Fire News New York State 4-22

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 15, 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 2022

See story on page 6.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Register for the CFSI Symposium & Dinner Please see pages 24 & 30.

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

Newburgh Structure Fire Firefighters had a difficult time chasing the fire.

See story on page 7

Water Problems Hinder Fire Ops A former welding garage full of propane tanks and other items was fully involved.

See story on page 8

65 Displaced in Fairport 4-Alarmer Companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from an apartment on the top floor.

See story on page 14

Stubborn Blaze in White Plains White Plains firefighters responded to report of a fire at a uniquely designed dwelling.

See story on page 20

Out of Control in Delmar The driver is facing a slew of charges after traveling at a high rate of speed leaving a trail of destruction and assaulting a police officer.

See story on page 25

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, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ 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 2022, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Catskill 3-Car MVA Route 9W was closed for at least an hour as first responders worked at the scene.

See story on page 28

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 32 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 32

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.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Spring Has Sprung: Some Thoughts I would like to take a moment to ask everyone to remember Dennis Smith. Dennis Smith was a retired FDNY firefighter who wrote Report from Engine Co. 82 and was the founder of Firehouse Magazine, which went into publication in 1976. Firehouse Editor-inChief Peter Matthews said it best; “Dennis had the ability to share life-saving techniques to firefighters across the country and share the stories of firefighters around the world.”

He impacted the fire service with his writings and with his hands on experiences as Captain of Engine 82. Dennis served during the “War Years” of the 60s and 70s, which was the busiest time in the FDNY. His writings motivated me to serve the volunteer fire service for almost 30 years and to join the staff of Fire News, which was started in 1973.

Almost 50 years later Fire News continues to represent the fire service in a positive light.

May Dennis Smith be remembered for his love of the fire service and making it what it is today. Dennis died on January 21, 2022.

Moving along to spring 2022; what are you doing to improve your skills to be a better first responder? Recently, the NYSAFC held the Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo

at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. I had a smile on my face as I watched many of the attendees pack the seminar room to attend classes that were presented by many of the great names in the fire service. Thank you to those speakers, who spent time talking with our responders well after their classes were finished.

April is the month that our field training reopens at our county and state fire academies. Over the winter, most training facilities have been overhauled and set up to challenge firefighters with new evolutions to test the skills of firefighters throughout our country.

In my firehouse there is a list of the handson classes that responders must attend. The intense training is well received by most members. I encourage our chiefs to share their opinions of the evolution with the staff at the fire academy. Keep in mind that most academies will “tweak” an evolution to better serve a department that comes from a different locale. If you want to see a change in an evolution, discuss it at the firehouse kitchen and bring up your ideas at your town and county fire chiefs council where the suggestions will be brought back to the academy.

Change happens with positive discussions.

In closing, I remember the recent loss of too many firefighters over the past few months. Fire News tries to honor everyone in our newspaper. This cannot happen if departments do not have an active Public Information Officer, who makes sure that Fire News has photos and a write up about the individual who has passed. I have asked many times for departments to make sure their PIOs get the word out to Fire News of all activities they would like to see in your newspaper. Yes, Fire News is your newspaper and represents your department. Please make sure we are kept abreast of what is happening in your department. You can email us with questions. The masthead on page 3 of every edition has an email address, so you can contact the newspaper with questions.

Stay safe and continue to train as if your life depends on it!

- Dennis

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Cover Story

LODD: Firefighter Jesse B. Gerhard On February 17, 2022, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced the death of Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, 33, of the FDNY, and a former member of the Islip Fire Department.

On Wednesday, February 16, Firefighter Gerhard suffered a medical episode while on-duty in his firehouse — Ladder Company 134 in Far Rockaway, Queens — and was transported to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital where he later died. Firefighter Gerhard had operated extensively at a two-alarm fire in Far Rockaway the previous day. The members of his firehouse immediately provided emergency medical care and he was then rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Jesse was a seven-year veteran, joining the FDNY from EMT in 2014-2017, and completed his firefighter training 2018. During his tenure with the FDNY, Jesse served as an EMT in Station 10 (Manhattan) and Station 47 (Far Rockaway), Engine 264 (Far Rockaway) and Ladder 134 (Far Rockaway).

In addition to his career duties with the FDNY, Jesse was also a beloved 12-year volunteer firefighter with Engine Company 1 of the Islip Fire Department. Jesse served as 2nd Lieutenant in 2018-2019 and 1st Lieutenant in 2020-2021, and as a member of the Islip Wolves Drill Team.A resident of Long Beach, he is survived by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law. In lieu of flowers: https://www.firedupforacurefdnynyc.org/.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza, K2MPhotography.com and Jim Dunn

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 7

Newburgh Structure Fire

Selkirk Vehicle Fire

The City of Newburgh Fire Department, assisted by numerous mutual-aid departments, operated at a working fire in a balloon construction structure on 1st Street on February 7, 2022.

Firefighters had a difficult time chasing the fire in numerous voids and a flat roof.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

On February 19, 2022, at around noon, Selkirk Fire was dispatched to a vehicle fire at NYS Thruway Exit 22 and River Road.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a pickup smoking from the rear. It was unknown how the fire started. It was not electrical, rather a spontaneous combustion of the contents in the bed of the truck. It was later towed.

- Fire News photo by Lindmark Photography

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Water Problems Hinder Fire Ops

In the early morning of February 21, 2022, Fuller Road, West Albany, Colonie Village, Stanford Heights, Midway, McKownville, Westmere, North Bethlehem Rehab, Shaker Road Duty Crew were called to Spruce Street for a structure fire. The original call came in as a structure fire with explosions. Multiple calls came in for a vehicle and additional structures on fire. A former welding garage full of propane tanks and other items was fully involved upon arrival.

The departments worked from exterior while Midway Truck 7 worked from above. Additional problems, due to water availability, made the fire difficult to extinguish. During the fire a watermain broke under Rescue 9 and the vehicle was just able to move off of the collapsing ground. Crews worked for over four hours before overhaul could begin.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Looking Back Albany - 1972 Albany plane crash on March 3, 1972. - Fire News photos by Martin Miller

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70+ Displaced in New Rochelle Blaze

Just before 1300 on February 14, 2022, New Rochelle firefighters responded to a report of an electrical fire in an apartment on Union Street. Companies arrived to find fire showing from two top-floor windows and smoke pushing from cockloft vents. Second and third alarms were quickly transmitted and mutual aid was requested from the City of Yonkers. Companies relied on trench cuts to keep

the fire in the affected wing of the three-wing, six-story, occupied building. About 70 residents were displaced in sub-freezing temperatures as firefighters worked for over seven hours to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Mike Messar

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Bronx Fire Goes to 4 Alarms

Bronx firefighters were confronted with heavy smoke condition in a two-story supermarket on Archer Street. Engine Company 90 transmitted an urgent 10-75 for heavy smoke, Division 7 transmitted a second alarm as fire extended to the second floor. The fire ultimately went to four alarms. Units used two multi-versal nozzles and four tower ladders to bring the fire under control.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 13

Briarcliff Manor Chimney Fire Extends

On the evening of February 25, 2022, the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department was alerted for a chimney fire on Oak Road. The first chief arrived to smoke pushing from the eaves. Upon investigation it was determined an out-of-control chimney fire had caught some

of the roof line on fire and was extending along the roof. Mutual aid units were called to the scene to assist. The incident was placed under control within the hour. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Kempter’s Fire Wire

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65 Displaced in Fairport 4 Alarmer

In the early morning of January 24, 2022, the Fairport Fire Department was dispatched to Honeysuckle Terrace for of a fire.

Companies arrived to heavy smoke showing and heavy fire showing from an apartment on the top floor; mutual aid was requested.

Crews made a push to the top floor of the building and put water on the fire but a strong wind carried the fire to adjoining apartments. Command struck a second alarm bringing more manpower, as units worked to keep up with the fire. Flames soon reached into the cockloft and spread throughout the building. As wind continued to drive the fire, command struck third and fourth alarms.

The fire would displace 65 residents and make one apartment building untenable. Temperatures were in the single digits.

- Fire News photos PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Tough Job at Rochester 4-Alarmer

In the early morning of January 30, 2022, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to West Main and Jefferson for the report of fire in the downstairs of a building. While en route, a second call was received for a fire at the location and the box was loaded up.

Arriving companies found a fire in a mini-mart and quickly stretched lines into the store. Firefighters were able to knock down the main body of fire quickly but the fire had extended into the walls and up into the second floor with apartments. Companies doing searches on the second floor found fire and high heat and believed the fire had also extended into the cockloft. A second alarm was struck as crews tried to keep up with the rapidly spreading fire. Due to the extremely labor-intensive parts of this fire, second and third alarms were struck bringing most of the city’s fire units as well as a ladder truck from Gates. Eventually, firefighters were able to get ahead of the fire and put it under control around two hours after initial dispatch.

- Fire News photo PuckStopperPhotography.com

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600-Gallon Gas Spill in Glenmont

Arlington House Fire

The Selkirk, Elsmere and Delmar fire departments responded to a gas spill at the CITGO Terminal Plant on River Road on January 25, 2022. Crews arrived to approximately 600 gallons of gasoline that had leaked out from one of the storage tanks. The NYSDEC Spill Response also showed up to aid departments. Bethlehem Police provided traffic safety on the scene.

- Fire News photo by Lindmark Photography

In February, the Arlington Fire Department operated at a structure fire in a residence on Hagan Drive. A quick response greatly limited damage to the center hall colonial. A lone male occupant was treated by Mobile-Life and Arlington EMS personnel at the scene. The fire’s cause was investigated by Arlington’s Fire Investigation personnel and determined to be accidental.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Truck Fire on Route 6N

At approximately 1615 on February 5, 2022, Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, along with Carmel Police, were dispatched to a possible tow truck on fire on Route 6N at the Putnam/Westchester border. Upon the arrival of DC-19-21, it was confirmed that a tow truck was fully involved but, thankfully, outside and away from other vehicles. Captain Stasiak took command and was followed by 19-4-4, which quickly stretched a line and extinguished the vehicle fire.

- Fire News photo by Ellen Nistico, PIO

Fire News, April 2022, Page 17

Early Morning Dryer Fire in Delmar

At around 0345, on February 22, 2022, Delmar Fire, Delmar EMS, and the FAST were dispatched to a structure fire at the 4 Corner Laundromat. Upon arrival, a heavy smoke condition filled the building and firefighters made entrance to the rear to find a lower level dryer on fire. According to Elsmere Chief Marc Futia, the dryer was set to high heat and possibly overloaded. The contents inside the dryer were unloaded and placed on a snow pile.

- Fire News photo by Lindmark Photography

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Quick Stop in Yonkers

Yonkers firefighters made quick work of a room-and-contents fire in the southwest section of the city on January 28, 2022. Multiple calls were received just before 1830 for Rumsey Road, with fire showing

from the second floor of what was later discovered to be a vacant dwelling. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes with no reported injuries.

- Fire News photo by Mike Messar

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 19

Fatality at Washingtonville House Fire

At 1903 on February 13, 2022, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched to a house on fire on Shaw Road in the Town of New Windsor. Washingtonville Car 2 (VanRiper) and Engine 584 responded in under three minutes. First Assistant Chief VanRiper arrived to a large volume of fire coming from a 1-1/2 story private house. A second alarm was transmitted bringing multiple mutual aid departments to the scene. Engine 584 arrived and began a primary search and stretching hose lines. As 584’s crew entered the front door, a victim was found a few feet inside. The male victim was removed from the structure however his injuries were too severe to begin any type of life saving measures.

Washingtonville firefighters and mutual aid companies placed three handlines in service to extinguish the fire as well as completing thorough searches of the residence. No additional victims were located.

There were two minor injuries to firefighters. Washingtonville was assisted by fire departments from Salisbury Mills, Chester, Vails Gate, Coldenham, Campbell Hall, Maybrook, Cornwall, Montgomery and South Blooming Grove. Woodbury was on standby at Washingtonville’s firehouse. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the New Windsor Police and The Town of New Windsor Office of Fire Prevention.

- Fire News story by Chief Brian Bates, photos by Joseph VanRiper.

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Stubborn Blaze in White Plains Shortly after 1300 on February 26, 2022, White Plains firefighters responded to report of a fire at a recently renovated and uniquely designed dwelling on Old Mamaroneck Road in the city’s South End. Companies found fire on the second floor extending into void spaces in the attic through the chimney box and running the top floor. Crews fought aggressively inside and topside to extinguish the stubborn blaze before pulling out and going defensive. A third alarm brought units from Greenville and Scarsdale to the scene. All occupants escaped and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Mike Messar and Brandon Colon

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Power Outage Causes Flooding

Firefighters in the City of Rensselaer responded in zero-degree temperatures for an electrical emergency. A power line from the street burned off, resulting in the heat shutting down and pipes breaking which caused a flooding condition. The building was evacuated. Many occupants went to a local motel or to family.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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Ice Diving Drill in Mahopac Falls On February 6, 2022, members of Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, as well as Deputy Sheriff’s Neary and McDonough, put bitterly cold weather to good use and utilized the frozen Lake Mahopac for an annual ice diving drill. Ice diving is physically, logistically, and mentally challenging, which means it can also be extremely dangerous. Proper skills and education for this diving environment are key to a successful and safe operation. Dive officers went over the landbased operations, which includes selecting and using the correct equipment, using the correct signals to communicate with the divers, ice diving protocols, and how to correctly set up the pulley system to ensure all necessary gear can be brought on and off the ice without any issues. Two holes were cut in the ice for access to the water. Once the holes were cut and the divers were prepped for entry, they conducted multiple dives under the ice. During these dives, the divers practiced their search patterns as well as backup procedures of the primary diver. These dives can take a toll on members as they take place in what is known in diving as an overhead environment; i.e., limited access and exits.

These conditions are difficult and take a lot of practice.

Once the divers completed their dives, EMS crews monitored their vital signs.

- Fire News photos by Capt. Brian Ward and Dive Lt. Willie Gabay; story by Ellen Nistico

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Far Rockaway House Fire

Explosion at Brooklyn Blaze

FDNY fire units in the Far Rockway section of Queens transmitted a second alarm on arrival for a fire in a large three-story private dwelling on Beach Channel Drive on February 15, 2022. Heavy fire was showing on arrival in the older style wood framed home and companies were quickly put to work. Two additional truck companies were called to the scene to assist in the operation. This was the fire FDNY FF Jesse Gerhard worked the night before passing away from a medical episode.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

On February 4, 2022, Engine Company 253 transmitted a second alarm on arrival for heavy fire and the collapse of a three-story private dwelling on Bay 35th Street in Brooklyn. Units had encountered an explosion in one of the three dwellings. Primary searches were negative. Units then switched to a defensive posture. Units used two hoselines to knock down the main body of fire.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Car vs. Pole in Selkirk Causes 9W to Shut Down

At approximately 1600 on February 13, 2022, Selkirk Fire, Delmar Bethlehem EMS, and Bethlehem Police were dispatched to an MVA in front of BMW of South Albany. Dispatch also stated a pole was struck and wires were down. Emergency personnel immediately shut down 9W at Beacon Road and Wemple Road. Police and paramedics were first to arrive and no injuries were reported. It was unknown how/why the driver veered off the road into the pole.

- Fire News photo by Lindmark Photography

Fire News, April 2022, Page 25

Out of Control in Delmar

On February 5, 2022, a car traveling at a high rate of speed in Delmar, left a trail of destruction along Delaware Avenue in front of the Bethlehem Senior High School after it crashed into multiple cars. According to Bethlehem Police the driver was driving westbound near the intersection of Longmeadow Drive at approximately 1245 when he struck a white SUV, shearing off the whole left side. Police said his car spun around backward still traveling at a high rate of speed and crashing into a minivan and then a pickup.

The car continued going backwards for approximately another 500 feet down a hill then went airborne, hitting a tree, then flipping over. The driver fled, but was caught by police. While officers were interviewing him, he assaulted one of the officers. The driver is facing a slew of charges and was transported to Albany Medical Hospital.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

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FDNY Chief of Department Retires

On January 12, 2022, an overwhelming group of FDNY staff, Mayor Eric Adams and family attended the walkout ceremony for Chief of Department Thomas Richardson, who retired after 41 years with the FDNY. Chief Richardson began his career in 1980 as a Firefighter. His first assignment was at Engine Company 227 in Brooklyn, and he later worked at Ladder Company 102 and Rescue Company 2, also in Brooklyn. In September of 2000, he was pro-

moted to Battalion Chief. He was cited for bravery six times during his career, including for the rescue of a 15-year-old boy from a fire in Brooklyn. Chief of Department Thomas Richardson retired as the 37th Chief of Department. The staff of the FDNY and his family wish Chief Richardson a happy and healthy retirement.

- Fire News photos by Brian Grogan

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 27

FDNY Commish Retires

Congratulations to Commissioner Daniel Nigro, who retired from the FDNY on February 16, 2022. Daniel Nigro was appointed as a Firefighter on November 29, 1969, and after graduating from the Fire Academy, was first assigned to Engine Company 21 in Manhattan. He retired from the department in 2002 and returned

in 2014 as Fire Commissioner. From the staff at Fire News and our dedicated staff of photographers, we wish Commissioner Daniel Nigro a long and healthy retirement - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 28, Fire News, April 2022

Car Into Structure in New Hackensack

Hughsonville, the Village of Wappingers, Empress/Town of Wappinger Medics, the Town of Wappinger Building Inspector, and the NYSP, recently assisted New Hackensack at an MVA with a car into the family room of a residence on Widmer Road.

Fortunately, the female vehicle operator was uninjured, however the structure did sustain significant damage. Firefighters evaluated the damage, shored up the structure, and then removed the vehicle from within Hughsonville and Wappingers provided coverage for NKFD as they attended their annual dinner.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Catskill 3-Car MVA

A serious MVA involving at least three vehicles occurred in front of the Grandview Plaza in the Village of Catskill on February 14, 2022. Village of Catskill Police, Catskill Fire Department, along with the Town of Catskill Ambulance, responded. After emergency personnel arrived, additional ambulances were requested. Route 9W was closed for at least an hour as first responders worked at the scene. Catskill Police were investigating.

- Fire News photo by John C. Miller

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32ND ANNUAL NATIONAL FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES SYMPOSIUM AND DINNER On April 6-7, 2022, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) will host the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner in Washington, DC. Once again, the annual tribute to the nation’s fire service is expected to draw over 1500 of your colleagues from the fire and emergency services. By registering, you can attend educational seminars, conduct meetings with your member of Congress, and network with your colleagues. At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation’s firefighters and emergency services personnel. CFSI invites you to participate in this important event.

“The theme of the 2022 program is Sustaining Strength and Resilience in Challenging Times,” said CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb. “Since the pandemic was declared in the spring of 2020, we have all been faced with extraordinary challenges. But the fire service is known for approaching challenges as opportunities to continue delivering the services on which the public depends, while also developing innovative solutions to enhance its mission. The same can be said of the Congressional Fire Services Institute and other national fire service organizations. We must continue to sustain our strength and resilience on Capitol Hill to serve our first responders during these challenging times.”

The National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is an event like no other in the fire and emergency services.

Opportunities abound to interact with members of Congress and federal agency officials to discuss both national issues and local concerns.

The seminar program features federal policy makers and national fire service leaders, the program covers a broad array of national issues - issues being considered by Congress and implemented by federal agencies, as well as issues being addressed collectively by national organizations. Your registration fee will allow you full access to the seminars program and the Dinner.

Culminating the two-day event, the Dinner will feature leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Administration who will pay their personal tributes to the men and women of the fire and emergency services. The program will also include four award presentations for individual and organizational leadership in advancing the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s fire and emergency services.

If you have questions about event registration or wish to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities, please contact Steven Tramel at stramel@cfsi.org. Or you can call our office at 202-3711277 and a member of the CFSI staff will gladly answer your questions.

ROY DENNY JOINS FIRE DISTRICTS OF NEW YORK MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.

Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Company, Inc., is pleased to announce Roy Denny has joined the organization as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. Roy brings 35 years of

insurance industry experience in various company and agency roles. “I value working for a mutual insurance company because the policyholders actually own the company. It puts our business in the proper perspective.”

Roy states, “Fire Districts of New York Mutual was founded by people in the fire service for people in the fire service. Our mission and culture are deep rooted in the service and care of protecting those that protect us. It’s my privilege to work with our dedicated staff, brokers, and our policyholders.

Our future is optimistic, and we look forward to working together on new opportunities. Personally, I look forward to working with old and new friends in my new role.”

Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Company under-

writes VFBL (Volunteer Firefighters Benefits Law) and Workers Compensation insurance for fire districts throughout New York State.

The company has an A.M. Best & Co. rating of “A-” Excellent. A.M. Best is an independent credit rating agency focused exclusively on the worldwide insurance industry.

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 31

Rochester House Fire On the afternoon of January 29, 2022, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Comfort Street for a fire. Companies arrived to smoke showing from a home. Crews made entry and found fire in the walls on multiple floors extending to the attic. Companies on the roof were able to make a hole in the roof, improving conditions inside for interior crews, allowing them to start making quick work of the flames. The fire was declared out within 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo PuckStopperPhotography.com

FDNY Responds to Queens Village Fire FDNY units in Queens Village were alerted for a fire in an attached private dwelling on 216th Street on the morning of January 31 2022. Heavy smoke was pushing from the third-floor windows on arrival. An extra engine and truck responded to the scene.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

Wood Stove Fire Stopped in Watervliet Maplewood, Watervliet, Green Island, Boght and Latham responded to a structure fire on Kirkner Lane in Watervliet. The wood stove in the residence caught fire, which extended through the wall and into the basement area. The departments were able to contain the fire quickly and prevented the fire from extending into the remainder of the residence.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Woman Dead in Brooklyn 3-Alarm On February 27, 2022, Battalion 57 of Brooklyn transmitted an urgent 10-75 for heavy fire on the first floor of a brownstone located on Tomkins Avenue. The fire extended to the second floor and cockloft of the structure. Firefighters found a 79-year victim unconscious on the third floor; she was pronounced deceased at the scene. The fire ultimately went to a third alarm assignment.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 32, Fire News, April 2022

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Winona Lake Installation

On February 5, 2022, the Winona Lake Fire Department held their annual installation dinner at the Colden Manor at Spruce Lodge.

Congratulations to Charter Members James ‘Pops’ Dennie who was

honored for 65 years of service and to Chief Daniel Gallagher who is serving his second year as Chief of Department.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick.

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 33

Obituary

Latham’s Lawrence Washburn, Sr.

Latham Fire Departments and members from local neighboring departments came together to honor the passing of Life Member Lawrence Washburn, Sr., 87-years old. Past-Chief Washburn was one month shy of being with the department for 69 years.

Throughout his career in the department, he held multiple positions, advancing to become Chief. His devotion and love of the fire

service kept him active as a support member until his recent illness.

Chief Washburn developed many friendships with departments as far as Ossining and Plattsburgh. He will be remembered for knowing the history of the department, his smile and his love of Latham Fire Department. Rest in peace, Chief, you will be sorely missed by all who knew you.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Niskayuna 2 Installation 2022 Niskayuna 2 Fire Department held its 80th Annual Installation of Officers banquet on February 12, 2022. Joshua Wyman was installed as Chief, Nick Insognia took the position of 1st Assistant Chief, Gerry Barbiero accepted the position of 2nd Assistant Chief and Tom Henery became Fire Captain.

Firefighter of the Year went to Christopher Nobes (past Chief) for his dedication to the department during 2021. Congratulations to all of the newly elected officers.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Fire News, April 2022, Page 35

New toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus

BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank.

Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.

2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.

2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.

BEFORE BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

We are looking forward to our new monthly feature

Sold by Command Apparatus

“It’s New to THEM”

AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus

To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly

631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com