New york state 2 15 edition

VOLUME 8, NO. 4

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

On December 19, 2014, the Hillcrest Fire Department was toned out for a structure fire on Tauber Terrace.

Turn to page 6 for the full story.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

RIP:

FDNY Lt. Thomas Bohn story on page 31

– New York State Edition –

Page 2, Fire News, February 2015

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 3

In this issue...

Quick Work Saves Horses

Cronomer Valley firefighters were called to a barn fire containing horses.

See story on page 7

Car Fire Snuffed

The Latham and Boght Fire Departments responded to a call for a car fire on Troy Schenectady Road.

See story on page11

Schuyler Hts. Firefighter Loses Home

David Plouff of the Schuyler Heights Fire Department was finishing his shift when a call came in that his home was on fire.

See story on page 15

5-Alarmer in Caledonia

The Caledonia Fire Department responded to a fire at an industrial plant on Leroy Caledonia Road.

A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.

See story on page 16

Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2014, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Two Alarms Needed in Schenectady

Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

See story on page 23

MVA and a Busy 24 for Washingtonville

On New Year’s Day a vehicle went over a guard rail and down an embankment.

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com Email:nys@firenews.com

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33

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, February 2015

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Terrorist Attack;

What Would You Do? The 1960s was definitely a tough time for the FDNY and the NYPD. It was a time of civil unrest. Firefighters had to be prepared to handle physical attacks and sabotage while they responded to fires. Firefighters were pelted with rocks and bottles and demonstrators and criminals brought their fights inside the quarters of firehouses such as Engine 94/Ladder 48 in Hunts Point, NY. Chief Vincent Dunn (FDNY retired) wrote about the unrest years ago. “A fire truck, responding to an alarm during a street riot in upper Manhattan is fire bombed; two FDNY firefighters are badly burned. A North Caldwell, New Jersey executive opens a mailed package bomb in the kitchen of his home and is killed. On February 26, 1993 a foreign terrorist bomb explodes in the basement of the World Trade Center, killing six people …” Then there was Oklahoma City, and, then 9/11.

Suffolk County Fire Marshal Brett Martinez wrote a terrific article titled “Is There a Role for the Fire Service During

SWAT and Civil Unrest Operations?” See the link below. It covers many ‘what if” scenarios that can or did happen to firefighters.

On the morning of January 13, 2015, a three-alarm fire broke out under Penn Station causing subway and LIRR disruptions. The investigation deemed the fire “suspicious.”

Does the possibility exist that firefighters were responding to a ‘sleeper’ cell terrorist attack?

The Islamic terrorist attacks in France revealed serious breaches and lapses in the French intelligence, surveillance and security systems, according to numerous counterterrorism experts and former government officials. Are you aware of any breaches in our security system? I’ll bet no one in this country will say we are all safe and have nothing to worry about.

In Firefighter Nation (2011), FDNY Chief Joe Pfeifer was quoted, “… the FDNY — and the fire service as a whole — have undergone dramatic changes. Terrorism has forced the fire service to become an all-hazards

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response industry. As a result, training has undergone a major overhaul as well, and now includes drills, education and exercises that hone disaster preparedness skills and readiness.”

As first responders, you must view all calls as a possible threat to your safety. It is imperative that you read the links below and discuss what you would do if some of the attacks of the past happened to you. You must plan and train for a worst case scenario. Are you prepared for what your future could bring? ... Dennis Bibliography Vinnie Dunn: vincentdunn.com/dunn/ newsletters/feb/FDNYHP_10.html Brett Martinez: www.fdic.com/articles/2014/06/brett-martinez-is-there-a-rolefor-the-fire-service-during-swat-and-civilunrest-operations.html.

Joe Pfeifer: www.firefighternation.com/ article/training-0/fdny-terrorism-preparedness-response-training.

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS and a full dress parade on September 19, 2015. eliminating all preventable firefighter deaths 2015 LI FIRE, RESCUE If you are interested in advertising in the so that — truly — Everyone Goes Home.

AND EMS MEGA SHOW company's souvenir journal or donating a troThe 2015 Long Island Fire, Rescue and phy in memory of someone, please contact NEW JERSEY CITY EMT Mega Show is coming to the Expo Center amorjo1111@gmail.com for more information.

UNIVERSITY OPEN HOUSE at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale on Interested in earning a Bachelor's degree in REDUCE LINE-OF-DUTY Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February Fire Science? NJCU will be holding their DEATHS 22, 2015. spring semester Open House on the This is the Tri-state's fastest growing show!

The leadership of Maryland’s Kentland Communiversity Campus at Brookdale The latest and most innovative turnout gear Volunteer Fire Department believes aggressive Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey, and newest product lines for the fire and rescue firefighting and firefighter safety go hand-in- on Monday, March 30, 2015, from 1630 to industry will be on display for you to see. hand. That's why they’ve joined the National 1830 and on the main campus in Jersey City on Hundreds of vendors will be present to explain Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in this Saturday, April 18, 2015, from 0900 to 1300. and demonstrate theor products and services. video launching a new campaign to further Come, meet the professors and staff and learn There will also be a two-day extrication reduce the number of firefighters who die in what a degree in Fire Science at NJCU is all competition. the line-of-duty. Prince George’s County about. For more information, please go the Show hours are 1000 to 1700 on Saturday Fire/EMS Department Chief Marc Bashoor University's website at www.njcu.edu or conand 1000 to 1600 on Sunday. Tickets are on calls Kentland a leader in helping make sure tact Professor Kevin S. Malley, Fire Science sale at the door on the day of the show: $14 that “aggressive” and “safety” don’t become Chairperson at kmalley@njcu.edu or Anna general admission. Or have your department mutually exclusive terms.

Scanniello at ascanniell@njcu.edu. call for a Pre-Registration form. Children There is little doubt the most important eleunder 12 are admitted free. ment in firefighter safety is you, the firefighter.

Don't miss the 2015 Fire, Rescue and EMS The contributing factors in the majority of fireWHERE ARE YOUR Mega Show on February 21 and 22 at the fighter deaths are the health of the firefighter, DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in and the actions taken while responding to and We would like to remind our readers that we Uniondale. returning from the scene of an incident. Make it your New Year’s resolution to take personal are always happy to receive photos and stories responsibility in creating a safer environment from departments who have never been in our BUCHANAN ENGINE 1 for all firefighters. Join the National Fallen paper. Feel free to e-mail your photos to CELEBRATES 75 YEARS Firefighters Foundation in a new goal of vastly NYS@FireNews.com. We ask that any photo Buchanan Engine Company No. 1, serving reducing the number of firefighters injured, be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that the Village of Buchanan, will be celebrating its and to lower the number of line-of-duty deaths you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them. Please 75th Anniversary with many events planned, each year to below 50. culminating with hosting the Westchester The fire service over the last decade has send two to four photos per incident. Also, County Volunteer Firemen’s Association been able to consistently reduce the number of include a brief write-up of the incident, event, Convention on September 17, 2015, an open LODDs annually to fewer than 100. We’ve or family news, which includes basic “who, - Ed. house/friendship night on September 18, 2015, chosen 50 as the next benchmark on the way to what, when, and where information.

Page 6, Fire News, February 2015

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House Burns in Hillcrest

On December 19, 2014, the Hillcrest Fire Department was toned out for a structure fire on Tauber Terrace. Further updates advised of a room and contents fire. The 2-1/2 story home had heavy fire showing from the first floor, rapidly extending to the second. As the first engine arrived, the fire had advanced to most of the first floor, some of the second and extended into the attic space. Several lines were

stretched and the fire was eventually extinguished. Firefighters from Hillcrest were aided by Spring Valley, Monsey and Thiells.

One firefighter in the initial attack suffered minor burns. The cause of the fire was believed to be a lit candle. The family of five was able to escape unharmed.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 7

Quick Work Saves Horses

On December 21, 2014, Cronomer Valley firefighters were called to a barn fire. Mutual aid came from Orange Lake for a tanker, while Plattekill stood by. Horses were removed from the barn safely.

The fire started in an outside electrical box.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Page 8, Fire News, February 2015

Brunswick Fire and Ice

On December 7, 2014, with temperatures dipping into the low 20s, Brunswick firefighters arrived at an Oakwood Avenue (State Route 4) home with a well involved fire. Mutual aid was summoned from the rest of the town departments to supply water and fight the fire.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 9

5-Alarmer in Ozone Park

Families Displaced in Bed-Sty Blaze

Units of the FDNY in Queens battled a five-alarm blaze in an apartment building in Ozone Park on the evening of December 18, 2014. The fire, which started on an upper floor, quickly spread to the cockloft bringing units from all over the borough. The Red Cross was on the scene to assist the displaced families with housing.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Several families were displaced early on December 20, 2014, after a fire broke out in a row of homes on Skillman Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. FDNY units were on the scene and the blaze was put under control within 45 minutes with no injuries reported.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Page 10, Fire News, February 2015

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East Greenbush Keeps Kids Warm and Safe

The temperature was around 15 degrees when the East Greenbush Firefighters quickly and safely moved a half dozen cribs with three Fire Department was dispatched to Tudor Time Day Care and and four children each to a vacant office, with the remainder Learning Center for a gas odor. Upon arrival, babies in cribs and packed into the chief’s vehicle, an engine and a ladder truck.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller older small children had been evacuated. The staff had smelled gas in the building, which was later found to be a cracked gas line.

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Suspicious Fire, Vandalism in Albany

Fire and police officials are trying to determine if a working house fire and slashed tires on two vans owned by Albany’s Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) building on West Lawrence Street are connected. The fire was reported early on December 2, 2014. The right side of the building received the most serious fire damage, Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Toomey said. New York State Fire Investigators were on the scene assisting Albany police and fire investigators. The former two-family-home serves as an office and instructional space for the church’s programs to help immigrants and refugees adjust to life in this country, according to Craig Middleton, the Sexton at the Emmaus United Methodist Church. “We serve people from about 14 different countries here and help them with English, how to get medical help, living arrangements and other everyday needs,” Middleton said.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Fire News, February 2015, Page 11

Car Fire Snuffed

The Latham and Boght Fire Departments responded to a call for a car fire on December 30, 2014, outside of Best Cleaners on Troy Schenectady Road. The vehicle was parked up against the building which initiated a call for additional assistance to prevent the fire from advancing into the establishment. The engine compartment was completely engulfed upon arrival of the fire units. The fire was extinguished without any damage to the adjacent building.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Page 12, Fire News, February 2015

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Albany River Rescue

Winona Lake MVA

The new rescue boat continues to show its value, when called to the city boat launch on November 9, 2014, where an 85-year-old man had accelerated his car down the boat ramp, into the water. Police divers pulled him from the car and immediately got him on the lowered boat ramp and to shore. He was still alive, and transported to Albany Medical Center, where he later died.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

The Winona Lake Fire Department responded to a two-car MVA on Route 300. Three people were transported to a nearby hospital.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Carman Responds to Rotterdam MVA

Carman firefighters were called to Interstate 890 at exit 7 just east of Schenectady to battle a fully involved minivan fire. The occupants pulled to the shoulder of the road and exited safely before the van was completely compromised. Carman Fire Department’s brand new 2014 Sutphen pumper was put to the test as this was its second working fire since its delivery this past summer.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 13

Car into Building in Newburgh

Recently, the Goodwill Fire Department responded to a car into a building at the Alldi's shopping center in Newburgh. One person was treated at the scene.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Page 14, Fire News, February 2015

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East New York Basement Blaze The FDNY battled a two-alarm fire in a private dwelling on New Jersey Avenue in the East New York section of Brooklyn on December 5, 2014. The fire began in the basement of the two-story house but quickly spread to upper floors. Units from around the borough responded to the scene.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

2-Alarmer in Walden Draws a Crowd On January 2, 2014, the Walden Fire Department was called to the Holiday Trailer Park for a working structure fire. Upon arrival of the chief, a second alarm was called.

Crews were required to set up a fill site and run lines over 300 feet. Over 75 firefighters from seven companies were involved in the action.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Schuyler Hts. FF Loses Home On December 18, 2014, David Plouff, a life member with Schuyler Heights Fire Department, was finishing his shift with Colonie EMS when a call came in that his home was on fire. Units from Schuyler Heights, with assists from Menands, West Albany, Boght, Latham and the Watervliet Arsenal fought the fire for over three hours. Upon arrival, flames, which had originated in the basement, were shooting through the roof of the twostory wood frame home. The home, which was set far back off the street, made access hard for the departments. The location of the property also made movement hard for the firefighters who at times had to wade through water eight inches or more deep. The firefighters were unable to make an interior attack at first, as the second floor had partially collapsed. Watervliet Arsenal assisted by using their aerial deck gun. The only injury happened to Plouff who upon arrival slipped and dislocated his shoulder. He was taken to a local hospital and released. Plouff lost everything he owned including EMS memorabilia he had been collecting since 1975, which he was going to donate to an EMS museum in Massachusetts. Within hours, the emergency services community pulled together and started fundraising to help him rebuild his home and life, raising over $40,000 in 24 hours.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Martin Miller

Fire News, February 2015, Page 15

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5-Alarmer In Caledonia

On November 1, 2014, the Caledonia Fire Department was alerted evacuated and the main body of fire wanot knocked down until for a report of a fire at the industrial plant on Leroy Caledonia November 2. Caledonia was then called back for re-ignition. The Road. The first arriving units reported a fully involved structure, cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Zachary Imm and requested mutual aid. Tankers from Livingston and Monroe counties were called to supply water. The nearby area had to be

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, February 2015

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All-Hands Blaze in Unionport

FDNY units in the Bronx battled an all-hands blaze on Ellis Avenue in the Unionport section on January 4, 2014.

The fire was located in a wood framed private dwelling down the block from the quarters of E64/L47.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

DEBORAH THOMSON PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT OF P.L. CUSTOM Jean S. Smock, CEO and Owner of P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Deborah Smock Thomson to President of the corporation, effective January 1, 2015.

Thomson joined the company in 1978 and learned the business by moving up through the ranks under the guidance of her father and industry icon, the late Martin V. “Bud” Smock. Thomson’s promotion to President reinforces the longrange commitment the Smock family has to the ownership and future leadership of the company.

As President, Thomson’s energy and passion for the customer and the PL product will move the company forward and ensure that it remains committed to Bud Smock’s vision. Thomson has unrivaled experience and product knowledge within the PL Custom company and in the

emergency vehicle industry. Jean S. Smock will continue her active roll in the company as CEO. P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. has been in business since 1946, and owned by the Smock family since 1970.

The company employs 200 people at their Manasquan, NJ plant and sells through a network of 14 independent dealers covering 27 states and the District of Columbia. PL Custom Emergency Vehicle and Rescue 1 are the manufacturing divisions of the corporation and are proud to maintain a strong reputation as a customer focused designer and manufacturer of high quality custom ambulances and rescue vehicles.

P. L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc., 2201 Atlantic Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736; 732-223-1411 or fax: 732-223-8456.

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 19

Colonie Opens New Station

On October 11, 2014, the Colonie Fire Department had the pleasure of opening the doors to their new fire station. The planning stages for the station began over 10 years ago. The new station was built with the assistance of every member of the department, the Village of Colonie and the Colonie DPW. The member’s room holds personal pride for the department because it was completely paid for by

the members with no tax dollars being used. On hand for the dedication ceremony was the honor guard from sister station, Fuller Road Fire Department, Mayor Frank Leak, Supervisor Paula Mahan, County Executive Dan McCoy, Town Judge, Honorable Andrew Somers, Police Chief Steven Heider and many other town officials.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

Page 20, Fire News, February 2015

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Fire Prevention Week: Wallkill

Volunteer Firefighters from Wallkill Fire Department (Ulster County) visited the Wallkill Nursery School for Fire Prevention Week.

- Fire News photos courtesy of the Wallkill Fire Department

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 21

Showing What Brotherhood Means Two of the Town of Colonie firefighters, Chief Meghan Sammons and past-Chief Jason Wheatley, are struggling with severe medical problems which allowed the community, and firefighters from over five counties to join together and show support for them and to aid them in recovery. Chief Sammons, of the Midway Fire Department, the first female chief in the Town of Colonie, is suffering from Stage 4 colon cancer.

Her department threw a huge fundraising event, which consisted of selling t-shirts, bracelets, allowing people to dunk firefighters from various town departments in the dunk tank, a firefighter Zumba class, as well as a petting zoo. The event, held on September 20, 2014, raised over $15,000 to help defray medical and transportation costs.

On October 4, 2014, the Verdoy Fire Department held a fundraiser for past-Chief Wheatley who was injured in August while responding to a fire.

Jason received a severe head injury when he fell against the engine. He is responding well to treatment in Boston and the department and his family look forward to seeing continued improvement as the days and weeks go by. Even though it was a rainy day, hundreds of people showed up to the Shaker Road-Loudonville pavlion to show their support for the Wheatley Strong project.

Thousands of dollars in donations were raffled off and firefighters and chiefs took turns sitting in frigid water of the dunk booth to help raise funds and morale. Both departments continue to support their chiefs and their families with ongoing fundraising events.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Page 22, Fire News, February 2015

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Three-Alarmer Beat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam firefighters were called out for a threealarm fire on Eagle Street on New Year’s Day 2015.

Flames were discovered in the attic and heavily damaged the structure, sending several occupants into the chilly night air to escape the flames. The fire was brought under control in a little over an hour.

-Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 23

Carman Responds to Rotterdam MVA

Carman firefighters were called to Interstate 890 at exit 7 just east brand new 2014 Sutphen pumper was put to the test as this was its of Schenectady to battle a fully involved minivan fire. The occu- second working fire since its delivery this past summer.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber pants pulled to the shoulder of the road and exited safely before the van was completely compromised. Carman Fire Department’s

Two Alarms Needed in Schenectady Recently, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Chrisler Avenue in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Frozen hydrants and temperatures hovering in the single digits hampered operations. A second floor tenant was assisted by firefighters in exiting the structure. The cause was under investigation.

-Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Page 24, Fire News, February 2015

Car Into Wall in Cronomer Valley

Recently, the Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called for an MVA with a car hitting a rock wall in the Walgreen’s parking lot.

– Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Pedestrian Hit by Car

On January 2, 2015, the Elsmere and Selkirk Fire Departments responded to a pedestrian-versus-auto accident on Feura Bush Road. Upon arrival they found a young boy lying on the edge of the road. Albany County Paramedics and EMS personnel treated the victim and he was transported to the hospital by the Town of Bethlem Ambulance service. The Bethlehem Police Department was investigating the accident.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

MVA and a Busy 24 for Washingtonville

A call came in to the Washingtonville Fire Department at the start of January 1, 2015, to assist the police with a pole down across Route 94, west of Oxford Road. Upon arrival it was discovered that a vehicle had gone over the guard rail and down the embankment with the driver still in the vehicle. The crews of Rescue 581 and Engine 583 stabilized the vehicle using the grip hoist stabilization system, chainsawed trees, and assisted with victim removal. Chester Rescue 916 was special called to the scene to supplement personnel but was canceled en route. The fire police assisted Blooming Grove

Police Department with the road closure in the 15-degree and breezy conditions. The driver was transported to Orange Regional Medical Center (in police custody) with minor injuries by Mobile Life. Orange and Rockland removed the utility pole and cable from the roadway. It was a busy 24 hours for Washingtonville, with eight calls in that period, including a funeral stand-by in Nassau County for the Inwood Fire Department’s LODD. - Fire News photos by Gary Hearn

Page 26, Fire News, February 2015

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Onesquethaw Responds to MVA

On December 4, 2014, Onesquethaw Fire Department units responded to a report of a van off the road into a tree on Indian Fields Road in the Town of New Scotland. Arriving units found an injured male driver who was in a wheelchair. The Slingerlands Fire Department Heavy Rescue was requested but the man and his chair

were eventually freed before Slingerlands arrived. He was transported to Albany Medical Center by the Onesquethaw Ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. Albany Co. EMS was also on the scene.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

2-Freed from Car Hit During NYPD Pursuit Recently, FDNY firefighters responded to an MVA with two people trapped. Hydraulic tools were required to extricate the people. The vehicle was struck by an auto being pursued by NYPD. - Fire News photo by Michael Glenn

Cronomer, Middle Hope Work MVA The Cronomer Valley Fire Department and Middle Hope Fire Department were called out for a twocar MVA on Route 9W in Newburgh. Two people were transported.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Santa Comes to Winona Lake

The Winona Lake Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary held their annual Christmas party for area children. Santa arrived and distributed presents to all the children.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Annual Seniors Party

On December 14, 2014, the Winona Lake Fire Department held its annual Senior Citizens Dinner. Over 200 seniors from five different senior communities were served food and desserts, met Santa and received present. The event was staffed by members, the Ladies Auxiliary and 25 ROTC students.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Page 30, Fire News, February 2015

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Southside Scramble a Winner for All

On December 7, 2014, Fuller Road and Colonie Village Fire Companies came together on the gridiron to help raise much needed toys for children this coming holiday season. The “Southside Scramble” took place at Cook Park in Colonie in brutal 20-degree temperatures. The game was held to build camaraderie between the two mutual aid companies and also to help gather toys for the Toys

for Tots campaign. The game, originally scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, had been postponed due to weather.

Television crews from multiple local stations showed up to help bring awareness to the event. Colonie Village won the game with Fuller Road already planning their strategy for next year’s game.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 31

Rest in Peace: Lt. Thomas Bohn

On January 1, 2015, active-duty FDNY Lt. Thomas Bohn of Rescue battle while he was in the hospital recovering from his injuries. He 4 was waked at the Branch Funeral Home in Miller Place. Lt Bohn served in Rescue 4, Ladder 108, Squad 270 and Ladder 111. Rest in passed away from injuries sustained in an accident while he was peace Lt Thomas Gerard Bohn.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam returning home from Medal Day in June. Thomas fought a hard

Page 32, Fire News, February 2015

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Thousands Honor NYPD Officers

Firefighters Support Brothers in Blue

Thousands of police officers and first responders honored NYPD officer Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu (photos courtesy NYPD), who were killed in the line of duty. Both officers will be remembered as true heroes of the New York City Police Department. May they rest in peace.

- Fire News photo by Edmund J. Coppa

On December 21, 2014, a group of Nassau County firefighters came together to remember the two NYPD officers killed in the line of duty, and to also show their support for all the men and women in blue.

- Fire News photo by Steve Grogan

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 33

Looking Back

Orange Lake Wet Down

On August 24, 2014, the Orange Lake Fire Department of Newburgh, held a wet down for their new engine.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Page 34, Fire News, February 2015

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Queens Box 22-7889 Remembered

On December 20, 2014, a ceremony was held at the quarters of the Corona Tigers, Engine 289/Tower Ladder 138. The ceremony commemorated the tenth anniversary of a tragic fire that occurred in Jackson Heights on December 15, 2005. On hand to say thank you to the firefighters for saving their lives was Naomi Siguencia, Alexandra Sandoval and Carolina Sandoval, along with the members of Rescue Company 4. Unfortunately, the three children lost their parents in the terrible fire. For the past 10 years, the Corona

Tigers never forgot the girls who survived the blaze. They have been there for the children as they grew into the beautiful young adults that they are today. To read about the fire and the heroic acts by numerous firefighters who responded to the call, download the 2005 FDNY Medal Day book at www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/ medal_day/2005/fire/pdf/medal_day_05.pdf.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

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Fire News, February 2015, Page 35