Fire News New York State, March 2020 edition

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 13, NO. 5

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

MARCH 2020

See story on page 6.

- Fire News photo

by Mark Perfetti

Is it the Coronavirus?

See editorial on page 4.

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Fire News, March 2020, Page 3

In this issue...

Working Fire In Colonie Volunteers from Stanford Heights, Fuller Road, Midway and Niskayuna Fire District 2 were dispatched to a house fire.

See story on page 5

Another Home Goes in Lancaster Lancaster firefighters responded to Pleasant Avenue for a fire that destroyed a two-story home

See story on page 7

Fire Destroys Delmar Home Units arrived to see the rear of a house completely engulfed.

See story on page 8

Amsterdam KOs Flames The Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Cady Street.

See story on page 10

Schenectady Garage Fire Schenectady firefighters were called out to a shed fire on Brandywine Avenue.

See story on page 12

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.

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Abandoned Building Goes in Albany Albany firefighters were called out around noon for a fire in a three-story structure.

See story on page 17

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21

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 2020

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Is it the Coronavirus?

Let’s face it, you respond to hundreds, if not thousands, of calls a year and it is easy to become complacent. Even on the fireground, we can get in trouble when we assume the call we are on is going to be like the last call. Is there truly a routine call?

I bring this up to YOU because of the recent outbreak of the new strain of coronavirus. The coronavirus can be mistaken for common cold, unless you are trained and know what to look for. I am certainly not an expert on the topic, but I did do some research that I hope helps you give thought to this disease. Does your patient have the flu or a common cold? What differentiates between the coronavirus and the common cold or flu?

According to recent literature, symptoms for the new coronavirus, now known as COVID19, are similar to those we know as a common cold or flu. Common coronavirus symptoms can include fever, a dry cough, shortness of breath, aching muscles and fatigue. Less typical coronavirus symptoms can be, phlegm buildup, headache, hemoptysis (coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus from the bronchi, larynx, trachea or lungs) and diarrhea. Symptoms atypical for coronavirus are a runny nose and a sore throat. According to a recent article, runny nose, cough, sore throat

and fever are symptoms are often similar when one starts to feel sick. That makes it difficult to tell if the illness is a virus or a bacterial infection. I strongly recommend that to visit www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-cold-orflu-how-to-tell-the-difference/a-52233885 to review what I have read about the corona virus.

As experts warn, the coronavirus spread needs to be taken seriously. Prepare emergency dispatch and EMS providers to identify the symptoms and communicate with public health officials. With memories of the Ebola virus, think about having extra drills on PPE donning and doffing, fit testing and the creation of plastic-lined transport vehicles. You must be very aware of the spread of disease and you must understand the signs and symptoms of the coronavirus and be prepared to look after our patients while keeping your own safety in mind.

According to AMTrauma.org, consider the following for specific EMS management and transport considerations: If the patient exhibits symptoms of a lower respiratory infection (fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, cough), place a surgical mask on the patient AND obtain a detailed travel history to affected countries within the past 14 days or

close contact with someone under investigation for COVID-19. If there is a history consistent with concern for potential 2019-coronavirus (COVID-19), initiate standard contact and airborne precautions (gloves, gown, N95 respirator) and eye protection (goggles) for EMS clinicians. Notify the receiving hospital (according to local protocols) of potential infection as soon as possible to allow for emergency department preparation. Use caution with aerosol generating procedures.

Properly doff and dispose of PPE according to protocol. Clean and disinfect using EPA registered disinfectants with known effectiveness against human coronaviruses. Waste management per policy for medical waste (red bag).

I recommend that you sit down with your County Regional Emergency Medical Services Council and discuss unified protocols so that you are ready for the unexpected.

- Dennis

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2020, Page 5

Working Fire In Colonie

Heavy Snow Doesn’t Make it Easy

On January 23, 2020, volunteers from Stanford Heights, Fuller Road, Midway and Niskayuna Fire District 2 were dispatched to a house fire on Nutwood Road in Colonie. Upon arrival, the back of the house was completely engulfed and flames were spreading to the interior. All occupants escaped safely and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

On December 3, 2019, East Greenbush and Schodack Valley were dispatched for smoke filling the second floor of a structure, said to be a hotel built in the 1800s. Ambent tempature was about 20 degrees and there was 22 inches of snow on Routes 9 and 20. The Schodack police pounded on doors and others dragged the first line around back and up to the second floor. Once firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke and made a quick knockdown.

Explorers packed hoselines. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Page 6, Fire News, March 2020

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Cover Story

On January 10, 2020, the Fort Johnson Volunteer Company was dispatched to East Main Street in the village. Upon arrival, firefighters found the B side of the structure was fully involved and flames were spreading fast. Mutual aid was provided by the Tribes Hill and Hagaman. Also responding were Montgomery County Emergency Management, GAVAC, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and NY State Police. The residents were not home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

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Fire News, March 2020, Page 7

Barn a Total Loss in East Nassau

Another Home Destroyed in Lancaster

On January 12, 2020, the Town of Nassau firefighters responded to a fire in a wood and metal barn in East Nassau. The fire was spreading quickly with a house close by. Arriving companies had to fight 30mph winds and place a line on the deck to protect the house. Propane tanks were removed and other tanks were cooled. The structure was a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

On December 30, 2019, Lancaster firefighters responded to Pleasant Avenue for a fire that destroyed a two-story home. This fire was two blocks from a fire that took place on December 21, 2019, that also destroyed the structure. Mutual aid companies came from Depew, Bowmansville, Twin District and Marilla.

- Fire News photo by Jim Lepard

Page 8, Fire News, March 2020

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Fire Destroys Delmar Home On January 21, 2020, at around 1440, tones went out to Delmar, Elsmere and Slingerlands for a structure fire in Delmar. A caller stated it was in the area of the Bethlehem bus garage and was outside pointing directions on where to go. Units arrived to see the rear of a house completely engulfed. Delmar Ladder 22 set up in front of the house and stretched a line. A dry, cold, wind helped spread the fire throughout the house, and extra apparatus from Onesquethaw, Selkirk and Coeymans were requested for mutual aid, as were tankers. It took about 2-1/2 hours to completely knock down the fire.

- Fire News photos by Simon Lindmark and Tom Heffernan

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Fire News, March 2020, Page 9

Queens 2-Alarm

On December 16, 2019, firefighters in the College Point section of Queens were dispatched to College Point Boulevard and 18th Avenue for fire in a mixed occupancy. Fire companies arrived to heavy smoke pushing from a two-story commercial structure. Fire quickly spread to the second floor and breached the cockloft. A second alarm was transmitted as fire broke through the roof.

- Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com

Gas Line Fire Injures 2

A manhole that housed a gas line exploded and seriously injured two construction workers at Bay Ridge Parkway and 19th Avenue in Bensonhurst. An underground, 12-inch gas main blew up just after 1000 on January 28, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Woman in the Fire Service’s Phoenix Firecamp Do you know a young woman who is interested in the fire service? Introduce her to Fire Service Women of New York State (FSWNYS) Phoenix Firecamp. Phoenix is a remarkable training opportunity offered to young women between the ages of 14 and 19 years old. The weeklong sleep-over camp is held in conjunction with Utica Fire Department in Utica, New York, and operates both hands-on and classroom instruction. The dates for FSWNYS Phoenix Firecamp 2020 are July 19 to 24, 2020. More information and applications for Phoenix Firecamp are posted on the website www.fswnys.org, or call 845-309-1325.

Page 10, Fire News, March 2020

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Amsterdam KOs Flames

Fire Destroys Parked Pickup

The Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Cady Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames visible. Firefighters knocked out the fire, and nobody was reported inside the home at the time of the blaze.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

On January 16, 2020, Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters responded for a pickup truck fire on Aqueduct Road. The vehicle was well involved upon arrival and was not impeding on any structures or exposures.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

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Feura Bush Rollover

On January 5, 2020, at about 0130, a call went out for a single-car MVA rollover. The car also took out a telephone pole.

- Fire News photo by Simon Lindmark

Slingerlands MVA

A two-car MVA was reported on the afternoon of January 3, 2020, on Meads Lane and Route 32. Upon arrival, Bethlehem Police and EMS evaluated the patients and no serious injuries were reported.

Family members were able to pick up the people involved.

- Fire News photo by Simon Lindmark

Fire News, March 2020, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, March 2020

Schenectady Garage Fire

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On January 25, 2020, Schenectady firefighters were called out to a to contain the blaze which was discovered shortly after 0800. A vehished fire on Brandywine Avenue. Crews found a fully involved cle and a snow blower were lost. garage threatening other nearby structures. Two alarms were called - Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 14, Fire News, March 2020

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Ozone Park 4-Alarmer A four-alarm fire ripped through several homes and a business in Queens on January 5, 2020. The fire was reported around 1130 in a private dwelling at 101st Avenue and 80th Street in the Ozone Park section of the borough. Driven by a fierce, cold wind, the fire quickly spread to an adjoining home and then to a nearby supermarket. At least eight people, including four firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, March 2020, Page 15

Queens 6-Story 2-Alarmer

On the morning of January 17, 2020, Queens fire companies responded to a fire on the top floor of a six-story multiple dwelling on 67th Road. The fire quickly extended into the cockloft and a second alarm was transmittedbefore th fire was brought under control.

- Fire News photos by Brian Grogan

Page 16, Fire News, March 2020

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1 FF Hurt at Bronx 3-Alarmer

A three-alarm fire heavily damaged several apartments in a six-story Bronx building on January 21, 2020, in the Spuyten Duyvil section of the borough.

The call came in just after 1000 and crews arrived to fire out two top-floor windows. Companies encountered heavy clutter in the fire apartment and extension into the cockloft shortly after arrival. Over 100 members operated at scene, bringing the fire under control in two hours. One firefighter was injured.

- Fire News photos by Mike Messar

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Fire News, March 2020, Page 17

House Fire in Salisbury Mills

Abandoned Building Goes in Albany

The Washingtonville Fire Department was alerted on an automatic response to the Salisbury Mills Fire Department for a report of a structure fire on State Route 94 opposite Loughrans. Truck 579 responded. Upon arrival the crew was split to conduct searches then opened up, placing portable ladders and operating a second handline.

- Fire News photo by Chief Gary Hearn

On December 28, Albany firefighters were called out around noon for a fire in a three-story structure. On the front of the building is a large red X that means no person should enter, though some do on very cold nights.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

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Fire News, March 2020, Page 19

Amsterdam’s Chief Whitty Retires

Great Haul for Toys for Tots

Amsterdam Fire Chief Michael Whitty makes his ‘Final Inspection’ walk with his wife Nancy by his side before retiring on January 30, 2020. Good luck to Chief Whitty in your future endeavors.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

On November 24, 2019, amidst a pouring rain, Saratoga Fire Department and MacBoston 18 Truck heralded one of the largest Toys for Tots caravans in the state. Over 100 emergency vehicles, law enforcement, big rigs and individuals paraded from Ballston Spa High School up Route 50 to Saratoga Performing Arts Center to help the Marine Corps in their quest to gather toys for children this holiday season. Over 20,000 toys were collected by fire departments, sheriff’s offices and police departments.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Page 20, Fire News, March 2020

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Mahopac Installation 2020

On January 25, 2020, the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department held their Installation of Officers at Villa Baron with family and friends in attendance. Representatives of neighboring fire departments also attended. In addition, the 10 top responders were acknowledged.

Jim Stasiak, Top Responder for the past year, was installed as Chief of the Department. Andrew Roberto and Gabe Rivera are 1st and 2nd Assistant Chiefs, respectively. Captains and Lieutenants of the different Engine, Ladder, Rescue, EMS and Fire Police companies of the three stations that protect and serve the Mahopac Fire District filled the front of the room as they took their oaths of office.

Peggy Grant was sworn in as President and past-Chief Ray Hamil took the oath as Commissioner. A highlight of the evening was when outgoing Chief Bill Nikisher’s children (all three members of the fire department) presented their dad with a shadow box of all the helmet shields he has worn as he climbed the ladder to Chief. Past Commissioner Joe Smith, Master of Ceremonies, remembered those who answered their final alarms in the past year and reminded all in attendance that the dinner was dedicated to all the Mahopac members who have passed on.

- Fire News photos by Jack Casey

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Fire News, March 2020, Page 21

Southside Scramble Football Fundraiser The Colonie Village and Trivoli Fire Departments gathered at Cook Park on November 10, 2019, for the Southside Scramble Football game to benefit Toys for Tots. Nearly a hundred gifts were collected this year.

Trivoli was also presented with a check gift to go towards the rebuilding of their new fire station.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

Page 22, Fire News, March 2020

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Obituaries Mendon’s Lawrence A. Pierce

FDNY’s Dennis M. Gilhooly

Lawrence A. Pierce, age 66, of Mendon, made his journey back to God on January 23, 2020, in the comfort of his home. Lawrence was born in Rochester on May 30, 1953, to the late Milton and Martha (Hutton) Pierce. Besides his parents, Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Kristine Pierce Brassie. Lawrence is survived by his cherished wife of 47 years, Mary Ann (Camillaci) Pierce, son Lawrence (Christina) Pierce, son Daniel (fiancé Carrie Welch) Pierce, son in law David S. Brassie, brother William (Rhonda) Pierce, brother Jeff Pierce, grandchildren Julia Pierce, Chloe Brassie, Larry Pierce, David Brassie, Mary Pierce, Christopher Brassie, Matthew Brassie, Joseph Pierce, Christopher Pierce, many special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and Buddy his cat.

Besides his family, Lawrence had a deep love for his community, especially the Mendon Fire Department. He volunteered in Mendon for over 30 years. He served on the Mendon Board of Fire Commissioners from 1987, holding many different offices. Lawrence was an active member of the Monroe County Fire District Officers, rising to President from 2004 - 2005. He then moved on to become an officer of the NY State Fire District Officers Association, serving as President from 2008 - 2010. He held membership in the FASNY, International Fire Chiefs Association, NY State Fire Chiefs Association, NY State Fire Marshals Association, National Safety Council, Monroe County Fire Marshals Association, and National Fire Protection Association.

Lawrence also served on the Board of Directors for the 911 Operating Practices and the Monroe County Fire and EMS. Cards may be sent to 45 Charlemagne Drive, Mendon, NY 14506.

- Eugene Preston, Chaplain; Monroe Co. Fire District Officers Association

With regret, the Fire Department of New York announces the death of retired Captain Dennis M. Gilhooly, E-67, appointed January 9, 1982, retired June 25, 2004, which occurred on November 30, 2019. This member bravely served this Department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center.

The heartfelt sympathy of the entire department is extended to the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased in the midst of the great loss that they and the department have sustained.

The funeral took place at Peck and Peck Funeral Home, in Pine Plains (NY) on December 14, 2019, and was followed by a service at St. Joseph’s Church in Millbrook (NY).

- Fire News notice courtesy of Mark Little, NYS Assn of Fire Chaplains