Fire News New York State April 2020 edition

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 13, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 APRIL 2020

See story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Are You Proactive?

See Page 4.

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Fire News, April 2020, Page 3

In this issue...

26 FFs Injured at Yonkers 4-Alarmer A four-alarm fire killed one resident and injured 31 others, 26 of whom were firefighters.

See story on page 5

Long Fight in Wappinger Falls Wappingers Falls Fire Department was dispatched to Market Street for a fire in an occupied building.

See story on page 7

Difficult Chimney Fire in Latham Latham, Boght and Verdoy arrived to a chimney fire at a home on Anna May Lane in Latham.

See story on page 8

5 FFs Hurt at Bennett Rd. Blaze Winona Lake Engine Company assisted Middle Hope, Good Will, Cromoner Valley and six other See story on page 11 companies.

Washingtonville House Fire The Washingtonville Fire Department received a report of a house fire on Moffat Road.

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 A. 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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Car Flips in Rotterdam Rotterdam Ambulance technicians and Carman firefighters responded to a single-car rollover accident.

See story on page 14

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . pages 19-20 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22

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, April 2020

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Proactive?

Last month, my Fire News editorial addressed my concerns about Covid-19, the Corona Virus. Almost at the same time, the numerous first responder departments in conjunction with health departments have also addressed it. As cases are increasing, many organizations are cancelling events such as parades and sporting events. Should games be cancelled? Should games be played with no spectators? In order to be proactive about Covid-19, everything is on the table to hinder the spread of the virus. However, being proactive isn’t just about health emergencies or Covid-19.

A proactive leader recognizes potential problems and focuses on preventing them before they arise. Reactive management deals with problems after they arise or happen, without planning for the future. Flying by the seat of your pants can be dangerous and have devasting results to responders.

Can you think of a few people in your department who have set the example of being proactive? I give thanks to people like Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (retired FDNY), who, for as long as I can remember, has addressed issues that can negatively effect firefighters. His numerous books on a variety of topics, along with his YouTube videos,

have addressed issues that could have detrimental effects on all responders. My editorial is not about Chief Dunn, however, although I do think you should review his books and videos. It is about the mindset of thinking ahead and asking “what if.”

I recently attended a Fire Bell Club of NY meeting. The club’s guest speaker, FDNY Assistant Chief Joseph Jardin, spoke about the numerous areas that the Bureau of Fire Prevention is addressing to be proactive in the City of New York. When the class was over, I gave thought to what other departments are doing to be proactive in the firerescue and emergency services.

My hometown is growing in leaps and bounds. It seems that every piece of vacant land is being built upon. Lightweight truss construction creates concerns for all firefighters. Have you inspected the new construction in your area? Have you talked with fire marshals regarding the issues of new construction? Have you looked at seasonal construction, such as Halloween horror houses and “fright walks?” Many use materials that are flammable to create partitions that block or divert the walking path of visitors.

Chief Jardin pointed out some of the issues and concerns with escape rooms, ones in

which a team of players cooperatively discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in one or more rooms in order to progress and accomplish a timed specific goal. It is definitely a fun event, but many times alterations are made to the rooms that could have a potentially dangerous outcome if something was to go wrong. If you have these forms of entertainment in your district, it is your best interest to be proactive and inspect the facility for possible safety issues.

I encourage everyone to take a look at their fire districts proactively in order to prevent situations where you have to react without the knowledge of changes made that might be dangerous to the public and to firefighters.

Be Safe, Dennis

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Fire News, April 2020, Page 5

26 FFs Injured at Yonkers 4-Alarmer

A four-alarm fire in a city apartment building killed one resident and injured 31 others, 26 of whom were firefighters, on February 23, 2020. As one resident related, the fire began in a first-floor-rear apartment’s bedroom on Saratoga Avenue, which residents initially attempted to extinguish themselves. Investigators found that when they fled the apartment, they left several doors open allowing the fire to quickly spread. First-due companies arrived in just under four minutes to heavy smoke from the first floor of the four-story building with multiple injured residents in the street. The fire then traveled to the third floor by way of a shaft, trapping two residents, one of whom jumped and was seriously injured, and the other was

removed by firefighters and pronounced at the scene. The fire ultimately spread to all floors and the cockloft with 93 firefighters working for over three hours to bring the fire under control.

Yonkers Deputy Chief Joseph Citrone said that the building lacked smoke detectors in common areas and self-closing doors. Citrone said that of the 26 firefighters injured, only two remained in the hospital overnight for evaluation. Five other departments provided coverage. The cause of the fire was still under investigation but early signs indicate that it started accidentally.

- Fire News photos by Mike Messar

Page 6, Fire News, April 2020

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Cover Story

Flames Light the Sky in Schenectady On February 9, 2020, Schenectady firefighters battled a fully involved garage fire on Lexington Avenue after flames broke out shortly after 0300. Two alarms were struck due to the close proxim-

ity of other structures. Damage was confined to the garage of origin and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

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Long Fight in Wappinger Falls On the afternoon of February 25, 2020, the Wappingers Falls Fire Department was dispatched to Market Street for a fire in an occupied building. Upon arrival, they found a small fire caused by what was thought to be a worker welding. The fire had already extended into the walls and floor. As crews were opening up they encountered fire conditions which had rapidly spread to the upper floors. The age and non-fireproof protection of the building didn’t help suppression efforts. The building was a three-story front/1-1/2 story rear taxpayer with fire on all floors. There was a floor collapse and crews went defensive. The incident duration was seven-plus hours, with fire conditions present for almost 3-1/2 hours.

- Fire News photos by Dave Kempter

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Difficult Chimney Fire in Latham

Early Morning Fire in Colonie Village

On February 29, 2020, Latham, Boght and Verdoy arrived to a chimney fire at a home on Anna May Lane in Latham. The unusual construction of the chimney hampered extinguishment. The exterior brick was a facade with the interior being a combination of plywood and metal tubing. The top of the chimney had been sealed off by metal sheeting which needed to be pried off in order to access the interior. In the end, a combination of interior and exterior attacks extinguished the multiple hot spots throughout the chimney. No one was injured and the home received water and smoke damage in the rear family room, including a ceiling collapse.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Early on February 29, 2020, Colonie Village, with the assistance of Midway, West Albany and Shaker-Road Loudonville responded to a house fire on Barker Street. Chief Kayser (Colonie) reported flames from the roof of the structure. Thankfully, the residents had a properly working fire alarm which alerted them to the fire and allowed them to escape. Crews worked on the fire from both the roof and interior. No one was injured and, due to the quick response and fast attack of responding departments, the house was left with minimal damage.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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Chatham Receives New Rig

Chatham firefighters recently received training on the department’s new John Deere Gator. This vehicle is for off-road as well as on-road operation (top speed approximately 40 mph) and can be used in place of larger equipment in wildland fire suppression, rescue/recovery, traffic control, trees on wires, pump-outs/flooding and similar incidents. It can carry two passengers along with the driver and can also mount a Stoke’s basket. It carries 55 gallons of water, hoses, pump, firefighting foam and a full complement of emergency and scene lights. For longer distances it can be transported by an enclosed trailer, which contains additional equipment, including a generator. This equipment was purchased with a grant through the office of former State Senator Kathy Marchione.

- Fire News photo by David Levow

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Arson at White Springs Walmart

1 Injured at Oaks Corners Fire

On January 22, 2020, around 1300, the White Springs Fire Department was toned out for an automatic alarm with multiple pull stations activated at the Geneva Walmart on Routes 5 and 20.

Chief 30-0 arrived and was notified of a fire with the sprinkler system activated; he requested a second alarm bring the City of Geneva, West Lake Road, Stanley and Oaks Corners. The fire was knocked down quickly and the cause of the fire was ruled arson.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

On January 30, 2020, the Oaks Corners Fire Department was dispatched to County Road 6 for a recycling bin on fire. Some reports indicated there was an explosion with a person injured. The dispatcher upgraded the response to a first-alarm structure fire, which included an crews from the Lyons, Junius, and an ambulance from Phelps Ambulance. Oaks Corners Deputy Chief Zachery Rey reported a structure fire in a storage building with an exposure problem. He requested a second alarm and, due to the lack of a municipal water supply, a tanker task force. One patient was treated by EMS and then flown to Strong Memorial Hospital

by Mercy Flight Central. The fire was under investigation by the Ontario County OEM and the Ontario County Office of Sheriff.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

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Car Burns in Brunswick

In February, a homeowner opened his garage door to find his car on fire. The flames spread rapidly and engulfed the structure. This was a very cold morning in Brunswick (Rensselaer County).

Fortunately, there were hydrants nearby, and the house was able to be saved.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Fire News, April 2020, Page 11

5 FFs Hurt at Bennett Rd. Blaze

Winona Lake Engine Company responded to Bennett Road to assist Middle Hope, Good Will, Cromoner Valley and six other companies with a fire. Five fireman were injured and treated at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Page 12, Fire News, April 2020

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Mahopac Falls Chimney Fire

Washingtonville House Fire

On January 17, 2020, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department was dispatched to Red Mills Road off Hill Street for a chimney fire. Chief Jeff Boyle requested two pumper/tankers carrying 5000 gallons of water, heavy rescue and an ambulance. Mutual aid came from Putnam Valley, Putnam County Fire Investigation Team and Battalions 16 and 18 with Mahopac and EMStar Medic 3 to standby for coverage.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey, PIO MFFD

On February 16, 2020, the Washingtonville Fire Department received a report of a house fire on Moffat Road, off of Route 208.

Units arrived and found fire on the first floor of the house.

Firefighters forced entry into the house, which was unoccupied at the time, conducted searches and contained the fire to the room of origin. Salisbury Mills stood by. The Town of Blooming Grove Police Department and Building Inspector were at the scene. Due to the sub-freezing temperature, upon completion of fire operations, the Town of Blooming Grove Highway Department sanded the road.

- Fire News photo by Chief Gary Hearn

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Fire News, April 2020, Page 13

Stony Point House Fire

Climber Falls off New City Crag

The Stony Point Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Major Andre Drive on the evening of October 19, 2019, around 2100. Heavy fire was showing out the attic space on the 4 side of the home when firefighters arrived. They were able to advance a line into the home and rapidly knocked down the fire. Additional overhaul was complicated due to a full solar panel array on the front side of the roof. No one was injured and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

On November 3, 2019, the New City Fire Department responded to a call for an injured hiker in High Tor State Park, who fell about 40 feet but was conscious. An updated location of the injured man was obtained via a cell phone ping and placed the hiker about 1.2 miles from the road. He and two friends were located about 100feet off a fire road, allowing easy access. The injured man had been free climbing a sheer face of rock, fell, and came to rest on a steep slope. Mutual aid was requested from the Thiells and Hillcrest. The Rockland Regional Technical Rescue Team was also activated and responded. The New City Ambulance Corps, Rockland Paramedics, NYS Park Police and Park Rangers also assisted. The man was stabilized and removed via a Stoke’s basket. His injuries, although serious, were not considered life threatening.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

Page 14, Fire News, April 2020

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Car Flips in Rotterdam

Photographer Finds MVA

In February 2020, Rotterdam Ambulance technicians and Carman firefighters responded to a single-car rollover accident in the eastbound lane of Interstate 890. The driver of the car was trapped for a time before being extricated. She was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

On February 22, 2020, I was driving north on 787 near Menands, and I could see a back up, and came upon an accident in the south lane with cars parked in the north lane. Men were running carrying tools. As I jumped the guard rail I could see a car stopped in the middle lane a couple hundred feet to the south. I was impressed when seeing civilians rushing with power saws all working together to free the driver. I was wearing a vest and spent several minutes trying to clear the backup and get the help stuck in the backup to the crash site. The driver of the SUV on the rail was going north in the southbound lane.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

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Long Day at Manhattan 5-Alarmer

On January 23, 2020, FDNY firefighters responded to Mulberry Street in Manhattan shortly before 2100 for fire in a six-story mixed occupancy building. Battalion 1 quickly transmitted the second alarm on arrival. One occupant, who was on the fourth floor was rescued using the bucket of Tower Ladder 1. The fire eventually went to five alarms and took close to 24 hours to bring under control.

- Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com

Covering Company Gets First-Due

A fire broke out in an attached, three-story private dwelling on Powells Cove Boulevard in the College Point section of Queens on January 17, 2020. Flames and heavy smoke were pushing from the second-floor rear balcony on arrival. FDNY Engine Company 90 from the Bronx was on a relocation assignment and picked up the job first-due.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire News, April 2020, Page 15

Brush Fire in Queens

Firefighters from NYC responded to a large area of brush burning on 165th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard on February, 29, 2020.

The fire was in Gateway National Park in the Howard Beach section of Queens. A second alarm assignment was needed to bring the flames under control.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Queens 2-Alarmer

Firefighters were recently called to a blaze in Queens. Upon the arrival of crews, Ladder Company 155 transmitted a second alarm for heavy fire from three buildings. The fire was located at 121st Avenue and Stuphin Boulevard.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 16, Fire News, April 2020

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Chili Champs of 2020 On March 1, 2020, the 10th Annual Firehouse Chili Cook-off was held at Brown’s Brewing Revolution Hall in Troy. Sixteen competitors participated and passed out gallons of delicious varieties of chili to hundreds of people. The event gives 100 percent of the proceeds split between the FASNY Fireman’s home in Hudson and the Burn Unit at Albany Medical Center.

This year, FASNY home members made their own entry. Verdoy, Capital Region Fools, MacBoston 18 Truck, Spiegletown, Cohoes, Fuller Road, West Albany, Niskayuna 1, Defreestville, West Sand Lake, Albany Fire, Troy, Watervliet and Green Island department participated. Third place went to Watervliet, second to Verdoy and first place to West Albany. The People’s Choice winner was Troy. FASNY representative thanked all of the participants for helping raise thousands of dollars for the Hudson home.

A great time was had by all.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Henery is Niskayuna 2 Firefighter of the Year Niskayuna 2 Fire Department held its annual installation of officers banquet on February 15, 2020. At the event, Thomas Henery was honored as the 2020 Firefighter of the Year.

Congratulations and thanks for your dedicated service.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Page 18, Fire News, April 2020

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NYSAFC ANNOUNCES CHIEF BRUCE HEBERER AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Chief Bruce E. Heberer as chief executive officer of the association, effective January 1, 2020.

In this role, Heberer will serve in a part-time capacity overseeing the association’s four staff members at NYSAFC headquarters and will be responsible for operations of the not-for-profit organization. The chief executive officer position replaces the previous executive director position. The position name was changed to bring the title back in line with the NYSAFC Constitution and By-Laws; however, the duties of the office shall remain the same.

Heberer served as a member of the association’s board of directors from September 2016 to December 2019, and along with pastPresident John Sroka, was an interim executive director from September 2018 to December 2019.

A career member of the City of Johnstown Fire Department in Fulton County since 1987, Heberer has been serving as Chief of Department since 2006. He was also the municipal training officer from 1998-2006. Additionally, Heberer has been a member of the Berkshire Fire District since 1986, where he is currently a line Captain and Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Heberer has served as a Deputy Emergency Management Officer/Fire Coordinator for Fulton County since 1996 and as a New York State Fire Instructor assigned to Fulton County since 1990. He is an adjunct to the New York State Academy of Fire Science and is a primary instructor with the New York State Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program. Heberer is also a New York State-certified police officer and served as a part-time Road Patrol Deputy with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He previously served in the US Navy as a damage control man from 1982-1986.

Heberer has been a member of NYSAFC since 1988 and has served as an association Hands-On Training Instructor for many years. He is active with numerous state and national firematic organizations, including the Career Fire Chiefs of New York State, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Code Council, National Fire Protection Association, and International Association of Arson Investigators.

Bruce’s father, Edward Heberer, served as Chief of the City of Johnstown Fire Department from 1983-1996 and was president of NYSAFC from 1995-1996.

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Fire News, April 2020, Page 19

Up Close Good luck to newly appointed Amsterdam Fire Chief Tony Agresta, outgoing/retired Amsterdam Fire Chief Michael Whitty and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Up Close 1st Assistant Chief Gary Roberts of the South Schodack Fire Department with his two Firefighter sons Noah and Seth, at an MVA on Route 9 in the Town of Schodack on December 17, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Chief Gary Roberts

Page 20, Fire News, April 2020

Up Close

Fundraising for Sully

Firefighters from FDNY Squad 41 sold memorial t-shirts recently at the Long Island Fire and EMS Mega Show in honor of their fallen brother, Lieutenant Brian ‘Sully’ Sullivan. Lieutenant Sullivan passed away unexpectedly at his home after operating at Bronx Box 2150 on August 10, 2019. Sully, a 27-year veteran of the FDNY was well known and highly respected in the fire service community. All the proceeds from t-shirts sold will go to his wife Irene, and two daughters Nicole and Samantha.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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FDNY Fundraising at the Long Island Mega Show

Firefighters from FDNY Engine 257 and Ladder 170 ‘Canarsi’s Bravest’ sold t-shirts at the Long Island Fire and EMS Mega Show recently to help support the Steven Pollard Memorial Foundation.

Firefighter Pollard died in a tragic LODD accident on January 6, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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100 Years of Service

Fire News, April 2020, Page 21

Congratulations on 100 years of service to the Stanford Heights Fire Department. Its 100th installation of officers was held to a full house of neighboring departments and dignitaries who lavished the department with proclamations and awards. The February 8, 2020, black tie event brought all 12 departments of the Town of Colonie, as well as mutual aid companies. At the event to present the department with proclamations from New York State were Senator Paul Tonko, Assemblyman Phil Streck, Town Of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan.(photo includes Chief John Courter in the center). At the event Chris Nielsen was presented with the Firefighter of the Year award. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

Page 22, Fire News, April 2020

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Obituaries

FDNY’s Brian W. Casse

With regret, the Fire Department of New York announced the death of retired Firefighter Brian W. Casse, E-294, appointed November 7, 1981, retired October 15, 2005, which occurred on December 4, 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.

- Fire News photo courtesy of NYSAFC Regional Director Mark Little

Johnson’s Chaplain Robert Vaughn

It is with regret we announce the passing of Johnson Fire Department Chaplain Robert Vaughan. In his past endeavors he was a US Navy veteran, Chaplain in Nassau County (NY), Pocono Summit (P)A, and many other places. A memorial service was held on December 12, 2019, in Middletown. The burial of ashes will take place in at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla (NY) at a later date.

Chaplain Vaughan joined the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains in 1973. Please hold his wife, Ruth and their family in you prayers.

- Fire News photos provided

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