Fire News New York State, June 2020 edition

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 13, NO. 8

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

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Helpful COVID-19 Information Please See Pages 4 & 14.

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In this issue...

Heroes Thanking Heroes Numerous agencies from Westchester County packed the grounds of Phelps Memorial Hospital to show their support during the Covid pandemic.

See story on page 5

2-Alarm Fire Sends 3 to Burn Unit Three people were taken to the Syracuse University Burn Unit in serious condition.

See story on page 9

Multiple Calls in Pomona The Hillcrest Fire Department responded to a structure fire. With mutual aid from Thiells and West Haverstraw, crews made quick work of the blaze.

See story on page 11

Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer Engine 3 arrived to find a large 2-1/2 story wood frame dwelling well involved on the alpha and bravo sides.

See story on page 14

Campbell Hall House Fire The Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched on a mutual aid assignment.

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.

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Quick KO in Amsterdam Recently, the Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire on Austin Street.

See story on page 23

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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

COVID-19, A Cultural Awareness As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, we must give thought to returning to a new sense of normalcy. Yes, I believe that when things begin to calm down, which they appear to be doing, our return to what once was will be changed.

Before I share my thoughts, I would like to sincerely thank our doctors, EMS staff, nurses, and all hospital employees, who have been through hell caring for the constant string of patients in need of help. I pray for the families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. As of May 7, 2020, there has been over 265,000 deaths worldwide, related to the virus. On a positive spin, there have been 1,313,251 patients who have recovered from it. Currently, there are 2,262,826 patients who have the disease with over 48,000 of them in grave condition.

I applaud everyone who is involved with caring for our patients. I thank our newly graduated nurses for their service before they even get started in their careers. I relate their service to a firefighter going in service during war years, or during other times when the horizon looked bleak. The Wildfires of 1995, the crash of Flight 800, the attacks of 9/11 — I could go on. At first, a responder feels exhilarated that they are responding to a serious call. However, when the realization that you are now part of a horrible situation clicks in, you can become

worn out and discouraged. It is easy to have thoughts of being a failure, when you feel helpless because you may not be performing up to your own expectations. You may not have been prepared emotionally for the devastation around you. To all essential personnel, everyone around you knows you are doing the best that you can with the skills you have. Do not be afraid to talk with friends or your fellow workers. Talk to your clergy, or anyone else who may have been through what you are going through.

As a firefighter, I look back on some of the serious calls I have been on. Why do I sit at times rethinking the calls that upset me? Today we have a name for this. It is call PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), something that has become part of our job. Take a moment to talk to the people around you and share your experiences, thoughts and feelings.

When we return to normalcy, share time together and protect one another with encouraging conversation. Why do I love starting my day at the firehouse? Why do firefighters say they miss the firehouse? It is because being around the people who have shared your experiences understand what you have been through. An outsider may not fully appreciate that the bond we have with one another is what gets us through our rough times. We call this

brotherhood. It is that special relationship between close friends or the feeling of kinship with others in the same boat. When two people have a close and loyal friendship, this is an example of brotherhood. When a group of people all share the same goals and tribulations and support each other, this too, is an example of a brotherhood. As responders and what is now called essential personnel, we share the same feelings. You will get through these tough times. Look out for one another and share your thoughts of a better time.

- Dennis

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Heroes Thanking Heroes

On the evening of April 7, 2020, numerous agencies from Westchester County packed the grounds of Phelps Memorial Hospital to show their support to all the doctors, nurses and staff who have been working countless hours during the Corona virus pandemic.

- Fire News photo by Dave Kempter

Fire News, June 2020, Page 5

Thanking Northern Westchester Hospital Staff

On the evening of April 8, 2020, numerous agencies from Westchester County packed the grounds of the Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco to show their support to all the doctors, nurses and staff who have been working countless hours during the Coronavirus pandemic. The emergency services members provided dinner and treats for the staff and greeted them on the way in and out of the hospital.

- Fire News photo by Dave Kempter

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Cover Story

NYC Operation America Strong

The US Navy Blue Angels and the US Air Force Thunderbirds flew over New York City on April 28, 2020, as part of Operation America Strong to show support for first responders, medical professionals and essential workers.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Fire News, June 2020, Page 7

USNS Comfort Leaves NY

On April 30, 2020, the USNS Comfort left Pier 90 on Manhattan’s West Side and set sail for its home port in Norfolk, Virginia, after arriving in NYC on March 30 to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Comfort was escorted by various agencies past the Statue of

Liberty with a colored water salute by the FDNY’s fireboat Three Forty Three. Thank you for a job well done!

-Fire News photo by LiHotShots.smugmug.com

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Midway Brings Easter to the Kids The Easter Bunny needed a hand this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic preventing children from coming to visit him, so the Midway Fire Department lent him a hand and brought him around town to spread some joy.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

E. Greenbush Responds On March 23, 2020, the East Greenbush Fire Department was the only vehicle on the road as they responded to a call at Walmart. Responders were notified and responded for a strange odor in the store.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

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Fire News, June 2020, Page 9

2-Alarm Fire Sends 3 to Burn Unit

On April 26, 2020, four occupants of a home on Bruce Street in the Village of Scotia escaped fast moving flames which destroyed their 2-1/2 story frame home after flames were discovered by a next door neighbor just after 0600. Two alarms were sounded, bringing E1 and T1 from neighboring City of Schenectady and several mutual aid companies. The main body of fire was knocked down in the first 20 minutes, however, the intensity of heat and the wood frame con-

struction allowed the fire to spread throughout before venting through the roof. Three people were taken to the Syracuse University Burn Unit, one by helicopter. They were hospitalized in serious condition. The fourth was recovering at Albany Medical Center. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Community Honors the Frontline On April 17, 2020, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department showed their appreciation to the people on the front lines.

Lunch for the staff was dropped off to the Carmel Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and County Jail and the staff of the Putnam County Bureau of Fire. Assistant Chief Bob Trace, along with Firefighters Will Gabay, George Tompkins, Donna Mercurio and Jack Casey dropped off lunch and best wishes to the people on duty.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

Thanking Medical Workers in Troy On April 19, 2020, Emergency Services from across Rensselaer County formed up to parade through Troy and nearby areas.

This was to thank the medical workers for their work during the pandemic.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

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Fire News, June 2020, Page 11

Multiple Calls in Pomona

The Hillcrest Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire early in the evening of April 23, 2020. Upon dispatch, they were also notified that several calls had been received reporting the fire located on Route 202 in Pomona. The Hillcrest chief arrived to heavy fire out several windows. With mutual aid from Thiells and West Haverstraw, crews made quick work of the blaze. The struc-

ture, which once housed a plumbing company, was heavily damaged. Vacant at the time, it was scheduled for demolition before the fire occurred. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Town of Haverstraw Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI Unit.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

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Duty to Service - Evolving Roles in the Fire Service

By Joseph McCarthy, Chaplain, New York State Association of Fire Chaplains When I was asked by my fire chief to assume the role of department chaplain, I had a general understanding of what the chaplain’s responsibilities were, and they were rather limited in scope: say an occasional prayer at dinners and meetings and lead the firematic services when we laid a firefighter to rest.

I’ll admit that the first few firematic services for deceased members were challenging, as I was not known as a public speaker, but I managed to do OK. As time went on and I became more involved in chaplaincy, other opportunities for service to the fire community evolved. I became interested in how I could be more useful in my service to others in their time of need.

An opportunity arose and I joined my county critical incident stress management (CISM) team, serving as a peer counselor, then as team leader. It soon became abundantly clear to me that there is an everincreasing need not only for CISM, but also for chaplains to become more involved in the caregiving process, as it relates to CISM. It became apparent to me that when first responders became emotional after witnessing traumatic events in the performance of their duties, they oftentimes derived a meaningful benefit through a conversation with a chaplain who was part of the CISM team, and who usually had significant fire and/or rescue experience under his/her belt. I consider it a solemn duty to help others get through some of the worst emotional trauma that they will ever encounter.

We in the fire service have our hands full in responding to the everincreasing number of MVAs and rescue calls — boating incidents during the warmer months, deadly house fires, acts of terrorism, wildland

Latham Storage Shed Fire

On April 12, 2020, the Boght, Maplewood, Latham and Colonie fire departments responded to a structure fire at the Valleyview Apartments in Latham. Upon arrival, a storage unit had an exterior fire that extended into the closed unit. The fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the unit.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

brush fires, etc. There is never a shortage of difficult calls, when fire chaplains or those with a caring heart and listening ear are being called upon to aid and assist those in need.

Most fire department chiefs and officers understand the value that we as chaplains bring to our departments, not only during times of traumatic events, but also to members who may be undergoing very difficult situations in their personal lives, whether due to challenging health conditions, the death of a family member, separation or divorce, financial hardship, or other causes.

Effective chiefs take a comprehensive approach, staying active in monitoring the emotional well-being of their members, and recognizing those that may need assistance.

A chaplain is oftentimes the first resource called upon by the chief(s) to confer with a member who may be hurting and to offer assistance and counsel. Frequently, it is nothing more than a chat over coffee. We don’t preach, we listen and advise, to the best of our abilities. Many times, all someone needs is a listening ear, and an understanding heart that may be able to bring comfort and solace to this member. We should all care enough to become involved.

A chaplain who is also a member of a CISM team is further trained to administer and/or coordinate additional resources that usually help resolve or at least ameliorate the existing situation. We’re often called upon to aid and assist others outside of the fire service, often because we have earned a reputation as being a good listener, or just a person who is easy to talk to and confide in. This is truly a blessing, as it is a verification that we are effective in what we do.

As chaplains, we tend to put the cares and concerns of others above our own, sometimes to our detriment. That said, we must be careful to strike a balance between our need and desire to help others in need, and our own personal, family, and business lives. It's very easy to let things get out of balance, especially in these evolving times where we are called on more frequently.

Balance is the operative word, and if we can keep things relatively balanced, we will all be in a better position. If after some introspection you find that you can remove or reorder some components of your service in order to make room for more meaningful work, I heartily encourage you to contemplate doing so. Change is inevitable, so make it count.

If you are active as a fire department chaplain or have a caring heart and a listening ear, and you believe you are well-balanced, please consider joining your local or county CISM team as a peer counselor. We can magnify our positive effect on our fellow members and be there for them, and for our neighboring departments, when duty calls.

Chaplain Joe McCarthy is a member of the Southold Fire Department. He serves as deputy chief chaplain for the Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council, is a team leader with the Suffolk County Emergency Services CISM Team, and serves as a chaplain and director-at-large with the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc.

Page 14, Fire News, June 2020

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Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer

Just before 0900 on April 12, 2020, while working a trash can fire a few blocks down the road, Engine 3 spotted smoke in the area of South 10th Avenue. Engine 3 arrived to find a large 2-1/2 story wood frame dwelling well involved on the alpha and bravo sides.

Crews stretched lines and made a push on the dwelling. A second alarm was struck bringing extra resources to the scene. Strong wind conditions fanned the flames and firefighters were forced into a

defensive operation as fire began to overrun the crews. Fire did extend to the exposure on the delta side but a strong interior attack saved the home from major damage. The home is believed to be abandoned; the cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and Dave Kempter

US Fire Administration COVID-19 Resources This message from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) includes critical and emergent resources for fire and EMS on the COVID-19 response. The COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation.

USFA will update information at least once each week. ________________________________________

helps fire departments enhance their existing behavioral health programs and assists fire departments who are just beginning to develop formalized programs with limited resources. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (https://www.everyonegoeshome.com /2017/12/21/behavioral-health-management/).

Visit the USFA's website at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/coronavirus/index.html for additional COVID-19 resources for fire and EMS.

IAFC Behavioral Health. Resources for behavioral health and alcohol screenings. International Association of Fire Chiefs (https://iafc safety.org/behavioral-health/).

Featured Resources

IAFF Behavioral Health Program. Resources that educate and support IAFF members on behavioral health concerns. International Association of Fire Fighters (https://www.iaff.org/behavioral-health/).

Agencies and Organizations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Resources. Information for providers, families and leadership. Uniformed Services University Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (www.cstsonline.org).

We’re Here for You. Several health and wellness resources that you may find useful during this time. First Responder Center for Excellence (https://www.firstrespondercenter.org/were-here-for-you/). ________________________________________

Dealing with Stress, Anxiety and Grief during COVID-19. NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins discusses the stress and anxiety that people Counterfeit Respirators: What You Need to Know are feeling from COVID-19 with Dr. Joshua Gordon, Director of NIH's National Institute of Mental Health. National Institutes of Health. An image for your social media accounts to increase awareness about (https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2020/04/07/dealing-with-stress-anxiety- how to identify counterfeit respirators(see bottom of page) that are and-grief-during-covid-19/). making their way into the market during the COVID-19 pandemic can Topic Collection: COVID-19 Behavioral Health Resources. A collec- be found at: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/img/share/counterfeit_respiration of resources created by federal agencies and their partners to help tors. 1200x600.png. ________________________________________ healthcare providers, caregivers and the general population prepare for and manage the negative behavioral effects that can accompany a pubCOVID-19 Essential Information lic health emergency. ASPR Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/technical- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Resources to protect the fire and EMS from COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh resources/115/covid-19-behavioral-health-resources/99). /emres/2019_ncov.html).

Fire Service Associations EMS.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office Center for Firefighter Behavioral Health. Behavioral heal resources and of Emergency Medical Services provides current COVID-19 informaeducation for firefighters and their families (http://www.cffbh.org). tion for EMS responders (https://www.ems.gov/projects/coronavirus_ Fire Service Behavioral Health Management Guide. This guide covid-19_resources.html).

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2 Alarm Fire Causes Heavy Damage in Rotterdam On April 24, 2020, Rotterdam Fire District 2 firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Vischer Avenue in Rotterdam. Multiple calls were received reporting flames venting from the front windows of a recently renovated home. All occupants made it out safely, and the fire was contained to the building of origin.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

FDNY EMS Medical Evacuation Unit Arrives With Covid-19 Patients At 0130 on April 3, 2020, an FDNY EMS Medical Evacuation Unit arrived at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady with 32 COVID-19 patients from NYC. It was the first of many victims of the pandemic to reach Capital District hospitals as the NYC health care system was pushed over its limits.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

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3-Alarm in Brooklyn

All-Hands in St. Albans

Tower Ladder 111 transmitted all-hands for heavy fire that was showing from the top floor of a four-story, occupied, multidwelling, located on Quincy Street in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Battalion 37 arrived and transmitted a second alarm for heavy fire that was blowing out of the windows of several apartments. The fire extended to the cockloft and through the roof. A third alarm was ultimately needed to bring the fire under control.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

FDNY units in Queens battled an all-hands blaze in a private dwelling on 112th Avenue near 196st Street in the St. Albans section on on April 22, 2020. The fire appeared to have started in the basement and extended to the first floor.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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COVID Help

Buffalo 2-Alarmer

On April 6, 2020, FEMA sent 250 ambulances and 500 EMTs from across the country to help the city contend with the extremely high call volume during the coronavirus pandemic. Shown in the above photo is a crew from Chicago with members of FDNY EMS Station 49 in Astoria, Queens.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

On April 16, 2020, the Buffalo Fire Department battled a twoalarm blaze on Roebling Avenue. Engine 31 arrived on scene and found a 2-1/2 story dwelling with heavy fire conditions in the rear and an occupied exposure. Original reports stated that people were on the roof of the structure and attempting to escape the flames.

The fire quickly escalated to a two-alarm for firefighting suppression and overhaul in two dwellings.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Fire Pit Embers Spread

On April 10, 2020, the Sand Lake and Best Luther fire departments responded to an out of control shed fire. Arriving companies found a shed and contents burning, along with a spreading brush fire. A strong wind added to the spread of the fire. It was determined that the fire was first started in a fire pit and the high winds spread the embers, causing the blaze.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Fire News, June 2020, Page 19

Firefighters Arrive to Easter Worker

Early on Easter Sunday, firefighters from West Albany, Shaker Road-Loudonville, Fuller Road, Latham and Colonie Village were called to a fully involved structure fire on Dowling Road. First arriving West Albany found the structure was completely engulfed on the right side of the building. The residents of the two-family dwelling had escaped. Multiple oxygen tanks exploded awakening neighbors. The companies worked from the exterior and above with Fuller Road’s Truck 3 to extinguish the fire. An interior attack could not be established due to a collapse of the floor into the basement. A fire wall between the two dwellings aided in that apartment remaining partially undamaged. One family cat was rescued, and two were missing.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Page 20, Fire News, June 2020

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Campbell Hall House Fire

Hazmat Call in Mahopac

On April 12, 2020, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched on a mutual aid assignment as the FAST for a reported chimney fire in a house on Eager Road in the Town of Hamptonburg. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire in the walls of a 2-1/2 story, wood frame dwelling. The crew of Washingtonville Rescue Engine 580 was put to work checking for fire extension and conducting overhaul operations on the second floor of the dwelling and a second FAST was requested. The fire was contained to the walls on the first and second floors.

- Fire News photo by Chief Gary Hearn

The Mahopac Fire Department was dispatched to Route 6 at the White Sail condominiums for a sheen on the water behind the building. Responding with an engine and rescue company, Chief Jim Stasiak assumed Incident Command, as Captain Kyle Trillas took Operations and Safety. With Carmel Police Officer Chris Fox on location to greet them, firefighters broke off into teams to find the source. Soon after, NYC DEC Hazardous Materials Response Team arrived to lend their expertise. After checking downspouts, drains and catch basins, they checked the bottom of an elevator shaft, and found a small amount of hydraulic fluid had been pumped out by a sump pump.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

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Fire News, June 2020, Page 21

Heavy Fire in Amsterdam

All-Hands in Astoria

On April 6, 2020, the Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a report of a back porch fire on Locust Avenue in the city. Heavy black smoke was visible from blocks away. Upon arrival, a second alarm was transmitted for fire in the rear of the house, along with a detached garage heavily involved. The occupants, along with two dogs, made it out safely.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

FDNY units in the Astoria section of Queens battled an all-hands blaze in a three-story attached private dwelling on 42nd Street on April 19, 2020. Companies reported flames out the rear windows on arrival and promptly made their interior attack. The blaze was brought under control within 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 22, Fire News, June 2020

Car into Building in Slingerlands

On April 11, 2020, the Slingerlands and Delmar fire departments, Bethlehem EMS and Albany County Paramedics were dispatched to the Price Chopper Plaza in Slingerlands for a report of a car through the front of Vision Works Store. The investigation by the Bethlehem Police Department determined that a 59-year-old woman suffered a medical problem, causing her to go off the roadway on the Slingerland Bypass and travel down the embankment and into the building. The driver was evaluated by EMS, and declined to go to the hospital. Due to the excellent practicing of social distancing and the closure of businesses at the time, there were no pedestrians in the area, which is typically heavily congested on a Saturday afternoon. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

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3-Car Crash in Schenectady

On April 5, 2020, Schenectady firefighters responded to a three-car MVA at the intersection of Clinton and State Streets in downtown Schenectady, after a woman, who stated she was being chased by an unknown driver, ran the stop light at the intersection and collided with an eastbound minivan and a westbound sedan. It took firefighters almost an hour to free the driver of the minivan. He was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. The pursuing vehicle fled the scene and no other injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Jeep Down the Embankment

On April 5, 2020, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of an overturned auto on Helms Hill Road in the Town of Blooming Grove. Upon arrival, personnel found a Jeep had traveled down the embankment and overturned. The driver of the vehicle was able to extricate herself and her four-legged passenger prior to the arrival. The driver of the vehicle was evaluated by the Blooming Grove VAC and refused further medical aid. The dog appeared to be uninjured. According to the driver’s family, the dog was wearing a special seatbelt made for canines. Blooming Grove PD were at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Chief Gary Hearn

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Fire News, June 2020, Page 23

Quick KO in Amsterdam Basement Fire Extends in Brooklyn

Squad Company 252 transmitted a 10-75 for fire in the basement of a row frame on Hancock Street. Battalion 37 transmitted a second alarm for fire extending to the second floor and through the roof of the dwelling. A third alarm was transmitted for extensive overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Recently, the Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire on Austin Street. The fire was knocked down without incident.

- Fire News photo by MarkPerfettiPhotography.com

Page 24, Fire News, June 2020

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Obituaries

FDNY’s E233, L176 BITS the Fire Dog

Recently, BITS the Firehouse dog unexpectedly passed out and had to be brought to the vet, where she had to be put down. She had suffered a fluid buildup around that big old heart of hers. BITS was an incredible fire dog. For most of her life in the firehouse on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn, she would join the members at roll call at 0900 and 1800, sit and patiently watch the firefighters as they received their assignments for the day or night tours. And after each

run, when Engine 233, Ladder 176 or Field Comm 1 would return, she would bark nice and loud and proudly remind us we were safely home once again. All of the kids loved her when they would visit the firehouse; I know mine did. Rest easy BITS, you did real good.

We’ll never forget you.

- Fire News photos by Lt. Michael T. Stack, Ladder 176

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Fire News, June 2020, Page 25

Obituaries FDNY’s Steve Brickman

Carmel PD’s Greg Amato

Former FDNY Firefighter Steve Brickman, age 57, died of 9/11 related illness on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. Brickman, who was retired due to injuries suffered on the job, helped with the rescue and recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks for two weeks. A resident of Jamesport, he is survived by his wife Colleen and two sons, Steven and Quinn.

- Fire News story by the NYS Association of Fire Chaplains

On April 24, 2020, firefighters from Mahopac and Mahopac Falls assembled at Mahopac Fire Headquarters to say goodbye to past Carmel Police Chief Greg Amato. Trucks were brought out front, with Mahopac’s Ladder supporting the colors. At 1300, the funeral procession started to come down the straightaway leading to the firehouse, finding a color guard and firefighters in dress uniform, saluting the casket as it rolled past. Rest easy Greg, you will be missed.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

Page 26, Fire News, June 2020

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Buffalo Fight Goes Defensive

On April 17, 2020, Buffalo 1 and Alarm Fire 1011 responded to Smith Street for a fire. Engine 3 arrived and found a 1-1/2 story, occupied dwelling with heavy fire conditions on the 2 and 3 sides.

Engine 3 laid in as all hands went to work to bring the fire under

control. All occupants safely evacuated the building. Crews eventually went into a defensive operation to bring the fire under control.

-Fire News photos by Donald Kilianski

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Fire News, June 2020, Page 27