Fire News New York State, June, 2024

Quick Stop at Menands Porch Fire

Menands Fire Department responded to a porch fire just a few yards from their station.

See story on page 4

Fully Involved on Arrival

Niskayuna 1 and Niskayuna 2 along with Stanford Heights were dispatched to a structure fire.

See story on page 6

Explosion in Colonie Destroys Building

An explosion rocked the neighborhood off of Everett Road in Colonie.

See story on page 10

Electrocution in Athens

Aconstruction worker was airlifted to an area hospital after being electrocuted three stories above the ground.

See story on page 16

Richmond Hills 3-Alarmer

On April 24, 2024 heavy fire was reported at a two-story commercial building on 126th Street in Queens.

See story on page 18

Parapet Wall Collapse in Brooklyn

Multiple units rescued two construction workers pinned by a parapet wall collapse.

See story on page 28

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Looking Back

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Been Here, Done This

In the evening hours of February 13, 2024, Rochesterfirefighters were alerted formultiple calls reporting a house on fire. Crews arrived to find smoke showing from a house on West Broad Street. As crews made entry to knock down the fire, command reported that the location was the scene of a recent fire and warned crews to be cautious. Firefighters were able to quickly get a hold of the fire and mop up as fire investigators made entry to determine a cause.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Quick Stop at Menands Porch Fire

Menands Fire Department responded to a call on February 2, 2024, just a few yards from theirstation fora porch fire. Upon arrival, the porch on the second floorwas on fire. The department was able to quickly put the fire out leaving minimal damage to the porch and saving the two-story dwelling.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Fully Involved on Arrival

On April 25, 2024, Niskayuna 1 and Niskayuna 2 along with Stanford Heights were dispatched to a structure fire. Upon arrival, the found an attached garage completely engulfed. Many propane tanks were housed inside and removed as they were leaking and off-

gassing. The quick work of the fire departments saved the remaining house from damage.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Woman Saved in Flatbush

FDNYEngine Company 255 and TowerLadder157 responded to ringing alarms in a private dwelling. They quickly transmitted a 1075 forheavy smoke and fire coming from the first floorof a private dwelling on Farragut Road in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn on

April 29, 2024. Members pulled a woman from the house and she was removed to Mount Sanai Hospital in stable condition.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Cover Story

Hoarding at Fairport House Fire

In the late evening hours of February 2, 2024, Fairport firefighters, along with mutual aid, were dispatched to Roselawn Avenue fora report of a fire. On arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire showing from a 2-1/2 story wood frame. Crews worked quickly stretching lines and entering the home where they were able to knock down the fire on the first floorand advance lines to the second. As crews worked theirway through the home they faced heavy hoard-

ing conditions which delayed fire suppression. Ultimately firefighters would be pulled out of the building afteran aggressive interior attack, due to the level of hoarding conditions and structural instability. Two masterstreams and numerous handlines were put into operation from the exterioras crews continued to knock down the main body of fire which was put out a short time later.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

50 Displaced in Spring Valley Apartment Complex Fire

50 Displaced in Spring Valley Apartment Complex Fire

At approximately 2130 on April 22, 2024, the Spring Valley Fire Department (SVFD) was toned out fora possible structure fire at a garden apartment complex on Ewing Avenue. While en route, units were notified that 911 was receiving multiple calls. When SVFD Battalion Chief Conjura arrived, he transmitted a working fire, for flames showing from the second-floorwindows of an apartment. Due to size of the building and the fact it had a common cockloft

running its entire length, firefighters from Spring Valley and several mutual aid companies made an aggressive attack on the fire, holding it mainly to the apartment of origin and limiting the spread of the fire through the cockloft space. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. About 50 residents were displaced, and were being assisted by the American Red Cross.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

Explosion in Colonie Destroys Building

At 0313 on April 4, 2024, an explosion rocked the neighborhood off of Everett Road in Colonie. The explosion, caused by a leaky gas line which had been worked on the priorday, completely destroyed one structure on Everett Road and the two restaurants within. West Albany, ShakerRoad-Loudonville, FullerRoad, Colonie Village

and Menands fire departments worked an exteriorresponse due to weakened, collapsed walls and roof. One Colonie Village firefighter was injured due to falling parts of the roof. He was treated at a nearby hospital and released. The building was demolished laterin the day. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

1 Saved at FarRockaway Fire

FDNYunits in FarRockaway battled a fire in an attached private dwelling on Beach 27th Street on April 28, 2024. One civilian was removed from the smoke filled third floorvia the aerial ladderof LadderCompany 134. There were no otherreports of any serious injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Working Fire in Port Chester

On April 14, 2024, at approximately 1630, the Port ChesterFire Department were dispatched to LeicesterStreet fora report of smoke in the structure. First arriving units were met with a heavy smoke condition throughout the home and a precautionary line was stretched to the front as members searched forthe seat of the fire. The fire was located in the walls nearthe roofline between the attic and second floorof the 2 1/2 story private dwelling. Aworking fire was transmitted bringing additional resources to the scene. Memberperformed extensive overhaul to expose the hidden pockets of fire. The main body of fire was quickly knocked down and the incident was placed undercontrol in just underan hour. Units covering the village took in two additional alarms while Port Chesteroperated at this incident.

- Fire News photo by Brandon Colon

2 Injured in Trench Collapse

Firefighters from Engine Company 311, TowerLadder158, Rescue Company 4, Rescue Company 2, Squad Company 270 and Squad Company 252 rescued two construction workers trapped in a trench collapse on 229th Street on April 16, 2024. Members removed a slab of concrete that had fallen on the workers using a Hurst tool, then used shoring equipment to remove the workers from beneath the front porch area. The workers were transported in serious condition. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

RochesterHouse Fire on Ames Street

On evening of January 11, 2024, Rochesterfirefighters worked a house fire on Ames Street. Crews found a small fire in the dwelling and were able to quickly extinguish the fire.

AnotherHazard at RochesterFire

In the evening hours of February 15, 2024, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to Bloomingdale Street fora house fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rearof a 2-1/2 story wood frame. Firefighters stretched lines and were able to quickly

knock down the fire. Crews had to be extra cautious as there were a large amount of needles around the property.

Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

- Fire News photo by Jon Tenca / Puck Stopper Photography

Ozone Park Mixed Use Fire

FDNYunits in the Ozone Park section of Queens battled a twoalarm blaze in a mixed occupancy building on Liberty Avenue on April 14, 2024. The fire appeared to have started in a deli on the first floorwith the flames spreading to the second-floorapartments and into the cockloft. The incident was brought undercontrol within 45 minutes. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Monroe County Fire Beats Monroe County Town Police

On February 2, 2024, the Monroe County Fire Hockey team took on the Monroe County Town Police Hockey team in the 2024 WinterClassic. The game raised over$16,000 forcharity! - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Spiegeltown Scores Hat Trick at Chili Cook-Off

On April 7, 2024, Brown’s Brewing Company held its annual FirefighterChili Cook-Off. The proceeds of this event are split between the Firefighter’s Home in Hudson and the Burn Unit at Albany Medical Center. With over15 departments and the FASNY Firefighter’s Home bringing theirbest recipes, it was a great afternoon of tasting. From peperoni pizza chili to brisket, Turkey to

chicken chili it was a gastric adventure. Congratulations to Spiegletown Fire Department which won not only the Best Chili but also the People’s Choice and best booth design. Cohoes Fire Department came in third and the Firefighter’s Home came in second. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Electrocution in Athens

Aconstruction workerwas airlifted to an area hospital afterbeing electrocuted three stories above the ground outside a village business. It happened while crews were working on the old opera house on Second Street in the Village of Athens. The man, reported to be in his 20s, made contact with some wires, knocking him unconscious. Two otherworkers were able to grab onto the man and pull him into the building through a third-floorwindow. It was unclear

FDNYcrews from both Queens and Brooklyn battled a stubborn, two-alarm blaze in a large, attached private dwelling on April 5, 2024. The fire on Linden Boulevard near94th Street extended to the

whetherthe man was wearing a harness. Catskill Ambulance and Greene County EMS responded to the scene along with police. The Athens VolunteerFire Department was requested to set up an LZ and to assist in carrying the man down from the third floordue to heavy interiorconstruction. The man reportedly sustained serious burns and was flown by LifeNet helicopterto WestchesterMedical Center.

- Fire News photos by John C. Miller

Queens, Brooklyn Crews Handle Linden Blvd. 2-Alarmer

cockloft requiring the additional alarm. There were no serious injuries reported.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell

Looking Back

Jet Blue’s FDNY-colored plane landing at WorcesterAirport (MA) recently. The plane, an Airbus 320, was introduced on October28, 2013. JetBlue said its Blue Bravest livery, “Will support the FDNY

Foundation … in its mission to raise awareness and promote fire safety and professional development, training, and education for members of the FDNY."” - Fire

Richmond Hills 3-Alarmer

News photo by Paul Shea

Maplewood FFof the Year

Maplewood Fire Department Installed its 2024 officers: Chief Joseph Peregrim, Jr; Deputy Chief Scott Rentz; and Assistant Chief John Rielly. Katherine Hook was honored by being named Firefighterof the Year. Congratulations to everyone.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

Chief Bryant Stevens Honored

Dufresne Retires from Cohoes

On March 29, 2024, Captain Mark Dufresne took his last ride before retiring from Cohoes Fire Department after29-plus years of service. On hand were family, friends and Boght Fire Department members where he is Chief of the Department. Congratulations Captain Dufresne.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

American Legion Post 379 Names Brockport’s

On March 2, 2024, Chief Bryant Stevens was honored by the Town of Colonie fire departments and New York State fire services. Chief Stevens studied at Monroe Community College, receiving an Asso-ciate’s Degree in Fire Protection Technology. Upon graduation he began employment with the New York State Division of Fire Prevention and Control, which laterbecame the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. He rose through the ranks, beginning as an inspector, and then an instructorand through supervisory ranks, finally heading the Office of Fire Prevention and Control as the New York State Fire Administrator, retiring in 2017. During this time he was involved in the fire protection aspects of several significant events, including the Woodstock concerts in Saugerties and Rome, the World University Games in Buffalo and fire safety upgrades at Saratoga Race Track. He also responded to numerous emergency events including North Country ice storms, hurricanes Sandy, Irene, Lee and Gloria and the 911 attacks on the World Trade Centerand others. He was also a 20-plus-yearmemberof the Colonie Fire Company, serving as its Chief in the 1990s.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

Allan Hoy as Firefighterof the Year

Members of the American Legion Harsch Crisp Seaman Post 379 in Brockport selected Allan Hoy as Firefighterof the Yearfor2023. Hoy was nominated by the Law and OrderCommittee. Post CommanderJack Tangen was accompanied by Post Adjutant Bill Fine when they attended the Brockport VolunteerFirefighter’s Association Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony to make the presentation a CommanderTangen expressed the American Legion's appreciation and gratitude forHoy citing excerpts from the nomination.

- Story and photo by Christopher R. Martin; for the American Legion Harsch Crisp Seaman Post 379

Stanford Heights 101st Installation

The Stanford Heights Fire Department held its 101st annual installation of officers banquet in February 2024. The 2024 Line Officers are: Chief David Kingsland, 1st Assistant Chief John Courter, 2nd Assistant Chief Chris Nielsen, Captain Zach Webber, Lieutenants

Marcus Diederich, Ryan Rossi, and Aimee

During the evening celebration Damian D’Arpino honored by being named Firefighterof the Year. Congratulations to all.

Zesewitz.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Verdoy Installation for2024

On March 2, 2024, Verdoy Fire Department held its installation of officers banquet. The event included honoring PeterHuba as their Firefighterof the Year. Congratulations Peter. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Up Close and Personal

West Haverstraw Fatherand Son

Afatherand son duo from the West Haverstraw Fire Department were part of the scene FASTunit at the April 22, 2024 garden apartment complex fire on Ewing Avenue. Joe Castro is on the left while his father, JuniorCastro, is on the right.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

Rescue 40 Chief Sposta at a working fire in Port Chesteron April 14, 2024. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon

Winona Lake Hosts EasterBreakfast

The Winona Lake Engine Company held its second annual Easterbreakfast with special guest, the EasterBunny. Both the chief and assistant chief cooked forguests and the Screaming Eagles from ROTC served the food. - Fire News photos by Vincent Dominick

Stanford Hts. Sponsors

65th Annual Bowling Tournament

The Stanford Heights Fire Department hosted the 65th annual New York State VolunteerFirefighterBowling Tournament on April 26 to 28 and May 3 to 5, 2024. Firefighterbowling teams traveled from all across New York and Long Island to participate in this annual

event. Frog Alley, who partnered with the event, treated the bowlers with drinks and even more fun and live music.

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Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Recruitment Drive in Winona Lake

On April 13, 2024, the Winona Lake Engine Company held a recruitment drive and open house forpotential members.

Looking Back

Winona Lake - 2019

Winona Lake Engine Company responded to a call, along with Orange Lake Fire Department, that a man was trapped in a tree. Crews arrived to find he was cutting a limb which lodged the man against the fallen limb in November2019.

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- Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick

Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick

ALong-Time Fundraiser

On March 9, 2024, the Schenectady Fire Department hosted their annual Bowl-A-Thon to support the Sunnyview Foundation. Firefighters and theirfamilies came out to Boulevard Bowl to have a fun afternoon and help raise funds. The history of this event goes back decades. On December12, 1926, before Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital even was able to admit patients, they had a tragic fire that burned the entire structure to the ground. The Schenectady Fire Department not only responded to the fire, but members of the Schenectady Permanent Fireman’s Association paid money out of theirown pockets to help rebuild Sunnyview Rehab Hospital and the first child was admitted in August 1928. Since then the SPFAand Sunnyview have had a tremendous working relationship that continues to this day.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

ESO SOLUTIONS AND IAMRESPONDINGTEAM UPTO ENHANCE DATA-BASED SITUATIONALAWARENESS AND INCIDENT REPORTINGCAPABILITIES FOR FIRSTRESPONDERS

IamResponding announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals and state and federal agencies. IamResponding, a RapidSOS solution, and ESO combine the strengths of the premier incident alerting and situational awareness communication platform with the industry-leading records management system.

This partnership focuses on making a real impact where it counts the most, reshaping the dynamics of emergency response. The two companies’collaboration marks a pivotal moment in emergency services, introducing enhanced incident data capabilities that empower first responders to make better-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights forRapid Response:

With rich incident data from IamResponding including actual 911 caller location, health profiles, vehicle telematics, alarm information and more from over 500M connected devices and ESO’s extensive repository of critical information - including property details, occupancy status, pre-plans, hydrant locations and inspection recordsresponders get a clear view of the situation fast. This means quicker, more informed decisions that can save time and lives. The comprehensive dataset enables a more informed emergency response and assists mutual aid agencies, improving coordination and effectiveness across jurisdictions.

• Streamlined Incident Management and Permitting Processes: By leveraging the IamResponding community portal and ESO Properties, Inspections and Permits modules, first responders can streamline operations and easily stay compliant. This integration empowers users to easily tap into a vast network of resources and expertise for smoother workflows.

efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive Solutions forEmpowered Response: Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and real-time tracking to logistics management and fire-incident reporting, responders can access industry-leading tools that streamline operations and elevate performance.

When paired, the two technologies offer unparalleled reporting and data insights, comprehensive fire records management, seamless compliance for national and state-level requirements, real-time caller locations and apparatus tracking, interactive mapping and more for first responders. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers and the first responder community at large,” said Eric Beck, President and CEO of ESO. “IamResponding is an innovative solution for our customers looking for real-time critical incident information, and further enhances their ability to improve community health and safety through the power of data.”

“This partnership with ESO marks an exciting milestone in our journey, but it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding. “Together, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in emergency response technology, ensuring that first responders have the tools and enhanced emergency data they need for situational awareness in an ever-evolving emergency response landscape.”

The collaboration taps into combined decades of industry experience and cutting-edge technology. Today, IamResponding and ESO will focus on their core strengths while leveraging each other’s expertise to enhance technology features and make data even more actionable for improved patient outcomes. Both companies are committed to ensuring seamless integration and delivering unmatched value to their shared customer base. Two Proven Leaders in Emergency Response Leverage Decades of Industry Experience

• Closed Feedback Loop forContinuous Improvement:

The collaboration goes beyond initial response efforts, as incident response data from IamResponding will be seamlessly delivered back into the ESO platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every incident contributes to refining future responses, enhancing overall

Parapet Wall Collapse in Brooklyn

Engine Company 217 and Ladder102, along with Special Operations units, Rescue Medics and EMS rescued two construction workers pinned by a parapet wall collapse in scaffolding on

March, 20, 2024. The victims were removed to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Looking Back

New York City - 2009

Members of FDNYEngine 273 and Ladder129 assembled forMedal Day 2009 at City Hall to celebrate a rescue made by Captain Mark Doran of Engine 273 in Decemberof 2007.

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