Fire News Long Island, February 2021

VOLUME XLVIII, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FEBRUARY 2021

See story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Suspicious Fire In North Amityville See story on page 56.

Page 2, Fire News, February 2021

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Fire News, February 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Collapse in Uniondale Blaze Firefighters encounter a floor collapse during supression efforts.

See story on page 28

Camper and House Fire in Selden Crews arrive to a fully involved house with a camper in the driveway.

See story on page 40

Franklin Square Garage Fire Firefighters make a quick knockout of a detached garage fire.

See story on page 48

EMS Across the Island Tech rescue crews respond to an elderly male at the bottom of a sewer drain in Central Islip.

See story on page 76

Motley Crew & Up Close A quick look at responders from all around Long Island.

See pages 108 to 111

Obituaries/Memorials Pt. Lookout-Lido’s Matthew Thompson Nassau’s Michael James

A Service for Long Island Firefighters and EMS Heroes Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, NICK DIGIOVANNA Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, JEB LADOUCEUR, Publisher Emeritus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Vinnie Ammirati, Dennis Berger, 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, Jack Healy, Michael Heller, Robert Holley, Cody Hoyle, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Tom Lambui, Richard Lewin, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Kurt Ludwig, Brad Maier, 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, Jackson Pokress, Jerry Presta, Myles Quinn, Dave Rubin, Jim Rugen, AJ Ryan, Drew Silverman, Steve Silverman, Joe Sperber, JoAnn Stephani, Brian Thomas, Ed Tuffy, Joe Virgilio, Steve Walsh, Dennis Whittam, Cameron Wilken COLUMNISTS: Jeff Bailes, Paul Hashagen, Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder, Danny Peluso, Bradley Pinksy, Tom Rinelli COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:

North Merrick’s Joseph Vicario Lynbrook’s Charles Weiler and Al Amalfitano See stories on pages 113 and 115 to 117

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 104 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 110 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . pages 105 & 113 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 99 & 114

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.

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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.

48 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 48th year of publication.

If you have any stories, photos and good memories from the past, please send them to LI@FireNews.com.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are Photos Worth a Thousand Words?

I have been taking photographs at fires since 1964. I started taking photographs with an Olympus Pen EE film camera that my father gave to me. It was a great camera because it split a 35mm negative in half, doubling the capacity of photos I could take. I was very young at the time and really didn’t know what I was doing. On the other hand, I quickly learned that everyone loved the photos that came out of my camera. My new hobby stayed and grew as I ventured to more and more local fires. It was my way of becoming part of my father’s engine company in Ridgewood, Queens. It wasn’t long before I was a regular at FDNY Engine 291/Ladder 140. I always left my photos and negatives (ouch!) on the kitchen table for the members to enjoy and share amongst themselves.

I never cared about the content of the photographs. I cared about documenting the faces of my heroes. It wasn’t until I photographed a tragic fire where two children perished that I realized my photographs had worth. I documented a tragedy and saw a completely different attitude towards my

photographs. The firefighters actually studied the photographs and reviewed what happened. Gosh, I wish I still had those photos.

Photographs can tell us a lot about an incident. Recently, I captured a fire that was near my home. It was a bedroom fire in a home that had numerous pets in it. Another neighbor, who was a member of my department, made a successful attempt to save a few of the pets. With the help of the first arriving assistant chief and our EMS crew, several pets survived the ordeal.

It was interesting to see some of the Facebook comments relating to this fire. Yes, photographs are worth a thousand words. We must remember that there is a time lapse when analyzing a photograph. Video gives you a clearer understanding of what happened. There is no time-lapse looking at a single image. Example: You are walking along the beach and you see a sign that says, “No swimming!” A few feet away from you, you see a man drying off with his towel on the beach. Wow, can’t the guy read? The sign was very clear and to the point. As you continue your walk along the beach, you see a

shower on the beach. Uh oh, we now have a case for reasonable doubt. My point is that unless you are at the incident, a single photograph may not depict all of the circumstances behind the image.

Photographs and video are commonplace at emergency scenes. Cameras are all over the place and can be a helpful tool in analyzing situations that occur even when we are not around to visualize the incident firsthand. In my opinion, many of the concepts of utilizing media have not changed. We are still using media to analyze emergency situations to help us get a clearer picture of what actually happened.

Enjoy the photographs in Fire News, on our Facebook and Instagram social media pages, and on our website at FireNews.com.

-Dennis

Announcements LINDENHURST SNAILS COMEDY NIGHT The Lindenhurst Snails Drill Team will be holding their annual comedy night on April 17, 2021. The event will be held at Fireman’s Park, 555 Heiling Boulevard, Lindenhurst, NY 11757. Tickets are $40 per person in advance or $45 at the door the night of the show. The price includes dinner, beer, wine and soda. Mixed drinks will be available at a cost. Doors open at 1800. Show starts at 2000. For tickets or information contact: Ed Kelly: 516-668-0998, Robert Cozzetto: 631-655-1527, Brendan Sullivan: 631-880-1391, Snail House: 631-957-7535. Please leave a message if no answer. Thank you and hope to see you at the show!

NED CARTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York is pleased to announce the Ned Carter Memorial Scholarship Award for High School Seniors. These scholarships are named in honor of past-President Edward ‘Ned’ Carter honoring all deceased past presidents of the Association. This scholarship will be presented to high school seniors who will be pursuing a career in a community service related discipline.

• Eligible to high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college upon graduation. Go to https://www.afdsny.org/application.php for the application and rules.

• Four, onetime $1500 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors.

• Applicant must be related to a firefighter, be a firefighter or be an Explorer/Junior Member in a fire department or fire district that is currently a paid up member of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York.

• All required documents shall be submitted as a single package by mail or email and not sent separately.

• Applications may be submitted to: Scholarship Committee, PO Box 133, Brookhaven, NY 11719, and must be postmarked no later than Saturday, February 20, 2021.

• Scholarships will be awarded at the school’s Senior Awards Program.

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Fire at the Sunrise Mall On the night of January 17, 2021, the Massapequa Fire Department was called to the Sunrise Mall for smoke inside the building. When firefighters arrived, they were met with a significant smoke condition and sprinkler activation in the food court area. A signal 10 was transmitted and mutual aid notified. Firefighters worked to locate the seat of the fire but were hindered by the heavy smoke and the sprinklers. After investigating, crews located the fire inside of at least one storage room behind the food court. To extinguish the fire two handlines were stretched and operated. Among the departments called for mutual aid were South Farmingdale, Amityville, Wantagh, Seaford and North Massapequa.

Occupants inside the mall safely evacuated and the cause of the fire was under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Massapequa Chief of Department David Batt.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com, Paul Mazza, Bryan Lopez and Ed Tuffy, Massapequa FD

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Cover Story

Apartment Complex Goes Up Again On the morning of January 1, 2021, the Lakeland Fire Department was activated for a reported residential structure fire at the Colony Park Apartments, on Peconic Street. FRES dispatch center was taking numerous calls from nearby neighbors reporting smoke and flames coming from the large two-story building housing multiple units. Lakeland chiefs arrived and immediately transmitted a working fire. Mutual aid was brought in from Ronkonkoma, Nesconset, Holbrook, Holtsville, Bohemia, Central Islip and Hauppauge. The fast-moving blaze made its way into the common attic space, and traveled to the end of the building. The fire ripped through at least six units and badly damaged the entire structure. Crews battled the stubborn blaze for over two hours before it was placed under control.

Dozens of residents were displaced, but no injuries were reported. The Red Cross responded to assist the families affected. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Islip Town Fire Marshal’s Office. This is the second major fire at this apartment complex in less than two years.

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

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Uniondale Hotel Fire On the evening of December 6, 2020, the Uniondale Fire Department was called to a building fire at the Long Island Marriott on James Doolittle Boulevard. On investigation, firefighters encountered a smoke condition in a third-floor room. Upon further investigation fire was located between the second and third floors. As the operation went on, the fire extended and completely consumed at least one room on the third floor. The incident grew to a fourth-alarm equivalency due to the excessive amount of opening up and rotation of crews required. All occupants made it out safely with many of them relocated to NICE buses to escape the near-freezing temperatures. The cause of the fire was under investigation and all fire department units were under the command of Uniondale Chief of Department Avril Ashley.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com, OverTheEdgePhotography.com, FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Paul Mazza

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Roof Collapse at Brentwood Blaze

The Brentwood Fire Department responded to a house fire on St. Peters Drive on December 10, 2020. First Assistant Chief Kelly arrived to find fire on the first floor with the second floor of the home nearly fully involved. Second Assistant Chief Renison arrived and handled the fire attack. Engines crews operated multiple lines on both floors of house as well as the exterior, but the fire spread into the attic and through the roof, causing the roof to collapse into

the second floor. Members went to an exterior attack knocking down the fire before re-entering. Brentwood, East Brentwood, Bay Shore, Islip, Commack and West Islip also responded. It took about two hours to bring the fire under control. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Bryan Lopez

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Commack House Fire

The Commack Fire Department responded to a house fire on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack on December 13, 2020.

Upon arrival, a fire was discovered in the basement of the singlestory home. All occupants were able to safely evacuate. The Commack Ambulance Squad and Kings Park Fire Department provided additional assistance. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber

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Baldwin Hotel Fire

In the early morning hours of December 9, 2020, the Baldwin Fire Department was called to a building fire at the Ramada Inn on Sunrise Highway. Responding units were advised of an ex-captain on scene recommending a signal 10 and possibly multiple rooms on fire. Firefighters were met with a confirmed room on fire in a rear building. Firefighters went on to stretch two handlines and put one of those lines into operation, containing the fire to one room.

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Freeport and Oceanside were among departments called for mutual aid. All occupants made it out safely but at least one civilian was evaluated on scene by EMS. The cause of the fire was under investigation and all fire department units were under the command of Baldwin Second Deputy Chief Cummings.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Wyandanch Shed Fire Stopped

The Wyandanch Fire Company took multiple calls for a structure fire on Brown Boulevard about 0135 on December 9, 2020. Chief of Department Archer, along with Assistant Chiefs Brown and Vaccaro arrived to a fully involved shed burning between two houses. Engines 1-10-1 and 1-10-3, Ladder 1-10-4 and Fire Police 1-10-14 responded. The crew from 1-10-1 stretched a line and had the fire knocked down quickly and, although the fire damaged both houses, it was contained to the shed. The crews from 1-10-3 and 1-10-4 overhauled.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Bryan Lopez

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Page 16, Fire News, February 2021

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Bay Shore Commercial Fire The Bay Shore Fire Department responded to what was originally an automatic alarm but was then upgraded to a building fire at A&J Linen Service on Penataquit Avenue about 2225 on December 17, 2020. Second Assistant Chief Ekelund advised he had smoke visible from a distance and, upon arrival, had smoke pushing from all the exposures of the building. Chief of Department Rockford and First Assistant Chief Butler arrived shortly after. Due to limited access to the building, Engine 3-1-3 and Ladder 3-1-7 were the only apparatus to make it into the property. Ladder 3-1-4 set up on a neighboring property to reach the roof with their bucket. Hydrant access was also very limited and supply line was stretched for about 1000 feet and across the railroad tracks shutting down service for the duration of the fire.

Crews stretched and operated two lines and located the fire in the rear of the building in a folding machine and surrounding area. It took about an hour to bring the fire under control with no reported injuries. Mutual aid was provided by Islip, West Islip, East Islip and Brentwood.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Bryan Lopez

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Be Careful Where You Put the Ashes On January 1, 2021, at 1551, the Bellport Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Woodland Park Road. A quick response by 2nd Assistant Chief Crane prevented what could have turned into a serious situation. The homeowner had cleaned out their fireplace and left ashes in a plastic container right next to the side of the house. The ashes reignited and as a result, the cedar shake siding caught fire. Second Assistant Chief Crane was able to prevent any significant damage with water cans.

- Fire News photo by John Mehrkens

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South Farmingdale Diner Fire The South Farmingdale Fire Department and Bethpage Fire Department Engine 5 (dual response) were alerted for a building fire at the Farmingdale Diner on Hempstead Turnpike about 1000 on December 13, 2020. First Assistant Chief Mackie arrived to smoke coming from the diner. Chief of Department Klein arrived and took command.

Bethpage Engine 905 was just leaving their quarters for training and were on the way immediately, followed by South Farmingdale Engine 972. As additional units arrived, they searched for the source of the fire, with smoke being reported in a basement office. Upon further investigation the fire was located in a wall on the main floor that was burning into the cockloft area. Crews from Ladder 978 and Bethpage Ladder 3 opened the wall to expose the pocket of fire while engine crews had two lines stretched. The fire was quickly extinguished and brought under control.

The patrons in the diner at the time were all evacuated safely. There were no injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation. Mutual aid to the scene was provided by Bethpage, North Massapequa and Farmingdale; East Farmingdale, Massapequa and Plainview stood by.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Roslyn Basement Fire

On December 10, 2020, at approximately 1307, Roslyn Fire Companies responded to a report of smoke in the basement on The Serpentine in Roslyn Heights. After further investigation, crews found fire in the walls. Mutual aid came from Port Washington, Glenwood and Mineola. The fire was placed under control within an hour.

- Fire News photos by AJDPhotoG and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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East Rockaway House Fire

The East Rockaway Fire Department responded to a fire on December 11, 2020, in a two-story private dwelling on Flint Road at the corner of Salem Road. Mutual aid companies also responded to the scene.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Lynbrook Fire and Police Honor World War II Veteran on His Birthday

Lynbrook firefighters on their fire trucks and Lynbrook police officers in their patrol cars, and with lights and sirens, drove down Vine Street in Lynbrook on January 17, 2021, to honor World War II veteran and longtime Lynbrook resident William Vogric who was celebrating his 93rd birthday. Also, on hand outside to watch the birthday parade were members of the Vogric family, as well as Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach and a group of veterans from Lynbrook’s America Legion Post, the Marine Corp League, and the RVC American Legion.

- Fire News photos by Steve Grogan

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Historic Levittown Church Damaged in Christmas Fire On Christmas morning 2020, the Levittown Fire Department was activated for a reported structure fire at the Good Shepherd Church on Hempstead Turnpike. Units were met with fire showing from the roof and transmitted a working fire. Mutual aid was brought in from Bethpage, Wantagh and East Meadow. Multiple attack lines were put into operation.

Crews had the fire brought under control in under an hour, but not before serious damage was done to the historic church, which has been a fixture on Hempstead Turnpike for over 70 years. One firefighter was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez and Harry Loud

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All OK in Floor Collapse at Uniondale Fire On December 28, 2020, the Uniondale Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire on Cunningham Avenue. First Assistant Chief Martinez arrived to fire showing from the basement window of the house. Engine 7533 stretched an initial line through the basement stairs to begin to attack the fire. The fire was raised to a second alarm due to the difficult access to the basement, which also extended to the first floor. During suppression efforts, units encountered a floor collapse; no members were injured. The fire was placed under control in under two hours.

- Fire News photos by OverTheEdgePhotography.com, K2MPhotography.com, FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Paul Mazza

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Heavy Fire Load in Brightwaters

Recently, the Bay Shore Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on South Windsor Avenue in Brightwaters. First on the road was Chief of Department Jeremiah Rockfeld who advised incoming units to stretch a 2-1/2 inch line right away due to the heavy fire load. Town of Islip HazMat was notified as well as the Foam Bank due to three vehicles in the garage with a confirmed fuel

fire and other unknown hazards hampering operations. There were no injuries reported. Mutual aid was provided by West Islip, Brentwood, Islip, East Islip, to Fire Marshals and Hazmat, Suffolk County Fire Coordinators, Brightwaters Village Code and Fire Marshal’s office. Bay Shore Ambulance was also on scene.

- Fire News photo by Rich Stark, story by Chief Jeremiah Rockfeld

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Mastic Beach KOs Car Fire

On January 2, 2021, the Mastic Beach Fire Department was called out to a car fire on Orchid Drive and Peeker Avenue. Chief Jeff McGown arrived to a car fire in a rear driveway. Firefighters pulled two lines and made a quick knockdown.

- Fire News photos by Jim Rugen

Collapse at East Farmingdale Fire The East Farmingdale Fire Company was called to a building fire on Alder Street at about 0350 on December 19, 2020. Third Assistant Chief Greco arrived to a singlestory commercial building housing several businesses.

Chief of Department Welliver arrived and took command.

Engine 1-5-1 stretched two 2-1/2-inch lines with one of them supplying a Blitz fire. Ladder 1-5-15 put its master stream into operation. Just minutes into the operation, the roof collapsed onto several vehicles. With additional mutual aid from North Lindenhurst, West Babylon and Wyandanch arriving, North Lindenhurst Ladder 1-11-4 was supplied and put into operation to help kick down pockets of fire under the collapsed section of building. The fire was brought under control in about an hour with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Bryan Lopez

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East Meadow Basement Fire Stopped

Exterior Attack in Sea Cliff Blaze

In the early morning hours of December 11, 2020, the East Meadow Fire Department operated at a fire on Green Valley Road off Peters Avenue. The main body of fire was in the basement of a two-story private dwelling. North Bellmore was designated the FAST. Firefighters stretched three handlines and put two into operation. The main body of fire was quickly knocked down and there was no extension to the floors above. All occupants made it safely out of the home and went on to refuse further medical attention. Units from Levittown, North Merrick and North Bellmore stood by for East Meadow. The cause of the fire was under investigation and all fire department units were under the command of East Meadow Chief of Department Walsh.

- Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

Early on December 27, 2020, the Sea Cliff Fire Department was called to a house fire with people possibly trapped on Downing Road off Richardson Avenue. Firefighters were met with a well involved, 2-1/2 story private dwelling. Firefighters attempted an interior attack but, because the fire was so far advanced, an exterior attack was utilized. Several hours went by before the scene was placed under control. Firefighters’ efforts were hampered by the aged construction of the home and below freezing temperatures.

Among the departments called for mutual aid were Locust Valley, Glenwood, Roslyn, Oyster Bay, Bayville and Glen Cove. Early reports of people in the home proved negative when it was made known the homeowners were out of state. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Sea Cliff First Assistant Chief Ajamian.

- Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

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Lakeview Second-Floor Fire Stopped

On the afternoon of December 19, 2020, the Lakeview Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies, operated at a fire on Cleveland Street off Taylor Road. The fire was located on the second floor of a two-story private dwelling. Firefighters put two handlines into operation and had the main body of fire quickly knocked down. West Hempstead, Rockville Centre, Elmont, and Franklin Square and Munson were among the mutual aid departments on scene. All occupants made it safely out of the home and the cause of the fire was under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Lakeview Chief of Department James - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

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Explosion in Valley Stream Valley Stream fire officials were investigating an explosion at a home early on January 1, 2021. The unknown type blast occurred around 0552 on Wilson Road and blew out the windows and sent pieces of glass and other building materials as far as the neighboring homes across the street. Fire department and PSE&G crews were on the scene investigating the cause.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and K2MPhotography.com

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Pro Shop Fire in Garden City

The Garden City Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies, responded to fire in the pro shop of the Garden City Country Club on December 18, 2020. The fire was reported in the ceiling but was quickly knocked down.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and ADJPhotoG

Westbury Bedroom Fire On the night of December 18, 2020, the Westbury Fire Department was called to a house fire in the vicinity of Urban and Prospect Avenues. When firefighters arrived, they were met with a bedroom fire on the second floor of a two-story rowhouse. A working fire was transmitted, and mutual aid notified. Firefighters put one handline into operation.

Among the mutual aid on scene was Carle Place, Hicksville and Jericho. All occupants made it safely out of the home and the cause of the fire was under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Westbury Chief of Department Gass.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and AJDPhotoG

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Westbury House Fire

The Westbury Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Kinkel Street on the night of December 29, 2020. Second Assistant Chief Stewart arrived to fire on the second floor of a 1-1/2 story home. Chief of Department Gass arrived and took command. Engine 966 grabbed a hydrant across from the house and stretched two lines, with one going into operation, to quickly knock down the fire. There were no injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation. Mutual aid came from Carle Place, Hicksville and Jericho.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Bryan Lopez

Camper and House Fire in Selden

On January 2, 2021, the Selden fire Department responded to a working structure fire on Abinet Court. Upon arrival, firefighters made a fast attack on a fully involved house along with the camper that was parked in the driveway. All occupants escaped the house safely. One family pet was not accounted for but later was rescued

by firefighters and transported to a local animal hospital. One Suffolk County police officer was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment. Multiple departments were called in for mutual aid. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

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Quick Stop in Mineola On the night of January 4, 2021, the Mineola Fire Department along with mutual aid companies operated at a fire on the second floor of a two-story private dwelling on Andrews Road off Garfield Avenue. After stretching two handlines firefighters had the main body of fire quickly knocked down. Among the departments called for mutual aid were Garden City, Williston Park, East Williston and Carle Place, along with Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps. All occupants made it out of the home safely and the cause of the fire was under investigation. The scene was placed under control within 30 minutes.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com

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Sunrise Car Fire

On December 15, 2020, the West Babylon Fire Department was activated for a vehicle fire on the westbound portion of the Sunrise Highway Service Road, beneath the Route 109 overpass. Units arrived to find an involved auto to the side of the roadway. The fire was quickly knocked down by the crew of Engine 1-9-2, and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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Heavy Damage at Stewart Manor Blaze The Stewart Manor Fire Department was toned out for a house fire just before 1800 on December 15, 2020. Arriving units found a two-story private dwelling with a heavy fire condition in the front portion of the home. Lines were immediately stretched, and mutual aid companies were requested to the scene. The home sustained serious damage.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and OverTheEdgePhotography.com

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Commercial Fire Stopped

The Amityville Fire Department was notified by the Amityville Police Department of smoke coming from the Cloak Room Thrift Shop on the corner of Broadway and Dixon Avenue about 0300 on December 6, 2020. Chief of Department Waegerle arrived to find smoke coming from the shop but after further investigation, the fire was found to be in the hair salon next to the thrift shop.

Assistant Chiefs Budde and Macomber arrived shortly after.

Engine 1-1-2, stretched one line to the salon and made entry, quickly locating the fire. Ladder 1-1-5’s crew checked the roof for any extension. A second handline was brought into the thrift shop as crews checked for any extension. The fire was contained to the salon and brought under control in under an hour. Mutual aid came from North Amityville and Copiague.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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Kings Park Garage Fire

The Kings Park Fire Department responded to a house fire on Paddock Drive on December 18, 2020, at 2230. A fire had started in the garage of the home, which was occupied. All occupants were able to safely evacuate.

Mutual aid came from East Northport, while Smithtown and Saint James stood by. The fire was contained to the garage and quickly extinguished.

The Suffolk Police and Huntington Town Fire Marshal were investigating the cause.

- Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber

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Long Beach Welcomes 2021 with House Fire

The Long Beach Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on West Park Avenue on January 1, 2021. A small fire was quickly knocked down and units returned to service.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and K2MPhotography.com

Franklin Square Handles Garage Fire

On December 27, 2020, the Franklin Square Fire Department was toned out for a detached garage fire on 7th Street in Garden City South. Chief 7100 reported a column of smoke from a distance.

Mutual aid from surrounding towns were called to assist. - Fire News photos by Bill D’Alessandro

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Huntington Manor House Fire The Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire on Armell Street in Huntington Station on November 14, 2020. Crews stretched two lines and made an aggressive interior attack on the fire. Two occupants were transported to Huntington Hospital for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation. Two family pets perished in the blaze.

Units from Melville and Huntington assisted at the scene along with Huntington Community and Greenlawn for EMS standbys. Halesite provided a standby crew at Manor’s quarters. Units were under the command of Assistant Chief Brian Christen.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photo courtesy Huntington Manor FD

Hot Wires in Huntington Manor The Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to reports of wires burning on the outside of a house on West 22 Street, on November 15, 2020.

While securing the power inside the home, PSE&G was requested to secure the power from the pole to the house. Once power was secured firefighters were able to extinguish the exterior fire. Units were under the command of Chief Jon Hoffmann.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photo courtesy Huntington Manor FD

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2021, Page 51

Fire in the Walls in North Bellmore

In the early morning hours of January 2, 2021, the North Bellmore Fire Department along with mutual aid companies, operated at the scene of a fire in the walls on the second floor of a two-story private dwelling on Lincoln Boulevard off Newbridge Road. North Merrick, Bellmore and Bellmore-Merrick EMS were also on the

scene. Firefighters put at least one handline into operation and had the main body of fire quickly knocked down. All fire department units were under the command of North Bellmore Chief of Department Marschall. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and OverTheEdgePhotgraphy.com

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Fire at West Hempstead Covid Location

The West Hempstead Fire Department responded to a kitchen fire on Colony Street on December 21, 2020. One line was stretched, and the fire was promptly extinguished. Extra precautions were initiated as the home was reported as an active Covid-19 location.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and OverTheEdgePhotography.com

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North Amityville Vacancy Goes

The North Amityville Fire Company was alerted for a house fire on Emerald Lane North on December 20, 2020. Chief of Department Riordan arrived to find a single-story vacant house with fire showing from the exposure four side. Assistant Chiefs Nelson, McFadden and Henry arrived shortly after. Engine 1-7-1 and Amityville Engine 1-1-2 arrived simultaneously and crews stretched and operated two lines off of 1-1-2. As the first line entered the house they

encountered heavy fire in the rear rooms. A second line was brought to the rear of the house and was used to extinguish fire showing from a rear-porch area. The fire was extinguished and brought under control in about an hour. Mutual aid came from East Farmingdale, Copiague, Massapequa and North Lindenhurst. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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Fire News, February 2021, Page 55

Melville Hits Three Car Fires

The Melville Fire Department responded to reports of three cars on Kaplan and Assistant Chiefs Bill Schmitt and Jason Bernfeld. Two fire in the parking lot of the Huntington Hills Health and cars were a total loss and a van sustained considerable damage.

Rehabilitation Center on the South Service Road, on January 8, The fire appeared to be accidental in origin.

2021, at 1150. Units were under the command of Chief David - Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photos courtesy Melville FD

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Suspicious Fire in North Amityville At 2220 on December 20, 2020, for the second time in less than 12 hours, the North Amityville Fire Company responded to a reported fire in a vacant house, this time on Columbus Boulevard. Third Assistant Chief Henry was followed by Chief of Department Riordan. Chief Henry advised Chief Riordan that he could see flames from a distance. When the Chiefs arrived, they found a 1-1/2 story house reported to be under renovation, fully involved and partially collapsed. Engine 1-7-1 grabbed a hydrant on Great Neck Road and, along with Amityville Engine 1-1-2, stretched two lines. North Lindenhurst Engine 1-11-1 picked up a second hydrant. A third line was stretched and operated by Copiague. It took over an hour to bring the fire under control and once searches were able to be done, all were negative. Additional mutual aid came from East Farmingdale, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst and Massapequa. The fire is considered suspicious and the cause is under investigation.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza, K2MPhotography.com and Bryan Lopez

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Huntington Manor Rescues Two Cats from Blaze

The Huntington Manor Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on December 21, 2020, at 1050, on White Pine Court. First arriving Chief of Department Chuck Brady advised of smoke showing. Firefighters stretched two lines and quickly knocked down the blaze, which was contained to the room of origin. Firefighters res-

cued two cats. Units were under the command of Chief Brady, supported by Assistant Chiefs Jim Glidden and Scott Cloonan.

Greenlawn and Dix Hills assisted at the scene along with crews from the Huntington Community First Aid Squad.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photos courtesy J. Garside

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Westbury Structure Fire

In the early morning hours of December 22, 2020, the Westbury Fire Department was called to a structure fire in the vicinity of Trader Joe’s on Old Country Road. Westbury Chief of Department Kenny Gass found a well involved house fire in the dead end of Lanie Place in the Carle Place Fire District. Westbury Fire Dispatch was notified, along with Nassau County Fire Communications, who alerted the Carle Place Fire Department. Collectively firefighters stretched and operated multiple handlines to extinguish the fire. Westbury Ladder 962 was also put into operation for a brief time. Among the departments called for mutual aid were Mineola, Williston Park, Garden City, East Williston, Roslyn and Bethpage. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and AJDPhotoG

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Wantagh Basement Fire Extends

The Wantagh Fire Department took numerous calls reporting a house fire on Helene Street about 0015 on January 18, 2021. An exCaptain who lives in the area radioed Chief of Department Kelly of a working fire located in the basement and that the occupants were evacuating. Engine 4 was first due, Ladder 6912 set up on the 1-4 corner and Ladder 6911 set up on the 1-2 corner. The crew from 694 stretched the first line to the basement. As additional engines arrived, two more lines were stretched to the fire that had now extended to the first and second floors. The ladder crews, laddered, vented and searched. The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes with no reported injuries. Mutual aid came from Levittown, Bethpage, Bellmore and North Bellmore; East Meadow and Seaford stood by. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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FFs Save Christmas Presents from North Merrick Fire North Merrick Fire Department, along with mutual aid, operated on the scene of a working fire on Meadowbrook Road on Christmas Eve 2020. The fire was located in the attic of a trailer on the front lawn of a house that had a fire in it earlier this year. Firefighters saved many Christmas presents from the residence, and the fire was quickly knocked down.

- Fire News photos from Colgan Fire Photos and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Where There’s Smoke‌ At approximately 2217 on December 21, 2020, the Hempstead Fire Department was alerted for an odor of smoke at Nassau Place and Fulton Avenue. Shortly after the tone out, multiple calls came in for a fire in a vacant dwelling with exposure to two other vacant houses. Arriving units found heavy fire coming from a vacancy with exposure issues. Mutual aid came from West Hempstead, South Hempstead, Uniondale, Rockville Center and Baldwin.

Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and stretched multiple handlines off of Engines 2 and 4. There were no reported injuries and the fire was placed under control in less than two hours.

- Fire News photos by AJDPhotoG and OverTheEdgePhotography.com

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West Babylon Electrical Fire

On December 21, 2020, the West Babylon Fire Department responded to Hassell Auto Body on Route 109 for a reported electrical fire on the roof. The alarm was quickly placed under control. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Early Morning Hicksville Fire Stopped

On December 30, 2020, at just before 0200, the Hicksville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire on George Avenue. Chief of Department Lewis arrived to fire on the second floor of the house. Engine 933 stretched the initial line to the second floor. Two lines were stretched with one placed in operation to extinguish the fire, which was confined to the room of origin. The fire was placed under control in approximately 20 minutes.

- Fire News photos by OverTheEdgePhotography.com

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House Fire in Bohemia On the morning of December 7, 2020, at 0955, the Bohemia Fire Department was activated for a chimney fire in a wood burning stove on Smithtown Avenue. Assistant Chief Scott Thompson arrived to a heavy smoke condition coming from the house. He found the occupant still inside the rear of the home and assisted him out. He also observed the ceiling on fire on the first floor. Assistant Chief Dave O’Shaughnessy made entry to locate the seat of the fire and Chief Tom Iwanejko arrived and assumed command. The crew of Engine 1 arrived and stretched a line through the rear door and found fire extending to the second floor. The crew was pulled out

and an exterior attack began, knocking down the fire. Crews then re-entered. Bohemia responded with Engine 1, Truck 6, Truck 4 and Fire Police 9 and 19. Mutual aid was provided by West Sayville, Sayville, Holbrook and Lakeland. Community Ambulance provided firefighter rehab and treatment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross provided services in relocating the family.

- Fire News story by Sue Orland PIO & Assistant Chief Thompson; photos by AC Thompson and John O’Connor BFD

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2021, Page 69

Are We Having Fun in the Snow Yet?

On December 16, 2020, at 1746, the Bellport Fire Department responded to an outside fire call on Doane Avenue. A fire pit burn barrel had gotten away on a snowy evening in someone’s backyard.

- Fire News photos by John Mehrkens

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1 Rescued at Roosevelt Blaze On the evening of December 15, 2020, the Roosevelt Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire with a person possibly trapped on Branch Place off Conlon Road. Roosevelt Second Assistant Chief Tyler, Jr., East Rockaway Captain Dom Orlando, and members of the NCPD were met with smoke showing from a two-story private dwelling. AC Tyler, Jr., found fire in the basement. The aforementioned group of firefighters and police officers made their way through a locked front door and located a female unable to walk inside the living room. The occupant was removed

and transported to an area hospital. Once additional firefighters arrived, the main body of fire was quickly knocked down with no extension. Mutual aid came from Uniondale, Hempstead and North Merrick; Freeport and Merrick stood by. The rescued occupant received minor injuries and was expected to survive. The cause of the fire was under investigation and all fire department units were under the command of Roosevelt Chief of Department Wint.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com

Driveway Car Fire Stopped

On December 5. 2020, at 2115, the Uniondale Fire department was driveway near the house. Engine 752 quickly extinguished the fire dispatched to a car fire in the driveway of a Tulsa Street house. in the engine compartment. There was no extension to the interior Chief of Department Ashley arrived to an active car fire in the of the house. - Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography.com

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Franklin Sq. and Munson Handle Garage Fire The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department responded to a garage fire on the morning of December 27, 2020, on Seventh Street near Roxbury Road. Arriving companies found a heavy fire condition in the two-car detached garage with radiant heat extension to the nearby home. Mutual aid units also assisted at the scene.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Uniondale Car Fire On December 27, 2020, at approximately 1600, the Uniondale Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a car fire at the intersection of Front and Lenox Streets.

Chief of Department Ashley confirmed the car fire. Engine 752 stretched one line to extinguish the fire.

- Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography.com

Quick Stop in Locust Valley On December 30, 2020, at approximately 1200, the Locust Valley Fire Department was dispatched for a kitchen fire on Chester Street.

Second Assistant Chief Converse was quickly on scene. Engine 545 stretched an attack line into the kitchen to knock down the main body of fire. The fire was placed under control in approximately 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography.com

New Hyde Park Kitchen Fire A fire in the kitchen of a New Hyde Park home on Terrace Boulevard was quickly extinguished on December 23, 2020. Mutual aid companies also responded to the scene.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Good Stop for Centerport

The Centerport Fire Department responded to a house fire on Cherry Lane on December 21, 2020, at 0152. Crews were able to contain a fire, which extended into the basement from the fireplace, minimizing damage to the home. Fire units were under the com-

mand of Chiefs Andrew Heglund, Kyle McLaughlin and Danny Gunther. Mutual aid came from Halesite, Greenlawn and Northport, with a crew from Huntington handling standby.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photos courtesy Centerport FD

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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND

Confined Space Rescue in Central Islip

The Suffolk Police, the Central Islip and Hauppauge fire departments and Central Islip-Hauppauge Ambulance responded to a technical rescue on Medea Way in Central Islip on January 2, 2021, at 1310. An elderly male fell into a street sewer drain in an apartment housing complex. Firefighters, medics and police using specialized equipment spent 45 minutes to remove the man from the confined space over 10-feet below grade. Central IslipHauppauge Ambulance transported the man to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore in serious but stable condition.

- Fire News photos

by Joseph C. Sperber

FireNews.com

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Wyandanch MVA On December 11, 2020, the Wyandanch Fire Company, and Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance Company, responded to an MVA with overturn on Long Island Avenue, near South 20th Street. Units arrived to find an SUV that hit a parked car and overturned. The driver was self-extricated, and transported to a local hospital for her injuries.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

N. Bellmore Handles Fire & MVA On the night of January 3, 2021, the North Bellmore Fire Department operated at the scene of a singlevehicle MVA with fire. The accident was in the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway between exits 25 and 26. Firefighters put one handline into operation and had the fire quickly knocked down.

There were two occupants inside the vehicle at the time — neither was trapped or seriously injured. All fire department units were under the command of North Bellmore Chief of Department Marschall.

- Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

Dix Hills Heavy Rescue

Melville LIE Overturn

The Dix Hills Fire Department was activated for an MVA with entrapment on Commack Road and the South Service Road at 0643 on November 28, 2020. Upon arrival, a car occupied with two people were found unconscious and trapped. In addition, a truck with two other occupants were pinned inside with a large utility pole on top. Dix Hills Rescue transported two patients to Southside Hospital, and two patients to Good Samaritan Hospital. The Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps assisted with an ambulance to the scene and Melville provided standby. Units were under the direction of Chief Alan Berkowitz.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photos courtesy Dix Hills FD

The Melville Fire Department responded to an MVA overturn on the westbound Long Island Expressway east of Pinelawn Road on January 8, 2021 at 1218. The accident involved a a car that collided with another and rolled onto its side. Two engines, an ambulance, fire police, paramedic and first responder units responded with Chiefs Kaplan, Schmitt and Bernfeld. The driver of the overturn received a minor hand laceration when he broke the windshield to climb out.

Both drivers declined medical assistance. Crews secured both vehicles and handled a small oil spill.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photo courtesy Melville FD

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2-Car MVA in Hempstead A two-vehicle accident on South Franklin Street in Hempstead required a door pop by Hempstead firefighters on December 9, 2020.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

North Babylon MVA with Fire The North Babylon Fire Company responded to a single-vehicle MVA on the westbound Southern State Parkway west of Belmont Avenue about 0515 on December 11, 2020. Chief of Department Harrington, Engines 1-8-1 and 1-8-2, Ladder 1-8-6, Ambulances 1-87 and 1-8-14 responded. The driver of an SUV went off the road and struck a tree causing the vehicle to catch fire. The engine crews stretched one line and had the fire extinguished quickly. The driver of the vehicle was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, along with one North Babylon member who suffered an ankle injury at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Overturn in N. Amityville On December 23, 2020, the North Amityville Fire Company responded to an MVA with overturn at the intersection of Route 110 and Lindy Avenue. The driver was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Suffolk County Police ESU assisted in up-righting the vehicle.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Jericho Handles LIE MVA On December 21, 2020, at 1323, the Jericho Fire Department was dispatched to a report of an overturned truck on the eastbound Long Island Expressway in the vicinity of Powell’s Lane. Chief of Department Ketsoglou arrived to an overturned skid steerer with a trailer that detached from a dump truck. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured and the scene was turned over to Nassau County Police and Old Westbury Police for an investigation.

- Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography.com

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Car Fire MVA on SSP On January 3, 2021, Wantagh firefighters responded for a car fire after a pickup collided with an SUV causing both to veer off into the woods of the Southern State Parkway near Route 135. The SUV struck a tree rupturing a gasoline line and burst into flames. The female driver along with her dog were able to escape with minor injuries. The driver of the pick-up fled the scene.

Firefighters had to wait until the SUV was pulled from the woods and turned over before they could complete extinguishment.

- Fire News photo

by Harry Loud

Poles and Wires Down in Malverne MVA The Malverne Fire Department responded to an MVA with pole and wires down on January 2, 2021. The impact of the crash snapped a utility pole carrying multiple transformers on Franklin Avenue near Agnes Court. County police had to shut down the roadway in both directions while emergency crews made repairs.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Bellport Water Rescue On January 2, 2021, the Bellport Fire Dept responded to a water rescue in the Carmans River. The Brookhaven Fire Department requested mutual aid from Bellport to respond with their Hovercraft, to assist in the rescue of kayakers. The Bellport Fire Department Marine unit also responded. The kayakers made it to shore safely. Thanks to SCPD helicopter unit for assistance in the search.

- Fire News photos by John Mehrkens

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Saving a Life in Ronkonkoma A Ronkonkoma Fire Department lieutenant is being credited for saving a man’s life from a burning vehicle on December 7, 2020. Shortly after 1900, Lieutenant Michael White was traveling in his POV southbound on Hudson Avenue, when he reached the intersection of School House Road and Smith Street.

Lieutenant White noticed what appeared to be a vehicle on fire at the intersection of School House Road and Cedar Grove Avenue. White exited his vehicle to investigate, then immediately radioed the incident into Ronkonkoma Fire Dispatch, and advised that a person was hanging out of the driver side window. Without hesitation, or concern for his own safety, Lieutenant White quickly sprang into action and pulled the driver from the burning vehicle, removing him to safety. The driver was then rushed to a nearby hospital for injuries, but was expected to fully recover.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Ronkonkoma FD

At Least 1 Fatality at Car-in-Water in Lloyd Harbor

On December 13, 2020, Cold Spring Harbor, Halesite, Bayville and Oyster Bay, along with marine units from both Suffolk and Nassau police responded to a vehicle into the water off West Neck Beach in Lloyd Harbor. Crews arrived to find a vehicle submerged in the water. Rescue divers were able to remove one victim who was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Another victim was pronounced at the scene, which was turned over to police for a crime scene investigation.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez

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Quick Extrication in Plainview On December 13, 2020, the Plainview Fire Department responded to an MVA with overturn and entrapment on Old Country Road. The crew of Rescue 957 quickly extricated the trapped driver by removing the door. The driver was then transported to a local hospital for his injuries.

- Fire News photos

by Bryan Lopez and OverTheEdgePhotography.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2021, Page 87

Van into Tree in Malverne The driver of a panel van was injured after he lost control and struck a tree on Franklin Avenue near Highland Boulevard on December 5, 2020.

Malverne firefighters and county police medics were on the scene.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

4-Vehicle MVA with Rollover in Baldwin The Baldwin Fire Department operated at a four-vehicle accident on Grand Avenue on December 18, 2020. The impact of the crash caused a pickup to roll onto its side and into a nearby snowbank. There were no serious injuries reported for the incident.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Lindenhurst MVA The Lindenhurst Fire Department and Suffolk County Police responded to an MVA on the westbound Sunrise Highway and 41st Street about 0015 on December 28, 2020. The driver of a sedan lost control and went off the road and struck a sign for two businesses and a tree before crashing into the side of Island Soul Restaurant. The collision knocked the tree onto the roof of the restaurant and caused considerable damage to the front and right side of the building. Assistant Chiefs DeGregorio and Collins along with Engine 1-6-1, Heavy Rescue 1-6-5. Ambulance 1-6-7 and Fire Police 1-6-8 responded. The driver was taken by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The Town of Babylon Fire Marshal and Building Inspector were requested to the scene to check the stability of the building.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

Garden City 2-Car

The Garden City Fire Department operated at a two-vehicle accident with rollover on Clinton Road near Poplar Street on December 6, 2020. There were no serious injuries reported.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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No Tattoo for You! The Deer Park Fire Department responded to an accident on Deer Park Avenue at about 2230 on December 3, 2020. The driver of an SUV reportedly swerved and went off the road in an attempt to avoid another vehicle. The SUV went through a parking lot and crashed through the front of Body Designs Tattoo Parlor. Assistant Chiefs Macaluso and Rios responded along with Squad 1-4-6, Ladder 1-4-14, Ambulance 1-4-3 and Fire Police 1-4-15. The driver was not injured and the business was closed at the time. The crews checked the stability of the building and removed the vehicle from the building.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Car vs. House in Hicksville On December 11, 2020, at 1215, the Hicksville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported car versus house MVA in the vicinity of King and High Streets. First Assistant Chief Moskos confirmed damage by the car striking the house. The crews of Rescue 938 and Engine 935 along with NCPD ESU checked the stability of the structure while awaiting the building department. One person was evaluated for minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography.com

2 Hurt in Garden City Overturn

Garden City firefighters and Nassau County Emergency Service units work to extricate two trapped occupants of a sedan that left the roadway, smashed into a tree, then overturned on the front lawn of a home on New Hyde Park Road near Princeton Street late on December 8, 2020.

Both were injured and transported to area hospitals. Garden City police were investigating the incident.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

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1st Responders and Frontline Workers Receive First Vaccinations Stony Brook University Hospital recently received the coronavirus vaccine and began vaccinating first responders and front-line workers with their first doses. The vaccine has been found to be more than 90-percent effective in preventing Covid-19 after two doses.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

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Antique Apparatus - Levittown

Levittown Fire Department’s 1951 Peter Pirsch 750 GPM pumper.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Life Saving Awards

On December 16, 2020, the Dix Hills Fire Department honored several members for their life saving efforts and dedication during the year.

During 2020, Dix Hills had six pre-hospital saves, four of which returned home to their families without deficits after being discharged from the hospital.

Saving a life is an impressive feat, but having several return home to their families in the same year is nothing short of amazing, and is a true

testament to the tireless dedication and skill of the Dix Hills Rescue Squad members.

Congratulations to all the award recipients on a job well done! Pictured from left to right: 3rd Assistant Chief Scott Dipino, EMT Gianna Gatto, Paramedic Steven Fischer, EMT Bryan Bell, Captain Maresa Spizzirri, EMT Samantha Strasser, EMT Shreya Barot, EMT Jeff Ng, Chief of Department Alan Berkowitz. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

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VEEB, Nassau Fire Museum Toys for Tots Program

On December 12, 2020, the Vocational Education and Extension Board/Nassau County Fire Service Academy and the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center held a toy drive to benefit the Toys for Tots program. Due to the pandemic this year, toy donations to the program were down significantly. As an incentive to get fire departments/companies and individuals to donate, free museum admission was given to those who donated at least one toy. Several fire companies swung by the museum for the drive-up toy drive during the three-hour window.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com

FireNews.com

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A Time Such as This SIZE UP Issue 4 • 2020 From the Chaplains' Study Rev. Leon I. VanWie, Chaplain New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. THERE ARE MANY BIBLE stories that would make for box office hits, and a few that would rate up there for the Academy Award for best picture if told well and accurately. I think the biblical story of Esther is one such story.

The setting is fifth century B.C. Persia, (modern day Iran). King Ahasuerus held a party for his friends, while his wife (Queen Vashti) held a party for her friends. The king requested the queen’s presence and she refused. The humiliated king replaced his wife with Esther, who was beautiful and young. Esther had been raised by her uncle, Mordecai, after she had been orphaned. Mordecai and Esther were Jewish, though they did not let anyone know of their faith.

At one time, Mordecai overheard a plot to assassinate the king and shared it with his niece, who told the king, giving credit to Mordecai.

King Ahasuerus never forgot that kindness.

Along comes Haman, who the king had promoted to the highest ranking official in the government. As people came before Haman, he expected them to bow. Mordecai refused, so Haman decided to wipe out all the Jewish people,

not knowing the king’s wife was Jewish. As word spread of the plan, Mordecai approached his niece. Esther 4:13-14 shares this story: Mordecai sent her this message: “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive.

If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else ... Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.”

Esther told the king of Haman’s plan and because of his respect for Mordecai and love of his wife Esther, Ahasuerus had Haman killed and all the Jews in the empire were spared.

I still think that would make a great movie, but the focus of my article is Mordecai’s message to Esther: “Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” I’ve thought about that verse a great deal lately.

As I moved into the position of Chief Chaplain for the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, my wife and I were to host the training conference in Watertown in April 2020.

Covid-19 changed all of that.

I was also looking forward to being in Syracuse for the NYSAFC 114th Annual Conference and FIRE 2020 Expo and the installation of Lee Shurtleff as our new President.

Covid changed that. Many of us who have moved into leadership roles in our local fire departments and county or state organizations

focus on the disappointments and frustrations the coronavirus presents. I know I did, but then Mordecai’s words hit home — maybe I was brought into the position of Chief Chaplain for just such a time as this. Maybe Lee Shurtleff has been brought into the position of President of the State Chiefs for just such a time as this.

This is not the year that any of us thought it would be, but maybe we are in the positions we are in for just such a time as this. What gifts do you have that your department or organization needs right now to deal with the complexities that Covid-19 has created? Like Esther, maybe God put you where you are for just such a time as this. Maybe God wants you exactly where you are and the gifts you have are the gifts that are needed!

Leon VanWie began in the fire service in 1976. He was an EMT for over 15 years and currently serves as the chaplain and president for the Town of Watertown Volunteer Fire Department, chaplain for the City of Watertown Fire Department, and a deputy fire coordinator for Jefferson County in the role of chaplain. In May 2020, he became the Chief Chaplain for the New York State Chaplains. VanWie belongs to numerous county and state fire organizations. He can be contacted at leonvanwie@gmail.com or 315-771-9142 (voice or text).

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A Long Christmas Tradition in Wantagh Members of Wantagh’s Station 2 posed with John Theissen (standing in bed next to Santa) after delivering numerous bags of toys to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.

The toys were accepted at a storefront on Wantagh Avenue, on December 19, 2020. The organization was founded some 29 years ago by Mr. Theissen to collect toys for needy children and the Wantagh Fire Department has participated ever since.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Bohemia Chiefs Sworn In

On January 6, 2021, the Bohemia Fire Department swore in its chiefs. Pictured is Chief Thomas Iwanejko. Also sworn in were 1st A/C Scott Thompson and 2nd A/C Dave O’Shaughnessy.

- Fire News photo by PIO Sue Orlando, Bohemia FD

Toys for Tots in Jericho

On December 20, 2020, the Jericho Fire Department was joined by United States Marines and Toys for Tots Vice-Chair Jennifer Vartanov to unload thousands of toys from the backs of firetrucks to be brought to Long Island children in need.

According to Toys for Tots, demand has skyrocketed tenfold because of pandemicrelated economic hardship and families in need. Cancellations of donation events and volunteer shortages have made it difficult for holiday toy charities to make ends meet.

The United States Marines joined with Toys for Tots officials to announce Long Island’s largest toy drive to help children in need.

Toys from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties were collected by individuals, businesses, and civic groups, to be distributed by the Marines to local underprivileged children.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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A Veteran’s Surprise Today was a very good day. When my friend Kenny Wirth died in April my world got turned upside down. He was like a father to me and died suddenly. He was also like a grandfather to Jack. His widow Karen Wirth who is like a mom to me gifted me Kenny’s bike. It was at that point I decided I’d sell my bike and donate the money in his honor to ABATE, an organization that was close to Kenny’s heart.

Enter Deborah Bonacasa who bought the bike and we gave the money to ABATE. That money got quadrupled and helped ABATE support veteran’s organizations on Long Island.

Deb’s husband, USAF Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa, was killed in action in Afghanistan in December 2015. She then donated the bike back to ABATE with one request: that it go to a veteran who would ride it in her late husband’s honor. ABATE had been searching since June for a veteran to gift it to when one of my Red Knight Brothers, Matt, let it slip he served in Afghanistan. Matt’s bike had just died and he was in need of a new ride.

There was actually a chance Matt and Lou Bonacasa served their tours in “the ‘stan” at the same time. I came home and asked Rob Wrenn, did I hear him right? Can you find out if he’s a veteran? Rob did and confirmed Matt’s service in the Army. It was then that I submitted Matt’s bio to ABATE for consideration. The board voted unanimously to gift the bike to Matt.

Thank you to Chris Beckhans and the board of ABATE, which brought us to today. ABATE presented Matt with a certificate thanking him for his service. That’s what Matt thought he was there for. Then he was asked to walk around to the back of the truck and the door opened and the motorcycle was inside. Matt will be riding with a guardian angel over his shoulder from this day forward.

- Fire News story by John Fenech; photos by Ron Montelone

Bohemia Working to Keep Members Safe

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bohemia Fire Department continues to protect their members and stay safe with routine cleaning of gear and equipment during inspections.

Firefighter Richard Gross and volunteers are cleaning gear, to

help prevent and reduce the risk of toxin and infections from harming their brothers and sisters.

- Fire News photos and story by Sue Orlando, PIO Bohemia FD

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HENDRICKSON FIRE RESCUE EQUIPMENT EXPANDS PORTFOLIO WITH FERRARA AND E-ONE REV Fire Group, a manufacturer of industry-leading fire apparatus brands announced on January 1, 2021, that Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment is expanding its product portfolio and will represent Ferrara Fire Apparatus and EONE. Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment has been a longtime, successful Spartan Emergency Response dealer providing its New York Metro area customers with best-in-class sales and service.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of product offerings to meet our customers’ fire apparatus needs,” said Craig Probst, President of Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment. “We look forward to growing the Ferrara and E-ONE customer base in New York by providing our next generation customer support strategy.”

Hendrickson Fire operates out of a state-

“Hendrickson has made significant investments into its dealership with people, facilities and aftermarket support capabilities in order to provide customers with a premium experience. We look forward to their contribution in growing the Ferrara and E-ONE brands,” said Mike Virnig, Vice President of Sales for REV Fire Group.

of-the-art 20,000 square foot facility, which includes a collision center featuring a 55-foot spray booth and an expansive parts inventory.

The Hendrickson team of 65 leverages their knowledge and facilities to provide complete fire apparatus service. Hendrickson is also a comprehensive and authorized service center for Cummins.

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE FIRE SERVICE National Fire Service Research Agenda Symposium Will Be Held to Help Identify Areas Where Research is Needed The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host a virtual symposium in February and March to prioritize an agenda that promotes firefighter safety, wellness, and efficiency.

The National Fire Service Research Agenda Symposium, which is composed of researchers and practitioners, will be held online from February 15 through March 10, 2021. The NFFF is partnering with Underwriters Laboratories Firefighter Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI) to convene the program.

The National Fire Service Research Agenda is a continually evolving effort to identify areas in which research is needed to contribute to the mission of supporting the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives of the Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home program.

“A critical component of preventing preventable line-of-duty deaths in the fire service involves research,” says Chief (ret.) John Tippett, the Director of Fire Service Programs for the NFFF. “Every five years, the Foundation brings together a group of researchers and fire service experts to consider what research should be a priority.”

The domains to be examined fall into three categories: Hiring, Retention and Advancement; Effective Operations; and Health and Safety; with a list of potential topics under each domain.

That focus of research needed has grown over the past five years, according to Tippett. “Think about 2020 alone. There were, and continue to be, emerging threats to the fire service we did not consider in the last cycle. Covid-19, and its myriad of fire and EMS-related consequences; civil unrest, mass violence incidents, assaults on first responders, wildland fire seasons continuing to worsen, and the impact of social science and public policy on fire departments are all clamoring for investigation.”

Tippett also says that other issues worth studying include ever-increasing demand for EMS services, losses in funding revenue, cancer in the wildland fire service, and member and/or employee retention.

This year’s virtual symposium is seeking input from the research community at large to set the agenda for these and other issues.

Tippett encourages such experts to attend, even if they have not previously investigated issues pertaining to the fire service. “Problem solving is best achieved by wisdom in the room,” he says.

“Collaborative research and data sharing have become imperative to addressing the new and emerging fire hazards faced by the fire service and the fire and life safety ecosystem overall.

No single organization can tackle these things alone,” says Steve Kerber, Underwriters Laboratories Vice President of Research and Director of UL FSRI. “The NFFF Research Agenda Symposium is an excellent forum for convening research subject matter experts with this collective goal in mind. It directly supports our mission of advancing fire safety knowledge. We are proud to partner the NFFF in this endeavor and encourage the research community to participate.”

“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation relies on strong collaborative relationships to assist us in accomplishing our mission,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the Board for the NFFF. “We know firsthand the impact a line-of-duty death has on families and co-workers. Research focused on reducing deaths and injuries is worthy of our efforts and we’re grateful to UL for their support.”

Anyone interested in attending may visit https://cvent.me/0l72oq to learn more about the symposium and register to attend.

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Lily’s Toy House Toy Run

It was a busy few days for Lilianna Bonacasa, the nine-year-old daughter of Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa. SSgt. Bonacasa was killed in action in Afghanistan on December 21, 2015. The Centereach Fire Department sent Rescue 4 with an escort of 150 motorcycles to Lilianna’s home in Sound Beach to pick up toys and take them to Centereach to be donated to the Middle Country School to help other children have a toy for the holidays. A local band, Armed & Dangerous, also held a toy donation at a drop and to help Lily’s Toy House, which Lilianna started two years ago.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

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Remembering Pearl Harbor

Members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department and the Rockville Centre Police Department supplied their color guards for the Village of Rockville Centre’s annual Pearl Harbor Commemorative Ceremony at Lister Park on December 7, 2020. Over 60 veterans attended the ceremony which saw the tossing of a memorial wreath into the park’s lake by RVC Mayor Francis X. Murray and Lynbrook American Legion Commander Bill Marinaccio to remember those killed that day in 1941.

- Fire News photos by Steve Grogan

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Run, Run Santa!

On December 6, 2020, Sound Beach Fire Department held their annual Santa Run event during which they escorted their guest of honor, Santa Claus himself, through the winding streets of the town.

- Fire News photos

by Stefanie Handshaw

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’Tis the Season

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Holiday Meal Grab n’ Go for Montauk Seniors The Montauk Fire Department, following pandemic guidelines, held its annual holiday meal as a Grab 'n Go from the safety of a car. Complete traditional holiday meals, from squash soup to apple pie, were individ-

Not Shaving for Christmas On December 9, 2020 Village of Hempstead Mayor Don Ryan was joined by Hempstead Police officers to announce the “No Shave November and December” fundraising drive, where normally clean-shaven members of law enforcement have grown beards to raise money for local Hempstead families facing economic hardship during the holiday season. Hempstead cops in-uniform showed off their beards at a press conference outside of the Hempstead Police Department, and announced that thousands of dollars raised will be used to purchase hundreds of toys for the Hempstead community. Nearly 50 Hempstead police officers participated.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez

ually bagged and ready for hand off. Home delivery was also available for anyone who couldn’t make it.

- Fire News photos by Richard Lewin

Santa Visits Centerport Santa and his helpers from the Centerport Fire Department spread holiday greetings to the community during Operation Candy Cane.

Santa’s sled was escorted through the streets of Centerport, where he brought big smiles to the neighborhood children who were eagerly awaiting his arrival. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photo courtesy Centerport FD

Drive-Thru Santa in Sound Beach On December 12, 2020, members of the Sound Beach Fire Department Auxiliary hosted a drive-through visit with Santa event for the children of fire department members. Although things are very different this year, there can still be moments of holiday wonder and joy.

- Fire News photo by Stefanie Handshaw

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’Tis the Season

Fire News, February 2021, Page 107

Operation Santa

Dix Hills Santa Spreads Holiday Cheer

The Islip Terrace Fire Department Operation Santa Claus featured apparatus and crews from East Islip, Islip and Central Islip on December 12, 2020, in the rain ‌ but the kids came out to see Santa Claus nonetheless.

- Fire News photo by Phil Dara

Santa arrived in Dix Hills from the North Pole when his sleigh landed at the Dix Hills Fire Department. Engines and ambulances escorted Santa on his journey through the streets to spread holiday greetings to the community. Santa and his helpers from Company One are pictured at Station 2 preparing for his journey. Other Dix Hills neighborhoods were visited by Headquarters Company Two and Station One, Company Three. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Dix Hills FD

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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

The crew of Commack Engine 2-11-3 sporting the traditional holiday HESS Truck paint scheme.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Members of East Islip Hook and Ladder, and Heavy Rescue posing for a quick photo before going out on a Santa Run. - Fire News photo by Junior’s Fire Photos

Ronkonkoma chiefs and firefighters after an appliance fire on October 17, 2020. - Fire News photo by Tim Edwards

Bohemia Fire Department members gather after a drill.

- Fire News photo by Sue Orlando, PIO Bohemia FD

Kings Park Fire Department medics at the scene of a house fire on December 18, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Members of the East Farmingdale Fire Company on a mutual aid call to North Amityville on December 20, 2020.

- Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

Bohemia Fire Department members assisted Santa with a ride through town.

- Fire News photo by Bohemia FD PIO Sue Orlando

Firefighters from the Jericho Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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Up Close & Personal On December 20, 2020, members of the Brookhaven Fire Department visited the family of Firefighter Chris Martin, who has been deployed overseas with the US Air Force. Amy and daughter Avery, along with their families were paid a special visit, which provided lots of Christmas Cheer and smiles all around.

- Fire News photo by JoAnn Stephani

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Danny Gunther, center, was recently elected the new Second Assistant Chief of the Centerport Fire Department. He was sworn in by his proud dad, exChief and Commissioner Pete Gunther, right. At left is Danny's brother, Engine Company One Lieutenant Mike Gunther.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Centerport FD

Chiefs from the North Merrick Fire Department on a mutual aid to the Hempstead Fire Department on the night of December 25, 2020.

- Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

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Up Close & Personal Mineola ex-Chiefs B. Santosus and L. Santosus at a recent working fire.

- Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography. com

Locust Valley Firefighter Segura and Lieutenant Savinetti at a recent working fire in Locust Valley.

- Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography .com Brentwood Hook & Ladder Company 1 Firefighter Jeremy Gonzalez.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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Up Close & Personal John ‘Captain Jack’ O’Loughlin and his son Kyle at the scene of a house fire in Commack on Veterans Memorial Highway on December 13, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Holtsville Firefighter Brendan Smith.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Lakeland Probationary Firefighter Taylor Cook.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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Obituary

Point Lookout-Lido’s Matthew Thompson

Matthew Thompson, ex-Chief of the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department, and a 30-year member, passed away on October 27, 2020.

Matt joined the PLLFD in 1990 and joined the First Aid and Rescue Company, quickly rising through the ranks to become Captain. Matt was a long-time EMT and served the Point Lookout-Lido community for many years as a top responder. In 2008, Matt was elected Chief of the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department, and during his tenure in the Chief’s

Office, the department purchased several new pieces of apparatus.

Matt also spent 38 years working for the Town of Hempstead, starting as a Lifeguard and working his way up to run the Town’s Technical Service Department.

Matt is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jeanne, his brother ex-Chief Chas Thompson, sisters Cathy, Kerry and Maura, a brother, Chris and many nephews and nieces.

- Fire News photos by Bill Bennett

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AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS APPOINTS COASTAL FIRE SYSTEMS FOR LONG ISLAND AND NYC AMKUS Rescue Systems proudly welcomes Coastal Fire Systems, Inc. as the new Authorized and Exclusive Distributor for Sales and Service for all Amkus Rescue System products including ION Battery Tools, Twin Line Hydraulic Tools, Amkus Rescue Struts, Amkus Fire/Rescue DeWalt Kits. They will serve Long Island as well as New York City for Amkus Rescue Systems.

Coastal Fire Systems, Inc. is centrally located in Amityville New York, and has been serving Fire and Rescue Departments on Long Island for nearly 20 years. As a family owned and operated organization, customer satisfaction and commitment to service are the key reasons for their success and primary focus within their Mission Statement – “Shining a New Light on Service.”

“At AMKUS, we believe this to be an

extremely positive change. We have been striving to develop relationships on Long Island with the latest technology utilized in all Amkus products, but especially the highly innovative ION Battery Tools. Our new partners at Coastal Fire Systems will strengthen our position and take it the next level, acquiring even more friends and new customers. We are excited for the opportunities through Coastal Fire Systems and their Staff. We look forward to what the future holds and the value we will bring to the Long Island Fire Departments.”

– Bob Linster AMKUS Rescue Systems is proud to welcome Coastal Fire Systems, Inc. to our outstanding dealer network and wish them great success in their new endeavor.

For more information regarding AMKUS Rescue Systems, please contact: Coastal Fire Systems Liz Gandolfo Amityville, NY 631-661-7515 or Amkus Rescue Systems Bob Linster 757-710-0090

SUTPHEN CORPORATION SHATTERS INDUSTRY RECORD Sutphen’s New Industrial Pumper is Third-Party Rated at a Record 6000 GPM from Draft Sutphen Corporation, the largest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, announced that its new Sutphen Industrial Solutions Pumper shattered the industry’s record with a third-party rating of 6,000 gallons per minute from draft.

While officially rated at 6,000 gallons per minute from draft, the industrial pumper is capable of flowing over 6,500 gallons per minute from draft with unmatched abilities to pump from a pressurized source.

“As we continue to innovate and build our industrial portfolio, this record-setting apparatus solidifies Sutphen as a leader in the industrial fire industry,” said Zach Rudy, Sutphen’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

“Between our renown pumpers and worldclass aerials, we provide our customers with the best options in the industrial fire market.”

Built on a Sutphen extreme-duty, Monarch chassis, the 304-stainless-steel industrial body was manufactured for the extreme conditions found on an industrial fire ground. Complete with a Double Thunder, Hale’s 6,000 gallon per minute midship pump, and a directinject foam system, the unit highlights Sutphen’s abilities to integrate innovation into every aspect of its trucks.

“We are proud to have participated in bringing this powerful, high-quality, heavy-duty industrial pumper to the market,” said Jim Kirvida, leader of Sutphen Industrial Solutions. “Collaboration between our two like-minded engineering and manufacturing teams resulted in a record-breaking rating of 6000-plus GPM, proving Sutphen a respected leader in the industrial fire market.”

Sutphen and its network of dealers are currently demonstrating the unit across the country while it awaits a buyer. The demonstration unit is available for an accelerated delivery.

For additional information regarding the Sutphen Industrial Solution pumper, follow this link: https://www.sutphen.com/instock/demo-479-industrial-pumper/ Sutphen Corporation is an Ohio-based, privately held, family-owned business that has manufactured the highest-quality, heavy-duty, custom-built emergency response vehicles since 1890.

The company’s headquarters are located in Dublin, Ohio, a northwest suburb of Columbus.

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Obituary

Nassau Dispatcher Michael James

On December 29, 2020, a funeral was held for Nassau County Fire Communications Dispatcher 63 Michael ‘Biggs’ James who passed away earlier in the month of December at the age of 44.

Aside from working at Fire Com, Mike worked dispatch at Hicksville, Plainview, Manhasset-Lakeville, Syosset, Baldwin, Bethpage, and in the Village of Hempstead (both police and fire). A former FDNY Dispatcher, Mike is credited with helping many new dispatchers learn the trade over the years and became well known throughout Nassau County and beyond.

On the morning of his services a small memorial service was held at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Rockville Centre. Once the memorial serv-

ice concluded the procession began. Upon leaving the church the procession made its way into the Village of Hempstead where it passed each Hempstead firehouse before continuing to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Outside the iconic venue were dozens of fire apparatus and hundreds of members from various fire departments on hand to pay their respects as the procession passed.

Mike, who is an ex-Captain of the Hempstead Fire Department and an honorary member of Engines 1 and 4, was privately cremated. He will be missed by all those who knew and worked with him.

- Fire News photos by K2M Photography.com, OverTheEdgePhotography.com and Joseph C. Sperber

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Obituary

North Merrick’s Joseph Vicario

The North Merrick Fire Department ex-Chief and Commissioner Joseph Vicario passed away on December 4, 2020, following a brave and courageous battle with a 9/11 related cancer.

Commissioner Vicario, or ‘Joe V’ as he was known to many, served as North Merrick Chief of Department in 2007 and 2008 and had been a Fire Commissioner since 2013. During his 25 years with the department, Joe inspired and mentored countless individuals on how to become better firefighters. An avid fan of the North Merrick Stump Jumpers Drill Team he was a fixture on the sidelines at tournaments throughout the season.

Visitation was held at North Merrick Fire Headquarters on December 6 and 7. The firematic service was held on the night of December 7, and a funeral mass on December 8 at Sacred Heart Church in North Merrick.

He is survived by his wife (Cathy Vicario), his children Kaitlin and Anthony, and the many family and friends who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph’s name to the Ray Pfeifer Foundation (https://theraypfeiferfoundation.org/contact-us/).

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com

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Memorial

Remembering Two Honorary Chiefs in Lynbrook On October 25, 2020, the members of Vulcan Company 2 of the Lynbrook Fire Department held a memorial service for two of their members who passed away this year but, because of the Covid-19 virus, were previously unable to hold a formal memorial service.

On that day the members honored ex-Captain and Honorary Chief Charlie Weiler, a 66-year member, and ex-Captain and Honorary Chief Al Amalfitano, a 55-year member. Both had been previously promoted to Honorary Chief after serving 50 years as a Lynbrook volunteer firefighters.

Chief Weiler died on April 18, 2020, while Chief Amalfitano passed away on September 30, 2020.

For the service, a podium was set up in front of the firehouse bay door with a chief’s white coat and helmet on it and large photos of Chief Weiler and Chief Amalfitano on tripods on either side of the podium. Two firefighters stood at attention behind the photos.

The service was held in the street in front of Vulcan’s firehouse on a closed Denton Avenue. Family members and guests were properly spaced in chairs in the roadway while Vulcan members stood to one side and the department members stood behind the family and guests. Everyone wore face masks.

The service closed with department firefighters and Vulcan Company members walking up to the podium and the photos and rendering a final salute to both members.

- Fire News photos by Steve Grogan

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