Aheavy clutter condition hampered firefighting and operations at a private dwelling fire on 112th Avenue.
See story on page 5
4-Story Mill Fire Threatens Neighborhood
Gloversville firefighters called for a fourth alarm for a fire at an abandoned, dilapidated four-story brick building.
See story on page 14
Fire Destroys Residence in East Glenville
East Glenville volunteers responded to a fully involved house fire on Harmon Road.
See story on page 16
Brooklyn All-Hands Mixed Use Fire
FDNYEngine Company 283 noted heavy smoke coming from a building on Newport Street in Brooklyn.
See story on page 20
Car Takes Out Porch in Newburgh
The Newburgh Fire Department responded to report of a porch collapse from a car running into the porch.
See story on page 22
Rochester House Fire on Oscar Street
Rochester firefighters were dispatched to the area of Oscar Street for the report of a house fire.
See story on page 27
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO
TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer
GARYP. JOYCE, Editor
MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor
MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production
LYNN SEDLER, Art Director
CLIFFCHIESA, Production Manager
BARBARACONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales
SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager
BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant
GREG JONES, Graphic Artist
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus
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
COPYRIGHT2025, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEWYORK. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com
Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ
Proud Member Of:
Close &Personal
News
pages 21, 44 & 46
page 52
page 49
3 Dead, 3 Critical, 3 Stable from Queens Fire
An early morning EasterSunday (April 20, 2025) fire left three men dead, anotherin critical condition and three others in stable condition in a Jamaica Estates home. FDNYEngine Company 315 and LadderCompany 165 transmitted a 10-75 forheavy fire on the first floorextending to the second and attic. FDNYCommissioner Robert Tuckersaid the house did not have working smoke detectors. Chief of Department Joseph Esposito said that firefighters train forthis but, at this fire, a makeshift wall was separating the kitchen from each bedroom interfered in the fight. Fire Marshals were investigating the incident. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
New
Engine Company 290 and LadderCompany 103 transmitted a 1075 fora fire in between two buildings on New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn on Easternight. The fire went to two alarms, having extended to the cockloft. It was brought undercontrol using three hoselines, despite a carblocking the hydrant.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Fatality in Florida House Fire
Astructure fire on April 13, 2025, claimed the life of 85-year-old woman in the Town of Florida. Crews arrived at 1450 hours to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. Mutual aid came from several local fire departments and Montgomery County EMS. Despite theirefforts, the intensity of the blaze prevented rescuers from entering the residence. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Fire Investigator, Montgomery County Fire Investigation Team, and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control are investigating the cause of the fire, which remained undetermined.
- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti and Peter R. Barber
Bayside
2-Alarmer
in Vacant Structure
Firefighters in Bayside, Queens, fought a two-alarm fire in a long-standing vacant building on Bell Boulevard. Units arrived to fire on the first floorand discovered holes in the floor. Members were removed from the building. In total five hoselines were used to knock down the main body of fire. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Kew Gardens Hills Fire
FDNYunits in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, responded to a fire on the second floorof an attached private dwelling on 76th Road near153rd Street on March 29, 2025. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Easter4-Alarmer in the Bronx
Bronx firefighters fought a four-alarm fire on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, on Cypress Avenue. Units had heavy fire in an apartment, which they discovered was running the length of the cockloft. Members used six hoselines to knock down the fire.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
4-Story
Mill Fire Threatens
Neighborhood
...continued
Fire Destroys Residence in East Glenville
East Glenville volunteers responded to a reported house fire on Harmon Road on April 18, 2025. Upon arrival, a second alarm was sounded fora house fully involved. Neighboring Stratton AirGuard Fire Department was first to arrive, quickly knocking down the main body of fire which was venting through the roof. Volunteers from Thomas Corners, Alplaus and Charlton assisted at the scene. All occupants escaped safely.
- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
Amsterdam 2-Alarm House Fire
At 0609 hours on May 4, 2025, the Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from a house. Crews arrived to smoke coming from the eaves, and a second alarm was called. Firefighters worked for about an hourbefore the fire was called undercontrol.
-
Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
Brooklyn All-Hands Mixed Use Fire
On April 23, 2025, FDNYEngine Company 283, while on building inspection, noted heavy smoke coming from a building on Newport Street in Brooklyn. They quickly transmitted a 10-75 for fire in three stores and a private dwelling . Units used fourhoselines to knock down the fire, which went to an all-hands.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Up Close & Personal
Up Close and Personal with some members of the East Franklin Fire Department Station 27 who attended the Spring Valley Fallen Firefighters training drill held in the memory of Spring Valley firefighterJared Lloyd. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton
CarTakes Out Porch in Newburgh
Newburgh Fire Department responded to report of a porch collapse on Hasbrouck Street on April 15, 2025, from a carinto the porch. City of Newburgh Police and Empress EMS were on scene. Empress transported the driverto Montefiore-St Lukes Hospital. Firefighters escorted displaced families into apartments to obtain personal items, and the Red Cross relocated the families.
- Fire News photos by
Bob McCormick
PowerLines
Down from Route 17k MVA
The Good Will Fire Department responded to a vehicle into pole on State Route 17k on April 12, 2025. Command arrived to a vehicle fully involved, with a driverout of vehicle before the fire started. Powerlines were down across State Route 17k. Central Hudson was notified and traffic was rerouted around the wires. Town of Newburgh EMS transported the driverto Montefiore-St. Lukes Hospital.
- Fire News photos by Bob McCormick
MCVFPAHonors Brockport Fire Police Captain
On May 1, 2025, Fire Police officials from Monroe County and across the state gathered for the spring meeting of the Monroe County Volunteer Fire Police Association (MCVFPA) at the Brockport Exempts where Brockport Fire Police Captain Cheryl Wiest was honored for her heroic efforts last summer and her contribution in the saving of the life of another. You may recall Captain Wiest was home when a neighbor accidentally caused an arterial bleed while playing nearby. Wiest applied a makeshift tourniquet stopping the bleeding several minutes before other responders arrived and is credited with saving his life.
The MCVFPApresented the Gordon Mosher Fire Police Officer of the Year Award to Cheryl for her heroism, while acknowledging her many years of service to the community protecting emergency services scenes. Cheryl’s name has been added to the county’s perpetual plaque of recipients of the award which was presented to the chiefs from
Brockport to hang in their fire station.
Members from the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York presented Captain Wiest with their President's Award for Excellence also citing her many years of “outstanding service” with gratitude from the officers and members of the association.
Many members of her squad and department were in attendance including Past Chief Jose' Medina (Chief during the rescue), BFD Deputy Chief Adam Leggett, and BFD Assistant Chief Scott Wainwright.
Congratulations Captain Wiest for a job well done and thank you for your many years of service to our community.
- Photos and story by Christopher Martin, District PIO
Continued on next page
3-Alarmer
in Queens Church
The Breezy Point VolunteerFire Hose and Engine Company 329 transmitted a 10-75 forheavy fire throughout a church at Beach 216th and Rockaway Point Boulevard on April 19, 2025. Members used fourhoselines and a towerladder to knock down the main body of fire., which ultimately went to three alarms.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
RochesterHouse Fire on OscarStreet
On February 17, 2025, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to the area of OscarStreet forthe report of a fire. On arrival, companies found heavy fire showing from the rearof a home and quickly stretched lines. Asecond alarm was declared bringing extra resources as crews worked to keep the flames at bay from the exposure homes. Firefighters were able to make a quick knockdown on the fire with an aggressive interiorattack. The fire was brought undercontrol shortly after.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Chimney Fire 2-Alarmer
The Middle Hope Fire Department responded to a reported chimney fire on April 10, 2025. Command arrived to smoke coming from the attic area and requested a second alarm. Cronomer Valley, Goodwill and Newburgh responded. The fire was knocked down and crews checked forextension.
- Fire News photos by Bob McCormick
House Fire on Mount Read Boulevard
On March 8, 2025, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to Mount Read Boulevard formultiple calls reporting a house on fire. First arriving units found heavy fire showing from multiple sides of the second floorof a house underrenovation. Firefighters made an interiorattack, working theirway to the second floorwhere they faced a well-involved second floorbut were able to get a quick knockdown on the fire. Crews were able to bring the fire undercontrol shortly thereafter.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Rochester2-Alarm House Fire
On February 28, 2025, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to Campbell Street as multiple calls came in reporting a house on fire. On arrival, firefighters found heavy fire showing from the first floorof a dwelling and spreading quickly due to high winds. Asecond alarm was declared as lines were stretched and truck companies opened up with fire running the outside of the home. An interiorattack was able to quickly knock down the flames and crews worked a labor-intensive overhaul.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
On March 25, 2025, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to the area of Doran Street forthe report of a house on fire. First arriving crews found heavy fire from the second-floorrearand declared a working fire, quickly stretching lines and going interior. Firefighters worked hard to gain access to the fire and, once they did, it was quickly knocked down leaving companies to chase hot spots.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Quick Work at Doran St. House Fire
FDNYcompanies in St. Albans, Queens battled a fire on the second floorof a Sullivan Road private dwelling on April 15, 2025. The blaze extended into the attic but was quickly knocked down.
- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
St. Albans 2nd Floor Fire
Astoria EasterSunday
3-Alarmer
Firefighters in Astoria, Queens, battled a three-alarm fire on 31st Avenue on EasterSunday, April 20, 2025. Members arrived to find heavy fire throughout two buildings. Members were removed from the building and used six hoselines and three towerladders to knock down the main body of fire.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
The Walden Fire Department responded to reported structure fire on April 29, 2025, around 1255 hours on Bank Street. Command arrived to a 25- x 30-foot house with the 2/3 corneron fire. Asecond alarm was requested formutual aid bringing Coldenham, Mayboro, Montgomery, Bullville, Wallkill, Orange Lake, Newburgh, Vails Gate and CronomerValley. Firefighters used three lines and knocked down the fire in 30 minutes. - Fire News photos by Robert McCormick
Rochester2-Alarmeron Glendale Park
In the early morning hours of April 5, 2024, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to multiple calls reporting a house on fire on Glendale Park. First arriving companies found heavy fire coming from all sides of the first floor. Lines were quickly stretched as the first chief declared a second alarm due to the heavy fire load. Crews worked a transitional attack knocking down the heavy fire before moving interiorand chasing deep-seated pockets of fire. Companies had to remain cautious inside the dwelling due to multiple holes in the floor. The fire was brought undercontrol a short time later.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Looking Back
Wallkill
A1976 Ford/Amthor1800-gpm pumper. Retired from Wallkill in UlsterCounty.
- Photo courtesy of Steve Lenz
CarFire in Schenectady
Schenectady firefighters battled a fully involved SUVon VanVranken Avenue across from the Yates Village apartments on April 15, 2025. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol and no injuries were reported.
-
Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
MOTLEY CREW OF THE MONTH
Up Close & Personal
Cigarette Starts Porch Fire
Schenectady firefighterLt. Daniel Minersagen uses a pike pole to expose flames burning underthe floorof a second-floorporch of a duplex on Rugby Road aftersmoke was reported shortly after0030 hours on April 17, 2025. One hoseline was stretched to extinguish the fire. Careless smoking was listed as the cause.
- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
The crew from Engine 283 aftera Queens fire . - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
The CronomerValley Fire Department was called out foran MVAon Route 300 and Lorie Lane.
- Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
Up Close & Personal
Automatic Alarm forFumes in Brockport
On April 10, 2025, at approximately 1632 hours, Brockport firefighters responded to an automatic fire alarm at the Hampton Inn on Lake Road in the Town of Sweden. First arriving personnel were apprised of a noxious odorin a couple of rooms due to a maintenance fumigation operation. Assistant Chief Wainwright along with the crews on Pumper232, Pumper233 and Quint 230 assisted maintenance with ventilating the rooms. The HamlinMorton-WalkerFire District provided a fill-in during the extended incident.
- Photo & story by Christopher Martin, District PIO
FirefighterEd Daily with his son at a fire in Queens.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Queens 2nd Alarm on 57th Road
FDNYRescue Company 4 Lieutenant Todd Smith is credited with saving an unconscious dog found during a two-alarm fire on April 22, 2025. Firefighters were met with heavy fire in the rearof two private dwellings on 57th Road in Queens. Units used six hoselines to knock down the main body of fire.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Menands 101st Installation Banquet
On May 3, 2025, Menands Fire Company held its 101st installation banquet. The 2025 Fire Department Officers are: Chief David Ognan; 1st Assistant Chief Michael Steurer; 2nd Assistant Chief Jonathan Dudley; Captains T.J. Robertson and Antonio Lipari; Lieutenants Nick Gingeresky, Matt Jaskula and Mike Rezey; Fire Police Captain Paul DeDominicis; and Fire Police Lieutenant Michael Mackay. During the celebration, Matt Jaskula was awarded Firefighterof the Year. Congratulations to all.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos By Truck
UNDERSTANDINGTHE “WHY” BEHIND MENTALHEALTH IN THE FIRE SERVICE
THOUGHTLEADERSHIPESSAYCONTEST
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Partners with W.S.Darley Co. for the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition
On April 4, 2025, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), in partnership with W.S. Darley & Company, proudly announced the launch of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest. Now in its fourth year, this initiative challenges firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issue within their ranks.
The competition seeks to uncover the deeper reasons behind firefighters’persistent mental health challenges, beyond the daily high-stakes stress of their lifesaving roles. “Understanding the ‘why’behind the mental health crisis is crucial,” said Garry Briese, a member of the Darley Board of Directors. “This competition provides a unique platform for firefighters to voice their experiences and insights, fostering a broader understanding and paving the way for effective solutions.”
With a focus on introspection and analysis, participants are encouraged to examine various factors contributing to mental health issues, including job stress, firehouse culture, and broader societal impacts that uniquely affect firefighters. The aim is to identify why these challenges not only exist but continue to escalate, especially in the context of rising rates of PTSD, divorce, and suicide within the fire service community.
How to Participate:
“We often hear firefighters say, ‘I’m OK,’masking the true emotional toll of their duties,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is a call to action for firefighters to express themselves openly and contribute to a crucial dialogue that can lead to real and lasting change.”
Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of fire service and mental health experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the insights presented.
For more details on the competition and submission guidelines, please visit https://darley. com/essay-contest
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was created by Congress in 1992 to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters, assist their families, and support programs that improve firefighter safety and prevent line-of-duty deaths. For more information, visit www.firehero.org.
•Eligibility: Open to active and retired firefighters, both career and volunteer
• Essay Requirements: Submit a three- to four-page essay in PDF format, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
About W.S. Darley & Company: Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family-owned and operated business providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our firefighters and emergency services worldwide. As leaders in innovative solutions for the fire service, Darley is dedicated to serving those who protect us all. For more information about Darley, visit www.darley.com.
FAMAAND FEMSAREPORTTHE PASSINGOF RICHARD E. (‘DICK’) YOUNG
Richard Young passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 94. He was a very successful businessman, had a wonderful zest for life, and is an inspiration to all who knew him.
The Young family is an integral part of FAMA’s history. Young Fire Equipment was one of FAMA’s founding member companies. Dick served as FAMA’s Board President in 1968 and 1969 and Dick’s father, Lester Young, served as FAMA’s Board President in 1947 and 1955.
The following is an excerpt from an Interview with Richard E. “Dick” Young published in the FAMA75th Anniversary History Book (2021). This passage demonstrates the significant value Dick brought to FAMAand the industry as a whole:
“Dick Young’s term of office as president (age 37) in 1968 was preceded by his chairmanship of FAMA’s Technical Committee and involvement on other committees since 1953. At that time FAMA was, most interestingly, getting into automatic transmissions, some problems combining that with pumping, and we were getting into air brakes, power steering, and lots of new things.”
According to Young, the biggest challenges back then were tech-
nical – trying to comply with new regulations. “It was a strange thing around the time of Jimmy Carter (late 1970s/early 1980s) when the cost of financing went through the roof. Interest rates were so high fire departments ceased buying trucks. When we got into the high inflation period, component companies would not honor the prices to which you were accustomed. You might get an order today that you couldn’t build for a year or so, and it would be ‘price as of the date of shipment.’It cost builders a ton of money.”
Acelebration of life for Dick was held March 23, 2025. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Dick Young Heritage House, 10 Central Avenue, Lancaster, New York 14086.
• Submission Period: March 24 to June 2.
Brockport Firefighters Host Annual EasterEgg Hunt
Despite wind and intermittent rain on April 19, 2025, almost right at 1000 hours, the Easter Bunny appeared to greet the over-70 kids and theirparents who all braved the weatherto meet him, pick up EasterEggs and claim theirprizes. The annual event is sponsored by the Brockport VolunteerFirefighter’s Association and hosted at the Brockport Fire Department Exempts each yearnearEaster. - Photos and story by Christopher Martin, District PIO
Middle Hope Pancake Breakfast
On Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025), the Easter Bunny along with Deputy SupervisorScott Manley and his granddaughterwere in attendance. It was a great turnout forthe early morning event. - Fire News photos by Vincent Dominick
FDNY’s RESCUE 2 Centennial Anniversary
On March 1, 2025 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a ceremony was held at the Sterling Street quarters of the FDNY’s elite Rescue Company 2 to celebrate the company’s 100th Anniversary. The event was attended by current, and formermembers, dignitaries and high ranking FDNYofficials including the new commissioner, Robert S. Tuckerand past Chiefs of the Department. - Fire News photos by www.LiHotShots.smugmug.com
Monroe Co. Beats Rochesterin the Battle of the Badges
On April 18, 2025, Rochesterfirefighters faced off against Monroe County firefighters in the 2025 Battle of the Badges held at Blue Cross Arena (BCA). Monroe County jumped out to an early lead but Rochesterstayed close on theirheels. Alate push by Rochester came up just short and Monroe County took the win 8-5 in front of the large crowd at BCA.
