Industry News

FIREHOUSE EXPO PREVIEWSEPTEMBER 26-30, 2022 GREATER COLUMBUS (OH) CONVENTION CENTER

Join us in Columbus, OH. On September 26 to 30 for the 38th annual Firehouse Expo at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (Firehouseexpo.com). We're excited to be back in Columbus and to once again showcase all that the city has to offer. The city is protected by the world-class Columbus Division of Fire (CFD), and the department works hand in hand with surrounding cities, using a noborders approach to getting the closest fire and EMS resources to the scene as quickly as possible. In addition to the CFD, Firehouse is working with fire departments in Franklin County to provide handson training (HOT) and other educational opportunities. Avariety of topics will be covered in dozens of HOTclasses, pre-conference workshops and classroom sessions, from search and hoseline operations, to incident command and radio communications, to the latest in EMS technology and RIT.

Key Event Highlights Include:

HOTCLASSES

Train alongside the best in the fire service at a Firehouse Expo Hands-on Training class. 2022 classes include:

All Saws: Robert Faas, FOOLS International

Down & Dirty Forcible Entry: Robert James, Capitol Fire Training LLC; Charley Hendry, Lieutenant, FDNYSpecial Operations Command

Engine Company Ops: From The Science To The Street: Steve Robertson, Columbus Division of Fire; Keith Stakes, ULFire Safety Research Institute

Engine Company Tactics For Limited Staffing: Jonathan Hall, Saint Paul Fire Department

Grain Bin Rescue Awareness: Andy Bauer, Ohio Fire Academy

Live Fire: Tactics For Success With Limited Staffing: John Lewis, Passaic Fire Department

Personal Ropes Skills: Ascending, Rapelling & Mid:Height Rescue: Dalan Zartman, Rescue Methods, LLC

Live Fire: The Intelligently Aggressive Fireground: Andy Starnes, Insight Training LLC

Tower Ladder And Aerial Placement: Chris Eysser, FDNY; Ken Ditata, FDNY; Will Hickey, FDNY

Aerial Rescue In Trees: Evan Beck, Rescue Methods

Can-Tanker-Ous Wisdom: The Art & Science Of Moving Water: Ed Collet, Ohio Fire Academy; Jeremy Keller, Ohio Fire Academy

60+ CONFERENCE SESSIONS + PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

This year’s Conference Program and Workshops feature a top lineup of fire service instructors from across the nation covering a broad variety of topics suitable for any level of experience. For a detailed overview of sessions, visit: https://www.firehouse expo.com/fhe2022/conferenceprogram.

BIGROOM SESSION: The Bronx Twin Parks Fire

On Wednesday, September 28, learn about the heroism that was shown at the deadly Bronx tragedy in January 2022. Firehouse Expo keynote speaker Frank Leeb will return to the big stage that evening to speak about the bravery that FDNYmembers displayed and to share the lessons learned from the massive fire that claimed 17 lives. Leeb, who was FDNY’s Citywide Tour Commander, took over as incident commander (IC) upon his arrival.

The session, “The Bronx Twin Parks Fire: Strategic and Tactical Considerations for Large-Scale Incidents,” begins after the “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” reception on the Firehouse Expo exhibit floor. Leeb will share how the department’s training and operating policies led to the successful rescue of more than 70 victims via interior stairwells and properly positioned aerials and ground ladders. He will provide his first-hand experiences as the IC for the tragic blaze, where valor and heroism happened over and over.

SPECIALSESSION: The Fire Family

Often, firefighters have two separate families: the family who is at home and the family who is at the firehouse. As lifestyles change, both families are fighting for the attention of their firefighter, which creates increased stress for all parties, including the children. Join fire service veteran Todd Edwards and his wife, Kathy, as they bring their Fire Life Training program to Firehouse Expo to close out the week of firefighter education. The couple will focus on several principles for firefighters to employ in their effort to navigate their unique life, including the importance of having a marriage blueprint, developing effective communication and understanding the importance of compromise. They also will explain why it’s important to bring the family that’s at home and the family that’s at the station together and how to do that successfully. The two-hour interactive program on Friday, Sept. 30, is free of charge to firefighters and their spouses.

REMEMBERINGTHE 343

The Firehouse Expo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb returns to Huntington Park baseball stadium on Friday morning, Sept. 30. Join other firefighters, first responders and area residents who will honor the steps that were taken by FDNY’s fallen 343 while raising money to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation survivor support efforts. You can register as an individual, or we wholeheartedly encourage you to bring a team to take part in the symbolic climb.

FELLOWSHIP, FUN & FOOD

Join us for the second annual FireFest, which is sponsored by Columbus Fire Fighters Local 67. The event brings together Firehouse Expo attendees and Columbus firefighters for a great evening of fun, music, memorable conversations and the start of new friendships, building on the great time that we had at the inaugural FireFest in 2021. Hop a free shuttle from the Convention Center or navigate a scooter over to Station 67 for free food, terrific live music, and a chance to reconnect with old pals and to chat with friends you haven’t met yet. It’s an intimate event that provides a great view of downtown Columbus while everyone unwinds. This year’s FireFest takes place on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 1800 to 2100. and is free to all attendees and exhibitors.

IT’S FIVE O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE

After classroom sessions end on Wednesday and before “The Bronx Twin Parks Fire: Strategic and Tactical Considerations for Large-Scale Incidents” in the Big Room, join attendees and sponsors for a welcome reception on the exhibit floor, featuring more than 150 exhibitors. Drinks and food will be provided as you make your way around the show floor to talk about your equipment and technology needs with exhibitors. Get full details on all of these activities and more at FirehouseExpo.com.

To register, visit www.firehouseexpo.com.

FireNews.com

Fire News, August 2022, Page 69 First PAC for Volunteer Firefighters/EMS in NYS...Continued from page 5

volunteer firefighters, need to have a strong unified voice, a voice that understands our needs and a voice that will accomplish much needed fire service bills.

This PAC is not just for Long Island, it is for all of New York State. The LI Leg championed the EMS Cost Recovery Act, not for Long Island, but for the entire state. When you join a PAC, you are participating in the legislative process in a significant and impactful way.

How do I join the Long Island Firefighters Legislative Committee PAC?

To join our PAC is quite simple. You may mail in a check directly to our Treasurer John Dolezal at 85 Overlook Drive, Mastic, NY 11950, or you may call him at 631-484-6825. The check should be made out to: Long Island Firefighters Legislative Committee. Acharter member may donate $100, or a regular member may donate $50. This is an opportunity for every volunteer firefighter and/or EMS member to be part of this PAC. Again, this is not just for Long Island, this is open to any volunteer firefighterand/orEMS memberin New York State.

As the first volunteer fire department PAC in the state, the success of this PAC will be dependent on our members throughout the State. The current volunteer fire department/EMS membership is now at 80,000. Can you imagine how powerful our PAC will be with that amount of support? We are not the only ones who are donating to this PAC, we have and will continue to solicit organizations and businesses, who have shown their support for the volunteer fire departments/EMS. We would like to thank the Nassau and Suffolk Building Trades Association, FDNY and the Association of Municipal Employees (AME) Suffolk Union for their continued support and assistance. We will continue to talk to other business and civic organizations throughout the state to request their assistance and support. Our success will be achieved through teamwork around the state, so please consider this opportunity.

Our first PAC fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall located at 3232 Railroad Avenue in Wantagh. The Notre Dame vs Ohio State football game will be on a huge wide screen. The tickets are $85 per person which includes food and an open bar. There will be 50/50 tickets and more. Tee shirts and polo shirts will be for sale. You can meet the LI Leg Committee members, state legislators, who support our volunteer fire departments. You will learn about upcoming fire service-related bills that will be proposed in 2023. Be a part of something that is bigger than yourself and get involved in our first PAC fundraiser. Mark your calendar. See you there.

If you are interested in becoming an integral part of our legislative process, please contact our LI Leg Treasurer, John Dolezal at 631-4846825 for more information. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Stay safe and keep healthy.

“Our first PAC fundraiser is scheduled for

Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Mulcahy's Pub.” For a primer on the EMSCost Recovery /Ambulance Billing FAQ (as of July 2022), go to https://tinyurl.com/58mv2zc5.

Bellport Memorial Day Parade

- Fire News photos by Tim Edwards

Page 72, Fire News, August 2022 Obituary

Wantagh’s James Vinson

The chiefs, Board of Fire Commissioners, officers and members of Ladder 2 and the entire Wantagh Fire Department mourned the unexpected passing of ex-Captain James Vinson, Badge 1644 on July 5, 2022. He was 44-years old.

James joined the Wantagh Fire Department on September 25, 1996, and was assigned to Engine 7. He quickly was accepted and found to be an eager firefighter. In April 2004 he transferred to Ladder 2 and began the transition from an engine company to a ladder company. On January 1, 2012 he was sworn in as Lieutenant and served for two years before being elected Captain of Ladder 2 for three years in 2017. During his time with the department, he served on many committees and was an EMT and Safety Officer. He received several awards including a Lifesaving Award and Chiefs Awards. Several years ago, he was asked to be a Department Secretary and tasked with the important job of coordinating and registering members for training opportunities

After learning of James’passing, many of his friends gathered at Station 2 and shared many stories about him. He was repeatedly described as a great friend, a selfless individual, respectful and genuine. He was a dedicated and valued member as well as a mentor to the younger members as they joined and assimilated into the department and he will truly be missed.

Awake and department services were held at the Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Home in Wantagh on July 7 and a Funeral Mass was held at Maria Regina RC Church in Seaford on July 8. Interment was at St Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale. James is survived by his mother, Ellen; sister, Jackie and her sons, Christopher, Charles and Colin.

Afuneral arch was set up the morning of the funeral in front of Station 2 by the Seaford and Levittown Fire Departments in honor of James. - Fire News photos by Harry Loud; story by Kevin Regan, PIO