Fire news new york state 10 17

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State VOLUME 10, NO. 12

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

OCTOBER 2017

Story on page 6 -Fire News photos

by John Spaulding

October is Fire Prevention Week October 8-14, 2017 – New York State Edition –

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 3

In this issue...

Schenectady House Fire Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Close Street in the Vale neighborhood.

See page 9

Quick Work in Delanson Delanson firefighters battled a two-alarm fire which leveled a garage and destroyed a mobile home.

See story on page 12

Buffalo Cottage Fire

Buffalo firefighters responded to Hertel Avenue for heavy fire in a rear cottage dwelling.

See story on page 16

Rt. 84 Truck Fire

Coldham, Orange Lake and Maybrook responded to a tractor trailer fire on Route 84.

See story on page 18

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 2017, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Kayakers Rescued

The Piermont Fire Department was dispatched to assist kayakers in distress somewhere in the area of the Hudson River.

See story on page 21

SAVA Elects First Female President

The Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen’s (SAVA) convention was held in August where Marsha Holland was elected its first female, President.

See story on page 25

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29

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:

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, October 2017

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

It’s Fire Prevention Month Have you prepared to educate your community about fire prevention? It seems October has arrived without notice. National Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada, during the week (from Sunday to Saturday) in which October 9 falls. In the United States, the first Presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Week was made in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge.

The NFPA has a great website that all of us should visit. This year, the NFPA is reminding us to plan for two ways out of your home.

They are also reminding us that “every second counts” when a fire occurs and you have to get out. Responders know that in a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy. This program reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan.

Last week, I responded to a kitchen fire in my neighborhood. A new homeowner left his stove on while he took his son to high school to check on his new schedule. Whether or not the stove was left on by accident or on purpose, the result of this action caused a fire that resulted in serious damage to the kitchen. Can

you imagine if someone was sleeping in another room?

When you meet with your community, it is imperative that you reinforce what to do when a fire occurs. Reinforce how much time you have to get out. Make sure everyone who attends your fire prevention program knows who to call and what to do in case of an emergency.

Every year, families flock to their local firehouse to observe the many displays and programs about fire safety. I encourage departments that have a fire prevention program to spend a few minutes and write down what your goals and objectives are. One of the single most important things you can teach families is that they must quickly exit a house on fire and to remember to close the door to a room that is on fire as they do. This single action can save lives.

Hazardous materials education should also be part of your program. It is important for your community to know how to recognize potentially dangerous substances, and how to handle and dispose of them properly.

Every year I remind myself of the fires I have responded to at my local colleges,

always keeping in mind the Boland Hall fire in a freshman residence at Seton Hall University on January 19, 2000. Three students died and many more were injured in that blaze, which was one of the deadliest college fires in recent US history. I live near a university. I have responded to several fires in the dorms that were caused by carelessness.

I hope you are ready to take on one of the single most important things we can do as first responders: educate your community about fire safety. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that can save lives. Good luck with your program!

Dennis

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 5

New Group Aims to Bring Hope to Volunteer Firefighters A newly formed organization called the Adirondack Volunteer Firefighters Benevolent Association (AVFBA) is taking aim at helping volunteer firefighters in the North Country.

The association, formed in the beginning of April by volunteer firefighters, recognized the need of assistance for some firefighters after multiple benefits were held to help firefighters with various needs. There is always some type of benefit going on for a volunteer, and this organization wants to do more.

The association, comprised of a sevenmember board with over 100 years of combined volunteer fire service, has been slowly getting its name out by doing mailings, saturating social media and participating in fire department functions such as the Hudson Valley Parade in West Glens Falls. They also participated in the July 4th celebration in Schroon Lake.

The local fire companies aren’t the only ones that have heard of the group; a few politicians have also been introduced to the organi-

zation as well as its goals. Senator Betty Little, a known supporter of the volunteer fire service, and Assemblyman Dan Stec attempted to create a bill on both the Senate and Assembly floors to recognize the group, however, although the services and time spent on drafting the bill was appreciated, the association declined to pursue it further. AVFBA Board members were made aware that IF the bill had passed on both floors, local fire companies would have lost some of there, “much needed” funds. The Benevolent Board felt that would defeat the entire purpose of forming the organization, which was to help volunteers, not hurt them.

As far as funding for the organization, it will now rely on donations, membership dues and fund-raising events to move forward. The association, based in North Creek, plans on continuing its original goals of being there for its brother and sister volunteers … but it is going to take it a little longer to get to where the association needs to be.

Freeport Scores at Parade The Freeport Fire Department, won Best Appearing Department (over 70 in line), at the 2017 NYS Drill Team Association Parade, hosted by the West Hempstead Fire Department on August 20, 2017. Following their impressive Color Guard, department members and apparatus were lead by Matthew Colgan, Chief of Department.

-Fire News photo by Mark Giller

Volunteer firefighters are a proud, dedicated group of individuals who risk their lives to help the communities, but who’s there when THEY need help? Too many times volunteer firefighters fall into a financial hardship, whether it be from injury or illness.

The AVFBA has many goals and visions, all aimed at either assisting volunteer firefighters or providing future programs that will enhance the appeal of becoming a volunteer firefighter.

For further information about the AVFBA, and its board members, you can view their website at www.volunteerfirefightersofamerica.com

Page 6, Fire News, October 2017

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Cover Story

Quick Works Holds Chili Garage Fire

A homeowner on West Ham Circle in Chili heard a loud bang as a fierce thunderstorm rolled through the area. Soon after he found his house on fire. He and his wife escaped unharmed. When firefighters arrived they found the garage heavily involved, according to Clifton Chief Dave Richards. Three departments were called to the scene to assist Clifton as the thunder, lightning and rain kept falling. A quick response, and mutual aid from Chili and Scottsville, saved the house. The garage and three cars were a total loss. It took firefighters about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. The Monroe County Fire Bureau was investigating the cause of the fire. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with a minor injury.

-Fire News photos by John Spaulding

Page 8, Fire News, October 2017

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Bushwick Church Fire

A two-alarm fire left the Mt. Paran Baptist Church on Broadway in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn heavily damaged on August 30, 2017. Engine 233 and Ladder 176 responded. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

-Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 9

Schenectady House Fire

Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Close Street in miles as fire poured from windows and back porch of the A, C and the Vale neighborhood. Firefighters arrived to flames quickly D sides. The cause of the fire was listed as suspicious. No injuries -Fire News photos by Peter Barber spreading through a five-family structure. Smoke could be seen for were reported.

Page 10, Fire News, October 2017

Winona Lake Trailer Fire

Recently, Winona Lakeand Orange Lake firefighters were called out to a trailer fire on Route 52 in the Town of Newburgh.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Car Fire on the Hutch

On August 16, 2017, Scarsdale Fire units responded to a report of a vehicle fire on the Hutchinson River Parkway between Wilmont Road and Weaver Street. Engine 56 reported a fully involved car fire with possible fuel leak. A fog line was stretched and Engine 55 fed E56. The main body of fire was knocked down when fuel leaking from tank re-ignited. Foam was used to extinguish the fuel fire under the vehicle.

- Fire News photo by John Cockerill

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 11

Buffalo House Fire

On May 5, 2017, Buffalo firefighters were called to a fire in an occupied home on Johnson Street.

Upon arrival, Engine 3 encountered fire showing on the 4 side and stretched a line.

- Fire News photos by Donald Kilianski

Page 12, Fire News, October 2017

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Quick Work in Delanson

On August 17, 2017, Delanson firefighters battled a two-alarm fire which leveled a garage and destroyed a mobile home on Main Street in the village. Smoke could be seen for miles as first-due apparatus approached. The intense heat sparked a blaze in a neighboring house, but quick work by volunteers from several departments was credited with keeping the fire confined to the garage not more than 20 feet from the house.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 13

Page 14, Fire News, October 2017

Good Stop in Buffalo

Buffalo firefighters were called to Lakeview Drive to investigate a possible structure fire. Upon arrival, Engine 2 was met with a fully involved garage with extension to a 2-1/2 story dwelling. A second alarm was sounded immediately and crews went to work. The garage was a total loss, while the house damage was contained to the rear.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Spring Valley Apartment Fire

The Spring Valley Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on August 1, 2017. As units responded, dispatchers updated the call, advising that they had received numerous calls for a fire in a top-floor apartment. Crews arrived to fire showing out several windows and through the roof. First-in crews made an interior attack, quickly knocking down the fire before it gained headway and spread through the attic space. Several cats were removed from the fire apartment but died. Mutual aid came from neighboring departments. The Spring Valley Police, as well as several EMS agencies also assisted. The Red Cross assisted families affected by the fire.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

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Albany 3-Alarmer

On August 21, 2017, Albany firefighters responded to a call for smoke and flames behind a First Street vacant home. The caller aroused the family next door. The first arriving company called a Signal 30, then a second and third alarm. Fire extended into the interior of two structures and the cockloft of three buildings.

According to Chief Warren Abriel everyone got out with no injuries, but the buildings were demolished. Troy, Watervilet and Green Island responded on mutual aid.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

Fire News, October 2017, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News, October 2017

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Bronx All Hands

Buffalo Cottage Fire

FDNY firefighters battled a fire shortly after the end of the Bell Club Dinner on June 14, 2017. Crews arrived to smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. Upon entry, firefighters found a bedroom fire and quickly knocked it down.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Buffalo firefighters responded to Hertel Avenue for heavy fire in a rear cottage dwelling. The fire was fought offensively and brought under control in approximately an hour.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 17

35th Firefighters Golf Tourney

The Town of Colonie held its 35th Annual Firefighters Golf for the top spot. In the end, one of the teams from Verdoy Fire Tournament on Friday, August 18, 2017. Approximately 100 fire- Department came out on top. The team consisted of Brian Girard, fighters from 12 departments participated in the event. The weath- David Leonardo, Ryan Leonardo and Ryan Carmichael.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn er did not favor the firefighters this year, as it rained throughout the tournament. Despite the rain everyone had a great time competing

Page 18, Fire News, October 2017

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Rt. 84 Truck Fire

Amsterdam Trains

Coldham, Orange Lake and Maybrook responded to a tractor trailer fire on Route 84.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

On August 9, 2017, the Amsterdam Fire Department Battalion 3 conducted AFFF training at a former mill complex.

- Fire News photo by MarkPerfettiPhotography.com

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 19

5th Alarm Bronx Multi-House Fire

More than 200 firefighters from the FDNY responded out to a five- er. It took three hours to bring under control and caused damage to alarm fire on Olmstead Avenue in the Bronx on June 23, 2017. The six homes, destroying two of them.

-Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com fire was in multiple homes and caused a serious injury to a firefight-

Page 20, Fire News, October 2017

West Seneca Commercial Blaze

Winchester firefighters were called to Mineral Springs Road in the town of West Seneca for a reported structure fire in a commercial building. An initial attack was made, but after many failed efforts, crews eventually went defensive. The fire was brought under control in about two-and-a-half hours.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Queens Village Fire

FDNY units in Queens Village responded to an all-hands fire in the basement of a two-story mixed occupancy on Hempstead Avenue on the morning of August 1, 2017. Two lines were needed to extinguish the blaze, which was brought under control within 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 21

Kayakers Rescued

On July 22, 2017, the Piermont Fire Department was dispatched to assist kayakers in distress somewhere in the area of a marsh adjacent to the Hudson River. As the kayakers were working their way through the marsh, the tide went out rapidly, trapping them in waist-deep mud. Locating the victims was difficult as they were hidden by 10- to 15- foot marsh grass. Low water would not allow small boats access. After contacting the stranded parties via cellphone, and with the help of a volunteer with a drone, they were eventually located, and their position was relayed to divers. PFD Lt. Reece McNichol donned a drysuit and waded through the mud and muck to the victims, assessed them and then relayed that there would be no practical way to remove them via water or land. Chief Don Hardy contacted NYPD Special Ops for their helicopter, which removed personnel and the kayakers.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Piedmont FD Lieutenant Reece McNichol is washed down after the marsh rescue.

Page 22, Fire News, October 2017

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FHEXPO17: ENHANCING YOUR EDUCATION Firehouse Expo 2017 offers more workshops than ever before, including 10 pre-conference workshops, a full two days of community risk reduction, and four new exciting hybrid workshops combining intense classroom instruction with high-impact hands-on training.

The main conference is also action-packed, including more than 140 educational and marquee sessions featuring high-profile events and some of the most critical topics in the American fire service with the most one-on-one, student-focused instruction of any national conference.

The exceptional lineup of educational programs covers a variety of topics that are critical to your day-to-day operations and your long-term growth in the fire service. Tactics-focused sessions are designed to enhance your incident scene skill sets, while strategy- and leadership-focused sessions will help develop your decision-making, personnel management and general fire station or department operations.

“Firehouse is excited to be back in Nashville for our second year, and this conference promises to be even more action-packed than last year,” said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach. “Each class is designed and focused on making sure you get the attention you need to learn and apply the skills you learn at Firehouse Expo.”

Pre-Conference Sessions Tuesday, Oct. 17 & Wednesday, Oct. 18 As part of its pre-conference lineup, Firehouse offers a variety of exciting educational sessions, including those focused on WUI command, fire research, leadership, first-due strategic responsibilities, tactical resiliency and more.

Also included in the pre-conference programming is Firehouse’s Community Risk Reduction program. Presented in partnership with the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), this program focuses on improving the firefighters’ work environment, working with code officers to create a safer community and more.

Main Conference Sessions Thursday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 21 Don’t miss Expo sessions focused on forcible entry, rapid-intervention teams, mayday events, survival skills, wind-impacted fires, building live-fire training props, hazmat operations, railroad incidents, fire prevention, diversity issues, PTSD and stress management, initial attack line skills, developing a healthy and fit firehouse culture, tower rescues, social media policies, search and rescue, managing staffing limitations and much more.

To learn more and register, visit firehouseexpo.com.

HONORING OUR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

Register for the 3rd Annual National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters at Belmont Park • Can’t be in New York? Join in the virtual climb!

• The event will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at Learn more at www.nationalstairclimb.org Belmont Park. Register in advance at www.nationalstairclimb.org.

• Proceeds benefit FDNY Counseling Services Unit (CSU) • Fees: $35 for the Climb. $50 for the Climb and After Party. and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) $50 for Climb Supporters and After Party floors in the Twin Towers. All climbers will receive a t-shirt and On October 1, 2017, join hundreds of other firefighters in New a name badge for the firefighter they are honoring.

York to honor the fallen at the 3rd Annual National Stair The stair climb is a family event and we encourage Climb for Fallen Firefighters at Belmont Park. you to bring your spouses, children, family and “The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation perfriends. An After-Climb Party and Races will begin at forms extraordinary work providing resources for the 1130, featuring a BBQ buffet and unlimited draft beer families of fallen heroes across the country,” said Fire and soda. There will also be bounce castles, pony Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “By climbing steps rides and fun for the entire family. In addition, the each year, every participant not only raises funds to New York Racing Association will raffle two 2018 support the families of FDNY members who made the Belmont Stakes Day reserved seats valued at $200 each, Supreme Sacrifice, they also ensure those we have lost and will assign a minimum of five race names for the FDNY are never forgotten.” to use to honor their fallen. For more information and to register, Gates open and on-site registration begins at 0830. Firefighters will climb the equivalent of 110 stories to symbolize the number of go to www.nationalstairclimb.org.

FDSOA APPARATUS SYMPOSIUM CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) Annual Apparatus Maintenance and Specification Symposium will celebrate its 30th Anniversary January 15-17, 2018, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The first symposium was created after a series of meetings initiated by the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ staff, fire chiefs, several state mechanics’ associations and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association to address issues concerning apparatus, maintenance and maintenance personnel.

I n 1 9 8 8 , the f ir st Appa r a tus Maintenance and Specification Symposium was held in Fort Worth, Texas, through the efforts of Fire Chief Larry McMillen, Fort Worth Fire Department, Bob Barraclough, Span Instruments, and Mary McCormack, International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI).

In 1989, after the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established as a subsidiary of the ISFSI, the Apparatus Symposium was moved to a hotel on Sandlake Road in Orlando, Florida. The symposium was designed to be educational and limited

to table tops, not exhibits. Topics covered a range from preventive maintenance efforts to issues of liability and new safety standards. As the conference grew, it moved to the Rosen Plaza hotel on International Drive. In 2013, the FDSOA headquarters were moved from Massachusetts to Michigan, and the Apparatus Symposium and the annual Safety Forum are co-located and held the same week, alternating between Orlando and Scottsdale, AZ. “Thirty years is a major accomplishment to sustain a very unique conference,” said Rich Marinucci, executive director for FDSOA. “Fire apparatus has changed significantly over the past thirty years and most importantly, the focus on safer apparatus for fire and EMS personnel. FDSOA is proud to continue to support improvements and education in safety.”

T h e 3 0 t h F D S O A A n n u a l Apparatus Maintenance and Specification Symposium will feature keynote speakers: Brad Pinsky, attorney and fire chief; Garry Briese, executive director, Colorado State Fire Chiefs; and Chief Bruce Varner (ret.).

For further details: Rich Marinucci, e-mail: fdsoa@fdsoa.org.

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 23

NYS Championship Drill

Congratulations to all of the drill teams who made the 2017 Drill Season an exciting success.

-Fire News photos by Mike Heller and Kim Versheck

Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Team Central Islip North Lindenhurst West Hempstead Islip West Sayville

Points 19 18 14.5 13 9

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 25

SAVA Elects First Female President

The Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen’s (SAVA) convention was held in Westfield from August 2 to 5, 2017. The Southwestern is the only one of the sectionals that still have fire companies that rent the residents garages for the duration of the convention. There was a business meeting on Thursday morning, a memorial service on Friday morning, an award ceremony Friday night, a ‘funny’ parade and a grand parade to end the convention.

This year featured 35 fire companies or departments from Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegheny counties. The association also elected its first female, President Marsha Holland from the Fire Department of Westfield.

- Fire News photos by Jim Lepard

Page 26, Fire News, October 2017

Syracuse-Area Firefighter Named Fire Safety Educator of the Year

Danny Dunn, member of the Enterprise Fire Company No. 1, which is part of the Phoenix Fire Department, was named the 2017 Fire Safety Educator of the Year by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). Mr. Dunn was honored in a surprise ceremony at the Phoenix Fire Department during the company’s monthly meeting on the evening of June 1, 2017. FASNY officials, including President Ken Pienkowski, were on hand to present the award.

Dunn has dedicated decades of his life to fire safety education, beginning when he joined his first fire department nearly 50 years ago.

He is a charter member of the New York State Association of Fire and Life Safety Educators (NYSAFE), and over the years has won countless local awards for his work and dedication.

“Danny Dunn’s commitment to educating the public is inspiring,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “Countless people have benefitted from his teaching and wisdom over the decades. “Mr. Dunn is a worthy recipient of this award, and it is FASNY’s hope that others will be inspired by his example.”

- Fire News photo by Robert Coant

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Rogers Avenue Commercial Fire

On August 23, 2017, FDNY Battalion 41 arrived at a fire on Rogers Avenue. The fire was in a row of attached commercial buildings. A second alarm was quickly transmitted for a fire in several sections of the auto parts store.

-Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 27

Welcome to NYSAFC’s New Membership Portal The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is excited to launch a new database and membership management system. For more than a year, NYSAFC has been working to implement new technology that will benefit members and enhance their communication with association staff, officers, and representatives. In November 2016, the association launched a new and improved website to provide easier access to information about programs, events, and news impacting fire chiefs and the fire service of New York state. Today, August 1, 2017, we take step two in this process.

This e-mail is one of the many improvements to our new system. We are now able to e-mail our members directly to provide important information and updates regarding NYSAFC activities, including training, legislative updates, and many more. But be assured that we will not inundate you with e-mails.

Log in to the member portal at www.nysfirechiefs.com so you can access your membership record and easily update your information. At the top of the website, you will see a button that allows you to log in.

You must have an e-mail address in order to log in to the site. The first time you log in, you will be e-mailed a username and temporary password.

Your user name is your last name and member ID number. Once you log in with your temporary password, you will be prompted to create a new password. Having a log in and password will allow NYSAFC to provide more exclusive information for members only, thus increasing the value of your membership.

If you are not currently a member or your membership has lapsed, you may join the association by simply going to the website www.nysfirechiefs.com and clicking on the Join button at the top of the site. You have obviously seen benefit in the association from your participation in our programs and I hope that you will consider becoming a member.

Among the many other changes that our members will notice is the ability to: • Register and pay for some training and events online (not the 112th Annual Conference and FIRE 2018 Expo).

• Receive electronic invoices and pay your annual dues electronically (we will continue to mail invoices to those members who chose not pay electronically).

• Receive legislative and government affairs updates.

• View members-only information.

• Receive confirmation e-mails each time you complete an online action or payment.

• Access your receipts for all online transactions.

• Access your invoices for online transactions.

We know that this is a significant change from our current system, so to meet your needs, we have developed several ways to help you: • You may go to the bottom of our website and click on FAQs. This will give you details on how to register for access to the database and other information.

• As always, you can call our office at 518-477-2631 or 800)-676FIRE and ask for assistance. Please ask for Membership Coordinator Brian Forte (Brian works in the mornings only).

• You can also e-mail Brian at bforte@nysfirechiefs.com While NYSAFC is moving to more electronic communications, those who wish to receive their dues and other invoices by mail will still be able to do so.

We are confident that this new system will allow NYSAFC to provide you more information in a timely manner and reduce association mailing and printing costs in the long run. We are sure there will be some glitches and it will take time to adjust, but in the end, our membership will be better served.

We’ve Seen This Before!

A truck smashed into the Sunrise Highway overpass on the Belt Parkway in Laurelton, Queens on August 11, 2017, causing huge traffic delays on the eastbound side. The roof of the truck was peeled open on impact and the truck landed on it’s side in the right-

hand lanes of the parkway. FDNY firefighters and NYPD police were on the scene along with FDNY Hazardous Materials units to supervise the unloading of the fuel tanks.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 28, Fire News, October 2017

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Scarsdale Extrication

Schuyler History

On August 21, 2017, Scarsdale crews responded to a two-vehicle MVA rollover down embankment. One female was trapped in the SUV. A second vehicle came to rest after striking tree and the sole occupant self extricated and was in care of SVAC upon fire department arrival. Crews used a winchline, and strut and step chocks to stabilize the vehicle, covered the woman with a blanket, removed the windshield, and removed the front half of roof. The women was extricated onto a backboard then placed in a Stokes basket and transferred to EMS for transport.

- Fire News photo by John Cockerill

The Schuyler Hose Company has marched in this parade for 150 years or so. The General Schuyler hand pumper was purchased before 1870 and replaced the one they purchased in 1836, it is named after General Phillip Schuyler who had a home on the battle field. The house was burned, but replaced after the war. He was the father-in-law of Alexander Hamilton. Schuyler’s uncle Capt.

Philip Schuyler and 30 others were killed in 1745 by the French and Indians.

-Fire News photo by Marty Miller

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Fire News, October 2017, Page 29

Verdoy Wins Colonie Softball Championship

Congratulations to the Town of Colonie Athletic Services 2017 series were held between Fuller Road and Verdoy Fire Softball Championship winners, the Verdoy Fire Department. The Departments. The games were close in score with Verdoy taking town’s departments participate each year in this friendly competi- home the trophy.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn tion for bragging rights. The playoffs this year in the three game

Page 30, Fire News, October 2017

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Hicksville Road Dedicated to FF Pfeifer

On August 26, 2017, a ceremony was held dedicating Ballad Lane, in Hicksville, as Raymond J. Pfeifer Way. Ray, a FDNY Firefighter, passed away after a years’ long battle with 9/11 related cancer. His, along with others, dedicated commitment and efforts to other 9/11 survivors, resulted in the renewal of the Zadroga Bill. Rest in Peace Ray, we’ll take it from here brother.

- Fire News photos by Thomas J. Lambui