VOLUME 8, NO. 3
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State JANUARY 2015
See story page 6. - Fire News photo by Jim Lepard
Fire News Wishes Everyone a Happy and Safe 2015 – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 3
In this issue... LODD
James "Jim" Foote passed away November 18, 2014, while performing maintenance duties at the Summit Fire Department. See story on page 7
Total Loss in Plattekill On November 12, 2014, Plattekill firefighters responded to a structure fire on Campbell Drive.
See story on page 8
Fatal School Bus Crash in Pittstown
The Pittstown Fire Department responded to Route 7 for a head-on collision involving a school bus with 26 grade schoolers aboard.
See story on page 18
Mother and Child Die in Rensselaer MVA Rensselaer responds to a six-car accident on a street where speed has been a problem.
See story on page 20
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
Delmar Open House
The Delmar Fire Department held its annual open house on October 5, 2014.
See story on page 25
Winona Lake MVA
The Winona Lake Fire Department responds to a two-car MVA on Route 300.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 17 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29
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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Icarus and Daedalus Must Work Together I am always honored when an ex-Chief pulls me aside and asks me to write about current problems in the fire service. Why would there be problems? I see members drilling together and fighting fires together. However, if you take a closer look, you might ask yourself: are young firefighters getting along with older firefighters? It seems that there is a difference in opinions between the two on many topics that arise. So, I will try to bring light to a problem that has been around for thousands of years. Let me tell you about one of my favorite Greek myths, the story of Icarus and Daedalus. Icarus’ father Daedalus was a talented and remarkable Athenian craftsman who built the Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete to imprison the Minotaur. Minos ended up imprisoning Daedalus. You can read that myth yourself to find out why. In an effort to escape prison, Daedalus created two pairs of wings out of wax and feathers for himself and his son, Icarus. Daedalus tried his wings first, but before taking off from the island, warned his son not to fly too close to the sun, or too close to the sea. Icarus didn’t listen, the wax melted, the feathers fell off and Icarus fell into the sea in the area which today bears his name, the Icarian Sea. I always tell my daughters that you can learn two ways in life. By experimenting and suffering the hardships that come along with lack of experience, or you can listen to experience so that you do not make the mistakes I made in life.
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Over the years, I trained probationary firefighters. For their handson test, I asked them certain questions for which I expected the wrong answer. When I asked if they learned anything, they smiled and said, “of course.” I always laughed and said, “I asked you those questions because I knew you would not know the answers.The half-dozen questions were things I screwed up on when I was a probie, too.” Like Icarus, we do not always heed warnings that are given to us. This attitude can be disastrous, especially around the firehouse. To quote Cameron Tucker (played by Eric Stonestreet) of the ABC sitcom, Modern Family, “There are dreamers and there are realists in this world. You’d think the dreamers would find the dreamers and the realists would find the realists, but more often than not the opposite is true. You see, the dreamers need the realists to keep them from soaring too close to the sun. And the realists, well without the dreamers, they might not ever get off the ground.” In the end, when we crawl down that totally dark and hot hallway. I think you will soon learn that experience is something you want close to you when you have never done something. As an “experienced” old-timer, I have learned to listen to the future of the fire service and to respect change. In the end, positive change happens successfully when ideas are discussed around the coffee table or while playing Xbox 360 in the lounge. Hey, is anyone up for a game of Madden NFL 15? … Dennis
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ANNOUNCEMENTS FREE COUNSELING AND WELLNESS SERVICES TO ACTIVE & RETIRED FDNY FIREFIGHTERS AND FAMILIES
us with your interest and for specific questions contact Kristina directly. The Brooklyn group, run by Stephanie Cherry, LCSW continues to meet every other Thursday. *Appointment or advance sign-up required. Contact us to do so.
Like all our services, these are free of charge and are dedicated to FRIENDS OF FIREFIGHTERS VIDEO active and retired FDNY firefighters and their family members. Contact Show Love and Friends of Firefighters collaborated to spread the us to set up an appointment or to join a group. story of, and the need for, our organization and to encourage wider support. The film features both active and retired firefighters, as well as COUNSELING/ BRONX / Wednesdays — Justin Kennard, LCSW actor Steve Buscemi, himself a former firefighter who over the years provides counseling services in Riverdale on Wednesdays from 1000 to has been an ardent supporter of both the FDNY and Friends of 1600. Firefighters. Take a few minutes to watch this beautiful video, which ACUPUNCTURE/STATEN ISLAND/ Wednesdays — premiered at our 7th Annual Fall Gala in October. Acupuncture can be helpful in treating a number of symptoms. Due to the popularity of our Brooklyn program with Jessica Sowards, L.Ac. ALL SERVICES (Mondays and Wednesdays in Brooklyn, Thursdays in Manhattan), we Friends of Firefighters provides independent, confidential, and free have added hours in Staten Island with Kristen Dolan-Murphy, L.Ac., counseling and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefightM.S.T.O.M. on Wednesdays from 1000 to 1300. Kristen is a NYS ers and their family members. Below is an overview; visit our website licensed and NCCAOM board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist. She for more information. graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (NYC) with an COUNSELING* — Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, M.S. in Traditional Oriental Medicine and has been in private practice Bronx (New!) for more than a decade. Kristen completed a post-graduate program in ON THE LINE 24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE 1-866-339-7717 — A crisis Kampo Medicine with Nigel Dawes at Soho Health Arts and various hotline dedicated to Friends of Firefighters that operates 24/7/365. coursework with Jeffrey Yuen at Chinatown Wellness Center. She is a INTERNET COUNSELING PROGRAM — fof.cobaltcbt.com. An twenty-year practitioner and instructor of Tai Ji Chuan at Moving at-home solution for common behavioral health problems. Visions Dance (NYC) and the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art BIOFEEDBACK* — Brooklyn, Manhattan. (SI). ACUPUNCTURE* — Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island (New!). COUPLES GROUP/ QUEENS / Thursdays — The group addressFINANCIAL GUIDANCE*— Brooklyn. es ways to help create more intimacy, improve communication, and YOGA — Staten Island (now on Thursdays), Rockaway Park. show more appreciation and trust within the relationship. The group is WOMEN'S SUPPORT GROUP — Brooklyn, Staten Island (New!).* run by Lauren Johnson, LMFT Thursdays at 1300 in Queens. Contact us COUPLES GROUP* — Queens (New!). with your interest and for specific questions contact Lauren directly. CHECKPOINT CHARLIE SCHOLARSHIP — Ongoing. WOMEN'S GROUP*/STATEN ISLAND/Tuesdays — The *Appointment/advance sign-up required Women’s Group is a support group for wives, partners and girlfriends of FDNY firefighters. The group is geared to provide emotional support to We can be reached at: 199 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 1123; the important female in the firefighter’s life. Kristina Hamilton, LCSW 718-643-0980 or fax: 718-643-1240; e-mail: info@friendsoffirefightwill be running a group every Tuesday at 1530 in Staten Island. Contact ers.org; www.friendsoffirefighters.org.
Page 6, Fire News, January 2015
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Helping Hands in Buffalo
As lake effect snow paralyzed western New York State, out of town crews from Hogansburg, Champlain and Wrights Corners were mutual-aided to the area to assist departments. Incident manage-
ment teams from as far as New York City responded to the area to assist with operations. - Fire News photos by Jim Lepard
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LODD: James ‘Jim’ Foote
James “Jim” Foote passed away November 18, 2014, while performing maintenance duties at the Summit Fire Department. Upon returning inside of the station to get warm after felling two trees on the department grounds, Firefighter Foote fell ill and collapsed. Medical assistance was provided by fellow responders and Foote was transported to Cobleskill Hospital where he later passed away. Jim was a 38-year active member serving as Chief from 1991-1995, was the current Fire Company President, and a current elected Fire Commissioner serving since 2001. Jim came from a firematic family. His dad is a Honorary Life Member of the Summit Fire Department, and
his brother John is a past-Chief of the West Fulton Fire Department. Jim was 57 years old and is survived by his wife, Monica. He was a caring stepfather to Deanna Hewett of Wilmington, NC and Travis Hewett of Middletown; brother to John (Dana) Foote and Jeff (Natasha) Foote. He is also survived by his parents, Edward and Janet Foote all of Summit and by several nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the Summit Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 400, Summit, NY 12175. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Total Loss in Plattekill
Good Save By Onesquethaw
On November 12, 2014, Plattekill (Ulster County) firefighters responded to a reported structure fire on Campbell Drive. Upon arrival, Car 47 (Chief Mancuso) reported a working dwelling fire with flames through the roof. A second, and subsequent third alarm were requested. Mutual aid from numerous neighboring departments responded to the scene and standby. The structure was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz, WFD
Recently, the Onesquethaw Fire Department made a good save on Pixies Pub in Feura Bush. A call came in just after midnight for a heavy smoke condition on the back right side of the building. The first arriving unit reported flames on the exterior wall of the building. The fire was quickly knocked down preventing any damage to the interior. The Albany County Sheriff’s Department was investigating the cause. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 9
Schenectady 2-Alarmer
Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Strong Street after flames broke out in a second floor bedroom and spread to the attic. All occupants of the structure got out safely and the cause is under investigation. - Fire News photos by Peter R Barber
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House Destroyed by Pine Bush Blaze
2-Family Home Burns in Catskill
On November 14, 2014, Pine Bush firefighters responded to a structure fire on Dubois Street. Upon arrival a fully involved fire was reported and a second alarm requested. Mutual aid came from Wallkill, Walden, Montgomery, Bullville, Circleville and Walker Valley. The house was totally destroyed. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz, WFD
Catskill firefighters responded to a fire in a two-family house on River Street in Catskill on November 22, 2014. Responding departments assisting Catskill were Town of Catskill Ambulance, City of Hudson Fire Department, West Athens-Lime Street Fire District and the Athens Volunteer Fire Department. Kiskatom was on standby at Catskill’s main station. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
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Schenectady Car Fire Schenectady firefighters responded to a car fire on Michigan Avenue in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood, and made quick work of knocking down a fire in the engine compartment of the 1975 Chevrolet Impala. The cause of the fire was electrical in nature. The driver was not injured. - Fire News photo by Peter R Barber
Schenectady Roll Over Schenectady firefighters wait for National Grid crews after a Jeep Grand Cherokee lost control on Consaul Road hitting a utility pole at the corner of Laurel Avenue. The driver was taken to an area hospital for treatment. - Fire News photo by Peter R Barber
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Newburgh MVA The Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a two-car MVA on Route 300 in the town of Newburgh. One person was transported to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Apartment Fire in Ridge Culver On November 6, 2014, the Ridge Culver Fire Department was alerted for a report of an apartment fire. Upon arrival, Ridge Culver’s 1C38 observed heavy smoke showing and declared a working fire. The fire was knocked down and no injuries were reported. Mutual aid was called from St. Paul Boulevard, the City of Rochester, Point Pleasant, and West Webster. Fill in assignments were by SeaBreeze, Webster and The City Of Rochester. - Fire News photo by Zachary Imm
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Page 14, Fire News, January 2015
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All-Hands Fire in Canarsie
Companies of the FDNY fought a stubborn all-hands blaze in a row of attached homes on East 103rd Street in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn on November 10, 2014. Handlines were stretched to the second floor of the two-story home and into the exposures. The fire was brought under control after about an hour. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Difficult 2-Alarmer in East Harlem
FDNY units in Manhattan battled a two-alarm blaze in a multiple dwelling in East Harlem on the morning of November 10, 2014. Unusual apartment layouts made it more difficult for companies to extinguish the top floor blaze. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Firehouse Kitchen With FF Ray Cooney
I’ve begun filming the fourth season of Firehouse Kitchen. We decided to return to Northport for another day of shooting because we had such an enjoyable and memorable time there last season. If you recall, last season we focused on the Chuck Varese Extrication Tournament. Firefighter Varese died in a motorcycle accident and the tournament was organized by his father, Robert Varese, a.k.a. Beefy, as a way to honor his son’s memory. After meeting Beefy last year, I knew I had to film a show with him and subsequently, a second show. Beefy is a retired FDNY fireman and is currently in his 40th year as a volunteer Northport fireman. When I asked Beefy what he was going to make, he said, “My famous meatballs.” If you can’t tell by now, meatballs are a big deal in the firehouse. Hence, my fifth show about meatballs. As any Italian will attest, there are many different ways to cook and enjoy meatballs. While cooking, Beefy talked about the history of the Northport Fire Department. He shared his knowledge of all things related to the firehouse. He is like the mayor of Northport. I was most touched by his story of his first day on the FDNY. Besides being his first day on the job, it was his first real experience outside the confines of Northport. He talked about
his experience with the subway and all things “city.” But, now, on to the meatballs. Beefy laid out his ingredients in front of me as if they were top secret. It was your basic bread crumb, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, eggs, chopped meat and his secret ingredient - Parmesan cheese. In my head I said, that is not so secret. No Italian would be caught dead cooking without Parmesan cheese. Yet, I didn’t tell him that. He baked the meatballs in the oven for 15 minutes, as opposed to frying them, and then put them in his secret sauce (to follow in another episode). Everything was delicious. The show ended with his girlfriend, Jeannie, who is an EMT for Northport, making unbelievable chocolate chip taffy cookies. Once again, I had a wonderful time cooking in Northport. We are thankful to them for allowing Firehouse Kitchen to become a part of their firehouse and filming in their beautiful kitchen. Here is a big thank you to Beefy and the Northport Fire Department for supporting Firehouse Kitchen. If you’re interested, the next Chuck Varese Tournament will be taking place on May 10, 2015. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, visitfirehousekitchenshow.com or Facebook us at Firehouse Kitchen.
BEEFY'S MEATBALLS 3 lbs of chopped meat 2-3 eggs per lb 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs 1/2 cup of chopped onions Salt, pepper, parsley and Parmesan cheese to taste. Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Place meatballs on a greased baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with your favorite vegetable or starch.
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5 FFs Injured in Brooklyn 4-Alarmer FDNY firefighters battled a four-alarm fire in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn on November 22, 2014, in an attached home on Hemlock Street near Jamaica Avenue, which quickly spread to adjoining homes. One home was totally destroyed and three others suffered substantial damage. Five firefighters were injured during the blaze. Red Cross personnel were on the scene to assist the displaced families. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FERRARA GETS FDNY CONTRACT FOR 12 MORE AERIAL LADDERS The FDNY has awarded Ferrara Fire Apparatus, America’s premier custom heavy-duty fire apparatus manufacturer, a contract to build 12 additional 100-foot aerial ladders. The FDNY 100-foot aerial ladders are built on the Ferrara Ultra custom chassis with a 3CR12 stainless steel split cab and feature a heavy-duty stainless steel body, a quick four-section 100 foot rear mount ladder, and an 8kW hydraulic generator. Company President/CEO Chris Ferrara stated, “It has, and always will be, an honor to be chosen by FDNY to supply such a critical product to protect the citizens of the City of New York.” Upon completion of the project, FDNY will have a total of 71 Ferrara 100-foot aerial ladders operating in the City of New York. Ferrara Fire Apparatus custom manufactures a complete line of heavy-duty fire, emergency and rescue vehicles. The custom chassis selection includes the Ultra, Inferno, Igniter and Cinder. Ferrara’s line
of apparatus includes the MVP rescue pumper, custom and commercial pumpers and tankers, rear and mid-mount aerial ladders and platforms, walk-in and walk-around rescues, incident command trucks and trailers, wildland interface, and the Inundator high flow industrial pumper. As a leading innovator in the fire industry, Ferrara takes pride in offering such firefighter safety items as on-site tilt table testing, cab and body ECE-29 crash testing, independent front suspension, complete airbag protection, and the SmartWheel steering system.
FIREHOUSE WORLD 2015 BRINGS NEW SESSIONS, NAMES TO SAN DIEGO Firehouse World returns to San Diego in 2015, but this year it’s a few weeks earlier than normal. So update your calendar as you prepare to join thousands of firefighters from Jan. 25 to 29, 2015, for training, education and product famaliarization. “It’s no secret that the fire service is changing and we’re excited to say that Firehouse World is changing too,” said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Timothy Sendelbach. “This year’s program features over 120 programs being presented by some of the most well-known and experienced instructors in the country.” They include strategy and tactics for urban, rural and wildland incidents, leadership programs for future and veteran fire officers. “After Firehouse World 2014, many of you were asked how we could improve the conference. An overwhelming number of you said, bring back hands-on training. I’m proud to say, you spoke and Firehouse listened” said
Sendelbach. “This year, with the help of the Northern and Southern Training Officers Association, attendees will be offered the opportunity to choose from eight hands-on training programs, three of which will include live fire.” Tim Sandifer will lead “Modern Fire Behavior (MFB)/Understanding Flow Path,” explains the physics of fire, flow path, air track and other crucial findings from recent studies. “Modern Fireground Operations,” is another live fire class, but it focuses on engine company operations.
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 17
Anon. Call Saves Life in Defreestville
Tanker Rolls on 90
North Greenbush police received an out-of-state call on November 3, 2014, from a person claiming his brother was in his running car, in the garage in the basement of his apartment complex. Officers did not know the address, and were forced to check all the garages. The running car was found, but no occupant. Defreestville and Wyantskill Fire Departments were summoned to evacuate the CO. Police found the man upstairs in his apartment where he had also broken the natural gas pipe, and was unconscious. Fire and police dealt with evacuating tenants in apartments with concentrations of both CO and gas. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
On November 28, 2014, a tanker carrying 11,000 gallons of ethanol rolled over on the ramp to the New York Thruway eastbound lanes. Arriving units from Schodack, Nassau, Hoags Corners, the Town of East Greenbush and Columbia County were hindered with a blocked toll barrier. At the scene they found the driver still in the cab, and a spill of about 2000 gallons. Troy HazMat Team, Ray Davis (County Hazmat Director) and DEC Spill Response took part in securing the scene. Schodack Police, first on the scene, assisted New York State Police with traffic control. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Washingtonville MVA On September 16, 2014, the Monell Engine Company of the Washingtonville Fire Department responded to an MVA on Woodcock Mountain Road. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
Fatal School Bus Crash in Pittstown On October 21, 2014, the Pittstown Fire Department responded to Route 7 for a head-on collision involving a school bus with 26 grade school students on board. On a slight curve, a 1993 Mercury crossed the center line, and according to students, thanks to their bus driver’s quick action, the bus managed to avoid a direct hit. Some students suffered minor injuries, but the driver of the other vehicle was extricated and pronounced at the scene. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Mother and Child Die in Rensselaer MVA Recently, Rensselaer responders were called to a six-car accident along a half-block straightaway, where neighbors say speed is a problem. On arrival they found a pregnant woman in cardiac arrest, and three other injured people. Ambulances responded and the woman was immediately transported to Albany Medical Center where her child was delivered; the mother was later declared dead, and the child died three days later. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Sinkholes Not Just in Florida Cohoes Fire Department Ladder # 1 was responding to an EMS call when the rear end of the ladder truck got stuck in a sinkhole on McElwain Avenue near Grant Street. According to Chief Joseph Fahd the hole was at least 10-feet deep. A heavy wrecker from T&T Towing lifted the rear end of the truck out of the hole, and it was taken out of service until it could be inspected. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Winona Lake MVA The Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a single car MVA. The female driver was taken to the hospital by Town of Newburgh Ambulance. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Page 22, Fire News, January 2015
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Stuck Up High in Queens
On October 1, 2014, the Queens Communications Office started receiving numerous calls for stuck elevators in multiple buildings in the 19-building complex of Rochdale Village, in the South Jamaica section of Queens. Phone calls also started in for numerous workers stuck on scaffoldings on multiple buildings and it was determined the village’s power plant had failed. A high angle response was sent out for 52 workers stuck on scaffoldings and a second alarm for manpower quickly transmitted after that. Companies also had to climb the stairs in each high rise to check for people trapped in the elevators and assist civilians needing medical attention. Special Units from all over the city responded to the scene and the incident took several hours to bring under control. - Fire News photos By Brian Grogan
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Brockport Firefighters Support Wounded Warrior Project
Brockport firefighters have supported the New York Wounded Warrior Alliance for many years and this year was no exception. Each year, a reminder goes out to local firefighters, coordinated by the Chili Fire Department, to provide clothing, toiletries and things that might make a hospital stay for wounded service men and women easier to take. And each year, volunteers from the Volunteer Firefighters Association in Brockport step up for the program. This year, Brockport firefighters donated over $1,000 in clothing and gift cards. “We are pleased to present our donation on Veteran’s Day to past-Battalion Chief James Lechner from the Chili FD. This project
is for the vets and their families. We are proud to support those who serve all of us. It is part of what we do as volunteers,” said Association President Michael Corey as he presented the gift cards to Chief Lechner. (Left to right): FF Zach Delaney, Assistant Chief Ken Smith, Commissioner Laurence Vaughan, Chili FD BC James Lechner, BFD Association President Michael Corey, Deputy Chief Michael LaDue, FF Jenna Menear and Captain Michael Menear. Chief Smith, Commissioner Vaughan, Chief Lechner and Chief LaDue are also veterans. - Fire News photo by Christopher R. Martin
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Firehouse Editor Memorialized On November 22, 2014, a memorial service was held at the FDNY Fire Academy to remember FDNY Honorary Chief and Firehouse Magazine Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Harvey Eisner. Chief Eisner passed away suddenly on October 23, 2014. Attending the service were numerous fire departments from New Jersey, where Harvey served as a Chief of the Tenafly Fire Department. Harvey Eisner was a nationally respected author, photographer and editor. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. Fire News offers its condolences to the Eisner family.To learn more about Harvey’s contribution to the fire service, visit www.Firehouse.com.
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Delmar Open House
The Delmar Fire Department held their annual open house on in action. There were raffles, and plenty of food. It was a good time October 5, 2014. A large crowd was on hand to see a live demonstra- for members to show off what volunteers do on a daily basis, both tion on how long it takes to have a fire totally engulf a room and at fires and also at EMS calls. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan contents. There was also a demonstration by a K-9 from State Fire
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Winona Lake MVA
Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department responded to a twocar MVA on Route 300. Three people were transported to a nearby hospital. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
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Final Call for Orange County Deputy Fire Coordinator Richard Abbott
Cronomer Valley firefighters along with several Orange County departments bid farewell to former life member, past-Chief, former Commissioner of Cronomer Valley and pastOrange County Deputy Fire Coordinator Richard W. Abbott. He was 84. Abbott proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, was past-
Deputy Orange County Fire Coordinator from the early 80s and retired in 1992. He was also a member of the Hudson River Lodge F & AM Masons; and American Legion Post 1420. Survivors include his sons: Robert Abbott and wife, Sue, of Rock Tavern; Firefighter Ken Abbott of Newburgh; daughter, Patty Kennedy
and husband Ed of Eldred, NY; grandchildren Kathleen Kennedy and Emily Abbott; and sister, Elsie Eckler of Portland, OR. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Abbott, and his sister, Jeanne Mills. - Fire News photos by John C. Miller
Page 28, Fire News, January 2015
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Elsmere Open House
On a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon members of the Elsmere Fire Department held their annual open house for the community to come out and see what volunteers do. Firefighters gave a demonstration as to how fast a fire could consume a room and its contents. There was also a bouncy house, tasty food, raffles and giveaways. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 29
Steve Schuman Jr. Ties the Knot
Captain Steve Schuman, Jr., of Wantagh’s Engine Company 2 tied the knot on September 27, 2014, to the very beautiful Kaitlin Drumm of Wantagh. The two met years ago as teenagers when they worked in the King Kullen supermarket in Wantagh. Their wedding vows were taken in St. Francis deChantal RC church, directly
across from King Kullen with photos posed with Engine 2 and his dads 1930 Ford/Buffalo, Wantagh’s Chemical 2. After the church services and photo ops a gala reception was held at the Chateau LaMer in Lindenhurst. -Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Page 30, Fire News, January 2015
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Association of Fire Districts Holds Conference
The Association of Fire Districts of New York State recently held their fall meeting and conference at Honors Haven in Ellenville. President Thomas E. Herlihy, Jr., welcomed everyone to the conference and introduced John J. Salka, Jr., who was the keynote speaker. Chief Salka captivated the audience as he spoke about “Five Alarm Leadership.� Throughout the conference commissioners from NYS attended classes on various topics. Since the event fell on Halloween, a costume party with live music was held. The photos speak for themselves. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Fire News, January 2015, Page 31