Fire News, New York State, June 2019 edition

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 12, NO. 8

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In this issue...

New Home Burns in Tallman The Tallman Fire Department arrived to heavy fire showing out of a large single-family home.

See story on page 5

15 Units Go in Central Nyack Condo Fire Units were met with heavy fire showing out the front center of the building.

See story on page 7

Albany County WindDriven Fire Takes House Albany County dispatched Coeymans, Coeymans Hollow, New Baltimore, Selkirk and Ravena to a house fire.

See story on page 8

House Destroyed After Rekindle Firefighters were called back to the scene of a house fire to find a house they responded to four hours earlier fully involved.

See story on page 13

Mount Vernon Wind Driven Blaze Mount Vernon dispatchers received 911 calls for a fire on Johnston Street.

See story on page 18

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 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, Martin E. 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.

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Clutter Hampers FFs at 2-Alarmer in Queens A two-alarm fire gutted a Queens home on 144th Street in Springfield Gardens on April 5, 2019.

See story on page 22

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

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Page 4, Fire News, June 2019

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are We In Changing Times?

The volunteer fire service dates back to January 27, 1678, when the first fire engine company went into service. In 1736, Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia. As cities grew, so did the need for a fire service that could respond quickly and was available 24 hours a day.

When I moved to Long Island, I lived in an area that was just starting to develop.

People from NYC were moving to the suburbs for a quieter and affordable lifestyle. In my case, it wasn’t long before I received a visit from some of my neighbors who were members of my local fire department. They asked me to give thought to joining the fire department. Proudly, I joined my local department and trained diligently so I could hold my own at calls. As the years flew by and my community grew, I soon noticed that the number of volunteers were declining.

How do you maintain a strong recruitment program? In my early years there was a waiting list to join the fire department. Today, times are different and the problems of maintaining a well-staffed and active volunteer

fire service require monitoring by the commissioners and chiefs who run their department with limited budgets.

The number of volunteers in New York have dropped from 120,000 in the late 1990s to 80,000 by 2010. Thanks to the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), a creative recruitment initiative has addressed the problem of recruitment.

FASNY’s RecruitNY program has added upward of 20,000 members to local fire departments. The number of volunteer firefighters has risen to 100,000 as of 2018.

Let’s face facts. When you or anyone in your community has a need for your fire department’s services, you expect to hear sirens responding to help you within minutes after you make the call for help. My department formed a paid EMS section many years ago. When you call 911, a paramedic and two EMTs are heading to the call. We still have a very active group of unpaid professionals who respond to pick up the calls that often follow the first call. Yes, volunteer fire departments are receiving multiple calls throughout the day and the number is signif-

icantly higher than when we first joined our departments.

Changing times call for new ideas that encourage people to seriously think of becoming active volunteers. When someone volunteers they must realize that they are expected to do the job when duty calls. If your department is having difficulty maintaining an active group of volunteer responders, then it is time for discussions to solve the problems that are preventing your trucks from rolling to calls. I urge all departments to discuss ways to recruit and retain new members.

- Dennis

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New Home Burns in Tallman The Tallman Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire around 0500 on March 3, 2019. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire showing out of a large single-family home on Canterbury Lane. As the Suffern and Mahwah (NJ) departments were responding on mutual aid, the first crews from Tallman initiated an interior attack and search of the home. Once the additional help arrived, they were able to get a handle on the fire, knocking down the bulk of the flames. All searches proved negative, and it was later discovered that the home had been recently purchased and was undergoing renovations before the new owners moved in.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

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Cover Story

La Grange House Fire Stopped

La Grange firefighters, assisted by Arlington, East Fishkill, Union Vale, and the DCSO, recently operated at a structure fire on Johnson Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of the structure and roof. All occupants were accounted for and firefighters began extinguishing the fire. The residence was severely

damaged. The cause of the fire was unknown and was being investigated by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Cause and Origin Team and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, June 2019, Page 7

15 Units Go in Central Nyack Condo Fire

On April 14, 2019, the Central Nyack Fire Department, along with Valley Cottage and West Nyack on automatic mutual aid, were dispatched for a structure fire at the Mountainview Condominium complex. Units were met with heavy fire showing out the front center of the building. Under the command of Chief Pat Pascullo, crews begin an aggressive interior attack, while others started to search the apartments. T\wo firefighters found an elderly woman in her apartment and removed her safely. The fire continued to grow, gaining significant headway in the cockloft, and firefighters were evacuated when it was clear that the roof was compromised and

would soon collapse. As fire burned through most of the roof, a tower ladder placed its master stream into operation and knocked the majority of the blaze down, allowing crews back inside for overhaul. Mutual aid was requested from several other area departments, as well as local EMS and police. Numerous families were left homeless after the fire, and the American Red Cross was brought in to assist. Some 15 units were destroyed. One firefighter was also injured after getting shocked from an electric line during overhaul.

He was taken to the hospital and later released.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Page 8, Fire News, June 2019

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Selkirk Mulch Fire

Good Stop in Schenectady

Tones went out to Selkirk Fire Company 2 for a small mulch fire right next to Metro-Mattress in Glenmont. It was unsure exactly how the fire started, but it was most likely a cigarette which was thrown into the mulch from the smoking area, which was just a few feet away. Units arrived on scene within minutes and the fire was quickly extinguished.

- Fire News photo by Simon Lindmark

On April 13, 2019, Niskayuna 1 and 2, City of Schenectady and Stanford Heights responded to a structure fire in the attic of a home on Troy-Schenectady Road. Upon arrival, flames and smoke were seen from the attic area. Departments quickly brought the flames under control with minimal damage to the residence.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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Albany County Wind-Driven Fire Takes House

On March 3, 2019, Albany County dispatched Coeymans, Coeymans Hollow, New Baltimore, Selkirk and Ravena to a house fire on Route 9W, north of the Greene County line. Arriving firefighters were met with a heavily involved home, with approximately 35-mph winds pushing from the rear west side. There was no saving the structure, but the effort was made.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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Stormy Night Structure Fire

Selkirk and Coeymans Hollow were toned out to a structure fire on Willowbrook Avenue on April 14, 2019, at approximately 2230.

“The fire appeared to have started in the front of the garage and worked its way back.” said Selkirk Fire Chief Joe Michaniw. “That two and a half story garage had walls with another room on the second story, and a high pitched metal roof which made fighting the fire difficult. Also the location of the garage prevented us from bringing apparatus to the structure.” Crews managed to extinguish the fire in the lower levels of the garage, but the upper level caused

problems. “We ended up going back to the old days of using ground ladders and hand tools to fight the fire,” Michaniw said. It took crews about three hours to completely clear the scene. Crews called the town for an excavator to tear down the garage. This was because of a safety concern, and crews needed to extinguish the hotspots on the second floor that they could not reach. A neighboring garage and house suffered minor heat damage to the siding.

-Fire News photos by Simon Lindmark

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Abandoned Structure Fire in Poughkeepsie

City of Poughkeepsie, assisted by Arlington, Fairview, Mobile Life Paramedics, and City of Poughkeepsie Police, operated at a structure fire on South Cherry Street on March 10, 2019. They arrived to heavy fire on all floors but made quick work of extinguishing the fire in the abandoned structure.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Structure Fire with People Trapped in Geneva

On April 4, 2019, Geneva firefighters responded to Sherill Street in the city for a structure fire with people trapped. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with fire from the rear and heavy smoke.

Although conditions were harsh, firefighters pushed hard to search the structure for victims and extinguished the blaze quickly. One victim was transported by medevac with serious injuries and one victim was transported by Finger Lakes Ambulance with non-lifethreatening injuries. During the intense search, one firefighter sustained a serious laceration to his arm and was transported to the local hospital for treatment. Mutual aid and the Geneva Police Department also responded.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

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Geneva Firefighters Battle Commercial Fire

Amsterdam 3-Alarmer

The Geneva Fire Department responded to the NYS Agricultural Station for a fire. Upon dispatch, a large column of smoke could be seen and firefighters were met with a fully involved USDA greenhouse with extensions into the research labs. An aggressive interior attack saved the attached facility and surrounding buildings that were within feet of the fire structure.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

At 0150 on April 17, 2019, the Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire on Division Street in the city. Upon arrival they found flames coming from a second-floor attic window, and second and third alarms were called. The fire was contained to the rear attic, of the home, which was vacant at the time and under renovation.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

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Fire News, June 2019, Page 13

House Destroyed After Rekindle

On March 16, 2019, firefighters were called back to the scene of a house fire on Vaughn Drive to find a house they responded to four hours earlier fully involved. No injuries were reported and the cause was unknown.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Page 14, Fire News, June 2019

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27 Displaced, 3 Injured in Sleepy Hollow Fire

The Sleepy Hollow Fire Department responded to a reported building fire on Barnhart Avenue on March 7, 2019. Units arrived to heavy fire in a mixed occupancy structure, with a possible rooming house on the second floor. Shortly after arrival, companies were forced to an exterior attack and operated for over three hours. The

fire displaced 27 residents. One police officer was transported to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation. One firefighter and one civilian were treated at scene for minor injuries. Nearly 10 mutual aid departments responded to the fire from as far away as Rockland County.

- Fire News photos by Mike Messar

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Fire News, June 2019, Page 15

House Destroyed by Raymertown Fire

House Goes in Rensselaer

On April 23, 2019, at 0300, Rensselaer County received a report of a structure fire in Raymertown. The arriving chief reported that the fire was spreading to another connected structure. In minutes about 10 companies responded to assist with the call. Firefighters had to shuttle water in and out of the scene and high winds complicated the attack. By daylight, the only thing saved were two fish tanks buried under the debris.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Rensselaer County firefighters were called out at about 1700 to Pleasantdale, just north of Troy along the Hudson for a house fire.

Arriving companies found a house fire between two others down a bank of the river. As the flames spread, and started going through the roof, they withdrew to the road at the top of the bank. Fire companies from both sides of the river responded. The fire was shooting out the attic window and the roof collapsed.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Page 16, Fire News, June 2019

MVAs

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Drunk Driver Hits Hydrant, Assaults Officers

Asleep at the Wheel Causes Mayhem in Neighborhood

Schenectady firefighters were called to an accident on Rosa Road, just adjacent to the Ellis Hospital Emergency entrance on March 5, 2019, to find a man who hit a utility pole and sheared off a fire hydrant, ending up in the bushes of a home. After getting the driver onto a stretcher and into an ambulance, he reportedly assaulted an SFD paramedic and a police officer. No other injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Schenectady firefighters were called to an accident on McDonald Avenue where a man who fell asleep at the wheel of his car hit a parked car and sheared off a utility pole on March 9, 2019. After extricating the man, he was taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center for treatment.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Winona Lake at Overturn

MC vs. Car MVA = Medevac

In March, the Winona Lake Fire Department responded on mutual aid to the Good Will Fire Department for a two-car accident on Route 300. One vehicle rolled over, resulting in one patient being transported to the hospital.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

The Winona Lake Fire Department was called out on April 7, 2019, for a car versus motorcycle MVA on Route 300. Orange Lake responded to set up a landing zone, and one person was flown to Westchester Hospital.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Fire News, June 2019, Page 17

DANA SHAFFER JOINS SUPER VAC AND COMMAND LIGHT AS THE BRANDS’ NEW NORTHEAST SALES MANAGER Dana Shaffer joins Super Vac and Command Light as the brands’ new Northeast Sales Manager. He brings more than 17 years of experience in the fire equipment industry, representing brands like MSA, Lion Fire Gear, Res-Q-Jack and Hurst Jaws of Life as part of Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. Shaffer now represents Super Vac’s expansive lineup of ventilation equipment, as well as Command Light’s array of scene lighting products. The Super Vacuum Manufacturing brands on-boarded Shaffer earlier in the year. With the arrival of his demo truck this April, Shaffer has hit the ground running.

Shaffer also brings 20 years of fire service in the Bloomsburg, Pa., area, where he currently resides. Shaffer is experience in auto extrication, engine operations, ladder response and heavy rescue, as well as specialize rescues, like RIT team, hazard material and low- and medium-angle rope operations. During his time volunteering with the Epsy Fire Department, he held various positions and currently is the Rescue Chief. Shaffer has a background in heavy equipment operation and repair.

“Not only does Dana bring a wealth of knowledge to our team, but he’s well respected among industry peers and brings an enthusiasm that truly is contagious,” says Roger Weinmeister, President of Super Vac and Command Light.

Shaffer says it’s an exciting time to join these two brands. “With Super Vac’s new DeWalt- and Milwaukee-battery powered fans, the demo requests are rolling in, and I love demos. I really enjoy rolling up my sleeves to work and train with customers. And then there’s Command Light’s tower giveaway, which kicked off at FDIC. The

giveaway encourages departments to see our products in action for a chance to win a Shadow Series tower. There’s nothing like a live demo that lets you compare truck-mounted lights to a Command Light tower.

In the end, I love working with new departments and companies every day, and just these two initiatives alone have me busy doing just that.”

Shaffer can be reached via email at danas@supervac.com or danas@commandlight.com, or via cell phone at 970-420-1964. To meet Super Vac and Command Lights full sales team, visit supervac.com/sales-support or commandlight.com/sales-support. For more information on Super Vac’s new battery fan, visit supervac.com/battery-powered-ppv, and for details on the light tower giveaway, check out commandlight.com/light-tower-giveaway.

About Super Vac – Super Vac is the world’s leading manufacturer in the emergency ventilation products. A one-stop shop for all things ventilation, Super Vac equips crews with a versatile array of only the toughest solutions, including the industry’s largest lineup of PPV fans, as well as smoke ejectors. Super Vac also manufactures rescue saws, rehab misters and other necessities, including the patented Smoke BlockAid for smoke mitigation.

About Command Light – Command Light, of Fort Collins, CO, specializes in scene lighting for the emergency industry and features the best light towers, compact scene lighting, traffic flow boards and other safety lighting products.

Page 18, Fire News, June 2019

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Mount Vernon Wind Driven Blaze

Mount Vernon dispatchers received 911 calls for a fire on Johnston Street, which appeared to be on the top floor of a home. Units quickly went into an aggressive interior attack but extremely high winds fueled the flames. The fire quickly extended into the attic. FDNY self dispatched an assignment for standby, as the fire was on the line between the two cities. As the fire continued to gain momentum with the wind, crews were forced to go defensive. Firefighters began

an exterior attack and protected an exposure home on the number 4 side. Within minutes, fire started blowing through the roof and before long the roof collapsed. The wind continued to push fire into voids extending the operation, but ladder pipes were quickly set up and the fire was soon knocked down and put under control.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Fire News, June 2019, Page 19

Firehouse Kitchen With Host Ray Cooney

Guest For Lunch Ok, Firehouse Kitchen fans, you are not going to believe this. I had the great Gerard Kane, from Ladder 143, on yet again! This was Firefighter Kane’s fifth time on Firehouse Kitchen. Since his first appearance, he has joined the show as one of the executive producers. There was one major difference about this appearance — it was live! We are still working out the quirks, but be sure to tune in Tuesday mornings at 0930 on Facebook.

Gerard, with his recognizable deep voice and dry wit, is always a pleasure to have on. I call him the ultimate story teller. His story telling became evident, yet again, as we were preparing his dish — Honey Mustard Chicken.

The story begins at Ladder 143 on a beautiful spring/summer day. They were preparing one of their favorite meals, the “Job Sandwich.”

Firefighter Ray Moran, of Ladder 143, came up with this delicious concoction of chicken, eggplant, peppers, mozzarella, etc. (see recipe below). It got its name because every time they would eat this sandwich, they would get a job.

For all you non-firefighters, a job is what we call a fire. As soon as everyone got their sandwich, an alarm came out. It wasn’t a job, it was just a food-on-the-stove call. As Ladder 143 returned from responding to this fire, Firefighter Moran noticed a special guest at the table. The back door was left open and a squirrel decided to come in to see what all the fuss was about the job sandwich. Ray was furious. He yelled, some words I can’t write at the squirrel, chased it around the kitchen and out the back door. The firefighters laughed and Ray sat down at the table and picked up the half, squirrel-eaten sandwich and took a big bite. Gerard said, “Ray, what are you doing? Squirrels carry diseases!” and Ray’s reply was, “You want to get a job tonight, doncha’? Then you gotta’ eat a job sandwich!” That night, they got that job!

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, go to firehousekitchenshow.com.

To appear on Firehouse Kitchen, e-mail me at firehousekitchentv@gmail.com.

Honey Mustard Chicken Chicken thighs Equal parts honey and Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons brown mustard Fresh rosemary Salt, pepper, paprika A cup white wine Mix all together. Submerge chicken.

Place on baking sheet - bake at 350 for one hour. Present over rice or risotto.

Job Sandwich Fried chicken cutlet Fried eggplant Fresh mozzarella Roasted peppers Balsamic vinegar and olive oil Serve on a Kaiser roll.

Page 20, Fire News, June 2019

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High-Angle Rescue

by FDNY

On April 10, 2019, the FDNY performed a high-angle rescue at the Moynihan Project on West 33rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenue. An electrical contractor was having chest pains at the job site. - Fire News photos by Chief Gary Hearn, Washingtonville FD

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Fire News, June 2019, Page 21

Brooklyn Apartment Fire Goes to 6 Alarms

Firefighters fought a wind driven fire on 44th Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn on April 5, 2019. Firefighters were confronted with numerous Maydays for trapped and missing members. Numerous FASTs searched for the missing members while heavy fire condi-

tions consumed the top floor. All members were accounted for as the fire grew to six alarms. Fifty-four units were displaced and 23 people suffered minor injuries. At the height of the fire seven tower ladders were in operation.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

5- Alarm in Brooklyn

Just before 0630 on April 17, 2019, FDNY Tower Ladder 159 arrived at a fire in a medical office that was connected to a sushi restaurant. The fire went to five alarms for fire in multiple commercial buildings and was placed under control at 1015.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 22, Fire News, June 2019

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Clutter Hampers FFs at 2-Alarmer in Queens

A two-alarm fire gutted a Queens home on 144th Street in Springfield Gardens on April 5, 2019. FDNY units encountered a heavy fire condition on the first floor on arrival. Additional companies were summoned due to a large amount of clutter in the home.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Amsterdam Apartment Fire

On April 2, 2019, the Amsterdam Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire with smoke showing at the Division Street Garden Apartments. The fire was contained to the kitchen, but smoke damage was reported throughout the apartment.

- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti

Fire News, June 2019, Page 23

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RecruitNY

Underway in NYS On April 22, 2019, the South Lockport Fire Company in Lockport along with the Wendleville Fire Company, the Lewiston Fire Company, the Lancaster Fire Department, Columbia Hook and Ladder, Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen, and Niagara County Emergency Management, participated in Recruit New York events.

- Fire News photos by Jim Lepard

RecruitNY Week

The weekend of April 27, 2019, was designated as Recruit New York

by FASNY. The event was held with the hopes of bringing potential new volunteers to fire departments across the state. Departments opened their doors allowing candidates to tour fire houses, test out equipment, see demonstrations and fill out applications. Fire

departments throughout the Town of Colonie enticed new volunteers with demonstrations, food and an example of brotherhood.

Latham Fire Department even put on a display of grease fires and a live pod burn.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Jim Lepard

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Fire News, June 2019, Page 25

Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Awards

The Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Erie County Fire Police and Erie County Fire Chiefs Annual Awards dinner was held at the Millgrove Fire Company on March 30, 2019. The following were recipients of awards: • Fire Service Award - Jolene Baj of Vigilant Fire Company.

• Fire Service Award 11 to 20 years: Brian Rogowski of Doyle Volunteer Fire Company 2.

• Fire Service Award 21 to 40 years: Dan Nash of Doyle Volunteer Fire Company 2.

• Fire Service Award 41 to 50 years: David Klawitter of West Seneca Fire District 6.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Edward J. Bauerlein (above, left) of Reserve Hose Company • EMS Provider of the Year: Christopher Tracey of Brighton Fire Company and William McCullagh of Brighton Fire Company.

• Les and Marge Young Memorial Award: Noah Shaw, Explorer with the Depew Fire Department. This award is given to an Explorer or a Junior Firefighter and they receive a monetary donation for college. (Above right): Noah’s father, Disk Young son of Les and Marge Yung and President of Performance Advantage Company, Noah and Noah’s mother.

• Junior Firefighter of the Year: Charlotte Soos of the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Company.

- Fire News photos by Jim Lepard

Page 26, Fire News, June 2019

DePasquale Retires

Amsterdam Battalion Chief Richard Depasquale retired on April 14, 2019 after 31 years of service to the city. He is shown here at a recent apartment fire.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Westmere St. Baldrick’s Day

Westmere Fire Department once again offered its department to help raise funds for St. Baldrick's Foundation for children with cancer. It is symbolic for people to raise money in return for the having their head shaved in honor of the children who lose their hair during chemotherapy treatment. The event is organized by Firefighter Josh Lare, whose son Cooper is a cancer survivor. More than 30 fire departments supplied engines to transport the children to the event where they walked a red carpet of honor.

- Fire News photo by Laurie Washburn

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Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs 2019 Awards

The Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs President Tom Bock and Awards Committee Chair/Third Vice-President Ed Byrnes announced the 2019 recipients of the Fire Chief and EMS Officer of the Year Awards at the awards presentation held on April 17, 2019, at the Rye Firehouse. This year’s award went to Fire Chief Martin Gunther of the Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department. The 2019 EMS Officer of the Year Award went to EMS Supervisor Jared Rosenberg, EMT-P of the Greenburgh Police Department Emergency Medical Services. For information about the Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs, visit https://wcafc.org/.

- Fire News photo by Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs

Street Renaming in Brooklyn

The corner of Flatlands Avenue and Flatbush Avenue was re-named in honor of FDNY Firefighter William ‘Billy’ Gormley of Snyder Island’s Ladder Co. 174. Billy grew up in the building that once occupied that corner, the crossroads of Flatbush.

Billy, a former U.S. Marine, got on the job in 1988, retired in 2006, and passed away at the age of 53 due to 9/11 related cancer. Billy suffered a myriad of illnesses after spending months at Ground Zero, and died on June 14, 2017. Billy is survived by his wife Lizanne and children Bridget, William, Kevin and Raymond. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and local politicians and FDNY brass. Billy was loved and admired by many. He was truly one of the best. Rest easy Billy Boy, your family is in good hands.

- Fire News photo by Thomas J. Lambui

Page 28, Fire News, June 2019

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