Fire news new york state 3 18

VOLUME 11, NO. 5

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

Story on page 6 -Fire News photo

by Kenny Flynn

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 3

In this issue...

4 Fires in 48 hours in Chilly Chili

The Chili Fire Department (near Rochester) finished 2017 with four fires in 48 hours.

See page 8

Slingerlands Fatality; Home Destroyed

A 91-year-old man was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center with severe burns after his home was destroyed by fire. See story on page 12

Collapse in Monsey Blaze

The Monsey Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire and arrived to a large 2-1/2 story home fully involved and starting to collapse.

See story on page 16

Truck vs. Train in Chatham Chatham Fire and Chatham Rescue Squad were dispatched to a report of a train-truck collision in the Village of Chatham.

See story on page 20

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

2-Alarmer in Rotterdam

Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Broadway after flames were discovered in an upstairs apartment.

See story on page 23

Guilderland 2-Alarmer

Guilderland firefighters responded to a reported structure fire on Western Turnpike, and arrived to a wood frame house fully engulfed.

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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29

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, March 2018

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Afraid of Rehab?

Most of the firefighters I know welcome the chance to be the first responder on their rig, especially when they know it's a worker.

Yet, there is one duty that most balk at. How many of you cannot wait until the fire is over so that you can participate in Rehab and medical evaluations after the fire?

At times I feel sorry for our emergency medical staff because they are given the serious task of making sure firefighters are ready for the next call, and you may try your best to avoid them. Firefighter rehabilitation is the process of providing rest, rehydration, nourishment and medical evaluation to members who are involved in extended or extreme incident scene operations. We are all aware that the effects of heat stress can be fatal.

Injury from slips, trips and falls, along with strokes and heart attacks are things we should also be concerned about. Believe it or not, about 80,000 firefighters are injured every year.

Over the past few months, you have responded and fought fires in extremely adverse conditions. This winter has been brutal. Extremely cold conditions have tested all of you. About 100 firefighters die each year, with cardiac or cerebrovascular events being

blamed for 50 percent of the line of duty deaths. The purpose of Rehab is to decrease the likelihood of on-scene injury and death.

My opinion is that a good rehab program should be ongoing. It should ensure that physical and mental condition of members does not deteriorate to a point that affects safety of each member or that jeopardizes safety and integrity of overall operations.

Over the years, I remember my department EMTs watching over the firefighters as they operated at calls in extreme weather conditions. According to NFPA 1584, the company or crew must self-rehab (rest with hydration) for at least 10 minutes following the depletion of one 30-minute SCBA cylinder or after 20 minutes of intense work without wearing an SCBA. The company officer must ensure that all members are fit to return to duty before resuming operations.

There are many other concerns that should be taken into consideration during Rehab Operations. I am not the expert. Rely on the guidelines and best practices set up by the qualified people in your county. Your EMS staff should review NFPA 1584, which is the standard on the rehabilitation process for members during emergency operations

and training exercises. Accountability is a key component to your Rehab operation.

I recommend that everyone visits the FEMA website at www.fema.gov, and search for Firefighter Rehab information.

Remember that rehab is a necessary component to all firefighter operations. When you are told to go to Rehab, don’t be afraid.

Welcome the thought that someone is watching over you. As for our EMS responders; I will talk about PTSD in a future editorial.

PTSD effects all of us.

Stay safe!

Dennis

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2018, Page 5

Announcements HICKSVILLE’S MICHAEL KRUMMENACKER TO FASNY BOARD

State fire service better for all.”

Prior to taking the Fire Marshal test, Krummenacker worked in banking for 17 years. He commented, “Because of the volunteer fire service, I had a new career. It gave me Michael Krummenacker, a 45-year member new opportunities, and I am honored to be able of the Hicksville Fire Department, was recent- to give back through working with FASNY.” Krummenacker lives in Hicksville with his ly appointed to the wife of almost 20 years. His brother is also Board of Directors of the dedicated to the fire service and is a pastFiremen’s Association of Captain of Hicksville Fire Department. the State of New York - Fire News photo provided (FASNY).

Krummenacker curAPPLY NOW FOR SWFA rently serves as President of the Nassau SCHOLARSHIP County Firemen’s Association. He is a Applications and information for the 2018 past-Commissioner of the Hicksville Fire Southwestern Firemen’s Association. scholarDistrict, where he has lived for over 67 years. ships are available at SwAVF.com.

He is also Financial Secretary of the South The winners are chosen on the basis of both Shore Fire Departments Association of Long their demonstrated commitment to volunteer Island and a retired Nassau County Fire community service, as documented by school Marshal. and community leaders, and on an essay.

The new Director is heavily involved in his There will be one winner for each of the community in addition to the fire service. He is four counties (Allegany, Cattaraugus, an active 67-year member of St. Ignatius Chautauqua and Erie), with the $600 Loyola Church, and longtime member of the Southwestern Scholarship going to the top National Fraternal Order of Police. applicant, and three $150 Ladies' Auxiliary According to Krummenacker, “The fire Scholarships to the winning applicants from service faces many challenges, including train- the other three counties. ing, education, retention and legislation. All of Applicants must be 2018 high school gradthese need particular attention and considera- uates, who will be entering post-secondary tion, and I look forward to what lies ahead.” He institutions in the fall of 2018. In addition, the continued, “I am ready to work with my applicant must be a member, junior member, FASNY colleagues to help make the New York fire explorer, or child or grandchild of an active

or exempt fire rescue organization or ladies auxiliary member in good standing with the SwAVF, or who is a life member, past or present officer, delegate, or active committee member of the Southwestern FA or its Ladies Auxiliary.

All application packets must be postmarked

by April 15, 2018.

WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper.

Feel free to e-mail your photos to nj@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.”

We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO? Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department, and contact information. E-mail us at li@FireNews.com.

Thank you for your assistance.

Page 6, Fire News, March 2018

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Cover Story

Fully Involved in Pearl River

On January 8, 2018, the Pearl River Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on Orangeburg Road. Upon arrival, firefighters were faced with a well involved home, with fire having control of the entire front of the structure. Due to the amount of fire, defensive operations were started, with landlines placed on each side of the house to protect exposures. After the bulk of the fire was darkened down, members attempted to access the upper floor of the home to reach pockets of fire. Discovering the interior stairway had been

burned away, as well as evidence of collapse, crews were backed out and an excavator was called in to demolish parts of the home for final extinguishment. Mutual aid came from Nanuet, West Nyack, Blauvelt and Orangeburg. Montvale (NJ) and South Spring Valley stood by at Pearl River. An elderly woman was at home at the time of the fire, but escaped. She was taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. A firefighter was also treated for a hand injury.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2018, Page 7

Car Wash Fire in E. Flatbush

FDNY companies in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn battled arrival and quickly went to a master stream exterior operation. It a two-alarm blaze in an auto body/car wash on Utica Avenue on the took nearly an hour to bring the fire under control.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell morning of January 13, 2018. Units encountered heavy fire on

Page 8, Fire News, March 2018

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4 Fires in 48 hours in Chilly Chili

The Chili Fire Department (near Rochester) finished 2017 with four fires in 48 hours. The first call began at 1236 on December 26, 2017.

It was a shed fire on Ballantyne Road, which was fully involved with an exposure problem on arrival. The occupant was near the ignition source and sustained burns to his face and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. The second occurred on the same day on Chili Avenue at 1950. This fire was a single-dwelling fire with the possibility of people trapped, but quickly escalated to heavy smoke and flames. Units had water supply issues including a passing motorist who clipped a supply line emptying the hosebed of one of the engines. Multiple mutual aid responded. One civilian was treated for chest pain, while a couple firefighters had slip-and-fall injuries but were not transported. Fire number three occurred on Park Hill Court in a multi-unit apartment complex on December

27, 2017, at 0256. Moderate winds drove the fire into the next building, leaving 22 people homeless. One person jumped from a window to escape the blaze. A transit bus was brought in for firefighter rehab. Five aerials were employed to quell this three-alarm fire.

The last fire occurred in a basement on Ballantyne Road in a singlefamily occupancy on December 28, 2017, at 0508. The ambient temperature was four-degrees F and firefighter rehab was again put into operation using a transit bus. The following day, Brighton filled in overnight so members could get some quality sleep. With four fires in so short a time span in a town of 30,000 residents, people started asking if the fires were related. The Chili Fire Department issued a statement that, although the fires were not completely investigated by the Monroe County Fire Bureau, they were certain they were not connected.

- Fire News photo by John Spaulding

Page 10, Fire News, March 2018

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Tough Day at Mt. Vernon 3-Alarm

On January 6, 2018, Mount Vernon firefighters worked a stubborn three-alarm fire on Mount Vernon Avenue. Firefighters had trouble finding and then getting access to where the fire was located in the two-story commercial building. A frozen hydrant hindered efforts and then the winds picked up, dropping the temperatures and making it a tough day on the fireground. Once access was gained crews made a quick knockdown.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and Mike Messar

Page 12, Fire News, March 2018

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Hoosick Falls House Fire

Slingerlands Fatality; Home Destroyed

On December 28, 2017, firefighters responded to a house fire in Hoosick Falls. A family was alerted to a fire in their home, and evacuated to frigid exterior conditions. Responding firefighters found an established fire and requested mutual aid. Firefighters battled frozen hydrants and ice forming on the snow-covered ground. Help arrived from Vermont and Washington County, but flames had engulfed the home. The homes on either side were saved and only one minor injury was reported.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

A 91-year-old man was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center with severe burns over the upper half of his body after his home on Font Grove Road was destroyed by fire on December 29, 2017.

Sheriff Craig Apple said his office received a 911 call of a fully involved structure fire from a passerby. The occupant and his dog were outside the home, both on fire, when neighbors extinguished the two, he said. The dog had to be euthanized and the homeowner died of his injuries on January 18, 2018. The home was a complete loss. Firefighters had to battle not only frigid temperatures, but also were forced to drive tankers back and forth from the nearest hydrant about a half-mile away. Responding units came from New Salem, Slingerlands, Onesquethaw and Delmar. The Albany County Paramedics and North Bethlehem Fire Department were on scene for rehab.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 13

Crown Heights 2-Alarmer

FDNY units in Brooklyn battled a two-alarm blaze on Brooklyn Avenue in the Crown Heights section on Wednesday January 17.

Companies arrived to find a heavy fire condition in the four story, vacant multiple dwelling.

Tower ladders and hand lines were employed to bring the incident under control.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell

Page 14, Fire News, March 2018

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Total Loss in Rensselaer

Shortly before 0100 on January 6, 2018, the Rensselaer Fire Department was notified of a structure fire on Washington Avenue in the City of Rensselaer. Ladder 1 and Engine 2 arrived within a minute of dispatch. Upon arrival of Engine 4, crews were met with a frozen hydrant. Firefighters had to stretch lines back to the

hydrant in front of the nearby North End fire station. The occupant of the home received burns and suffered smoke inhalation and was removed to Westchester Burn Center. Mutual aid came from Clinton Heights, East Greenbush, Defreestville and Wynantskill.

- Fire News photos by John Schumaker and Martin E. Miller

TRAIN UP Where Leaders Come To Train Explore Now: WWW.FDIC.COM Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

H.O.T. Evolution (Outside) 4 HOUR Basics of Tactical Emergency Care - HYBRID- NEW

Mark Litwinko Lieutenant Fort Wayne Fire Department

Monday, April 23, 2018: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Description With the increasing number of high-threat, mass casualty incidents, there is an immediate need for responders and agencies to adapt strategies and tactics, safely and efficiently mitigate the incident and provide care to the victims. The evidence-based content is consistent with the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care guidelines and recommendations. Participants are provided with the tools for continued training at their own department specific to casualty care as it relates to the Rescue Task Force concept. Attendees will leave with instructional materials, knowledge of evidence-based medicine specific to high-threat incidents, and a framework for program design. This is a highly interactive course with opportunities to test the latest equipment through ample hands-on training.

Reality in Virtual Reality: Training for the Future Thursday, April 26, 2018: 3:30 PM - 5:15 PM Room: 500 Ballroom Description You will embark on a virtual journey through the fire service, led by Leicestershire (England) Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with RiVR, to see what they have achieved over the past three years and how they did it. You will be looking ahead to the training environments of the not-so-distant future that were created and designed through virtual and augmented reality and the methods and practices of these two forward-thinking organizations. You will also be looking at how virtual reality is set to change the way humans learn!

Paul Speight Watch Manager Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

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Bronx 7-Alarmer Injures 23

On January 2, 2018, firefighters from the FDNY responded to a fire on Commonwealth Avenue in the Bronx. Firefighters arrived to extremely heavy fire conditions. The fire, which was suspected to have started in the furniture store located on the first floor of the multiple occupancy building, quickly spread throughout the structure and was very advanced on arrival. Firefighters made numerous rescues, breaking windows to gain access to victims. Twentythree people were treated for injuries, one of them serious.

Temperatures hovered around 13 degrees with a wind chill around three degrees.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire News, March 2018, Page 15

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Collapse in Monsey Blaze

Just after 0100 on December 30, 2017, the Monsey Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Carlton Road. Monsey Chief Tony Layman arrived to a large 2-1/2 story home fully involved and starting to collapse. He placed a tower ladder in front of the home, as multiple landlines were put into operation. The entire home even-

tually completely collapsed. The home was vacant at the time, and has been for several years. It was reportedly undergoing renovation at the time of the fire. Mutual aid was received from several area departments, as well as EMS. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Smoke and Flames in Niskayuna

On January 6, 2018, Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters responded to a structure fire on Van Antwerp Road. Upon arrival they encountered heavy smoke in the area. An engine and ladder responded from Schenectady on the first alarm. An interior attack was attempted, but firefighters were limited by interior doors blocked by debris, so a defensive attack was ordered. With temper-

ature hovering in the minus single digits, many hydrants malfunctioned making water supply difficult. The owner of the house was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 17

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Niskayuna 2-Alarm Fire On January 20, 2018, Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Arkona Court in Schenectady County. First-due units found a two-story home with heavy fire showing from the C and D sides.

Once entry was made, the fire was knocked down and under control in less than an hour. Engine 1 and Truck from the City of Schenectady assisted at the scene as well as Niskayuna Fire District 2.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Chasing Fire in White Plains Shortly after noon on New Year’s Eve 2017, the city of White Plains Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire on Park Avenue in the city’s North End. Units arrived to find smoke pushing from the second floor of a large wood frame multi-dwelling with residents evacuating. Members engaged in an aggressive interior attack for over an hour, chasing the fire through walls and voids before going to master streams and ladder pipes in frigid temperatures. One firefighter was injured and all residents were accounted for. Mutual aid came from Scarsdale, Fairview, Hartsdale and Greenville.

- Fire News photo by Mike Messar

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 19

Firehouse Kitchen

FDNY Ski Races: Part II In last month's article, I wrote about my cooking experience with my good friend Bobby Rollins, aka Bo-Ro, and his famous pancakes made at the FDNY Ski Races. Since pancakes are a very quick meal to make, there was a lot of talking during this episode.

Besides making fun of the guys in Ladder 127 and Engine 298, Bo-Ro and I spoke about my time in the truck.

One story we reminisced about was when I almost transferred to another firehouse. This would have been one of the worst decisions of my career. As a probie, there were a few guys giving me a hard time. They couldn’t handle my happy go-lucky demeanor. When I first got on the job, you rotated for three years to three different houses (one house each year). This would give you a chance to experience different types of houses. At the end of the third year, you would normally return to your first house.

During my rotation, I had the pleasure of working in E263 in Queens and E205 in Brooklyn.

In 2001, I returned to my first house (L127).

My first day back from rotation, the same few guys that had given me a hard time when I first arrived, picked up where they left off and continued giving me a hard time. Now, I have pretty thick skin, but for the first time ever, these guys made me dread going to work. For this reason, I put in my papers to transfer back to E263. I know, going from an A truck to an engine is unheard of in the FDNY, but I felt at home at E263. Until … Bobby Rollins and

another good friend of mine, Kevin Fogarty, cornered me and asked why I was transferring.

They said I was a good firefighter and a standup guy. I explained the problem I was encountering with some of the senior — and some not so senior — men. This was when BoRo looked me in the eyes and said, “Ray, there are five jerks in every firehouse.

The five in this one zoned in on you.” I replied, “Everyone else thinks they are jerks too?” With this piece of information, I decided to stay and handle these guys head on.

If I didn’t, I probably would have had this problem in every firehouse I went to.

There is an old saying in the FDNY, ‘different circus, same performers.’ If you can’t figure out who the jerks are, then you are probably one of them. I am very thankful for having been a part of the FDNY and L127. I learned so much about the fire department and the importance of the brotherhood of being a fireman.

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com; or e-mail firehousekitchentv@gmail.com. Be sure to like us on Facebook.

Pancakes 1 cup flour Heavy tablespoon of sugar 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder 1 egg Blueberries Salt, milk, butter Whip egg. Add flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, a pinch of salt and three melted tablespoons of butter. Slowly mix in milk to consistency of choice.

Pour on griddle and add blueberries to your liking. Cook both sides until golden brown and enjoy.

Page 20, Fire News, March 2018

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Truck vs. Train in Chatham

Up Close with the FDNY

On December 28, 2017, Chatham Fire and Chatham Rescue Squad were dispatched by Columbia County 911, along with Chatham Police, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, to a report of a train accident in the Village of Chatham.

Command requested mutual aid from Ghent. A tow truck assisting a motorist at the Austerlitz Street crossing was struck by a CSX train traveling through the village. Traffic was diverted around the scene while emergency crews worked. One subject was transported to St. Peter’s Hospital.

- Fire News story by David Levow, photo by Wheeler Drone

Firefighters from Ladder 127 and Engine 298 on scene of a three-alarm fire.

-Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy

Candy Cane Run As the snow began to fall, Mr. and Mrs. Claus gathered their firefighter/EMS family for the 2017 Candy Cane Run group picture before heading out to visit the children of the Mahopac Falls Fire District, a tradition that is almost 50-years old. With candy canes in hand, firefighters and EMTs got on board trucks pulling out of Headquarters with lights flashing and sirens blaring.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 21

3-Alarmer in Amsterdam

On November 20, 2017, the Amsterdam Fire Department respond- doused in under an hour but remained on scene for three hours hited to Guy Park Avenue for a fully involved structure fire. Upon ting hot spots. The house was unoccupied at the time and was under arrival, flames were visible from the second floor. The officer in renovation.

- Fire News photos by MarkPerfettiPhotography.com charge called second and third alarms. Firefighters had the flames

Page 22, Fire News, March 2018

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FDIC 2018: NEW CONCEPTS, PRODUCTS, THOUGHTS AND APPROACHES

By Chief Bobby Halton The key to firefighter’s success is training, education, and networking — all of which they aggressively pursue at FDIC and bring back home to local departments. Firefighters see how every element of consequence that impacts firefighting is assembled at FDIC International 2018. The work behind FDIC International 2018 represents literally everyone you could imagine in the fire service.

There will be many new faces at FDIC International 2018 — new instructors, new concepts, new products, new thoughts, and new approaches. The uninitiated think everything is new but insiders, those with skin in the game, the FDIC people, know we are building on the foundations laid by millions who came before us and to whom we are grateful.

FDIC 2018 will offer 28 hands-on training classes, 80 workshops, 200-plus classes, the most inspirational keynotes, an emerging technologies summit, the most comprehensive fire exhibition, the largest stair climb, and countless networking celebrations and unique FDIC traditions that bind us, define us, and connect us.

The Main Program speakers are Dan DeGryse, Gavin Horn, Ted Nee and, special guest, FEMA Administrator Brock Long. The classes will again create the direction, the intellectual drive, the controversies, and the debates for the coming year.

There are literally dozens of special networking events. Beginning on Tuesday night, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network has its comedy night fundraiser; the Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads hosts its FOOLS bash; there’s the Courage and Valor 5K Fun Run; the

National Fallen Firefighter (NFFF) Stop, Drop, and Rock ‘n’ Roll celebration; the MSA block party. Friday is the NFFF Stair Climb and the Indianapolis firefighters’ union party. All week long, the Firefighter Combat Challenge will be going on, as well as dozens of other events and gatherings.

Last year 34,000 attendees celebrated the art and science of firefighting. Firefighters attend FDIC because it represents who we are. We are the fire service, we are the community, we are neighbors, we operate in the real world together, we drill and train together, and we assemble at this FDIC conference and exhibition together. This is our show, firefighters, men and women who have skin in the game, who respond when called, who never accept how it is but only accept that it will be better. The classes, drills, instructors, and speakers were all chosen by us, gritty, street-savvy firefighters who may not have the alphabet after their names, who sometimes drop the wrong kind of adjective when excited, but who struggle every day to be better than yesterday.

This is the conference that no volunteer, no career, no industrial firefighter should miss; a conference that pays the utmost respect to local expertise, that put first and foremost in all they do the interests, concerns, and well-being of firefighters and our mission first.

We hope we’ll see you at FDIC this April. Department members are urged to network with one another to purchase group pricing on our FDIC registrations. Register by March 9, 2018, and you can save over $100 off registration fees.

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2018, Page 23

South Schenectady 2nd Alarmer

In November 2017, South Schenectady firefighters battled a twoalarm fire on Broadway at Taylor and Vadney Sporting Goods after flames were discovered in an upstairs apartment. Multiple calls of heavy smoke pouring from the structure and first-on-scene police confirmed the fire. An interior attack was initiated, but false walls

and a modified floor plan made it difficult to find the seat of the fire.

Operations went defensive after conditions worsened and made it impossible to operate inside. Rotterdam Fire District 2, Carman, Pine Grove and Plotterkill firefighters assisted at the scene.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Page 24, Fire News, March 2018

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MacBoston Memorial Fundraiser

MacBoston Hockey once again played a spectacular game against was a neck-and-neck game with Worcester Hockey coming out on Worcester Hockey at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls. These top in the end.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn two teams come together for annual fundraising events to raise money for the MacBoston 18 Truck Fallen Firefighter Memorial. It

Chili Fundraiser in Colonie

Colonie High School’s ICare group held its fourth annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Regional Food Bank’s efforts to assist victims of the recent Cohoes fire that devastated three city blocks.

This year’s judges included local media stars and Sheriff Craig Apple. Menands, Stanford Heights, Fuller Road, Colonie Village, Verdoy, West Albany and the Ladies Auxiliary were among the organizations that joined the event. With the favorites this year being venison chili, the two winners were Colonie Village for the Judge’s Choice and, for the third year in a row, Stanford Heights was the People’s Choice.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 25

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Heavy Fire in Buffalo

Buffalo firefighters were called to the vicinity of William and Watson Streets for a 2-1/2 story frame well involved. Battalion 4-3 reported the building to be a vacant dwelling. An interior attack was made temporarily but, as fire conditions intensified, a defensive attack was ordered. The fire was brought under control in an hour.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Report of Occupants Within

Buffalo firefighters were called to East Delavan Street for a fire with the possibility of people trapped. Engine Company 3 reported fire showing from the 4-side attic and laid in lines, and a second alarm was quickly called. The fire was brought under control in about two hours.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 27

Cold Conditions Hamper Pittstown

In December, Pittstown firefighters responded to a house fire on Eycleshymr Road off of Route 7. Upon arrival, the home had heavy smoke and fire was showing. Fire Chief Joshua Kautz stated that fire crews attempted to make entry, but were driven back by heavy flames. Kautz said the home was an old farmhouse with a number of additions, which made fighting the fire difficult. The extremely

cold temperatures and icy conditions also hampered efforts.

Pittstown was assisted by departments from Raymertown, Hoosick Falls, West Hoosick, Valley Falls, Center Brunswick, Mountain View, Melrose, Speigletown, and Johnsonville.

- Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

Page 28, Fire News, March 2018

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Guilderland 2-Alarmer

Campbell Hall House Fire

On January 8, 2018, Guilderland firefighters responded to a reported structure fire on Western Turnpike, and arrived to a wood frame house completely engulfed. A long narrow driveway leading to the house was covered in ice and snow and hampered efforts obtaining a constant water supply. Tankers from several area departments responded to assist. One firefighter suffered a minor injury at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

On January 6, 2018, the Washingtonville Fire Department was requested to cover Campbell Hall’s firehouse, while they operated at the fire on Everett Road. Engine 580 responded and stood-by.

Tanker 577 responded to the scene upon request for a Tanker Task Force.

- Fire News photo by Gary Hearn

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Fire News, March 2018, Page 29

Kiwanis Donates Stuffed Animals Dave Kramer of the Winona Lake Fire Department was asked by the local Kiwanis if the department would like any stuffed animals. Winona Lake carries the stuffed animals on their apparatus to comfort children when they are transported to the hospital.

Thank to the Kiwanis Club for thinking of the kids!

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Congratulations Graduates On January 10, 2018, graduation was held at the 911 Center for Firefighter 1. Paige Cosgrove from the Winona Lake Fire Department graduated from the class. It should be noted that she was a team leader for the group. Congratulations to all of the 2018 graduates.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Page 30, Fire News, March 2018

Hitting the Ice in Piermont

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The Piermont Fire Department recently held an ice rescue drill in the waters of the Hudson River, just off the Piermont Pier. On what was one of the coldest days in recent memory, divers from Piermont were joined by divers from the Thiells Fire Department to train on various rescue techniques. A hole was opened in the ice, and scenarios involving a victim through the ice were presented to the participants.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Page 32, Fire News, March 2018

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