VOLUME 7, NO. 8
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State JUNE 2014
On April 16, 2014, the Village of Wappingers and New Hamburg fire departments were dispatched for a reported structure fire at the Domino’s Pizza on Route 9. Please turn to page 6 for the full story. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Fire News Welcomes All to the Harrisburg Fire Expo North Hall Booth 704-705 – New York State Edition –
Page 2, Fire News, June 2014
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 3
In this issue... Fatality in Washington County Fire
First due firefighters found a home with flames coming from the rear and shooting above the house. See story on page 8
Flames Show in Schenectady
Firefighters were called out to an attic fire on Duane Avenue. Heavy smoke was showing on arrival. See story on page 12
Problems Overcome in Slingerlands
Firefighters tried to save a house at the end of a one-mile long dirt road. The nearest water was a mile away. See story on page 15
Athens Home Gutted by Fire
Fire broke out on the second floor of a two-story home on Route 385. The cause was not immediately known. See story on page 21
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, 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, 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
Winona Lake F.D. Requests Airlift
The the Good Will Fire Department was called out to set up a landing zone at a nearby parking lot. See story on page 25
Firefighter Danny Holt Mourned
47 year member Danny Holt was an active firefighter, past president, past treasurer, and a life member.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33
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, June 2014
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
CFSI: Making a Difference Once again, the Congressional Fire Service Institute's Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminar was a well-attended event and showed the strength and commitment of the fire service in making sure our leaders in government support us. Thanks to Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, Congress has been made aware of the concerns and the current needs of the fire service. From April 30-May 1, 2014, our leaders in Washington, D.C. stood before 2000 dinner guests and witnessed first-hand the dedication and commitment that you have in supporting our friends in government who support the fire service. Despite pressing issues like the war in Afghanistan and health care legislation, our friends in Washington let us know that the fire-rescue and emergency services is a concern that is not forgotten. Quoting Bill Webb, "The reason the fire service has received over $5 billion in direct federal support since 2000 is because the organizations have remained united in their support of the program and the overall needs of the fire service. As Winston Churchill once said, "There is only one thing worse than fighting with your allies and that's fighting without them."
Thank you to the members of the fire service who have undertaken the mission to work with the CFSI and to understand how the political process works, so we can continue to work together to make sure that our government does not forget about us. Thank you Bill Webb and his board and staff, and to the members of the fire service who have given up their time to be the watchdogs for you, the first responder. On a bitter note; all of us were saddened when Ex-Chief Robert "Bobby" Knight from Long Island, suddenly passed away while attending this year's conference. An Ex-Chief and Charter Member of the Sayville Fire Department, Bobby Knight was "CFSI." He lived to make sure all responders throughout the country were well represented in Washington, D.C. I feel blessed that I knew Bobby. I will miss his smiling face, his jovial greetings and most of all his dedication to the fire service. He truly was an inspiration to those that knew him as a firefighter and as a liaison to our friends in government. I know that at next year's CFSI dinner, Bobby will be looking down at everyone from the floor above and guiding everyone to make the right decisions for the fire-rescue and emergency services. Rest in peace Chief! …Dennis
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS ATTENTION WOMEN IN THE FIRE SERVICE Fire Service Women of New York State (FSWNYS) is accepting applications for its 2014 Phoenix Firecamp to be held July 20-25, 2014. This is a week-long live-in camp held in Utica, New York for ages 14-20. Applications and information can be found at www.fswnys.org. Over 140 young women from all over the US and Canada have graduated from the camp to date.
NYSAFC FIRE 2014108th ANNUAL CONFERENCE The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs will hold their Fire 2014, 108th Annual Conference from June 11-14, 2014 at Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York. The schedule is as follows:
• 1200 - 1700: Exhibit Hours • 1400 - 1600: Fire Coordinators Meeting at the Saranac/Canandaigua/Chautauqua Rooms*** FRIDAY, JUNE 13 • 0700 - 1700: Hands-On Training Program • 0830 - 1700: Education Programs at the Cypress and Meadow Rooms* ** • 1000 - 1700: Exhibit Hours • 1200 - 1400: Paid Officers Luncheon at the Saranac/Canandaigua/Chautauqua Rooms*** • 1300 - 1500: Fire Marshals Meeting at the Oak Room* • 1830 - 2030: “Cookin’ in the House: Chili Challenge” at the Cypress Rooms**
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 • 0800 – 1500: AFDSNY Fire Commissioner Training at the Cypress Rooms D and E** • 0830 – 1700: Education Programs at the Shenendoah Clubhouse**** •0830- 1730: Codes Training at Cypress Rooms A and B**
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 • 0700 - 1400: Hands-On Training Program • 0900 - 1500: Exhibit Hours • 90930 - 1245:Education Programs at the Cypress Rooms** • 1000 – 1200: NYSAFC Election of Officers and Voting (if necessary) at the Briar Room* • 1600: Installation Ceremony at the Showroom • 1700- 1800: Installation Ceremony Reception at the Showroom • 1800: Catholic Mass at the Meadow Room*
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 • 0700 - 1700: Hands-On Training Program • 0830 - 1730: Education Programs at the Cypress and Meadow Rooms* • 0900 - 1200: Annual Conference General Session and Showroom • 0900 - 1200: General Session and Association Business Meeting at the Showroom • 1000 - 1100: Keynote Address “Surviving the Tactical Renaissance” and Showroom • 1100 - 1200: Memorial Service and Showroom
* The Birch, Briar, Oak and Meadow Rooms are located in the Tower Hotel meeting room area. ** The Cypress Rooms are located adjacent to the Event Center. *** The Saranac/Canandaigua/Chautauqua Rooms are located in the Conference Center (second floor, above entrance to casino). **** The Shenendoah Clubhouse is a separate building from the main Turning Stone complex. Classes will be held on the second floor.
6TH ANNUAL FLOYD FD AND OCFC CLAMBAKE A clambake will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 1800 to 2200 at the Floyd Fire Department, 8367 Old Floyd Road, Rome, NY. The event will be held in conjunction with the NYSAFC Fire Chief’s Show and is sponsored by the Floyd Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary in conjunction with the Oneida County Fire Chiefs. Enjoy DJ music, food, and great friends. Tickets are $40 with clams or $20 without clams. Children 6-12 are $8, under 5 are free. A fire department bus will run every 30 minutes from the casino to the event. Send checks to the Floyd Fire Department, Brian McQueen, 10 Bermuda Road, Whitesboro, NY 13492. Call Brian at 315-552-8245 for more information.
FASNY GOLF OUTING The 1st Annual FASNY Fallen Firefighters Golf
Outing will be held on Monday, August 18, 2014, at the Town of Colonie Golf Course, 418 Consaul Road, Schenectady. It will be a Scramble Format. Tee time is at 1100. Registration, coffee and doughnuts will be from 0900-1045. One four-member team entry includes lunch, cart, gift and invitation to the Awards Dinner Banquet for $360 per team. Individual entry is $90 per player and includes lunch, cart, gift and invitation to the Awards Dinner Banquet. Deadline for registration is August 8, 2014. Make your payments to FASNY Golf Tournament, 107 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12210-2269. Visit www.FASNY.com for more information.
Page 6, Fire News, June 2014
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Fatal Fire at Shopping Center
On April 16, 2014, the Village of Wappingers and New Hamburg fire departments were dispatched for a reported structure fire at the Domino’s Pizza in the Dutchess Shopping Plaza on Route 9. When Wappingers Chief Jason Enson arrived, he found heavy fire blowing out the front of the business and requested that the Hughsonville FAST unit respond to the scene. As firefighters began their attack, they received reports from two individuals who
were in the building when the fire broke out, that their 19-year-old friend was still in the building. On several occasions as firefighters were making their entry into the building, strong wind gusts caused fire conditions to rapidly deteriorate forcing firefighters to exit. Despite the winds, firefighters were able to quickly knock down the majority of the fire and contain the damage to only the Domino’s store itself. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old male; who was reportedly supposed to start
working at the restaurant later that day, was found dead in the structure. The fire’s origin was under investigation by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response — Fire Investigation Division, and the Village of Wappingers Police Department. The Arlington and Chelsea fire departments provided station coverage during then incident. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Page 8, Fire News, June 2014
Fatality in Washington Co. Fire
On April 25, 2014, Washington County firefighters responded to a fire along Route 22 in White Creek. First arriving firefighters found a home with flames coming from the rear and shooting above the house. With the help of five fire companies, and having to go more then a mile for water, firefighters were able to force entry, where they found a man on the couch, who was pronounced dead. - Fire News photo by Marty Miller EGFD
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Total Loss in Fairview
Fairview firefighters along with City of Poughkeepsie and Roosevelt, were dispatched for a reported structure fire on Bennett Road on April 14, 2014. First arriving units encountered a fully involved raised ranch with a collapsed roof. Initially, the four occupants of the residence were unaccounted for and were believed to be still in the structure. Fortunately, that was later determined to not be the case. The residence was a total loss and the cause of the fire was investigated by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Fire Investigation Division and Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. Mutual aid was received from the Pleasant Valley, Hyde Park, Arlington, Highland, LaGrange and West Clinton fire departments. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 9
Flames Seen for Miles in Albany
On April 12, 2014, a two-alarm fire on Watervliet Avenue left eight people homeless, as a fast moving fire completely destroyed their home. The fire was reported coming from the basement and Fire Chief Warren Abriel stated that the flames moved quickly through the house, prompting fire officials to order all firefighters out of the building, before the blaze roared out through the roof. The fire shot up 20-feet above the 2-1/2story building, and could be seen for miles. The eight occupants of the home were aided by the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Albany Fire Department. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Five Alarmer Beat in Queens
Firefighters from the FDNY battled a stubborn five-alarm fire in a commercial building on 37th Avenue near 75th Street in the Jackson Heights section of Queens on April 21, 2014. The first alarm was transmitted just before 1800 and the fire grew in intensity until the fifth alarm was struck around 2100. Multiple tower ladders poured water on the blaze and a heavy cloud of smoke blanketed a large portion of the surrounding area. Units remained on the scene well into the night and early the next morning. -Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Wayne Carrington
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 11
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Flames Show in Schenectady
Recently, Schenectady firefighters were called out to an attic fire on Duane Avenue in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood. Heavy smoke was seen coming from the third floor as firefighters made entry to the structure. Shortly after, flames began venting from a rear window and the evacuation signal was given. A defensive operation took place as the roof began to collapse. The cause of the fire was under investigation. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Lucky House in Feura Bush
On March 23, 2014, a call was transmitted for a house fire on Dryden Lane in Feura Bush. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was found pouring out of the left side and under the eaves of the home. Mutual aid was immediately requested for the Delmar FAST unit. Firefighters had a pond located on an adjacent property for a water supply, fortunately, as there were no hydrants in this rural area. The fire appears to have started in and around the fireplace. The New York State Police and State Fire (OFPC) responded to the scene to investigating the exact cause and origin. Mutual aid companies from Berne, New Salem, Coeymans Hollow, East Berne, Selkirk, North Bethlehem and Onesquethaw Ambulance assisted at the scene. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 15
Problems Overcome in Slingerlands
On March 9, 2014, firefighters from Slingerlands tried to save a house at the end of a one-mile long dirt road. The nearest water was tank water from a mile back. Portable tanks were set on one ridge, while firefighters hand stretched across a ravine to battle the fire. A firefighter was treated for exhaustion while battling the blaze. The owner was also burned trying to save the gifts from an earlier baby shower. Fortunately he was able to see his wife and new child in the hospital about a week later. Thanks to everyone that helped with the incident and donated to the family. -Fire News photos by Marty Miller
Page 16, Fire News, June 2014
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Flames Contained in Rotterdam
Quick Stop in Arlington
After receiving multiple calls, firefighters from the Town of Rotterda were called out to battle a house fire. Upon arrival, responders found a vacant house with the exterior rear wall well involved. Crews made entry into the structure and quickly contained the fire, preventing any extension. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Recently, Arlington firefighters operated at a structure fire on Willowbrook Heights off Vassar Road. The fire, which apparently started in an exterior garbage can, damaged the wall and the roof. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Page 18, Fire News, June 2014
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Boats Burn in New Hamburg
New Hamburg firefighters were dispatched for a reported boat on fire at Whites Marina, along the Hudson River. Chief Joe Moore arrived to find one boat that was in dry-dock for the winter, well involved, with the adjacent boats in the fire’s path. He requested the Hughsonville Fire Departmens FAST unit to the scene. New Hamburg’s tower ladder hit the fire from above and kept the fire in check as marina personnel used large forklifts to move the adjoining boats away. Crews then ascended a neighboring boat and used a foam line to completely extinguish the diesel-fed fire. Once out, relief cuts we made in the boats hull to allow water to drain off. The fire’s origin is unknown and is being investigated by the Dutchess County Office of Emergency Response — Fire Investigation Division, and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department. -Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
Page 20, Fire News, June 2014
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Vacant Structure Burns in Buffalo
On March 29, 2014, firefighters from Buffalo battled an early morning blaze in a 2-1/2 story vacant structure on Michigan Avenue. The fire started on the first floor and extended throughout the building, which included a storefront and residence in the rear.
At one point during the operation, everyone was ordered out of the structure to give way to a defensive operation. The fire was safely brought under control. Damages as a result of the fire were estimated at $80,000. -Fire News photo by Don Murtha
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 21
Athens Home Gutted by Fire
Recently, two men were displaced, by a house fire in Athens. One man was taken to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson by ambulance. The fire began on the second floor of the two-story home on Route 385 , according to Athens Fire Chief Adam Greco. The cause was not immediately known and is under investigation. The second floor of the structure was entirely gutted by fire. The
Athens Volunteer Fire Department, City of Hudson Fire Department, Catskill, Greenport, and West Athens Lime Street departments responded to the scene; Earlton and Coxsackie D.M. Hamilton were put on standby. The Greene County Fire Investigation Team was investigating. No other injuries were reported. -Fire News photos by John C. Miller
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Queens Responds to Box 6491
All-Hands Go to Work
Recently, firefighters from Queens responded to Box 6491 for a fire in a two-story private dwelling. The fire, located on 255th Street was contained to the bedroom on the second floor of the structure. - Fire News photo by Chris Creighton
Firefighters from Queens battled an all-hands fire on 212th Street. The fire was in a two-story private dwelling, exposure 3 side, with extension inside the dwelling. The fire started as an exterior fire and extended into the structure, but was brought under control without incident. -Fire News photo by Chris Creighton
FIRE TRUCK PULL – FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014 Tool Credit for Fire Department Plan now to start your summer off at this awesome event! It will be our 3rd Place Prize: $500 Tool Credit 3rd year, and like the previous two for Fire Department years, we will have exciting competition and great prizes. Be sure to follow Every participant receives a custom us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up Event T-Shirt. Sign up today! Entries to date. are due by June 6, 2014. Contact Kevin All Fire Departments are welcome Nunn at 716-646-6790, ext. 119 to compete! Just assembly your team for more info. A PDF entry form can be of up to six members, sign up, and pull found on our Website at www.eoneny fast! .com/wp-content/uploads/2013 Gates open at 4760 Camp Road in /12/Truck-Pull-Sign-up-Form.pdf. Hamburg, NY at 1800, Truck Pull will Submit this completed form by FAX to happen from 1900-2130. Spectators are welcome. Other activities include seeing how a fire 716-646-3043 or e-mail it to knunn@e-one.com. truck is built by taking a plant tour, music, food, refreshments, activities for kids, fire truck show case, and much more! 1st Place Prize: iPads for Each Team Member + $500 Tool Credit for Fire Department 2nd Place Prize: LCD TV for Fire Hall + $500
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 23
Basement Blaze Battled in Bushwick
Firefighters from all over Brooklyn and Queens battled a stubborn ally to the upper floors. Vent support companies were brought in to and smoky basement fire in a commercial building on Menahan assist with the heavy smoke condition. No serious injuries were Street in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn on April 6, 2014. The reported for the operation. -Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com blaze broke out in the lower level of a four-story, rehabbed office building and quickly spread to the voids in the ceilings and eventu-
Page 24, Fire News, June 2014
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Cattle Killed in Berne MVA
On April 14, 2014, the Berne Fire Department was dispatched to a call for a semi-truck rollover on Rock Road at Switzskill Road. Upon arrival responders found a two-level truck with 104 calves in the trailer. The semi had just left the Tommell Cattle Company farm, about a mile from the crash scene. Firefighters and several farmers got the back doors of the trailer open, and cut into the roof to free some of the trapped animals. Five calves died instantly and six injured calves had to be euthanized at the scene. The driver and his passenger were not injured. According to the Albany County Sheriff, the driver was issued a ticket for imprudent speed. The Berne Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Albany County paramedics, Berne Ambulance Service, as well as by people who live nearby, who helped the surviving cattle escape the trailer. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 25
Winona Lake F.D. Request Airlift Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a two car motor vehicle accident on Route 300 at Starrow Drive. Due to the severity of the accident, the Good Will Fire Department was called out to set up a landing zone at a nearby parking lot so that the patient could be quickly transported to the hospital. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Fuel Spill Contained in Nanuet A truck carrying approximately 3000 gallons of #2 fuel oil rolled over after reportedly being cut off by another vehicle while making a turn onto College Avenue from Route 59. After the truck rolled, an estimated 1000 gallons of the fuel oil leaked, entering the roadway, nearby parking lots and several storm drains. The Nanuet Fire Department responded to the scene and began trying to contain the fuel using absorbent sand, pads and booms. Extensive mutual aid was requested to the scene, and included the Rockland County Hazardous Materials Team. A local hazardous remediation company was also requested to the scene. After several hours spent securing the leak and unloading the remaining fuel from the damaged truck, the rig was up-righted and removed. -Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
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Page 26, Fire News, June 2014
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Car Plunges into Water in Queens
Winona Lake Handles Three Car MVA
On April 5, 2014, a driver who had just past two clearly visible Dead End signs on both sides of 19th Avenue at 37th Street, kept going another 100 yards into the water at the end of the road. The speed of the vehicle was so fast that it tore through a steel ribbon fence and plunged over 25 feet down into Luyster Creek. The 911 call actually came from the driver of the vehicle, who got out, leaving two males and two women inside the completely submerged vehicle. Divers did not see the vehicle, but saw the broken ribbon fence and immediately went into action. Two boats came up the creek with lights looking for victims around the area, as divers came to the shore line asking for automatic window punch to remove the window for extrication. With the victims removed, rescuers immediately administered CPR, all the way to each of the waiting ambulances. The driver survived, but his four passengers were not as lucky. -Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington
Responders from Winona Lake were called out to a three-car motor vehicle accident in front of Walmart in Newburgh. Four people were taken to the hospital by Town of New Windsor ambulance. Hydarulic tools were employed to free the occupants. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
FireNews.com
Fire News, June 2014, Page 27
Lucky to Be Alive in Slingerlands
Out of Control in Queens
On April 4, 2014, a driver survived a horrific crash with a guardrail on Slingerlands Bypass. Slingerland Rescue Squad members arrived on the scene to find that the guardrail entered the vehicle by the A post, severing the driver’s right leg. The rail continued through the backseat and exited at the left rear of the Chevrolet Yukon, continuing approximately 25 feet. “He was lucky the guardrail did not impale him,” said Bethlehem Police Lt. Thomas Heffernan, Jr. It was reported that speed contributed to the crash. The 31-year-old driver, was charged with DWI among other charges. Slingerlands Fire and Rescue were assisted by the Albany County Paramedics and Bethlehem Ambulance. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
On April 14, 2014, a westbound bus hit the rear of a car, causing it to hit another vehicle before bouncing up the curb and over the sidewalk on Jamaica Avenue. The car hit the front of a commercial retail store. Two injuries were reported as a result of the accident. -Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington
Page 28, Fire News, June 2014
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Chain of Survival A special program was held at The Harvey School to celebrate the Chain of Survival that occurred at the school on October 20, 2013. The event was planned by the school and the Schwartz family to recognize the extraordinary efforts by all those involved in saving their son at a preseason basketball practice. Four people were honored: Davd Waill, EMT; Joe McGinn, Driver; Sam Lucas, Crew; and Harry Albert, Junior Corp and basketball team member. There was an official court re-naming ceremony — “The Court of Heroes,” with a plaque hung and forever displayed on the court. -Fire News photos by Lesley Boltz
Beware of Nicki
Nicki, the mascot for Ladder 122 of the FDNY watches traffic from the bay door opening at the Park Slope firehouse in Brooklyn. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 29
Flames Halted in the City of Beacon
Police Spot Flames in the Village of Wappingers
The City of Beacon, assisted by the Village of Fishkill and Castle Point VA Fire Department operated at a structure fire on School Street on March 4, 2014. Firefighters were able to make a good stop and successfully limited the fire damage. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Village of Wappingers, assisted by the New Hamburg Fire Department, operated at a structure fire on South Avenue in the village. The fire, which was spotted by a Village of Wappingers police patrol, did significant damage to the structure. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Page 30, Fire News, June 2014
Fully Involved in Monroe
On March 27, 2014, a fire broke out in a home on Nininger Road in Monroe. Investigators think an electrical malfunction may have started the early morning blaze which destroyed a vacant home. When responders arrived, the structure was fully engulfed. -Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
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The New Recruit
Parker Remelt, like so many other young men and women, are making the transition from fire explorer to new recruit. Parker is a member to the Henrietta Fire District in WNY. Parker served his community as the “Chief” of his explorer post for 4 years. He has participated in MDA Fill-the-Boots drives, helped organize and host county explorer days, volunteers at a senior living home and is working on his EMT while achieving another year as part of the National Honor Society. Those of us that have watched Parker grow up are proud of him and what he's been able to achieve in his youth. Parker’s parents, Charlie and Sarah, both serve and have served as volunteers in the Henrietta Fire District and are explorer advisors. -Fire News photo by Carol Greene
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Fire News, June 2014, Page 31
Flames Rip Through Schenectady Home
Recently, City of Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire balloon construction, traveled up the walls to an attic. Crews were that ripped through a three-story building and heavily damaged a on scene throughout the night, into the next day. One firefighter sufneighboring structure leaving 26 people homeless on Eagle Street in fered a minor injury. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber the Vale Neighborhood. The fire started in a basement and due to
Page 32, Fire News, June 2014
FireNews.com
RecruitNY Held in West Sand Lake
Not one to just open their bay doors and put out a table with applications on it, the West Sand Lake Fire Department took on making the FASNY RecruitNY a monumental event. West Side’s finest spent six months coordinating a Community Drill that would not only enable prospective recruits to get to know the department, but also have their family members come and see what being a firefighter was all about. Sparky the Fire Dog greeted everyone. The day involved teaching Junior Firefighters how to man a hose line and put out a mock fire, as well as teaching people how to properly use a fire extinguisher and put out a fire on a fire simulator. Prospective recruits were shown equipment and proper attire and given the opportunity to try on the heavy equipment they might one day wear.
The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Department joined in on the day's events by providing free child ID cards and fingerprinting. They also showed off K-9 arson dog Inferno during a demonstration in which a single drop of gasoline was placed on a popsicle stick given to an audience member to place in their shoe. Members of the Sand Lake Ambulance joined the events by teaching CPR to everyone throughout the afternoon. West Sand Lake also showed off their brand new tanker truck and inflatable rehab unit. Children were invited to investigate the Rensselaer County Fire Safety Trailer. Despite the chilly temperatures the event brought together the small community for an informational and entertaining day ... as well as bringing in new recruits. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
FireNews.com
Fire News, June 2014, Page 33
New Building for Chenango
The Chenango Ambulance Services finally moved into their new company split from the Chenango Fire Department and officially building at 83 Chenango Bridge Road. It had been a long project, became Chenango Ambulance Services. They have four ambulances taking over a year due to construction delays. Above is the new rig in service, along with an ALS fly car. -Fire News photo by Nick Griswold in front of the new quarters. For the first time since 2005 when the
Page 34, Fire News, June 2014
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Obituary
Firefighter Danny Holt Mourned
Firefighter Danny Holt of the Winona Fire Department recently passed away. Danny was a active fireman, past president, past treasurer, and a life member, who had 47 years of service with the company. Firefighter Holt was also retired from the Town of Newburgh Police Deparment as a dispatcher, where he had 31 years of service. He also served as a member of the Town of Newburgh Medical Emergency Service. Firefighter Danny Holt will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. -Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick