Rochester firefighters were dispatched for a fire on the third floor of a four-story apartment building.
See story on page 4
Hotel Fire in Amsterdam Displaces 13
Firefighters responded to a report of smoke from the Knights Inn Hotel.
See story on page 11
FASNY Honors
Senator Monica Martinez
FASNY honored Senator Monica R. Martinez recognizing her exceptional leadership.
See story on page 20
Excelsior Hose’s 66th
Annual
Fall Festival
Excelsior Hose stop to pick Apples for their 66th Annual Fall Festival.
See story on page 24
Port Chester
3-Story Fire
The Port Chester FD was dispatched along with Rye Brook to Poningo Street for a reported house fire.
See story on page 30
Tribute
The FDNY celebrated the life of Firefighter Patrick D. Brady at a Line of Duty Death funeral on Saturday, November 15, 2025
See story on page 33
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Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ
page 29
page 29
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page 35
Proud Member Of:
5-Alarmer in Rochester
In the evening hours of November 9, 2025, as crews were clearing from a separate fire, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Meigs Street for reports of a fire. First arriving units found smoke showing from the third floor of a four-story apartment building. Crews stretched lines and found the main body of fire. Second and third alarms were struck due to the size of the building and having to evacuate all of the units. As crews began to open up, extension was found in the ceiling above the fire apartment and in the hallway
on the floor above. Firefighters worked hard to stay in front of the fire and continued to search voids throughout the floors. Fourth and fifth alarms were struck bringing additional manpower to the scene due to the extremely labor-intensive operation. The last bit of fire was found in the cockloft and quickly knocked down with the fire being put under control a short time later.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
EMS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE
NEW YORK STATE EMS COUNCIL AWARDS
At Vital Signs 2025 held in Syracuse, NY the NYS EMS Council presented the 2025 awards.
Basic Life Support Provider of the Year
Brianna Keach
Hudson Mohawk REMSCO
Excellence in EMS Quality and Safety
Catheryn Smith, NRP, CCEMT-P, CIC
Monroe Livingston REMSCO
EMS Communications Specialist of the Year
Kylie Adams
Hudson Valley REMSCO
Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year
Meghan Kiefer
Monroe Livingston REMSCO
EMS Agency of the Year
Greenport Rescue Squad, Inc.
Hudson Mohawk REMSCO
Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award
Sean O'Brien
Westchester REMSCO
Registered Professional Nurse of Excellence
Linda Sugrue, MSN, RN, SCRN, ASC-BC
Westchester REMSCO
Youth Provider of the Year
Zachary Restorff
Wyoming Erie REMSCO
Physician of Excellence
Dr. Douglas Isaacs
The Regional EMS Council of NYC, Inc.
EMS Educator of Excellence
Nancy L. Montesano
Adirondack-Appalachian
REMSCO
(Continued on page 16)
Greenhouse Destroyed in Albany
On November 17, 2025, Colonie Village, Boght, and Shaker RoadLoudonville departments were called out to Holland Nursery and Florist in Albany for a structure fire. The greenhouse in the rear of the nursery, which housed all of the vases and planters for
Thanksgiving and Christmas was on fire. The departments quickly extinguished the fire but the products inside were completely destroyed. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
On November 6, 2025, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to a report of a house fire on South Clinton Avenue. First arriving companies found heavy fire venting out of multiple windows on the second floor. As crews stretched lines and worked to get the residents
out of the home, command struck a second alarm due to heavy winds fueling the blaze. Firefighters made a strong interior attack on the second floor and knocked down the fire.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Greenpoint 3-Alarm Fire
A three-alarm fire in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn kept FDNY firefighters and EMS units busy on November 9, 2025. A fire broke out in a mixed occupancy building on Manhattan Avenue
near Huron Street. Numerous tenants from the apartments on the upper floors were displaced and being assisted by the Red Cross. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Hotel Fire in Amsterdam Displaces
On November 15, 2025 at 2018 hours, a report of smoke in a building came in to Amsterdam Fire from the Knights Inn Hotel. While en route, dispatch alerted the first responding units of multiple calls and a confirmed working fire, prompting command to request addi-
tional units. Upon arrival, firefighters found one unit fully involved with heavy extension to surrounding units. Fast work by the first-in units kept the damage to a minimum.
- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Grease Fire Burns Home
Colonie Village, Fuller Road, West Albany and Verdoy fire departments were dispatched to a home on Vly Road in Colonie for a grease fire. Within minutes of arrival, the home was engulfed by flames. Crews entered trying to quench the flames but due to the heat were evacuated by Chief Kayser of Colonie Village. Crews
began an exterior attack opening up the roof while crews worked from the rear of the dwelling to bring the fire under control. The home’s interior was severely damaged. No one was injured during the event. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
East Tremont Road Blaze
FDNY companies from throughout the city battled a five-alarm fire in a commercial occupancy on East Tremont Road in the Bronx on Saturday afternoon November 8, 2025. The blaze broke out in an auto repair shop and quickly spread to adjoining structures includ-
ing two neighboring homes. More than 150 firefighters and EMS personnel were on the scene at the height of the incident. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
EMS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE
NEW YORK STATE INNOVATION AWARDS
At Vital Signs 2025 held in Syracuse, NY the NYS EMS Council presented the 2025 awards.
Recruitment & Retention Innovation West Islip Fire Department
Educational Innovation Borough of Manhattan Community College, Paramedic Program
Organization Innovation Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps
Clinical Delivery Innovation Fire Department of New York, B-HEARD Program
Talk About
‘Just
in Time’
Stanford Heights Fire Department responded to a home on Jersey Court on November 30, 2025, for a structure fire. Upon arrival, the home was filled with smoke. While the homeowners were out of the home an electric holiday candle in the window fell, breaking the bulb. The bulb landed on a pillow which began to burn. The homeowners came home to find their house filled with smoke. Flames had just begun to climb the curtains. Fortunately, the damage was minimal.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
2 Car MVA on Route 300
Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called out for a two-car MVA on Route 300 at Gardentown Road. One person was transported by the Town of Newburgh Medical Service. Town of Newburgh Police and New York State Police also responded.
- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Walden Handles Rte. 52 Car Fire
Walden Fire Department responded to a reported car fire on the morning of November 14, 2025, near Bel Air Park on State Route 52. Car 1 arrived on scene, finding a working car fire, prompting a resound. Crews arrived on scene shortly after, and Lt. Gonda put the fire out using the trash line on Squad 236. Tanker 239 also responded to the scene to provide extra water if required. Crews had the fire out within a few minutes but stayed on scene to block traffic until the vehicle was removed from the roadway. Walden units were back in service within an hour. - Fire
News photos by Jess Pullar
FASNY Honors Senator Monica Martinez for Her Advocacy for New York’s Volunteer Fire Service
On November 19, 2025, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) presented its prestigious annual Golden Trumpet Award to State Senator Monica R. Martinez of Brentwood, recognizing her exceptional leadership and unwavering support for New York’s volunteer fire service.
For more than 30 years, the Golden Trumpet has been awarded to individuals who have gone above and beyond in championing the needs of volunteer firefighters — particularly in the areas of legislation, policy, and public safety. Senator Martinez embodies that spirit of partnership and advocacy.
Throughout her tenure in the State Senate, she has been a steadfast ally of the fire service, working tirelessly on behalf of the volunteer departments and EMS agencies in her Long Island district — and across the entire state. As Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, she has been instrumental in advancing legislation to strengthen emergency response systems, support recruitment and retention, and improve safety for both first responders and the communities they serve.
Among her many efforts, Senator Martinez has championed reforms to the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law and the volunteer fire and EMS state income tax credit to ensure volunteers receive the support they deserve, and has been a strong voice on critical issues including emergency communications, disaster preparedness, lithiumion battery safety, and 9/11 responder health. She continues to lead efforts to modernize and fund the state’s critical EMS infrastructure and to allow for collection of both property tax and income tax exemptions for volunteer first responders — benefits she believes should also extend to the surviving spouses. In her own district, Sen. Martinez has secured critical funding to support volunteer training at the Suffolk County Fire Academy.
Senator Martinez has consistently fought to enhance local emergency response capabilities by bolstering communications equipment and dispatch services, while supporting initiatives to recruit and retain the next generation of volunteers. She also has called attention to the need for better understanding of lithium-ion battery fires and ensuring volunteers are well-equipped to respond to these types of emergencies.
“Senator Monica Martinez has shown time and again that she not only understands the challenges facing the volunteer fire service — she acts on them,” said FASNY President Eugene Perry. “Her leadership,
compassion, and commitment to New York’s first responders make her a true friend to every firefighter in this state. It is with great pride and gratitude that we present her with the FASNY Golden Trumpet Award.”
“The Golden Trumpet symbolizes a voice that rises above the challenges of uncertainty, and I’m proud to be that voice in Albany as an advocate for our first responders,” said Senator Martinez. “Volunteers are humble, but their heroism is true, and that is why I’m honored to receive the Golden Trumpet Award from this incredible organization and the members it represents.” - Fire News photos by Myles Quinn
Manhattan All Hands
FDNY crews responded for Box 1187, East 89th Street, in Manhattan on November 22, 2025 at 0916 hours.
- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn
2 Rescued, But in Critical Condition
Engine Company 332 and Hook and Ladder 175 traveled a few short blocks from the firehouse and transmitted a 10-75 for fire on the third floor of an occupied multiple dwelling on Bradford Street in East New York on November19, 2025. A man and woman were rescued from the building and removed to Brookdale Hospital where they were listed in critical condition.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Route 52 Car Fire Near Bel Air Park
The Walden Fire Department responded to a reported car fire on the morning of November 14, 2025, near Bel Air Park on State Route 52. Car 1 arrived on scene, finding a working car fire, prompting a resound. Crews arrived on scene shortly after, and Lt. Gonda put the fire out using the trash line on Squad 236. Tanker 239 also responded to the scene to provide extra water if required. Crews had the fire out within a few minutes but stayed on scene to block traffic until the vehicle was removed from the roadway. Walden units were back in service within an hour.
- Fire News photos submitted by Jess Pullar
Excelsior Hose’s 66th Annual Fall Festival
Masker's Orchards and its owners allowed the Excelsior Hose Company 1 of the Warwick Fire Department to come pick Apples for their 66th Annual Fall Festival which was held on November 19 and 20, 2025. Pictured above our members of the Excelsior Hose
Company 1 with a truck full of apples and cider donated for our Annual Festival celebration. We’d also like to thank all the local farmers and businesses for your donations!
-
Submitted by Michael Contaxis
Teaching the Community
suffering from a gunshot wound or stabbing incident. They were tasked with wrapping a tourniquet around a bleeding artery and other various emergency medical treatment.
FDNY Paramedics held train the community of Brownsville in the “Stop the Bleeding” campaign. The event took place at the Van Dyke Houses. The training is in the event members of the community come across someone having a medical emergency or worse
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Toys for Tots in Saratoga
On November 16, 2025, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department held its 12th Annual Toys for Tots Convoy. Hundreds of fire engines and trucks, tractor trailers, Blue Nights, Jeeps and other vehicles formed a convoy of lights and sirens as they traveled from the high school to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Each of the vehicles formed a line to drop off thousands of toys to be distributed to local children through the Marine Corps. MacBoston 18 Truck proudly hung the flag over the route. Senator Paul Tonko, Miss New York State, Miss Captial District and Miss Armed Forces all joined in to fill multiple trucks with all of the donations.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Massive Bronx 5-Alarmer
FDNY crews responded for what would be a five alarm fire on East Tremont Avenue in the Parkchester area of the Bronx on November 8, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
More photos next page
Massive Bronx
5-Alarmer
...continued
Port Chester 3-Story Fire
On November 27, 2025, at approximately 0100 hours, the Port Chester Fire Department was dispatched along with Rye Brook to Poningo Street for a reported house fire. Tower Ladder 2 arrived to fire showing from the exterior of a large three-story private dwelling. Chief Melillo arrived shortly after and transmitted a working fire. Crews quickly made their way to the top floor of the building to open up and expose hidden pockets of fire and remove occupants. The main body of fire was located in the walls between the second and third floors and quickly knocked down; primary and secondary searches proved negative and the incident was placed under control. Members operated for about two hours checking for any further extension and assisting occupants.
- Fire News photos by Brandon Colon
New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association
Submitted by Henry A. Ehrhardt – President
The New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association
The New York State Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Association (NYSVARA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 EMS Special Awards. The awards were presented during NYSVARA’s Pulse Check Conference and Annual General Membership Meeting on October 5, 2025, at the Rockland County Fire Training and EMS Academy in Pomona, NY. NYSVARA congratulates the following recipients and recognizes their outstanding contributions to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) profession, the communities, and the patients they serve:
The Stony Point Ambulance Corps Youth Squad –(NYSVARA Youth Squad of the Year Award)
Teri Hamilton, NYSVARA Executive VP, with Justin George of Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance (SUNY Albany), and Steve Kroll, NYSVARA Region 3 Director & Executive Director of Delmar Bethlehem EMS (NYSVARA Educator of the Year Award) Dale Plummer, Award Sponsor with Sean Graves –(Richard W.O. Beebe Educator of Excellence Award)
Richard Goodson, Western Area Volunteer EMS
2025 NYSVARA Paramedic of the Year Award, sponsored by David Linzer in Memory of NCPD Paramedic Steven Linzer
Matthew Tirshwell, Gotham Volunteer EMS
2025 NYSVARA EMT of the Year Award, sponsored by David Linzer in Memory of FF-EMT Kelly Ann Cartmell
Matthew Philip, Huntington Community First Aid Squad
2025 NYSVARA – Leadership Award, sponsored by DelmarBethlehem EMS
Justin George, Five Quad Volunteer EMS
2025 NYSVARA EMS Educator of the Year Award, sponsored by NYSVARA District 12 in Memory of Dr. Charles Hummel
Michael Garber, MD, Good Samaritan Hospital
2025 NYSVARA EMS Physician of the Year Award, sponsored by The United New York Ambulance Network
2025 NYSVARA Unit Citation Award, Award 1 sponsored by NYSARA District 12, Award 2 sponsored by NYSVARA District 12 in Memory of Bill Stockdale
Beena George, RN, Nyack Hospital
2025 NYSVARA-Registered Nurse of Excellence Award, sponsored by David Linzer in Memory of Ex-Chief William Stockdale
Richard Baker, Bayport Fire Department
2025 NYSVARA Communications Specialist of Excellence Award, Sponsored by Teri Hamilton in Memory of Richard W. Hamilton ”209” & JoAnne Morahan Sandford “fighter”
Stony Point Ambulance Youth Squad
2025 NYSVARRA Youth Squad of the Year Award, sponsored by Carol Cronogue in Loving Memory of Chief Thomas Cronogue “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”
Elizabeth Wakeham, Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance Corps
2025 NYSVARA Youth Member of Excellence Award, sponsored by Henry Ehrhardt Dedicated to all young New Yorkers participating in EMS Youth and Junior Programs
Connor O’Neill, Greenport Rescue Squad
2025 NYSVARA Meritorious Award, sponsored by Julie Cooperstein, In Loving Memory of Ian Glen Cooperstein- EMT Sullivan County
Sean Graves, Aura Prep EMS & Emergency Preparedness Training
2025 Richard W.O. Beebe Exemplarity Educator Award, sponsored by Dale Plumer in Memory of Rich Beebe- a consummate educator gone but not forgotten
Jerrold Gelbard, NYSVARA District 18 Director
2025 NYSVARA President’s Award Presented by Henry Ehrhardt –NYSVARA President
ALLENTOWN SPRING MELT FIRE MARKETPLACE & AUCTION
Agri-Plex at Allentown Fairgrounds
Sponsored by the Union Historical Fire Society April 18 & 19, 2026
The UHFS is preparing for the upcoming annual Allentown Spring Melt Marketplace and 37th Annual Fire Memorabilia Antique Auction. This is the largest fire memorabilia marketplace in the country. There are other musters and shows but this is the biggest. Attendees and dealers come from all over the United States and Canada. Anything fire department related can be found gathered in one place, which means there is something for everyone. On Saturday, April 18th the Marketplace set-up begins at 3 p.m. for vendors. Early Buyer passes are offered if you want first crack at the most desirable items. These can be purchased online or at the door. Go to: www.unionhistoricalfiresociety.com, click on the Spring Melt tab for details.
The auction is presented by The Eastmere Fireman. Auctioneer Brian Enterline always has exceptional items. You can preview the items in person on Friday April 17th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. The auction starts promptly at 8 a.m. You can also view the items on the auction website: https://eastmerefireman.com/. Contact Brian directly by phone: 717-648-4458 or email: brian@eastmerefireman.com with questions or to inquire about consigning items to the auction.
Admission is a $5.00 donation for the Auction and $10.00 for the Marketplace. Children under 12 are admitted free. Refreshments are available all weekend and there is no charge for parking. This is an indoor show, so the weather is never a problem, and the hall is ADA compliant. Keep in mind the show is limited to fire related items ONLY. New vendors are welcome. This is a great outlet for fire companies around the area to sell their old and surplus equipment. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, visit our website at www.unionhistoricatfiresociety.com or contact Tom & Cheryl D’Arcangelo at 631-348-3787 or email: springmelt.uhfs@gmail.com with your questions. Online vendor registration is available as well as mail-in registration forms. We are happy to partner with Fire News to promote the show. Look for the advertisements with all the information in upcoming Fire News issues.
FDM MAINTAINS “EXCELLENT”
A- RATING FROM AM BEST FOR 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Co., Inc. (FDM) has once again earned an “A-” (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating (FSR) and an “a-” Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) from AM Best. The reaffirmation, effective Oct. 8, 2025, marks the fifth consecutive year that FDM has maintained its Excellent rating — continuing a legacy of financial stability that dates back to the company’s initial FSR assignment in 1990.
“AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of ‘A-’ (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ (Excellent) to FDM. The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is Stable,” reported AM Best. “The ratings reflect FDIG’s very strong balance sheet , strong operating performance , and its appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).”
AM Best, one of the world’s most respected insurance rating organizations, assigns an “A-” rating to companies demonstrating excellent financial strength and an ability to meet ongoing policyholder obligations.
“Our continued ‘A-’ rating from AM Best is a testament to the strength of our operations and our dedication to our members,” said FDM’s EVP/COO Roy Denny. “This consistent recognition reaffirms our financial health and our commitment to serving New York’s fire service community.”
Founded in 1978, FDM is a mutual insurance company specializing in coverage under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefits Law (VFBL) and New York State Workers’ Compensation Law. The company provides superior claims service and coverage based on 100% earning capacity for all member policyholders across New York State. To learn more about FDM, visit fdmny.com.
NFFF AWARDS OVER $500,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has awarded 56 scholarships totaling $535,109 to the spouses, children and stepchildren of fallen firefighters for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Since 1997, the NFFF Scholarship Program has provided more than $7.39 million in tuition assistance to 1,765 students across the country. This year’s recipients include 38 returning scholars and 18 first-time recipients. NFFF awards scholarships based on applicants’ financial need and academic performance, with a special consideration for those working toward degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and public safety fields.
“These scholarships reflect the NFFF’s ongoing commitment to the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “Stepping up to cover all or some of their tuition is the least we can do, and I know our generous partners feel the same.”
Since 2005, Motorola Solutions Foundation has funded the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Scholarship program, named in honor of U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland, a longtime advocate for firefighters and fire safety who played a crucial role in the establishment of NFFF.
“For 20 years, our partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has been an unbreakable bond, rooted in our deep commitment to honor the enduring legacy of these national heroes,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, Executive Director, Motorola Solutions Foundation.
In addition to the support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the NFFF Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of the following: Alan Patrick Sondej Scholarship Fund; Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund; Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund; Mission Square Retirement; National Association of State Fire Marshals;B urton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation; Global Health & Safety; Steel Family’s Fire Engine 5 Charitable Foundation; Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation; Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information visit www.firehero.org.
HENDRICKSON FIRE
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
NAMED AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FR CONVERSIONS IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment is proud to announce that it has been officially named an authorized dealer and distributor for FR Conversions, a leading manufacturer of specialty transport vehicles. Through this partnership, Hendrickson will now represent the full FR Conversions Ambulance and Mobility product lines throughout New York and New Jersey.
FR Conversions, headquartered in Westminster, Maryland, is a nationally recognized manufacturer of mobility and specialty transport vehicles, including Type II ambulances, wheelchair-accessible vans, and ADA-compliant transport units. All vehicles are engineered and built in the company’s 150,000-square-foot facility using state-of-the-art equipment and proprietary manufacturing processes designed to maximize durability, safety, and value. FR Conversions has earned the trust of EMS agencies, fire departments, Volunteer Ambulance Corps, municipalities, and private transport providers nationwide.
As an authorized dealer, Hendrickson will offer sales, service, and support for FR Conversions’ complete lineup of Type II ambulances and mobility transport vehicles. This includes wheelchair-accessible vans, ADA-compliant units, and other specialized transport solutions. The addition of FR Conversions strengthens Hendrickson’s ability to meet the unique needs of fire departments, Volunteer Ambulance Corporations, municipalities, private operators, and hospital networks across both states.
“We’re excited to partner with FR Conversions and bring their high-quality mobility and specialty vehicles to our customers in New York and New Jersey,” said Alan Rich, Emergency Vehicles Sales Manager at Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment. “FR Conversions brings an impressive portfolio of specialty vehicles that allows us to provide even more solutions to our customers.”
FR Conversions is widely recognized for its innovative engineering, durable construction, safety-focused design. By adding FR Conversions to its product offerings, Hendrickson continues to reinforce its position as a trusted provider of emergency response and specialty transport solutions across the Northeast.
Tribute
5-5-5-5:
FDNY Firefighter Patrick
The FDNY celebrated the life of Firefighter Patrick D. Brady at a Line of Duty Death funeral on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Church of St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor.
Firefighter Brady, 42, of Queens, was operating on the roof of a building at an all-hands fire in Brooklyn when he suffered a medical episode and went into cardiac arrest on November 8, 2925. He was transported to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he died.
During the funeral service, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker posthumously promoted Firefighter Brady to the rank of Lieutenant.
“In the week since Pat’s passing, we have spent a lot of time together, and so I feel I’m in a good place to speak with some authority on the gift that is Patrick Brady,” FDNY Commissioner Tucker said. “Some of you in this church have had Pat your whole lives. Others, like me, just got the gift in his passing. But he has given me something I didn’t think I would have in my final days as your Fire Commissioner. He has given me the keenest inside look at friendship, family, pain, loyalty, and—most of all—what it means to be a member of the FDNY family.”
New York City First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, speaking on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams, said: “What does it mean to be a firefighter? Because when firefighters rush into burning buildings and climb those ladders to get to the roof, they don't ask who is in the building. They only care about saving lives. And, to me, that’s the definition of a hero. Patrick Brady was a hero.”
Lieutenant Brady was an 11-year veteran of the Department, receiving his appointment on July 14, 2014. After graduating from the FDNY Fire Academy, he was assigned to Engine 227 in Brooklyn before transferring to Ladder 120 in 2022. He is survived by his parents, his wife and his two brothers, who are also FDNY firefighters.
- Story courtesy of the Fire Department of the City of New York; photos by Lloyd Mitchell
D. Brady
Firefighters Museum of Dutchess County Bowling Tournament Fundraiser
On November 16, 2025, the Firefighter’s Museum of Dutchess County held their 4th annual Bowling Fundraiser tournament. This year we had a great turnout with 21 teams.
The following teams participated: DCVFA, Hillside Lake Fire Company (two teams); Hughsonville Fire Department (two teams), Millbrook Fire Department (four teams); PCVFA, Pleasant Valley Fire Department; Rombout Fire Department (two teams); Slater Chemical Fire Department (four teams); Stanford Fire Department, Team Fisher; Team Russell; and the Wiccopee Fire Company. The event was successful, and funds were secured to support the Museum.
Individual winners were Selena Virtuoso from Slater Chemical Fire Department for top female score; Mike Doherty from Carmel Fire Department for top male score; and Team Russell for highest team score.
A big thank you for the Association of Fire Districts of Dutchess County for suppling the pizza and soda and Spins Bowling for their great support especially Bob and Breanna Sample. I would also like to thank all the officers of the Firefighters Museum of Dutchess County who came out to support the museum. - Vincent Galvin, Friend of the Museum
Beacon Firefighters Dinner
On November 22, 2025, Beacon Engine, Lewis Tompkins Hose Company, and Mase Hook and Ladder held their annual dinner together. At this dinner recognized were members who have attained 50 years of service. William DeCarlo, Jr., and Rich Mete from Beacon Engine, David Eraca, Lenoard Splain, Robert Ferrone and Don Knight from Mase Hook & Ladder, and Kevin Scofield and Phil Candia from Lewis Tompkins Hose Company. All those firefighter’s who were present were recognized by DCVFA 1st VP
president Kyle Pottenburgh. At the end of the night all those members who had a minimum of 50 years of service from the three companies stood together for a group picture and there were 23 in the picture totaling at least 1150 years of service to the City of Beacon.
- Submitted by Vincent Galvin, DCVFA
Kyle Pottenburgh, HVVFA 2nd VP John O’Brien, FASNY Public Relations Committee Person Vincent Galvin and Firefighting Museum
