SERVING BROAD CHANNEL

Continued from Page 12 built in sprinkler systems, meaning fires aren’t as prevalent. But even though fires are scarce, emergencies are not. “We have everyday calls. The majority are motor vehicle accidents. Cross Bay has become a very dangerous boulevard. It’s an epidemic with more speeders and reckless driving leading to more accidents. We’ve always had accidents, but we’ve become extremely good at responding because we have so much experience with that now,” Wilmarth said.

The BCVFD also faces calls that are unique to an area that while lacking fires, is surrounded by water. “We do a lot of water rescues during the season with drownings and boats in distress. A lot of those calls turn out not to be emergencies, but some do.

Other than that, it’s the other everyday calls. “Carbon monoxide alarms, malfunctions, sparking wires, and there will always be EMS calls,” Wilmarth said.

But there haven’t always been slow days for the BCVFD. The vollies have endured some of the biggest challenges in New York history. Wilmarth says the everyday calls tend to blend in, but BCVFD members have faced days they’ll never forget.

One early major emergency took place in March 1962, when an American Airlines flight crashed two minutes after takeoff, right into Jamaica Bay, on the east side of the Wildlife Refuge. “The vollies were first due. The American Legion was used as a temporary morgue. Ninety-five people died that day,” Wilmarth said.

Wilmarth himself was not around for that crash, but he’s seen more than enough plane crashes for a lifetime. One of the biggest incidents the BCVFD responded to was on 9/11 in 2001. Wilmarth, along with Bubba Kalisak and the late Bob Nussberger, and late Fred Grey, answered the call that day, as FDNY requested all EMS units to respond after the first plane hit the World Trade Center in Manhattan. “They weren’t calling for fire departments. They didn’t know there would be another plane,” Wilmarth said. The BCVFD crew arrived shortly after the second plane hit, and they were only one of two volunteer companies operating at the WTC before the towers collapsed. Although their ambulance was totaled, the crew barely made it out alive. “We were no more than 200 feet from the lobby doors of tower two when it came down. All four of us made it out, but not without short and long-term injuries,” Wilmarth said.

Two months later, they were back at it when Flight 587 came crashing down in Rockaway. But they didn’t operate at the main crash site. As they approached the scene, the BCVFD couldn’t get close to the main crash, but that turned out to be a blessing for residents on Beach 128th Street. “ We got as close as we could and we started walking up to the scene and we see a house on 128th with flames all over the place. There was one FDNY truck on the block but just the driver was there, and he says, ‘Hey, there’s gonna be all those people on the crash site, but this whole block is gonna burn down. I’m hooked to a hydrant, but I have no guys here if you want to start pulling equipment.’” After discovering one of the plane’s engines landed on a home on the block, it was good timing that the BCVFD was there. They immediately got to work, working for several hours to battle a jet-fuel fueled fire that didn’t want to be tamed. “It was a hairy ordeal, but the fire went out and luckily no one was killed in that house,” Wilmarth said.

On the night of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the BCVFD was there, ready to serve the community as always. Luckily, fire wasn’t a factor that night as Broad Channel doesn’t have natural gas, but water presented some unique and scary challenges. The BCVFD members spent much of the day helping homeowners strap down their propane tanks that would be at risk of floating away. As the tide became higher and the street was no longer visible, the BCVFD wound up driving over something that broke the airline under the firetruck, disabling the truck on the boulevard near 12th Road. Shortly after, a call came in about kids trapped on the top floor of a home that was suspected to be on fire. Without a truck, the crew grabbed whatever equipment they could and carried it to 6th Road, a block that regularly sees the worst flooding on the island. “During Sandy, the water reached nine feet on that block. We planned for all types of fires we could have been encountered that day but none of us were prepared for how deep the water was going to get,” Wilmarth said. Fortunately, the suspected fire turned out to be exhaust from an oil burner, that put itself out in the water.

Whether it’s a big job or small, the BCVFD has shown its worth in the Broad Channel community. On February 25, at the BCVFD’s annual Installation Dinner,, some of the stand out firefighters and EMS volunteers will be honored, and the Department’s new officers will formally be installed. The 2023 Chiefs and Officers include Chief of Department George Conklin, Assistant Chief Michael Delgado, Deputy Chiefs Ed Wilmarth III, Andrew Knee and Richard Bogart, Chief Engineer Ed Wilmarth Jr., President Daniel McIntyre, Vice President Maurice Sartor, Treasurer Donna Bassetti, Financial Secretary Ed Wilmarth Jr., Recording Secretary Roxanne Seunarine, Sergeant at Arms Leonard Cannella, Engine Company Captain James McCabe, EMS Captain Joseph O’Hare Jr. and Safety Captain Maurice Sartor.

Local elected officials Councilwoman Joann Ariola, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and

Senator Joe Addabbo will also be honored at the event for their support of the fire department, especially in their efforts to help the BCVFD get a brand-new firehouse in the future.

The Annual Officer’s Installation Dinner is a BCVFD tradition since 1920 and serves as one of the Department’s many fundraisers. The event on February 25, 7 p.m., at the American Legion will include a buffet dinner, beer, wine, soda, dessert and coffee for $50 a ticket. If interested in attending, call Donna at 917-863-4984 or Dan at 347-678-5857 by Friday, February 17.

Can’t make the dinner but want to support the BCVFD? Donations for are always welcome for the organization that depends on donations and grants. “Seconds count and you can’t put a price on somebody’s life,” Wilmarth said. “If a $100 donation a year keeps our doors open and has the potential to save someone’s life, then it’s all worth it. The Vollies have been and can be the difference between life and death.”

Donations can be made in person at the firehouse on 15 Noel Road, or through Venmo: @ BCVFD-15Noel

To learn about volunteering with the BCVFD, reach out to them on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BroadChannelVolunteers or fill out the form on the Volunteer Firemen’s Association website: vfanyc.org/broad-channel-volunteer-fire-department/

On Thursday, February 16 at 7 p.m., the New York Dippers Club invites all of those celebrating a February birthday to come celebrate at The Rose Den (174 Beach 116th Street).

On Friday, February 17 at 6 p.m., head to the Belle Harbor Yacht Club (533 Beach 126th Street) to help support the Fight With Your Smile campaign for LLS. Music by The Rockawades and Brooklyn Bards. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. $20 entrance. Bring cash for cash bar and raffles.

On Tuesday, February 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., head to the Rockaway YMCA (207 Beach 73rd Street) to learn and ask questions about the Army Corps’ proposal for storm barriers across Jamaica Bay and other parts of the area to deter flooding.

100 Precinct Community Council

On Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. on Zoom, the 100th Precinct Community Council hosts their monthly meeting. For Zoom access info, email: vp100pctcc@gmail.com

Morning Moves at RISE

On Mondays at 11 a.m., head to the RISE Center (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) to join Ann Fosteris’ Fitness to You class. Masks required inside RISE.

On Mondays at 11 a.m. and Fridays at 11:30 a.m., adults 60+ are welcome to JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center (106-20 Shore Front Parkway) for weekly Yoga with Cynthia. Open to Adults 60 +; To register, please call 718-6343044.

On Thursdays at 10 a.m., adults 60+ are welcome to JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center (10620 Shore Front Parkway) for weekly painting/ Arts and crafts. Let your creativity be free! RSVP and for more details: 718-634-3044.

On Mondays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., head to the RISE Center (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) for a free core and lower body class with Ann Fosteris of Fitness to You. All are welcome! Bring a mat. Masks required inside RISE.

On Saturdays at 11 a.m., head to Seaside Library (116-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) to join for a total body, non-contact workout fit for all levels. Punch, hook, and kick to motivating, high-energy music that progress into heart-pumping combinations. Through April 1.

Want to help advocate for animals? This virtual support group will be facilitated by Jill Lauri and meet monthly via Zoom. Scholarships are available. Space is limited, and registration is required. For More Information and to register, please visit https://HealingWithAnimals.com/ Animal-Activist-Support-Group.

Got events? Send an email to katie@rockawaytimes.com with details for consideration to be listed.

PARC RE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/29/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 33-20 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of VVR LLC. Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 1/26/23. Office location: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY shall mail process to: 157-25 82nd St, Howard Beach, NY 11414. Purpose: any lawful activities

Notice of Formation of 22GRAFFICS

LLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/04/2023. Office location: Queens, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 88-16 212th Place, Queens Village, NY 11427. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of 39 FLUSHING PROSPERITY LLC, Arts of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 01/03/2023. Office location: QUEENS. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy to 133-27 39TH AVE, APT. 9E, FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.

HERKIMER BRIARWOOD LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/10/23. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 36-35 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361.Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

TIFFANY ROSE CERTIFIED REGISTERED

NURSE ANESTHETIST PLLC, a Prof. LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/13/2023. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: The PLLC, 7011 108th Street, Apt 3K, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Registered Professional Nursing.

Notice of Formation of ISIDOR LAW, PLLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/05/2023. Office location: Queens, NY.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to ISIDOR LAW, PLLC, 9605 40TH RD, Corona, NY 11368. Any lawful purpose.

Follow Your Roots LLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 01/24/2023. Office in Queens Co. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 6223 60th Drive Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Eun Young Cho, DMD, PLLC filed w/ SSNY on 2/6/23. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 35-35 149th St., #206, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Dentistry.

410 MAIN STREET LI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/02/2023. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Simon Blitz & Daniel Gazal, 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

ALAN TANSEY ARCHITECTURE PLLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/30/2022. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 3515 78th St., Apt. 53, Jackson Heights, NY, 11372. Purpose: Architecture.

JUPITER JIE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/07/22, with an existence date of 01/16/2023. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as gent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 28 Steven Street, Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DivineEnergyNYC

LLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/22/22. Office location: Queens, NY.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to DivineEnergyNYC LLC, 3114 82nd Street East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Any lawful purpose.

Be Rockaway Enterprises LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/04/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 114-04 Beach Channel Dr., Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

DEL BX NY LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/19/2022. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 72-24 Loubet St., Forest Hills, NY, 11375. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of BABANIUBI LLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/12/2022. Office location: Queens, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to BABANIUBI LLC, 137-11 32ND AVE #2W FLUSHING NY 11354. Any lawful purpose.

Charlotte Abbott LLC Articles of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/01/23. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Charlotte Abbott LLC, 577 Onderdonk Ave, Apt 2R, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SHERRI JOY COACHING LLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/13/23. Office location: Queens, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to SHERRI JOY COACHING, 3220 35th Street, Astoria NY 11106. Any lawful purpose.

$1200 6 = $7200