Fire News New York State, December 2023

NEW YORK STATE

December 2023

Volume 17, No. 8

See story on page 16.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Fire News Makes a Great Gift See page 21.

PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 3

In this issue...

Tree Down Causes House Fire Schenectady firefighters responded to a reported tree down.

See story on page 4

2-Alarmer Blamed on Space Heater Schenectady firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire.

See story on page 9

Corona 2-Alarmer FDNY companies operated at a two-alarm blaze in a six-story apartment building See story on page 16

Arson in Colonie A structure fire in Sunset Trailer Park is found to be arson, and the arsonist is arrested.

See story on page 20

Laurelton House Fire FDNY companies in the Laurelton section of Queens operated at a second-floor fire.

See story on page 21

Fatal Accident on Interstate 890 One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, and five others were taken to area hospitals.

See story on page 23

PLUS: Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 13 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 New to Them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27

A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREGORY JONES, Graphic Artist 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 2023, 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

Thirteen Editions, Sixteen States Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ 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, December 2023

FireNews.com

Tree Down Causes House to Catch Fire

Schenectady firefighters responded to a reported tree down on Baker Avenue shortly after 0430 on August 22, 2023. While waiting for utilities to cut power to downed primary lines, smoke was dis-

covered coming from a front porch of a home. Firefighters opened up one of the pillars, exposing active fire that was quickly extinguished with no extension.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 5

Apartment Fire Displaces 10

Schenectady firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on Broadway on October 21, 2023. Light smoke was discovered coming from a second-floor window on the B side of the building facing 12th Street. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. Several pets were rescued from the building and 10 occupants were displaced. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Page 6, Fire News, December 2023

Religious Ceremony Starts Fire

On September 19, 2023, Latham, Boght and Verdoy fire departments responded to a call for a structure fire. Upon arrival it was determined that a religious ceremony that was taking place had started a fire in the home. The object that caught fire was removed from the home and extinguished. There was some smoke in the home that the department removed and minimal damage to the interior.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

FireNews.com

Small Home, Big Fire

On October 15, 2023, Coxsackie Hose 3 Fire Department was dispatched to a “tiny home” fire that was being towed behind a pickup truck. The home was fully involved when Coxsackie units arrived and the tow vehicle was also on fire. Apparently, a tire on the trailer caught fire and quickly spread to the home. No injuries were reported. The home was a total loss.

- Fire News photo by John C. Miller

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 7

Page 8, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Brooklyn Car Wash 2-Alarmer

Engine Company 240 transmitted a 10-75 on October 10, 2023, for The fire went to a second alarm but was brought under control heavy fire in a single-story car wash in Brooklyn. Units were with- using three hoselines and two tower ladders. drawn from the building over fears of a collapse of the truss roof.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

FireNews.com

2-Alarmer Blamed on Space Heater

Schenectady firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on Watt Street shortly after 0700 on October 22, 2023. Upon arrival, they discovered flames venting from a window on the D side of the twostory apartment complex. All occupants escaped injury. The cause was blamed on a defective space heater.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Fire News, December 2023, Page 9

Cortlandt Manor Blaze

Lake Mohegan Fire Department, assisted by on-site units from Yorktown Heights and Buchanan, battled a structure fire in the Croton Park Colony in Cortlandt Manor. Units encountered heavy fire on arrival.

- Fire News photo by Gary Urbanowicz

Page 10, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Good Will Hosts Joint Drill

On the evening of October 17, 2023, there was a joint drill hosted by Good Will Fire Department at the Orange County Fire Center. Also participating were Winona Lake Engine Company, Orange Lake Fire Department and the Town of Newburgh Medical Center.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Two Brockport Firefighters Added to NYS Fallen Firefighters Wall

On October 10, 2023, Brockport firefighters joined the family of fallen hero Firefighter James A. Hopkins at the NYS Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall in Albany when his name and the name of Firefighter Freeman J. Board were added to the wall.

In a somber, yet fitting ceremony, state fire officials shared the stage with Governor Kathy Hochul, Homeland Security Commissioner Jackie Bray and others when they acknowledged the addition of 29 fallen firefighters during the 26th Annual Ceremony held at the Empire State Plaza. The Governor had this to say, “It is a distinct honor and privilege to join with the families, friends, and colleagues of these fallen firefighters, to recognize these heroes and their families for their sacrifices. We can never thank these brave firefighters enough for rushing into danger to protect New Yorkers from fire danger.”

In her remarks, Commissioner Bray spoke of Firefighter Board specifically when she said, “Today, we are honoring 29 fallen firefighters, one of whom I venture has little family in the room. Freeman J. Board was a member of the Thomas Cornes Engine and Hose Company 3 of the Village of Brockport in Monroe County. He was appointed a member of the fire department on March 12, 1877. He died on June 19, 1882 when a fire broke out shortly before midnight.

He wasn’t on duty. He wasn’t scheduled to work that night, but he

showed up anyway and he perished helping others to safety.” This was the only firefighter loss mentioned in detail during the remarks of those that took to the microphone.

Both of the Brockport firefighters are historic additions accepted for inclusion earlier this year after a review of the nominations submitted by the Brockport Fire District to be added.

Firefighter Freeman J. Board was “destroyed by fire” as reported in the local news media in June of 1882 during the Johnston Harvester manufacturing plant fire on North Main Street in the Village of Brockport. Firefighter James A. Hopkins died as a direct result of injuries he sustained while performing Emergency Medical Services for the Brockport Fire Department in 1971.

Mrs. Barbara Baase, widow of James Hopkins, and her daughter, Kimberly with her husband Michael, were at the ceremony to accept the New York State flag boxed in a maple flag frame that had been flown over the memorial earlier this year in honor of their family member. Past Chief Norman Knapp escorted the Hopkins family during the ceremony representing the Brockport Fire Department.

Christopher Martin, District PIO accepted the boxed flag on behalf of the Board family, and he was accompanied by past Chiefs Laurence Vaughan and Michael Menear.

- Submitted and written by Christopher R. Martin

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 13

Up Close and Personal

Fire News photographer Vinnie Dominic along with his nephew Ethan at a recent Fire Prevention event.

- Fire News photo courtesy Vinnie Dominick

A member of Engine 317 hauling hose at an October 9, 2023, house fire in the Laurel section of Queens.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 14, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Stanford Heights Open House

Warwick Fire Prevention Week

On October 11, 2023 Stanford Heights Fire Department invited Life Net helicopter to visit its Open House. Residents were invited to food, a SCBA obstacle course, instructed on what to do and not do in case of a grease fire in their home and were instructed in Hands-On CPR. The evening was highlighted by the arrival of the LifeNet emergency helicopter.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos by Truck

Recently, the Warwick Fire Department Fire Prevention Team completed Fire Prevention Week Details at area schools including our preschools, also by welcoming schools to our Warwick Station 1. Please help the Warwick Fire Departments Fire Prevention Team by sharing the National Fire Protection Agency’s (NFPA) information about Fire Prevention and this year’s message that “Cooking Safety Starts With You.” Please call us at 845-986-3473 or reach us by contacting us on all of our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram or by emailing us at wfdmembership @yahoo.com. You can also stop by any of our firehouses any evening to speak with an officer or firefighter. On Monday or Tuesday evenings after 1830 or the first Tuesday of the month you are always free to stop by to see about joining our firefighting ranks.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Chief of Department Michael G. Contaxis, Warwick FD

Fire Prevention Day

Fire Prevention in Orange Lake

On October 12, 2023, the Winona Lake Engine Company assisted Cromoner Valley Fire Department at Gardnertown School doing fire prevention for the third, fourth and fifth graders. The apparatus also lifted the principal and some teachers on their Ladder truck to 95-feet!

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

On October 13, 2023, the Orange Lake Fire Department went to the Meadow Hill School and showed the kindergarteners and first graders the apparatus, tools and the ladder trucks and what they do. Also, the principals and assistant principals went up in a ladder truck.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Cover Story

Bronx 4-Alarmer Destroys 4 Taxpayers

FDNY Ladder Company 56 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy smoke showing from a row of commercial buildings on Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx on October 10, 2023. Units were eventually forced out of the building as heavy fire consumed four taxpayers. The fire went to four alarms. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Corona 2-Alarmer

FDNY companies operated at a two-alarm blaze on the top floor of a six-story, occupied multiple dwelling on 108th Street near Penrod Street in Corona, Queens, on October 1, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Attached House Fire in Jamaica

The FDNY operated at an all-hands assignment in a row of attached houses on 199th Street in Jamaica, Queens on, October 11, 2023. One home was heavily damaged and there was slight extension to adjoining buildings.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 17

1 Injured in Trench Collapse in Kew Gardens

FDNY Firefighters removed a construction worker from a trench collapse on Tennis Place in Kew Garden, Queens, on October 27, 2023. Units were met by a member trapped in eight feet of debris

and dirt. He was removed to a local hospital in serious condition.

Another worker was able to get out prior to FD’s arrival.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 18, Fire News, December 2023

Deli 2-Alarmer

FireNews.com

FDNY Battalion 39 transmitted a 10-75 for smoke from the delicatessen on Pitkin Avenue in East New York on October 31, 2023.

Units declared an all-hands and quickly deployed two lines to knock down the main body of fire.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, December 2023

2-Alarm Ion Battery Fire

FireNews.com

Clutter Makes for a Long Overhaul

Schenectady firefighters responded to their second two-alarm fire in less than two hours on October 22, 2023, on Albany Street.

Smoke was seen venting from a second-floor apartment on the B side of the six-story apartment building. The occupant was transported to a local hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was an ion-lithium battery.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

HazMat Call in Latham A raging fire in a clutter-filled home on 71st Avenue near 141st Street in the Kew Gardens Hills section of Queens required a second-alarm assignment for FDNY units on October 26, 2023. Heavy smoke and flames were visible on arrival in the two-story brick home. Extensive overhaul and additional truck companies were necessary to remove large amounts of clutter and reach the seat of the fire.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Arson in Colonie

On October 3, 2023, Latham, West Albany and Verdoy were called to the Shoppes at Latham for a hazardous material call. The employees of Burlington Coat complained of a smell of chlorine outside the building with a liquid pooling outside. After reviewing the security footage it was determined that the building’s owner had hired a company to clean the outside of the mall at 0200 with a chemical to inhibit mold. No one was affected by the chemical and it was washed down by the crews.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

The early morning hours of October 7, 2023, were interrupted by a structure fire call in Sunset Trailer Park. Stanford Heights, Colonie Village and Midway responded to help extinguish the fire.

Fire investigators were called in and it was later determined that the fire was intentionally set. The arsonist, a homeless man, was not only at the scene watching, but later caught and admitted to setting the fire as well as another one in the district.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 21

Laurelton House Fire

Brooklyn 3-Alarmer

FDNY companies in the Laurelton section of Queens operated at a second-floor fire in a private dwelling on 223rd Street on October 9, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FDNY Engine Company 283 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in a long-standing vacant building on Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn on October 14, 2023. Members were withdrawn from the building after an attempted aggressive interior attack. The fire went to a third alarm.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 22, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Erie County Induction of Honorees

On October 19, 2023, the Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services held their Annual Induction of Honorees. This year’s recipients were the Snyder Fire Department’s Rudolph L. Lutz and John P. Bresnahan. These two firefighters were LODDs from the 1950 and 1960 eras. From the Sheridan Park Fire Company was Randy Rider and from the Wendelville Fire Company and Lancaster Fire Department was Jack Lyon. Jack

started off his career with Lancaster where he was Chief of the Department and then in 1988 moved to Niagara County where he joined Wendelville Fire Company. Jack Lyon’s nomination was put in by the Greater Lancaster Museum of Firefighting. Many Lancaster firefighters were responding to a fire and unable to make the ceremony. Congratulations to all the recipients.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Jim Lepard Digital Imaging

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 23

Fatal Accident on Interstate 890

Fatal MVA on Eastern Avenue

One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, and five others were taken to area hospitals after an accident involving two vehicles in the westbound lane of I-890 in Rotterdam on October 7, 2023. One vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed in the eastbound lane, lost control sending it careening into a vehicle traveling westbound. The driver of that vehicle sustained minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Schenectady firefighters responded to a serious accident at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Lomasney Avenue shortly after 2100 on October 22, 2023. A vehicle, reportedly going eastbound on Eastern Avenue at an estimated 100 mph, struck a parked minivan, pushing it over 60 feet into a utility pole fracturing it at the base. A front-seat passenger was killed instantly and the driver self-extricated. He was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Dryer Fire in Lancaster

The Lancaster Fire Department was called out to a dryer fire on 1st Avenue in Lancaster on October 12, 2023. The first chief on location reported a working basement fire with all occupants safely out of the building. Mutual aid was requested for a pumper from Depew and a FAST from District Fire Company. The fire was out within an hour.

- Fire News drone image courtesy of Jim Lepard Digital Imaging

Structure Fire Produces Rainbow

Schenectady firefighters responded to an attic fire on Seneca Street shortly after 1700 on October 20, 2023. The fire was quickly brought under control, and a passing sun shower produced a vibrant rainbow over Engine 3.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Page 24, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Softball for Charity in Schenectady On October 14, 2023, Schenectady Fire Fighters Cancer Foundation played a softball game to help bring attention and raise money for their foundation.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

PROCLAIM EMS SOLUTIONS & BILLING AND THE EMS COST RECOVERY ACT In a historic move, New York State passed the EMS Cost Recovery Act (Senate Bill S7186A), a groundbreaking legislation designed to uplift the financial backbone of fire departments across the state which have been offering life-saving emergency medical services (EMS) without the ability to recover costs from insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid.

The Transformation The EMS Cost Recovery Act empowers fire departments to bill insurance companies for EMS-rendered services, a practice that aligns New York with the rest of the country. This shift infuses fire departments with the fiscal strength to enhance their services and responsiveness.

Why This Matters The passage of this Act signifies a monumental leap toward optimized emergency services, ensuring that financial constraints no longer impede the heroic efforts of fire departments. In the wake of increased operational costs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic

and recent economic inflation.

How Your Agency Stays Sustainable While the Act lays a robust foundation, translating legislative empowerment into operational efficiency requires expertise and innovation. This is where ProClaim EMS Solutions & Billing seamlessly fits into the equation. ProClaim brings decades of cost recovery, technology, and clinical tools to ambulance corps and transporting fire districts.

Partner with ProClaim and step confidently into a future where the call to serve is not just answered but is empowered, efficient, and unequivocally sustainable. Speak confidentially with an EMS billing expert and discover what cost recovery can do for your agency. Call us at 914- 366-4004; ext.

619, or visit us online at proclaimservices.com.

NVFC OFFERS ONLINE AND IN-PERSON TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FIRE SERVICE The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) offers many training opportunities to support the fire and emergency services. Topics focus on health and safety, recruitment and retention, grant writing, public education, leadership, and much more.

The NVFC Virtual Classroom features dozens of on-demand courses for just $21 per course. Better yet, purchase an NVFC membership for a yearly fee of $21 and get access to all Virtual Classroom courses for free. In addition, the NVFC hosts a series of free live webinars and roundtable talks on current issues facing the fire and emergency services.

Among the in-person educational opportunities is the NVFC Training Summit, an annual conference featuring classroom sessions on topics of critical importance to the fire and emergency services.

NVFC members are eligible for a travel stipend to help offset the costs of attending. Other in-person trainings include the Partners in Training (PIT) Crew project, which provides free hazmat courses at locations across the country. Learn more about the NVFC’s training opportunities at www.nvfc.org/trainings. Join the NVFC to take advantage of free training and other benefits at www.nvfc.org/join.

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 25

Midway Open House

Menands Open House

You could do a lot at Midway Fire Department’s Fire Prevention event on October 14, 2023. Rides in the antique fire engine, bouncy house, petting a police K-9 and lots of food drew the community out on a beautiful day.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

On October 10,20223, Menands Fire Department held its Fire Prevention Open House. Rides in the fire engine and trips in the aerial ladder along with putting out pretend fires were the highlights of the event.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

Maplewood Open House

Latham Open House

Maplewood Fire Department opened its doors to the community on October 15, 2023. The day’s events included putting out a fire, having your photo taken in a Barbie-styled box for heroes, food and meeting with firefighters. Sparky even learned how to do CPR from Colonie EMS’s David Plouff.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

On October 13, 2023, the Latham Fire Department held its Fire Prevention Open House. The community was invited to come in and meet with firefighters, play games, do firefighter drills and watch a pod burn extinguished.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

Page 26, Fire News, December 2023

FireNews.com

Town of Colonie FFs of the Year Honored

On October 8, 2023, the Town of Colonie and the Elks gathered to honor the Firefighters of the Year for each of the town’s departments. Town Supervisor Peter Crummey participated in the event congratulating each of the firefighters for all they do for their departments. This year’s Frefighters of the Year are : Boght - Corey Hulsopple; Colonie - Frank Cuoccuo, Sr.; Fuller Road Postumously accepted by his parents, Ryan Gagliardi; Latham -

Timothy Whitelaw; Maplewood - Kathryn Hook; Menands - Sherri Archambault; Midway - Ruth Ann Bergman; Schuyler Heights David Plouff; Shaker-Road Loudonville - Zachary Palaszynski; Stanford Heights - Ryan Rossi; Verdoy - Brian Meservey, Jr.; and West Albany - Stephen Gladding. Congratulations to all and thank you for what you do for the community and your department.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

FireNews.com

Fire News, December 2023, Page 27

New toTHEM Sponsored by

2016 FORD/4 GUYS 4X4 MINI PUMPER 750 GPM/290 Tank From Oakland VFC, Johnstown PA To East Quogue FD NY

2007 SEAGRAVE HEAVY RESCUE WITH PUMP

2008 GMC MEDIUM DUTY WALK-IN RESCUE

From Bellmawr NJ to City of Waterbury CT

From Greenville Fire Dist, Scarsdale NY to City of Annapolis MD dive team

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Sold by Command Apparatus

Sold by Command Apparatus

BEFORE

AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus

It’ s New to THEM! To have your department’s apparatus featured here contact Barbara Connolly • 631-776-1853 • barbara@firenews.com