VOLUME 9, NO. 8
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
JUNE 2016
See page 7 for full story. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Fire News Welcomes All to Harrisburg North Hall Booths 704-705 – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, June 2016, Page 3
In this issue... Cohoes 3-Alarmer
Cohoes firefighters battled a three-alarm fire that ripped through three structures on Main Street.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 9
Iconic Ice Cream Stand Destroyed Scotia firefighters handle a fire that consumed the iconic Dairy Circus Ice Cream stand.
See story on page 11
Appliance Fire in Mahopac Falls
Crews made a good knockdown on a fire which had extended beyond a dryer and into an interior wall. See story on page 17
Suspicious 2-Alarmer in Schenectady Firefighters responded to a fire in a vacant building on Germania Avenue.
See story on page 22
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, Carol Greene, 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 COPYRIGHT 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2-Alarmer Destroys 3 Buildings
A raging two-alarm fire in a two-story, two-family home on 185th Street in Queens left two families homeless and three buildings destroyed. See story on page 24
Fatality in New Baltimore MVA
New York State Police at Catskill investigated a minivan-versusmotorcycle fatality on State Rt 9W.
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 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:
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 36 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 37
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, June 2016
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Do You Have a PIO? You just had a serious call that has lasted several hours. Toward the end of the call, the dispatcher notifies the chief that the telephones are ringing off of the hook with the media asking questions. Are you ready to handle the flood of calls? Are you ready to give factual information to the public? Who speaks to the press in your department? Oh, wait a minute, screw the media; you don't have to say anything! If you believe this, you are WRONG! If you ignore the media, the press will get information from a bystander that, typically, is incorrect at best. How about the bystander that tells the press it took forever for the fire department to arrive at the fire, or that they heard a person yelling for help and no one was there to help them? How about a HazMat call where the press is ignored and then assume the “facts.” Who do you choose as a Public Information Officer to represent your department? On the surface, the answer is simple, but in reality it is quite difficult. You need a person who under-
stands that being a PIO is a position that can make your department look good or look really bad. Remember, “anything you say, could be held against you in a court of law!” Department PIOs should be able to express themselves clearly and be versed in the technical aspects of firefighting, which must be presented in a way that the public can comprehend. Does your PIO know how to operate and use various visual media including video recorders, audio recorders and still cameras? Can your PIO use a laptop computer for word processing and other related programs to get the word out to the public? Many departments utilize Facebook and their community’s Facebook page to let the public know what is going on. The public will become trained to check out your website and Facebook page to find out what is going on. (The use of Facebook in the fire service will be addressed in a future editorial.) It is important to remember that PIO’s can-
not speak about a situation without first going over it with the Chief of the Department. After all, the chief represents the department and will be questioned on statements that a PIO may have made without his permission. Many chiefs prefer to speak to the media themselves. In that case the PIO should prep the chief for the press. It becomes awkward when a chief says to the media, “I don’t know the answer to that question.” As a PIO you must be several steps ahead of the media. Having a press package prepared simplifies your job and keeps the press happy because you’re helping them with their job. If you have been chosen as your departments PIO, take a course with your state’s Office of Emergency Management or with your county’s training center. Being a PIO is a job that requires professional training. Include a scenario at your next drill, so the PIO can test his skills. - Dennis
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ANNOUNCEMENTS ROCHESTER PROMOTES 13
great cause and a day of fun. The race is run from our website: www.cfsi.org. Why wait for rain or shine. The Stirling Volunteer Fire the holidays to find a special gift for your famiDepartment sponsors this event each year and ly members or friends? The Rochester Fire Department celebrated everyone is urged to participate by riding or the promotions of 13 members of their 450- making a donation. Details can be found at: 26TH ANNUAL plus-member agency. Chief John Schreiber, www.stirlingfd.com. FIRE MUSTER with Captain Andy Lonthair as the emcee and Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren presided over The 26th Annual Fire Muster will be held at 2016 WHITE HOUSE the 90-minute ceremony that began with the Thompson Park in Jamesburg, New Jersey on CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT presenting of the colors, and the recitation of June 26, 2016. Registration is $5 per truck, and the Pledge of Allegiance. will begin at 0830. The parade will kick off at FOR FIRE SERVICE The following promotions were made: Each year, since 1981, the White House 1030. Trophies will be awarded in several catThomas Szatko, Executive Deputy Chief; Historical Association designs and sells the offi- egories. There will also be bracket pumping, a Russell Merrick, Deputy Chief; Christine cial White House ornaments that honor presi- great drill. Food will be available from the Schryver, Deputy Chief; Willie Jackson, dential administrations. The 2016 ornament, Jamesburg Fire Department. For more inforDeputy Chief; Captains William Fitzsimons, honoring the Hoover Administration, was mation contact: David 732-938-2685, or 732Michael Nolte, and Thomas Jaworowicz; 606-7183. Lieutenants John Grieco, Casey Gilbert, Tramell Parsons, Lisa Bubel, Daniel Curran WHERE ARE YOUR and Daniel O’Toole.
DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS?
STIRLING F.D. FIREFIGHTERS BICYCLE RACE The Stirling Volunteer Fire Department will hold its New Jersey Firefighters Bicycle Race on July 24, 2016. Volunteer and paid firefighters from throughout New Jersey will race while wearing their firefighting gear (less liners) to raise money for the St. Barnabas Hospital Burn Center Foundation, New Jersey’s only burn center. Each rider receives a commemorative tee shirt, participants trophy, and a gift bag. Trophies are awarded and racers are treated to a luncheon after the race. Come out for this
inspired by the fire engines that responded to the 1929 Christmas Eve fire at the White House and toy fire trucks the Hoover presented to children the following Christmas. You can purchase the highly sought after 2016 ornaments directly
We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper. Feel free to e-mail your photos to nj@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic "who, what, when, and where information." We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.
Page 6, Fire News, June 2016
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Brooklyn 6-Alarmer
A massive, six-alarm fire destroyed at least three homes and damaged a nearby church on Arlington Avenue in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn early on April 24, 2016. The blaze broke out in the rear of one of the homes and quickly spread to the adjoining homes. More than 200 firefighters battled the fire for more than three hours until it was brought under control. Several firefighters and civilians suffered minor injuries and officials believe at least nine families were displaced. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Wayne Carrington
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Cover Story
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East Fishkill Blaze
East Fishkill Fire and Rescue, assisted by the Village of Fishkill, a result. The cause was under investigation by the DCDER Fire New Hackensack, and Rombout Fire Departments, as well as Investigation Division, the East Fishkill Fire Investigation Team, Mobile Life Paramedics, recently operated at this structure fire on and the Town of East Fishkill Police. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson Marion Avenue. Fortunately, no one was injured, however the fire did significant damage to the structure displacing the occupants as
Page 8, Fire News, June 2016
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Suspicious Blaze in Yonkers
On April 10, 2016, Yonkers Fire received numerous calls for a house fire on the city’s West Side. A second alarm was transmitted on arrival for heavy fire on the first floor of a three-story multiple dwelling. The fire was rapidly extending upward and into exposure 2. Within 30 minutes, a fourth alarm was struck as the fire extended into two exposures. About a dozen firefighters were treated at local hospitals for minor injuries. The fire is suspicious in nature. -Fire News photos by Mike Messar
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Cohoes 3-Alarmer
Cohoes firefighters battled a three-alarm fire that ripped through neighboring City of Troy and City of Albany as well as an aerial three structures on Main Street in the city. First arriving units from Watervliet Arsenal were brought to the scene. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber found a heavy smoke condition and, soon after, flames vented from the roof and spread to two nearby structures. Ladder trucks from
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Nice Stop in Beekman Beekman firefighters, assisted by East Fishkill and Union Vale, operated at this structure fire recently. On arrival, firefighters encountered a fire in a balloon construction farmhouse, which was converted into multiple occupancies. They were able to make an excellent stop, thus limiting the damage to the structure. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Brooklyn Shop Fire On April 13, 2016, FDNY firefighters responded to a fire in a motorcycle shop on Broadway and Locust Street in Brooklyn. Engine 217, Ladder 108 and Battalion 35 were first due. - Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy
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Iconic Ice Cream Stand Destroyed
Scotia firefighters battle a fire that consumed the iconic Dairy Circus Ice Cream stand. The stand was once used as a backdrop for a 2013 movie, AP lace Beyondthe iPnes , and was reduced to rubble in less than an hour. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by ePter Barber
Page 12, Fire News, June 2016
Historic Serbian Church Gutted in NYC
On May 1, 2016, a fire at the Cathedral of St. Sava on West 25th Street, went to fouralarms and destroyed the historic Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. The blaze was fought by over 170 FDNY firefighters. The fire started on Easter Sunday for Orthodox Serbians. The cause was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Brady Ambro and FirstOnScenePhotos
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3-Alarmer in Watervliet
Watervliet Fire was called to the scene of a structure fire in the early morning of May 6, 2016. Upon arrival, an empty structure was engulfed in flames which had spread to the next building. Police arrived on the scene and immediately began knocking on doors and helped extricate seven residents. The scene began to escalate and soon became a three alarm fire with Green Island, Troy, Cohoes
Albany, Watervliet Arsenal and West Albany responding; Schuyler Heights and Menands covered. Albany Fire was able to maneuver its ladder truck under the low hanging electrical wires to get close to the building and help extinguish the flames. A family cat was rescued and given oxygen by one of the EMS units and returned to the arms of its owner. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Good Stop in LaGrange
LaGrange firefighters, assisted by Arlington, Beekman, East Fishkill and Union Vale, made a great stop at a structure fire on Ohare Drive. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of a mother-daughter occupancy with all residents out. A quick and aggressive attack significantly limited the damage to the structure. The fire’s cause was investigated by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Fire Investigation Division. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Fatality at Hagaman Blaze
East GreenbushSchodack Forest Fire
Hagaman firefighters responded to a fully-involved house fire on Waite Road in Amsterdam, 20 miles west of Schenectady. Due to its remote location and the need to set up portaponds, first-due apparatus were unable to save the house or its owner. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
On April 14, 2016, a report of heavy smoke showing over the woods, a couple hundred acres in size required mutual aid from most of the Town of Schodack and all of the Town of East Greenbush. The woods’ fire was found to be about 1000 feet off Amtrak line to Boston, which required stopping passenger service for nearly 90 minutes. Firefighters also attacked the wind-blown flames from Phillips Road. The fire was extinguished after dark. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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St. Albans House Fire
FDNY companies in the St. Albans section of Queens responded to a reported house fire on April 18, 2016. One resident was pulled from the blaze on the second floor of the private dwelling and removed by EMS to an area hospital. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Appliance Fire in Mahopac Falls
A call for a structure fire on Lake Shore Drive in Lake Secor, brought a full response from the Mahopac Falls Fire Department. Chief Jeff Boyle took command and directed interior crews to the laundry area of the house. The fire had extended beyond a dryer and into an interior wall. Crews made a good knock down and removed the appliances, as secondary crews set exhaust fans in upstairs windows to remove the smoke. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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Depew Apt. House Fire
Quick Work in Schenectady
Firefighters responded to an apartment building fire on April 8, 2016, on Broadway (US Route 20) in Depew. The fire had a head start and, with the balloon construction, was in the attic within minutes. - Fire News photos by Jim Lepard
Recently, City of Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a small fire in the siding of a house on Prospect Street. Flames were seen venting from around a doorway in the rear of the house and extinguished quickly, and no extension to the upper floor was found. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Garage Fire in Union Vale
Union Vale, assisted by La Grange, East Fishkill and Millbrook, made quick work of a fire in an unattached garage fire on April 27, 2016, on Route 82. Dover provided stand-by coverage during the incident. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Vent Fire on Route 6
Recently, the Mahopac Fire Department responded for commercial structure fire on Route 6. Past-Chief Drew Kinash was in the immediate vicinity at the time of dispatch and was one of the first arriving firefighters. Kinash, along with Carmel Police units and the building owner, found an minor electrical fire in an exhaust fan and shut off power to the unit. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
Jamaica Estates Fire A fire broke out in a Jamaica Estates home on the morning of April 16, 2016. FDNY units arrived at the house on 210th Place to find a fire on the first floor extending to the upper floors. Additional companies were called and the blaze was brought under control. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Pittstown Woods Fire
On April 20, 2016, Pittstown firefighters responded to a wind-driven mountaintop woods fire. Mutual aid came from as far as West Sand Lake and several ATVs were needed to carry personnel up the mountain. All mutual aid was dispatched by command, which was set up at a school about a mile away. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Schenectady Brush Fire
Recently, Schenectady firefighters responded to a large brush fire on Libby Avenue. All stations, consisting of four engines, two truck companies and a rescue unit, responded as flames were covering a large wooded area and threatening structures. With numerous handlines in operation the fire was contained and extinguished with major overhaul following. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Suspicious 2-Alarmer in Schenectady
Schenectady firefighters responded to a house fire in a vacant building on Germania Avenue in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood. Multiple calls were received prompting a second alarm. No injuries were reported and the cause was listed as suspicious and was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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2-Alarmer Destroys 3 Buildings A raging two-alarm fire in a two-story, two-family home on 185th Street in Queens left two families homeless and three buildings destroyed on April 16, 2016. Units of the FDNY arrived at the address to find the rear of the home engulfed in flames. The fire spread quickly to the upper floors and also consumed two garages in the rear of the home and one of the exposures. The intense heat also damaged houses on two sides of the original fire building. Only one resident of the second floor was home at the time of the blaze, but was able to escape to safety. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
2-Alarmer in Harlem FDNY firefighters repack hose after a twoalarm fire on West 136th Street in Harlem. The fire was confined to two apartments on the fourth floor of a six-story building. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Firehouse Kitchen
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With Firehouse Kitchen Host Ray Cooney
We got FDNY in the house today! Firefighter Chris Landano and Firefighter Jesus Marcano from Engine 326 in Queens, made it a point to include the name of the truck in their house, Ladder 160. When you read the name ‘Ladder 160,’ you pronounce it ‘one-sixty.’ Firefighter Marcano was quick to correct me and say, “No, it’s Ladder One, Six, Zero.” This is running joke between the engine and the ladder companies in this house (as any firefighter can attest, this goes on in their firehouses as well). These firemen were a blast to cook with. It began with calling the meal, ‘Irish Enchiladas,’ in celebration of my heritage, to Firefighter Marcano calling FF Landano by his nickname in the firehouse — Lan-do-nothing. Jokingly, FF Marcano was in awe of all the work Fighterfighter Landano was doing on the show because it was the first time he’d ever really seen him work! On to the meal. The table looked like a Christmas tree with all the different colors of food. These Irish Enchiladas were accompanied by beans and rice and homemade guacamole. Jesus was the head chef on this meal. He was sure to remind us all that the recipe belonged to his mother-in-law and doing what any good son-in-law would do, he made sure to give her a shout out!
Chris made a comment that Jesus was being a kiss-up. I informed Jesus that I understood his devotion to his mother-in-law. Heck, I had my fatherin-law on three shows! Well, I can’t say that I had to have him on the show. The show received so many compliments on him, that I was afraid I would loose viewers if I didn’t have him back on! My fire fact on this show was based on something that FF Landano invented. It is called the Trak Belt 360. This belt allows the firefighter to move the pockets, on the work belt, 360 degrees around your waist. This is helpful for EMS and firefighters because it allows their tools to be readily available. Being able to slide the pockets around makes climbing ladders safer and is handy in a ‘reduced profile’ situation. You can visit the website for this device at trakbelt360.com. I enjoyed cooking with these Queens firemen and shared many laughs. These two guys reminded me what I missed most about cooking at the firehouse — the camaraderie and sense of family you feel is unexplainable. I had a pinch of sadness when the day was over. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor or guest, visit firehousekitchenshow.com or call 631-514-5859.
IRISH CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
Chicken breast Onions Green and red peppers Tomatoes Jalapenos Cheddar cheese Sour cream 1 can crushed tomatoes 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream 1 cup chicken broth Flat, soft tortillas
Using a baking tin, fill with a half-inch of water. Lay chicken breast in tin and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. Combine crushed tomatoes, half-and-half and chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 minutes. Chop onions, peppers, tomatoes and jalapenos. When the chicken is ready, pull apart with a fork. Lay pieces of chicken on top of the tortilla shells. Add beans, rice and all chopped ingredients. Roll the tortilla closed. Layer with sauce and cheddar cheese. Place in baking tin and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Sour cream and guacamole can be added to your taste after the tortillas are done baking. Enjoy!
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It Could Have Been Worse
On April 28, 2016, East Greenbush firefighters responded to a report of smoke in a building. On arrival, all residents had exited safely. The cause was discovered to be food left on a stove unattended. A smoke detector had also been disabled. -Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Quick Work in Fishkill
Wires Down Trap Driver
Village of Fishkill firefighters, assisted by Rombout, East Fishkill and Mobile Life Paramedics, operated at a structure fire on Rapalje Road recently. A fast response allowed firefighters to quickly knock down the fire. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
National Grid Power crews use a bucket truck to remove live power lines from a cement mixer after low hanging wires were brought down as the truck moved through a neighborhood, trapping the operator for nearly an hour before crews arrived. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Car Into House in E. Fishkill
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Recently, East Fishkill firefighters and EMS, along with Mobile Life Paramedics and the East Fishkill police, operated at a vehicle into a residence on Route 376. There were no injuries, but the vehicle’s impact did result in significant damage. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
2016 PAUL S. SARBANES AWARD PRESENTED TO FDSOA The 2016 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Award for Fire Service Safety Leadership was presented to the Fire Department Safety Officers Association on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the Congressional Fire Service Institute’s 28th annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC. In presenting the award, Jim Estepp, CFSI board member, said, “FDSOA is being recognized for its work to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue, and emergency services community.” Estepp noted the 28 years of FDSOA’s Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium that has brought together manufacturers, fire officers, and emergency vehicle technicians and contributed to significant improvements in apparatus safety performance. Estepp added, “Under new management and leadership, FDSOA is proactive in reaching out to educate, train and certify safety officers across North America. They are doing so by forming and strengthening partnerships with organizations that share in a common pursuit of firefighter health and safety. And they are doing so by addressing many of the 16 Life Safety Initiatives developed over ten years ago by the national fire service organizations.” In accepting the Sarbanes award, FDSOA Chairman Richard Maddox thanked State Farm, VFIS, and NFFF for the prestigious award and added, “Through the hard work and dedication of past and present leadership of the FDSOA and through its many partnerships, we are recommitted to our core mission of educating and providing essential training the safety officers assigned to protect their brother and sister firefighters every day in our nation’s emergency situations.”
For more information regarding the FDSOA Safety Forum, contact Rich Marinucci, Executive Director, Ph: 248.880.1864 or visit: www.fdsoa.org. (Left to right): State Farm Vice President of Operations King Butler; former FDSOA Chairman Michael Petroff; FDSOA Chairman Richard Maddox; FDSOA Executive Director Rich Marinucci; VFIS President Troy Markel; CFSI Board member Jim Estepp; and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman Dennis Compton. Photo credit: John Buckman
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Good Samaritans Make Nice Save
On April 30, 2016, the Bethlehem Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle rollover crash on the Delmar Bypass in the area of Kenwood Avenue. As officers arrived, the vehicle became fully involved. The driver was traveling southbound on the Delmar Bypass with his child in the vehicle. The driver suffered a medical condition and lost control, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway, overturn and catch fire. A vehicle traveling behind witnessed the crash and stopped to assist, as they saw the vehicle immediately catch fire. Ludwik Branach and Wieslaw Szczutowski, both of Brooklyn; rushed to the vehicle and were able to break out the windows and assist the two occupants to safety just as the fire was entering the car’s interior. Responding members of the Bethlehem Police Department worked to suppress the fire. Branach suffered a minor injury from breaking the glass and was treated and released at the scene. The driver was transported to Albany Medical Center for evaluation. If not for the immediate actions of Branach and Szczutowski, the vehicle occupants could have suffered
serious injuries from the fire. The Elsmere Fire Department responded with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and Albany County Paramedics. Elsmere Fire Chief Frank J Wickham said if it were not for the quick action of the Good Samaritans, it would have been a recovery, not a rescue. Plans are in the works for Albany County Executive Dan McCoy as well as the Elsmere Fire Department to recognize the heroic deeds of the two men from Brooklyn. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
Page 30, Fire News, June 2016
Selkirk DWI Rollover
On April 8, 2016, the Selkirk Fire Department responded to a rollover on Wimple Road. Upon arrival they found a car had rolled down an embankment into a tree in what appeared to be a highspeed crash. The driver suffered serious injuries, and was treated on the scene by Albany County Paramedics and transported to Albany Medical Center by Bethlehem Ambulance Service. Bethlehem Police have charged the 32-year-old male driver with felony DWI and several other vehicle violations. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Delmar Car/Bus MVA
On April 4, 2016, the Elsmere and Albany Fire Departments were dispatched to a serious crash between a sedan and a bus on the Normanskill Bridge on Delaware Avenue. The accident happened when the female operator of the car lost control crossing into the path of the Center for the Disabled bus. Upon impact the bus caught fire. A passer-by and the driver of the bus used hand extinguishers to keep the fire at bay until Albany Engine 9 arrived. The female operator was extricated and transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital by the Bethlehem Ambulance Service, in critical condition. There was one wheelchair passenger in the bus, who was not injured. Bethlehem Police are investigating the cause of the crash. It was snowing hard at the time. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Five Mile Point Responds to Fatal Head-on
On April 1, 2016, Broome County Communications dispatched Five Mile Point Fire Department to I-86/Route 17 eastbound in the area of exit 76 for an MVA with entrapment. The chief of Broome Ambulance (7201), arrived and advised there was a New York State Police vehicle involved and a possible DOA. A medevac was placed on standby. NYS DOT had arrived quickly and assisted the NYS Trooper from his vehicle. Squad 59 responded and utilized their hydraulic tools to extricate the driver of a pickup. At this time crews were able to confirm the driver was deceased. The trooper was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The pickup was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. NYSP are conducting the investigation into the crash; it is unknown why the driver was travelling in the wrong direction. Five Mile Point Fire Department, Broome Ambulance, New York State Police, and New York State Department of Transportation all assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Nick Griswold
Fatality in New Baltimore MVA
On April 18, 2016, the New York State Police at Catskill investigated a minivan versus motorcycle fatality on State Route 9W at the intersection of Aquetuck Road in the Town of New Baltimore. The minivan was attempting to turn left onto State Route 9W from Aquetuck Road and pulled into the path of a motorcycle traveling southbound on State Route 9W. The motorcycle driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The State Police were assisted by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, and the New Baltimore and Ravena Fire Departments. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Schodack Brush Fire
On March 9, 2016, Schodack brush fire season got an early start. Seven companies responded and found about eight acres had burned off because of wind-driven fire. The fire was heading into the woods, so 500 feet of forestry hose was deployed and four ATVs were put in service to quell the hot spots around the area. Command
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requested an air drop, which brought New York State Police to the scene, however as the wind died down the drop was cancelled. There had been very little snow in the area and ground cover was extremely dry. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
Page 32, Fire News, June 2016
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A Day in the Life: Mahopac
Sunday mornings at the Mahopac Falls Fire Stations are the images of controlled chaos. Starting around 0800, people start to gather at the stations. For the senior members, it is truck checks — fuel levels, equipment cleaned and ready to go, and all lights and sirens ready for the next run. EMS gets the ambulances ready and equipment restocked, replaced and ready for a call. Members of the dive team go over the dive trailer and discuss new protocols going into effect. For the new members, it is a completely different world — weird looking tools with weirder sounding names, ladders, hoses,
Extrication Drill in Winona Lake Recently, firefighters from Winona Lake held a drill on working car fires, along with using tools for extrication. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
heavy turnout gear with airpacks — all to be learned and studied because their lives and the lives of their comrades may depend on it. Recently, a Train the Trainer class was held in which firefighters were taught the fine points of the state-mandated bailout system. Firefighters Jeff Ward, Ted Pollack, Anthony Taylor and Dan Meury spent the day — one of two — qualifying to become trainers. A new rookie class began and, making the most of the good weather, officers taught the newbies the use of attack hose lines on simulated car fires. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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No Age Gap Here
On April 16, 2016, the New Salem Fire Department hosted a mutual aid extrication training drill at their fire house with a great turnout. There were several young firefighters and EMS personnel testing their skills on extracting trapped people from wrecks. New Salem was assisted by Altamont, Onesquethaw, Fort Hunter,
Voorheesville and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department’s Ambulance EMS personnel, as well as Albany County Paramedics. Sheriff Craig Apple was on the scene observing the training and said it was nice to see all the young men and ladies training along with the older firefighters. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Fire News, June 2016, Page 35
Mayday Training at Hillcrest
On April 27, 2016 Chief Gerald Paris, Fire Coordinator for the Albany County Sheriff’s Department brought his Mayday training to Hillcrest Fire Department for an evening of alternative training. Chief Paris’s hands-on program helps firefighters to think outside
the box in ways to protect themselves and self extricate from precarious situations. Hillcrest Fire Department opened the program up to local departments who were eager to take part in this informative and enlightening program. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Winona Lake Bag-and-Boot Drive
The Winona Lake Fire Department held their Bag-and-Boot fundraiser on March 20, 2016, at the Stop and Shop. Ladies Auxiliary and junior members assisted and over $1500 was raised. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
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Fire News, June 2016, Page 37
Rest in Peace Ex-Chief Andrew Mastronardi
Members of the FDNY traveled to Port Jefferson Station, to offer condolences to Lt. Paul Mastronardi of Squad 1, on the recent loss of his father. Andrew J. Mastronardi was an ex-Chief with the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
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FDNY Honor Legion Inducts New Members
On April 7, 2016, the FDNY Honor Legion inducted 33 new members into the organization. Congratulations to Firefighter Danny Prince, who received the Commissioner William M. Feehan Award for his untiring dedication to the FDNY. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam