Fire News, New York State edition, October 2018

VOLUME 11, NO. 12

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State OCTOBER 2018

Story on page 6.

- Fire News photo

by Bill Johnson

FDSOA Announces New Safety Forum Scholarship See page 21.

– New York State Edition –

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Fire News, October 2018, Page 3

In this issue...

3-Alarm Fire in Amsterdam

Amsterdam firefighters responded to a structure fire on East Main Street.

See story on page 8

FFs Injured at Midtown 4-Alarmer

FDNY companies in Midtown Manhattan battled a four-alarm fire in a six-story commercial building on West 39th Street. See story on page 9

Niagara Falls Goes to Work

Firefighters responded to a working structure fire where heavy flames showed through the roof and the attic.

See story on page 12

Basement Blaze Spreads in Schenectady

A fire, which started in the basement on the B side of a two-story wood frame structure, spread to the second floor.

See story on page 16

2-Alarm Blaze in Colonie

The Stanford Height Fire Department responded to a house fire on Elmwood Street.

See story on page 19

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 2018, 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:

The Volunteer Fire Service is a Second Family The Hudson Valley Volunteer Fire Association and its Ladies Auxiliary covers a 16-county area.

See story on page 25

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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, October 2018

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Salty?

I started my buffing days during my childhood at approximately 10 or 11 years of age. I would monitor my crystal scanner and when I heard a call that was in my neighborhood, I’d race to the address on my bicycle, many times beating the rigs to the scene. I remember the excitement I experienced watching the local heroes go to work. I’d stare at the firefighters with a smile as they emerged victorious from the taxpayer that was no longer on fire. I remember the smiles, the waves, and occasional comments I received from my heroes, who eventually got to know me. What I remember most was the soot covered and burned helmets and gear of the firefighters. To this day, I remember the dirty, sweaty faces of firefighters standing by their rigs as they lit up a cigarette and enjoyed a cup of coffee that was provided by the Salvation Army, who also responded to every working fire. Yes, I soon learned that my vision was a sign of greatness.

Later in life, I became a firefighter in my local community on Long Island. When I received my new gear and shiny helmet, I couldn’t wait to fight my first fire, so that my gear didn’t stand out like a sore spot amongst the other members of my company. It didn’t take long for my wife and kids to cover their noses as I walked into my home, wreaking of the smells from my childhood dream.

Several years ago, we realized that the toxins that firefighters were carrying home with them were carcinogenic. We realized that the toxic soot from the exhaust of our trucks, covered the walls of the firehouse and our gear.

We realized that dirty gear and helmets were putting us at risk for cancer. We also found out that SCBA should be worn during overhaul and until you exit the fire building.

As responders, we must have yearly training about hazardous materials and bloodborne pathogens. I took my first hazmat and blood-borne refresher course approximately 25 years ago. It didn’t take long for all of us to pay serious attention to the lessons learned when we operated at calls where blood and body fluids were present — calls like motor vehicle accidents. However, we still liked that burned, dirty and smelly look from fighting fires. Guess what? The old salty look is out of style because we now realize that the toxins we carry back to the firehouse and to our homes are making us sick.

In 2018, the first issue, of the FDNY’s WNYF, there is a terrific article written by Deputy Chief Joseph M. Jardin addressing the national efforts on cancer issues in the fire service. Chief Jardin points out that the IAFF, the IAFC, the NFPA, the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, the Firefighter Cancer

Support Network and the Illinois Fire Service Institute are concentrating on cancer in the fire service. He also discusses the proactive plan that the FDNY has put in place to reduce the risk of cancer.

I urge you to visit the websites of these groups to learn what you can do to reduce the risk of cancer. Your department should – or rather must – put a plan into effect that will change the mindset of the past. Remember “Clean is the New Salty!”

Don’t put yourself in the position of having to look back at possible mistakes you made that may have caused you to have cancer. ... Dennis

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Fire News, October 2018, Page 5

Announcements HELP A BROTHER OUT

inhalation and other harmful substances. A 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters in the U.S. have a greater number of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related On August 11, deaths. H.R. 931 seeks to establish and improve collection activities to 2018, former Captain collect a greater abundance of data and assist in developing new protoand Firefighter with cols and safeguards to protect firefighters.

Stanford Heights Fire There were 114 Democrats and 74 Republican co-sponsors of this Department, Mark bill including the following from New York included: Nichols lost his home Donovan, Daniel [R-NY11]; Engel, Eliot [D-NY16]; Faso, John [Rand his beloved NY19]; Katko, John [R-NY24]; King, Peter [R-NY2]; Maloney, Labrador, Nikki, to a Carolyn [D-NY12]; Maloney, Sean [D-NY18]; Nadler, Jerrold [Dhouse fire. Mark NY10]; Rice, Kathleen [D-NY4]; Reed, Tom [R-NY23]; Serrano, José received second and [D-NY15]; Slaughter, Louise [D-NY25] (no longer serving); Stefanik, third degree burns on Elise [R-NY21]; Tenney, Claudia [R-NY22]; Tonko, Paul [D-NY20]; his head, neck and other parts of his body as well as damage to his esophagus. Mark has Zeldin, Lee [R-NY1];Higgins, Brian [D-NY26]; Clarke, Yvette [Dbeen helping the community through the fire service and EMS for over NY9]; Meng, Grace [D-NY6]; and Velázquez, Nydia [D-NY7].

20 years. Mark lost everything and will now need to rebuild his home and his life.

The Stanford Heights Fire Department is holding a benefit fundraiser to “Help a Brother Out” on October 13, 2018, at Cook Park in Colonie. Local bands will be playing and there will be activities for the whole family.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation to assist Mark, you may send a donation made to Mark Nichols via Stanford We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy Heights Fire Department, 2240 Central Avenue, Schenectady, NY to receive photos and stories. Feel free to e-mail your photos to 12304.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn Tim@FireNews.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, H.R. 931: FIREFIGHTER CANCER crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them REGISTRY ACT OF 2018 SIGNED BY to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include PRESIDENT TRUMP a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.” We H.R. 931 requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. develop and maintain a registry to collect data regarding the incidence -Ed. of cancer in firefighters. This bill authorizes $10 million for fiscal years 2018-2022 to carry out those activities.

Firefighters may experience detrimental health effects due to smoke

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WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS?

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Page 6, Fire News, October 2018

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Cover Story

Heroic Efforts at Dutchess County Blaze On August 31, 2018, the Dutchess County 911 center received a call for a residential structure fire with a reported person trapped on Relyea Terrace in the New Hackensack Fire District. DC 911 advised responding units that a seven-year-old male was trapped in the structure. New York State Troopers made numerous attempts to enter the structure to try to locate the boy who was believed be in his bedroom, but were forced out by fire conditions.

New Hackensack Assistant Chief Ray Valentin arrived prior to any apparatus and with the help of Village of Fishkill Captain Dan Burke, who happened to be in the area, entered the bedroom through a window in his PPE using a step ladder. Chief Valentin was unable to locate the child and was forced to retreat due to rapidly deteriorating fire conditions. Upon their arrival, firefighters laddered the bedroom window. New Hackensack Captain Mike Valentino, Jr., and an unnamed Village of Fishkill assistant chief, who also happened to be in the area with Captain Burke, entered the window under heavy fire conditions and were also unable to locate the child. They expanded their search and located him in a bathroom across from his bedroom. They then exited through the bedroom window and down the ladder. The victim was turned over to Town of Wappinger/EMStar Medics. Unfortunately, despite the repeated heroic efforts of emergency service personnel on the scene, the victim did not survive. The child was later identified as the son of an EMStar Paramedic. Assisting were Hughsonville, East Fishkill, and Village of Fishkill, and NYSP BCI, The DCSO, and the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Cause and Origin Team. There is an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

Page 8, Fire News, October 2018

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Multiple Lines Stretched on Harrison St.

3-Alarm Fire in Amsterdam

City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, assisted by Arlington, operated at a structure fire on Harrison Street on a recent hot and humid evening. Firefighters arrived to find an active fire in one building on both the first and second floors, with extension via the secondfloor window of the B-side exposure. Firefighters put numerous lines into operation and, in a short period of time, had all of the fire knocked down.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Amsterdam firefighters responded to a structure fire on East Main Street in July. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke showing and transmitted a second and third alarm. Firefighters forced entry to the structure and knocked the fire down.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

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FFs Injured at Midtown 4-Alarmer

FDNY companies in Midtown Manhattan battled a four-alarm fire in a six-story commercial building on West 39th Street on July 10, 2018. The blaze was believed to have started in the duct work of a first-floor restaurant with extension to the walls and upper floor.

Outside temperatures dictated frequent relief for companies working at the scene. At least 10 firefighters suffered injuries, mostly minor, during the extensive operation.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire News, October 2018, Page 9

Page 10, Fire News, October 2018

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Smoke Shows in Colonie

On August 11, 2018, Stanford Heights firefighters responded to a fire from the B-C side of the house. The owner was rushed to Albany house fire on Elmwood Road in the town of Colonie. Smoke could Medical Center with burns on his face and hands. A family dog was be seen as firefighters, returning from an MVA, noticed the column lost in the blaze. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber of smoke and called it in. Upon arrival they were met with heavy

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Standby in Goshen

On August 22, 2018, Washingtonville firefighters from Engine 580 stood by at Goshen Station 3 during a three-alarm fire on West Street in Goshen.

- Fire News photo by Gary Hearn

Fire News, October 2018, Page 11

Good Stop in Campbell Hall

In July 2018, while out on drill, the Washingtonville Fire Department FAST was requested to respond to the scene of a house fire on the second floor of a split-level private dwelling in Campbell Hall. Rescue Engine 580 forced entry to the dwelling for Campbell Hall’s first-due engine crew and conducted searches and opened up on the second floor. The other half of 580’s crew acted as the FAST. Truck 579 was dispatched on the second alarm. The crew of Truck 579 assisted with overhaul. The chauffeur of Rescue Engine 580 supplied Campbell Hall’s engine with tank water.

- Fire News photo by Gary Hearn

Page 12, Fire News, October 2018

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Niagara Falls Goes to Work

On August 26, 2018, Niagara Falls firefighters responded to a working structure fire. Heavy flames were showing through the roof and the attic was fully involved on arrival. The structure appeared vacant and searches were negative. The structure was later demolished.

- Fire News photos by Rob Bennett

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Up Close

Amsterdam Battalion Chief Tony Agresta.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Fire News, October 2018, Page 13

Page 14, Fire News, October 2018

Geneva KOs Fire

The Geneva Fire Department responded to Sprucewood Circle for a telephone alarm that reported smoke coming out a window.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

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Cockloft Nozzle Needed in Queens

Firefighters from companies in Queens were busy on August 5, 2018, with a top-floor fire in an occupied multiple dwelling on Northern Boulevard near 147th Street. Multiple ceilings needed to be pulled and use of the cockloft nozzle was also employed. The blaze took an hour to bring under control.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, October 2018, Page 15

Long Stretch in Poughkeepsie

City of Poughkeepsie firefighters assisted by Arlington and Fairview, Mobile Life Paramedics, and the Poughkeepsie Police, operated recently at a structure fire on Eastman Terrace in a fivestory multi-occupancy residential structure. Units arrived to find fire in the rear with smoke coming from the front. They were forced to lay 1100 feet of five-inch supply line due to nonfunctioning

hydrants in the area and worked in the near 100-degree heat to extinguish the fire. The fire was quickly brought under control with several apartments being affected by the fire. A highlight of the operation was when firefighters were able to safely locate a dog in the structure and reunite it with its grateful owner.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

Page 16, Fire News, October 2018

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Basement Blaze Spreads in Schenectady On August 28, 2018, a fire, which started in the basement on the B side of a two-story wood frame structure, spread to the second floor and flames began venting from the A-B side windows. An evacuate signal was sounded bringing all interior crews to the street where they shifted into defensive mode as the flames raced through crawl spaces and balloon construction walls. Three firefighters were injured and taken to area hospitals for treatment.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Fire News, October 2018, Page 17

Aggressive Attack in Schodack

On August 25, 2018, all of the Schodack Fire Departments and the East Greenbush Fire Department were dispatched to a house fire on Shufelt Road. On arrival, the chief was met with a large home with fire showing from the garage, the roof of the house and out of the attic vent on the opposite side of the building. A couple hundred feet

of five-inch hose was laid for a water supply and the deck gun was placed in operation. Handlines were placed into operation to gain entry. The fire appeared to have started in the garage while the owners were at home.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

Page 18, Fire News, October 2018

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William Gormley Honored A plaque dedication was held at the quarters of ‘Snyder Island’ Engine 310 and Ladder 174 on Snyder Avenue in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, to honor Billy Gormley, also a former US Marine, who died from 9/11 related cancer on June 14, 2017. Gormley is survived by his wife Lizanne, daughter Bridget, and three sons, William, Raymond and Kevin.

- Fire News photos by www.LiHotShots.smugmug.com

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Up Close

The Amsterdam Fire Department’s first female Firefighter/Paramedic Meghan Brower.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Fire News, October 2018, Page 19

2-Alarm Blaze in Colonie

The Stanford Height Fire Department responded to a house fire on Elmwood Street and immediately recognized the address as the home of their past-Captain Mark Nichols. Nichols informed firefighters that his kitchen was on fire, and spreading. Nichols experienced second and third degree burns, and was transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital. A second alarm was transmitted.

Assisting at the fire were crews from Midway, Colonie Village, Niskayuna District 2, Carman, West Albany, Shaker RoadLoudonville, as well as Colonie EMS and Albany Co. Fire Car 1.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Page 20, Fire News, October 2018

New Firehouse Opens in Good Will

On July 28, 2018, the Good Will Fire Department held an open house for their new firehouse. Thanks to the neighboring departments that came to congratulate Good Will. (Pictured): the Newburgh Fire Pipe and Drums.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Thank You!

On July 27, 2018, Tots ‘n’ Us Nursery School and Day Care Center baked cookies for the Winona Lake Fire Department as a way to say thank you for their service to the community.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Fuller Road Goes Undefeated!

Congratulations to Fuller Road Fire Department, the undefeated champions of the Town of Colonie Firefighter Softball League. Fuller Road and Verdoy fought neck-and-neck during the play offs - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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Fire News, October 2018, Page 21

Clarence Center Annual Labor Day Parade

Clarence Center Labor Day weekend, which has been going on County organized in 1856, featured an old pumper with a since the 1930s featured a demolition derby for fire chiefs and offi- Dalmatian. (Right): Chief Mark Stonebreaker of the Lancaster Fire cers and a parade featuring many local fire departments. (Left): the Department gives his granddaughter a hug.

-Fire News photos by Jim Lepard Williamsville Fire Department, the oldest department in Erie

FDSOA ANNOUNCES NEW SAFETY FORUM SCHOLARSHIP The Fire Department Safety Officers Association is pleased to introduce the FDSOA Safety Forum Scholarship, sponsored by Dave Dodson, fire service author, lecturer and trainer.

The FDSOA Safety Forum Scholarship includes registration to the Safety Forum, one pre-Forum seminar (Incident Safety Officer or Health Safety Officer), airfare or mileage, and lodging.

Dodson proposed the scholarship program to create a way to introduce new safety officers to the educational opportunities at the FDSOA Safety Forum.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my fire service life and feel it is time to pay it forward,” said Dodson.

“Many individuals have influenced and assisted me along the way, so now it is my turn to assist others.”

Dodson is a 40-year fire service veteran, serving up to the position of Battalion Chief. His Art of Reading Smoke class has been presented to over 70,000 firefighters in the USA and Canada. He recently completed a ground-breaking project with John Mittendorf - The Art of Reading Buildings (Fire Engineering Books and Video). Dave’s best-seller, Fire Department Incident Safety Officer the updated 3rd edition released in 2015.

Dodson is a charter member of FDSOA and served on the founding Board of Directors as Vice President. He became President in 1992. In 2017, he was presented with the first annual Lifetime Service Award by the FDSOA Board of Directors.

Criteria for the scholarship application includes current uniformed member with a minimum two years’ experience in a fire or emergency services organization and never attended an FDSOA Safety Forum in the past or in the past five years.

Department approval for attendance must accompany the application. The application is available at www.fdsoa.org/fdsoa-safety-officer-scholarshipaward/ Rich Marinucci, FDSOA Executive Director, said, “As one of the founding members of the FDSOA, Dave has always been a huge proponent of preparing safety officers. He has showed that again by presenting a great opportunity for a safety officer to attend the Safety Forum, someone who would not have had the chance at the experience.”

The 2019 FDSOA Safety Forum will be held January 23-24 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort I-Drive, Orlando, Florida. Prior to the Safety Forum, the two-day Incident Safety Officer Academy and the Health & Safety Officer Academy will be held on January 21-22.

Concurrently, the FDSOA Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium is January 2123, 2019. Pre-conference programs are scheduled for Sunday, January 20th and a new post-conference, hands-on aerial maintenance program is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23rd.

For more information visit: www.fdsoa.org.

Page 22, Fire News, October 2018

AWARDS

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Firefighters Honored in East Greenbush

Firefighters Honored at HMVFA

East Greenbush Fire Company Captain Mark Becker and Firefighter Christopher Lavin’s actions saved the life of a young girl. Unfortunately, three other victims involved — three generations — succumbed to their injuries. Captain Becker and Firefighter Lavin’s valor defines service over self and exemplifies the essential character of the fire service. In addition to the East Greenbush Fire Department, members from the Clinton Heights Fire Department and Defreestville Fire Department assisted the Rensselaer Fire Department on the scene. Captain Becker and Firefighter Lavin were also recognized by Hudson Mohawk.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

On July 12, 2018, the Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fireman’s Association held its 91st annual Convention and Awards ceremony in Philmont. At this year’s ceremony Captain Dominic DiBenedetto from Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department received Firefighter of the Year. Dom has gone above and beyond for his department in his young career. Dom began his firefighting career as an Explorer with the department. Also honored at the event were Captain Mark Becker and Firefighter Christopher Lavin of East Greenbush Fire Department for a Unit Citation as a Life Saving Award during a fatal fire on March 11, 2018. Fire Police Officer of the Year went to Wilson MacKay of the Chatham Fire Department. Congratulations to everyone involved.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Page 24, Fire News, October 2018

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Altamont Celebrates 125 Years The Altamont Fire Department celebrated 125 years of service to its community on July 28, 2018.

They also celebrated the arrival of Engine/Rescue E16. Altamont’s new engine is a Spartan/Toyne, which holds 1000 gallons and pumps 1500 gpm.

The department was honored by dignitaries such as Congressman Paul Tonko, Assemblyman George Amedore, and the Mayor of the Village of Altamont, Kerry Dineen. The community came out to help support their department and dodged a few thunderstorms. Everyone had a great afternoon.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Tom Heffernan

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The Volunteer Fire Service is a Second Family

The Hudson Valley Volunteer Fire Association and its Ladies Auxiliary covers a 16-county area surrounding the Hudson River Valley, stretching from Rockland and Westchester Counties in the south up through Warren and Washington Counties in the north.

Some of its main objectives are to support and serve the volunteer fire service through recruitment assistance, training seminars, service to the community and support of the FASNY Firemen’s Home in Hudson. The Ladies Auxiliary, of which Karen McDonald is President, supports and works with the association in all these objectives. “The picture accompanying this says it all,” said McDonald. “The public was looking for a parade and although it was pouring rain, we as volunteers, were there to provide it for them. I personally have found a second family in the volunteer fire service, people who have always been there for me. If I encountered a problem of any type while in my home state of New York or when traveling around the country and there was a volunteer fire house, I could stop and be met with smiles and receive any aid needed.”

- Fire News story by Karen McDonald, LA HVVFA President; photo by Martin E. Miller

Fire News, October 2018, Page 25

Looking Back

St. Patrick’s Day 2018: a contingent of retired FDNY firefighters marched down Fifth Avenue in Naples, Florida, in that community’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The members marched behind a float containing 343 American flags representing those firefighters killed on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center.

- Fire News photo by Steve Grogan

Page 26, Fire News, October 2018

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Obituaries

FDNY Battalion Chief Robert Miuccio Retired FDNY Battalion Chief Robert Miuccio, a Ground Zero hero famed for walking through burning buildings with a cigar in his mouth instead of an air mask, died recently of 9/11-related cancer. He was 76.

“My dad never stopped thinking about the guys in the department” his son, retired Firefighter Robert Miuccio, Jr., told The Daily News. “When we were at the hospital, he was talking in his sleep. ‘Come on boys! We gotta’ put the fire out.’” Miuccio, who served with the department for 39 years, died after a two-year battle with lung cancer.

When planes crashed into the Twin Towers, the Staten Island firefighter — whose brother Richard, 55, worked on the 86th floor of 2 World Trade Center — grabbed his gear and boarded a ferry headed downtown. Please keep Battalion Chief Miuccio’s family, friends, department and community in prayer.

- Submitted by the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains

Hague’s Lt. Michael F. Cherubini We regret to pass on that Lieutenant Michael F. Cherubini, 71, of the Hague Volunteer Fire department died following a medical emergency during a department detail.

While riding as a passenger in a brush truck on the 4th of July, at a parade in a nearby town, Lieutenant Cherubini became ill. His wife, who is also a member of the department and was the driver of the brush

truck, immediately drove home. He was helped inside of his house by his wife and collapsed soon after.

He was a life-long (over 50 years) member of the Hackensack (NJ), South Hackensack, (NJ) and Hague Ambulance and Fire Departments. He served as Chief and Captain in various departments. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Maureen (Luyster) Cherubini and a very large family.

Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in Peace.

- Submitted by www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

FDNY’s Charles Williams With regret, the Fire Department of the City of New York announced to the FDNY on September 24, 1977.

The heartfelt sympathy of the entire department is extended to the the death of retired Firefighter Charles Williams of Ladder 11, on July family, relatives and friends of the deceased in the midst of the great loss 10, 2018.

Firefighter Williams bravely served the department, protecting life that they and the department have sustained.

- Fire News funeral photos by Lloyd Mitchell, and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery at story by the NYS Chaplains Association Manhattan Box 5-5-8087-World Trade Center. Williams was appointed