Fire News New York State, August 2020 edition

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 13, NO. 10

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

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- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Thanks to All New York State Fire, Rescue and EMS Heroes!

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 3

In this issue...

2-Alarm Restaurant Fire in Washingtonville Firefighters responded to a fire on West Main Street at Betty’s Country Kitchen.

See story on page 7

4 Injured in Elmhurst 3 Alarmer FDNY companies battled a raging three-alarm fire in a private dwelling.

See story on page 9

Quick Action Saves Home The Boght and Verdoy fire departments quick action saved a home in Latham from catching fire.

See story on page 18

2 Saved at Ossining Blaze The Ossining Fire Department was dispatched to North Malcolm Street for a structure fire.

See story on page 19

R.I.P. FDNY’s Douglas Gertz Doug was an active FDNY EMT assigned to Station 7 in Chelsea.

See story on page 25

A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.

Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Eight Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia Proud Member Of:

Accelerant Detection Canine Available Clipper, a black Labrador retriever, is assigned to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit.

See story on page 27

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27

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

Page 4, Fire News, August 2020

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Pushing Forward As we continue to deal with Covid-19, my state —New York — has slowly entered Phase IV of a well-planned mitigation for containing the spread of Covid-19, while we try to regain the freedoms of the past. Yes, there are restrictions to follow if you want to have some sense of socialization similar to pre-pandemic days.

Many low risk, outdoor arts and entertainment facilities can open at a 33-percent capacity.

Colleges can open, and professional sports can resume without fans. Regardless of what you or I think, we must be diligent on following the guidelines intended to keep us safe. Keep in mind that preventing the re-occurrence of a significant increase of Covid is up to you. Despite what you think, follow the guidelines with the understanding that if Covid shows signs of poking its ugly head out again and as cases begin to rise, we will be back to Square 1.

I am pleased to see that the first responders I have had contact with are following the department rules for preventing the spread of this disease. Kudos to all of the members who continue to respond, while keeping six feet away from one another whenever possible. I applaud the firehouses that have put up wall units at entrances that contain hand sanitizer, masks and gloves. It is refreshing to see that responders

have made the effort to continue to wear those masks and to use hand sanitizer immediately after calls and tasks such as signing in for calls.

Keep up the good work. Let’s face it, good hygiene must be working because our members seem to be avoiding Covid.

On a personal note, I would like to take the time to thank our EMS responders for your professional dedication and commitment to the people that you serve. I am sure many of you were not aware that in June, the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) took the opportunity during National EMS Week to honor the men and women serving in fire and emergency services departments across the nation who deliver pre-hospital emergency medical care.

National EMS Week is a time to pause and to say “thank you” to our EMS responders, who, quite frankly, have not balked and continue to handle calls during these difficult times. I join CFSI and give thanks to each one of our EMS responders for your dedicated service. I also thank the CFSI for remaining committed to advocating for federal programs that address the needs and challenges of the fire and EMS services, especially during these tough times. In case you have not done so, take the time to visit CFSI.org to see what the organization is doing

for you, the first responder.

Finally, remember that all of you serve your communities with professionalism and dedication to your department. Lately, I have been seeing posters and signs on fences and lawns, thanking YOU, the first responder, for your dedicated service. Keep up the good work. Hopefully, our network news organizations will do a piece honoring your service.

For now, you have Fire News. Feel free to send us photos of your squad so that we may continue to honor you.

Stay safe, Dennis

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 5

Yonkers 4-Alarmer On the evening of June 20, 2020, the Yonkers Fire Department was called to Stanley Avenue for fire in the rear porch of a three-story multi-dwelling. Upon arrival, crews found fire on all three rear porches with a report of a woman trapped on the third floor.

Rescue 1 crews were unable to make the floor due to fire conditions and backed out. Shortly after, crews went to an exterior attack and protected the exposures on the B/D side of the fire. Crews remained on scene for several hours hitting hot spots and opening up. The fire — which went to four alarms — was placed under control approximately two hours after dispatch.

- Fire News photos by kemptersfirewire.smugmug.com, PuckStopperPhotography.com and www.FirstDuePhotography.com

Page 6, Fire News, August 2020

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Cover Story

2-Alarmer Guts Crane Street Condo On June 27, 2020, Schenectady firefighters rescued a tenant on Crane Street after fire was discovered shortly after 0200.

Flames consumed the upper floor and porch area sending residents in neighboring house into the street. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in less than an hour. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo

by Peter Barber

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 7

2-Alarm Restaurant Fire in Washingtonville

On June 15, 2020, Washingtonville firefighters responded to a fire on West Main Street at Betty’s Country Kitchen, a Washingtonville fixture. Quick work and some fancy interior maneuvering to the

basement stopped the fire from spreading, though there was heat and smoke damage to the structure.

- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn and Vinnie Dominick

Page 8, Fire News, August 2020

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Brownstone Fire

Rosedale Body Shop Fire

On May 24, 2020, FDNY Battalion 38 transmitted a 10-75 for fire on the first and second floors of a brownstone on Lincoln Place.

Units arrived to fire in the rear of the dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

FDNY units in the Rosedale section of Queens battled an all-hands blaze in a single-story taxpayer on June 18, 2020. Companies were alerted to multiple calls for a fire in an auto body shop on Merrick Boulevard near 243rd Street. Roll-down gates were cut and engine companies made their push into the fire area to control the fire.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 9

Red Hook Home Totalled A residence in the Town of Red Hook is considered a total loss following a two-alarm fire on June 15, 2020. The two residents of the home on Kelly Road were out of the house when they called 911 at 0901, reporting a basement fire. Firefighters found heavy flames coming from the basement and spreading quickly throughout the house. It took firefighters approximately 45 minutes to get the blaze under control, and hot spots were flaring up for about two more hours after that. “When the first officers arrived at the scene, it was determined that the main floor was compromised,” said Red Hook First Assistant Chief Mike Lane. “We established a defensive exterior attack, including a ladder truck fighting the fire from above. No firefighters entered the house.” The first floor collapsed less than 10 minutes after arrival, and most of the roof caved in shortly after. The Red Cross assisted the family. About 50 volunteer firefighters from Red Hook, Tivoli, Rhinebeck and Hillside fought the blaze. NDP EMS, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, and Red Hook Police Department were also at the scene, and Milan covered.

- Fire News photo by Scott McCarthy/RHFC, story by Jeff Levine/RHFC, PIO

4 Injured in Elmhurst 3 Alarmer FDNY companies battled a raging three-alarm fire in a private dwelling on 40th Road in the Elmhurst section of the Queens early on June 10, 2020. Flames were shooting from the rear of the house on arrival and, with exposure issues a major concern, a second alarm was transmitted. Four occupants suffered minor injuries during their escape from the blaze.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 10, Fire News, August 2020

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Port Chester Dwelling Fire

Colonie Restaurant Fire Stopped

On June 16, 2020, Port Chester firefighters were alerted to reports of a possible fire on Oak Street. As companies were being alerted, police reported they could see smoke coming from a dwelling. On arrival, crews found a good smoke condition coming from the top floor and declared a working fire. Crews made quick work of a kitchen fire. This was the first fire for the department’s new tower ladder.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

On June 15, 2020, Midway, Colonie Village, Fuller Road, Verdoy, Stanford Heights, Latham, Niskayuna 2, Westmere and North Bethlehem Rehab responded to a structure fire at the Dragon Garden in Colonie. Crews arrived to heavy smoke and flames coming through the roof. Ladder trucks from Fuller Road, Stanford Heights and Verdoy were deployed. Two additional businesses on either side were also damaged but, thanks to the quick action of the departments, the fire was confined to a small part of the mall. No one was injured - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Page 12, Fire News, August 2020

High Speed MVA

On June 17, 2020, at approximately 1130, Selkirk Fire, DelmarBethlehem EMS and Albany County Paramedics responded to a single-car rollover MVA on Lasher Road. Another motorist called Bethlehem Police to report the crash and also disclosed the driver was driving erratically, speeding and passing on double-solid lines.

A subsequent crash investigation determined that the driver was allegedly driving at excessive speed. He was later cited for speed not reasonable or prudent.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

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2 Taken to Local Hospital After Collision

On June 13, 2020, Schenectady firefighters responded to a rollover accident on Erie Boulevard and Maxon Road after the driver of a pickup lost control and struck a traffic signal control box and rolled onto its side. Both the driver and passenger were briefly trapped until firefighters deployed a ladder to free the occupants.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 13

Rescue at Poestenkill Falls On May 30, 2020, Rensselaer County Dispatch received a call that a young lady had fallen from the top of Poestenkill Falls. Several fire and rescue units, state rangers, medical units and sheriffs responded. It was a hot day with a trip through the woods and climb down the cliff to reach the woman, who was brought up and transported to Albany Medical Center about three hours later.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Minivan Fire Endangers Neighboring Structures On May 18, 2020, Schenectady Engine 4 firefighters battled a fully involved minivan fire in the back of a Raymond Street residence, which endangered a neighboring garage and a car parked nearby. The fire was confined to the minivan and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 14, Fire News, August 2020

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Amsterdam Rubbish Fire

Fire Quickly Spreads in Staten Island

An Amsterdam firefighter at the scene of rubbish fire on James Street on April 23, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Members of the FDNY battled a three-alarm blaze on May 23, 2020, on Oxford Place in Staten Island. Firefighters quickly exited the building as the flames traveled from the cellar to the structure’s roof. It was reported that firefighters were briefly trapped in the attic, but safely escaped the flames. Units then went into a defensive mode to bring the fire under control.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 15

House Fire in Thiells

The Thiells Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on May 4, 2020. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and fire was beginning to show from a second-floor window of a two-family home. Although the residents had self-evacuated, first-in crews conducted a search while lines were being stretched. Due to some clutter in the area of the fire, one firefighter had his SCBA facepiece knocked off and he

took in some smoke, requiring his removal for evaluation. With assistance from Hillcrest, Stony Point and West Haverstraw, the fire was quickly extinguished and overhauled. New City stood by. The cause of the fire was being investigated.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Page 16, Fire News, August 2020

Chimney Fire in Mahopac Falls

On May 10, 2020, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department was dispatched to a residence on Kayla Lane off Hill Street for a possible chimney fire. Responding with a pumper/tanker, heavy rescue and ambulance, Chief Jeff Boyle assumed Incident Command with Assistant Chief Dan Meury taking Operations and Safety. Crews were advised that the logs in the fireplace were removed from the structure, the interior crew entered the house to confirm the information, while the exterior crew laddered the building to inspect the chimney. There was no extension or damage.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey, PIO

Lenox Hill 5-Story 4-Alarmer FDNY units in the Lenox Hill section of Manhattan battled a fouralarm blaze in a five-story, occupied, multi-dwelling on East 70th Street near York Avenue on May 2, 2020. The fire was believed to have originated in the basement but quickly spread to the upper floors. Numerous holes needed to be cut in the floors to expose the advancing fire. The blaze took more than two hours to bring under control.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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NYC All-Hands

On May 19, 2020, a fire broke out on 3rd Avenue in Manhattan.

The all-hands fire was brought under control without incident.

- Fire News photo by Monell Chief Gary Hearn

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 17

It’sNewtoTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus

2009 GMC 4WD MINI-RESCUE Command Fire delivered this 2009 GMC 4WD mini-rescue to the Hancock MA Fire Department. The unit formerly served Sold by Command Apparatus Hartford, NY.

1992 RD MURY SIMON DUPLEX Nanuet Fire District No.1 (8-1501) 750 Gal 1,500 GPM. Served Nanuet from 1992-2013. It now belongs to the Huntington Fire Dept in Huntington Arkansas.

Sold by Red Truck Sales Inc.

BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.

Provided by Department

1996 FREIGHTLINER/KME Command Fire delivered this 1996 Freightliner/KME Heavy Rescue that formerly served the Bowmansville Fire Department to the Glen Haven WI Fire Sold by Command Apparatus Department.

2010 PIERCE QUANTUM RESCUE Dix Hills Fire District Engine 7, 750 Gal 1,500 GPM 40 Gal Foam Light Tower Generator. Served Dix Hills NY from 2010 - 2018. Unit now belongs to the Hydro Fire Department in Hydro Oklahoma.

BEFORE

Sold by Red Truck Sales Inc.

AFTER

We are looking forward to our new monthly feature

“It’s New to THEM”

To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly

631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com

Page 18, Fire News, August 2020

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Quick Action Saves Home

The Boght and Verdoy fire departments quick action saved a home in Latham from catching fire. A van parked in the driveway of a home on Sable Terrace was a mere three feet from the residence when it caught fire. Flames were reaching above the roofline of the garage area when the first engine arrived. Smoke filled the neigh-

borhood as the firefighters rushed to contain the blaze. The residence was saved by the quick arrival and action, leaving only melted vinyl siding.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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2 Saved at Ossining Blaze

On the evening of June 9, 2020, the Ossining Fire Department was dispatched to North Malcolm Street for a structure fire. First arriving police units reported a well involved private dwelling with multiple people trapped. Engine 96 was on scene in under two minutes, followed by TL 42, and started rescuing the two occupants from the home. Both subjects were removed successfully and were expected to survive. Crews had the fire extinguished in approximately 15 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Dave Kempter

Fire News, August 2020, Page 19

Arson in Newburgh

On June 9, 2020, the Winona Lake, Orange Lake and Good Will crews responded to a second-alarm fire at the Ramada Inn on Route 300. A mattress fire was the cause of the heavy smoke condition that was found when units arrived on scene. A man was later arrested for arson.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Page 20, Fire News, August 2020

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ATV Accident with a Serious Injury, Washingtonville Fire District

Recently, the Washingtonville Fire Department received a report of an ATV accident with an unconscious victim on the old railroad bed in the vicinity of the Washingtonville DPW facility. Upon arrival, fire department personnel assisted EMS with packaging and removing the victim from the woods. In addition, Washingtonville firefighters established an LZ at Vern Allen Park. The victim was treated by Blooming Grove VAC and medevac’d in serious condition to Westchester County Medical Center.

Washingtonville Fire Police assisted with traffic control. The accident was under investigation by the Washingtonville Police Department.

- Fire News photos by Chief Gary Hearn

Page 22, Fire News, August 2020

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IAMRESPONDING ACQUIRES AND INTEGRATES TWOTONEDETECT

Audio dispatch notifications are now available within IaR, at no additional cost IamResponding.com has acquired TwoToneDetect and integrated an enhanced TwoToneDetect version into its all-inclusive suite of time-saving, online tools for emergency responders. TwoToneDetect captures emergency dispatch audio and transmits it through the IamResponding system to emergency responders so that they can hear their actual audio dispatches right through their mobile devices, from any location.

“One of IamResponding’s core features provides dispatch notifications to emergency responders’ mobile devices via multiple and redundant pathways, including app push notification, text message and email to an unlimited number of member devices.” explained IamResponding President Daniel Seidberg, adding that “We are excited to bring this industry-leading tone and audio capture software into our existing suite of emergency notification tools.”

The integration of actual audio dispatches in IamResponding supplements IamResponding’s emergency notifications for those agencies that desire additional redundancy of their dispatch notifications, who may prefer to hear the actual emergency audio

transmission, or who may not be able to equip all of their members with pagers or radios.

This also provides a highly reliable solution for agencies that are dispatched by dispatch centers that do not have a CAD system, as this does not require any involvement by the dispatch center.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the IamResponding team to integrate an enhanced version of TwoToneDirect into their existing suite of communication tools,” said Andy Knitt, the original developer of TwoToneDetect, explaining that “This integration allows for a much more robust delivery of emergency audio alerts to emergency responders, directly through the highly reliable IamResponding system.”

According to Mr. Knitt, “Integrating TwoToneDetect into IamResponding was a logical evolution for the improvement of the delivery of audio dispatch notifications, as I already had great familiarity with IamResponding as a user of that system, and I already understood both the reliability of IamResponding and its value to emergency response entities.” Mr. Knitt further advised that “I highly encourage all TwoToneDetect

users to consider migrating their notifications to IamResponding because the audio delivery reliability, integrated phone app functionality, and support of TwoToneDetect within IamResponding far exceeds what has been available to this point.”

In keeping with its longstanding practice of continually enhancing the features and tools it makes available to its users, Mr. Seidberg advised that “IamResponding will be providing the fully integrated TwoToneDetect functionality to its users at no additional cost, and plans a gradual rollout of the new functionality to its user base over the next couple of months.”

Visit www.IamResponding.com to learn more.

CHIEF LEE SHURTLEFF OF THE GROTON FD TAKES OFFICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS Chief Lee Shurtleff of the Groton Fire Department in Tompkins County was installed as president of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) on June 13, 2020. He will serve a one-year term leading the statewide not-for-profit organization, which represents more than 10,000 career and volunteer fire chiefs, officers, and emergency services personnel.

Due to the cancellation of the 114th Annual Conference & FIRE 2020 Expo, the installation took place via video conference with past-President John Sroka swearing in the 2020-2021 slate of officers, including 1st Vice-President Robert Kloepfer, Jr. (Floral Park Fire Department); 2nd Vice-President James Comstock (Henrietta Fire District); Directors (volunteer) Scott Ewing (Plattsburgh District 3 Fire Department); William Owen III (Stittville Fire Department); and Michael Volpe (Busti Fire Department); Director (career) Stefano Napolitano (Batavia Fire Department); and Director (EMS) George June (Catskill Ambulance Service).

Lee Shurtleff has been a member of the Citizens Hook and Ladder Company 3 of the Groton Fire Department since 1985, serving as Department Chief from 1991 to 1998. He served as the director of the Tompkins County

Department of Emergency Response from 2002 to 2019, where he directed programs for fire, EMS, emergency management, 911 and public safety communications. Previously, he was a full-time deputy coordinator and served for nine years as Commissioner of Elections for Tompkins County. Shurtleff was a member of the New York State Emergency Services Council, New York State Emergency Services

Loan Fund Board, and New York State 911 Board throughout their existence.

He graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. Shurtleff is also a graduate of Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse. A licensed funeral director, he is actively involved with his family’s funeral and properties businesses. He has served as an officer or director for many civic, political, educational, and health-related nonprofit boards.

A life member of NYSAFC who joined the association in 1987, Shurtleff served for many years as a regional representative and with the EMS Committee. He was chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for two years and had been Vice Chair for both the State and Federal Sub-Committees before joining the board of directors in 2013.

Learn more about the NYSAFC board of directors at www.nysfirechiefs.com/board.

FireNews.com

Fire News, August 2020, Page 23

Fire Sends 2 Women to Burn Center

On June 22, 2020, Schenectady firefighters battled a mid morning two-alarm fire on Third Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with two severely burned females after fire was discovered in the attic. The fire was under control in less than an hour. The

burn victims were taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center, then transferred to the Westchester Burn Unit.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Page 24, Fire News, August 2020

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Up Close

FDNY EMS Pipes & Drums - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Fireworks Start Brush Fire

Boght and Maplewood fire departments responded to a brush fire at Valley View Apartments. The wooded area behind the complex ignited after residents set off illegal fireworks. Due to the speedy

action of the departments the flames were prevented from reaching the buildings or spreading to the adjoining neighborhood.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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Obituary

Fire News, August 2020, Page 25

FDNY’s Douglas Gertz

On June 30, 2020 Hundreds of FDNY brothers and sisters were in attendance to show their respect, and mourn the loss of Douglas Gertz. Doug was an active FDNY EMT assigned to Station 7 in

Chelsea, and a former member of the Farmingville Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island, where the firematic service was held.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Page 26, Fire News, August 2020

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Chatham Chief Rideout Retires as Chief

On June 9, 2020, Chief Paul Rideout retired as chief of the Chatham Fire Department after a record six years as chief (the normal tenure is two years). The chief’s position is being taken by First Assistant Chief Eric Barnes, while Second Assistant Chief (and past-Chief) Paul Pratt moves up to First Assistant Chief. Chief Rideout remains with the department as Second Assistant Chief. Pictured are

Village Mayor (and past-Chief) John Howe recounting some of Chief Rideout’s many accomplishments during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Tracy Memorial. (Left to right): Chief Rideout, Chief Pratt, Mayor Howe and Chief Barnes.

- Fire News photo by David Levow

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Fire News, August 2020, Page 27

Accelerant Detection Canine Available Clipper, a black Labrador retriever, is assigned to Detective Scott M. Kuhlmey of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit. Clipper and Detective Kuhlmey graduated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia, in December 2019. The certification program is an intensive 12-week school focused on accelerant detection canine methodology, fire chemistry, safety/first aid, sports medicine, health and wellness, legal aspects, canine olfaction, operational deployment, dynamics of air movement, as well as several investigative disciplines. The practical skills and team exercises were conducted in and around vehicles, structures, humans/crowds, equipment, clothing and indoor/outdoor fire scenes to hone Clipper’s scent discrimination skills. Clipper is proficient in detecting specific classifications of ignitable liquids and has performed over 8,000 repetitions for odor recognition and detecting during his training.

Detective Kuhlmey works closely with the Erie County Central Police Services laboratory and ATF fire research laboratory staff on classification of our training aids as well as the fire debris analysis resulting from a canine alert. The ECSO FIU K9 team is a regional asset available to all fire departments and law enforcement agencies in New York State, and is a deployable asset of the ATF National Response Team on fire-related callouts. Regular usage provides this canine team with additional experience to maintain a highlevel of proficiency. Agencies can request the FIU K9 Team by calling ECSO Dispatch at 716-858-2903. When considering deployment of a canine, the request should be made as early as possible in the incident.

Detective Kuhlmey is a 32-year member of the Citizens Hose

Company of the Lancaster Fire Department (LFD) of Lancaster. Scott’s interest came at an early age when his grandfather Ellsworth Weigand was a member of the Eagle Hose Company of the LFD and at age 14, Scott joined Explorer Post 333 of the LFD. At 18 he joined the Citizens Hose Company and quickly advanced through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Company Chief, and Department Chief. Scott is also CD 136 and is charge of Village of Lancaster Emergency Management. Scott has been with the ECSO for 14 years.

- Fire News photos by Jim Lepard

Page 28, Fire News, August 2020

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