Fire news nys 4 15

VOLUME 8, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State APRIL 2015

Gardiner units respond to a second alarm barn fire on Denniston Road. See page 6 for full story.

- Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

Winter is almost over, spring is around the corner.

– New York State Edition –

Page 2, Fire News, April 2015

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Fire News, April 2015, Page 3

In this issue... .

Heavy Fire in Cohoes

Cohoes firefighters responded to heavy fire on the third floor of a three-floor apartment building.

See story on page 7

Numerous Calls Received in Salisbury Mills Orange County 911 reported numerous calls being received reporting a working fire.

See story on page 11

Maybrook 3-Alarmer

Maybrook firefighters respond to a three-alarm call at a recycling plant.

See story on page 13

Man Dies in Rotterdam Fire

A 97-year-old man lost his life after flames ripped through his home in the town of Rotterdam.

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.

See story on page 16

Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2015, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Glenville 2-Alarmer

Glenville firefighters battled a mid-afternoon two-alarmer in the Beukendaal Fire District.

See story on page 20

Busy Day for E. Greenbush

East Greenbush FD responds to 27 accidents the day after a storm dumped 18 inches of snow on the area.

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 23

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28

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

Revitalize Through Knowledge Thankfully the air temperature has risen above freezing and the snow that has blanketed the firehouse since December is vanishing. Yes, March 20, 2015, the first day of spring is rapidly approaching. Springtime is the season for rebirth. I am not talking about nature. I am talking about the fire service.

Have you given any thought to what has been going on during the cold months? As a first responder, you most likely concerned yourself with standbys during storms, making sure hydrants in your area were dug out and, like a true athlete, you found the time to train so you were ready for your next battle. This winter was rough on all of you. We had many serious fires and EMS calls. As spring revitalizes us, remember our brothers and sisters who were lost this winter.

What has been going on in the fire service that has a direct impact on you, the first responder? Most of you cannot answer this

question. If I asked you what is happening on April 15-16, 2015, could you tell me? This important date is The National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium, which is held in Washington, DC. Each year over 2000 fire and emergency officials go to our nation's capitol to attend seminars, participate in meetings with our friends in Congress and network to build positive relationships with our peers. At the conclusion of the event, our highest ranking officials pay tribute to our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.

In the hierarchy of the emergency services, we have districts towns, cities, counties, states and our country. It is imperative that we work toward one goal, which insures the safety of you, the first responder. The Congressional Fire Services Institute has been working very hard to protect you.

Thanks to our friends in government,

Congress has approved the Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security Funding Bill.

A Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Bill was introduced into Congress by Senator Susan Collins (ME) and Congressman Peter King (NY-2). Learn more about these bills and other bills by visiting www.CFSI.org.

You must educate yourself about the bills which directly affect you. Your voice needs to be heard. Talk to the people in the councils that represent you to make sure that they are present in Washington to voice support for the programs that will help you do your job safely.

Fire News will be at CFSI, along with many of our advertisers, councils, organizations and firefighters. I strongly urge you to visit the CFSI website at www.CFSI.org.

Stay informed and voice your concerns about the Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services. ‌Dennis

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Fire News, April 2015, Page 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW NFFF SPONSOR The popular energy drink, Fuel in a Bottle has signed on as a new supporter of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Through their “Fuel the Fund Campaign” they will help sponsor local NFFF events, including 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs.

Fuel in a Bottle donations will be directed to NFFF programs that honor the fallen, assist their survivors and help prevent future line-ofduty deaths and injuries.

the state participated in RecruitNY and we're optimistic that turnout will be even better this year,” said Robert McConville, president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). “We encourage New Yorkers across the state to come down and visit their

NYS FDS GEAR UP FOR RECRUITNY — APRIL 25-26 Volunteer fire departments across New York State will open their doors and fire truck bays to local residents during the weekend of Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2015, as part of the fifth annual RecruitNY statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment effort.

RecruitNY is a major initiative designed to help increase volunteer membership in local fire departments. Fire department membership has suffered in recent years due to a variety of factors.

During the RecruitNY weekend, fire department volunteers will conduct tours of their facilities, demonstrate firefighting techniques, and allow visitors to try on turnout gear.

Members will discuss the requirements and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, and help interested visitors through the process of joining their local department.

“Last year, over 500 fire departments across

www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participation form. The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, etc., via recruitny.org/resources.php to help a firehouse hold a recruitment open house.

In addition to the annual RecruitNY campaign, FASNY is in the final year of a four year volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention program.

This effort covers all of New York State and is made possible by a $4.2 million United States Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant that began in 2011.

To learn more about the “Fire In You” campaign, visit www.fireinyou.org.

FIRE SERVICE WOMEN OF NEW YORK STATE local volunteer fire departments on April 25 and 26. At the firehouse, they can learn all about becoming a member of a very special family — the volunteer fire service.”

Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), Association of Fire Districts of New York State, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, and County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of New York.

For fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, simply log on to

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Fire Service Women of New York State, Inc. is now accepting applications for its 14th Annual Training Weekend to be held at the NYS Fire Academy from September 18-20, 2015.

In addition, FSWNYS is accepting applications for the 2015 Phoenix Firecamp. Phoenix is a one week live-in camp for teenage girls held at the Utica Fire Academy from July 19 to 24. The camp offers both classroom and handson training.

For more information about the classes being offered at the September Training Weekend or information for Phoenix Firecamp and all applications can be found at our websitewww.fswnys.org.

Page 6, Fire News, April 2015

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Barn Burner in Gardiner

On February 19, 2015, Gardiner units responded to a fully involved second-alarm barn fire on Denniston Road. Temperatures were in the teens and a fierce wind made firefighting efforts difficult.

Mutual aid came from numerous Ulster County departments to the scene, with standby coming from Orange County departments.

No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Steve Lenz

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Fire News, April 2015, Page 7

Heavy Fire in Cohoes

Cohoes firefighters responded to heavy fire on the third floor of a three-floor apartment building on Columbia Street in Cohoes.

Upon arrival, Cohoes fire officials requested assistance from Watervliet, Green Island, Watervliet Arsenal, Troy and Albany. The fire was contained mainly to the third floor and roof area, with

heavy water and smoke damage throughout the building. Cohoes Fire Chief Joe Fahd stated that it is believed the fire was caused by an unattended burning candle. The temperature at the time of the fire was around 12 degrees.

- Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

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Coeymans Hollow Garage Fire

Glenville Multi-Alarm Fire

On February 7, 2015, Coeymans Hollow Fire Department responded to a house fire on Tracey Lane in Coeymans Hollow. Upon arrival, fire officials found a two-car attached garage fully involved, as well as two cars just outside the garage also fully involved. Fire Chief Bill Kapusta realized that one of the cars burning was a Toyota Prius Hybrid, and immediately extinguished the fire in that vehicle. The other vehicle, a 1966 Buick convertible, was destroyed. The fire extended into the back of the home resulting in heavy smoke damage throughout. A cat was rescued from the home. Assisting were Ravena, Onesquethaw, Coeymans and Selkirk, Ravena and Onesquethaw Rescues as well as Westerlo fire for standby.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

A wood stove was suspected as the cause of a multiple alarm fire on Onderdonk Road in the town of Glenville. First arriving units found the structure fully involved. Thomas Corners’ ladder was set up to extinguish the fast moving fire. Deep snow and a long driveway hampered efforts to control the blaze.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

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2-Alarmer in Schenectady Recently, Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a twoalarm fire on Carrie Street. On arrival, flames were visible from a rear bedroom and the fire had already extended to the second floor.

The evacuation signal was sounded and an exterior attack was initiated due to the rapid spread of the flames. Bitter cold and strong gusts of wind hampered operations and one firefighter was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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2-Alarmer in Queens A second alarm was transmitted in Queens on February 12, 2015, for a fire in a three-story, attached private dwelling on Xenia Street in the Corona section. The fire extended into the cockloft area of the building but was knocked down and contained to the original fire apartment.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

All-Hands in Queens FDNY in the South Ozone Park section of Queens battled an all-hands fire in the basement of a private dwelling on 115th Avenue on February 11, 2015.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, April 2015, Page 11

Numerous Calls Received in Salisbury Mills

On January 9, 2015, firefighters from Salisbury Mills were dispatched to a house fire on Willow Avenue. Orange County 911 reported numerous calls being received reporting a working fire.

Units arrived to find a two-story private home with a large volume

of fire from both floors. Units from Salisbury Mills and Washingtonville stretched three handlines and knocked down the bulk of the fire. The fire was brought under control without incident.

-Fire News photos by Gary Hearn

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Yonkers 3-Alarm Injures 13 FFs A three-alarm fire on Yonker’s west side injured 13 firefighters and displaced 45 residents. Companies arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rear of a three-story apartment building and frozen fire hydrants. The building, about which the city had received several complaints of hazardous conditions, was condemned after the fire.

- Fire News photo by Mike Messar

Greenville Handles Greenburgh Blaze The Greenville Fire Department battled a fire in a commercial occupancy on January 8, 2015, in the Town of Greenburgh. The blaze spread to the cockloft of a strip mall on Central Avenue and required mutual aid companies from surrounding districts. The incident was under control within an hour.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Maybrook 3-Alarmer On February 3, 2015, Maybrook firefighters responded to a three-alarm call on Neeleytown Road at Taylor Recycling. Multiple departments responded on mutual aid both to the scene and for coverage. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Steve Lenz

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Jackson Heights Fire Mt. Vernon 2-Alarmer

FDNY units in Jackson Heights, Queens, battled a fire on the second floor of a three-story, brick, attached dwelling on 86th Street on the morning of February 3, 2015.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Firefighters from Mt. Vernon battled a two-alarm fire on South 12th Avenue on the afternoon of February 9, 2015. The fire extended into a nearby exposure but was brought under control within 45 minutes.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Man Dies in Rotterdam Fire

Midtown Blaze in Albany

A 97-year-old man lost his life after flames ripped through his ranch-style home on Rensselaer Avenue in the town of Rotterdam.

A passerby noticed flames on the inside of the house and called 911.

A primary search of the first floor located the man. Two firefighters were overcome with exhaustion and treated at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

On January 29, 2015, Albany firefighters responded to an early morning fire. Arriving companies found heavy second floor and rear involvement. Aerial ladders were raised in the front and rear B side, where fire extended into the attic and through the roof. The temperature was below zero, with a slight wind which hampered firefighting efforts. The building was vacant and neighbors said homeless people had been known to frequent it. There were no reported injuries.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

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Fire News, April 2015, Page 17

Firehouse Kitchen

By Ray Cooney This month I invited two guests to the Bayport Firehouse to cook on the show.

New Jersey Firefighter Rob Papparo and Rochester, New York, Firefighter Ava Liebowitz. They e-mailed me about a very cool organization they are a part of, called 5-5-5 Fitness. This name was derived from part of the code used to alert others that we have had a death of a firefighter and this is always a reminder to keep yourself fit. Their website 555fitness.com is focused on firefighter fitness, exercise and healthy meals. The number one killer of firefighters is heart disease.

This website strives to help ensure and encourage a healthier firefighter way of life.

When I first met them, I was taken back. ‘Pip,’ a.k.a. Firefighter Papparo, showed up with a crazy haircut and a constant smile from ear to ear. Ava is a tall, attractive blond fitness model (on the side) who would look out of place in most firehouses. We made a stuffed pepper meal that was healthy as well as delicious.

Usually when cooking with me, if it was going to be delicious, it sure wasn’t going to be healthy! The bacon and butter I love to use were missing, yet, the taste was out of this world.

After we prepared the peppers and placed them in the oven, we had some time to kill while they were cooking. We went down to the apparatus floor and went to work on one of their fitness regimens. The 5-5-5 Fitness program utilizes fire fighting equipment in its exercise routines. This makes the program conducive to firemen while at work. There is no more excuse of, “I don’t have the proper equipment to work out.” Squats with a section of hose on your back and pulling a Stokes basket filled with tools are just two examples of the exercises we performed. While performing this workout, I quickly realized that all the cooking and eating, during the filming of these shows did not help my waistline or stamina! I made a bet with Pip that I would be 30 pounds lighter next season, after following his regimen.

To find out more about 5-5-5 Fitness visit 555fitness.com. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com. You can always view all episodes of the show at foodytv.com and tune in to NYC-TV, Saturdays at 1500 and Tuesday's at 1400. Check your local listings for station.

HEALTHY PEPPERS 4 Bell peppers (tops cut off, stemmed, seeded. Also cut just a little off the bottom, to create a flat surface keeping the peppers upright ) 1/2 lb ground turkey 1 small can of black beans (drained and rinsed) Small bag of frozen corn 1/2 onion chopped 1 jar of salsa Small can of tomato sauce Small can of sliced green olives (optional) Package of taco seasoning Salt and pepper to taste Handful of Cilantro, chopped 1 bag of shredded lite Mexican cheese blend Preheat oven to 350. In a skillet, saute onions in a drizzle of olive oil and taco seasoning. Add ground turkey and brown. Add the black beans, green olives, 1/2 bag of corn, 1/2 of the jar of salsa and 1/2 of the chopped cilantro. Stuff the peppers tightly with the turkey mixture (there may be a little extra) and add a sprinkle of cheese on top. In a baking dish, pour in the tomato sauce and remaining salsa. Place the peppers in the baking dish, being careful to keep them upright. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, remove from oven. Spoon some of the tomato sauce from the pan over the peppers, garnish with cilantro and serve.

Page 18, Fire News, April 2015

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Propane Heaters Cause Rotterdam Blaze

Recently, Rotterdam Fire District 2 firefighters were called out to extensive damage. All occupants escaped unharmed. The cause of battle a mid-morning blaze on Palma Avenue. First arriving units the fire was linked to propane heaters being used to heat the home.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber found flames pouring from the first-floor living room windows.

Firefighters made a quick knock down, however the home sustained

FIREHOUSE EXPO: PASSING IT FORWARD MENTORING TOMORROW’S LEADERS The theme for Firehouse Expo 2015 is “Passing it Forward…

Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders,” which is something that Firehouse Magazine’s late Editor Emeritus Harvey Eisner greatly believed in.

This year’s Expo will be dedicated to Harvey, and it is in his memory that this year’s event honors the longstanding contributions of our most iconic figures, but also focuses on the future leadership of the fire service. Firehouse Expo 2015 will feature more than 130 educational sessions, product debuts from leading fire service companies and many new programs such as: • 1st Annual Firehouse Fire/Rescue Competition. Featuring fiveperson teams competing in eight timed events in succession to simulate the rescue of a downed firefighter.

• Fast-paced “Rip and Run” Training Session. Designed to simulate ripping an article out of the magazine to conduct a quick, hardhitting drill with your company or crew.

• Fire Family Life Program. Presented by Firehouse and FirefighterWife.com. Firefighters and their families can engage in

activities that are fun and informational and earn their Fire Family Certification along the way.

• Firehouse “Fit for Duty” Initiative and the Fitness Showcase. Designed to emphasize the importance of firefighter health and fitness.

• Featured “Pass it Forward” Sessions. Where a veteran fire service instructor and an upcoming fire service leader discuss specific topics related to their field of expertise and provide attendees with two distinct viewpoints.

• Moderated Panel Discussions. Featuring some of the most notable names in the fire service.

For more details visit FirehouseExpo.com/DiscoverFirehouseExpo.

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2015 NJEPA CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER DIRECTOR CHRIS RODRIGUEZ OF THE NJ OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY & PREPAREDNESS Presentation will be Wednesday May 6th, 2015 beginning at 3:00 PM. May 4 - May 8, 2015 Tropicana Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ May 4 - May 6, 2015 - Training May 6, 7 & 8, 2015 - Breakout Sessions May 6 & 7, 2015 - Exhibits The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference is designed to meet the needs of New Jersey's Emergency Managers and our private partners in the emergency management community.

Our commitment is to present timely and informative, up-to-date

preparedness information and training to better prepare Emergency Managers and ultimately the public we serve.

A variety of training opportunities are available to emergency responders, both public and private, to enhance response capabilities. These classes cover a wide range of topics and we attempt to present offerings in multiple disciplines. All classes receive certification and CEUs may be available.

Conference registration is now open www.njepa.org

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2015, Page 19

Yes, We Have No Bananas

Rollover in Schenectady

The Town of Colonie Fire Control started receiving several calls for a semi on fire near exit 7 northbound on February 19, 2015.

Upon arrival fire officials found the tractor portion of a semi fully involved. State Police closed down two lanes of traffic. According to Latham Fire Chief Kevin Fronk, the driver reported seeing flames in the rear view mirror and immediately pulled to the right shoulder of the highway. The truck was owned out of Montreal, and was hauling a load of organic bananas. Latham Fire was assisted by Boght, Verdoy and Shaker Road.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Schenectady firefighters responded to a rollover accident involving a light pole on Fehr Avenue near Schenectady’s Central Park. The driver reportedly lost control of his SUV, hitting the lamp post and rolling onto its side. The driver was taken by ambulance to Ellis Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 20, Fire News, April 2015

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Glenville 2-Alarmer On January 30, 2015, Glenville firefighters were called out to battle a mid-afternoon two-alarm fire on Farley Place in the Beukendaal Fire District. Scotia firefighters were first to arrive finding the 1-1/2 story wood frame structure with flames showing heavily from the rear. No one was home at the time of the fire and a family dog was lost in the blaze.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Page 22, Fire News, April 2015

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Frozen Pipes in Albany

On January 31, 2015, after another night of below-zero temperatures the Arbor Hill Station answered a call for a broken water pipe. Battalion Chief William Moore found a large pipe had burst, one of many similar incidents in the Upstate area. The water was rising in the basement of an eight-apartment building. All occupants were assisted in evacuating. Thousands of gallons of water spilled out of the basement and pushed up through cracks in the sidewalk.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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Fire News, April 2015, Page 23

Busy Day for East Greenbush

East Greenbush Fire Department responded to 27 accidents on I90 between Exits 8 and 11, on February 3, 2015, the day after a storm dumped 18 inches of snow on the area. At the accident pictured, a tractor-trailer slammed into the driver’s side. East Greenbush was already committed to the many accidents further to the west. One crew responded to the scene and called for mutual aid from Clinton Heights for their heavy rescue for extrication.

The driver was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. Best-Luther responded to help fire police get traffic off the highway.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

“Shining a New Light on Service”

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Optional tri-pod and 12VDC charger available.

$639 Phone: 631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com

Page 24, Fire News, April 2015

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Brockport Installation 2015

On January 5, 2015, at the organizational meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Brockport Fire District, 2015 district chiefs and association officers were sworn in. Attorney Ray DiRaddo administered the oath to Chief Don Marenus; Deputy Chief Michael LaDue; Assistant Chief Kenneth Smith; Captains Michael Menear, Jim Juby, Kyle Boyst and Paul Drake; Lieutenants Scott Merrill, Scott Wainwright, Joe Indelicato, James Ford, George Klump, and Scott Winslow; Safety Officers John Alexander and Andy Burkhartzmeyer.Commissioner Bill Bird was sworn in replacing Jarl Boyst on the board.

Commissioner Charles Sanford was elected Commission Chairman replacing James Sauberan, who has served in that post since the Commission was formed. Sauberan will remain on the board.

Laurence Vaughan was elected Deputy Chairman to fill the slot vacated by Sanford. During the meeting, the Board appointed Christopher Martin to another year as their Public Information Officer working with Secretary Debra Bax. Captain Timothy Russell and Safety Officer Michael Henry were not present and will be sworn in at another time.

- Fire News photos Christopher R. Martin

The Official Publication of NYS Drill Teams

Page 26, Fire News, April 2015

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Up Close & Personal

Cortland firefighters Trevor Horne, Derek Hicks, Tim Schweider, Gina Hennington, and Lt. Tom Swart at the 2015 FASNY Winter Games.

- Fire News photo By Dennis Hennington

Congratulations to St. Paul Boulevard Firefighter Dennis Erbland on his retirement after 28 years of service -Fire News photo by Zachary Imm

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All in the Family

Winona Lake Fire Department Chief Tony Weed, and 2nd Lt. Anthony Weed, Jr. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Fire News, April 2015, Page 27

Rombout Dedicates Remembrance Wall

At this year’s annual memorial service, Rombout members dedicated a Remembrance Wall to honor their deceased members. The remembrance wall was a vision of Commissioner Tag Muller, who did not see his idea become reality due to his unexpected passing in January 2013. Pictured are the men who made the dream a reality.

(Left to right): Tom Vernooy; Bill Schlosser; Rombout Deputy Chief Charlie Kuehner; Commissioner Terry Muller; Rombout member Paul Lamoree, Jr.; Tony Boors; Paul Murrey; Tom Polakowski; Lamont Haynes; and J.R. Ciccone.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Kevin Barry

Page 28, Fire News, April 2015

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Sawkill’s Ibbotson Graduates FF-I

Schuyler Hts. 2015 Installation

Congratulations to Brandon Ibbotson on graduating from the Firefighter I class. Brandon is a member of the Sawkill Fire Company.

-Fire News photo by John Ibbotson

Congratulations to Schuyler Heights Fire Company as they celebrate their 60th year in protecting the residents of the Town of Colonie. At their Installation of Officers Banquet on February 21, 2015, Congressman Paul Tonko and Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan joined in the celebration, offering proclamations from their respective agencies to congratulate and extend their gratitude to the department for 60 years of dedication and service.

(Left to right): Congressman Paul Tonko, Chief Engineer Jonathan Dudley, President Frank Ellsworth and Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Page 30, Fire News, April 2015

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Defreestville Wins Chili Cook-Off

On February 7, 2014, Brown’s Brewing Company held its Fifth Annual Firefighters Chili Cook-Off. The annual event brings together fire departments from three counties to compete for bragging rights and trophies for their culinary treats. This year’s entries included hot and spicy chili from departments of Troy, West Sand Lake and Defreestville, mild and tasty from departments like Wynantskill, East Greenbush, Verdoy and Fuller Road, and unusual but delectable entries like turkey and black bean from

Schenectady, applewood smoked bacon and pineapple from Green Island, and chicken and vegetable from Watervliet. Almost 400 people came to taste each of the unique entries. The event raised $3700 to be split between the local Burn Center and the Fireman’s Home in Hudson. Defreestsville won the Golden Eddy as the judges choice and West Sand Lake won the People’s Choice for the second year in a row.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Martin E. Miller

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Fire News, April 2015, Page 31