Broome County Communications dispatched the Conklin Fire Department and surrounding mutual aid to a report of house fire.
See story on page 8
Brooklyn All Hands
Firefighters rescued four people from an all-hands apartment fire on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn.
See story on page 10
Queens 4-Alarmer Extends
The 46 Battalion transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in a single-story row of commercial buildings.
See story on page 13
Fatality at Gorski St. Fire
Amsterdam firefighters responded to a call for a fire in Montgomery County.
See story on page 18
Fast Work at West Webster House Fire
First arriving units found heavy fire showing from the attached garage.
See story on page 27
Bronx Mixed-Use Fire; 1 FF Transported
FDNY crews responded to an all-hands fire in the Bronx.
See story on page 32
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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
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Proud Member Of:
Honoring Post-9/11 Heroes
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) will honor our post-9/11 heroes in a solemn tribute at the College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Sports and Recreation Center (Building 1R). This ceremony will honor the memory of 176 FDNY members who lost their lives to illnesses related to their response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The service will include tributes, reflections,
and moments of remembrance to pay respect to their sacrifice and legacy. This moving tribute will bring together families, fellow firefighters, and the community to recognize the lasting sacrifices made in service to others. Please save the date and watch live at firehero.org. More details will be shared soon.You can support this event by making a donation at https://www.firehero.org/nfff-fdnymemorial-weekend/
EMS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE
NYS DOH Division of EMS Trains National Guard to Strengthen Local EMS Agencies
The New York State Department of Health announced training initiative to support the New York National Guard’s missions, increase certified EMS providers in New York communities and create essential career Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training pathways for New York National Guard service members. This targeted training initiative underscores the ongoing partnership with the Department’s Division of State EMS and the New York National Guard. The training initiative aimed to certify service members as EMTs in an academystyle learning environment, further expanding New York’s EMS workforce.
“The impact of this innovative training program goes beyond strengthening the EMS workforce,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “It is also about creating a bridge for these service members as they transition from military service to civilian roles, utilizing the skills and discipline they’ve gained to serve their communities.”
Ryan Greenberg, Director of the Division of State EMS said, “This initiative not only equips service members with critical life-saving skills that may be used in their roles as National Guard members, but also provides them with valuable career pathways in the EMS field. With many EMS agencies actively hiring, these newly certified EMTs are well-
positioned to join the workforce and address ongoing staffing demands when not on active duty with the National Guard. We are immensely grateful to our partners for their commitment to this initiative. Their willingness to host our trainees, provide guidance, and share career opportunities has been instrumental in making this program a success,” Director Greenberg said.
Brigadier General Isabel Smith, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard said, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York National Guard worked with the Department of Health to certify over 320 service members as EMTs. These soldiers and airmen worked in nursing homes and designated facilities during the pandemic. More recently, DOH certified 150 New York National Service Members as new EMTs.”
More info about EMT training programs and career opportunities in New York State can be found at www.health.ny.gov/professional/ems/
Just before 0300 hours on July 4, 2025, Broome County Communications dispatched the Conklin Fire Department and surrounding mutual aid to a report of house fire on JR Boulevard. Broome County Sheriff’s Department and a mutual aid assistant chief arrived a few minutes later to fire showing from windows on the Alpha and Delta sides of a 1-1/2 story wood frame, single-family structure. Chief 46 immediately requested a second alarm be dispatched. Crews from Tower 46 and Squad 46 stretched lines and began fire attack and search operations. Primary searches of the residence were negative, and crews were able to knock down fire in a first-floor bedroom and the bedroom above. Ventilation efforts continued as overhaul began. Several crews from Conklin, Kirkwood, Town of Binghamton, Five Mile Point and Hallstead (Susquehanna County, PA) rotated through, conducting suppression, search, ventilation and overhaul operations. During the fire a second call for Conklin was dispatched for a commercial fire alarm at a local business. A standby crew from West Coleville 51 handled that call and then was requested to the scene to assist. During oper-
2nd-Alarm House Fire in Conklin
ations Chief 51, James Sitek (see Obituary on page 43. — Ed.), suffered a medical emergency and collapsed outside of the structure. Immediate ALS care and CPR was initiated by other firefighters and an EMS crew on standby from Broome Ambulance. Broome Ambulance crew with the assistance of fire personal and Superior Ambulance with an escort from the Broome County Sheriff's Department transported the Chief to Wilson Hospital where staff continued lifesaving efforts. Unfortunately, Chief Sitek succumbed to this medical event. (See page 42). Operating on scene were crews from Conklin, Kirkwood, Town of Binghamton, Five Mile Point, West Colesville, Hallstead, Broome Ambulance, Superior Ambulance, Broome County Fire Coordinators, Broome County Fire Investigation Team, Broome County Sheriff's Department, New York State Fire, and NYSEG. An origin and cause investigation was conducted by NYS Fire along with the Broome County Fire Investigation Team. The Broome County Critical Incident Team responded to assist with a briefing at station 46 as well.
- Fire News photo and story provided by Nicholas Griswold
Far Rockaway Multi Fire
FDNY companies in Far Rockaway, Queens, battled an all-hands fire on the top floor of a seven-story multi-dwelling on Briar Place on July 12 2025. There were no reported injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Brooklyn All Hands
Firefighters rescued four people from an all-hands apartment fire on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn on July 12, 2025. Members encountered heavy smoke and fire throughout the third and fourth floor of
Flames Visible on Arrival
Volunteer
Department in Montgomery County, received a call for a possible structure fire on July 12, 2025, at 1650
an apartment building. Engine 253 used two hoselines to knock down the main body of fire.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Hagaman
Fire
hours. Flames were visible upon arrival. The fire was under investigation.
- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
2-Alarmer in Brooklyn
Engine Company 214 and Tower Ladder 111 transmitted a 10-75 for fire on the second floor of a brownstone on Halsey Street on July 5, 2025. The fire extended to the third floor and an exposure build-
ing. Four hoselines were used to knock down the main body of fire. The fire went to a second alarm.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Queens 4-Alarmer Extends
and eventually spread to seven buildings. Firefighters used five hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. The fire went to four alarms. -
The 46 Battalion transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in a single-story row of commercial buildings on Dry Harbor Road on July 28, 2025. They then transmitted a second alarm as fire was in the cockloft
Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Head-on MVA on Routes 300 and 32
Cronomer Valley Fire Department responded to an MVA head-on at Route 300 and Route 32. Four patients were taken to the hospital for evaluation. The fire department put drying agent down and cut the battery cables. The Town of Newburgh Ambulance and Police also responded. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Cover Story
Discarded Fireworks Destroy 2 Houses
Improperly discarded fireworks were the cause of a fire that destroyed two homes and sent a man — rescued by Schenectady police — with second-and third-degree burns to the hospital. Firefighters arrived at the Avenue A address shortly after 2300 on July 4, 2025. Engine 4 arrived and reported two dwellings well involved and requested a second alarm, plus apparatus and manpower from Niskayuna Fire District 1 members of IAFF Local 4151. Both homes were torn down the next day.
- Fire News photos by Peter Barber
Nunda Fights Garage Fire
On June 29, 2025, the Nunda Fire Department was dispatched to Valley View Road in Hunt to a garage fire in an attached garage. The first chief on location reported a fully involved garage with the fire extending to the house. Mutual aid was dispatched and several
firefighters from neighboring fire departments responded and, because this is a rural area, tankers were also dispatched.
- Fire News photo by Jim Lepard Digital Imaging
Fatality at Gorski St. Fire
Amsterdam firefighters responded to a call for a fire on Gorski Street in Montgomery County at 1804 hours on July 31, 2025. Callers reported glass shattering, a loud bang and heavy smoke
from the attic. A general alarm was called en route, putting surrounding area departments on standby. There was one fatality at the blaze.
-
Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
Hollis Car Fire Extends
FDNY companies in Hollis, Queens, extinguished a car fire in the driveway of a home on 205th Street on July 10, 2025. The fire quickly spread to the adjoining house and additional units were called to the scene. There were no reported injuries.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Good Will Handles Rte. 17k MVA
The Goodwill Fire Department responded to an MVA on Route 17K. Newburgh Ambulance transported one person to the hospital.
- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Rochester House Fire
In the late evening of July 4, 2025, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Rauber Street for the report of a fire. On arrival, crews found heavy fire running the exterior of the home from the first floor up into the attic. The exterior fire was quickly knocked down as crews made an aggressive interior attack and truck crews opened the roof. The fire was placed under control within 15 minutes of arrival.
- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Greece Fire Extends
In the early morning hours of July 5, 2025, Barnard, Ridge Road and North Greece firefighters were dispatched to Duffern Drive for the report of a fire. On arrival, companies found heavy fire showing from the attached garage and extending up the front of the home. Firefighters were able to quickly stretch lines and make an aggressive interior attack working to knock down the fire. Multiple dogs were rescued from the home. The fire was put under control a short time later.
- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Penfield Condo Fire Held to Origin Unit
On the evening of June 26, 2025, Penfield firefighters, with mutual aid from Fairport, worked a condo fire on Penbrooke Drive. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the first floor and were able to quickly stretch lines and, with an aggressive interior attack, knocked down the fire keeping it to the unit of origin.
Truck Takes Down Wires and Poles
Winona Lake Engine Company responded for a call of wires down with a person stuck in the vehicle. The dump truck’s box was partially up when it snagged a wire and pulled two poles down on Route 52. Three buildings lost power as a result. The incident was under investigation by Town of Newburgh police.
- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Quick Stop in Queens All-Hands
FDNY companies in Queens tackled an all-hands blaze in a private dwelling on 181st Street near 69th Avenue early on August 2, 2025. The fire was on the second floor of the two-story home but was quickly knocked down. There were no reported injuries.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Dutchess County FF1 & BFO Graduation
On June 26, 2025, the East Fishkill Fire Training Center held a graduation of Firefighter 1 & BFO classes. After many weeks of classroom and hands-on training the students graduated. The lead Instructor was John Sirgant, Instructors Ray Valentin, Dan Shultz, 2nd VP Michael Carter, Director Jack Schmidt and Financial
Secretary Vinny Galvin from the Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association who handed out certificates, Nomex hoods and a year membership in the organization. If you would like to see additional pictures, go to DCVFFA.com and click on galleries.
- Fire News photos courtesy Vinny Galvin, DCVFA
Groundbreaking at the New Montgomery County EMS Facility
Sheriff Jeffery T. Smith was joined by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, USDA Rural Development State Director Richard Mayfield, County Executive Peter Vroman, County Legislators, DPW Commissioner Eric Mead, CT Male reps, public safety chiefs, police officers, staff, friends, and family to mark this special occasion. This project was made possible by a $1.575 million grant secured by Congresswoman Stefanik and provided through the USDA. The grant will fund most of the new facility, two ambu-
lances, an ALS fly car, and all the equipment to keep our rigs ready to respond. Since January 1, 2025, our EMS team has responded to 1,120 calls — each time when no other ambulance was available. That’s 1,120 people who got the care they needed, when they needed it most. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and to all who made this project a reality. We look forward to serving Montgomery County even better in the years ahead!
- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Fast Work at West Webster House Fire
In the early morning hours of July 6, 2025, West Webster firefighters, with mutual aid, worked a house fire on Galbro Circle. First arriving units found heavy fire showing from the attached garage and declared a working fire. Lines were pulled from the engine as truck companies went in to do a search of the home. Thanks to the
fast reacting crews who placed lines in service right away, the fire was contained to the garage of the home. The fire was put under control a short time later.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
NewtoTHEM
Looking Back
Walden – 1997
A multiple-alarm fire tore through the former Borden’s Factory located on the Walden/Wallkill town lines along the Wallkill River in Walden. - Fire News photos by Steve Lenz
Hagaman Extrication Training
The Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department recently trained on Holmatro Penthion cutters. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
Extrication Training -
Bronx Mixed-Use Fire; 1 FF Transported
FDNY crews responded to all-hands fire in the Bronx on East 149th Street on August 2, 2025. The fire was on the fifth floor of a fivestory mixed occupancy building. One firefighter was injured and
transported to Montefiore Hospital.
- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn
Hose Accuracy Training!
Winona Lake firefighters practice some hose handling skills against each other. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
BKFC and Mayfield Live-Fire Training
The Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company (BKFC) and Mayfield Fire Department conducted training at the BKFC firehouse on July 21, 2025. Firefighters from both companies trained on live fire,
mostly vehicle fires, with fire instructors on hand. The training was also a good opportunity for pump and driver training on apparatus.
- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
American Flag Retirement Ceremony
Doyle Hose Company 1 of Cheektowaga held their 11th annual flag retirement ceremony on June 14, 2025. This year over 800 flags were properly retired. - Fire News photos by Bob Higgins; Doyle Hose 1
School Bus Operations School Bus Operations
Broadalbin hosted training for operating on school buses and invited surrounding departments to participate in the training given by State Fire. Various tools were used and different techniques implemented as well as reviewing the construction of school busses.
- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
Brockport Fire Police Captain Makes History
On July 26, 2025, the Western New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association (WNYVFA) held its Annual Awards Ceremony as their 126th Annual Convention (WNYVFA). I am pretty sure no one in Brockport knew that history was in the making.
Many of you are familiar with the story about Captain Cheryl Wiest and her young neighbor meeting when he needed immediate medical attention for an arterial bleed and Cheryl was home nearby at the ready to bring the bleeding under control.
Cheryl has received acknowledgement far and wide for her efforts in saving the life of another, but no one could have predicted the outcome when President Ronald Sabernick of the Brockport Volunteer Firefighters Association (BVFA) nominated her for recognition from the WNYVFA.
During independent award committee reviews with the WNYVFA, Cheryl covered several firsts: she is the first woman to receive the Fire Police Officer of the Year Award, as is evidenced on the traveling trophy that will be on display at the BVFA for the next year. And in speaking with members of the WNYVFA after the awards ceremony, she is the first person to ever receive both the Firefighter of the Year and the Fire Police Officer of the Year awards at the same time from the WNYVFA. We are very proud of Captain Wiest, and very pleased to see her recognized in this way. Cheryl was escorted by past Captains Christopher Martin and Alan Way from the BVFA.
Story by Christopher Martin and photos by Richard Wiest. - Fire News photos courtesy BROF PIO
Vehicle Extrication Training
The Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company (BKFC) conducted vehicle extrication training at the firehouse on July 7, 2025. BKFC members worked on using both power and manual tools. The safety of the first responders on the scene is also imperative. Fuel leaks,
ANNE MARIE JUDGE AS CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER FOR NFFF
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is honored to welcome Anne Marie Judge as its new Chief Advancement Officer. With decades of experience in fundraising, major gift strategy, campaign development, and donor engagement, Anne Marie brings both professional expertise and a heartfelt commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission.
As the wife of a 32-year veteran of the Troy, New York Fire Department and a 9/11 first responder, Anne Marie’s connection to the fire service runs deep. Her personal and professional journeys converge in this role, bringing added meaning to her leadership and dedication to supporting the families and communities we serve.
Prior to joining the NFFF, Anne Marie held several senior fundraising positions and built and revitalized advancement offices for a variety of organizations, including the American University in Rome, Franklin University Switzerland, Albany Law Schools, and the Albany Symphony, delivering record-setting results and driving long term growth.
fumes, air bags, sharp objects and other dangers pose a threat to EMS and rescue personnel. Regular training gives those involved the knowledge and experience to successfully perform an extrication.
- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
FIRE RESCUE SYSTEMS UNVEILS MOBILE MANPOWER READER: A GAME-CHANGING TOOL FOR REAL-TIME PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY
Fire Rescue Systems, a leading provider of cutting-edge software solutions for fire departments nationwide, proudly announced the launch of its latest innovation: the Mobile Manpower Reader. This robust, real-time accountability tool is designed to revolutionize how fire departments track, monitor and manage personnel while on the scene.
Key Features:
• Real-Time Personnel Tracking: View who is on-scene, their status and their qualifications from any mobile device.
• Automated Accountability: Instantly update and share manpower rosters across units and command.
• Easy Integration: Works with Fire Rescue Systems’ Dispatch and Roster & Attendance modules.
• Mobile-Optimized: Designed for tablets and smartphones, providing operational agility during critical incidents.
The Mobile Manpower Reader is not just an enhancement-it’s a force multiplier. Whether for career or volunteer departments, the application is built to scale and adapt.
Fire Rescue Systems will be showcasing the Mobile Manpower Reader at upcoming industry expos and offers demos by request.
DCVFA Convention and Awards
On July 15, 2025, the Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Association (DCVFA) held their 78th annual convention at the Pawling Fire Department. In a jammed-packed hall with over 120 people in attendance they were there to honor firefighters. Elected officials in attendance were numerous, as were association officers. Eight high school graduates received scholarships from the DCVFA: Beekman FD member Seth Reinosa; Hughsonville Firefighters Devin Byrne and Michael VanBuren; Millerton FD Firefighter Eric Golden; New Hamburgh FD member Noelle Gerbeth; Pleasant Valley Firefighter Andrew Fanuele; Rhinebeck Firefighter Lillian Eighmy; and Wassaic FD Auxiliary Alexis Winters. Finally, it was time to honor great heroes for doing what they do; Hughsonville FD for a motorcycle versus car with entrapment; Pawling Firefighter Deputy Chief Chris Greene for an ice rescue; and Pleasant Valley Firefighters Chief John Cronk and Firefighter Ed See for heroic actions taken on a fully engulfed house fire. - Fire News photo courtesy of Vincent Galvin
On July 10, 2025, the Webster Fire Department held their annual fireman’s parade. Companies from around Monroe, Wayne and Ontario counties gathered to show off their apparatus to awaiting residents. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Obituary
West Coleville’s James G. Sitek
James Gerard Sitek passed away in the line of duty on July 4, 2025, in Conklin, New York. He was 69-years old.
Jim was an accomplished rower, having won three national schoolboy championships while in high school. He represented the United States twice in Europe at the World Junior Rowing Championships after winning the U.S National Junior title. Jim was also an avid runner, having run numerous marathons including the Boston Marathon.
Jim was a respected Software Development Engineer at IBM, recognized for his expertise and lasting contributions to the computer software industry. He held degrees from Marietta College, Michigan State University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, including a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and dual Master’s Degrees in Statistic nd Computer Science.
Jim met his beloved wife, Suzanne (‘Susie’), when both were relocated for work to Halfmoon, New York — where they discovered they lived in the same apartment building. That chance meeting led to a lifetime of love and partnership. They were married on November 11, 1989, in Burlington, Vermont.
Jim was known for his quick wit and warm humor, often brightening
gatherings with his well-timed jokes. He had a passion for woodworking and was always ready to share his craftsmanship with family and friends. A loyal fan of Michigan State football and basketball, Jim rarely missed watching a game. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, making memories filled with laughter, joy, and togetherness.
Jim’s legacy extended far beyond his professional achievements. He dedicated over 40 years to the volunteer fire service, beginning with the Halfmoon Fire Department and continuing with the West Colesville Fire Company, where he served since 1990. Rising through the ranks to become Chief, Jim was admired for his humility, tireless work ethic, and deep commitment to the fire service. He was a mentor, leader, and brother to hundreds of firefighters across New York State. The members of West Colesville became more than colleagues — they became his extended family.
On July 4, 2025, Jim made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a house fire in Conklin. Memorial donations may be made to the West Colesville Fire Company, 1305 Colesville Road, Binghamton, NY 13904. May you rest in peace Chief, we will take it from here.
- Fire News photos provided or by Nicolas Griswold
