VOLUME 9, NO. 9
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State JULY 2016
See page 6 for full story. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Fire News Welcomes All to the NYS Chiefs Show Booth 1121 – Event Center – New York State Edition –
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In this issue... Suspicious Fire in Schenectady
Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a two alarm fire in the Hamilton Hill section of the city.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 9
House Totaled in Hughsonville
On arrival, firefighters found the entire front of the two-story, 3500-squarefoot residence engulfed in flames. See story on page 14
Masonic Lodge Destroyed in Athens
Firefighters from Athens battled an early morning structure fire which ripped through the Catskill Masonic Lodge.
See story on page 20
Mahopac House Fire
Mahopac and Mohegan fire crews made short work of house blaze on Center Road in Lake Secor. See story on page 24
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, EVELYN ALOISIO 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, 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 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Rash of Fires in Albany After dealing with four suspicious fires on May 28, 2016, Albany firefighters continued the battle the next night.
See story on page 28
Vehicle Fire in Winona Lake
Firefighters from Winona Lake Fire Department battled a truck fire on a New York State Thruway off ramp.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 48
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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, July 2016
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
HazMat:
Are You Prepared? Every year, first responders refresh on Hazardous Materials Response. It is an important requirement that makes you aware of the fact that that simple MVA or dumpster fire you rolled up to or the medical call you responded to might turn out to be a major hazmat incident. If the call is handled wrong from the get go, you could find yourself in a precarious situation that might affect your health and our environment. As the officer of your truck, what would you do if you realized the call you just pulled up on looks like it might be a call that involves a tanker leaking a mysterious fluid? Most of you would take out your Emergency Response Guide, which hopefully you have familiarized yourself with, and start to look up what to do. That is only if you can find the placard that will tell you what the chemical is. At the same time, you would probably notify your town or county HazMat Team. They are the people who have the advanced training to deal with these calls. As a first responder, ask yourself if you really feel comfortable accessing a hazmat situa-
tion. Many of the chiefs I have talked to, refer to hazmat calls as our Achilles heel. Most chiefs have good knowledge about what to do at these types of calls. But it is the upcoming officer I worry about. Think about this; the national energy boom has focused attention on the importance of safely transporting crude oil and other hazardous materials across the country. According to the US DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the overall volume of crude oil moving by rail has quadrupled in less than a decade. Recent incidents involving the transportation of crude oil have drawn attention to the emergency services, questioning if we are prepared to handle this type of event. Looking through the NYS Fire Chiefs Association website, I came across a Federal bill called the Hazardous Materials Response Training for First Responders - H.R.2577. The bill addresses funding for a web based training program. “The IAFC is urging Congress to authorize the use of HMEP funds to develop
web-based training to supplement in-person training for hazmat response. This training would be designed to assist volunteer fire departments and other departments that cannot afford to send their personnel to in-person training.” The NYS Association of Fire Chiefs urges you to ask your senators and representatives to support funding for the ALERT grant program in the FY 2016 THUD Appropriations Act (H.R. 2577). Please encourage your representatives and senators to support the IAFC position to reform the HMEP program to expand training beyond the classroom and to provide blended training that would include web-based training as a supplement to in-person training. Also, discuss hazmat shipments that come through your area and the need for your department to be prepared to respond to any potential incidents. Visit www.nysfirechiefs.com to learn more about the current issues that affect the fire service. -Dennis
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Deck Collapse in E. Greenbush
On May 15, 2016, the Clinton Heights Fire Department responded to a deck collapse at a First Communion celebration in East Greenbush. Clinton Heights, East Greenbush, and Colonie Collapse and Rescue also responded. Two women were pulled from the fallen structure, found to have not been seriously injured and were transported to the hospital. Cribbing and other equipment was used to stabilize the deck while extrication took place. Fortunately, the cold and windy weather kept most of the celebrants indoors. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Cover Story
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday!
On May 26, 2016, as City of Poughkeepsie firefighters and mutual aid companies were finishing up operating at a structure fire in an abandoned 2-1/2 story multi-family residence on Worrall Avenue, City 911 advised Poughkeepsie Chief Mark Johnson that they were taking numerous calls for a residential structure fire at a Hewlett Road residence. Deputy Chief Decker arrived to find another vacant, 2-1/2 story residential structure fire and requested a second alarm. Crews were in the progress of making a quick primary search when fire conditions suddenly changed, and the decision was made to evacuate. As firefighter Paul Bucher attempted to exit, he found his path cut off by the fire. He called for a Mayday and advised that he was going to be exiting through a front window. His fellow firefighters were waiting, and quickly assisted Bucher in exiting without incident. The fire, which was quickly brought under control, was labeled suspicious. Mutual aid came from Arlington, Fairview, La Grange, and Mobile Life Paramedics. Arlington, New Hamburg, and Roosevelt provided standby. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Verdoy Works Colonie House Fire
Verdoy firefighters responded to a fire in a home on Dassault Drive perished in the blaze. The cause was under investigation. Bought, in the town of Colonie. Heavy fire was showing from the front of the Shaker Ridge, Latham and Niskayuna Fire District 2 assisted at the house on arrival and one occupant was treated for smoke inhala- scene. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber tion. The fire was brought under control in about an hour. Two cats
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Suspicious Fire in Schenectady
Recently, Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a twoalarm fire in the Hamilton Hill section of the city. Multiple calls were received for a vacant structure with smoke and flames visible. Upon arrival, flames were seen venting from an attic window. Crews were sent inside but were soon evacuated due to the heavy
fire conditions in the attic. A tower ladder with master streams and several large diameter handlines were used to control the blaze. The building was torn down the next day. The cause was considered suspicious. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Let’s Do Lunch ‌ Not
FDNY units in Manhattan battled an all-hands lunchtime blaze in a quickly spread to the upper levels. Companies were able to bring popular Union Square restaurant on May 10, 2016. The fire the incident under control within 45 minutes. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com appeared to have originated in the duct work of the building and
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Wappingers Basement Blaze
Village of Wappingers and New Hamburg firefighters were dis- and determined the source to be an active fire in the basement ceilpatched on February 15, 2016, for smoke in a structure on High ing and first floor. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire with - Fire News photo by Bill Johnston Street. Upon arrival, they found smoke throughout the structure minimal damage.
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Poughkeepsie 2-Alarmer
City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, along with Arlington and Fairview, operated at a second-alarm fire in a vacant structure on Harrison Street in the city on May 10, 2016. City 911 dispatched the initial alarm as a 10-75 and arriving units found heavy fire in the rear of the structure and went to work, quickly bringing the fire under control. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Modena Porch Fire Stopped
Modena (Ulster County) firefighters responded to reported fire under a porch on Orchard Drive on June 1, 2016. Upon arrival, command requested a second alarm, bringing mutual aid from Plattekill, Wallkill, Highland and New Paltz. The fire extended to the lower level of the house before a knockdown was made. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Steve Lenz
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House Totaled in Hughsonville
On May 9, 2016, Hughsonville firefighters, along with the New Hamburg FAST unit, and Mobile Life Paramedics were dispatched for a reported structure fire on Woodland Court. On arrival, firefighters found the entire front of a two-story, 3500-square-foot residence engulfed in flames, with an elderly female burn victim on the front lawn. Paramedics treated the burn victim and quickly transported her to Mid-Hudson Regional. The structure was deemed a total loss and the cause was under investigation by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Cause and Origin Team. Mutual aid came from Chelsea, Village of Fishkill, Glenham, New Hackensack, New Hamburg, and Village of Wappingers and the NYSP-Wappingers. Arlington provided standby coverage. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Roll Over in Selkirk
On May 16, 2016, the Selkirk Fire Department responded to a semi truck rollover on Route 144 at Beaver Dam Road. Upon arrival they found a semi dump truck, which had spilled a load of crusher run stone. The driver self extricated by kicking out the windshield. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Taxpayer Fire in Chelsea
Firefighters in the Chelsea section of Manhattan were on the scene of a fire in a taxpayer on 8th Avenue near 20th Street on the afternoon of May 30, 2016. The blaze apparently started in the electrical panel in the basement and extended to the restaurant above. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Shaker Road-Loudonville Goes to Work
On June 2, 2016 Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department was called to Wood Plot Drive for a structure fire. Upon arrival, the structure was fully involved with most of the roof area in flames. Latham, West Albany, Colonie, Fuller Road, along with support companies covering their districts, responded to the single-family structure. The residents were not home but arrived shortly after the call was put in, where upon the male resident collapsed and was taken to the hospital. The fire was extremely difficult to work on due because the location was difficult to approach so no ladder truck was able to be utilized and there was not sufficient water to
give enough water pressure for the number of apparatus that were at the scene. Lines were run from long distances and many engines were run off of each other. The terrain of the property also precluded access to parts of the building. Firefighters fought the constantly spreading fire as hot spots spread throughout the roof area. The fire, which began in the rear of the structure, completely decimated the home and was considered suspicious and was under investigation. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Masonic Lodge Destroyed in Athens Firefighters from Athens battled an early morning structure fire which ripped through the Catskill Masonic Lodge. According to Chief Tim Farrell, the structure was fully involved on arrival. West Athens, Earlton, Coxsackie and Leeds responded with tankers on mutual aid. The Catskill Volunteer Fire Department also ran a 1,700foot hose from the scene to a pond outside the West Athens firehouse. The blaze did not spread beyond the lodge. - Fire News photos by John C. Miller (Photos continued next page)
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Fire at Abandoned Hudson Psych Center
On the evening of May 18, 2016, Fairview firefighters were dispatched for a reported fire on the property of the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center grounds off of Winslow Gate Road. Firefighters arrived to find an active fire on the first floor of a sixstory wing of the Cheney Building, the largest of the many abandoned buildings on the HRPC property. The abandoned building presented many additional hazards to firefighters, and the decision
was made to go with an exterior attack. Mutual-aid was requested from Arlington, City of Poughkeepsie, Roosevelt, and Pleasant Valley and the fire was quickly brought under control. The cause was under investigation by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and had been labeled suspicious. -Fire News photos by Bill Johnson (Photos continued next page)
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Good-Will Holds Live Burn Drill Recently, a live burn drill was held by the Good-Will Fire Department in Newburgh. Neighboring departments also participated. The Winona Lake Fire Department brought an engine to the scene, Orange Lake provided a tanker, Cronomer Valley brought a ladder truck, and extra engines were provided by New Windsor and Coldenham. -Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Gas Leak at Mahopac High Recently, units were dispatched for a gas leak at the Mahopac High School sent the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department out with a full assignment, which also included EMS and Fire Police to back up the school resource officer from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, who was on location. The leak was reported to be at the back of the building where the supply line entered. First arriving fire police officers secured the entrances to the campus, then assisted school staff with an orderly evacuation. Several hundred students were safely evacuated, it should be noted that teachers, monitors, building administrators and all support staff had the students well being in mind as their priority and are to be commended. With the arrival of the representative from Central Hudson, the Fire Department was released and returned to quarters. The Incident Commander was Assistant Chief Brian Sacher. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey MFVFD PIO
Mahopac House Fire
The initial dispatch for the Mahopac Falls Fire Department reported a house fire on Center Road in Lake Secor. Both stations emptied, sending a full assignment of two attack pumper/tankers, a source pumper, Heavy Rescue, two EMS units and fire police. Chief Jeff Boyle assumed the role of Incident Commander putting out calls for Mahopac and Mohegan to respond to the scene. In addition, Battalion 6, Ted Pollack, and Town of Carmel Building Inspector, Mike Carnazza, responded to the scene. along with members of the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team and Paramedics from the Bureau of Emergency Services MEDIC 3. Interior fire crews made short work of the blaze. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Rash of Fires in Albany After dealing with four suspicious fires on May 28, 2016, one of which was on a 90degree afternoon, and another that night, which wrecked a barber shop, Albany firefighters continued the battle the next night when two, three-story buildings separated by a vacant lot were burned. As the rear of the one structure began to collapse, a second alarm was transmitted. All incidents were under investigation. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Fire Vents in St. Albans Firefighters in the St. Albans section of Queens were alerted to a fire in a private dwelling on Foch Boulevard on the afternoon of May 30, 2016. Arriving companies found a fire venting from the second floor of a two-story home. Three minor injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Home Burns in Mahopac Falls Recently, firefighters responded to a house fire on Barret Place off Myrtle Avenue in Mahopac Falls. On arrival, Chief Jeff Boyle requested tankers from Mahopac, Putnam Valley and Somers, with Carmel to cover. Firefighters were hampered by overhead power lines melting off the side of the house. A call to NYSE&G brought out a crew to assist. A request from the incident commander brought Somers Ladder and Ambulance, the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team, the Town of Carmel Building Department and the Red Cross to the scene. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Woodside 2-Alarmer
On April 19, 2016, FDNY units in Queens battled a two-alarm blaze building, and quickly spread throughout and into the adjoining resin a row of attached, wood framed, private dwellings on 48th idences. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com Avenue in the Woodside section. The fire started in the rear of the
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Jamaica Estates Fire
A fire broke out in a Jamaica Estates home on the morning of April 16, 2016. FDNY units arrived at a house on 210th Place to find a fire on the first floor extending to the upper floors. Additional companies were special called and the blaze was brought under control. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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IAMRESPONDING.COM SUPPORTS THE NFFF IamResponding.com (IaR) has signed on as a new supporter of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). IamResponding will contribute $25 to the NFFF from every new IaR subscription between March 1 and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (Oct 8-9). Those funds will be directed to Foundation programs that honor the fallen, assist their survivors and help prevent future line-of-duty deaths and injuries. “IamResponding has always been committed to enhancing firefighter safety, with a primary mission of getting more complete crews on the scene faster,” explained Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding.com. “Reducing response times with IaR results in more complete and more effective crews getting to a safer fire ground. We are honored to be able to extend the support of our international network of more than 5,000 subscribing departments to the NFFF’s critical mission and programs, and we look forward to adding the many new subscribers this year who will be the driving force behind this partnership with the NFFF.”
“We appreciate IamResponding.com’s commitment to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s mission to honor the fallen, offer support to their families and help reduce firefighter line-ofduty injuries and deaths each year,” said Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “Their generous support will help the Foundation provide valuable resources to the survivors of the fallen and the fire service.” For more information on the NFFF and its programs visit www.firehero.org. For more information about IamResponding.com, visit www.IamResponding.com for details, email sales@emergencysmc.com, or call 877-509-0381.
FIREFIGHTER ACTIVITY AT FDIC INTERNATIONAL 2016 RAISES $18,340 FOR TERRY FARRELL FIREFIGHTERS FUND Globe and 3M Donate Funds from Firefighter Activity Globe Manufacturing Company continued its partnership with the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund at FDIC International 2016, the nation’s largest firefighter training conference and exhibition held April 21-24 in Indianapolis. With its supplier partner, 3M, Globe invited attendees to try on its new ATHLETIX and G-XTREME 3.0 turnout gear and show their strength on a high striker. Firefighters then spun a wheel to determine a donation – $10, $20, $50, or $100 – to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund in their name. In total, Globe and 3M donated $18,340 to the Fund. “The Terry Fund appreciates the great partnership we have with Globe. Globe not only makes some of the best and most innovative fire gear on the market today but also strongly supports the fire service through its direct assistance to the Terry Fund,” said Brian Farrell, chairman of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and brother of Terry Farrell. “Firefighters across America also directly benefit from the awareness that Globe brings to the Fund.” “Globe has always given back to the fire service and we are proud to partner with the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund,” said Rob Freese, senior vice president of marketing at Globe Manufacturing Company. “They are a hard working group of volunteers that assists firefighters and families across the nation with financial, educational and medical support, and provides equipment donations for fire departments in need.” “3M is honored to continue its partnership with Globe in supporting the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund,” said Jennifer L. Sickmann, Global Segment Marketing Manager for 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material. “The assistance which the Farrell volunteers provide to firefighters is outstanding and we’re pleased to help further this cause.” About Globe Firefighters need to be prepared to perform at the maximum of their ability, on every call. That’s why Globe delivers the most advanced, best-fitting, and longest lasting protection by listening to our customers, creating breakthrough designs, and applying the engineering skills of the nation’s most trusted turnout gear manufacturer. Globe turnout gear is designed to protect you, move with you, and improve your performance. It’s athletic gear for firefighters. Learn more at www.globeturnoutgear.com.
About 3M 3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. 3M offers a wide range of Scotchlite material that not only satisfies demand for visibility and durability, its versatility offers designers and manufacturers an endless list of creative applications. Scotchlite products include transfer films; fabrics; high gloss materials; pressure sensitive adhesive films; and graphic transfers. Visit www.3m.com/ scotchlite or www.facebook.com/scotchliteforfirefighters. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter. About the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund is made of up firefighters and family members who volunteer their time and energy to help fellow brothers, sisters and departments in need. The fund operates annually on a budget of 1 to 3 percent and sustains itself through fundraising and the donations of individuals, fire departments and corporate sponsors. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible. National chapters are in Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Las Vegas, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Terry Farrell was a father, a husband, a brother, and a dedicated firefighter who lost his life on September 11, 2001, during the World Trade Center attack. Learn more at www.terryfund.org.
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Schenectady House Fire
On April 15, 2016, Schenectady firefighters responded to a house fire on Elbert Street. Upon leaving Station 1, just over a mile away, Deputy Chief Don Mareno transmitted a second alarm after seeing a thick plume of smoke rising from the neighborhood. Upon arrival, flames were seen venting from a second floor window on the B side of the dwelling. Firefighters were able to make a quick knock down and prevented any extension. The cause was cooking materials left unattended. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Blaze Breaks Out on Memorial Day
Firefighters from the Shaker Road-Loudonville, Fuller Road, West injuries. The fire destroyed the garage area and damaged parts of Albany, Midway and Colonie responded to a house fire early on the second floor; two vehicles parked in the driveway were also Memorial Day. Upon arrival, the two-family dwelling had flames damaged. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn coming from the garage. Six occupants were evacuated with no
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On May 25, 2016, the Latham and Verdoy Fire Departments were called to the scene of a car in a pond off of Exit 6 on I-87 in Latham. Upon arrival, the departments found the car, which had taken down the guardrail, a sign and part of a tree, over the embankment in a retaining pond up to its windows. Colonie EMS and Assistant Chief David Filerecki verified that the vehicle was empty. The 20-year-old driver had extricated himself, made it to to shore and walked to the
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nearest gas station for a ride home. When State Police arrived they contacted the man’s mother and told the man he needed to return to the scene of the accident. The man was then arrested for DUI. Verdoy’s Corey Feldman and Ryan Leonardo aided in the removal of the vehicle due to a hazardous chemical spill it caused in the pond. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Kitchen Fire in Colonie
On Saturday, June 4, 2016, Colonie Fire Company was called to a structure fire on Delafeld Road in Colonie. Fuller Road and Verdoy Fire Departments were also call to the scene. The fire originated in the kitchen area where one of the residents was trying to make doughnuts for her younger brother which got out control. The young lady quickly called 911 and got all residents out of the home.
The two family cats were rescued by Colonie Fire Company firefighters. Though the house sustained significant damage to the kitchen and smoke condition throughout the home, the fire departments were able to contain the fire quickly before it spread. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Walden Installation and Awards Dinner
On May 14, 2016, the Walden Fire Department held their annual installation and awards dinner at their firehouse. New officers were sworn in and numerous awards presented. The highlight of the evening was Firefighter of the Year award, which went to Anthony Buccieri for life saving measures at a fire last year, which con-
tributed to saving his father, Craig Buccieri’s life. Also recognized for their efforts at the same incident were three members of Mobile Life Support. A slide show of the five-alarm fire in Walden last year was presented by Steve Lenz. An enjoyable evening was had by all. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
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Man Falls at Helderberg Lake On May 28, 2016, a 29-year-old man who was fishing with friends on the dam wall of Helderberg Lake slipped and fell approximately 35 feet down the spill way. The Berne and East Berne departments, responded to the scene, and Slingerlands Heavy Rescue and Guilderland Center crews were requested for a rope rescue. It took approximately 30 minutes to recover the man, who was transported to the hospital, condition unknown. The Albany County Sheriff’s Department was investigating. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Vehicle Fire in Winona Lake Firefighters from Winona Lake Fire Department battled a truck fire on a New York State Thruway off ramp, recently. The truck was fully involved on arrival and the fire was brought under control without incident. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Forest, then House Fires Keep Crews Busy Responding units from Mahopac, Putnam Valley and Kent, along with Carmel Police and the NYS Forrest Rangers, responded to a four-plus acre forest fire at the end of Hatfield Road in the Lake MacGregor area of the Mahopac Falls Fire District. Before the units were back in station, Mahopac Fire was dispatched to a working house fire (left) on Mega Lane, off Drewville Road. The large home was fully engulfed, with propane tanks cooking off. Firefighters attacked with handlines and a master stream. Assistance came from Carmel, Kent, Somers, Yorktown Heights, Croton Falls, Carmel Police, Putnam County Sheriff and NYSE&G. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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Car vs. Home in East Greenbush
On May 11, 2016, a car drove through several backyards, missed two people, hit an above-ground pool, and went airborne through the back wall of a home before coming to rest. The female driver reported her shoelace became entangled with the accelerator pedal, she leaned over, the car went faster, so she closed her eyes and held on. East Greenbush firefighters, having just gone through an extrication drill the week prior, responded. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Thar’ She Blows
Schenectady firefighters blocked off a section of State Street after a sewer explosion sent a man hole cover into the air and filled basements of area businesses with smoke. The businesses were evacuated as utility crews worked to find the cause of the explosion. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Foam Class on a Hot Day
On May 25 and 26, 2016, New York State Fire held a two-day Class day, shot more than 50 feet in the air and were seen by planes landA Foam Class at the Colonie Municipal Training Tower. ing at the Albany County airport. The class enabled multiple evoluFirefighters from Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Rensselaer tions for the firefighters hands-on experience. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn Counties participated in the exercises which used gas and liquid propane. The flames from the training tanker, on the 90-plus-degree
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FDNY Medal Day
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Lt. Brian Colleluori of the FDNY received the department’s highest building in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn back in February 2015. award, the James Gordon Bennett Medal, at a ceremony held on (Above): Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, Mayor Willaim de June 1, 2016, on the steps of City Hall in Manhattan. Lt. Colleluori Blasio, Lt. Colleluori, and Chief of Department James Leonard. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com was credited with pulling two people from a burning apartment
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Putnam Sheriff’s Fire Police Seminar
Fire Police from New York and Connecticut were represented at the first of two training sessions at the Annual Sheriff’s Fire Police seminar sponsored by the Putnam Sheriff’s Office and the PutnamNorthern Westchester Fire Police Association on April 14, 2016. Attendees were welcomed by PNWFPA acting-President Marilyn Miller and Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith, along with District Attorney Bob Tendy and Commissioner Anthony Sutton. With the Sheriff’s approval and a motion by Miller, the members unanimously approved the renaming of the seminar to the John J. Bodor Sheriff’s Fire Police seminar in honor of Bodor who was a Captain
of the Putnam Fire Police Team, Lieutenant of the Patterson Fire Department Fire Police and 31-year president of the PNWFPA, until he lost his battle with cancer in February. Mary Ellen O’Dell stopped in to express her appreciation for the fire police volunteers. Patterson members in full-dress uniforms honored Bodor as Chief Matt Spzindor spoke of their loss. John Lempke, Battalion 17 Deputy Coordinator/Westchester BES, gave an informative presentation on situation volunteers may face and the roles they play in the safety and security of scenes to which they respond. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
Winona Lake Car Show
The Winona Lake Fire Department held their second car show on May 15, 2016. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Yes, I Will!
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On May 29, 2016, the Winona Lake Fire Department held their member of Cronomer Valley since 2004, asked Kaitlyn to be his Memorial Day Parade. Winona’s Upper House marched and wife. Proudly, she said yes! - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick stopped the parade so that one of the firemen from Cronomer Valley could ask his girlfriend to marry him. Kenny Anderson, a
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History Comes Alive
History came alive on a recent Sunday morning at the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department headquarters — the Old Timers were back. Life members traveled great distances to be with their brothers and members of their firehouse family. ‘Doc’ McCluskey traveled from Florida and Jim McGinty, Sr., made it from South Carolina, along with Tom Stasiak. Senior member Gene Gunn got a rousing welcome as he entered the hall, celebrating 68 years of serv-
ice. With 40-plus old timers in attendance, the total number of years of combined service was well over1500 again. After a great breakfast, members lined up for a group photo and wished each other good health, and started off for home, promising to see each other next year. -Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Chatham Extrication Drill
Chatham firefighters recently held an extrication drill to hone their vehicle extrication and rescue techniques. While the department has had hydraulic tools for many years (carried on its rescue truck 58-9), newer model passenger vehicles are constructed with components that are much stronger than those found on earlier models, so the department acquired state-of-the-art equipment including a
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cutter, spreader and a hydraulic ram, all designed to reduce the time it takes to remove a trapped occupant. These new Hurst tools were purchased from MESFire thanks to an AFG grant. For more information or if interested in finding out about volunteering, email: RecruitNY@chathamfire.net. - Fire News photo by Eric Barnes
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The Shops
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Recently, the Fire Bell Club of New York held their monthly meeting at the FDNY’s Fleet Maintenance Shop. Members had a chance to view some of the FDNY’s latest vehicles. -Fire News photos by Glenn Duda
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