20 minute read
Up Close &Personal
Page 46, Fire News, September2022 Up Close & Personal
North Sea Fire Department Chief Ryan White and 2nd Assistant Chief Lance Aldrich. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone The Red Knights MC NY26 welcome its newest memberAbdul Khan. Abdul is a memberwith the Selden Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone
Three ex-chiefs from Uniondale at a recent working fire in Roosevelt. - Fire News photo by OverTheEdgePhotography.com
Huntington ManorGrand Marshal
The Huntington ManorFire Department honored William ‘Billy’Bicknese as the Grand Marshal at theirannual parade and fair. Bicknese recently celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the department, and was elevated to the rank of Honorary Chief. Bicknese is pictured at the top in Manor’s antique Mack pumperdriven by exChief Fred Steenson, Jr. Pictured below are Third Assistant Chief Scott Cloonan, First Assistant Chief Jim Glidden, Chief Chuck Brady, and Second Assistant Chief Brian Christen. - Fire News story by Steve Silverman; photo courtesy Huntington Manor FD Farmingdale Fire Department Firefighter Manny Alvarez operating on the scene of a recent Signal 10 in South Farmingdale. - Fire News photo by TNTPhotography.com
Ridge Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Kevin Leedham. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone
Eaton’s Neck Independence Day Parade
The Annual Independence Day Parade was held in Eaton’s Neck and sponsored by the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department and Property Owners of Eaton’s Neck Beach. The July 4th tradition featured many local fire departments, veterans’organizations, US Coast Guard, local residents with patriotic-themed floats and even a marching duck. Afterthe parade which also had friendly waterfights between firefighters and local residents, a ceremony was held to honorourcountry’s military serving to protect our freedom. The community was invited back to the Eaton’s Neck firehouse fora traditional barbecue of hot dogs and hamburgers. - Fire News story and photos by Steve Silverman
Melville FD 75th Anniversary
The Melville Fire Department celebrated their 75th anniversary of service to the community with a parade featuring local fire departments and classic cars. The parade began at Melville headquarters on Sweet Hollow Road and ended at Substation 3 on Old Country Road, where the community was invited forthe gala celebration with live music by the SouthBound Band, food and drinks, and fun activities forthe family. Ex-Chief Al Silvestri, a 70-yearveteran of the department, was the Grand Marshal and led the parade. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman
Westhampton Beach Juniors Help at Hospice Gala
The East End Hospice committee and the Westhampton Beach JuniorFire Department were busy setting up forthe Hospice Gala on June 25, 2022. The gala has been absent forthe last two years due to Covid but was back in full swing this year. The gala’s goal is to raise money to help families dealing with cancer. The Juniors have taken part in this event in prioryears and find it very rewarding to give back to the community. - Fire News photo by Cody Hoyle, Westhampton Beach FD
50-YearMen Recognized by Islip Town
On June 14, 2022, Islip Town firefighters were invited to the Islip Town Hall for a ceremony to honorand recognize those firefighters who have served 50-plus years in the volunteerfire service from 2020 to present. Town of Islip SupervisorAngie Carpenterand Town Council members presented a proclamation to those members in attendance. (Bottom right, left to right): Councilman O’Connor, ex-Chief Robert Strauss, Honorary Chief James Weigel, ex-Chief Thomas Riedel and SupervisorCarpenter. (Top right): exChief Robert Strauss, ex-Chief Thomas Riedel and Honorary Chief James Weigel. - Fire News photos by Sue Orlando, PIO
For the seventh year, during the week of July 25, 2022, 45 Juniors and Explorers from 21 different fire companies participated in the Nassau County Juniors Fire Camp “Fahrenheit 516.” The camp was designed to give kids a first-hand, hands-on experience with the same training that the probies go through including mask confidence, search and rescue, 2nd story bailout, ground ladders, hydraulic extrication, aerial ladders, Class A& B fire extinguisher drills, two-mnute drills, ropes, forcible entry, live car, and storefront fires.
They were also given the opportunity once again to train in the Flashover simulator and experienced the live actual fire behavior lab.
The camp program was designed between the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association Board of Directors, Academy Staff Chief Hughes, and Chief Wilders to make sure they received as close to the real thing as possible. The week-long camp was a combination of classroom and hands-on experience.
From 0900 to 1600 for five straight days they received the most intense training that could be offered. By the end of the camp, they came close to being exposed to a major amount of fire training. At the end of the camp, they were joined by family, friends, Chief Hughes, Chief Wilders and two of the instructors from the week, Chiefs Marra and Maloney of the FSA, who presented all 45 campers their graduation certificates. It gave the parents a first hand look at where their kids were training all week.
The NCJFAboard and the FSAstaff will continue to make changes and move things around as necessary to provide the best training for this program. The overall camp was put together with a lot of different hands; we would like to thank the Fire Service Academy, VEEB Board, Nassau County Fire Departments and Firematic organizations that helped with EMS standbys, supplying trucks and whatever else was needed, not only for the camp, but for their constant support for the Juniors and Explorers in Nassau County. We would like to especially thank sponsors FASNY, State Senator John Brooks, Catholic Health System, Fireground Technologies (Bail-Out), and the International Fire Chiefs Association. If not for their continuous and generous support this camp would not have been able to be such a success.
Watch for applications for 2023 camp on our website beginning in the spring. The NCJFAwill be expanding their hands-on training with single day training sessions beginning October 6, 2022, with car fires and modified hose. Contact your advisors to sign up. To look at what went on at the camp this year visit our website at www.ncjfa.org. Click on Camp Fahrenheit. You can also visit YouTube and search “Nassau Juniors Camp Fahrenheit 2022” and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @ Nassau Juniors. - Fire News story by Jerry Presta; photos by Tim Ossenfort
Lindenhurst Junior Invitational Drill
June 5, 2022
PlaceTeam Points 1st Bay Shore Junior Redskins 38 2nd Lindenhurst Junior Snails 33 3rd Hagerman Junior Gamblers 22 4th Islip Junior Wolves 18 5th Central Islip Junior Hoboes 14
- Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
Fourth Battalion Fire Leaders Sworn In
At the annual May meeting of the Fourth Battalion of the Nassau County Fire Commission, ex-Chief Mark Murray of the Rockville Centre Fire Department (second from left), was reelected fora second term as chairman of the Fourth Battalion. (Right): ex-Chief and past-CommissionerJohn Hennig, swears in battalion delegates, ex-Chief Joe Mihalich, East Rockaway; ex-Chief and past-CommissionerRob Cribbin, Lynbrook; exChief Robert Seaman, Rockville Centre; and FirefighterLouis Lora, Malverne. - Fire News photo by Steve Grogan
Golfing forWounded Warriors
One hundred golfers took to the fairways on May 9, 2022, at the North Shore Towers and County Club in Queens forthe Seventh Annual First Battalion Chiefs Association Golf Outing forWounded Warriors. Monies raised from the outing goes to Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, a 501-C3 charity, which, since 2004, has been helping ourwounded warriors on Long Island but also in hospitals and rehabilitation units up and down the East Coast. If you care to help ourNassau firefighters help ourwarriors, checks can be mailed to NCFF-OWW, PO Box 295, Garden City, NY11530. - Fire News photo by Steve Grogan
County American Legion Helping Wounded Warriors
Outgoing Commanderof the Nassau County Committee of the American Legion Pat Alesia, left, who is also a formercommanderof Malverne American Legion Post 44, presents a $1000 check to Steve Grogan, a vice-chairman of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior(NCFF-OWW), and a memberof the Lynbrook Fire Department and Lynbrook American Legion Post 335. The Nassau County Committee presented the check to NCFF-OWWto help ourwounded warriors afterGrogan spoke at theirconvention about what Nassau firefighters have been doing forthe wounded. Nassau County firefighters have been working to improve the lives of wounded servicemen and women here on Long Island and in hospitals up and down the East Coast since 2004. NCFF-OWWis a 501-C3 charity. Persons wishing to make a donation can mail a check to NCFF-OWW, Post Office Box 295, Garden City, NY11530. - Fire News photo by the American Legion, story by Steve Grogan
Looking Back
Hicksville - 2018
On July 21, 2018, the Hicksville Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Hicks Circle. Arriving units were met with heavy fire coming from the rearof the two-story home with reports that everyone was out. Two firefighters suffered non -life-threatening burns and were treated and released from the hospital. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
Brentwood - 2018
The Brentwood Fire Department was called to a house fire on Grand Boulevard on July 21, 2018. The fire was knocked down and undercontrol within an hour. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
ManhassetLakeville - 2017
On November12, 2017, while en route to North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department responded to a carfire at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Allen Drive in Great Neck. - Fire News photo by Lee Genser
Mastic Chili Competition
Congratulations to the winners of the Mastic Chili Contest, which was held in May 2022. Thank you to the Event Coordinators Gene Martucci and Rudy Sunderman fora great event. Thank you to Rob Corley, Nina Diaz, Ed Brooks and Steve Brown, who were this year’s judges. The 2022 winners were: First Place - Mastic Fire Department Team 1; Second Place - Mastic Beach Fire Department; Third Place - East Moriches Fire Department. - Fire News photos by Jim Rugen
Chief James R. Comstock
Chief Anthony V. LaFerrera
Chief Kevin O. Kalk
2022-2023 NYSAFC Officers Installed
Chief James R. Comstock of the Henrietta Fire District in Monroe County was installed as president of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs during the NYSAFC 116th Annual Conference and FIRE 2022 Expo Installation Ceremony, which was held on June 18, 2022, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown in Syracuse. He will serve a one-year term leading the statewide not-for-profit organization that represents more than 10,000 career and volunteer fire and emergency medical services personnel of all ranks from across New York state.
President Comstock joined the Henrietta Fire District in 1976 as a volunteer firefighter, rising to the rank of battalion chief. He became a career employee of the Henrietta Fire District in 1984, served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Chief from 2006 until his retirement in 2017. Comstock holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from Baldwin Wallace College. He served as an instructor for the Monroe County Fire Bureau for 13 years, was a New York State Fire Instructor for 10 years, and also served as a specialty lecturer for the Monroe Community College Criminal Justice Training Center for 12 years. Comstock served as an incident commander and operations section chief with the Western NYIMAT. He also served as an original member of the Monroe County Special Operations Leadership Team, as an IST member for the team, and was a New York State EMTand Code Enforcement Officer. Comstock has been a member of NYSAFC since 2004 and served on the Paid Officers Committee from 2010-2015. He has also been active with the Career Fire Chiefs of New York State and served as president from 2011-2015. Comstock is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, International Code Council, and National Fire Protection Association.
Also, during the ceremony, Chief R. Scott Ewing (Plattsburgh District 3 Fire Department) was sworn in as 1st Vice-President and Chief Anthony V. LaFerrera (North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company) was sworn in as 2nd Vice-President. Both will serve one-year terms.
Chief Wayne C. Friedman (Cortland Fire Department) was sworn in as the Director - Career, Chief Mark Strzyzynski (Henrietta Fire District) was sworn in as a Paid Director, and Chief Timothy E. Boel (East Greenbush Fire District #3), Chief James E. Hare (Hilton Fire Department), and Chief Kevin O. Kalk (Barneveld Fire Department) were sworn in as Volunteer Directors. All will serve three-year terms.
Director Kalk, who joined the board of directors this year, has been a member of the Barneveld Fire Department since 2001. He became Chief of Department in 2010 and previously held the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief. Kalk has also been a New York State EMT since 2007. He served as President of the Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association in 2021 and also served for five years on the board of directors of the Believe 271 Foundation, a charity that provides financial support to firefighters battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Kalk has been a member of NYSAFC since 2007. He is a Hands-On Training instructor for the association and previously served on the Volunteer Chiefs and Annual Conference Committees.
Learn more about the NYSAFC board of directors at www.nysfirechiefs.com/board.
North Bellmore Invitational Drill
June 11, 2022
PlaceTeam Points 1st North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers 25.5 2nd Central Islip Hoboes 23 3rd Islip Wolves 18 4th West Hempstead Westerners12.5 5th West Sayville Flying Dutchmen10 - Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
5th Battalion Old Fashioned Drill
June 18, 2022
PlaceTeam Points 1st Oyster Bay Teddy’s Boys 38 2nd Seacliff Indians 24 2nd Bayville Oak Neckers 24 4th Roslyn Highlanders 15 4th Glen Cove Wet Ears 15
- Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
Lindenhurst Invitational Parade
- Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
5th Battalion Parade at Bayville
Huntington ManorHonors Billy Bicknese
The Huntington ManorFire Department recently held a dinnerin honorof William ‘Billy’Bicknese forhis 50 years of dedicated service to the department. Bicknese graduated Huntington High School in 1964, and then joined the U.S. Army and served his country in Vietnam. Still wanting to do more to help others and serve his community, he joined the Huntington ManorFire Department Hose Company 1 in 1972. Bicknese has served on many committees and played on the golf and softball teams. In 1991, he was hired as Huntington Manor’s full-time district mechanic, keeping all the equipment and apparatus in perfect working order. Bicknese was presented with several awards and elevated to the rank of Honorary Chief.
- Fire News story by Steve Silverma; photos courtesy Huntington Manor FD
Fire News Reunites Two Shipmates
(Photo above, left) (on the left) Damage Controlmen 2nd Class Don Mistler, (right) Damage Controlmen 3rd Class Harry Loud. USS Antietam-CVS 36-Official Photograph U.S. Navy.
The July issue of Fire News arrived and photographer Harry Loud was looking to see if he had any images published. On page 53 was an article “Bohemia Honors 50 Year Members” along with six names, one of which was Don Mistler
Thinking back 65-years Loud thought “It can’t be, I knew a Don Mistler who lived in Medford and we were in the Navy together, same ship (USS Antietam CVS 36), same Division (R) and same rate (Damage Controlmen).” I talked it over with Al Schwartz of the Levittown Fire Department and he said, “Go for it, it’s a great stor”. Acall to the Bohemia Fire Department confirmed they had a Don Mistler, he was in his 80s and had been in the Navy. Everything fit and I left my number. The following day Don called and we laughed about our experiences aboard ship. We were back in the 50s.
Don (84 years) joined the Navy in 1955 and was assigned as a Damage Controlmen aboard the USS Antietam, an aircraft carrier. Harry (82 years) joined in 1957 and followed suit. Don was discharged in 1959 and Harry in 1960.
Upon his discharge he returned to Medford where he served with the Medford Fire Department for 11-years and upon moving joined the Bohemia Fire Department in 1969 to the present. He is assigned to Engine 2 and serves as its Treasurer. Upon my discharge I was appointed to the FDNYin 1963 and was assigned to Engine 5, transferred to Engine 14 and later to Engine 308. In 1971 I joined the Wantagh Fire Department and was assigned to Rescue2 and upon being injured in the FDNYbecame the PIO for Wantagh. No more fire duty as it’s a young man’s job. Don had 54-years with Bohemia and I some 40-years with Wantagh.
We were both married and we each had two children. Don two boys and me a boy and a girl. Don worked as a contractor giving his spare time to fire departments whereby my profession was firefighting and my spare time was firefighting
Asmall world indeed, two young men join and meet in the U.S. Navy in 1957, basically follow down the same path, and 65-years later meet to reminisce about old times. Had it not been for a story in Fire News and a little detective work, the reunion would not have come to pass. - Fire News story by Harry Loud
Islip Museum Man vs Machine Event
The Islip Town Fire and EMS Museum and Education Centerheld its second annual Man-vsMachine hands-on training event the weekend of May 14-15, 2022. Presented by seasoned instructors from PLVulcan Fire Training Concepts, 60 firefighters from departments across Long Island attended a lecture portion on Friday evening as well as a fourhourhands-on skills training session on Saturday. This event was presented as part of the museum’s continuing series of fundraiser training events designed to support ouroperations while providing tangible training in return to our supporters. - story by Tom Rinelli, photos by Tim Edwards
