VOLUME 7, NO. 12
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State OCTOBER 2014
Arson at 3-Alarmer in Yonkers
See page 9 for story and photos. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
Join Fire News at October 25th 9-11 Stair Climb See pages 5 & 7
– New York State Edition –
Page 2, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 3
In this issue... 2-Alarmer in‌ Hmmm?
Numerous mutual aid departments responded to a second alarm structure fire on Denniston Road in Gardiner on August 14, 2014. See story on page 6
3-Alarmer in Yonkers
On August 9, 2014, calls were received for a fire on Saratoga Avenue, in a 2-1/2 story building. See story on page 9
10 FFs Injured in Bronx Blaze
A grandmother and five children escaped a tenacious four-alarm fire which ripped through their home. See story on page 10
Vacant Building Goes in Buffalo
Buffalo firefighters were alerted to a structure fire on Orlando Street whose roof was in the process of collapsing. See story on page 17
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
Cronomer Responds to MVA
The Cronomer Valley Fire Department responded to a car-into-a-house call on Union Avenue in Newburgh. See story on page 18
FASNY Youth Day
FASNY held its annual Youth Day at the Town of Colonie Municipal Training Tower on August 21, 2014.
COPYRIGHT 2014, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com Email:nys@firenews.com
Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
See story on page 26
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25
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, October 2014
FireNews.com
From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are you performing as expected? In my recent travels, I have heard the same complaints being made about the volunteer fire service. It seems that many departments are experiencing the problem of members not making their required quota of drills, training, alarms and miscellaneous points. To me, this is not a new problem. It is a problem that pops up from time to time and like a cancer must be aggressively addressed as soon as the problem is noticed. When the problem is addressed, it must be done in a way that solves the problem and does not compound it. This month, I read an article by Harry R. Carter, Ph.D., FIFireE, CFO, exChief and Life Member of the Howell Township Fire Company #1. He touched upon ridiculous rules that don’t solve problems, but in fact might compound a problem and have a negative
impact on what you are trying to fix. Visit Harry’s website and article at www.harrycarter.com/filelocker/index/catTotal/ 2/cat0/508/cat1/571. I am sure you will discuss it around the coffee table in your firehouse. The fire service is a paramilitary organization. If you decide to enlist in the military, you agree to stay for a certain length of time, you train for eight weeks or so, you continue and specialize in an area for another specific length of time. Then, you perform and work as you were trained to do. When your enlistment time is finished, you can decide to reenlist or leave the organization and return to civilian life. The fire service is not that different. You join of your own free will, you take an oath to uphold the bylaws of the department, you enter a training program to learn the basics of firefighting and then you continue — or at least you are sup-
posed to continue — your training to become specialized in various aspects of the fire service. What happens when you suddenly realize you cannot perform as expected in your department? As an officer I sat down with many young firefighters and tried to help them make their “points” by showing them how to do it. Those that listened succeeded. Unfortunately, there were times that I was not successful and I could not find a solution to help the firefighter live up to the agreed obligation. Like the military, when it comes time to reenlist, you have to ask yourself is this for you? The same is true of the fire service. Ask yourself why you are here and ask for help from your officers and chiefs for ways that you can be an asset to your department. In the end, it is completely up to you to make things work. Dennis
❏ $39 ONE YEAR
❏ NEW ❏ RENEWAL
(12 issues)
plus $10.00 for out of state
❏ NEW YORK STATE ❏ LONG ISLAND ❏ NEW JERSEY
❏ $69 TWO YEARS (24 ISSUES)
plus $20.00 for out of state
❏ $89 THREE YEARS (36 ISSUES)
plus $30.00 for out of state
Outside US call for prices.
MAIL TO:
Accepted
Fire News · 146 South Country Rd. · Bellport · NY 11713 Name _________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City ___________________________________________ State____________________________Zip ___ Phone # (_____) _________________________________ E-mail __________________________________________ Credit Card No: ______-______-______-______ Exp. __________ V -Code (3 digit code from back of card) ____________
Call 631-776-0500 Ext. 1 Fax 631-286-6866
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join Fire News in Remembering 343 Fallen Heroes of FDNY Register for the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Stony Brook University Show others that you will never forget the 343 members of FDNY who bravely gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation on Saturday, October 25, 2014 for the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Kenneth P. Lavalle Stadium on the campus of Stony Brook University in New York. Participants will climb the stairs of the stadium multiple times to total 110 stories, representing the number of floors in the Twin Towers and symbolically completing the climb those fallen heroes were unable to finish. Everyone will receive a photo ID of one of the fallen heroes of September 11. “The 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb is an opportunity for everyone in the community to show their respect and admiration for these courageous men. It also reassures the family, friends and co-workers of the fallen that these firefighters are not forgotten,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “The Foundation is very pleased to be working with Stony Brook University for this event and we want to be sure that each of those firefighters are represented by someone climbing the stadium.” The fee is $35 per person. All participants should park in the Stadium Lot and enter through Gate 2. Check-in begins at 0700 and the climb begins at 0830. The proceeds help the National Fallen firefighters Foundation create and maintain programs that support fire service survivors. Support of these 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb events provides assistance to the surviving families and co-workers of the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. “Stony Brook University is proud to host the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb in honor of the fallen firefighters,” said Elaine Crosson, Vice President, External Relations of Stony Brook University. “We honor their memories and deeply appreciate the tremendous loss their families have endured.” For additional details about the stair climb or to register, go to www.9-11stairclimb.com/events.html#NY or contact Bill Hinton at 301-788-7954. (The $35 registraion fee includes a commerative t-shirt)
Page 6, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
2-Alarmer in ‌ Hmmm?
Numerous mutual aid departments responded to a second alarm structure fire on Denniston Road in Gardiner on August 14, 2014. The fire was actually in the Wallkill Fire District, but the initial caller was across the street in the Gardiner Fire District. The Gardiner assistant chief requested the second alarm prior to arrival on scene. Modena #40-20 Tanker was the first apparatus on scene. - Fire News photos by Stephen Lenz, Wallkill FD
Page 8, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
Up Close
Chief Chaplain Kenneth Palmer (above, right) was honored for his 55 years of service with the Mohawk Volunteer Fire Department. Palmer was presented with a plaque by the village and the fire department. In addition to his work with the Mohawk Fire Department, he serves as chaplain for the Newport Volunteer Fire Department and is chief chaplain for the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains. (Above): Mohawk Chief Daniel Mabbett congratulating Chief Chaplain Palmer. -Fire News photo courtesy of Herkimer Telegram
Wallkill (Ulster County Co. #64) firefighters (left to right): Steve Lenz, Dave Belarge and Devin Colegrove. - Fire News photo courtesy of Steve Lenz
Wallkill Fire Chief Craig Ross takes a breather at a recent multiple alarm structure fire in Walden. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 9
3-Alarmer in Yonkers
On August 9, 2014, numerous calls were received for a fire on Saratoga Avenue, in a 2-1/2 story building. Upon arrival, first due companies found heavy fire showing from the first and second floors and through the roof. The fire had already extended into exposure #4, a five-story occupied multiple dwelling, through the windows of the stairwell. Companies were unable to complete a primary search of the original fire building due to heavy fire conditions
and quickly switched to an exterior operation. It took more than 70 firefighters three hours to bring the fire under control. Yonkers Police arrested a 12-year old boy who lived in the original fire building and charged him with arson. Thirty-five people were left homeless by the fire. Mutual aid fire companies from Greenville, Fairview, New Rochelle and Mount Vernon covered Yonkers stations. - Fire News photos by Mike Messar and Lou Minutoli
“Shining a New Light on Service”
• Battery Operated Exhaust / PPV fan. • Starts instantly on battery Power. Just set it in place and turn it on • High velocity Jet Stream works 6-20’ from door • Operates on Battery Power for 20-80 minutes. • 115V with built in trickle charger • Two fans take up less room than one competitive PPV fan. • Call for a Free on-site or live burn demonstration
Battery or 115V
Phone: 631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com
Page 10, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
10 FFs Injured in Bronx Blaze
A grandmother and five children escaped a tenacious four-alarm fire that that ripped through their home before burning down two other houses in the Wakefield section of the Bronx on July 30, 2014. More than a dozen people, including 10 firefighters, were injured in the blaze which spread to two other two-story houses on Hill Avenue, officials said. -Fire News photos by John Hopper, FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 11
Explosion in Schenectady
On July 10, 2014, Schenectady Police and Fire responded to a call for a huge explosion on Paige Street in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood. Upon arrival they found a two-story, wood-frame home had been reduced to rubble from a natural gas explosion, No injuries were reported, but residents nearly a mile away, said they felt or heard the explosion. The home was supposed to be vacant according to Wayne Bennett, City Public Safety Commissioner, who said
the building was controlled by the city. It wasn’t immediately clear if the house was actually vacant at the time of the blast. Neighbors had seen two people coming and going from the home in recent days leading up to the blast. The New York State Urban Search and Rescue team were called to the scene. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
Page 12, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
Where There’s Smoke ‌ Well, Not Always Recently, the Winona Lake and Orange Lake fire departments where called out for smoke in a building. Employees of Aspen Dental in Newburgh made the call. A denture making machine overheated. Units vented the smoke from the building. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Queens House Fire FDNY units in the Cambria Heights section of Queens battled an attic fire in a private home on 118th Avenue on the evening of August 15, 2014. Companies were on the scene for about 15 minutes before the fire was brought under control. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 13
Barge Burns in Eastchester
A barge at a scrap metal plant in the Eastchester section of the Bronx caught fire on August 27, 2014. The barge was engulfed in flame when FDNY units arrived at the scene along the Hutchinson River. The barge burned for more than four hours before being brought fully under control. Units from the Mount Vernon assisted and operated from the opposite side of the river. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Page 14, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
Apartment Roof Fire in Latham
The early morning hours of August 22, 2014, brought the Latham Fire Department and its neighboring departments of Boght, Schuyler Heights, Maplewood and Fuller Road to the Jimar Apartments on Swatling Road in Latham. Chief Neil Blanchard arrived to the smell of smoke but nothing was visible until inspection of the rear of the facility where slight embers could be seen. When crews ascended the roof and began pulling back the newly placed roofing, flames shot out. The building, built in the 1960s, had
a unique roof construction that inhibited the firefighters from being able to access the roof area completely. The building owner was in the process of replacing the roofing on the complex. Residents stated they had smelled burning for two days but thought it was a barbecue. All of the residents and their pets were evacuated unharmed but shaken. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 15
Firehouse Kitchen By Firefighter Ray Cooney It was a beautiful, chilly morning when the Firehouse Kitchen crew and I made a push to Somerset, New Jersey, to cook with father and son team, Alan and Alan Lantanzio, Jr. We were here to make Alan senior’s “Chicken Jambalaya” and Alan junior’s really garlicky “Garlic Bread.” Somerset, New Jersey, is a short ride from Manhattan. We were cooking in the East Franklin part of Somerset, a beautiful little suburb. When I arrived at East Franklin Fire Department, there was a memorial statue honoring one of their fallen. I decided to open the show in front of the memorial, thereby informing America about Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio, who died in the line of duty. Firefighter Apuzzio was trying to save a resident in a house fire when the first floor collapsed into the basement. Both Firefighter Apuzzio and the resident didn’t survive. The reason I decided to open the show with this story was not only due to the magnificent nature of the statue, but to remind all that firefighting is not just about the meals and brotherhood. It is also is about the possible risk of a firefighter’s life while trying to help others. As I’ve said in many shows, when the job is good, it’s good, but when it’s bad, it's very bad. With that being said, let’s get down to cooking. Firefighter Lantanzio, Sr., is larger than life. We talked about how jambalaya is a great firehouse meal because it feeds the masses. As we were cooking, I noticed that Alan junior was quiet and reserved — just watching — and I decided to
include him in the conversation. Well, this quiet son came alive. First I asked young Alan why he became a firefighter. He said, “Because East Franklin needs at least one good looking Lantanzio in the fire department.” Alan senior smirked and that’s how the rest of the show went. Father and son back and forth at each other while making great food. I tasted the food in the rec-room with other members of the Lantanzio family and a bunch of East Franklin firemen. It became a little bit of a contest as to what was better, the jambalaya or the garlicky garlic bread (soaked in butter!!). It was too close to call, so I had a solution. I dipped the garlic bread into the jambalaya and magic! The East Franklin Fire Department and Lantanzio family made me feel right at home. I am looking forward to cooking there again. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or to have your firehouse featured on our show, go to firehousekitchenshow.com or friend us on Facebook at Firehouse Kitchen.
Firefighter Alan Latanzio East Franklin F.D. Somerset, NJ Chicken & Chorizo Jambalaya Ingredients: 3 lb. chicken breast cut into 2" pieces 1 lb. chorizo, diced 2 cups green pepper 2 cups parsley, chopped ½ cup green onion, chopped ½ cup celery, diced 1 cup sweet onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, sliced (1) 15 oz. can of tomato sauce 5 cups of rice 10 cups of water Salt Pepper Cayenne 10 quart sauce pan Directions: • Add oil to bottom pan under a medium high heat • Add chorizo & cook about 5 minutes • Add chicken, stir together with chorizo for about 10 minutes • Add pepper, onion, green onion, parsley and garlic • Stir and cook until onions are tender • Add rice, tomato sauce. Blend together until sauce boils • Add water, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir together until water is no longer on top of mixture • Lower heat to simmer. Put on lid and simmer for 45 minutes. Do not touch • After 45 minutes, serve and eat. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Page 16, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
Shaker Road-Loudonville’s Patrick O’Connor FF of the Year
Patrick O’Connor of the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department has been awarded Firefighter of the Year by the Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fire Association. Pat, a member of the department since 1989, was nominated by fellow firefighter Virgil Montovan, himself recipient of the same award in 2007. Among other distinctions Virgil stated, “He is also the head advisor for Explorer Post 475 which is active in the area. Under his guidance he has helped make our Explorer unit one of the best units of any station in the area.” Many of the past Post 475 members have gone on to become firefighters and officers in other departments across the county. “Under his guidance they have participated in community activities such as the Patriot Flight for WWII veterans. He has spent countless hours counseling both new and old member as well as training Explorers. He knows his job and he knows how to teach it efficiently to others.” Montovan goes on to say, “He has helped to increase both inter-departmental and intra-departmental morale by organizing social events, including parades.” Pat was instrumental in, and officer on, a crew that assisted with a cardiac reversal, not his first. He was awarded a Life Saving certificated from the Colonie Fire Company in April as well as a Recognition Proclamation from the Colonie Village Board in August 2013. Besides his many firematic duties, Pat finds time to be a Charter Member of the Capital Region Fools, volunteering for the USS Slater, he has spent seven years as an SFI instructor, and is pastPresident and current Vice President for the Red Knights Chapter 3. Pat is a dedicated firefighter and dedicated single father to his daughter, Madison. (Left): Kathie Wood, President of the Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fire Association presenting Pat with his award. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
FIRE SOAPS ASSISTS FDNY WITH MRSA OUTBREAK AT TRAINING ACADEMY New York - Since the closing of the FDNY’s Training Academy in August due to the outbreak of MRSA, Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners cleaned and completely decontaminated all of the personal protective ensembles used by the more than 300 probationary firefighters. The disinfection of the gear was achieved with the use of a proprietary EPA Registered fabric sanitizer developed by Defensive Solutions Corp. Fire Soaps™ Fabric Sanitizer has been proven to eliminate 99.9% of infectious bacteria while eliminating odor-causing bacteria. The active ingredients create a residual treatment, also known as a Zone of Inhibition, that continues to kill bacteria and protects against cross contamination from both Gram Negative bacteria and Gram Positive bacteria. Fire Soaps™ Fabric Sanitizer is a naturally plant derived didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride manufactured from 91% naturally bio-renewable plant derived feedstock. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting all of the gear utilized by the current training class, Defensive Solutions Corp. provided the Training Academy with other products from their Fire Soaps™ catalogue to combat the spread of MRSA and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Fire Soaps™ Anti-Bacterial Hand Soaps Fire Soaps™ Hand Sanitizer, FDA compliant and confirmed to reduce Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) in as little as 15 seconds. Fire Soaps™ Hard Surface Disinfectant, EPA Registered, hospital grade anti-bacterial that is also virucidal and fungicidal.
All of the products are alcohol-free, kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria and when used properly are proven to significantly reduce the chance of cross contamination from: MRSA, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Trichophytonmentagrophytes, Influenza A Virus, E. Coli, HIV-1, Hepatitis B, and Salmonella.
About Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners & Fire Soaps
Since its inception in 2004, Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners has been committed to providing the firefighting community with the finest possible maintenance and care programs available. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is fully NFPA 1851 compliant and third party verified by Intertek. Minerva has taken the lead in developing Defensive Solutions Corp. and Fire Soaps, its’ complete line of detergents, sanitizers and disinfectants to protect fire fighters and EMS personnel from the perils of MRSA and cross-contamination.
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 17
Vacant Building Goes in Buffalo
Propane Leak in Averill Park
Recently, Buffalo firefighters were alerted to a structure fire on Orlando Street. Ladder 5 arrived on scene reporting a vacant 2-1/2 story dwelling with heavy fire on the second floor #3 side extending through roof, which was in the process of collapsing. There was also an exposure concern on the #4 side. Chief B-56 ordered everyone out for defensive operations of main fire building. Buffalo units operating on the scene were: Engines: 32, 35, 25, 3 and 1; Ladders: 5, 10, 2 and 15; FAST; Rescue 1; Chiefs: B-46 and B-56; Support Staff F-20, 9, 11, 39 and 49 (mechanic). - Fire News photo by Bryan Sypniewski
On August 30, 2014, the Averill Park Fire Department in Rensselaer County responded to the call of a propane leak at a home. The homeowner's SUV had knocked the valve off a buried 1,000 gallon propane tank. The vehicle was running and hung up on the stem. A tanker relay with West Sand Lake, Poestenkill, Hoags Corners and Best Luther was set up. A tow truck was finally employed to remove the vehicle allowing gas service folks to stem the flow. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
Page 18, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
3 Injured in Winona Lake MVA
Cronomer Responds to MVA
Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department responded to a twocar MVA at the Route 300 and Route 7B onramp to Route 84 West. Three people were taken to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Recently, the Cronomer Valley Fire Department responded to a car-into-a-house call on Union Avenue in Newburgh. The female driver self-extricated uninjured as firefighters arrived - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 19
NYS Drill at Deerfield
“Shining a New Light on Service”
Battery operated Pelican LED Scene Lighting • No Gasoline, Oil, fumes, hard starting, noise or vibration • No extension cords, tripping hazards, electrocution concerns • No rig maneuvering, flashlight holding, blown bulbs
Just sit it where you need it and turn it on -Fire News photos by Michael Heller
2-Settings: Low 1000 Lumens 15-Hrs High 2000 Lumens 8-Hours Standard with 115 Volt automatic charger. Optional tri-pod and 12VDC charger available.
$639 Phone: 631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com
Page 20, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
2 Injured in Newburgh MVA Firefighters from the City of Newburgh responded to a multiple-car MVA on the 100 block of Broadway. Two victims were removed from one of the vehicles. A total of five cars were involved in the collision. Mobile Life Support ambulance transported the two patients to St. Luke’s Newburgh Hospital. The accident was investigated by the City of Newburgh Police. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
Guilderland Rollover McKownville and Westmere Fire Departments were dispatched to a serious rollover crash at on Western Avenue in front of Christ Lutheran Church. Upon arrival they found a Honda Accord on its roof after crashing into a power pole and bringing the lines down. The female operator was extricated and taken to the Albany Medical Center Hospital in serious condition by the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad. Western Avenue between Fuller Road and School House Road was closed for hours, as National Grid replaced the pole and power lines. Guilderland Police were investigating the cause of the crash. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 21
Walking for a Cause
On May 30, 2014, the Winona Lake Fire Department went to Cromer Park in the town of Newburgh to help raise money for the America Cancer Society. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Page 22, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
Past-Chief Wheatley Fundraiser
On August 16, 2014, past-Chief and current Safety Coordinator Jason Wheatley suffered an injury while responding to a dispatched call for the investigation of a smell of smoke within the Verdoy Fire District. Chief Wheatley was promptly attended to by members of the Verdoy Fire Department and Colonie Emergency Medical Services and transported to the Albany Medical Center by CEMS. The commissioners, officers and members of the Verdoy Fire District, Verdoy Volunteer Fire Association, and Verdoy Auxiliary have Chief Wheatley and the Wheatley Family in their thoughts
and prayers as they endure through this challenging time. The assistance of the agencies noted above, as well as the Colonie Police Department and numerous other fire and emergency services organizations, in responding to this incident, is deeply appreciated. On August 19, 2014, a chicken BBQ was held as a fundraiser for Jason at the Verdoy Fire House, and according to Chief Brian Girard it was a great success, and thanks went out to everyone who came and supported Jason. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
FireNews.com
Cronomer’s Resto, Hernandez to Wed
Cronomer Valley Fire Department’s Deputy Chief Jorge Resto and Firefighter Grisselle Hernandez have announced their engagement. Resto, a member of Cronomer Valley since 1993, has held many positions within the department. He is currently the head of Cronomer’s dive team, has special training in swift water rescue, and has instructed many volunteers and members of the community in CPR and the use of AEDs. He is currently employed by Visconti Limousine and Bus Service. Grisselle has been a firefighter for the last three years. She is currently a tender for the dive team, and works as a pediatric LPN. Grisselle is also a social member of Plattekill Fire Department, and their Ladies Auxiliary. An October 2014 wedding is being planned. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
Fire News, October 2014, Page 23
Ice Bucket Challenge Guilderland Style
On August 16, 2014, the Guilderland and Guilderland Center Fire Departments challenged each other to an Ice Bucket Challenge at the Altamont Fair. Upon arrival, both departments united raising their buckets on both trucks and having Guilderland Center Truck 49 spray water on the firefighters as Guilderland Truck 29 dumped buckets of ice. Fun was had by all. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Page 24, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
40 Years of Friendship
Chiefs and officers of Ever Ready Hose Co. 1 of the Freeport Fire Department presenting the members of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department with their 100th Anniversary and 40th year of Friendship Plaque at their recent department inspection. - Fire News photo by John Lucas
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 25
Obituary
Guilderland Center FD’s Douglas C. Lawton Douglas C. Lawton, 57, passed away at home on July 23, 2014, with his loving family by his side after a valiant three-year battle with colon cancer. Born on April 28, 1957, in Albany, he was the son of Charlotte M. Lawton and the late Donald “K” Lawton. Doug’s first career was in banking. During his 25-year career, he worked his way from teller to vice president of Charter One Bank (formerly Albany Savings Bank). After leaving the bank in 2000 he earned an accounting degree from Schenectady County Community College in 2002. He worked as an accounting associate for Catholic Charities Disabilities Services for the past 12 years. Doug was a 39-year member of the Guilderland Center Fire Department. He was a past-president, and was currently serving as department treasurer and district secretary/treasurer. Doug was also a 40-year member of the Helderberg Reformed Church. He accomplished a hole-in-one in golf and bowled a perfect 300 game. He also loved to travel, was an avid fan of the Yankees, Giants and NASCAR. Doug is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Nancy A. Lawton; his cherished daughters and their husbands,Trina and Steven Schanz and Pamela and John Woloszyn, and his two precious grandchildren, Alexis and Lawton Schanz. He is also survived by his sisters and their husbands, Sandy and Gavin Lowder and Andrea and Bill James; his Aunt Marion Lawton; his in-laws, Marcia Halse, and Lewis and Marylyn Kindberg; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held July 28, 2014, at the Helderberg Reformed Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Guilderland Center Fire Department, 30 School Road, Guilderland Center, NY, 12085 or Helderberg Reformed Church, P.O. Box 196, Guilderland Center, NY, 12085. Condolences may be made at fredendallfuneralhome.com.
Page 26, Fire News, October 2014
FireNews.com
FASNY Youth Day
FASNY held its annual Youth Day at the Town of Colonie Municipal Training Tower on August 21, 2014. Fire Explorers from across the state came for the all-day training seminar that included hands-on training in hydrant use, propane extinguishing, a visit through the maze blindfolded and interior firefighting. The day ended with classroom instruction. This event brings together some of the best instructors from the state to help train future firefighters. Many new friendships were created during the event as Explorers from different departments were required to work together and rely upon each other. Local town supervisory and fire personnel were on hand to greet the explorers and, in a TV interview, remind the public of the importance of training and mentoring the Explorers who will one day become the next generation of firefighters. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
FireNews.com
Fire News, October 2014, Page 27