Fire News New York State, January 2020 edition

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 13, NO. 3

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 JANUARY 2020

See story on page 6.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Happy New Year from the Staff at Fire News

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2020, Page 3

In this issue...

Amsterdam Shop Fire Amsterdam firefighters responded to a structure fire at a West Main Street convenience store.

See story on page 7

City of Rye Structure Fire City of Rye firefighters responded to a fire on Hunter Lane.

See story on page 11

Power Line Fire Schodack and Castleton-onHudson take on downed and burning power lines and a house on fire.

See story on page 15

2 Fatalities, 1 Survivor at Pearl River MVA The Pearl River Fire Department responded to a fatal car fire/MVA in which two teens died.

See story on page 18

Bronx 3-Alarmer Bronx companies respond to Warthen Street at a pallet warehouse to find a heavy fire load through the roof.

See story on page 21

A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 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: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.

Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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 Email:nys@firenews.com

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

Community Involvement in Recruitment Campaign The staff of the Chatham branch of The Bank of Greene County helped out with recruitment efforts.

See story on page 26

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

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.

Page 4, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

2020: What is Your Vision?

When I hear someone say 2020, I think of my eyesight. Seriously, from an early age it was drilled into me that 2020 was a good thing and my eyes were perfect! Let’s check our vision and look into the year 2020. I give thought to what I would like to personally change to make 2020 a landmark year. Yes, all of us have the power to change to be the best that we can possibly be, especially as a first responder.

According to the US Fire Administration, fires are down by 6.2 percent. Unfortunately, deaths from the fires are up 9.6 percent since 2008. What can you do to make a difference in 2020?

Through your continued dedication to your community, help your fire department increase community awareness about preventing home fires.

Work with the news media to get fire prevention messages into news stories. I will ask again, does your department have a trained public information officer? Your department should have a positive working relationship with your local newspapers and community boards. Learn about the latest research on fire detection, suppression and notification systems and get this information to your community through your fire prevention program. Hopefully your program is an on-going

program rather than just a one-day event.

As the year comes to an end, I am saddened that we have lost another firefighter. On December 5, 2019, Chief Robert White, Jr., of the West Stockholm (NY) Fire Department answered his last alarm at a fire in Potsdam, New York.

Firefighter LODDs have steadily decreased since 2015. However, one emergency responder death is too many when it comes to a member of our emergency responder family. In 2018, we lost 44 volunteer firefighters, 33 career firefighters and five wildland firefighters. To date, 54 fire firefighters have been lost in the line of duty in 2019.

What can we do to continue the downward trend in firefighter fatalities? First you must look at how responders are dying and ask yourself where can you make a difference to lessen the chances of emergency responder deaths.

The leading cause of fatalities of firefighters is heart attack (44 percent), followed by trauma (27 percent), motor vehicle collisions (20-25 percent) asphyxia and burns (20 percent). Reading these statistics, I realize many of us can lessen our chances of a fatality by realizing we may not be doing all we can to protect ourselves from danger.

Fire departments offer physical training to their

members. Are you taking advantage of this? Do you exercise on a regular basis? Does your exercise program include a good cardio workout?

How about your diet? Are you overweight? Let’s face it, wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) is taxing on the body. Responding to calls is taking lives. Hey, slow down! And finally, everyone must wear their gear at all calls! If we save the life of one responder by changing our thought process, we have made a difference.

In 2020, look to see your job more clearly, so that you can continue the trend of lowering firefighter fatalities. Happy New Year to all!

Dennis

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2020, Page 5

Flames Rips Through Vacant Home

On October 11, 2019, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in a vacant home on Eagle Street after flames were reported shortly before 0100. The fire quickly extended from the outdoor porch into the attic, threatening houses on both sides. A vagrant was reported to be inside at the time of the fire but was located uninjured. Niskayuna Fire District 1 assisted at the scene with their aerial platform. The cause of the fire was deemed suspicious.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Page 6, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

Cover Story

Suffern House Fire

On November 10, 2019, the Suffern Fire Department was dispatched for an unknown type fire on Chippewa Court. Further information indicated that the 911 caller simply yelled “fire� into the phone and then hung up. As Deputy Chief Jeremy Kaufer arrived, flames were showing from two of the top-floor windows. As

further units arrived and Chief Mike Lepori assumed command, an aggressive push to the fire floor was made as searches were conducted. With the assistance of n mutual aid crews, firefighters were able to get a quick knockdown on the fire and begin an extensive overhaul. No one was injured.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

FireNews.com

Amsterdam Abandoned House Destroyed

Amsterdam firefighters at the scene of an abandoned house on Cady Street. The call came in shortly after midnight on September 21, 2019. Firefighters found the rear of the house fully involved, and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Fire News, January 2020, Page 7

Quick KO in Amsterdam

Amsterdam firefighters responded to a structure fire on West Main Street on November 6, 2019. Firefighters knocked down a small fire in the kitchen of a convenience store.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Page 8, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

Long Fire Fight in Yorktown Hts.

On the morning of November 8, 2019, at approximately 0545, the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department was called to Baptist Church Road for a private dwelling fire. The IC requested a tanker task force to the scene due to it being in a non-hydrant area. First arriving units were met with heavy fire conditions from all sides of a vacant residence and initiated a defensive attack. Approximately

three hours after dispatch, crews were able to enter the structure to conduct additional fire suppression and overhaul. Firefighters from multiple surrounding agencies were on scene for close to seven hours. The cause of this fire was under investigation by the Yorktown Police in conjunction with the Westchester County Cause and Origin Team.

- Fire News photos by David Kempter

FireNews.com

Up Close

Amsterdam firefighter Ron Kaszuba.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Amsterdam Battalion Chief Ron Jablonski.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Amsterdam Engine 1 Driver Jeff Hazzard.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Fire News, January 2020, Page 9

Page 10, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

Ember Starts Scrap Yard Fire

Junkyard Fire in Canarsie

On November 8, 2019, while FDNY units were operating a block away at a three-alarm pallet yard fire, two crews on the third alarm noticed smoke coming from the scrap yard on Truxton Street. They called in the fire then forced entry into the scrap yard.

Once inside, firefighters found a moderate pile of scrap burning and reported they could handle it with an engine and truck. The firefighters believed it could have been started by embers from the fire down the street.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

On November 17, 2019, a fire broke out in the junkyard on Preston Court in Canarsie, Brooklyn. FDNY Engine Company 310 reported a heavy volume of black smoke while en route. A second alarm was transmitted due to a Mayday, which was quickly cleared. The fire was in shipping containers and car parts on fire.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2020, Page 11

City of Rye Structure Fire Around 0400 on November 15, 2019, City of Rye firefighters were responded to a structure fire on Hunter Lane. First-due companies arrived and found a private dwelling in a cul-de-sac with fire showing from the B/C corner. Harrison and the Town and Village of Mamaroneck responded on mutual aid. Fire had selfvented through the roof approximately 30 minutes in, moving crews to a defensive operation. The fire was extinguished in about an hour then crews re-entered the structure to conduct overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Page 12, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

Queens Basement Fire

FDNY companies in Jamaica, Queens, battled a stubborn and smoky fire in the basement of a building under construction on 88th Avenue near 150th Street on November 27, 2019. Engine operations were slightly delayed by a construction delivery truck blocking the closet hydrant on the block. At one point, foam was used to extinguish the contents of the blaze.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 14, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

GOGLAS ELECTED AS FDSOA EASTERN DIRECTOR Judge Phil Goglas, ex-Captain of the Central Islip Fire Department was elected as the new Eastern Director of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA). Goglas will be sworn in at the annual general meeting held in conjunction with the 2020 Health and Safety Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Goglas, a member of FDSOA since 2010, started his firefighting career as a volunteer in 1979 with the Wyandanch Volunteer Fire Company of Suffolk County, New York.

He is a former New York City Transit Police Officer. He received his bachelor’s from St. John’s University and his Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School.

Among Goglas’ goals as director are to increase membership in the Eastern Region; have greater involvement bringing relevant speakers and information to FDSOA members and the Health and Safety Conference; and decreasing

injuries and fatalities to all members of the fire service.

Both the FDSOA Health and Safety Conference and the Annual Fire Apparatus Safety and Maintenance Conference will be held at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., January 13-16, 2020.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Phil Goglas

FireNews.com

Chimney Fire in Cronomer Valley

The Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called out to a chimney fire on Locust Drive, along with Winona Lake and Orange Lake.

No one was hurt and burnt embers were found in the chimney.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Fire News, January 2020, Page 15

Power Line Fire

On October 31, 2019, Schodack and Castleton-on-Hudson responded to a call for downed and burning power lines with flames showing from a house. Mutual aid was called from Rensselaer City, East Greenbush and Schodack departments.

Within an hour the flames were knocked down and the home, which was being refurbished was razed. The home next door, before the fire, was slated to be torn down, as well, since it had a tree growing up through the interior.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Page 16, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

Port Chester Structure Fire

On November 9, 2019, Port Chester firefighters were dispatched to multiple calls reporting a structure fire on North Main Street. En route, companies could see a large head of smoke. Firefighters quickly stretched lines and knocked down the fire.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2020, Page 17

Plane Crash Drill at Niagara Intn’l.

On September 27, 2019, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Fire Department held a full-scale emergency exercise designed to ensure coordinated, timely and effective response and recovery in the event of an aviation emergency. The exercise is required by the FAA every three years. The exercise took place in and around the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Fire Department facility and involved a realistic mock incident. Approximately 40 “victims” and

over 20 fire, police and EMS agencies participated in the incident.

The drill involved a simulated airplane wreck with the victims moulaged to simulate real injuries. The drill lasted three hours and required firefighters to remove victims from the plane, extinguish a fire under the left wing, triage the victims and prepare them for transport.

- Fire News photo by Dan Gonska

Page 18, Fire News, January 2020

MVA’s

Extrication Needed in Mahopac Falls

On November 30, 2019, Mahopac Falls Fire, Heavy Rescue, EMS and Fire Police, in addition to multiple units from Carmel Police, EMStar paramedics and tow trucks responded to a head-on MVA on Baldwin Place Road near the entrance to the Middle School.

First arriving Fire Police closed the road. Chief Jeff Boyle took the role of Incident Command as Assistant Chief Dan Meury took on Operations with Captain Jason Stasiak taking scene Safety and Security. Two patients were triaged by Paramedics and MFVFD EMTs; onewas taken to Danbury Trauma and the other to Putnam Hospital Center. Carmel Police officers Terazza, Fox and Crecco kept a watchful eye out for the safety of all responders. The road was closed for an hour.

-Fire News photo by Jack Casey

2 Fatalities, 1 Survivor at Pearl River MVA

On October 13, 2019, the Pearl River Fire Department responded to a car fire finding a vehicle that had crashed down from an overpass 60-feet above where it rested. Landing on its roof, the car was on a NJ Transit rail line, requiring the immediate stoppage of local train traffic. Crews faced a difficult and prolonged extrication, while also dealing with a fuel leak and fire that would not stay extinguished. Once extricated, two occupants were removed to the hospital via helicopter. The two teens, a 15-year-old girl and a 17year-old boy, were killed in the crash. The 17-year-old female driver, who was removed from the car by local residents immediately after the wreck, survived with critical injuries. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Orangetown Police Department.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

FireNews.com

Albany T-bone Sends 1 to Hospital

On November 7, 2019, Albany Fire and EMS responded to an MVA on the Washington Avenue Extension in Albany, during rush hour, backing up westbound traffic on the extension. One person was transported to Albany Medical Center.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Sparks Fly After Minivan Shears Pole

On October 16, 2019, Schenectady firefighter Darron Marino keeps an eye on primary wires as they began sending a shower of sparks to the street below after an SUV lost control striking two parked cars and the utility pole on Duane Avenue in the Hamilton Hill section of Schenectady. No one was injured in the accident.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 20, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

East Greenbush Improvises for Training

The East Greenbush Fire Department recently built a plywood structure to use for giving firefighters and Explorers a chance to drill on confined space firefighting. The eight-by-16-foot plywood structure was filled with salvaged furniture and household objects.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2020, Page 21

Bronx 3-Alarmer

On the evening of November 8, 2019, Bronx companies arrived on the 1100 block of Warthen Street at the AC Pallet Storage Warehouse to find a heavy fire load through the roof. Crews had trouble accessing the high fenced-in area, so tower ladders were quickly setup for a defensive attack.

- Fire News photos by Dave Kempter, Jr., PuckStopperPhotography.com, and Lloyd Mitchell

Page 22, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com

Mahopac Falls Honors 50-Year Men At the annual installation dinner of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, held in November at Villa Barone in Mahopac, two Life Members reaching 50 years of active service were acknowledged and celebrated. Firefighters Walt Jackel and Jack Casey were introduced by past-Director John Mulvaney to whom this year’s dinner was dedicated. Bringing to light that Walt was instrumental in organizing and making the Mahopac Falls Dive Team a reality, it was said that Walt “hung up his fins” after being

Green County Parade New Baltimore and Hains Falls Fire Departments marching in the Greene County and Coxsackie parade.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

an original member of the team, serving for 50 years. A member of the Board of Directors, Walt still turns out for ambulance calls and fire police duties at fires and car accidents. Jack has been involved in EMS before MFVFD had an ambulance by riding with neighboring Mahopac Fire Department for 32 years (28 as an EMT).

Pictured: Walt Jackel (left) and Jack Casey accepting the accolades from their brothers and sisters of the fire service - Fire News photo courtesy of Jack Casey

FireNews.com

Hamilton Steamer Company 2 Wetdown

On October 12, 2019, the Village of Coxsackie’s D.M. Hamilton Steamer Company 2 held a wetdown of its new engine. Along with the wetdown there was a barbecue, T-shirts, fun for the kids and a quick prayer for the truck before it was officially put into service.

- Fire News photos by Simon Lindmark

Fire News, January 2020, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, January 2020

American Idol Finalist Visits Fuller Road FD

American Idol finalist Madison Vandenburg visited Fuller Road Fire Department’s Open House during fire prevention week. While there, she met Albany County Sheriff’s superdog Baxter and his handler Chief Gerry Paris. She learned how to use a fire extinguisher and was taught to do CPR by Colonie EMS’ David Plough. Madison is a resident and friend of a Fuller Road firefighter.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

FireNews.com

Midway Open House a Hit

Midway Fire Department opened its building to the community on October 26, 2019, to allow kids to come in and wander around the engines and department to find hidden members ready to give them a treat. The station was mobbed by princesses, ghouls and super heroes who played games, listen to stories and checked out the apparatus. It was a wonderful afternoon for both community and the members.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

FireNews.com

Obituaries FDNY’s Andrew S. Gargiulo

With regret, the FDNY announced the death of retired Firefighter Andrew S. Gargiulo, E-160, appointed November 14, 1999, retired February 28, 2006, which occurred on November 6, 2019. This member bravely served this Department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire department is extended to the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased in the midst of the great loss that they and the department have sustained. His funeral was held on Staten Island on November 13, 2019.

- Fire News story and photo submitted by Mark Little courtesy of the New York Association of Fire Chaplains

Fire News, January 2020, Page 25

FDNY’s Clifford R. DiMuro

With regret, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) announces the death of retired Firefighter Clifford R. DiMuro, L-137, appointed September 7, 1983, retired October 31, 2012, which occurred on November 22, 2019. This member bravely served this department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire department is extended to the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased in the midst of the great loss that they and the department have sustained. His funeral took place in Babylon on November 26, 2019.

- Fire News story and photo submitted by Mark Little courtesy of the New York Association of Fire Chaplains

Page 26, Fire News, January 2020

Blue Mass

Knights of Columbus, Monsignor Henry O’Carroll Council 444 sponsored its annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, with Father Fernando as celebrant, on September 15, 2019, in honor of our first responders: firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and members of the armed forces, both active and retired. The Blue Mass is so named to signify the predominant color of uniforms worn by the men and women being saluted. First responders who supported the Blue Mass proudly pose with Good Will Fire Department’s truck outside the church.

- Fire News photo by Chaplain Deacon Peter Haight

Community Involvement in Recruitment Campaign

FireNews.com

Erie County Wall of Honor Awards

Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Service Annual Wall of Honor Award ceremony was held on October 11, 2019. The names inscribed on the wall are the names of individuals whose acts or achievements were deemed praiseworthy. This year there were eight inductees added to the wall: Eugene Beszczynski, Sloan Active Hose, Cheektowaga; Michele Bliss South Line Volunteer Fire, Cheektowaga; Robert Carncross, Ellwood Volunteer Fire, Tonawanda; Arthur Domino, Depew FD, Depew; George J Karl, Jr, - LODD - Main-Transit Fire, Amherst; Peter J. Loretto, Langford-New Oregon Volunteer FD, Langford; James Nusall, Depew FD, Depew; and Edward Tokasz, Doyle Volunteer Fire 2, Cheektowaga.

- Fire News photo by Jim Lepard

Winona Lake Fire Prevention Seminar

Along with members of the Chatham and Ghent Fire Departments, the staff of the Chatham branch of The Bank of Greene County helped out with recruitment efforts during October Fire Prevention Month.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Betsy Braley; Branch Mgr.

Winona Lake Engine Company did a presentation at the Meadow Hill School for fire prevention week.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Page 28, Fire News, January 2020

FireNews.com