VOLUME 9, NO. 4
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State FEBRUARY 2016
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Fire News, February 2016, Page 3
In this issue... .
East Greenbush Hay Fire East Greenbush firefighters were called out for smoke coming from a tractor-trailer used as storage for hay.
See story on page 5
Fatality at Arlington House Fire
Arlington firefighters were dispatched for a reported structure fire with a person possibly trapped. See story on page 7
20 Displaced in Oriskany Blaze
The Oriskany Fire Department were called to a fire in an older two-story brick apartment complex. See story on page 13
Pine Bush 2-Alarmer
Pine Bush firefighters responded to a structure fire on Bruyn Avenue. See story on page 14
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, EVELYN ALOISIO 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, 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, 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 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Albany 3-Alarmer
A fire in row houses on Park Avenue, near the Empire State Plaza, quickly went to second and third alarms. See story on page 21
5 Cars Hit in Albany Police Chase
Albany Police attempted to make a motor vehicle stop when the driver took off with the police in pursuit.
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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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Winter: A Good Time to Refamiliarize Up and down the Atlantic Coasts, we have been lucky with the weather — so far — this winter. But are you ready to deal with frosted windows, slippery roadways and the need to be cautious while responding to calls if winter comes? For the new members, remember that frostbite is serious, especially after the fire is knocked down and you are soaking wet. Most EMTs are aware that the cold can complicate patient care at an accident scene. Stop and give thought to working in the cold. I would like to thank our readers who have reached out to Fire News through Facebook. In case you haven’t yet, visit Fire News and FDNY Fire News on Facebook and like the page. Become one of the 450,000 visitors who have offered comments or shared posts. I recently came across a post on Facebook that actually made me stop and rethink about
my commitment to the fire service. The post was a photograph of FDNY Rescue 2’s firehouse door, on which the following was superimposed: “Check the rig. Check the tools. Mentor the probie. Learn from the senior man. Leave the department better than you found it.” Wow! Those few sentences are so true and should make you stop and think. As a senior member of my department, I find myself coming to the firehouse for coffee and while the coffee is brewing, I frequently review the pump panel of my truck. I want to make sure that I am not embarrassed when I am the guy responsible to get water to the nozzle crew in a speedy fashion. Recently, when I entered the firehouse, all of the doors on my station’s fire police truck were open. I stopped and noticed one of my breakfast partners going through the truck
making sure everything was where it was supposed to be. Did he have to do this? No, he most certainly did not, since the truck had been inspected a few days ago. I asked him what was up. He said, “Nothing, I just wanted to check a few things that were used the other night.” I have always learned from the best. The people who care are the people who reach out above and beyond what they are expected to do. Are you in this group? To all members — not just probies — remember that being part of our job is a privilege and a lifestyle. Winter is a great time to go down to the firehouse to study your rig, refamiliarize yourself with the equipment placement on the truck and to ask yourself, “Am I leaving a positive mark on the department?” Stay warm and be safe! - Dennis
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East Greenbush Hay Fire
On December 6, 2015, East Greenbush firefighters were called out heavy, wet hay was removed from the 20-year-old trailer. The cause for smoke coming from a tractor-trailer used as storage for hay. was found to be spontaneous combustion. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller Crews wet it down, which caused a large smoke and steam condition. Clinton Heights was called to help with water supply, and the
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Total Loss in Beekman
During the early morning of December 27, 2015, the Beekman and Unionvale Fire Departments, under preplanned mutual-aid, were dispatched by Dutchess County 911 for a reported structure fire on Clapp Hill Road. Shortly after dispatch, a Dutchess County Sheriffs Deputy arrived on the scene and advised DC 911 of heavy fire conditions and that all occupants were accounted for. Firefighting operations immediately went defensive, as the residence was almost
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completely involved in fire. The house was a complete loss. Assisting Beekman at the scene were the La Grange, East Fishkill and Pawling, as well as the Dutchess County Sheriffs Office, New York State Police, and the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response-Fire Investigation Division. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Fatality at Arlington House Fire
On December 29, 2015, as the first winter storm of the season hit the Hudson Valley, Arlington firefighters were dispatched by Dutchess County 911 to Durocher Terrace off Dutchess Turnpike for a reported structure fire with a person possibly trapped. Units arrived within minutes and found heavy fire coming from the rear of a two-story raised ranch and were met by family members who indicated a family member was unaccounted for. Crews immediately began aggressive attempts to enter the structure in an effort to locate the missing individual, but were driven out as fire quickly overtook the struc-
ture. The operation went defensive and once the fire was knocked down, an elderly adult male was located, deceased, in the structure. Arlington was assisted at the scene by City of Poughkeepsie, La Grange and Roosevelt, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police, and Mobile Life Paramedics. Pleasant Valley and New Hamburg provided standby coverage. A Town of Poughkeepsie police officer, who attempted to reach the victim prior to Arlington’s arrival, was treated for smoke inhalation. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Cover Story
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LODD
Mt. Marion’s Capt. Jack H. Rose Jack H. Rose, the 19-year-old newly elected captain of the Mount Marion Fire Department, died Saturday night while battling a chimney fire that broke out on Fel Qui Road, on December 19, 2015. While fighting the blaze in the basement of the double-wide modular home in the remote Ulster County location, Rose went into distress, according to Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra. Fellow firefighters brought him outdoors where they initiated life-saving measures. Rose was taken to HealthAlliance Hospital’s Broadway campus, where he was pronounced, Sinagra said. Rose, a three-year member of the Mt. Marion Fire Department, was recently elected to the position of captain. Mt. Marion Fire Chief Dave Ayers stated his department was, “devastated over the loss of such a young life and a devoted member of the community”" adding that, “Rose was loved by all in the fire service who knew him.” The fire is currently under investigation by authorities from the Saugerties Police Department, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, (OFPC) and the Ulster County Bureau of Cause and Origin. A gofundme account has been established in Rose’s name at www.gofundme.com/captainjackrose. - Fire News photos by John C. Miller, Marty Miller and Peter Barber; story by Mount Marion FD
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Sometimes There’s No Fire Where There’s Smoke Recently, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department was dispatched to smoke in a structure call on Concord Road. Fire Police had the road to the scene under control and calls were made to Mahopac for a tanker to standby and to Mohegan for their FAST unit as well. Assistant Chief Brian Neary was one of the first arriving units finding a heavy haze but no fire. Mutual aid units were called off and Mahopac’s interior attack teams found ruptured heat pipes causing the problem. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Flea Market Fire FDNY firefighters in the Jamaica section of Queens battled a stubborn and smokey two-alarm blaze in an enclosed flea market on Jamaica Avenue on the morning of December 13, 2015. The market was located behind metal roll down gates in between two commercial buildings. The incident was brought under control within 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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6-Alarmer in the Bronx
The FDNY faced a major challenge on the evening of December 10, throughout the night. Construction features and a large volume of 2015, as they battled a raging six-alarm fire in 10 row-framed hous- fire contributed to the multiple alarms. The fire wasn’t brought es on Valentine Avenue in the Fordham Heights section of the completely under control until daybreak. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com Bronx. The blaze broke out shortly before midnight and burned
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Pool House Blaze
Recently, firefighters responded to Methodist Hill Road in Rensselaerville for a fully involved pool house fire. The structure was far enough away from the main house that there was no damage to the residence. The only concern wasa 500-pound propane tank in front of the poolhouse. It is believed that there may have
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been a party in the building the night before, and that the fire in the fireplace insert way not have been completely extinguished. Rensselaerville was assisted by Tri Village, Medussa, Westerlo and Albany County EMS . - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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20 Displaced in Oriskany Blaze On December 11, 2015, the Oriskany Fire Department was called to a fire on Dexter Avenue in Oriskany in an older two-story brick apartment complex made up of eight apartments. Mutual aid calls went out to nearby departments. Upon arrival flames were shooting out of the front of one of the apartments. Firefighters made an aggressive attack from inside, outside and from the roof to gain control of what became a very stubborn blaze, before placing the fire under control. Mutual aid came from Whitesboro, Maynard, Stittville, Stanwix Heights, Westmoreland, Floyd, Clayville, Durhamville, C.O.C. Ambulance, National Grid and Fire Coordinator #271. Many other departments were on standby. About 20 residents were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross. One person was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. - Fire News photos by Jack Zwijacz
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Pine Bush 2-Alarmer
On October 19, 2015, Pine Bush (Orange County) firefighters County and Ulster County departments responded to the scene or responded to a reported structure fire on Bruyn Avenue. Upon to standby. (Above): Wallkill FF Mike May and Capt. Jerry Futia arrival, a working fire was reported in a frame dwelling and a sec- operating a line at the fire. - Fire News photos by Steve Lenz ond alarm was requested. Apparatus from numerous Orange
NYSAFC COMPANY OFFICERS LEADERSHIP TRAINING (COLT) PROGRAM ANNOUNCED The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is pleased to announce its 2015-2016 Company Officers Leadership Training (COLT) series. The demands on today’s fire officers of all ranks are constantly increasing. NYSAFC recognizes that leadership development is necessary now to protect the future of the fire service. To meet the need for this critical training, NYSAFC offers the COLT program throughout New York state. For COLT, NYSAFC has brought together a slate of instructors, nationally renowned experts in company officer leadership both on and off the fireground, for an energizing learning experience. Each COLT program will feature the lectures “Company Level Leadership: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” with Lieutenant Tim Klett, FDNY and “The Fire Officer” with Battalion Chief Daniel McMaster, Alexandria (VA) Fire Department. The 2015-2016 COLT series will be held in the Capital District (February 5-6, 2016 - Latham, NY) and Onondaga County (April 89, 2016 - East Syracuse, NY). COLT also was held in Orange County in December 2015. Registration for COLT is $175 per person (for NYSAFC members) and $200 per person for non-members. Both pre-registration and on-site registration will be available for all sites. The two-day COLT program will run on Friday from 0900 - 1700 p.m. and on Saturday from 0900. - 1200 at each site. Full program details and a pre-registration form are available at www.nysfirechiefs.com.
Pictured: COLT lecturers Battalion Chief Daniel McMaster, Alexandria (VA) Fire Department and Lieutenant Tim Klett, FDNY. Photo by Tom Bierds
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Breaking Ground The day we had all been waiting for finally came! The groundbreaking, for the Islip Town Fire Museum took place on January 9, 2016. Wait, let me back up a little. On December 27, 2015, I received a phone call from David June, one of the museum’s main organizers, informing me that the groundbreaking — 26 years in the making — was finally happening. Dave asked if I could have some of the sponsors from my show, Firehouse Kitchen, donate some refreshments for the event. I answered, “I’m on it!” This is the reply I always give Dave when he asks me to handle a task. The first sponsor that came to mind was Best Market. They have three locations in the area and are BIG supporters of the volunteer fire departments. Without hesitation, they accepted. Not only did they bring great food and drink, but the CFO, Jeff Yonkers, came with his three sons to help serve the food. On to the ceremony. All the bigwigs came out from the Town of Islip, even Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Councilwoman Trish Bergen. The ceremony was very moving. You could feel all the speeches were from the heart, especially the one from Nick Campson. Nick spoke about how the museum started and how he’s been waiting for this day. What made Nick’s speech so special was how he thanked all the supporters. It was a long list, but Nick made sure he acknowledged what each supporter did. It was comical and warm at the same time. The Islip Town Fire Museum is going to be located right next to the Atlantic League of Professional Basbeall’s Duck’s Stadium, in Central Islip, New York. It will be a venue were Suffolk County fire departments can show off their antique fire equipment and share their histories. It will also be a learning center to teach young minds about fire prevention and fire safety — just like the safety tips on my show. The Islip Town Fire Museum has been a great friend to Firehouse Kitchen. I will always support it and do what I can to make it great. Special thanks to Ray Reily, Bill Johnson, Ed Tulley, Rick Gimbal, David June, Warren Holtje, Nick Campson, Laura Johnson and the rest of the building committee. Lastly, don’t forget about the Fire/EMS Mega Show at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, New York on February 20 and 21. It will be a great event — you can even bring the family down. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, go to firehousekitchenshow.com and like us on Facebook.
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River Road Building Fire
Recently, the New Windsor Fire Department was called out for smoke coming from a building on River Road. Windsor Car 1 arrived and requested a second alarm for mutual aid. The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Foam for the Future
The City of Albany Fire Department showed off their new foam trailer recently. Nineteen municipalities across the state along rail lines will receive a trailer with 600 gallons of foam and a high-tech system to disperse, cover and extinguish crude oil fires. Albany is a terminal city where crude is unloaded and shipped down the Hudson River. First responders will be trained by Homeland Security, which will also maintain the trailers. This equipment can be used on highways, as well, to cope with hazardous incidents, according to Emergency Services Commissioner John Melville. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Colonie House Destroyed On December 20, 2015, the West Albany Fire Department was called to a structure fire on Corning Street in Colonie. Upon arrival smoke and fire were visible from the roof in the front and rear of the building. The two-story residence had been evacuated, but there was a two-level roof and the fire spread between them. One cat perished in the fire, another rescued cat was given CPR at the scene but later succumbed. Shaker Road-Loudonville, Fuller Road, Colonie, Latham and Menands assisted in the early morning blaze, which destroyed the home. Red Cross assisted the residents in finding shelter. One firefighter was treated at the scene, but continued to fight the fire once Colonie EMS released him. - Fire News photo by Lori Wasburn
Rush Hour Car Fire On December 1, 2015, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out for a car fire on Route 84 eastbound during rush hour. On arrival, units found the car fully involved, backing up traffic for miles. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Brooklyn Blaze Extends
Firefighters in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn battled a two-alarm blaze in a three-story frame, multiple dwelling on Skillman Street on December 21, 2015. The blaze burned out the second and third floors and eventually spread to a neighboring building. The fire took nearly an hour to bring under control. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell
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Rensselaer Comm’l. Blaze
Ontario County Home Destroyed
The Rochester Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Ridge Road and Barnard, were dispatched to heavy smoke in the area of a commercial district on the northwest side of Rochester. The first arriving engine found heavy smoke emitting from a single-story occupancy. The fire appeared to have started in the A/D corner, which took firefighters some time to reach. The rest of the unoccupied building sustained smoke damage. One firefighter was transported for a minor ankle injury. - Fire News photo by John Spaulding
Seven departments were notified by both Livingston and Ontario County 911 centers of a structure fire on Old Bald Hill Road South. First arriving firefighters were met with a four-plus-story dwelling fully engulfed. Shortly thereafter, the roof of the building fell in and the fire spread to the nearby forest, according to Ontario County Emergency Services Manager, Jeff Harloff. Because of a one-lane road and driveway to the home, only one tanker at a time could drive in, dump its water and back out. Some of the exterior walls also started to collapse. Harloff also reported that the lack of neighbors gave the fire a large head start before someone noticed it. Continuoually shifting winds also hampered firefighters efforts. The two adults and two teenage residents were away celebrating Thanksgiving, and lost all of their belongings in the fire. The Red Cross was on scene to provide support. - Fire News photo by John Spaulding
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Albany 3-Alarmer
On December 2, 2015, a fire in row houses on Park Avenue, near the Empire State Plaza, quickly went to second and third alarms as fire spread across the hard-to-get-at rear of three buildings. Two ladder pipes and deck guns were deployed, while a good interior attack was stopped by an All Out signal. Flames spread to the cockloft of the three-story building, where firefighters, in a very confined rear yard, had a problem getting water into the area above the third floor. Some of the homeless found refuge at a church around the corner, where they were visited by the Mayor and Deputy Chief Toomey. Twenty-three people lost everything as a result of the fire. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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5 Cars Hit in Albany Police Chase On December 4, 2015, Albany Police attempted to make a motor vehicle stop when the driver took off with the police in pursuit. The officer discontinued the chase after the driver turned onto Second Street traveling the wrong way on the one-way street. The driver traveled a distance before crashing, causing serious damage to five other vehicles, and ran from the scene before being caught a block away. Albany Fire Department responded to extinguish a fire in one of the vehicles. The driver was treated by Albany Fire Department paramedics and transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Truck into Building in Yonkers On December 21, 2015, a City of Yonkers public works employee suffered a medical emergency while driving a city garbage truck. The driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to strike a building on Nepperhan Avenue. Yonkers police, fire and Empress EMS personnel arrived to find the driver semi-conscious and laying on the floor in the cab. The Yonkers Fire Department requested a collapse and foam assignment for structural damage and a fuel leak. One employee was inside the building when the truck struck and was treated for minor injuries. The driver was transported to Jacobi Medical Center. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
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Serving Seniors for Christmas
Newburgh Pancake Breakfast
On December 13, 2015, the Winona Lake Fire Department held its 38th senior citizen Christmas dinner. Local ROTC members were greeters and servers and the seniors were treated to a full turkey dinner. More than 200 seniors from five senior living facilities attended courtesy of transport donated by the Gallagher Bus Company. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
On December 9, 2015, the City of Newburgh Fire Department held a pancake breakfast. Families from around the town came out to support the event. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Schodack Pig Roast
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Recently, the Town of Schodack and the East Greenbush Fire Department held a pig roast, which brought out almost 300 emergency service personnel and their families for a great get-together on a beautiful day. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Axemen Donate to FDNY
On December 22, 2015, at the CSU Unit - Fort Totten, Queens, the Axemen MC NY3 Chapter, proudly presented three checks to FDNY members who have children with special needs, to help augment costs for equipment needed for a better quality of life for their children. Also, receiving a check was representatives from the Lil’ Bravest organization. In attendance were members of Axemen MC NY3, FDNY Counciling Unit - Kids Connect Program, FDNY recipients and their families, representatives of the Li’' Bravest organization from FDNY E84/L34, and members from FDNY Rescue 4. As it is their sole mission, the Axemen MC NY3 Chapter will continue to be working hard in the hopes to raise more money to help these children of FDNY members. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Proactive Fire Safety in Ravena
On October 4, 2015, the Village of Ravena Fire Department teamed up with the American Red Cross for the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. In an aggressive step to improve fire preparedness and help prevent home fire injuries, volunteers consisting of Ravena’s Bravest and the American Red Cross went door to door to village residents, offering free smoke detectors. Residents who opted to receive these detectors, also had the option of having them installed, free of charge, by the volunteers. Residents also received information regarding home fire preparedness and safety whether or not they needed the detectors. Through the proactive efforts of the Ravena Fire Department and Red Cross, numerous homes and residents are now better prepared and safer in the event of a fire. In the group photo are (top left, front row): Chief Travis Witbeck, FF Elijah Thomas, LT Daniel Haight, FF Samuel Haight, Deputy Chief Jeff D’Ambrosio, Anne Parsons (Red Cross). (Back row): Assistant Chief Aaron Santillo, FF Kelly Schwartz, FF Jason Seaburg - Fire News photos by Travis Witbeck
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