South Schenectady and Plotterkill volunteer firefighters responded to a detached garage fire.
See story on page 4
Niskayuna Car Fire
Investigators say the fire was intentionally set.
See story on page 8
Schenectady House Fire
Schenectady firefighters responded to a report of heavy smoke.
See story on page 14
Mothers Day Firefight
Hampered by Hoarding
The building was filled to the brim with hoarded items preventing the firefighters from entering.
See story on page 18
Borough Park 3-Alarmer
Units used six hoselines as fire extended from the first floor to the second floor of the three-story corner building.
See story on page 20
East New York Attached Dwellings 2-Alarmer
FDNYcompanies in the East New York section of Brooklyn operated at a two-alarm blaze.
See story on page 35
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Collapse at Rotterdam Garage Fire
South Schenectady and Plotterkill volunteerfirefighters responded to a detached garage fire on Coplon Road on May 12, 2025. Upon arrival a two-stall garage was found fully involved and beginning to
melt the vinyl siding of the residence just 30-feet away. Within 20 minutes the garage collapsed into itself. No injuries were reported. - Fire
News photos by Peter R. Barber
Maplewood Recruit NY
Maplewood Fire Department held its Recruit NYevent on April 27, 2025. The event welcomed residents who were interested in joining the department. Representative Phil Steck also visited the depart-
ment to watch as the members did a vehicle extrication drill.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Dutchess Co. Departments at Firefighters Home
On May 18, 2025, it was Dutchess County VolunteerFirefighter’s Day at the Firefighters Home in Hudson. It was a nice cool day with some clouds but no rain. Once a yearfirefighters make the trip up to Hudson to visit the residents at the Firefighters Home. It’s a day where we have a barbecue forthe members at the home and the firefighters who attend that day. Also, that day gifts are presented to the home forthe benefit of the members. In attendance today
were representation from the following departments: Chelsea FC, Hillside Lake Fire Company, Hughsonville, J.H.Ketcham Hose Company, Millbrook Fire Department, New Hackensack FD, New Hamburg FD, Pawling FD, Pleasant Valley FD, Rhinebeck FD, and Rombout FD. In all it was a great day especially when we spend time with ourbrothers and sisters at the home.
- Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin
Niskayuna CarFire
Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters battled a carfire in the Bank of America parking lot at Union Street and Troy Place afterthe call was placed shortly before 0200 hours on May 5, 2025. The vehicle
was well involved and not in proximity to any structures. The cause of the fire was intentionally set. The investigation is continuing.
- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
Cover Story
Garage Totaled in South Schenectady Fire
South Schenectady volunteerfirefighters responded to a detached garage fire on Mariaville Road on May 11, 2025. Upon arrival a three-stall wood frame garage was fully involved. A200-foot-long
driveway and no access to hydrants made waterrelay a challenge. The garage was a total loss. No injuries were reported.
- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
2-Alarmerin South Blooming Grove
At 0459 hours on May 23, 2025, the Washingtonville Fire Department Tanker577 was dispatched on the second alarm assignment fora house fire on Fort Worth Place in the South Blooming Grove Fire District. Upon arrival, the crew of 577 operated a handline and assisted with opening up inside the building. As perSouth Blooming Grove personnel upon theirarrival, they found fire blow-
ing out windows in the front of the building. They knocked down fire on the exteriorof the building and made a push through the front door.Several of the occupants were transported to the hospital forsmoke inhalation.
- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn
Manhattan 2-Alarmer
FDNYunits in Manhattan battled a two-alarm blaze in an occupied multi-dwelling on Amsterdam Avenue near149th Street on May 10, 2025. Heavy fire was showing from several third-floor windows on arrival with auto-exposure to the floors above. Additional truck companies were summoned to perform searches. No serious injuries were reported.
- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Gary Hearn
Brooklyn 2-Alarm in Crown Heights
Engine Company 234 and LadderCompany 123 transmitted a 1075 forfire out the windows of a top-floorapartment on Schenectady Avenue in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. Over100 fire-
Schenectady House Fire
On May 11, 2025, Schenectady firefighters responded to a report of heavy smoke in the area of Station 4. Engine 4 was sent solo to investigate until a security officerfrom nearby Union College arrived on Avenue Aand reported heavy smoke coming from the attic of a two-story wood frame home. Asecond alarm was sounded bringing all fourengines, two laddertrucks and rescue to the scene. An aggressive interiorattack brought the fire undercontrol in just overan hour. Two firefighters sustained minorinjuries fighting the blaze. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
fighters used three hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. Asecond alarm was transmitted forfire getting into the cockloft.
All Hands Fire in Brooklyn
Engine Company 282 and TowerLadder148 transmitted a 10-75 forfire on the second floorof mixed occupancy on May 19, 2025 Members were met by residents at the windows. Units used three hoselines to knock down the main body of fire.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Brooklyn CompactorChute Fire
Engine Company 234 and LadderCompany 123 transmitted a 1077 forfire in the compactoron Troy Avenue on May 10, 2025. Units had heavy smoke in the compactorchute. Apairof residents were injured. Units used three hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. Searches throughout were negative.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Cambria Hts. Fire
FDNYcompanies in the Cambria Heights section of Queens operated at a private dwelling fire on 233rd Street near116th Avenue on the morning May 9, 2025. Heavy fire was showing from the rear of the home on arrival. Occupants were able to escape safely, and no serious injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Briarwood House Fire
FDNYcompanies in the Briarwood section of Queens battled a private dwelling fire on 150th Street on May 6, 2025. The blaze was showing on the upperfloors on arrival. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Quick Stop in Laurelton
An exteriorfire quickly spread to the interiorof a Laurelton, Queens, home on the morning of May 21, 2025. FDNYunits arrived to find a rubbish orbrush fire extending into the front of a home on 222nd Street. The fire was knocked down and overhaul was performed. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Park Slope Fire
Toftegaard Honored for 50 Years of Service
The West Sand Lake Fire Department held its annual Installation of officers banquet on April 19, 2025. During the ceremony, David Toftegaard was honored not only by the department but by RensselaerCounty, NYS Fire, Hudson Mohawk and Hudson Valley VolunteerFirefighterAssociations, FASNYand New York State for50 years of service to the department. Thank you foryour dedication to yourcommunity!
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Squad Company 1 transmitted a 10-75 forfire on the third and fourth floors of a multi-dwelling on Sterling Place in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn on May 2, 2025. Battalion 31 transmitted a second alarm and units used fourhoselines to knock down the main body.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Mothers Day Firefight Hampered by Hoarding
Mother’s Day morning was interrupted by a garage fire in Niskayuna. Niskayuna 1 and 2 along with Schenectady, Stanford Heights and Verdoy responded to a fully involved detached garage fire. The building was filled to the brim with accumulated metal and otherhoarded items preventing the firefighters from entering. Firefighters tried sawing into the side of the building to try and get to hot spots but when they breached the walls they found it impen-
etrable and needed to put the hoses through burnt out openings closerto the roof. The ownertried to put out the fire priorto the fire departments arrival and received second degree burns on his arms and chest. He was latertransported to Albany Medical Centerfor treatment. The fire was underinvestigation.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Mothers Day Firefight Hampered by Hoarding (Continued)
Borough Park 3-Alarmer Borough Park 3-Alarmer
FDNYEngine Company 282 and LadderCompany 148 arrived first-due to a fire in a mixed occupancy building on 13th Avenue in Brooklyn’s Borough Park. Units used six hoselines as fire extended from the first floorto the second floorof the three-story corner
building. During a press conference Assistant Chief Kevin Brennan said “Units were limited during ventilation, as the building didn’t have windows in the rearto get rid of the smoke condition.” The fire went to three alarms. - Fire
News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Niska Day Parade Celebrates Community
Streets were lined with residence as the Niska Day Parade traveled through the town on its way to the high school fora day of food, and activities culminating in a spectacularfireworks display. Fire departments from the area, school teams and military equipment, congressman and otherdignitaries took part in walking the route through the neighborhoods. This annual event helps usherin summerand brings a sense of community to the residents.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Winona Lake FD CarShow
Winona Lake Fire Department annual carshow. - Fire News photos by Vincent Dominick
Averill Park-Sand Lake 125th Anniversary
Averill Park-Sand Lake Fire Department was joined by its neighboring fire departments as well as dignitaries from both local and state in celebrating its 125th Anniversary of serving its community. It was a great evening with state representatives presenting proclamations and awards on this momentous accomplishment. This years officers were also installed during the celebration; they are: Chief Adam Leckonby; Assistant Chief Dusty Snyder; Captain Kent Shoemaker; Lieutenants John Fasoldt, Paul Glasser, Jr., Shaun Hellerand Luke Reiter; Captain Fire Police Melvin Diegel; and Safety OfficerPaul Glasser, Sr. During the celebration Chief Adam Leckonby presented his Chiefs Award to five members who were instrumental in an extrication during a traffic event. The Chiefs Award recipients were: Assistant Chief Dusty Snyder, Lt. Shaun Heller, FF/EMTDon Schreiner, FFMarty Andrews and FF Jack Sleicher. Congratulations to Averill Park on this great achievement. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
The Future is Now
Assistant Chief Jonathan Dudley of Menands Fire Company brought MES’s Thermite firefighting robot to Menands fora demonstration. The robot was on its way to the FDNYformore demonstrations and was put through its paces to show off its flexibility and ability to advance into fire situations in place of human firefighters. The Thermite specs include industrial grade belted rubbertracks, 8,000-pound capacity winch, video system and a 500 gpm/200 psi waterflow system. It can travel eight mph and has a 36.8 hp diesel engine that can run up to 20 hours. The Thermite provides reconnaissance and situational awareness in high-risk situations. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Menands SprinklerCommunity Drill
Menands Fire Company held a community drill with two burning pods to educate theircommunity on the benefits of having a sprinklersystem in the home. The first pod equipped with a sprinkler system was ignited and the flames were quickly extinguished by the sprinkler. The second pod was ignited and Menands engine arrived
on the scene a few minutes later, simulating the time it takes forthe fire department to arrive aftera 911 call is placed. The second pod was fully engulfed upon arrival.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Brockport Memorial Day
On May 24, 2025, between sporadic rain and threatening clouds, almost 200 members of the community gathered at the Brockport Area Veterans Club (BAVC) with members of the Harsch-CrispSeaman Post 379 of the American Legion fortheirannual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the clubhouse on West Avenue. The crowd was welcomed to the club by Patricia Connors, mistress of ceremonies and a board memberwith the BAVC. In heropening remarks, Ms. Connors spoke of the meaning of the day and introduced local dignitaries which included state, county and local elected officials in attendance. Members of the Brockport Fire Department were also present. The presentation of ournation’s colors was conducted by Scouts from Troop 111, while the Brockport High School Band played the Star-Spangled Banner. This was immediately followed by an invocation, the American Legion Ceremony and the American Creed by Jack Tangen, President of the BAVC. Ms. Connors then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance offering a prayersoon after. Aftera brief moment of silence forthe fallen heroes, the American Legion Auxiliary presented a patriotic wreath escorted by members of Scout Troop 111. Members of the American Legion were at the ready. They provided a solemn rifle salute before the lowering of the American flag. Alone trumpeter could be heard in the distance playing Taps while the flag was lowered. Afteranothermoment of silence to reflect, the flag was risen to “The Colors” played by the BHS band. The keynote address was given by veteran and NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley. In a very heartfelt speech, he reflected on what the day means to him and his family. He encouraged everyone present to reflect on a personal level the memory of someone we know orknew and on all those we didn't know who neverreturned home to theirfamilies from the
ravages of war. Closing remarks were shared by William Fine (BAVC), and President Tangen offered the benediction. Ms. Connors invited the community to stay and listen to the band play and the Scouts from Troop 111 retired the colors as the ceremony came to a close. - Photo and story by Christopher Martin
Newburgh Memorial Day
Newburgh’s Memorial Day to honorthe people that gave theirall. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Orange County FPCarShow
Orange County Fire Police held theirannual carshow at Goshen historic race track underbeautiful skies. There were lot of cars, a 50/50 and trophies where given out. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
FDNYProbie Graduation FDNYProbie Graduation
The FDNYwelcomed 326 new firefighters into the ranks during a probie graduation at Christian Cultural Center. The group is highlighted by 37 military veterans, and also includes two legacy 9/11 firefighters in FirefighterXenia Connell and Joseph J. Angelini III. The 18-week course went overthe basics of firefighting. Twentyeight percent identify as Hispanic, 17 as Black, and three as AsianAmerican. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Multiple Alarm Fire in Brooklyn
Engine Company 332 and LadderCompany 175 transmitted a 1075 forfire on the second floorof a Jerome Street structure on May 18, 2025. Members used fourhoselines to knock down the main
body of fire afterthe fire extended to a neighboring structure. Searches throughout the building were negative.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Colonie Recruit NYDay
Colonie High School once again invited local fire departments to visit the school fora day of assisting with recruitment. Students 1618 are given the opportunity instead of going to class to go outside and participate in drills, don gear, ask questions and speak with members and chiefs. If interested in becoming a member, they are asked to fill out a form that will enable the chief to contact them and invite them to visit theirstation fora tourand furtherdiscussion. This yearWest Albany, FullerRoad, Colonie Village, Midway and Stanford Heights participated with each of them getting a numberof applicants. This event was started a few years ago by Chief Eric Obermeyerof Midway Fire Department who is a teacherat the school. Thirteen members who participated in the event are themselves students at the school. It is a wonderful way forstudents to get an overview of some of the tasks firefighters do on a daily basis. Even Wolfie the mascot joined in on the fun.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Maplewood’s Joseph Peregrim, Sr.
On April 26, 2025, the Maplewood Fire Department said farewell to 100-year-old Joseph Peregrim, Sr., a 62-yearlife memberof the department and fatherof present Chief Joseph Peregrim, Jr. Peregrim died peacefully in the comfort of his home on the evening of April 14, 2025. The department transported Mr. Peregrim from the funeral home to the church and then to his final resting place.
East New York Attached Dwellings 2-Alarmer
FDNYcompanies in the East New York section of Brooklyn operated at a two-alarm blaze in attached private dwelling on Jerome Street on May 18, 2025. The fire was initially on the second floorbut extended to the exposure requiring additional units. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Boght and SchuylerHeights fire departments stood at salute in front of Maplewood’s station. Contributions in his name may be made to the Maplewood VolunteerFire Department, 61 Cohoes Road, Watervliet, NY. 12189; orSt. Basil’s RO Church, 21 Archibald Street, Watervliet, NY12189.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Queens Village House Fire
FDNYunits in the Queens Village section of Queens battled a fire on the second floorof a private dwelling on 210th Place near94th Avenue on April 25, 2025. One civilian was reported injured.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
All-Hands Call in Brooklyn
Engine Company 257 and TowerLadder170 transmitted a 10-75 fora fire on the first floorof a Glenwood Road New York City Housing Authority building on May 23, 2025. Some 12 units deployed 60 firefighters, using two hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. Searches throughout the building were negative.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
HI-TECH FIRE & SAFETYNAMED 2025 HONEYWELLDEALER OFTHE YEAR ATFDIC INTERNATIONAL
Hi-Tech Fire & Safety, a trusted leader in fire protection equipment and services based in New York, has been honored as the 2025 Honeywell Dealer of the Year during FDIC International, the world’s largest firefighter training and equipment expo. The award was presented at the prestigious Morning Pride Customer Appreciation Event hosted by Honeywell at the Skyline Club.
This recognition marks a major milestone for Hi-Tech, which has been a cornerstone in the fire safety industry for over three decades. As a Master Distributor for Honeywell Morning Pride, HiTech has consistently demonstrated exceptional service, product expertise, and a deep commitment to the safety and performance of firefighters throughout the Northeast.
At FDIC 2025, Hi-Tech teamed with their product partners to showcase a comprehensive lineup of cutting-edge personal protective equipment (PPE), including Morning Pride structural and technical rescue gear, boots, helmets, gloves, and hoods. Their team provided hands-on demos and expert consultations to hundreds of fire service professionals, emphasizing the life-saving capabilities of the latest innovations.
Beyond product excellence, Hi-Tech stands out for its customer-first philosophy, 24/7 support, and personalized service model. They are also a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and a trusted supplier on the New York State contract, which allows departments statewide to purchase from them with confidence and compliance.
President Karen Emory and her team have long championed firefighter safety and preparedness, earning a reputation for responsiveness and reliability. “We’re incredibly honored by this award,” Emory said. “It’s a testament to our staff, our customers, and our decadeslong relationship with Morning Pride. Our goal has always been to protect those who protect us.”
As departments across the nation grapple with new challenges, from extreme weather events to evolving safety standards, Hi-Tech Fire & Safety continues to lead by example-delivering not only the best equipment but the highest standard of service.
To learn more about Hi-Tech’s products, services, and mission, visit www.hitechfireny.com.
