VOLUME XLVI, NO. 8
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 APRIL 2019
Story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Edmund J. Coppa
Fire News Welcomes all to FDIC See Us at Booth #5266 in the Convention Center
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In this issue... Westhampton Beach House Fire Westhampton and mutual aid departments tackle a fire on Dune Road’s bay side. See story page 20
Elmont House Fire Despite early reports of people trapped, everyone makes it out of a second-floor blaze. See story page 30
Kings Park Plow Truck Fire Firefighters respond to a plow truck on fire on the the Sunken Meadow Parkway. See story page 50
DWI Into ... a Lot of Things in Central Islip An SUV goes trough a parking lot, a yard, past a house, through a fence and into a funeral home. See story on page 58
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, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, JEB LADOUCEUR, Publisher Emeritus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Vinnie Ammirati, Tim Asbell, Dennis Berger, Chris Brenner, Jeff Bressler, Kirk Candan, Wayne Carrington, Amanda Coffey, Ed Coppa, Bill D'Alessandro, Mike DesCalso, Jim Dunn, Larry Fox, Lee Genser, Myron Goldstein, Bryan Gosik,Brian Grogan, Steve Grogan, Mike Guarino, Daniel Gunther, Michael Gunther, Stephanie Handshaw, Jeff Havlik, Jack Healy, Branden Heller, Michael Heller, Christine Heeren, Robert Holley, Cody Hoyle, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Kate Kuntz, Tom Lambui, Joe Lapietra, Richard Lewin, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Kurt Ludwig, Brad Maier, John Mancino, Paul Mazza, Terry McCarrick, Lou Minutoli, Ron Monteleone, Jim Mooney, Ilene Morris, Michael Murphy, Charles A. Murphy, Mike Oppedisano, John Neely, Phil Orlando, Robert O'Rourk, Kevin Parkan, Tom Pesce, Kevin Peterson, Jackson Pokress, Jerry Presta, Myles Quinn, Jerry Rudolph, Dave Rubin, Jim Rugen, AJ Ryan, Steve Schaefer, Drew Silverman, Steve Silverman, Joe Sperber, Rich Stark, JoAnn Stephani, Brian Thomas, Ed Tuffy, Joe Virgilio, Steve Walsh, Dennis Whittam, Cameron Wilken, Michael Wiwczar, John Wladyka, Jr. COLUMNISTS: Jeff Bailes, Paul Hashagen, Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder, Danny Peluso, Bradley Pinksy, Tom Rinelli
Seen at the Mega Show
COPYRIGHT 2019, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
A round up of some of the folks we encountered at this year’s show. See story on page 74
Obituaries Centerport’s Bruce Waring Answers His Last Alarm
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: LI@firenews.com
Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 EMS Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . .starts on page 54 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 93 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 110 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 112 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 116
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
46 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 46th year of publication. If you have any stories, photos and good memories from the past, please send them to LI@FireNews.com.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
When Does Training End? I recently overheard a conversation between two firefighters who were talking about all of the experience they had in their department. I looked up and asked, “how many years have you been in the department?” I actually chuckled when I was told by one of the members that he had six years of experience in the fire service. I am willing to bet that as you read my last sentence, you too have a smile on your face. Truthfully, being a first responder is a job that requires constant training and practice from your first day on the job until your last. Years of service does not necessarily qualify you to say that you are an experienced responder. This time of the year, I get nervous because we are entering brush fire season. Let’s face it, many firefighters have very little experience fighting brush fires. I am sure if you have been in the fire service for a few years, you have encountered a brush fire that might appear large to you upon arrival, but in reality it was a small fire that was quickly knocked down by two or three members who were lucky enough to be part of the crew on the brush truck. The fire that I worry about is the wind-driven brush fire that manages to take advantage of the strong winds of spring and runs through an area like a freight
train. The next time you sit in your ready room, share stories of brush fires of the past that have challenged your department. Training never ends. All responders need to know every aspect of their job. Are you able to perform your job when the conditions get rough? Ask yourself if you are truly physically fit to perform under challenging conditions. Kudos to those members that go to the gym regularly to maintain their fitness and cardio performance. Are you a student of your craft? Do you read articles that talk about recent fires or new products? When was the last time you came down to the firehouse and took a short rope and performed some of the basic knots with which you’re supposed to be proficient? Do you know how to use that knot to quickly hoist a line or a tool to a roof? If you think you can, challenge yourself and do it! Talking about forcing a door is not the same as doing it. Don’t wait for the yearly drill on a specific tool. You must remain proficient in the techniques and operations that you use every day. Regardless of your years of experience, your current rank or your rank from the past, lead by example. Remain dedicated to your job. Study, practice, try new things, and ask
questions! A story of the past that is shared with one another means nothing if it does not end with a lesson being shared and learned by others. When the alarm sounds, respond to the call with enthusiasm. If you miss the truck, stay at the firehouse until the truck returns. Offer to fill bottles, wash tools, and hear the story about the call. When does training end? I say never! - Dennis
Announcements FUNDRAISER FOR HEATHER PENDERGAST FUND
The Heather Pendergast Fund will hold a fundraiser event at 1100 on May 4, 2019, at John Burns Park on Merrick Road in Massapequa Park. The event is a Corn Hole Tournament. Entry fee is $40 per player, under 18 is $10 per player. There will be prizes, food, drink, raffles and a 50/50. Register on line at www.massapequakiwanis.org. For more information call 844-426-7646 or visit www.heathersfund.org.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
The Middle Island Fire Department Rescue Company 4 will hold their Annual Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 14, 2019, from 0800 to noon. There will be raffle baskets, a 50/50, a picture with the Easter Bunny and crafts for the kids. Adults - $10, Kids (4-10) - $7, Kids (Under 3) - Free Come on down to the Mddle Island Fire Department Headquarters at 31 Arnold Drive in Middle Island.
SHOTGUN COMPETITION
sausage, orange juice, coffee and tea. Take your pictures with the Easter Bunny in our Enchanted Spring Garden. Sparky the Talking Animated Fire Dog driving his own fire engine will be on hand with free giveaways. The Suffolk County Masons will be giving away FREE Child Identification Kits as part of their Child Safety Identification Program, and we have FREE Face Painting. There will also be a 50/50 Raffle.
FMASCO TO HOLD 5TH ANNUAL ROCK FEST AT BROOKHAVEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Brookhaven Fire Department will hold their 5th Annual Rock Fest 2019 on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Gates open at 1600. The show starts at 1700. The cost of the entrance ticket is $20 per person. Refreshments and Raffles will be available for purchase. No outside food or beverages are permitted. Bring your own chair or blanket for a night of great music and fun for all. Come on down to the Brookhaven Fire Department Fireman’s Park, located on Montauk Highway and Old Town Road, across from headquarters. For additional information, visit www.BrookhavenFD.com or contact Mike Verni at 631-774-7309 or Anthony Verni at 631-554-6754.
DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO? On Saturday, May 18, 2019, the Fire Marshal Association of Suffolk Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If County (FMASCO) will hold its annual Shotgun Competition (Trap) and your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department, Barbeque at the Long Island Shooting Range in Ridge. Proceeds of the event go towards the Suffolk County Volunteer and contact information. E-mail us at li@FireNews.com. Firefighter Burn Center and Firefighters Cancer Support Network - New WHERE ARE YOUR York. For more information please contact Kevin Peterson at 631-4956467. DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? Fire News would like to remind its readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper. WEST BABYLON HOSE CO. 1 Feel free to e-mail your photos to li@firenews.com. We ask that any photo BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, On Sunday, April 14, 2019, Hose Company 1 of the West Babylon Fire crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Department will host their Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Fire Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up Headquarters, located at 126 Arnold Avenue, West Babylon. Doors open at of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.” 0800 to noon. We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Breakfast includes pancakes,
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All Safe in Roosevelt Fire The Roosevelt Fire Department responded to a house fire on Washington Avenue in Roosevelt on January 23, 2019. Firefighters found a heavy fire condition in the home which is also used as a day care center. Mutual aid came from Hempstead, Uniondale, North Merrick, North Bellmore and Merrick. All the occupants of the home were able to evacuate prior to the arrival of fire responders. The Nassau County Police and Nassau County Fire Marshal investigated the cause. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Cover Story
3 Dead in Westbury Car-Train Collision On February 26, 2019, the Westbury Fire Department was called to a car-versus-train collision with fire at the intersection of School Street and Railroad Avenue. Firefighters were met with a vehicle that had been struck by an eastbound train followed by a westbound train at the ground level crossing; the vehicle was destroyed beyond recognition claiming the lives of three occupants inside and causing debris to catch fire in multiple locations along the tracks. After the impact the westbound train continued for some distance, derailed, and struck the platform (closer to Linden Avenue) causing concrete and metal to break apart and scatter. Hundreds of people between both trains were safely evacuated by the two-hour mark of the operation. Aside from the trio of fatalities, around a dozen people were injured — at least one seriously. Assistance came from Carle Place, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Plainview, Roslyn, East Meadow, Levittown, Uniondale, Syosset and more. During the operation, four additional ambulances were kept at Westbury headquarters. The technical rescue team matrix was put into operation and teams from Bethpage, Massapequa, Freeport and North Bellmore responded. All fire department units were under the command of Westbury Chief of Department Kenny Gass. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com, Paul Mazza, Joseph C. Sperber and Edmund J. Coppa
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House Fire in Mastic Recently, authorities were notified of a house fire on Seaford Avenue, north of Boonar Street. The Mastic Fire Department, Mastic Ambulance and Suffolk Police responded. Mutual aid was provided by Center Moriches, East Moriches and Manorville. Shirley Ambulance responded as well. Mastic Beach provided stand-by crews at Mastic. - Fire News photos by LiHotShots.smugmug.com
Brookhaven Basement Fire
On February 7, 2019, the Brookhaven Fire Department responded Shirley Ambulance and Suffolk Police also responded with mutual to a house fire on Auborn Avenue, between Beatrice Drive and aid coming from Mastic and Yaphank. - Fire News photos by www.LIHotShots.smugmug.com Victory Avenue. When 1st responders arrived, they found the cause of alarm to be an advanced fire in a single-story home's basement.
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East Meadow Fire Stopped The East Meadow Fire Department responded to a house fire on Old Westbury Road in East Meadow on February 18, 2019, when a fire broke out on the second floor and attic. All occupants were able to safely evacuate. Levittown responded to assist. More on page 12. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Holbrook Dryer Fire On February 2, 2019, the Holbrook Fire Department was activated for a dryer fire on Cambridge Avenue. Commanding units were met with heavy smoke showing and visible fire from the structure. Command requested mutual aid from Holtsville and North Patchogue. First-due crews made an aggressive attack with two lines in operation. The fire took approximately 45 minutes to bring under control. One occupant of the home was treated on scene for smoke inhalation but refused further medical attention. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez
Car Fire in Manorville On December 8, 2018, firefighters from Manorville knocked down a car fire on the eastbound LIE exit ramp to CR-111. - Fire News photo by LiHotShots.smugmug.com
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Clutter Hampers Westbury Fight
The Westbury Fire Department responded to a house fire on Swalm Street on February 16, 2019. Units arrived to heavy fire on the second floor of the house from exposures 2 and 3. Engine 969 was followed by Hicksville Ladder 936 and Westbury Ladder 963. Crews operated three lines and had the fire under control in about an hour with firefighters having to fight the fire in three feet of clutter in the house. The fire displaced nine people and the cause was under investigation. Additional mutual aid was provided to the scene by Jericho, Carle Place and Bethpage. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
Birds Saved in East Meadow
The East Meadow Fire Department responded to a house fire on Old Westbury Road on February 18, 2019. Third Assistant Chief Kosiba arrived to smoke showing from the home, followed shortly after by Chief of Department Fertitta. The fire was located in the attic of the house and contained there. Crews knocked down the fire in about 20 minutes. During overhaul two birds were found unharmed in their cage and were removed by ex-Chief O’Brien and turned over to the homeowner. Levittown responded as the FAST. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Manhasset Hills Home Gutted A raging house fire gutted a Manhasset Hills home on February 19, 2019. The call came in around 1500 for a fire in a two-story home on Sutton Hill Lane near Country Village Lane. The front of the house was engulfed as firefighters arrived. The Garden City Park Fire Department requested assistance from several surrounding departments to bring the blaze under control. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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Cemetery Fire in East Northport The East Northport Fire Department responded to a fire at the Genola Rural Cemetery on Laurel Road on February 23, 2019. Upon arrival, a building used as an office on the grounds of the cemetery was found fully involved. Mutual aid came from Northport and Greenlawn. No injuries were reported and the fire was brought under control in an hour. The Suffolk Police and Huntington Town Fire Marshal were investigating. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber and Steve Silverman
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1 Civ, 6 Police Injured — and a Nice Save — at Valley Stream Fire On the morning of March 3, 2019, Valley Stream firefighters were met with heavy fire in a deli which was part of a singlestory commercial building located on West Merrick Road between Dale Place and Shaw Avenue. Prior to the fire department’s arrival, an unconscious deli worker was rescued from the rear of the building by a chief of the Malverne Fire Department, who was on his way home from work when he heard the call, and Nassau County Police. The fire reached a second alarm bringing mutual aid from Malverne, Lynbrook, Elmont, Inwood, Lawrence-Cedarhurst and Hewlett among others. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the deli and the cause was under investigation. The deli worker and six Nassau County police officers, were taken to area hospitals. Department units were under the command of Valley Stream Chief of Department Jason Croak. (See pages 102-103 for more.) - Fire News photo by K2M Photography.com
Hempstead House Fire The Hempstead Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire on Crowell Street on the afternoon of Tuesday March 5. Heavy smoke was evident in the rear of the house on arrival and fire had broken through the exterior wall. Firefighters opened up the area and extinguished the blaze. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos
Hits House, Car on Fire, Leaves Scene in Hicksville The Hicksville Fire Department was alerted for an MVA with a car into a house and on fire at the intersection of Bay Avenue and East John Street. Arriving units found a car had struck the front stoop of a two-story home and burst into flames, but was not in the home. Crews quickly got water on the fire preventing any extension into the home. The driver fled the scene and no one in the home was injured. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
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Huntington Manor Valentine’s Day Fire
On February 14, 2019, the Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to a house fire on 8th Avenue in Huntington Station. Arriving firefighters discovered a fully involved basement fire. Due to the balloon frame construction, the fire was able to travel up the walls to the second floor. Firefighters had the blaze under control in approximately 30 minutes. Greenlawn and Huntington assisted and the Huntington Community First Aid Squad provided a medical standby; Melville covered. The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal were investigating. Chief Jon Hoffmann was in command and assisted by Assistant Chiefs Jim Glidden and Brian Christen. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photos courtesy Huntington Manor FD
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New Hyde Park Basement Fire The New Hyde Park Fire Department responded to a fire in a vacant private dwelling located on Leonard Boulevard on February 22, 2019. One handline was stretched to the basement area while truck companies checked for extension throughout the house. Mutual aid units responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Baldwin Building Fire On March 4, 2019, the Baldwin Fire Department was dispatched to smoke in the building in the 1900 block of Grand Avenue off Lorenz Avenue. Firefighters were met with smoke showing from a single-story office building. Upon investigating, firefighters located a closet fire beginning to extend into the hallway. Baldwin Engine 203 positioned at the rear of the building. Two handlines were stretched and firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire and kept extension to a minimum. Mutual aid came from Freeport, Rockville Centre and Oceanside. All fire department units were under the command of Baldwin Chief of Department Ortiz. - Fire News photo by K2M Photography.com
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Westhampton Beach House Fire
The Westhampton Beach Fire Department battled a house fire on Dune Road in the frigid early morning hours of February 10, 2019. The department received the call at 0559. First Assistant Chief Mauro DiBenedetto arrived to a fully involved house fire in a small home on the bay side of Dune Road. Third Assistant Chief Larry Saccente and Engine 7-8-1, had water on the fire within minutes, as other units arrived. The building was unoccupied. The main fire
was extinguished in about 20 minutes. The response was complicated by electrical wires down in the driveway, slippery conditions and two large propane tanks. Mutual aid came from Eastport, East Moriches, Quogue, Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance and the Southampton Town Police. - Fire News story by 1st A/C Mauro DiBenedetto; photo by John Neely
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Quick Knockdown at Roosevelt Basement Fire The Roosevelt Fire Department responded for a fire in the basement of a private dwelling on Thoma Place on February 25, 2019. One handline was stretched to extinguish the blaze; mutual aid companies assisted. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Medford Car Fire The Medford Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on Route 112 on March 5, 2019. Unit 5-14-30 was in charge and arrived to a fully involved car. Members from Engines 1 and 11 quickly knocked down the fire. No injuries were reported. -Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken
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Ft. Salonga House Fire The Kings Park Fire Department responded to a house fire on Meadow Glen Road in Fort Salonga on February 14, 2019. Upon arrival, a fire was discovered on the first floor of the two-story home, which was unoccupied at the time with the exception of the family’s cats. Mutual aid was requested from Smithtown, Commack, Northport and East Northport. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Quick Knockdown in Bethpage
On February 22, 2019, the Bethpage Fire Department was called to a house fire on Cambridge Avenue off Powell Avenue. Crews were met with smoke showing from a two-story private dwelling. A FAST was requested from South Farmingdale. Bethpage Engine 9044 arrived and stretched two handlines. Bethpage Ladder 4, Farmingdale Engine 924, Hicksville Engine 933 and Plainview Ladder 9533 also responded. Firefighters made a quick knockdown of the fire and the scene was placed under control within 25 minutes. Fire department units were under the command of Bethpage Chief of Department Urbanick. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
All Safe at RVC Blaze
On February 26, 2019, the Rockville Centre Fire Department was called to a house fire on Lakeview Avenue off Burtis Avenue. Firefighters were met with a bedroom fire on the second floor of a 2-1/2 story private dwelling. Among the departments called for mutual aid were Lynbrook, Hempstead, South Hempstead and Lakeview. Rockville Centre Engine 443 and Ladder 449 put at least one handline into operation resulting in a quick knockdown. All fire department units were under the command of Rockville Centre Chief of Department Cook. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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Active Fire in West Sayville
The West Sayville Fire Department was activated for a residential structure fire on Wexford Drive. Suffolk County Police units were the first to arrive on scene and advised FRES of an active fire. Commanding units arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a window on the second floor. A working fire was transmitted and
mutual aid was requested from Bohemia and Sayville. The fire was quickly knocked down by first-due units without further incident. Command requested a fire marshal and arson squad to the scene for investigation. No injuries were reported. -Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Quick Work by Franklin Sq.Munson Early on February 25, 2019, the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department was called to a house fire on Court House Road off New Hyde Park Road. Firefighters were met with fire in the ceiling between the first and second floors. Elmont was notified for the FAST. Two handlines were stretched with one put into operation, resulting in a quick knockdown. Fire department units were under the command of Franklin Square and Munson Chief Salzman. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
New Hyde Park Fire On February 22, 2019, the New Hyde Park Fire Department was called to a house fire on Leonard Boulevard. Firefighters were met with smoke showing and a basement fire was found in a vacant private dwelling on Imperial Avenue. New Hyde Park Engine 172 and Ladder 175, stretched two handlines and the fire was quickly knocked down despite holes in the floor. Additional mutual aid was called from Garden City Park, Floral Park and Floral Park Centre, among others. Fire department units were under the command of New Hyde Park Chief of Department Vic Sowinski, Jr. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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Mastic Beach House Fire A quick moving fire gutted a house on Lafayette Drive, between Forest Road East and Elm Road West. The Mastic Beach Fire Department, Mastic Beach Ambulance, and Suffolk Police responded. Shirley Ambulance and the Brookhaven Fire Department were requested to the scene on mutual aid. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by LiHotShots.smugmug.com
Farmingville Car Fire The Farmingville Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire westbound LIE at exit 63. Unit 5-18-2 arrived to a fully involved auto. Members quickly knocked down the fire without any injuries. -Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken
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Elmont House Fire Late on February 22, 2019, firefighters operated on the scene of a house fire on Jacob Street in Elmont. The main body of fire was located on the second floor of a two-story private dwelling. Elmont Engine 703 and Ladder 708 stretched two handlines. Additional mutual aid came from Valley Stream and Floral Park. Bellerose Terrace, Franklin Square and the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps stoodby. Despite early reports of people trapped, all occupants made it out safely. Fire department units were under the command of Elmont Chief of Department Joseph Luckman. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Quick Stop in Lynbrook
Lynbrook firefighters operated at a house fire on Lakewood Boulevard off Wyoming Avenue on the morning of February 27, 2019. Lynbrook Engine 421 stretched two lines to put out the fire. Mutual aid was called from Rockville Centre, East Rockaway and Malverne, among others. The scene was placed under control within 35 minutes. Fire department units were under the command of Lynbrook First Assistant Chief Pearsall. - Fire News photos by K2M Photography.com
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Commercial Structure Fire in Yaphank Crews from Yaphank and Medford, and the Suffolk Police responded to an equipment fire at the Adesa Long Island car auction site on the corner of Sills Road and Horseblock Road. The fire was contained to a rear room of the building. The Brookhaven Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the incident. - Fire News photo by LiHotShots.smugmug.com
Town Truck Fire The West Babylon Fire Department and North Babylon Fire Company responded to a reported vehicle fire on westbound service road of Sunrise Highway at Belmont Avenue on the afternoon of February 15, 2019. West Babylon Engine 1-9-1 responded from a previous alarm. North Babylon Third Assistant Chief Alt and Engines 1-8-2 and 18-3 responded. Engine 1-9-1 arrived to find a Town of Babylon work truck engulfed in flames on the shoulder of the road. The two workers inside exited the vehicle without injury and it took about 15 minutes to extinguish the fire. -Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Westbury House Fire On the morning of February 12, 2019, the Westbury Fire Department responded to a fire on Jaymie Drive off Brush Hollow Road. The main body of fire was located on the second floor of a two-story private dwelling. Hicksville was the FAST with Ladder 936. Additional mutual aid was provided by Carle Place and Jericho, among others. Westbury Engine 966 stretched two handlines. All fire department units were under the command of Westbury Chief of Department Gass. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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Elmont Tackles Dryer Fire
The Elmont Fire Department battled a fire in the basement of a private dwelling on South Georgia Street in North Valley Stream on the evening of February 25, 2019. The fire may have started in a clothes dryer but quickly extended to the surrounding area. A heavy smoke conditions was evident on arrival. Mutual aid companies assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Lakeview Basement Fire
In the early morning of March 7, 2019, the Lakeview Fire Department responded to a fire in a vacant home on Scaneateles Avenue off Mahopac Road. Three handlines were stretched with at least two lines put into operation. Mutual aid was called from Malverne, West Hempstead, Hempstead, Lynbrook and Elmont, among others. The cause of the fire, which was believed to have begun in the basement, was under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Lakeview Chief of Department Sal Sinatro. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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East Northport House Fire
The East Northport Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire on Ripley Drive on February 28, 2019. Northport Chief John Jacobsen was in the area and advised of a working house fire. Arriving firefighters encountered a very heavy fire condition to the rear of the house and a 30-pound propane cylinder ignited, sending flames 30 feet above the house. Crews were able to keep the fire to the rear of the structure with three lines in operation. Mutual aid came from Northport, Greenlawn and Commack, and Commack VAC. Standby coverage was provided by a Kings Park and a Greenlawn ambulance. Crews were under the command of Chief Dan Flanagan and First Assistant Chief Tom Bourne. One resident was transported to Huntington Hospital by East Northport ambulance with minor injuries. The fire was under investigation by the Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Town of Huntington Fire Marshal. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Chris Ciaci
Central Islip House Fire
On the morning of January 2, 2019, the Central Islip Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Dietz Street. Under the command of Chief of Department Patrick Murphy, members and mutual aid companies made quick work of the fire. No injuries were reported and cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by John Ippolito, Jr.
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Fire in Vacant Brentwood House The Brentwood Fire Department was called to a house fire on 18th Avenue just before midnight on February 23, 2019. Second Assistant Chief Kelly arrived to heavy fire coming from a 1-1/2 story house that was reportedly vacant. Chief of Department Derbyshire, First Assistant Chief Boyle and Third Assistant Chief Renison arrived shortly after. Engine 3-2-15 was followed by Ladder 3-2-28, and Engine 3-2-11. Crews stretched and operated three lines and the crew from 3-2-28 laddered, vented and searched. It took about an hour to bring the fire under control with one firefighter suffering a leg injury. Bay Shore Fire Department responded as RIT. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Bedroom Fire in Central Islip The Central Islip Fire Department received a call for a structure fire on East Suffolk Avenue between Gibbs Road and Bella Casa Lane at 0401 on January 29, 2019. Chief of Department Patrick Murphy, four CIFD units and 39 firefighters responded. A first-floor bedroom was involved in fire upon arrival. The room and contents were heavily damaged and there was smoke and water damage to the remainder of the structure. Mutual aid came from East Brentwood and Islip Terrace (cover). Also present were the Suffolk County Arson Squad, the Central IslipHauppauge Volunteer Ambulance Company and the Islip Town Public Works Department (for a sander due to an icing condition). - Fire News photos by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD Photo Unit
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Farmingdale House Fire On January 21, 2019, in freezing conditions, the Farmingdale Fire Department responded to a house fire on Conklin Street. Engine 923 secured a water supply and crews stretched a dry line to the front door as interior crews searched for the source of the smoke condition. South Farmingdale also responded. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Wantagh Electrical Fire On January 18, 2019, the Wantagh Fire Department responded to this house fire on Jane Street. Arriving units found smoke showing and a fire in the electrical panel in the garage. The fire was extinguished with minor extension to the wall. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Kitchen Fire in Bethpage On January 11, 2019, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to a kitchen fire on Berkshire Road. Engine 9044 stretched a line to the front door where a cabinet was found on fire with extension to the wall. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Bedroom Fire in Dix Hills The Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a house fire on Hickory Hills Road in Dix Hills on February 2, 2019, at 0325. Crews arrived to fire in a secondfloor bedroom. The home, which was not occupied, sustained considerable damage. Mutual aid came from Deer Park, Commack, Melville and Greenlawn. The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes and no injuries were reported. The Suffolk Police and Huntington Town Fire Marshal were investigating the cause. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
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Quick Stop in Williston Park The Williston Park Fire Department operated at a fire in the basement of a private dwelling on Yale Street on the evening of January 29, 2019. Smoke was showing from a basement window on arrival and engine companies quickly knocked down the blaze. Mutual aid companies also responded to the incident. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
North Amityville Boiler Room Fire On the afternoon of January 27, 2019, the North Amityville Fire Company was alerted for smoke in the area on Spruce Road. Chief of Department Rollins and First Assistant Chief Riordan arrived in the area and were flagged down by a neighbor who had smoke coming from a two-story home. The fire was located in the boiler room of the house. Engine 1-7-1 was followed by Farmingdale Engine 1-5-1, which was requested on mutual aid. Crews stretched two lines and brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes. Copiague and North Lindenhurst provided additional mutual aid to the scene. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Merrick House Fire The Merrick Fire Department was called to a house fire on Whaleneck Drive off Bayberry Avenue on the morning of October 18, 2018. Fire was located on the first and second floors of a two-story private dwelling. All fire department units were under the command of Merrick Chief of Department Gavigan. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
Nice Save on Car Carrier Fire On January 24, 2019, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to a fully involved cab of a tractor trailer car carrier on East 5th Street. Units were under the command of Chief Phil Scarfi. The first-due engine knocked down the heavy fire and prevented it from extending to other cars on the carrier. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com
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Roosevelt Basement Fire On October 14, 2018, firefighters operated on the scene of a fire on Whitehouse Avenue in Roosevelt. The main body of fire was in the basement of a two-story private dwelling. Roosevelt Engine 733 was the first engine to arrive and had two lines stretched with at least one in operation. North Merrick, Uniondale, South Hempstead and Hempstead were among the departments called for mutual aid. 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 Roosevelt Chief of Department Fennell. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
Hempstead House Fire At 2356 on December 7, 2018, the Hempstead Fire Department was dispatched to a fire at a home on Robinwood Avenue off Greenwich Street. Firefighters were met with heavy fire showing from the number two and three sides of a twostory private dwelling. West Hempstead, South Hempstead, Rockville Centre and Lakeview were among the departments called for mutual aid. Hempstead Engine 2 stretched two handlines. The scene was placed under control within an hour and all fire units were under the command of Hempstead Assistant Chief Clark. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
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Quick Stop in South Floral Park
The South Floral Park Fire Department was alerted for smoke com- bers stretched a handline and quickly knocked down the blaze. ing from a house on Frederick Avenue and Bertha Street on the Extensive overhaul was required by truck company members. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com afternoon of January 24, 2019. Arriving companies were met by a heavy fire condition in a single-story ranch. Engine company mem-
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Cold Fight in Freeport
The Freeport Fire Department responded to a house fire on North about an hour. Baldwin and Oceanside assisted at the scene as did Bayview Avenue on the night of January 20, 2019. Firefighters were the Bellmore-Merrick Ambulance Corps with a heated tent for met with fire on the first floor and heavy fire from the second floor rehab. Chief of Department Ruiz was charge of the scene. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza of a 2-1/2 story home. Engine 216 was followed by Tiller 218. Engine crews put four lines into operation and had the fire under control in
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Kings Park Handles Plow Truck Fire
The Kings Park Fire Department responded to a Meadow State Parkway south of Pulaski Road Firefighters arrived to a pickup with a snow plow was able to escape withou t injury.
vehicle fire on the northbound Sunken in Kings Park on January 19, 2019. fully involved. The owner of the vehicle - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Mutiple Car Fire in Syosset On December 24, 2018, the Syosset Fire Department started receiving multiple calls for a fire on Oak Street off Jericho Turnpike. Arriving units found multiple cars on fire on Elm Place behind Conti Auto Body. Engine 585 was first due and stretched one line getting water on the fire as additional crews secured the water supply. An additional line was stretched and the fire darkened down. The cause was under investigation. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Westbury Electrical Fire Evacuates Mall The Westbury Fire Department responded to a fire at the Roosevelt Field Mall on January 15, 2019. The blaze broke out in a second-level electrical room and required about 200 shoppers and employees to be evacuated due to an extensive smoke condition. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Baldwin House Fire On January 14, 2019, the Baldwin Fire Department was called to a house fire on Jayne Place in the dead end off Milburn Avenue. Baldwin Fire Dispatch advised that a call was received from a frantic female and that police arrived to heavy smoke in the house. Baldwin Engine 203 and Ladder 207 arrived. The operation reached a second alarm after fire extended throughout the 2-1/2 story private dwelling. Mutual aid came from Hempstead, South Hempstead, Freeport, Roosevelt, Rockville Centre and Lakeview. Despite early reports of a possible person within, all occupants made it out safely and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation and all fire department units were under the command of Baldwin 3rd Deputy Chief Cummings. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND
Fatal MVA in Shirley At approximately 0050 on February 10, 2019, authorities were notified of an MVA on the William Floyd Parkway, near Dawn Drive, with people trapped in cars on fire. The Brookhaven Fire Department, Shirley Ambulance, and Suffolk Police responded. At least one person was reported killed in the fiery wreck. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
Medford 3-Car MVA The Medford Fire Department and Medford Ambulance responded to a three-car MVA on December 1, 2018, on Route 112 and Jamaica Avenue in Medford. One person was transported to Long Island Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Dennis Berger
Pedestrian Struck in Mastic Beach A person walking along Brushwood Drive, just west of Neighborhood Road on February 8, 2019, was struck by a car. The Mastic Beach Fire Department, Mastic Beach Ambulance, Suffolk Police and Aviation responded. The man who was struck was taken by ambulance and medevac’d to Stony Brook University Hospital. Crime scene was requested to respond as well. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
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Dix Hills Overturned Truck
Babylon MVA with DWI
The Dix Hills Fire Department responded to an MVA involving an overturned truck on Deer Park Avenue near the LIE South Service Road on January 26, 2019. Two heavy rescue trucks, two ambulances, first responder and paramedic units were dispatched under the direction of Chiefs Alan Berkowitz, Joe Williamson, Brett Tepe and Scott DiPino. The truck driver suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. The truck was carrying large concrete traffic barriers. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Dix Hills FD
The Babylon Fire Department responded to an accident at Trolley Line and Little East Neck Roads about 0050 on February 25, 2019. The driver of a sedan went off the road and struck two utility poles, snapping them and caused them to take down at least one fence and nearly ripped the electric service off one house. Units were under the command of Chief of Department Golub. The driver and passenger in the vehicle were both taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was later charged with DWI. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
5 Injured in Hicksville MVA On December 5, 2018, at 2328, the Hicksville Fire Department was alerted for a MVA at the intersection of Stewart Avenue and Newbridge Road. Arriving crews found the accident at the intersection of Barter Lane and Newbridge Road with two people ejected with serious injuries and three additional people requiring aid. All of the injured were transported to Nassau University Medical Center. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Multi-Vehicle MVA in Farmingville The Farmingville Fire Department was activated for an MVA at the intersection of Portion Road and Avenue D. Upon arrival commanding units were met with a multi-vehicle MVA with negative entrapment. The crew of first-due Engine 3 secured all involved vehicles. Occupants of all vehicles refused any medical attention. -Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Hempstead 2-Car
2 Injured at Ronkonkoma MVA
A two-vehicle accident on Burrell Avenue near Dartmouth Street in Hempstead caused one vehicle to overturn onto its side on Monday March 4, 2019. Two people suffered minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals by Northwell ambulances. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
The Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle collision with a report of one person trapped at the intersection of Holbrook Road and Maison Drive. Two people were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Cameron Wilken
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1 Injured in Sag Pkwy MVA On December 28, 2018, the Brentwood Fire Department, along with Brentwood Legion Ambulance, responded to an MVA on the northbound side of the Sagtikos State Parkway near exit S3. Commanding units were met with a single-vehicle MVA and advised incoming units of negative entrapment. The vehicle lost control and hit the divider. The driver was transported to Southside Hospital via Brentwood Legion Ambulance for her injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
DWI Into Structures in Central Islip The Central Islip Fire Department and Central IslipHauppauge Ambulance Corps responded to an MVA on Irving Street and Carleton Avenue on January 4, 2019. The driver of a large SUV drove through the parking lot of a deli on Smith Street and then went through the yard of a house on Irving Street, went around the house and through the front fence and then crashed into the back of the Moloney Funeral Home building, doing substantial damage. Engine 3-7-3, Heavy Rescue 3-7-6 and Ladder 3-7-5 responded, crews secured the vehicle and checked the building which was unoccupied at the time. The crew from 3-76 used its winch to remove the vehicle from the building. The driver was removed from the vehicle uninjured and taken into police custody at the scene, and was later charged with DWI. Chief of Department Murphy was in charge of the scene. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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Franklin Sq.Munson Handle MVA The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department responded to a call for an MVA with overturn on Franklin Avenue near Polk Avenue on the afternoon of January 17, 2019. The driver lost control, struck a traffic control box, and flipped over onto the roof of the vehicle. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Hicksville MVA
The driver of a compact car was removed by Hicksville firefighters shortly after midnight on February 8, 2019, after the car struck a tree on West Old Country Road in Hicksville and overturned. The driver was transported to Nassau University Medical Center. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
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Hempstead Multi-Vehicle MVA
Bethpage MVA
The Hempstead Fire Department was on the scene of a multi-vehicle accident with overturn on Peninsula Boulevard near Madison Avenue on the evening of Thursday March 7, 2019. North Shore ambulance personnel were on the scene to assist the injured. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
On November 4, 2018, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to an MVA with aided at the intersection of Stewart and Cherry Avenues. Two people were injured and crews secured the vehicles. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Out of Control in Ronkonkoma The Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for a motor vehicle accident with reported car into a building. Commanding units arrived to find a SUV that had apparently lost control and crashed through a fence, and into a shed in someone’s back yard. The crew of first-due Rescue 8 secured the vehicle. The driver of the SUV refused any medical attention. -Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Mastic Handles Shirley MVA Recently the Mastic Fire Department was called out for an MVA on the northbound William Floyd Parkway at McGraw Street in Shirley. Three vehicles were involved and there were no life-threatening injuries. Mastic Chief Rudy Sunderman was first to arrive. Also on scene was Mastic Ambulance and Suffolk County Police. - Fire News photo by Jim Rugen
Farmingdale Car vs. Pole In the early morning of December 15, 2018, the Farmingdale Fire Department was activated for an MVA with a vehicle into pole at the intersection of Fulton and Baldwin Streets. Commanding units were met with a single-car MVA and advised incoming units the patient was self extricated. The crew of Engine 924 secured the involved vehicle and the patient was transported to a nearby hospital for his injuries via a Farmingdale ambulance. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Franklin Sq.-Munson Works MVA The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department along with Nassau County police and EMS responded to an MVA on Van Buren Avenue on February 28, 2019, in which an SUV struck a parked car and overturned onto its roof. Only minor injuries were incurred by the driver. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Hauppauge Handles MVA The Hauppauge Fire Department, Central IslipHauppauge Ambulance Squad and Suffolk Police responded to a multi-vehicle accident on Veterans Memorial Highway, February 6, 2019. At least five cars sustained considerable damage. A male driver in one of the cars was trapped for over 30 minutes before firefighters and police extricated him. He was transported in Central Islip Hauppauge Ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital suffering serious non-life-threatening injuries. Three others in different vehicles were also transported to area hospitals. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Scrap Metal Truck Overturns on Sunrise On February 15, 2019, the Massapequa Fire Department received a call for an overturned tractor trailer on Sunrise Highway at County Line Road. Second Assistant Chief Monjado arrived to find a tractor trailer carrying scrap metal had flipped on its side, spilling its contents onto the roadway and completely blocking the eastbound lanes of Sunrise Highway. Amityville Fire Department had some units on scene as well as Nassau County Police and Amityville Police. Massapequa's Squad Truck 633, Ladder 636 and Ambulances 638 and 6310 responded to the scene. The driver of the truck and one occupant of a car involved in the MVA were transported to a local hospital by MFD Ambulances. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy, Massapequa FD
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Out of Control in East Northport
The Suffolk Police and East Northport Fire Department responded to a car which crashed into a building on Larkfield Road in East Northport on February 10, 2019. A male driver apparently lost control of his car, possibly as a result of a medical emergency, and crashed into a business. The driver was transported to Huntington Hospital in an East Northport Fire Department ambulance suffering various serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The Town of Huntington building department was called to the scene to check the building’s structural integrity. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Hicksville Extrication
The driver of a car suffered minor injuries after striking two parked cars and overturning on Elm Street in Hicksville at 0125 hours on February 10, 2019. Hicksville fire fighters used hydraulic tools to remove the trapped man from the car. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
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Pedestrian Killed by Train The Sayville Fire Department and Sayville Community Ambulance were activated for a train versus pedestrian call at the Greeley Avenue crossing. Upon arrival units pronounced the victim and turned over the scene to MTA police for an accident investigation. -Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Middle Island Completes Stroke Training The Middle Island Fire Department completed Simultaneous Response Training on SBUMC's Mobile Stroke Unit on March 5, 2019. This new service will provide time sensitive medical care to stroke patients. -Fire News photo by Adrian J. Pezzica (NYS EMT-B)
Little Car, Lots of Damage Franklin Square firefighters and Nassau Police were on the scene of an auto accident at the corner of Franklin Avenue and 1st Avenue in Franklin Square on December 6, 2018. A small SUV plowed head on into a wooden utility pole, shearing it at the base. The pole carried multiple wires and other electrical equipment. The roadway was closed down in both directions while officials awaited the arrival of PSEG emergency crews. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos
W. Babylon Handles MVA on Route 109 The West Babylon Fire Department was activated for an MVA on Route 109. Upon arrival, commanding units were met with a two-car MVA. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to an area hospital for their injuries. Crews secured both involved vehicles. -Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Wantagh MVA in the Snow
The drivers of two cars sustained minor injuries on February 12, 2019, in an MVA at the height of a snowfall. The accident occurred when one car slid into the second. Both cars came to rest on the curb on Oakfield Avenue near Barrie Avenue. The drivers were taken to an area hospital by Wantagh Rescue 4 and an NCPD ambulance. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
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Car vs. Tree in Quogue. Tree Wins
On Sunday February 24, 2019, at 0530, the Quogue Fire way. Battery operated Hurst tools were employed to safely remove Department responded to an MVA with entrapment. First arriving the passenger door at the site of impact. Westhampton Ambulance chiefs observed a single vehicle versus a large oak tree on County treated and transported to a local hospital. -Fire News photo by Christopher S. Osborne Road 80. The vehicle was thrown back into the middle of the road-
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West Hempstead MVA The West Hempstead Fire Department responded to a call for an MVA with overturn on Spruce Street on the afternoon of January 18, 2019. The driver was uninjured. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Jack-Knifed Tractor Trailer On February 10, 2019, the Hicksville Fire Department responded to a report of a jackknifed tractor trailer with a fuel spill on North Broadway. Arriving units found a truck had lost its drive shaft and was blocking the two southbound lanes of North Broadway. Crews applied drying agent to a large oil spill and a tow truck removed the disabled truck. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
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Red Knights Present Donation to Keith Fairben Scholarship Fund On January 26, 2019, at their annual holiday party, held at the New Hyde Park Fire Department’s Headquarters, New York Chapter 43 of the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club presented a donation to representatives of the Keith Fairben Paramedic Scholarship Fund. The donation was made as a result of contributions made to the club in connection with their annual Fall Charity Ride which was held back in October. The scholarship, which was named in honor of First Lieutenant Keith Fairben of the Floral Park Fire Department who gave his life saving others on 9/11, is used to help fund scholarships for first responders in Nassau County who want to pursue paramedic certification. Any active member of a fire department in Nassau County who would like information on this program is encouraged to reach out to the fund by contacting Paul Pinto, Fund Chairman, at the Floral Park Fire Department at 516-326-6328. The Red Knights would like to especially thank their three main sponsors, Applebee’s, the New Hyde Park Diner and the Elks Club for their generous donations in helping make the event a true success. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
Firefighters Help Local Veteran Firefighters from Levittown’s Engine Company 3, representing Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, brought Santa and presents to a local wounded Navy veteran, her husband and five children.The NCFFOWW firefighters also traveled to hospitals and rehabilitation units at Bethesda (MD), Fort Belvoir (VA), Fort Bragg (NC) and Camp Lejeune (NC) to bring Christmas to other wounded service men and women. - Fire News photo by the NCFF-OWW
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9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Update Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Peter King (R-NY), the original cosponsors of the Zadroga Act, announced today that they have asked Congressmen Max Rose (D-NY) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) to work on a bipartisan effort to educate members elected after the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act in 2015 on the need to pass legislation to fully fund and permanently reauthorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) Act. Reps. Rose and Zeldin will be talking to these members about the continued problems 9/11 responders and survivors still face today, 17 years after the attacks. The Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act would respond to any potential shortfalls in funding for the VCF and will be introduced later this month. September 11, 2001, responders and survivors impacted by the toxins at Ground Zero, the Somerset Crash site, and the Pentagon live in every state and in 434 out of 435 Congressional Districts. The Never Forget the Heroes Act was introduced last year as S.3591/ H.R.7062 with a strong show of bipartisan support, garnering more than 100 bipartisan and bicameral co-sponsors. - Fire News photos provided
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Brookhaven Town Declares Burn Awareness Week
At the February 14, 2019, Town Board meeting, Councilman Loguercio and the Town Board were joined by local firemen and nurses from Stony Brook University Hospital to declare “Burn Awareness Week� in the Town of Brookhaven. National Burn Awareness week is an initiative of the American Burn Association where burn, fire and life safety educators, come together to make the public aware of the devastation of burn injuries, advances in treatment, first aid and protocols that provide increased survival
rates. Burn Awareness week was the week of February 3 to 9. (Left to right): Councilman Kevin LaValle; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Councilman Michael Loguercio; William Savage; Paul Callegari; Ken Rubinetti; Supervisor Ed Romaine; Jeff Bailes; Councilman Dan Panico; Chad Williams; Maggie Harrington; Karan Lamar; Councilman Neil Foley; Samara Valle; Chris Marshall and Councilwoman Valerie Cartright. - Fire News photo provided
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Seen at the Mega Show
- Fire News photos by Charlie Murphy and Ron Monteleone
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Looking Back
North Babylon Fire Department, circa Mid-1970s. - Fire News photos provided by Joe Russo
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Commack Remembers Police Officer Charles Oddo The Commack Fire Department remembered one of their own, Police Officer Charles Oddo, who was killed in the line of duty 23 years ago while assigned to NYPD Highway 2. Firefighters, led by Department President John Bicocchi and an NYPD Color Guard, gathered at the Charles A. Oddo Verleye Park, to remember and pray for Patrolman Oddo. Officer Oddo’s parents, Joseph and Rose, also attended the memorial ceremony, and thanked the department for honoring the memory of their son. Charles Oddo was a guardian and protector from his earliest years. He transitioned from watching over his younger sister in the park, to protecting the people of Commack. He continued to follow that calling to the NYPD’s elite Highway Patrol Unit. Officer Oddo was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic away from an auto accident in 1996. Officer Oddo was 33-years old and served with the NYPD for five years and four months. He followed in the footsteps of his father Joseph, a retired Suffolk County Police Highway Patrol Sergeant. - Fire News story and photos by Steve Silverman
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Melville’s Jason Bernfeld Receives Chief of the Year Award The Melville Fire Department’s Third Assistant Chief Jason Bernfeld has received the Chief of the Year award, presented by the Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council, in recognition of his heroic lifesaving actions. The council bestowed the honors at a well-attended meeting held at Melville’s headquarters on January 11, 2019. On March 12, 2018, at 0625, Chief Bernfeld was traveling on the Northern State Parkway near Round Swamp Road when he observed the tail light of an overturned vehicle down an embankment into a tree. He immediately stopped his vehicle and found the driver was still inside, seatbelted in the driver’s seat. As Bernfeld entered the car through the broken rear window to assist the driver, he noticed the vehicle was on fire and the driver was being burned on his legs. Bernfeld returned to his vehicle and grabbed a fire extinguisher and seatbelt cutter. He was able to knock back the flames and cut the seatbelt, then dragged the man out of the vehicle to safety. Shortly after removing the driver, the car became completely engulfed. Chief Bernfeld’s heroic actions undoubtedly saved the life of the driver, who made a full recovery. Chief Bernfeld joined the department as a junior in 2000, becoming a member in 2003. He was elected Company 2 Lieutenant in 2008-2009, served through all the Assistant Chiefs ranks from 2010-2015, and became the youngest Chief of the Department in 2016-2017. Without a break, he was right back in as Third Assistant Chief in 2018-2019. - Fire News story and photos by Steve Silverman
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Center Moriches Installation On February 2, 2019, the Center Moriches Fire Department held their installation and awards dinner at Claudio’s in Greenport. Congratulations to the chiefs and officers who will lead the department in 2019. - Fire News photos by www.LIHotShots.smugmug.com
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Massapequa’s Fire Prevention Poster Winners
On February 8, 2019, the chiefs and commissioners of the Massapequa Fire Department presented prizes and certificates to the first-, second- and third-grade Massapequa school children who were the winners of the 2018 Fire Prevention Poster contest. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy, Massapequa FD
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Enjoying the Mineola St. Patrick's Day Parade, which was held on Sunday, March 3, 2019. - Fire News photos by Steven Takacs
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Holtsville Installation 2019
The Holtsville Fire Department celebrated 90 years of dedicated service and held their 47th Annual Inspection and Installation dinner on February 23, 2019, at The Inn at Fox Hollow in Woodbury. The night was hosted by ex-Chief Wayne Petry as the master of ceremonies. The board of fire commissioners swore in Neal Harris as Chief of the Department, Adam Sclafani as 1st Assistant Chief, and Doug Costello as the 2nd Assistant Chief. Chief Harris then swore in the new fire line officers, EMS officers, fire police officers, as well as the leading positions for the ladies auxiliary. Special congratulations to Annamarie Bender for being awarded ladies auxiliary Member of the Year for 2018. Thomas Castiglione Fire Rookie of the Year; and Michael Anderson Fire Probie of the Year. Taylor Kahn was named Ambulance Person of the Year, and Tareq Hasanat EMS Rookie of the Year. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez
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West Sayville Honored
Chief Bob Hulse A Special Kind of Man
The West Sayville Fire Department, as well as Bill Lindsey, were recently honored by the Connetquot Foundation for the Advancement of Children for their dedication to their school district. The award ceremony was held on March 7, 2019, at Villa Lombardi’s. Pictured are Chief Gary Savino with Assistant Chiefs Jeff Houghtalen and Brian D’Onofrio and Bill Lindsey. - Fire News photo by Harry D’Onofrio
The Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association presented ex-Chief Bob Hulse of the Bay Shore Fire Department with an American Flag that was flown over the US Capitol. Chief Hulse has been bringing a newspaper to firefighters, law enforcement and our service members that are in local hospitals for the past 50 years. The flag was received from Congressman Peter King. Chief Hulse was also presented with proclamations from NYS Assemblyman Mike LiPetri (center) Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez (right) along with Councilman Terrence McSweeney (left). - Fire News photo provided
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Dix Hills Installs 2019 Officers The Dix Hills Fire Department recently held their annual inspection and installation of officers at headquarters. The following officers were installed for 2019. Department Officers: Chief Alan Berkowitz, First Assistant Chief Joseph Williamson, Second Assistant Chief Brett Tepe, Third Assistant Chief Scott DiPino, Secretary Hillary Bogi, Treasurer Simon Mo, Sergeant at Arms Charlie Feld. Company One: Captain Gerard Rosciano, Jr.; First Lieutenant William Stio, Jr.; Second Lieutenant Matthew Stio, Secretary Robin Kaufman, Treasurer David Critelli and Sergeantat-Arms Christopher Steed. Company Two: Captain Terrence Farrell, First Lieutenant Thomas Nostramo, Second Lieutenant David Baack, Secretary Elyssa Kaplan, Treasurer Marc Ligator and Sergeant-at-Arms Robert Brosnan. Company Three: First Lieutenant Nicholas Nazzareno, Second Lieutenant Antonio Villanueva, Secretary Antonio Morici, Treasurer John Brower and Sergeant-at-Arms Thomas McClane. Rescue Squad: Lori Stiegler, Company One Lieutenant Marissa Spizzirri, Company Two Lieutenant Shragi Schupak, Company Three Lieutenant Alanna Campo, Secretary John Marshall and Treasurer John Brower. Fire Police: Captain Thomas Smyth, Lieutenant Thomas McClane and Secretary Michael Dantone. Members of the department also received awards for various pre-hospital saves, including several cardiac arrests and a drowning victim. In addition, the crew of 2-8-7 received a Unit Citation for their teamwork, training and composure after their truck was struck by a tractor trailer while operating at an MVA on the Long Island Expressway. Last year, the department’s 175 volunteer members answered 2,443 emergency calls for assistance. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
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Medic Mania V! On November 10, 2018, the Nassau County Police Medic Association (NCPMA) hosted Medic Mania V, a fundraising event which featured Big Time Wrestling, at the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center. The goal of Medic Mania is to raise money that will be used, in part, to support the Widows’ and Childrens’ Fund of the NCPMA, along with other benevolent obligations. This year’s card was headlined by former WWE superstars and legends Rob Van Dam, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Mean Gene Okerlund, the Mouth of the South Jimmy Hart, Pat Patterson, Val Venis, Super Crazy, Hornswoggle, James Ellsworth, Tyson Kidd, Duke The Dumpster Droese and Big Cass. The NCPMA relies on sponsorships and donations from the community to be able to produce this fundraising event. Over the past five years, the NCPMA has been honored to have had St. Joseph Hospital support the plight of their benevolent as their top Platinum Sponsor. Joining the sponsorship ranks have been groups such as Progressive Emergency Physicians, Mercy Medical Center, CityMD, South Nassau Communities Hospital, NYU Winthrop, WBAB, News12 Long Island, The New York Rangers, Atlantic Auto Mall, Mario’s Pizza, Philly Pretzel Factory, Advocare and Proliner just to name a few. The NCPMA and Medic Mania have entertained nearly 4000 people over the years bringing smiles and laughs to adults and kids of all ages. To learn more about the Nassau County Police Medic Association, visit their website at www.nassaucountypma.com and be sure to LIKE them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ncpolicemedics. - Fire News story by Brandon Leonard; photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
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Congratulations SCFRES Commissioner John Jordan Fire News congratulates John Jordan on his new promotion to Suffolk County Commissioner of the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. John recently served as Acting Commissioner of SCFRES in which he was responsible for departmental operations and all aspects of the county’s emergency management and response activities. His responsibilities extended to communications with federal, state and local emergency management officials, along with overseeing more than 70 employees and over 500 volunteers. Prior to this role, he served in a number of positions in the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management including Deputy C o m m i s s i o n e r, C o m m u n i t y E m e r g e n c y E vacuation Coordinat or and Resources Management Officer. John began as a firefighter and quickly rose through the ranks to become Chief of Department for the North Babylon Fire Department. John began his career in public safety by serving in a number of part-time positions including as Harbor Master, Lieutenant Harbor Master, and Bay Constable. -Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
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Westbury Installation 2019 Ex-Chiefs of Westbury Fire Department (left to right): Walter Stewart (1987-1990), John Olsen (1981-1984), Robert Price (1995-1997), John Bartunek (2016-2018), Joseph Riccardo (19701971), Italo Vacchio (1978-1981), William Olson (1990-1992) and Patrick Cody (20102012).
Kenneth Gass, Sr., who installed his son Kenneth Gass, Jr., with Chaiman Willam Olson assisting.
The Westbury Fire Department held their annual installation dinner on February 23, 2019, at the Westbury Manor. Chiefs and officers were installed for the ensuing year and honored were outgoing Chief of Department John Bartunek, ex-Chief William Olsen and James Simeone, Sr., for 50 years of service. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
(Left to right): 2nd Assistant Chief Timothy Stewart, Susan Stewart, 1st Assistant Chief Lashaun Carr, Rachel Corace, Mary Beth Gass, Chief Kenneth Gass, Mary Bartunek and outgoing Chief John Bartunek.
Member of the Westbury Turtles Drill Team past and present.
Chiefs, outgoing chief and 50-year members honored (left to right) outgoing Chief John Bartunek; 2nd Assistant Chief Timothy Stewart; 1st Assistant Chief Lashaun Carr; 50-year member James Simeone, Sr.; North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth; 50year member William Olson; Nassau County Executive Laura Curran; and Chief Kenneth Gass, Jr.
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Nassau Emerald Society
Nasssu County Firefighters Emerald Society marching in the 2019 Mineola St. Patrick’s Day parade. - Fire News photo provided by Kevin Mulrooney
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Lost Firehouses of Nassau County One of the many one-time firehouses still standing in Nassau County, the New Hyde Park Millers Lane firehouse, still stands today and is in use as a church. Active H&L, Enterprise Engine Company and the Rescue Squad occupied this structure from 1914 to 1947. - Fire News story by Mike Capoziello
HENDRICKSON EXPANDS BODY SHOP OPERATIONS
Following extensive review and product testing, Hendrickson is pleased to announce a partnership with AkzoNobel, commercial paint systems. Hendrickson’s investment into AkzoNobel’s advanced color matching computerized paint mixing system and strict application process combined with an oversized 55-foot spray booth and staff of Ferrari-trained painters, makes Hendrickson the leader in emergency vehicle paint refinishing when it comes to speed, colormatch, and warranty. The new mixing system offers a complete color assortment, making it easier for Hendrickson to achieve a perfect color match. Based on decades of innovation in automotive refinishing, and AkzoNobel expertise, Hendrickson now has the best computerized mixing machine available on the market. Thousands of solid, metallic, and pearl colors can be mixed with outstanding accuracy from a minimum number of tints.
AkzoNobel’s revolutionary digital system allows Hendrickson to precisely measure and match the existing color on any area of a vehicle. The advanced system consists of two key elements: the latest generation of AkzoNobel’s hand-held camera that digitally analyzes color and the color retrieval software that provides the optimum matching color formula. “This technology will allow Hendrickson to repair paint issues on emergency vehicles at a much lower cost to our customers,” said Craig Probst, President of Hendrickson. “The accurate color matching technology allows us to decrease the surface area required to paint. In addition, our new onsite paint mixing system allows us to only mix the exact amount of paint needed, which accelerates repair time, eliminates waste, and lowers cost to our customers, while matching current OEM paint warranties.”
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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
Members of Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance on standby for a polar plunge at Rogers Beach that benefited End End Disability Associates. Pictured: Pat DiBenedetto, Cody Hoyle, Alaine King and Vanessa Jones. - Fire News photo submitted by Cody Hoyle
Members of Hempstead Truck One on the scene of a Robinwood Avenue house fire on the night of December 7, 2018. - Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com
Members of the Coram Fire Department after battling a recent fully involved structure fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
The crew from the East Northport Fire Department at the scene of a house fire on Meadow Glen Road in Kings Park on February 14, 2019. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
The crew and chiefs from the Northport Fire Department at the scene of a house fire on Meadow Glen Road in Kings Park on February 14, 2019. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Firefighters from the Farmingdale Fire Department help pack hose after a small fire recently in frigid temperatures. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Nassau Association of Fire Districts Installation On March 1, 2019, the Nassau Association of Fire Districts held their annual meeting and installation of officers. Congratulations to President Paul G. Cartier as he leads the organization in 2019. Good luck to 1st Vice-President Ralph J. Raymond, 2nd Vice-President Edward E. Kraus, past-President Robert F. Hockenjos, Treasurer Ralph Esposito and Secretary Tricia Schields as they work together to support the Association in 2019. Also attending the event was AFDNYS Directors Ralph Esposito and Joel E. Bearman and AFDSNY 1st VicePresident Frederick G. Senti, Jr. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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McCarthy Appointed to Chaplain’s Board Chaplain Joseph McCarthy was appointed to the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. at the October 8, 2018 Board of Directors meeting as our New York State At Large Director. Joe has been involved in the Volunteer Fire Service for 30 years and has served as a 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, Captain of Rescue Squad, Hook and Ladder, Fire Police, Chief Driver of Ambulance, E.M.T.D.I., and Chair and Co-Chair of many Fundraising activities. Chaplain McCarthy has received the Firefighter of the Year Award and belongs to the Firefighter’s Memorial Executive Committee,
Fire Chief’s Council of Suffolk County (serving as Co-Chaplain), and is the Team Leader for Suffolk County Emergency Services Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Joe is a former Child Care Worker for Hearing Impaired Children and is a former safety technician at a federal facility. He is also a NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker, and is a former member of his local Town Affordable Housing Committee and has been a lifelong advocate for the disadvantaged.He is the department Chaplain of his local department (Southold in Suffolk County) and joined the association in 2013. - Fire News photo provided
Nassau Firefighters LAX Team Fundraiser On February 23, 2019, the Nassau Firefighters Lacrosse Club held their 2019 winter fundraiser at the Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale. The team held a Chinese Auction, a 50/50 and hosted a performance by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums. - Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography.com
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Firehouse Kitchen
Firehouse Kitchen Goes Live With Ray Cooney, Host of Firehouse Kitchen Oh yes! Oh yes! It's time for Firehouse Kitchen Live! Beginning April 2019, every Tuesday at 0930, Firehouse Kitchen will air live from the Bayport Fire Department. We will be cooking with firefighters from all over the country. Every week, two firefighters will demonstrate their amazing cooking skills, while re-telling some heroic tales of firefighter life. Did I mention while they are cooking and talking, we will be streaming LIVE on YouTube and Facebook? Be sure to tune-in! Preparing to start this adventure required a couple of test shoots. The first one I did involved me cooking alone. I felt like a fish out of water! If you know anything about my show, then you know the firefighters that are on are the real chefs and I am the comic relief always asking about the recipe and chiming in about firefighter life. So what recipe did I decide to make? The ultimate Fire House Omelette. I know, so difficult! With the camera rolling and me cooking, it showed that I can’t do two things at one time! I was bumbling words, losing train of thought ... and I burned my eggs! Thank goodness it was only a test! I am definitely more comfortable being the chef’s helper than being the chef. So, I will stick to what works!
So, get ready America. Tune in Tuesday mornings at 0930 for the greatest Live Firefighter cooking show of all time! To find out more about firehouse kitchen go to firehousekitchenshow.com. If you would like to be a cook on Firehouse Kitchen or on Firehouse Kitchen Live, shoot me an e-mail at firehousekitchentv@gmail.com.
The Ultimate Firehouse Omelette 3 Eggs 1/4 cup of milk Tomato Onion Green Peppers 3 slices of American cheese 3 slices of boars head ham Salt Pepper Directions: Dice up tomato, onion, and green peppers. Crack the three eggs into a bowl, add milk and vegetables then whip together until mixed. Dice up the ham, brown it on a hot pan, then add the egg mixture. Flip when ready. Then add the cheese, salt and pepper on top. Fold eggs in half and plate.
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Suffolk County Fire Districts Officers Association
On March 2, 2019, the Suffolk County Fire Districts Officers Association held their annual meeting and installation dinner. Congratulations to John Manzi as he serves as the SCFDOA President in 2019. Good luck to 1st Vice-President Joseph Badala, 2nd Vice-President Bob McConville, Sergeant-at-Arms Scott Theobold, Secretary Lawrence Santangelo, Treasurer Joseph P. DeStefano, Chaplain Edwin S. Brooks, and immediate past-President Jay Eagan, as they work together in 2019. Also in attendance at the event was AFDNYS Directors Tim Deveny, Eugene Petricevich and Rudy Sunderman. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Good Save and Stop in Valley Stream
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Valley Stream...continued from previous page
The Valley Stream Fire Department received multiple calls for a fire in a deli early on March 3, 2019. First arriving units at the West Merrick Road address reported a one-story taxpayer with a heavy fire condition throughout. One civilian was in the store at the time of the blaze and was pulled to safety. Numerous mutual aid companies were called to assist in bringing the blaze under control. (More on page 24.) - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Kidney Recipient, Donor Meet
Artie Surrey, of the Mastic Beach Fire Department and his family recently met his kidney donor Kristine Gawlowski of Shirley at MBFD HQ. Gawlowski, has suffered from benign brain tumors and has had several reconstructive surgeries. Gawlowski, a mother of four, stands second from left. Gawlowski found out about Artie’s
need of a kidney through a post on social media. Kristine and Artie’s wife, Amy, just happen to work at Tangier Smith Elementary School in Mastic Beach. Artie Surrey and his wife have five children. - Fire News photo by www.LiHotShots.smugmug.com
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Checklist For The Safety Officer The advantage of a checklist is a reminder of things that have to be done, but there are disadvantages as it may suggest an order as opposed to a priority. Alternatively, once an item is checked off the Safety Officer (SO) may choose not to revisit those items again. Another form of checklist is the Action Model (Dodson, 2004). This allows the SO to start at any point and continue around in a cyclical fashion. The SO has to be flexible, proactive, and reactive, and must also be familiar with the departments SOPs, etc. The SO has many tasks to accomplish and should have an Assistant Safety Officers (ASOs.) Many times two, three, or more safety officers must be on scene to accomplish the tasks. I feel there are three different segments to the SO’s operation at a type four or five hazard; the SO at a one, two, or three-type hazard; and the SO at a live burn. For these types of incidents, I recommend incident management team courses such as ICS 100, 200 ,300, 400, 700 and 800 be taken. Many of these courses can be taken on-line. These courses are also offered by the county. They are excellent courses offered by some of the finest instructors. Another good course is the New York Wildfire Incident Management Academy for All Hazards (NYWIMA). Counties and Federal Agencies offer all of these courses. What is the checklist at a type one, two, or three-type hazard? For these hazards, we use The Incident Command System (ICS), which is a key feature of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) As stated in NIMS, “the ICS is a management system designed to enable effective and efficient domestic incident management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to enable effective and efficient domestic incident management. A basic premise of ICS is that it is widely applicable. It is used to organize both near-term and longterm field level operation for a broad spectrum of emergencies, from a small to complex incident in both natural and manmade. ICS is used by all level of government-Federal, State, Local, and Tribal-as well as by many private sectors to facilitate activities in five major functional areas: command, operations, planning, logistics and finance, and administration” As an SO, you are part of the Command Staff. If involved in these types of incidents, remember, as always with all types of incidents the incident commander is responsible for the safety of all the responders. You should know the local laws, SOPs, and Risk Management Procedures. You will be involved with meetings, Incident Action Plans (IAP), and many other procedures. To learn more about the duties of an SO, attend our next training seminar hosted by the Coram Fire Department on September 21 and 22, 2019. This will be a two-day forum over 10 instructors, numerous topics and exhibitors with an ISO Academy and exam or a two- hour review with an exam. For more information go to our website: www.btsoa.org. EDUCATE - PREVENT Ex-Chief Jeff Bailes President Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association, Inc. www.btsoa.org 631-495-1313
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Smithtown Chiefs Hold Memorial Service
The Smithtown Township Chiefs Council held their annual memorial service at the Commack Fire Department for the deceased Chiefs, ex-Chiefs and members of the fire department and auxiliaries of the town. Each department read the names of deceased member. -Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Baldwin Open House
The Baldwin Fire Department held their annual open house event in the parking lot of the Baldwin Historical Museum on Grand Avenue. Baldwin firefighters were able to put on several exhibitions for the public and a demonstration by Leah, the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s accelerant detection dog. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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Fire Chief's Council of Nassau Installation 2019
On February 24, 2019, the Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County held their 22nd Annual Installation of Officers at the Coral House in Baldwin. This year, Port Washington Fire Department ex-Chief Thomas McDonough was installed as President of the Council for 2019 in the presence of his family, members of the department and numerous other departments and firematic organizations. Also installed was 1st Vice-President John Tassiello, 2nd Vice-President Jean Laurent, Sergeant-at-Arms Thomas Pellegrino, Treasurer Roy Dahlen, Financial Secretary Anthony Tripp, and Council Secretary Richard Messina. Outgoing President ex-Chief Anthony Tripp was also honored for his time served as president in 2017 and 2018. Congratulations to all of the 2019 Officers of the Council. - Fire News photos by OverTheEdgePhotography.com and K2MPhotography.com
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Islandia’s Fire Marshal Joe Correira Retires At a special ceremony at Village Hall on January 29, 2019, the Village of Islandia honored Joe Correira, who is retiring as Village Fire Marshal after approximately 25 years of service. Correira became Village Fire Marshal in 1995. He was responsible for inspecting all types of buildings to ensure compliance with established fire safety standards and making recommendations for building evacuation procedures. In addition, he assisted the Central Islip, Hauppauge and Lakeland Fire Departments at fire scenes and hazardous materials incidents. Alan M. Dorman (left), Mayor, Village of Islandia, presented Correira with a proclamation acknowledging his service with the village. Mike Zaleski, Deputy Mayor and Public Safety Director, Village of Islandia, presented him with going-away gifts on behalf of the village board. - Fire News photo provided
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Car vs. Pole in Brookhaven
On the afternoon of February 12, 2019, authorities were notified of a car-versus-utility pole MVA on Montauk Highway near Shoestring Lane. The Brookhaven Fire Department., South Country Ambulance, and the SCPD responded. Minor injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
1 Injured in East Brentwood MVA
On February 21, 2018, the East Brentwood Fire Department was activated for an MVA at the intersection of Motor Parkway and Expressway Drive South. Commanding units were met with a twocar MVA and reported negative entrapment. One driver was transported to a nearby hospital for his injuries via an East Brentwood ambulance, the other driver refused medical attention. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
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Under Control in Hempstead The Hempstead Fire Department battled a well-advanced fire in a private dwelling on February 20, 2019. Flames could be seen from a distance shooting from the second-floor windows of the home on Hoff Court. Engine and truck companies arrived to bring the incident under control. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Up Close & Personal
Thomas DeLibero, (four); Ava DeLibero (three); and Isabella DeLibero (two) roll up their sleeves and help Fire News at the Mega Show. Mom, Karen DeLibero, is a former Dix Hills Fire Department member and Wyandanch Volunteer Ambulance Corp EMT. - Fire News photo by Steven Weitz, Esq., Comm. Lido-Point Lookout Fire District
Jericho Fire Department Chief of Department Kerry Ketsoglou and First Assistant Chief Doug Heron at the scene of a house fire on Jaymie Drive in Westbury on February 12, 2019. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Corwin Handshaw, the twoyear-old son of Sound Beach’s 1st Assistant Chief Darran Handshaw, gazes up at Rescue 4. Dream big, little one! - Fire News photo by Stefanie Handshaw
(Left) Firefighter Kevin Ryan from the Selden Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
(Left) Farmingville’s 2nd Assistant Chief Dom Russo at the scene of a recent fire in Coram. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
At the Long Island Mega Show, Sean Landetta of the NY Giants assisted Hometown Insurance and the Suffolk Emerald Society by signing autographed photos. All proceeds helped the Eric Swanson Recovery Fund. (Right): Chris Osborne of the Suffolk Emerald Society got to wear Sean’s Superbowl ring and hold his trophy. - Fire News photo courtesy of Christopher S. Osborne
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Setauket KO’s Flames
Firefighters from the Setauket Fire Department overcame extremely cold and icy conditions as they battled a fire on William Penn Drive. With the help of mutual aid departments from Port Jefferson, St. James, Stony Brook and Terryville, the fire was brought under control without incident. The Brookhaven Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fire. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Overturn in Dix Hills
The Dix Hills Fire Department and Suffolk Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on March 3, 2019, on Ryder Avenue near Wildwood Drive. An SUV lost control and overturned on its side on the front lawn of a home. Firefighters extricated the driver through
the sunroof of the vehicle. She was transported to Huntington Hospital with non-life threatening injuries by the Dix Hills Rescue Squad. Crews were under the command of Third Assistant Chief Scott DiPino. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
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Obituary
Centerport’s Bruce Waring The Centerport Fire Department mourned the loss of ex-Captain Bruce Waring, 51, who answered his last alarm on January 22, 2019, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Waring joined the department in June 1993 and was assigned to the Eagle Truck Company, soon becoming a member of the Centerport Rescue Squad. Waring advanced through the officer ranks, serving as Lieutenant and Captain of the Rescue Squad, and Lieutenant and Captain of the Truck Company. He became an EMT in 1994, and was one of the first EMT-CCs certified in Centerport. Waring held training certificates in firematics, hazmat, SCUBA, FEMA incident command, and was on the department’s Water Rescue and Dive Teams and certified as a boat operator. Waring was the chairman of the department’s Memorial Day Parade committee for 10 years, and worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure the parade went off without a hitch. He was also very active with the Truck Company’s annual Car Show. Waring was named Fireman of the Year in 2014 by the Eagle Truck Company for his dedicated service. Waring met his wife Allison, and the couple began dating while in the 10th grade at Harborfields High School. The high school sweethearts were wed in 1992. He was a graduate of the University of Rochester, and held a degree in electrical engineering. Waring was an independent computer consultant, owning Data Consulting which maintained computer systems for commercial clients. He was very active in fundraising for Ducks Unlimited, which supports waterfowl and wetlands conservation. Bruce Waring was husband to his loving wife Allison, and proud father of Megan, Billy and Katie. He was the cherished son to Bob and Joan Waring, and brother to Keith Waring. He was also the loving uncle, son-in-law, nephew and cousin to the entire Feeley family. Funeral and wake services were held at the Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. The family has set up a GoFundMe page for the college fund of the Waring’s two youngest children. Donations may be made at: www.gofundme.com/in-memorium-of-the-dude?utm_ source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_dn_postdonate_r. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photos courtesy Centerport FD
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