second line was stretched through the front door. Searches of the home revealed cats inside; three were rescued. Multiple departments were activated for mutual aid including Selden, Coram, Centereach, Setauket, Port Jefferson and Mount Sinai. The alarm was placed under control at 1921. The scene was then handed over to the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal's Office for investigation. - Fire News photos by Chase Millwater
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Tax and Retirement In many communities across America, firefighters put their time, effort, and frequently their own money towards supporting their communities. However, the demands placed on personnel are only increasing, including costs and time for training, certification, etc. Furthermore, the hazards of the job have only been exacerbated by COVID-19, civil unrest, active shooter incidents, climate change, and more. All of this has contributed to the already challenging problem of recruiting and retaining fire and emergency services personnel.
Summary: A permanent extension of the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) was passed as part of the FY2021 appropriations package.
Consolidated Appropriations Act – Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA)
Status: The bill became P.L.116-260.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Summary: This major tax reform legislation includes changes to Length of Service Award Programs (LOSAPs). Specifically, it increased the cap on allowable annual contributions into LOSAPs from $3,000 to $6,000 and established a mechanism for the cap to be raised over time with inflation.
Tax and retirement incentives, in addition to non-monetary benefits, can significantly aid fire and emergency service recruitment and retention initiatives. CFSI supports various tax and retirement incentives that can help address recruitment and retention challenges.
Past Legislation
from federal taxation.
Background: VRIPA exempts from federal taxation certain incentives that volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel receive for their work. Specifically, it exempts property tax benefits and/or up to $600 per year of other benefit types
Background: The current cap was established in 1996 and had not been adjusted since. A LOSAP is a type of retirement account in which many volunteer emergency responders are enrolled. Many communities provide modest financial incentives to their volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to boost recruitment and retention and LOSAP is one of the most popular benefits. Status: The bill became P.L.115-97.
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Secure Act 2.0
A Few New Rules All First Responders Should Know As we close the book on 2023, and begin a new year there are a few things that all first responders should know as it relates to their short- and long-term financial decisions. In 2020 the government passed the Secure Act which had many sweeping changes for people with investment and retirement accounts. In the beginning of 2023, some of the rules were tweaked and a few more snuck in. The changes, for the most part, were designed to help tax payers and savers. Here are a few highlights: 1. Required minimum distributions will now start later. For many years RMD needed to be taken at age 70 1/2. The first secure act pushed that to 72. Secure Act 2.0 made it age 73 effective immediately. By 2033 the age will be 75. 2. Catch up contributions for retirement accounts for people between the ages of 60-63 have gone from $7500 to $10,000 in 2024. 3. The government will now allow a onetime penalty free withdrawal of $1000 for emergency expenses. Unless the money is paid back you will have to wait three (3) years before making another withdrawal. 4. Student loan repayments can be
matched in retirement accounts. Starting in 2024 Employers making matching contributions to a retirement plan, a 401K for example, can make that payment toward a qualified student loan payment. 5. Auto enrollment in company retirement plans will be mandatory in 2025 for all new 401K and 403B plans except for companies with 10 or fewer employees. 6. Rollovers from 529 plans to Roth accounts are now allowed. For many years parents and grandparents were always wondering what to do with 529 College Savings accounts if the child does not use all the money. While there was always a way to make use of the money now there is a new option many may find appealing. Beneficiaries of a 529 plan can now rollover up to $35,000 over their lifetime to a Roth IRA. This is providing the Roth account is 15 years old, the beneficiary has earned income and deposits are limited to $7500 per year. This is a great way to get a young investor on the path to a successful retirement. These are some of the highlights of the Secure Act 2.0. There is more information
available but remember just because the changes are designed to help the general investing community, not everything will work for everyone and some things may not benefit you as well as you hoped they might. Please consult your accountant or financial advisor before acting. Make sure you make well informed before using any of these shiny new toys. Michael Hartzman, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is the President of Lebenthal Financial Services Inc., located at 500 Broadway, Suite 238, Jericho; 516-349-5555.
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VFBL Coverage for 16- & 17-Year-Old Volunteer Firefighters As the fire service prioritizes recruitment efforts, many fire districts look to a new, younger generation of members and future leadership development. It is an important tradition and process to ensure that the fire service will continue to evolve and meet the needs of our communities. As the recruitment of young volunteer firefighters develops, we must understand and prepare for the coming challenges. Our friends at FASNY have published a great article and overview on the issues to consider when recruiting younger members (minors) as volunteer firefighters, which you can read by visiting www.fasny.com/magazine_articles/volunteer-firefighting-and-junior- firefighters-what-your-department-should-know. The purpose of this communication from Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Co. Inc. is to clarify how to ensure your 16- and 17-yearold volunteer firefighters are covered under VFBL. First, for an individual in the fire service to be covered, they must be categorized as an “Active Member.” Other sub-categories such as RAM's, Probationary Members, Cadets, and Junior Members must be defined as “Active Members” and written into the fire district's bylaws. They may also have restrictive duties. The fire district bylaws should clearly define and explain their status to have coverage under VFBL. If 16- and 17-year-olds are NOT defined as “Active Members” in the fire district's bylaws, then they are NOT covered under the VFBL. The NYS Attorney General states that child labor laws apply to all minors (under age 18). However, labor law does not exclude a person aged 16 or 17 from being an "Active Member" of their fire district. It is also essential that you understand the definition and use of the word “youth.” Across NYS, there are fire districts that successfully maintain well-managed youth programs. These are considered “Non-Active Duty”volunteer members. These programs are provided for under General
Municipal Law section 204b. They include Explorer scouts and others. These “youths” must not be permitted to participate in emergencies or any hazardous activities. “youths” are NOT covered by the VFBL. The fire district must be familiar with federal and NYS child labor Laws for compliance. The fire district should check its other insurance policies for any coverage exclusions for “youths.” There may be some medical coverage for “youths” if the fire district has purchased an Accident policy like many youth sports teams. These words and definitions matter in NYS and the Workers’ Compensation Board for VFBL coverage to apply. Check your fire district's bylaws for granting appropriate “Active Member” status to your 16- and 17-year-old volunteer firefighters as described above. Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Co. Inc. (fdmny.com) serves to protect those who protect us! Together with our network of insurance broker partners, we are available to help answer your questions and concerns. Feel free to contact us and thank you for your business and support.
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Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Fire Department/Ambulance Service Would you go to a foot doctor for your heart condition? Of course not! Then why would you ever hire an attorney who has little if any background representing fire districts, fire departments or ambulance services? In New York State, attorneys are not allowed to state that they "specialize" in any one area of practice. For that reason, prospective clients may assume that all attorneys are capable of representing clients in any type of matter. Unfortunately, that is not true. A fire district, fire department and ambulance service are complex entities and the rules that govern them are often very different than other types of municipalities and corporations. They are regulated by numerous state and federal laws, rules and regulations. The failure to get the right advice can result in serious fines, penalties, loss of lawsuits and other dilemmas. When interviewing an attorney for your fire district, fire department or ambulance service, you need to ask the candidate what experience and knowledge they have in the
numerous areas of law. One suggestion we often make to fire districts seeking an attorney is to ask the candidates if they can explain the “statutory spending limit” or detail the discipline process under General Municipal Law § 209-l. If they cannot provide a detailed explanation of these two complicated, but common issues, are they actually qualified to represent you? Here is a “short” list of issues which any attorney representing a fire district or fire department must significant experience? • Municipal issues, including: o Fire District Laws (Town Law Sections 171-184) o Village Law Article 10 o General Municipal Law o Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law o Drafting policies and procedures o Personnel issues, including discrimination, harassment and bullying o Conflicts of Interest o Municipal finance including: Bidding, Bonding and Contracting
o OSHA/PESH regulations o NFPA o Length of Service Award Programs o Volunteer Firefighters Benefit Laws o Prevailing Wage laws o Referendums: mandatory and permissive (Continued on page 93)
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Exempt Status of Volunteer Fire Departments and Companies Recently we have noticed that many fire companies no longer want to be under the control of the department and are separately incorporating. It is very important that these newly formed companies properly apply for recognition of an exempt organization from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS website provides the following information regarding fire companies: “A volunteer fire company or similar organization may be exempt as a social welfare organization if its members are actively engaged in fire fighting and similar disaster assistance, whether it actually owns the fire fighting equipment, and whether it provides any assistance for its members, such as death and medical benefits in case of injury to them. If an organization does not have an independent social purpose,
such as providing recreational facilities for members, it may be exempt under section 501(c)(3).” Many fire departments, fire companies and benevolence funds are organized as 501(c)(4) entities. It is important to note that the IRS has
“...an organization that intends to be described in Section 501(c)(4) must notify the IRS within 60 days of its formation. A fee of $50 must be submitted with the registration to complete an organization's notification.” issued final rules regarding organizations that desire to be recognized as exempt under 501(c)(4). Previously, fire departments, civic leagues and welfare organizations were not required to specifically file for exemption from taxes. Organizations could “deem” themselves a 501(c)(4) and begin operations as an exempt organization. In the past there was little pressure from the IRS to force these organi(Continued on page 93)
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What’s the Deal With the New Supplemental Spousal Law?
By Jacob Keiffert Service Award Specialist with Hometown Firefighter & EMS Services Auto Coverage Specialist with Hometown Insurance Agency of Long Island, Inc. We’re all aware that when you are involved in an auto accident with another party and they are deemed to be at fault, the
other party is liable to pay the damages incurred to you due to their negligence. If the other party has an auto insurance policy, those damages are paid out of their liability coverage. As of August 1, 2023, legislation went into effect that requires insurers to automatically include supplemental spousal liability coverage on all auto insurance policies in the state of New York. So what exactly does this mean? Supplemental spousal liability insurance is a special endorsement that provides bodily injury liability coverage in the event that your spouse is responsible for an accident and you, as a passenger, are injured as a result. Put simply, if one spouse causes an accident due to their negligent driving, the other spouse is able to collect compensation from his or her own insurance company due to the driving
spouse’s responsibility for the accident. Yes, you can sue your spouse. And although that may seem counterintuitive, the fact is that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries just like anyone else involved in a car accident. Many carriers like Travelers, Progressive, and Hartford already include this coverage in their policies at no additional cost. If you are insured by one of these carriers your premiums will not be affected by this law. Other carriers such as Plymouth Rock and Utica National had previously included this coverage as an optional endorsement only. So if (Continued on page 93)
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Quelling the Fears About an EMS Billing Program By Mark C. Gentile, President, Certified Ambulance Group, Inc. A year ago, the New York State Assembly passed legislation that allowed Fire Departments to recoup the costs of providing Emergency Medical Services in their Primary Service Area. While many Fire Departments have begun charging for EMS, others still fear an EMS Billing program. Yes, EMS Billing is complicated. Yes, if not done correctly, it can have a negative impact. However, many assets are available to ensure every fire department that elects to move forward with a billing program will be compliant. EMS billing is not a new concept in New York. Non-Fire Department EMS Providers have been charging for EMS services for decades. They have laid the groundwork for the Fire Service since the insurance industry is already accustomed to EMS agencies billing for service. Based on this history, the fear of the community or the healthcare industry accepting a billing program has been significantly reduced. Setting up a billing program can be a significant amount of work. Applying for Provider Numbers is one of the most significant challenges. Contracting out the billing process may be the best option for many departments. Billing Companies, ALS
Providers, or even the local municipal government can provide the expertise to obtain the provider numbers without a substantial cost to the department. Another significant hurdle in many departments starting a billing program is the potential negative impact such a program may have on their community. The foundation of many fire departments across New York is those living within the borders. We never had to send them a bill for service before. Why should we risk our reputation, or even our friendships, to send them an invoice for service now? The solution to this problem is public relations. This includes print media, social media, and in-person meetings to ensure the transparency of the billing program with the public. You want to limit the negative impacts by explaining the program before submitting the first bill. Keeping the billing program within your own organization allows the fire department to maintain control of the program. One of the leading detractors of EMS billing in New York was the lack of a direct pay system between the insurance industry and the EMS Provider. The recent legislation requiring insurance companies to make direct payments to EMS Providers has finally been signed into law by Governor Hochul and is set to take effect January 1, 2025. We must
wait another year for the implementation, but the benefits allow for a more communityfriendly billing approach. Although a billing program can be complicated and has potential consequences, many remedies make these programs successful. EMS Billing for volunteer and municipal services has flourished in New York State and across the nation for decades. The Fire Service in New York may be late for the EMS Billing party, but working with the appropriate industry leaders will simplify the process, protect your community image, and provide a stable funding source, now and in the future. Mark Gentile has worked in the emergency services community for over three decades. Starting as an EMT in 1987, he currently serves as a Deputy Chief in the Rocky Hill Fire Department in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Mark has worked in all aspects of the fire service and pre-hospital care, from local volunteer services to county programs to career fire departments. Based on his experience and education, Mark has a complete understanding of the needs of emergency providers. In 2007, Mark took the reigns of the familyowned and operated EMS Billing Company, Certified Ambulance Group. To this day, the company remains an industry leader in the EMS billing field.
22 Years and Still at Risk By Barasch & McGarry Today, more than 22 years after 9/11, firefighters who responded to Ground Zero are still at risk of 69 types of cancer and many severe respiratory illnesses. Thanks to the Zadroga Act, our heroes have the right to free health care and substantial compensation for 9/11-related illnesses. The tax-free awards are based on pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members. You have the right to claim the maximum compensation award for your illness - your award will not reduce the amount available for anyone else. Barasch & McGarry represents nearly 5,000 firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer or respiratory illness. We proudly joined responders and firefighter unions in the fight for the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Our experienced team of attorneys knows how to navigate the process of enrolling in the health program, registering with the compensation fund, and securing the maximum award for which you are eligible. The compensation fund requires proof of presence in the exposure zone south of Canal Street in Manhattan. We can help you
establish presence by collecting employment records and affidavits from colleagues. The fund provides tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and Wrongful Death benefits for surviving spouses and family members. In addition, we know when your initial award should be higher, and by how much. We have helped many clients secure additional compensation by amending their claim or appealing the award decision. Even if you previously received an award from the Victim Compensation Fund, you are eligible to file a claim if you are later diagnosed with another 9/11 illness. Generally, the process of submitting a claim and receiving an award lasts more than a year and a half. An amendment or appeal often requires another year. But if you are at risk of losing your home or are diagnosed with a terminal illness, we can pursue an expedited review of your claim. For example, Barasch & McGarry represented a retired firefighter who responded to Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. While there, he was exposed to toxins that resulted in several illnesses, (Continued on page 91)
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22 Years and Still at Risk (Continued from previous page) including lymphoma. Tragically, the lymphoma metastasized, and doctors confirmed that his condition was terminal. In his initial claim, the firefighter received an award of $20,000 for his non-cancerous conditions. After he was diagnosed with multiple cancers, we amended the claim, and the award was increased to $300,000. Although this award was consistent with other awards for lymphoma, we knew that the pain and suffering he endured demanded the maximum award available by law, $340,000. We immediately filed a request for the Victim Compensation Fund to expedite an appeal. Only six days later, the fund conducted an appeal hearing. A week later, the compensation fund increased the award to $340,000. Their decision arrived just in time, as the firefighter passed away only one day after his revised award letter was issued. No amount of compensation will ever fully reflect anyone's suffering or loss of life. But in his final hours, he had peace of mind knowing his family was financially secure, and his daughter would be entitled to additional compensation through a Wrongful Death claim on his behalf. We sincerely hope you never find yourself in this situation. But we are prepared to help you, if that unfortunate need should ever arise. Barasch & McGarry represents more than 35,000 members of the 9/11 community, including nearly 5,000 firefighters. If you have any questions, I invite you to visit our website at wtcfire.com or call 800210-3603.
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Kings Park Bedroom Fire
At 0934 on January 9, 2024, Smithtown Fire Rescue Communications dispatched the Kings Park Fire Department to a residential structure fire on Phyllis Court. Upon arrival, Chief of Department Frank Pino confirmed a smoke condition and advised first-due Engine 4-1-1 to stretch a line. A working fire was
transmitted for fire in a bedroom, bringing in mutual aid from Smithtown. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire without incident. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Evan Rolla
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Exempt Status of Volunteer Fire Departments and Companies (Continued from page 84) zations to formally obtain recognition. This has all changed. Now a 501(c)(4) entity is required to electronically file Form 8976 Notice of Intent to Operate Under Section 501(c)(4). In general, an organization that intends to be described in Section 501(c)(4) must notify the IRS within 60 days of its formation. A fee of $50 must be submitted with the registration to complete an organization's notification. If the fee is not submitted a reminder notice is sent. If the fee is not paid within 14 days, the form will be rejected. Organizations complete Form 8976 only once. However, they must file annual information returns or notices (e.g., Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N) depending on total assets and gross receipts. It is important to note that if an exempt organization does not file these forms for three consecutive years the IRS could strip the organization's exempt status. In addition to submitting Form 8976, organizations operating as 501(c)(4) organizations may also still choose to file Form 1024A, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, to receive a determination letter of their exempt status. Submission of Form
1024-A does not relieve an organization of the requirement to submit Form 8976. There are certain exceptions to the notification requirement. Organizations that filed a Form 990 (or, if eligible, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-N) or a Form 1024 seeking a determination letter recognizing exemption under Section 501(c)(4) on or before July 8, 2016, are not required to file the notification. Remember that donations to volunteer fire companies are tax deductible as charitable contributions on the donor's federal income tax return, provided the donation is made for exclusively public purposes. If your fire department, fire company or benevolence association needs assistance with tax compliance please feel free to contact Robert Craig at rcraig@cfmllp.com or by calling our office at (631) 360-1400 Ext. 303. Robert ('Bob') R. Craig is the Managing Partner of Craig, Fitzsimmons & Meyer, LLP. Bob is the executive responsible for the administration of our Firm's not-for-profit and governmental practice. With over 35 years in public practice, Bob has developed comprehensive and practical experience providing audit and consulting services for small
local governments of all sizes, with a specific emphasis on serving the fire service industry. For over 35 years, Bob has been a continual member in good standing of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA). Currently, Bob serves as the Co-Chair of the Employee Benefits Committee and is the Vice Chair of the NYSSCPA's Small Firms Practice Management Committee. Bob has lectured at the AFDSNY Leadership Summit and Vendor Expo and taught Governmental Financial Reporting classes on internal controls and fraud prevention for the Government Finance Institute of the NYS Government Finance Officers' Association. Bob authored numerous articles on internal controls and tax and regulatory issues affecting small local governments and not-forprofit organizations, which have been published in various trade publications. Bob's knowledge and industry-specific experience will enable any fire district, fire department, fire company or benevolence association to benefit from his ability to understand the taxation issues, accounting needs, and financial concerns your organization regularly faces.
Choosing the Right Attorney (Continued from page 82) o o o o
State Environmental Quality Review Act First Amendment issues Fourth Amendment issues Personnel issues, including significant experience with the Labor Law and Civil Service Laws o Construction Law experience • Fire Department/Company issues: o Familiarity with firefighting procedures, vehicles and equipment o Discipline o Not-for-Profit Corporation Law o Tax exempt (501c3) issues Fire Departments providing ambulance services have their own complex set of laws, rules and regulations, which an attorney seeking to represent you must understand, including" o Public Health Law/Article 30 o Certificates of Need/Ambulance Service Certificates o Ambulance billing o HIPAA Compliance o Medicare/Medicaid o Corporate Billing Compliance o Narcotics administration and safety o Advanced Life Support services and intercepts Yes, this is actually a "short list" of knowledge that an attorney must have to be competent to represent a fire district, fire department or ambulance service. When interviewing your next attorney, you have the right to ask about their knowledge and experience in these and other issues! Authored by: Bradley M. Pinsky. Mr. Pinsky is an
atttorney with the Pinsky Law Group, PLLC, a law firm that represents hundreds of fire districts, fire departments and ambulance services throughout New York State, New Jersey and other states. He has over 30 years experience in the fire and EMS services, including four years as Fire Chief. He has authored three legal manuals for the fire service. You can learn more about his firm at www.pinskylaw.com.
What’s the Deal With the New Supplemental Spousal Law? (Continued from page 87) you are insured by one of those carriers, you should expect to see a slight increase in your premium when you renew as a result of the added coverage requirement. Note that supplemental spousal liability coverage will be included on all auto policies, whether you are married or not. If you wish to opt out, you must decline the coverage explicitly in writing (ask your agent for a waiver). If you do decide to opt out of this coverage because you do not have a spouse or for any other reason, you could see an annual savings of between $20-$80. This is probably a good time to review your auto policy to be sure it has everything you need to protect you and nothing you don’t. Call Hometown at 631-589-2929 and let us take a look. It will cost you nothing to call and the review could even save you money.
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Cover Story
Recycling Plant Blaze in Medford On November 30, 2023, numerous departments were called out for a fire at the Gershow Recycling Yard on Peconic Avenue in Medford. Numerous tower ladders and handlines were used to bring the blaze under control, as was machinery at the site such as grapplers and pay-loaders. - Fire News photos by Tom Lambui
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MVA with Fire in North Merrick On the morning of January 16, 2024, the North Merrick Fire Department operated at the scene of an MVA with fire on Merrick Avenue at Briar Road. There were two vehicles involved, both of which caught fire. Neither driver was trapped, and both were transported from the scene to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. All fire department units were under the command of North Merrick First Assistant Chief Daniel Fasano. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
Fast Stop in Hempstead
On December 22, 2023, just before 0045, the Hempstead Fire Department was dispatched to an automatic alarm on Newman Court. Chief of Department Joyce was quickly on the road and advised that calls were being received for smoke in the building and an active fire. Engine 4 stretched the initial line into the building to quickly knock down the main body of fire. With the assistance of crews from Uniondale, Rockville Centre and West Hempstead, the fire was quickly placed under control. - Fire News photos by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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Busy Night for Roslyn
Middle Island Single-Car MVA
Roslyn fire companies responded to three separate MVAs on the Service Road of the LIE in a 30-minute span on December 21, 2023. The accidents all occurred between 2010 and 2035. Ambulances from the Williston Park and the NCPD Ambulance Bureau assisted Roslyn in treating five aided. Pictured is an accident with overturn at Roslyn Road and the North Service Road. Units 565 and 598 handled this incident assisted by an NCPD Ambulance. - Fire News photo by Michael Conklin
On November 21, 2023, a single-car crash closed Longwood Road in both directions. The crash occurred around noon just east of Longwood High School, when the driver lost control and struck a telephone pole, cracking the pole at its base. The female driver was injured and taken to the hospital via ambulance. Suffolk Police and the Middle Island Fire Department responded. It was unclear if any power was out in the area, but the pole needed to be replaced. - Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui
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District Line MVA
The West Babylon Fire Department and East Farmingdale Fire Company were both alerted for an MVA with reported overturn and car fire at about 1950 on January 14, 2024, on the eastbound Southern State Parkway near Exit 36 on the border of the two districts. West Babylon units arrived to find a four-car accident with an SUV on its side, a smaller SUV with driver-side damage and a sedan which caught fire after the collision. A fourth vehicle was further down the parkway. Engine 1-9-6 and its crew put one line into operation to extinguish the fire in a few minutes. There were only two injuries, and those patients were taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital by Ambulances 1-9-23 and 1-5-8. The incident was in West Babylon’s district. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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SUV into Apartment in North Amityville The North Amityville Fire Company was alerted for an MVA with a car into a building at the Nu Horizons Manor apartment complex on Casatta Drive about 1510 on January 15, 2024. Heavy Rescue 1-7-5 arrived and found an SUV which had crashed into the front of a first-floor apartment. Crews made entry into the apartment through a window and assisted a resident out. Chief Henry requested the Town of Babylon TRT Matrix be activated for a possible shoring operation. East Farmingdale, West Babylon and Amityville also responded. Crews assessed the damage to the building and concluded that it did not need to be shored up. The vehicle was removed by winch. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Merrick 99th Installation The Merrick Fire Department held its 99th annual installation dinner on the night of January 13, 2024. Ex-Chief Ronald Luparello was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening which began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Empire Hose Company 3 Captain Zak Nash, and was followed by the Invocation. During the program, the department’s newest ex-Chief Thomas Basso was recognized for his time served in office. Several members of the department were awarded for their actions in helping aid a downed firefighter at a Merrick house fire in July 2023, and ex-Chief John Fabian was honored for 50 years of service. Also, the line officers and chief officers of the Merrick Fire Department were installed by New York State Senator Steve Rhoads. Leading the Merrick Fire Department will be Second Assistant Chief Frank Montana, First Assistant Chief Ronnie J. Gies, and the Department’s 100th Chief of Department Joseph Miner. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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2 Organizations for Same Cause Under South Farmingdale FD The Executive Council of Firemanic Associations of Nassau County has two members in the same department. President Edmund Schmidt leads the South Shore Fireman’s Association and 1st Vice-President Richard Bylicki leads the Nassau County Association of Fire Districts. Both are long time members of the South Farmingdale Fire Department, with a combined 116 years of firefighting experience. There are five firematic organization (Nassau County Association of Fire Districts, Nassau County Association of Fire Chief’s, South Shore Firemans Association, North Shore Firemans’s Association and Nassau Fireman’s Association) involved for the same common cause. The Executive Council fields input from the five organizations to foster the common goal of improving fire safety for members and broaching ideas to our political electees to implement the ideas. This Executive Council made history by having two members from different firematic organizations, but the same fire department, fighting for the same causes of NYS laws for firefighter safety. Edmund Schmidt Edmund is retired from Rockville Centre Electric. He was the senior power plant operator for over 30 years. He served as past president of the South Shore Fireman’s Association, 1st VP of the Nassau County Association member of Southern New York Association. He is currently President of Executive Council of
Firematic Associations of Nassau County and a member of Nassau County, NYS and Town of Babylon Fire Police organizations. He is 65 years old and still active regarding firefighter safety issues. Richard Bylicki Richard is a retired Supervisor from NYPD. His last couple of years he was detailed out of NYPD to the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, mostly working on city-wide disaster plans for NYC and its surrounding
counties. After leaving the NYPD, he became the Deputy Commissioner of Nassau County, Office of Emergency Management and eventually Acting Commissioner. He was the former Chief of Department at South Farmingdale Fire Department and served 16-plus years as South Farmingdale Fire Commissioner and is still involved with County, State and LI Legislative Committees to ensure the safety and wellbeing of NYS firefighters with necessary legislative bills being submitted to become laws in New York State.
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Montauk Officers for 2024
Keeping to tradition, on New Year’s Day the Montauk Fire Department (MFD) announced the roster of officers for 2024. Montauk Fire District Commissioner, and MFD ex-Chief Richard Schoen officially swore in the officers of the six companies. Company 1: Captain Joe McDonald and Lieutenant Mike Groen. Company 2: Captain Thom Fleming and Lieutenant Heather
Matthews. Company 3: Captain Robert Gosman and Lieutenant David Ryan. Company 4: Captain Ellen Cooke, Lieutenant Sue Farnham and Lieutenant Rob Rosen. Company 5: Captain Mike Martinsen and Lieutenant Dave Marmeno. Company 6: Captain Ed Ecker, Jr.; and Lieutenant Dick White. - Fire News photos by Richard Lewin
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Freezing Temps at Brentwood Fire
Just before 0330 on January 18, 2024, the Brentwood Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire on Oakridge Drive in North Bay Shore. Second Assistant Chief Boyle arrived to smoke showing from a two-story shed that was converted into a living space. Firefighters from Ladder 8 and Engine 3
stretched a handline to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control about an hour later. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Evan Rolla and Paul Mazza
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West Hempstead Kitchen Fire
The West Hempstead Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire on Elm Street on December 28, 2023. A fire in the oven spread to the adjacent cabinets and caused a heavy smoke condition in the home. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the home vented. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES (Continued from page 10) education campaign around, and work to justify an elimination or extension of the 2025 “sunset clause” included in original passage. At present, the sunset clause is restricting participation in the program. • Designation of EMS as an Essential Service, which would require municipalities to provide it to their residents in a reliable manner and would create a minimum standard of care through regional and state EMS councils
Recruitment and Retention: • Ensure maximum participation in DHSES training stipend program and ensure it is reviewed. • Allow for “reimbursements for reasonable expenses incurred” at the discretion of Authorities Having Jurisdiction. • Achieve parity for VFBL to level of Worker’s Compensation. • Development and support of “Peer to Peer” counseling programs for first responders.
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Red Knights Donate to Burn Foundation On October 22, 2024, the Red Knights Motorcycle Club held their annual fundraiser ride for the Nassau County Burn Center. Thanks to the kindness of many motorcycle enthusiasts, they were able to raise $4,500 for the Nassau County Burn Center Foundation. At the Garden City Senior Center they presented the foundation with the check. Red Knights President Frank Wakely handed over the check at the holiday event held. (Left to right): Alan Shields - 2nd Vice President Red Knights Motorcycle Club (MC); Bill Niewender - 1st Vice President of the Red Knights MC; Frank Wakely President of the Red Knights MC; Tom Gaffney of the Nassau County Burn Center Foundation; and Amy Panks of the Nassau County Burn Center Foundation. At the annual holiday party all the presidents from the four Long Island Chapters were on hand for the presentation. (Left to right): Edward ‘Buddy’ Hauser - President Chapter 20; Mark ‘Boomer’ Stark President Chapter 25; Frank ‘Budman’ Wakely - President Chapter 43; and Jim ‘Merlin’ Brown - President Chapter 26. - Fire News photos provided
2024 NASSAU & SUFFOLK COUNTIES FIRE & EMS CALENDAR
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FEBRUARY 2/2 to 2/4 ......LI Fire & EMS Expo 2/14................VALENTINE'S DAY 2/15................Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County - General Meeting 2/16................Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council - Center Moriches FD @ 7p 2/19................PRESIDENT'S DAY 2/20................Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - East Islip FD @ 7p 2/28................CHIEF'S & COMMISSIONERS MEETING - @ South Country VAC MARCH 3/2..................SC Districts Installation Dinner - Villa Lombardi's @ 7pm 3/8..................SC Fire Chiefs Council Meeting - Bayport FD @ 7p 3/10................DAYLIGHT SAVINGS 3/15................Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council - Blue Point FD @ 7p 3/17................ST. PATRICK'S DAY 3/19................Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - Hauppauge FD @ 7p 3/22................SC Chiefs Scholarship Seminar @ SCCC Brentwood 3/26................SCVFA Meeting - Bayport FD @ 7p 3/29................GOOD FRIDAY 3/31................EASTER APRIL 4/15 to 4/20 ..FDIC 4/16................Islip town Fire Chiefs Council - Holbrook FD @ 7p 4/18................Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County - General Meeting 4/19................Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council - Bellport FD @ 7p 4/28................Brookhaven Districts / Chiefs Brunch @ Sunset Manor 4/29 to 4/30 ..CFSI (Continued on next page)
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2024 NASSAU & SUFFOLK COUNTIES FIRE & EMS CALENDAR
MAY 5/5..................SCVFA - Memorial Day 5/10................SC Fire Chiefs Council Meeting - Brookhaven FD @ 7p 5/11................Tech Rescue @ SC Fire Academy 5/12................MOTHER'S DAY 5/17................Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council - Centereach FD @ 7p 5/21................Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - Islip FD @ 7p 5/27................MEMORIAL DAY 5/28................SCVFA Meeting - Holbrook FD @ 7p 5/30 to 6/2 ....NYS Tech Rescue Conference JUNE 6/1..................Lindenhurst Invitational Drill 6/8..................North Bellmore Invitational Drill 6/12 to 6/15 ..New York State Chiefs Expo @ Syracuse 6/14................Town of Brookhaven Drill 6/15................Baldwin Hybrid Drill 6/16................FATHER'S DAY 6/18................Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - Islip Terrace FD @ 7p 6/19................JUNETEENTH 6/20................Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County - General Meeting 6/21................Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council - Coram FD @ 7p 6/29................Selden Invitational Drill JULY 7/3..................Joe Hunter Memorial Drill 7/4..................INDEPENDENCE DAY 7/12................SC Fire Chiefs Council Meeting - Deer Park FD @ 7p 7/13................Suffolk County Drill 7/19................Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - TBD 2 7p 7/25................SCVFA Meeting - Smithtown FD @ 7p 7/27................Central Islip Invitational Drill AUGUST 8/3..................Hempstead Invitational Drill 8/10................2nd Battalion Drill 8/13................NYS Championship Parade & Drill 8/23................Town of Islip Drill 8/31................Hagerman Labor Day Drill
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2024 NASSAU & SUFFOLK COUNTIES FIRE & EMS CALENDAR
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SEPTEMBER 9/2..................LABOR DAY 9/2..................West Hempstead Labor Day Drill 9/6..................Town of Babylon Drill 9/11................PATRIOT'S DAY 9/13................SC Fire Chiefs Council Meeting - Mattituck FD @ 7p 9/17................Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - Lakeland FD @ 7p 9/20................Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council - Eastport FD @ 7p 9/24................SCVFA Meeting - Selden FD @ 7p 9/28................Nassau County FF Museum - Antique Muster OCTOBER 10/5................Islip Fire & EMS Museum - Chili Cook Off 10/14..............COLUMBUS DAY 10/17..............Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County - General Meeting 10/18..............Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council - Farmingville FD @ 7p 10/19 to 10/22 Vital Signs EMS Expo 10/20 to 10/24 NYS Districts - Turning Stone 10/22..............Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - Sayville FD 2 7p 10/27..............Islip Chief's Brunch @ Capt. Bills @ 11a 10/31..............HALLOWEEN NOVEMBER 11/1 to 11/3 ....Joey D Seminar 11/3................DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS 11/5................ELECTION DAY 11/5 to 11/17 ..Firehouse Expo 11/8................SC Fire Chiefs Council Meeting - Medford FD @ 7pm 11/10..............SC Fire Chief's Brunch - Capt. Bills @ 1130a 11/11 ..............VETERANS DAY 11/15..............Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council Gordon Heights FD 2 7p 11/19..............Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council - West Islip FD @ 7p 11/28..............THANKSGIVING DECEMBER 12/7................PEARL HARBOR DAY 12/10..............FIRE DISTRICT ELECTIONS 12/19..............Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County - General Meeting 12/25..............CHRISTMAS 12/31..............NEW YEARS EVE
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Car into House … Almost
The South Farmingdale Fire Department and Nassau County Police responded to an MVA which sent the vehicle across the lawn of a house and onto the front steps. The vehicle stopped before hitting the house. The crew from 979 secured the vehicles and checked
to see if there was any damage to the house. Two people from the vehicles were injured and transported to a local hospital by Ambulance 977 and a Nassau County Police Ambulance. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Suffolk County FFs Emerald Society Dinner
The Suffolk County Firefighters Emerald Society held their bi-annual dinner and dance on November 11, 2023, hosted by the Central Islip Fire Department. President Billy Theis (Terryville Fire Department) presented awards to the 2021 and 2023 honorees, who received their awards in front of numerous family members, friends and representatives from their departments. Donald Lynch (Smithtown FD) was awarded the 2021 Irishman of the Year recognizing his service as the Chief Fire Marshal at Suffolk County Fire Rescue, the numerous programs he has administered in his career and his prior service as an ATF Accelerant Detection Canine handler. Michael Mooney (Hauppauge FD) received the 2023 Irishman of the Year citing his 25-year career in law enforcement and his 50-plus years of distinguished service as a member, Chief Officer and Commissioner in Hauppauge. He also serves in the Smithtown and Suffolk County Chiefs Councils and the Fire Districts Associations. Justin Barry (Riverhead FD) was presented the Larry Williams Award for Valor for his actions as a Lieutenant with the Ever Ready Engine Company 3 and recognition as the Riverhead Town's Employee of the Year for 2022 Christopher Ciaccio (Commack FD) was awarded the Brennan-Schrang Award for Valor for his actions as an Assistant Chief in the search and successful rescue of two individuals at an early morning structural fire. The Harold Lally Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed to Steve Frano for his 50 years of active service with the Westhampton Beach FD, his career in law enforcement with the Town and Village, and his continued community service. The first ever Dennis Whittam Achievement Awards for Volunteerism was presented to Warren Holtje for his over 62 years of service as a Member, Officer, Chief Officer and Commissioner in Hauppauge. He remains active and serves as the President of the Islip Town Firefighters Museum and he is a member of various town and County Fire Service organizations. - Fire News photos by Myles Quinn
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Fire Chiefs’ Council of Suffolk County
The Fire Chiefs Council of Suffolk County held their Annual Installation Brunch on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Captain Bills in Bay Shore. Nicholas Luparella of the Riverhead Fire Department was sworn in as President for 2024 by Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. The officers were sworn in by County Comptroller John Kennedy. The officers for 2024 are First Vice-President Michael Barry (Medford FD), Second Vice-President Kevin Fitzpatrick (Smithtown FD), Sergeant-at-Arms Robert Macaluso (Deer Park FD), Treasurer Irene Bodkin (Ocean Bay Park FD), Recording Secretary Michael Verni (Brookhaven FD) and Recording Secretary Robert Craine (Nissequogue FD). Chief Donald Corkery received the Rick Van de Kieft Award for going above and beyond for the community and the Suffolk County Fire Service. Chief Anthony Cruz was awarded the Chief of the Year Award for his distinguished service with the Smithtown Fire Department and as President of the Suffolk County Fire and EMS Cancer Support network. - Fire News photos by Myles Quinn
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Wantagh Gives Santa a Hand Wantagh Fire Department members were very busy lately helping Santa on his appointed rounds before Christmas. On December 12, 2023, members from Engine 7 and other first responders escorted Santa to NYU-Langone Hospital in Mineola to deliver toys for the hospital’s child life department. The event was organized by our friends at Project Thank A Cop, and the toys will be given to hospitalized children throughout the year. On December 16, 2023, members from Station 2 delivered toys to the John Theissen Children Foundation which were donated by our members who placed them in drop boxes at Stations 1 and 2. The toys will be distributed to sick and needy children. The men and women of the Wantagh Fire Department are happy and proud to support these and so many other organizations throughout the year. - Fire News photos submitted by Kevin Regan, PIO, Wantagh FD
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Long Island Legislative Committee On January 3, 2024, the Long Island Fire Districts Legislative Committee met at the Terryville Fire Department. The meeting was well attended by elected officials, union representatives and numerous committee members from both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The newly elected officers lead the meeting with Billy Theis, Chairman (Suffolk), Fred Senti, Vice Chairman (Nassau), John Dolezal, Treasurer, (Suffolk) and Rick Bylicki, Secretary, (Nassau). The Board lead the committee in giving a round of applause for the outgoing Chairman, Dr. Peter Olson, for a job well done the past two years. The committee looks forward to a busy and successful year lobbying our state and local government officials for important legislation for our Fire and EMS services. The Committee is still accepting memberships for the Political Action Committee, known as the “Flameout PAC.” The Committee will have a booth at the Long Island Fire and EMS Expo in the Nassau Coliseum on February 2 to the 4, 2024, to answer your questions, concerns and facilitate applications to join the Flameout PAC. - Fire News photos by Myles P. Quinn
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Fire Rescue Christmas Tree Safety The Suffolk County Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services held a Christmas Tree Safety press conference. Commissioner Beckley lead a group of fire officials in highlighting the safe way for the residents of Suffolk County to properly care for live Christmas trees in the home. They cited the need for trimming the tree’s base, to water the tree often, to use UL approved lights and decorations and to have working smoke detectors in the home. Without proper care a demonstration was conducted, showing how rapidly a dry tree could ignite, leaving little time for people to escape. - Fire News photos by Myles P. Quinn
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West Hempstead Officers for 2024 On January 1, 2024, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West Hempstead Fire Department swore in the new slate of officers for the year. (From right to left): Chief of Department Mike Vogt, 1st Assistant Chief Andrew Brohm, 2nd Assistant Chief Rick McDonough, 1st Captain Ron Corchado, Second Captain Dave Norton, 1st Lieutenant Daniel Brohm, 2nd Lieutenant Joe Marturano and 3rd Lieutenant Rob Whelan. They were sworn in by Commissioner Ken Brohm. - Fire News photo by Bill D’Alessandro
Hicksville Officers for 2024 The Hicksville Fire Department held a swearing in ceremony for the newly elected chiefs and commissioner at headquarters on January 1, 2024. Installed as Chief of the Department was Joseph Di Fronzo, 1st Assistant Chief Chris Wright, 2nd Assistant Chief Mike Murphy, 3rd Assistant Chief Matt Keyer. Also installed was newly elected Commissioner Gerard Mulholland. Special thanks to retiring Commissioner and former Chief Al Merk along with outgoing Chief Chris Moskos for their dedicated service to the department and community. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Santa in South Farmingdale
South Farmingdale members spread some community cheer, as Santa made his way around town. Pictured is Santa at his yearly stop at Woodward Parkway Elementary School where the members took a moment to pose with the big guy. - Fire News photos by Jeff Tasch
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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
Smithtown firefighters after a fire in Smithtown on November 17, 2023. - Fire News photo by Evan Rolla
Members of East Rockaway Vigilant Engine Company 1 with the old, outgoing Engine 404. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
Members from the Quanahassett Engine Company 1 at a recent Brentwood fire. - Fire News photo by Ken Bradbury
Company 5 from the North Lindenhurst Fire Department after their 2023 Santa Run. - Fire News photo by Kevin Bacik
Smithtown Engine 4-2-5 after operating at a working fire on Newton Place in Hauppauge on November 25, 2023. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
The crew from East Brentwood Ladder 3-3-3 which operated as the RIT at a fire on Newton Place in Hauppauge on November 25, 2023. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
The first-due crew from Brentwood engine 3-2-11 at the scene of a house fire on Peach Street. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Members of Wantagh Ladder 1 on a mutual aid to the Seaford Fire Department for a house fire on December 20, 2023. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Islip Town Fire Chief’s Council Awards
In October, the Islip Town Fire Chief’s Council held their annual brunch and recognition ceremony. Those honored were Councilman John J. Cochrane, Jr., for outstanding service and support to the fire service and Islip Town; Bay Shore Chief of Department Roy Ekelund, Jr., and First Assistant Chief John Ippolito for outstanding service and lifesaving actions; and Central Islip Firefighters Juan Sanchez and Ken Ruddick for life saving actions with risks to themselves. - Fire News article and photos by Susan Orlando, PIO, Bohemia FD
New Members for South Farmingdale (Photo left) Commissioner Fred Heffel swears in South Farmingdales newest member Soha Nagy. Soha will be joining Engine Company 1. (Photo right) On January 2, 2024, the South Farmingdale Fire Department welcomed its newest member. Commissioner Jeff Tasch swore in Celeste Harrington at a special ceremony attended by her friends and family. Celeste came up through the juniors program and was a Lieutenant last year. She has been assigned to the Truck Company and our future is in good hands. - Fire News photos courtesy of Jeff Tasch, Commissioner South Farmingdale Fire District
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Bohemia Holiday Parade On December 9, 2023, the Bohemia Fire Department held their annual Holiday Parade. Residents of Bohemia lined the route of the parade, cheering on those who participated which included high school groups, Daisy Troop, ambulance companies from the Islips, fire departments from Holbrook, Islip Terrace, Central Islip, West Sayville and Bohemia. At the end of the parade, trophies were awarded for the best in show in multiple categories. A good time was had by all. - Fire News article and photos by Sue Orlando, PIO, Bohemia FD
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A Merry Westhampton Beach Christmas
The volunteers of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department spread Christmas cheer throughout the East End with their version of the Polar Express. - Fire News photos courtesy Westhampton Beach FD
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Bohemia Adopt-a-Family Program The Bohemia Fire Department took time out of a busy Saturday to help fill baskets of food for 24 residents and families in Bohemia that were less fortunate at this time of year. Members and family were grateful to help out and celebrate a reason for giving to others. Pictured are those who participated in the Adopt a Family Program. Thank you for giving. - Fire News article and photos by Sue Orlando, PIO, Bohemia FD
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Quick Stop in Bellerose
Hicksville Basement Fire Extends
On December 31, 2023, at approximately 0320, the Bellerose Terrace Fire Department, along with a dual response engine from Floral Park and a ladder from Elmont, were dispatched to a reported building fire on Jamaica Avenue. Engine 112 arrived to find fire on the first floor of a two-story mixed occupancy. Crews stretched a line into the building to quickly extinguish the main body of fire. With the assistance of the dual response crews, and additional mutual aid from New Hyde Park, the fire was placed under control in less than 30 minutes with overhaul conducted by crews on scene. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
On December 30, 2023, at approximately 1615, the Hicksville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on East Avenue. Third Assistant Chief Elect Keyer arrived to smoke showing from the roofline of the house and upon an initial search, an active fire was found in the basement. Engine 935 stretched the initial line into the basement to quickly knock down the main body of fire. Hicksville units, along with mutual aid units from Jericho, Levittown and a FAST from East Meadow, operated on scene for approximately 30 minutes before the scene was placed under control. All operations were under the direction of Chief of Department Moskos. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by www.OverTheEdgePhotography.com
It’s Never Too Early to Learn...
EMTs Kathern Lee, Theresa DeSantis, and Junior's Lieutenant Smantha Klein teach the finer points of basic first aid to local girl scout troops. The girls all brought stuffed animals to simulate a patient in distress. Looks like we have some future EMTs down the road! - Fire News photos courtesy Jeff Tasch, Commissioner, So. Farmingdale Fire District
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Junior News South Farmingdale Junior Officers for 2024 On January 2, 2024, Commissioner Gary Forry had the honor of swearing in their Junior Firefighter officers for 2024. Captain Brian Qurien, Lieutenant Jake Mormino, and Lieutenant Samantha Klein. All officers had their family and friends in attendance. - Fire News photo courtesy of Jeff Tasch
Selden Junior Officers for 2024 The future of the volunteer fire service was on display as the Selden Fire Department Junior company’s newly elected officers were sworn in at a ceremony held at the Selden headquarters on January 01, 2024. Congratulations to all of the members of the Junior Fire Company for a healthy and safe New Year. - Fire News photo by Vinny Amirati
New Hyde Park Jrs. Donate to Firefighters Home FASNY Firefighters Home Trustee James Interdonati accepted a $500 donation to the firefighters home from the New Hyde Park Junior Fire Department at their December meeting. - Fire News photo provided by Capt. Sarah Joseph, New Hyde Park FD
Westhampton Beach Jrs. Keep a Tradition Alive The Westhampton Beach Juniors and their advisors would like to wish everybody a Happy Holiday season. On December 16, 2023, the Juniors delivered cookies and caroling to the widow, widowers and infirm of the department family, something they have done for the last 19 years. - Submitted by Cody Hoyle
Page 138, Fire News, February 2024
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Firefighters Adopt-A-Family
Members of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior took part in helping with an Adopt-AFamily event to help spread Christmas cheer. Members from the Levittown, Elmont, Bellerose, and Garden City fire departments, plus Santa from the North Pole took part. - Fire News photo courtesy of NCFF-OWW
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Overturn in Merrick 2-Car
On January 17, 2024, the Merrick Fire Department operated at an MVA with overturn at the intersection of Washington Street and Thelma Avenue. There were two vehicles involved with one overturned, negative entrapment, and both drivers were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Fire units were under the command of Merrick First Assistant Chief Gies. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
W. Hempstead, Hempstead Train Together
On December 10, 2023, members from West Hempstead Fire Department and Engine 4 from Hempstead Fire Department did some training on hydrants and hoses and adapters that are needed for both departments to work together. Ex-Chief Clark from Hempstead Engine 4 showed West Hempstead around the village and West Hempstead had three trucks filled with members and five officers all on hand to learn. Thank you to all who put this seminar together. - Fire News photos by Bill D’Alessandro
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Eaton’s Neck Swears in New Officers On January 1, 2024, the new line officers for the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department were sworn into office in a small gathering at the ENFD headquarters. Sworn into office were: Chief of the Department John Pokorny; 1st Assistant Chief Michael Pinto; 2nd Assistant Chief Robert Ryan; Fire Captains: Gregory Atkins and Gary B. Schwartz; Rescue Captain: Andrew Reid; Fire Police Captain Richard Deters; Fire Lieutenants Sean Cuiffo and Paul Ribeiro; Rescue Lieutenant David Schaefer-Walker; and Fire Police Lieutenant Richard Baer . Chief Pokorny thanked the members for electing him Chief of the Department, adding, 'It is both and honor and a privilege to have gained your trust to fill this position, as so many great chiefs have done before me.' The chiefs and the department would like to thank exChief Peter J. ‘PJ’ Hluboky for his service as Chief. There will be a formal swearing in ceremony this spring. - Fire News photos provided by Gregory Atkins, PIO, Eaton’s Neck FD
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Page 142, Fire News, February 2024
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Obituary
Commack’s Lou Sollicito
Commack Fire Department Honorary Chief Lou Sollicito has answered his last alarm after battling a 9/11 related cancer. Funeral services were held on January 20, 2024, at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church on Indian Head Road in Commack. Burial followed at Washington Memorial Park in Mount Sinai.
Lou was previously a volunteer firefighter with the Hicksville and North Babylon fire departments. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
Officers, New Members for Bohemia
On January 4, 2024, the Bohemia Fire Department held an organizational meeting in which new chiefs and officers were sworn into office. Congratulations and best wishes were then offered, equipment exchanged, rules, regulations, and responsibilities were reviewed. The new Chief and Assistants Dave O’Shaughnessy, Brian Olsen and Scott Mistler. Bohemia also swore in two new recruits, adding them to the membership. - Article and photos by Sue Orlando, PIO, Bohemia FD
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Obituary
Point Lookout-Lido’s Peter Zaccaria
On the morning of December 12, 2023, a funeral was held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Point Lookout for Peter Zaccaria - a 71-year member and former Chief of the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department. Ex-Chief Zaccaria was part of the original corporation and helped to get Lido Engine Company started. He rose through the ranks of Lido Engine Company before becoming Chief of the Department in 1961. He then went on to become a member of Renegade Hook and Ladder Company 2 and then of the Rescue Company in which he was a member at the time of his passing. Peter was also a Fire Commissioner for many years, ran on the Smoking Seagulls Drill Team, and was active in the department until only a few years ago. Following the Tuesday morning funeral service, burial took place at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury. Peter Zaccaria is survived by various family members and friends including his daughters Mikayla and Maura, both of whom recently joined the department. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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HENDRICKSON’S SERVICE CENTER ANNOUNCES EXCITING EXPANSION Hendrickson, a full-service dealership for several of America’s leading emergency vehicle brands, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its facilities to meet the needs of their growing customer base. The acquisition of the new property, located at 2290 Expressway Drive South in Islandia, and adjacent to the current building. The addition of the new property doubles the footprint of the current service center and allows a wider range of services. Key highlights of the expansion include: • New Emergency Vehicle Inspection Center • Increased Service Capabilities • Large and Secure Vehicle Storage Lot The new building will also house Hendrickson’s corporate office and trans-
portation business. “This acquisition represents the fulfillment of our longstanding commitment to providing the highest quality service to our customers and on-going commitment to our employees,” said Craig Probst, President,of Hendrickson. “We are confident these
improvements will help us continue to set ourselves apart with an improved customer experience.” Hendrickson Fire is a leading, full-service dealership for several of America’s leading emergency vehicle brands. Located in Islandia, New York, Hendrickson Fire provides top-tier service, parts, and equipment to the Long Island Metro area. With an emphasis on superior customer service and a commitment to industry-leading service, Hendrickson Fire is proud to set the standard in emergency vehicle sales and service.
THE CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE (CFSI) HAS CHANGE OF DATE The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) has changed the date of the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner. Originally scheduled for April 24-25, 2024, the program has been rescheduled for April 29-30, 2024. CFSI changed the date so we could conduct our program while Congress was in session. While CFSI selects the dates for the program five years out due to the demand for venues in the spring months, Congress releases the congressional calendar shortly before the start of a new legislative session. Unfortunately, the schedule recently released for 2024 has Congress out of session the week of our program. Each year, we aim to make the trip to Washington, DC, a positive experience for all our guests. The date change presents other opportunities for us to enhance the program. Whereas in the past, the dinner took place on Day 2, it will now take place on the first day (April 29), as will the seminar program. We will focus Day 2 (April 30) on Capitol Hill activities to maximize the fire service presence in Washington, DC, and send a strong message to our federal legislators about the political force of our nation’s fire and emergency services. Registration on our website opened on January 5, 2024. If you have any questions, you can contact us at update@cfsi.org. We hope to see you in April! Sincerely, Bill Webb Executive Director
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Obituary
Massapequa’s Stuart Paolino
Firefighter Stuart Paolino sadly passed away on January 9, 2024. Stewie was a 35-year member of Engine and Hose Company 5 of the Massapequa Fire Department. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 12, 2024. - Fire News photos courtesy Ed Tuffy, Massapequa FD PIO