VOLUME 6, NO. 9
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State JULY 2013
On May 29, 2013, firefighters from Queens responded to Howard Beach for an explosion with fire. See page 42 for the full story. -Fire News photo by Brian Grogan
Fire News Welcomes All to the NYS and NE Fire Chiefs Expos Visit Us At NY Booth 1121 and NE Booth 935 – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, July 2013, Page 3
In this issue... Latham Landmark Destroyed by Fire
Smoke filled the sky as a neighborhood grocery store went up in flames.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 9
Flames Consume Structure in Hamilton Hill Schenectady firefighters battled a vacant house fire in the Hamilton Hill section of the city.
See story on page 10
Multiple Departments Respond and Save Puppies
While attacking a fire responders discover the building was being used for dog breeding. See story on page 16
Flames Impinge on Structure
A full complement was sent to the scene of a SUV fire after reports that the fire was impinging on a structure.
See story on page 18
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.
Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka
Extrication Class Challenges Responders Members of the Latham Fire Department spent three days training on extrication techniques.
See story on page 36
Revisiting the Bronx 5th Alarm A fire started in a garage and spread to eight buildings on May 2, 2013.
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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, July 2013
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Train Like Your Life Depends on It Stop! Before you read this editorial, study the photo. What do you see?
In 1966, 12 firefighters were killed at a fire on 23rd Street in Manhattan. At the time I was 13-years old. The reason I remember this fire was because I was old enough to observe and understand the feelings my firefighter father had for the incident; he had to break the news to Firefighter Tommy Rey that his brother Dan had perished in the collapse. Sadly, on August 24, 2006, another FDNY probationary firefighter was killed. Probationary Firefighter Mike Reilly, along with Lieutenant Howie Carpluk, were trapped in a floor collapse in the Bronx. Sadly, both perished. Recently, tragedy struck again when Captain Matthew Renaud, along with three other firefighters, was killed in a collapse at a Texas fire. Among the dead was Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, who had just graduated from the department's training academy in April. In all these incidents, it was fate and not training that let these firefighters down. So, what's the point of this editorial? I carried the first two stories with me throughout my career. As an officer in the fire service, whenever I trained a probationary firefighter, I took the job seriously. My reward was when one of my probies had the line on a nasty basement fire and came up to me afterwards. He said, “I want to thank you for breaking my chops.” I looked perplexed. He said, “I always thought you didn’t like me until tonight. Just about when I was ready to run out of the fire, I heard your voice yelling at me to stay low and to talk to the rest of the guys on your line. I did that and calmed down. Tonight, my training came together.” What about the photo? I know the two firefighters that are backing up the probie, they are the best of the best! I hope all probies reading this editorial will understand that all firefighters learn from their brothers and sisters. Whomever or wherever you are, know and benefit from the fact you are learning from the best - firefighters who have “been there, done that.” While we certainly cannot control fate, we can control many facets of what it takes to “run in when everyone is running out.” Never let it be said that your training let you down. Train as if your life depends on it … because someday it may. - Dennis
ANNUAL PHOENIX FIRECAMP The 7th Annual Phoenix Firecamp, a free weeklong overnight camp for girls ages 14-19, will be held July 21-26, 2013, at the Utica Fire Training Academy. The program, conducted by Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS), in partnership with the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department and the Utica Fire Department, is designed to acquaint young women with their opportunities in fire and emergency services. Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a nonrefundable $100 application fee. A maximum of 24 campers are accepted annually from a national field of candidates. Applications are now being accepted and must be postmarked by May 1, 2013 to be considered. All the Phoenix information and the application are posted at: www.fswnys.org.
TRAINING SEMINAR SUPPORTS JOSEPH P. DIBERNARDO FOUNDATION The First Annual Training Seminar to benefit the Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will be held on June 29 through June 30, 2013, at 0800 to 1700. In honor and memory of “Joey D,” the foundation is presenting a two-day training seminar. Learn from some of the top fire department instructors in America. Speaking will be Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn, FDNY (ret.), Firefighting in Private Dwellings and Strip Malls; Battalion Chief Frank Montagna, FDNY, Utility Emergency Tactics; Battalion Chief John Salka, FDNY (ret.), Get Out Alive training; Captain Mike Dugan, FDNY (ret.), Truck Company Operations; Capt. Bobby Morris, FDNY, Forcible Entry Tactics; Capt. Tony Tricarico, FDNY (ret.), Elevator Emergencies; Firefighter John O'Connell, FDNY (ret.), Collapse Shoring Updates. There will be a special introduction by FDNY Chief of Department Ed Kilduff. The seminar offers 16 hours of solid training from the best of the best. All of the proceeds go to the foundation for the purpose of saving firefighters lives through training and the purchase of personal life saving ropes. The cost for the two-day seminar, which will be held at the Brookhaven National Lab, is $200, paid in advance. To get to the Brookhaven National Lab take exit 68 on the Long Island Expressway (LIE), north on the William Floyd Parkway, County Road 46, 1.5 miles north of the LIE. Send checks to the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 47, East Setauket, NY 11733 or pay via PayPal/credit card on our website www.joeydfoundation.org. Please include the name, address and email of attendee(s). Photo identification is required to enter BNL. There is limited seating so register early for this event. Contact Chief DiBernardo at joeydfoundation@gmail.com or 631-689-7484 with questions.
FASNY TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE Higher Education Learning Plan now covers more than 500 online courses at Empire State College
Volunteer firefighters now can have up to onehundred percent of their tuition costs for online courses at SUNY Empire State College's Center for Distance Learning funded by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP). For more information, visit fasny.com or fireinyou.org.
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Fire News, July 2013, Page 5
Firefighters Ready for RecruitNY
Whitesboro Recruits New Member
At the Nedrow Fire Station, several firefighters gathered from three local fire departments to interview with an ABC affiliate, 9WSYR TV, to discuss the recent RecruitNY Campaign. The firefighters, above, were from the Nedrow Volunteer Fire Department, the Onondaga Nation Fire Department and the Taunton Volunteer Fire Department. Also, Taunton Firefighter Tevin Harris, a recent recruit from the Taunton Volunteer Fire Department, interviewed with 9WSYR TV to discuss why he became a volunteer firefighter and the activities he is now involved with. -Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars
In Oneida County, the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department, home of FASNY Immediate Past President David “Jake” Jacobowitz, did their RecruitNY away from their fire station. They set up in a large parking lot at a local strip mall and displayed much of their fire equipment, had free food, performed vehicle extrication exercises and yes, had a recruitment table and tent set up; and, yes, they signed up a recruit. Congratulations Whitesboro! -Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars
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Page 6, Fire News, July 2013
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Glenmont Handles Three Car MVA
On May 13, 2013, the driver of a Ford Escort turned directly into Department, the Elsmere Fire Department, the Albany Company the path of the Toyota Corolla causing a three-vehicle crash at the Paramedics, and the Bethlehem Ambulance Service responded to intersection of Route 9W and Beacon Road around noon. There the scene of the accident. -Fire News photo by Thomas Heffernan were no serious injuries according to Bethlehem Police Department. All three drivers refused medical attention (RMA). The Selkirk Fire
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Learning From Experience
On May 11, 2013, FDNY Battalion Chief Brian Fink returned to his former fire department to present a seminar entitled “Controlling Flow Paths in Fireproof Multiple Dwellings and the Effects of Ventilation during Operations.” The Latham Fire Department hosted the program, which was open to any neighboring department. With the advancement in equipment and technology and the changes in fuel supplies in the average home or high rise, the information he conveyed was based on experiences and not theory. Many departments in the Town of Colonie came to the seminar and found the information beneficial and eye opening. Above, from left to right is Second Assistant Chief Michael Herritt, FDNY Battalion Chief Brian Fink, First Assistant Chief Robert King, and Chief Neil Blanchard. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
Lawyers Help Firefighters to Protect Their Families and Loved Ones The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) partnered with MetLife and the lawyers of K&L Gatesto to offer a free estate planning and will preparation seminar to local life-savers on June 8, 2013. This FASNY pro-bon" project grew out of the tragedy of 9/11, when it was found that many of the firefighters who perished that day, did so without leaving a will or other essential documents to protect their family. Known as W.I.L.L.S. — Working to Instill Life Long Security — the program is designed to allow the community to help support the volunteers who protect us each and every day. “There are many ‘ifs’ in everyone’s life; but our firefighters should never have to worry what if something happened to me while volunteering,” said FASNY President Jim Burns. “Having a plan, just in case, is extremely important. We are very thankful to both MetLife and K&L Gates for helping our first responders.” For more info or to find out if/when another seminar will be held, contact Pat Curran at pcurran@metlife.com or 212-578-7487. About FASNY Founded in 1872, the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of 92,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.
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Fire News, July 2013, Page 9
Latham Landmark Destroyed by Fire
Smoke filled the skies from Latham to Troy as a neighborhood landmark went up in flames. Handy Andy's, a neighborhood grocery store which also housed Vintage Pizza for over 60 years, stood on Route 155 in Latham. On May 17, 2013, the Latham Fire Department was called out for what appeared to be an electrical fire. Upon arrival, flames could be seen in the rear of the building ,spreading across the roof area. The Shaker Road-Loudonville, Verdoy, Maplewood, Fuller Road and Boght fire departments were called to assist as the building became completely engulfed in flame.
Black smoke billowed throughout the neighborhoods as the departments tried to get the blaze under control. A partial roof collapse caused Chief Neil Blanchard to change tactics and remove firefighters, so that Latham Truck 4 could continue to fight the fire from the exterior. The fire destroyed most of the building; no firefighters were injured in the incident due to the diligence of Chief Blanchard who made his firefighters’ safety the number one priorty for the operation. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
Page 10, Fire News, July 2013
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Flames Consume Hamilton Hill Home
Recently, Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a vacant the structure. Both Truck 1 and Truck 2 aerials were used to conhouse fire on Mumford Avenue in the Hamilton Hill section of the trol the blaze and to keep if from spreading. No injuries were city. The deputy chief ordered defensive exterior operations only reported for the incident. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber after flames were found consuming the second and third floors of
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Fire News, July 2013, Page 11
Hamilton Hill...continued
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For over 30 years, Breathing Air Compressor Controls operated the electric motor and monitored a handful of operational parameters. Manufacturers’ upgrades included sophisticated PLC controls, touchscreen devices and explosive proof fill enclosures. None of these improvements address the safety issues facing fire departments that fill their own cylinders. The CAT (Computerized Accountability Tag) affords you complete control of the refill operation. The brainchild of Fred Gandolfo, of Firehouse Systems, Inc., the CAT uses RFID technology to read SCBA cylinder data, record the refilling process, and make fill or no fill decisions based on hydro dates and user authorization. “Working in the field, I found too many cylinders refilled well passed their lifetime and hydro expiration dates. High pressure air is dangerous, there has to be a better way to protect our firefighters than relying on human interaction or total inaction. Some departments are not checking hydro dates at all, while others are checking some dates but not recording that data when refilling. There is little consistency or accountability. Safety issues include ‘Hot Filling’, failure to reset the regulator from 4500 PSI to 2216 PSI and over pressurization as a SOP. These ‘oversights’ can account for more cylinder failures than any other reason.” said Fred Gandolfo. The CAT reads the cylinder data imprinted on the ID tags, filling only those cylinders within current hydro and only to their maximum rated pressure. The system stops the air flow once the programmed cylinder pressures are met, so over pressurizing is no longer a concern. When different cylinder pressures are mixed in one cycle, the CAT will not allow the refilling operation to occur. Unauthorized cylinders cannot be filled and unauthorized users cannot fill their own SCBA and SCUBA cylinders with your expensive purified air. Recognizing the occasional mutual aid we built in controlled overrides so your department can fill neighboring departments SCBA cylinders in your CAT equipped system. The CAT records all refilling evolutions to meet DOT and NFPA Data requirements. Data includes Cylinder S/N, part number, last hydro, maximum life, operators name, pressure, refill date and time. This data is recorded in an easy to manipulate spread sheet accessible wirelessly though your firehouse computer network. The CAT will work on any compressed air breathing system. No modifications are made to the integrity of your existing fill enclosure. The touchscreen terminal is mounted in an ergonomic position for easy access. Training is a fast and simple, plus there are training programs right on the screen. For more information email Fred Gandolfo at Fred@Firehouse-systems.com or call the regional distributor: Coastal Fire Systems, Inc. at 631-661-7515.
Page 12, Fire News, July 2013
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Valhalla Handles Car Fire on Sprain Brook
On May 18, 2013, the Valhalla Fire Department was dispatched to Sprain Brook Parkway, near the Hospital Road exit. Crews from the Sprain Brook Parkway for a motor vehicle fire. Upon the Engine 82, Rescue 9 and Utility 59 extinguished the fire without arrival of Car 2482, heavy fire was found in the engine compart- incident. -Fire News photo by Daniel Lester ment of an SUV. The car fire was on the northbound side of the
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Flames Interrupt Mother’s Day in Schuyler Heights On May 12, 2013, as everyone was sitting down to Mother's Day dinner, the Schuyler Heights Fire Department received a call for a structure fire at the abandoned Altech Steel Factory in Watervliet. Upon arrival smoke could be seen billowing out of one of the building's broken windows. Quickly assessing the size, age and expanse of the buildings, the chief decided to have multiple departments respond and assist with the fire. The Maplewood, Latham, Menands and Boght fire departments aided in the extinguishing of the fire that was intentionally set in the second floor of one of the buildings. Multiple hydrants surrounding the buildings were not working, causing many of the companies to drop all of their hoses to reach the fire. Winds began to pick up and aided the spread of the fire to multiple areas in the building. Fences that surrounded the buildings needed to be cut for give access. A safe and aggressive attack finally brought the blaze under control. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Peter Barber
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Multiple Departments Respond and Save Puppies
The Latham, Boght and Verdoy fire departments were called to a structure fire May 7, 2013, on Johnson Road. Upon arrival, smoke was found exiting the back of the building. Upon entering the home firefighters discovered the building was also being used for dog breeding. Firefighters quickly gathered up the cages, which held the puppies and removed the adult dogs to pens in the backyard of the
building, once the fire had been brought under control. The rear of the building adjacent to the modified garage was heavily damaged leading up the wall to the second floor of the building. No one was injured and all animals were removed without a loss of life due to the quick action of the firefighters. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
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Fire News, July 2013, Page 17
Delmar Goes to Work
On May 9, 2013, the Delmar Fire Department, with mutual aid from Slingerlands, Elsmere, Selkirk and North Bethlehem, fought a house fire on Stratton Place. The fire appears to have started in the rear of the home, according to Delmar Fire Chief Dan Ryan, who said there was heavy smoke and fire conditions when his department arrived on the scene. No injuries were reported for the opera-
tion. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The Town of Bethlehem Ambulance and Albany County Paramedics responded to the scene and assisted at the call. The Coeymans Fire Department was on standby for the Selkirk Fire Department. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Page 18, Fire News, July 2013
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Flames Impinge on Structure
Schenectady firefighters were called to a fully involved SUV fire on cials he had parked the car on the quiet side street five hours prior Morris Avenue near Union Street. A full complement was sent to the to the fire. The fire was knocked down without incident. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber scene after reports from witnesses stated that the fire was impinging on a structure. The owner of the vehicle showed up and told offi-
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Fire News, July 2013, Page 19
Latham Family Member Extricated at MVA
On May 11, 2013, the Latham Fire Department arrived at an automobile accident at the corner of Watervliet Shaker Road and Route 9. Upon arrival the firefighters discovered the young man trapped in the overturned vehicle was the son of one of their members. The firefighters worked quickly to assess the situation and removed the man from the truck. Miraculously, he walked away to his mother's waiting arms with only a few bruises. His vehicle was broadsided when another pick-up truck ran a red light, pushing his pick-up over and causing it to land on another car that was waiting to make a left hand turn. -Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn
Page 20, Fire News, July 2013
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Arvin Hart Pulls Car From Saranac Lake
It seems that Memorial Day weekend always provides the fire department with some type of challenge. Late on Monday afternoon of May 27, 2013, Saratoga County dispatched a call for a motor vehicle accident with a car into Saratoga Lake. Units from the Arvin Hart Fire Company, Stillwater Rescue Squad, Saratoga County Sheriff's deputies (including the lake patrol boat) all responded to route 9-P just west of Route 423 for the incident. Arvin Hart Chiefs, Cars 10 and Car 100, responded and as luck would have it Car 109 was in the vicinity on his motorcycle. Car 100 arrived on
the scene to find both subjects out of the vehicle with no injuries. The driver of the car had lost control of the 2009 Corvette, mounted the guardrail, flew through the air, hit a storage shed, portions of a lakeside deck and some boat docks, then landing in the water on its side. The next order of business was traffic control on Route 9-P which is a narrow but busy state road lined with seasonal homes. Naturally the sight of a Corvette on its side in the lake drew a lot of attention. A large wrecker with extendable booms had to be dispatched to
retrieve the car. The fire department was on the scene for about two hours. Fortunately there was no release of any polluting liquids into the lake to complicate the recovery. The ironic end to the story is that the car did not belong to the driver, but to a friend he had sold it to. Several tickets were issued. -Fire News photos by Caitlin Morris and Julie Annotto
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Fire News, July 2013, Page 21
Semi Rolls in Duanesburg
On May 23, 2013, a driver was traveling westbound on I-88 in heavy rain and lost control of his semi, struck guiderails and overturned. The fuel tank ruptured, spilling 75-100 gallons of diesel fuel. The Quaker Street Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. Responders had to drive less than 30 miles per hour due to the
heavy rain and hail conditions. They received mutual aide from Duanesburg, Delanson and Central Bridge. Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance, Schenectady County Haz-Mat, and Schenectady County Fire Coordinators also responded to the scene. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Page 24, Fire News, July 2013
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A Word from Patricia A. Daglio, ESIP Benefits Program Manager Going into burning buildings, major accidents, flood waters, and other dangerous locations when all others are running away from the danger, shows the heroic nature of the personnel involved in all aspects of emergency service. Those selfless actions are respected and admired by the victims and communities involved in such tragedies. What we neglect to think about is the financial impact those heroic deeds may have on the families and communities of those emergency workers. Emergency service organizations and municipalities insure their vehicles, equipment, and buildings, but sometimes fall short on their most important asset - their emergency personnel. The death or severe injury of a member can affect the lives of all of the members of the fire departments or ambulance workers, not just the families. When volunteers are working for their local department, and become injured or die, they cannot collect Workers’ Compensation benefits offered through their employers because they are not “at work” for that employer at the time of the injury or death. Some states do not mandate Worker's Compensation coverage for Volunteer firefighters or Ambulance Workers be
carried by those departments or municipalities. Life Insurance and Accident policies can be purchased to cover the needs of our volunteer departments. Group Life Insurance offers 24 hour life protection no matter what the cause of
can be included in the policy to offset lost income to the members while working for their local department. Benefits such as these are no longer a luxury, but a need. Our local firefighters and ambulance workers enter into dangerous situations to prevent loss of life and property for our communities. Our world is changing and the situations are becoming more hazardous. Meth labs, bombings, natural disasters — they go in as we go out. Doesn’t it make sense to protect them in ways that make sense in return for protecting our communities? Patricia A. Daglio, ESIP Benefits death. Additional benefits such as Accidental Program Manager Death and Dismemberment and Line of Duty Death benefits can be added to that policy. Patricia has over 30 years of experience in the Accident policies offer comprehensive cov- Industry. She is currently with McNeil and erage for the members of departments for Company and manages the benefits division injuries and illnesses contracted during emer- for the ESIP Program. She began her career gencies and other fire and ambulance activi- working for Columbian Mutual Life Insurance ties. Additional benefits are offered to help the Company and has worked for both insurance family deal with the problems associated with agencies and insurance companies. Most a severely injured firefighter or ambulance recently, Patricia worked for Zurich North worker: daycare expenses, transportation America in their Benefits Division and joined to/from burn units or specialty hospitals, lodg- McNeil and Company in 2010. She resides in ing, meals and other expenses that only add Endicott, NY and has served the emergency stress to a family’s budget. Disability income service market for over 19 years.
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From the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Pierce Manufacturing Announces New NFFF Program to Support Families of Fallen Firefighters Donate to win a custom, one-of-a-kind Ford F-150 to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, today launched Support for the Long Haul, a new nationwide campaign to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The program will help the NFFF assist the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty. “Since forming a partnership with the NFFF, we’ve raised more than $275,000 to support the families and loved ones of firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of Fire & Emergency. “An important facet of Pierce’s mission is to give back to the fire service and the NFFF, and programs like Support for the Long Haul help lead the way.” Through October 1, 2013, participants can visit www.supportforthelonghaul.com to make a donation to the NFFF. When they do, they will automatically be entered in the Support for the Long Haul sweepstakes for the chance to win a firefighter-inspired, customized Ford F-150 4 x 4 SuperCrew pickup truck. The sweepstakes winner will be announced in November 2013. “We are grateful to our sponsors for helping us raise awareness and funding so that we can fulfill our mission,” said Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation executive director. “With the help of partners like Pierce Manufacturing, their dealer network, the people of Oshkosh Corporation and support from Pritchard Auto Company, we are able to continue to expand our programming for the families of fallen firefighters.” Every October, the Foundation sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the names of the fallen are added to the National Memorial. All year long, the NFFF helps survivors rebuild their lives through support networks, conferences and workshops and scholarships. The NFFF also works with fire departments across the country and all of the major fire service organizations to develop education programs to prevent firefighter injuries and deaths. The Foundation receives funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. No purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. Complete rules for entering and for eligibility are available at www.supportforthe longhaul.com. Employees of Pierce Manufacturing, Oshkosh Corporation, their advertising agencies, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and their families are not eligible for the sweepstakes. Sweepstakes void where restricted or prohibited by law.
Fire Service Honors the Fallen from West, Texas The lives of the 10 firefighters who died battling the West, Texas, fire and explosion were remembered during a memorial service that was held on April 25, 2013. Thousands of firefighters from around the country joined President Obama and the First Lady to pay respects to the families, friends and co-workers of the fallen. “We want to be sure everyone within the fire service can participate in this heartfelt tribute to these courageous men and their survivors,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the Foundation. “For that reason, the Foundation’s television partner, Crosscreek Television Productions from Alabama, volunteered to join the Foundation to provide live coverage of the memorial service to TV and internet audiences.” Live streaming was available on the Foundation’s website, www.firehero.org /westtexas Immediately after the tragedy, the NFFF was on the ground in Texas, offering assistance and support to the department, families and friends through the Local Assistance State Team (LAST). Because of the large loss of life, the Foundation expects to be there for a lengthy period of time, providing peer counseling, and support in many other ways. To help those efforts, the NFFF has established a national fund to accept monetary donations to assist the survivors and coworkers of the fire and EMS personnel who died in the line of duty. All donated funds will be used to assist the survivors and coworkers to rebuild their lives and support the programs and services they will need. Checks can be mailed to: NFFF c/o West, Texas Fire and EMS Fallen Hero Fund, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727. Donations also can be made by credit card at www.regonline.com/ westtx.
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Rest in Peace Rich Webster
It was a very difficult time in March for many firefighters in Onondaga County, as well as several other fire associations around the State of New York. The photo depicts a memorial display by members of the Solvay Fire Department, for their past-Chief Richie Webster, who passed away suddenly. Rich was also a pastpresident of the Onondaga County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and a director with FASNY. He was also involved in Central and Northern Central Firemen’s Associations. His death was the third in six days from OCVFA, as they also had just lost Director Earl Delore from the Bridgeport Fire Department and Director Ted Williamson from the Caughdenoy Fire Department. -Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars
Up Close & Personal
Amsterdam Firefighter and Engine 2 chauffer Mark Perfetti takes time out for a Fire News moment! -Fire News photo by Bob Shang
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Joseph ‘Joe’ Marcy Jr. Mourned in Albany
On May 8, 2013, Joseph “Joe” Marcy, Jr., a 25-plus year veteran firefighter and certified NYS EMT with the Albany Fire Department, died unexpectedly, while on vacation in Aruba with his beloved wife of 32 years, Susan. Joe’s last official day of work with the fire department was April 25, 2013. He spent most of his career with Engine 1 “The Pride of Midtown.” He also spent a short period of time with Truck 1, “The South End.” Joe was one of the most beloved firefighters in the department, who never had a bad word to say about any of his fellow firefighters. A mass of Christian burial was co-celebrated in the parish of Mater Christi by Joe's very close friend, Reverend John F. Tallman, Albany Fire Chaplin, along with the Reverend James J. Vaughn. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Rombout Trains on New Technology
Recently, the Rombout Fire Company held a training class with local area departments on New Vehicle Technology. For the past decade the automotive industry has developed electric hybrid/ hybrid electric vehicles to increase fuel mileage, but this advanced technology presents different challenges to fire personal when compared to conventional vehicles. Instructor John “JJ� Johnson conducted classroom and hands-on training for this technology. Some of the information covered was the various automotive manufacturers tech-
nologies and myths and the hidden dangers involving Hybrid Electric/Electric Hybrid Vehicles. After the classroom session firefighters viewed cars donated by Poughkeepsie Nissan with a Nissan Leaf and Poughkeepsie Chevrolet with a Chevy Volt to see where cutpoints and emergency shut offs are located. Members from Glenham, New Hamburg, New Hackensack and Rombout attended the two one-day classes which were offered for the first time in Dutchess County. Rombout members realized the immediate
benefits of this course. When preparing for the second day of class, the Rombout Fire Company was dispatched to a two-car motor vehicle accident involving an electric/hybrid car. With instructor Johnson at the accident scene he was able to review and offer advice to his previous day students who passed with flying colors. Special thanks to Victor Madera from Healey Chevrolet and Francis Pomarico of Poughkeepsie Nissan for donating cars for the weekend. -Fire News photo by Kevin Barry
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Coram L.I Helps Coxsackie N.Y.S
The Coram Fire Department recently donated five AED's to the Hunter and the Durham police departments, along with the Green Coxsackie Police Department. In the photo is Chief Tim Timms of County Emergency Medical Council were equipped with the AED's. -Fire News photo by Jim Dunn the Coram Fire Department, Long Island, presenting the AED's to Officer William Mirando, who organized the efforts to see that the
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Wetdown Held in Schuyler Heights
On May 18, 2013, the Schuyler Heights Fire Department welcomed its new piece of firefighting equipment, Ladder 8 into the fire service. After a blessing, the traditional wetdown by fire companies from three counties ensued. The new ladder truck is a 2013 Spartan ERV 103-foot, rear-mount aerial. It features a 2000gpm Hale Qmax
pump with a 300 gallon tank, Harrison 10kw generator, PAC tool boards, roll-out trays and Cummins ISX 500 hp. In the photo are members of Schuyler Heights Fire Department and members from Arrowhead Equipment. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
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Memorial Day 2013
Maplewood FD Memorial Day parade… Rained all day, stopped just as the parade began and started again just as the parade finished!
“Bunker” From Wynantskill Fire Department! -Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn
Averill Park Memorial Day Parade
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FASNY Holds Press Wildland Firefighting: Conference For Everyone Goes Home RecruitNY Lessons from the Survivors of South Canyon Fire that Killed 14 Firefighters
Syracuse photographer Gordy Kotars was able to photograph all three FASNY Presidents in one photo with other dignitaries at the Syracuse Press Conference announcing FASNY's RecruitNY Campaign, which occurred on April 27-28, 2013. In the photo from left to right is FASNY 2nd Vice President Kenneth Pienkowski, 1st Vice President Robert McConville, FASNY President James A. Burns, Onondaga County Commissioner of Emergency Management Kevin Wisely and Past Chief Mike Gunther of the Mattydale Fire Department, who were the hosts for this press conference, which was one of five around New York State, announcing the RecruitNY program. -Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars
Wildland Firefighting: Everyone Goes Home, a video produced by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is a story that honors friends and can save the lives of others. Wildland firefighters including members of the U.S. Forest Service, crew chiefs and managers share their story and the pain that many have carried for nearly two decades. Fourteen elite wildland firefighters, including hotshots, smokejumpers and two helitak firefighters didn’t return from the infamous July 1994 South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. The stories of those who did return provides a compelling tale. It also shows how organizations are forced to reevaluate their culture in the light of overwhelming evidence that change must occur. Filmed in Boise, Idaho, by Rob Maloney of CoolWater Multi Media, the video shows the impact of this devastating blow to the wildland firefighting community. Veteran wildland firefighters explain the changes that came in the aftermath of the fire and newer forest service firefighters tell how this loss of life is shaping their careers. “We must continue to learn from the incidents that take the fire services greatest resource, our firefighters,” said Ron Siarnicki, NFFF executive director. “The lessons in this film help ensure those 14 firefighters are not forgotten and that their sacrifice was not in vain.” The video can be viewed at youtu.be/uazsVOxBSn8. The video is not for sale but may be downloaded at no cost at everyonegoeshome. com/wildland/. Wildland Firefighting: Everyone Goes Home was made possible by a FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grant and partnerships with the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and the US Forest Service.
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Cobleskill Fire Department Honored with NYSAFC ‘James W. Wright Public Education Award’ The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is pleased to announce that the Cobleskill Fire Department has been named the 2013 recipient of the “James W. Wright Public Fire Safety Education Award.” The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the 40th Annual Public Fire Safety Educators’ Conference on May 4, 2013, at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, N.Y. Cobleskill Fire Chief Richard Cooper nominated the department for the award, which NYSAFC has presented since 1995 in recognition of an individual or department for outstanding effort in delivering fire and life safety public education programs. Cobleskill President/Fire Prevention Coordinator Bill Johnson, Firefighter Daniel Johnson, and Chaplain John Copland accepted the award on behalf of the department. They were present throughout the Public Fire Safety Educators’ Conference to speak with fellow attendees about the unique aspects of Cobleskill's program. This conference provides an opportunity for emergency services public safety educators from around the Northeast and Canada to share ideas about fire department “pub ed” program delivery and funding endeavors. Under the leadership of William Johnson, Cobleskill revamped its Fire Prevention Awareness Program in 2009 and has seen great success in reaching the community. The program parallels the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) annual theme
Cobleskill Firefighter Daniel Johnson, President/Fire Prevention Coordinator Bill Johnson, Chaplain John Copland, and NYSAFC Past President Al Varlaro. and is targeted toward the entire community, including children and toddlers, college students, adults, seniors, and disabled citizens. The Cobleskill business community actively supports the program through monetary or material donations to offset funding, as well as feedback. The department hosts a popular Fire Prevention and Awareness Open House
during annual Fire Prevention Week in October that includes hands-on activities for citizens, as well as year-long public outreach efforts throughout the community. NYSAFC salutes the members of the Cobleskill Fire Department for their dedication and commitment to public fire and life safety education throughout the year.
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Are You Ready For Drill Season?
Fire News is ready to bring you action filled photos of the 2013 Drill Team Season. In the meantime, let's warm up with a few memories of 2012. -Fire News photos by Mike Heller
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Extrication Class Challenges Responders
Members of the Latham Fire Department spent three days in an instructional classroom and hands-on training in extrication. On Saturday, May 4, 2013, members participated in hands-on exercises. Members spent all day using various pieces of equipment to
remove every avenue of escape from a variety of vehicles. In the photo, instructor Warren “Fuzzy� Carr, Jr., looks on as Firefighter Don Geary and Lieutenant Kevin Krone work to remove the door of one of the vehicles. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
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Fire News Attends CFSI On May 8-9, 2013, the Congressional Fire Services Institute hosted the 25th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars in Washington, DC. It was an opportunity for fire service representatives to engage Congressional leaders and administration officials in discussions about federal programs and legislation addressing the needs of local first responders. Throughout the two-day event, CFSI hosted a series of seminars focusing on issues that directly relate to the safety of first responders. Covering important topics such as inter-operable communications, federal grant programs, health and safety, and pending federal legislations, the seminar program helps fire service leaders understand the role of the federal government in training and equipping local first responders. With local governments facing tough economic challenges, the information presented at these seminars can be of great benefit to fire officials. -Fire News photos by Barbara Connolly, Claudia Garner and Ryan Murphy
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Congratulations to NYSAFC SecretaryTreasurer Joe DeStefano Joe DeStefano, a commissioner for the Medford Fire District, was recently elected to the position of Secretary/Treasurer of The New York State Association of Fire Districts. The association represents approximately 900 fire districts throughout New York State. Joe brings a new approach with new ideas to the organization, with a promise to bring the membership from all over New York State closer together. He has been a commissioner in Medford for 17 years, and is also a past president of the Brookhaven Town Fire Districts Association and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Suffolk County Fire Districts Association.
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The Rock: FDNY Class 0113 From May 24-31, 2013, the New York City Fire Museum presented a photo exposition titled The Rock: FDNY Class 0113. The photographic series, shot by FDNY Rescue-Paramedic Kyra Neeley, followed the recent class of probationary firefighters as they endured one of the most rigorous training programs in the fire service; the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island. Affectionately know as "The Rock," the New York City Fire Department's state-of-the-art training facility tests the dedication and discipline of probationary firefighters as they develop the core values of the service: bravery, safety, honor, dedication and preparedness. These traits, demanded by the ranks of "New York City's Bravest" are exemplified through the photography of Kyra Neeley. For more information regarding the photos, visit photographer Kyra Neeley's website at www.justkyra.com. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Revisiting the Bronx 5th Alarm
Here are a couple of more fantastic shots from the five-alarm in the Bronx that occurred on May 2, 2013. The fire started in a garage and spread to eight buildings. -Fire News photos by Mike Messar
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Home Explodes in Howard Beach
On May 29, 2013, firefighters from Queens responded to Howard Beach for an explosion with fire. A woman was critically injured after a wall collapsed in the home as a result of the explosion. Firefighters responded to the single-family house at 84th Street around 1430 and found an entire wall of the home had collapsed and the house was on fire. The blaze spread, engulfing the roof, but
a team of 106 firefighters brought it under control in less than an hour. The home's unidentified resident was taken to Jamaica Hospital with burns and was listed in critical condition. Authorities had not immediately determined a cause. -Fire News photos by Brian Grogan and Lou Minutoli
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