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KINDERHOOK, NY - On January 7th at 7:14 P.M., the Kinderhook Fire Department with the Kinderhook Task Force was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 5 Sunset Avenue, at Samascott Orchard. Kinderhook, Valatie, Niverville and Chatham Fire Departments, along with Claverack Fire Department with the FAST team, were immediately dispatched to the scene. -
ly Company S ales • P a rts • S e rvice
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
RESCUE SQUAD, The origins of Rescue Co. 1, FD of the City of New York, 1915-1925 ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
RESCUE SQUAD, The ori gins of Rescue Co. 1, FD of the City of New York, 1915-1925 By Paul Ela shagen Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www. fire-police-ems. com Price: $19.99 This book is soft cover and measures six inches by nine inches, with 292 pages which in cludes a glossary. It includes the first 10 years of operations of Rescue 1, which was the first res cue squad established in the coun try. It was organized in 1915 for the purpose of rescuing firefight ers. As time went on, its duties expanded. It is written by a fire fighter who retired from the FDNY with 25 years of service, 20 of which were spent assigned to Rescue 1. He has written two other books about Rescue 1. His writing is truly a labor of love. In this book with the help of many and what I would perceive as
countless hours of research, he chronologically writes about the many operations of Rescue 1 laid out in individual chapters of each year. Each chapter also is reported on chronologically month by month. They are laid out in great detail, plus there are individual names of each member from be ginning to end. Since respiratory protection was non-existent for other fire companies for the most part, firefighters were hampered by smoke and other gases which resulted in prolonged fire extin guishment, injuries and death. The rescue company was equipped with specialized smoke helmets, which allowed them to get through dangerous conditions to rescue firefighters and others. They were equipped with a pulmotor (an early form of a resuscitator) for reviving those who stopped breathing. The truck had other specialized tools and equip ment. Their crew members were also specialists in the trade (elec trical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.), which increased the effectiveness of the company. And as with all firefighters, they were fully enthu siastic in their work. They per formed heroics and made unbelievable rescues. This book, which is all taken from records, shows the miraculous ways that the squad saved many. Unfortu nately, there was death of firefight ers and civilians recorded in the book, but it is another writing by a retiree who loved his work and his assignment.
VINNIE DOMINICK
Winona Lake Engine Co. Receives Donation NEWBURGH, NY - On January 25th, members of Winona Lake Engine Company set up a booth in the lobby of Resorts World Casino for a fundraiser, and were presented with a check for $1,000.
THOMAS MARRA
No injuries after a car rolled over and struck a pole in New Scotland.
Rollover into Pole in New Scotland NEW SCOTLAND, NY Crews were called for a reported rollover accident in New Scotland back on Thursday, December 12, 2024. A rollover crash was re ported in the area of 286 New Scotland South Road around 4:30 P.M. Onesquethaw Fire, New Salem Fire, Onesquethaw EMS, Albany County Paramedics and Albany County Sheriff’s Depart ment responded to the call. Crews arrived to find a pickup truck on its side next to a damaged utility pole. Chief Mike Salisbury
Jump to file #020325102
of the Onesquethaw Fire Depart ment described the cause of the crash as the result of a mechanical failure. “I believe when the driver hit the railroad tracks, the front pas senger side control arm let go,” Salisbury said. “When the vehicle was on its side and we were looking at it, you could see where there was a fresh crack and an old crack on the same
control arm,” he said. “So that is probably what contributed to that one.” The driver was not trapped and was able to exit the vehicle on his own. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and denied any injuries on scene. The pole that was struck was severed and held in place by guide wires, according to Salisbury. The road remained open during most of the incident with alternating traffic. -THOMAS MARRA
BOB MCCORMICK
Head-On MVA with Entrapment in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Orange Lake FD responded to a head-on MVA with entrapment on State Route 52 in the area of Whisper Lane on February 2nd. Firefighters arrived and found a driver trapped in their vehicle. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate the driver. Town of Newburgh Police and EMS were at the scene. State Route 52 was shut down during the incident. Town of Newburgh EMS transported both drivers to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. Firefighters spread speedy dry on fluids on the roadway. The Town of Newburgh Police Dept, is investigating the cause.
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March, 2025
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CHELLE CORDERO You never really lose the part of you that once rode an ambu lance, responded to critical calls, lost sleep because someone was frightened about a pain that they had for hours. You never forget the feeling of pronouncing some one (or waiting for the medical examiner to do the same). The crushing pain you felt when some young teen’s mother cried on your shoulder. Once you’ve been EMS, you will always carry that part of you inside. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve been paid or volunteer, you will always remember the good and the bad calls. It’s just as hard to forget the first time you delivered a baby, as it is to forget the crying family standing around you when CPR on their loved one is called. It doesn’t matter if y ou’ve been in EMS for five or thirty years. Even in “retirement”, you’ll feel your pulse speed up a bit when you hear an emergency siren. Every time you pass an ac cident scene, you can’t resist watching the emergency respon ders as they wheel their patient to a rig... and of course you’ll turn to the person next to you and tell them how you would have “done it” . And you will probably be super critical of every TV show that shows (fictional) ambulance response.
Riding an ambulance gives you a truly different perspective about life. It changes you. You will often find yourself feeling more kinship with your EMS part ners than your own family - sim ply because you’ve shared literal life-or-death experiences. But rid ing an ambulance can be challeng ing to forget the “highs” and deal with the “lows” . You’ll want to share your experiences with your spouse/partner, but unless they are in the field, they might not under stand your moods. The one person you often for get that needs your help, your pas sion, and your understanding is YOU. It’s vital that you find HEALTHY ways to cope with the things you’ve seen that haunt you. It’s important to remember that you, just like your patients, are only human beings - both men tally and physically you need to take care of yourself. You need to get rest, eat well, and above all, know your limits (physically and emotionally). If you are hurt on the job, or have nightmares about a call, it is vitally important that you get the necessary care. Decades ago, it was considered normal to shelve the pain and hide it from others. In today’s world we have more of an understanding if a responder needs help, physically or mentally. When that time comes, you may have to be strong enough to real ize that you need to leave the field. Even Superman had his Kryptonite. Find out what programs your agency offers such as counseling, singular or group. Sometimes it helps to speak to your peers, clergy, or counselor. Treat your self with the same care you try to give your patients. Sometimes it’s hard with back-to-back calls, but always, take time to breathe.
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In Loving Memory
Stephen J. Wafsh October 23, 1964 November 16, 2024 -
PROVIDED
Stephen Jerome Walsh, beloved husband, father, brother and community ser vant, passed away on Novem ber 16th, 2024, at the age of 60. Born on October 23, 1964, to Jerome "Jerry" Walsh and He lene M. Walsh, Stephen grew up with his brothers, Joe and Mark Walsh, cherishing family ties that would shape his life. Stephen proudly served his country as a flight engineer and pilot with the Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing out of Newburgh, NY, from 1992 to 2001. He flew the iconic C-5 Galaxy, and participated in both wartime and peacetime mis sions, exemplifying skill and dedication. Aviation was a lifelong passion for Stephen, who later flew cor porate jets for FlightOptions and Richmond Aviation and shared his expertise as a certi fied flight instructor. In addition
to his aviation career, Stephen wore many hats, including working as a DJ for a local radio station and as a captain for Hudson River Cruises. Stephen was deeply committed to his community, serving as a member of the Claverack Fire Department, where he worked in Fire Police. Since 2022, he had devoted himself to helping others as an EMT with the Copake Rescue Squad, a role that reflected his selflessness and compassion. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruethairat Carbon Walsh, his son, Alesandro Jerome Walsh, from his previous mar riage to Arionei Walsh, and his brothers, Joe and Mark Walsh. Stephen will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his community, and his boundless love for aviation.
March, 2025
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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California: Timothy Hall, 59 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: September 23, 2024 Death Date: September 23,2024 Fire Department: West Sacramento Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, September 23, 2024, Fire Engineer Timothy Hall suffered a medical emer gency during a fire department training exercise. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Fire Engineer Hall was also a vol unteer member of the Clarksburg Fire Protection Dis trict.
John Greco • Paul Harrington • Gary Heam • Ron Jeffers • Lany Kensinger • Bob Krajicek • Connor Krueger • Jeff Levine • Stan De Long • Chuck Lowe • Tom Mlarra • Bob McCormick • Randy Montour • Tricia Mlood • William Mlurray • Mlark Picemo • Charlie Piper • David Ragusa • John Rieth • Frank Robinson • Bob Root • Chris Sabella • Michael Serrell • Sharon Siegel • John Smith • Ken Snyder • John Spaulding • Bill Tompkins • Chris Tompkins • Bob Vaccaro • Gary Vanvoorhis • Frankie Verderame • Stephen Wallace • John Walthers • Eugene Weber Jr • Steve White • Guy Zampatori Jr
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Georgia: Leon Davis, 69 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Blackshear Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, As sistant Chief Leon Davis responded to the scene of a downed powerline that was on fire. When he was leav ing the incident a tree fell on the cab of his fire depart ment pickup truck, killing him instantly.
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South Carolina: Chad Satcher, 53 Rank: Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Saluda County Fire Service Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Chief Chad Satcher and Probationary Firefighter Cale Bodie were responding to a structure fire during Hurri cane Helene when a tree fell on the cab of their fire ap paratus. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
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South Carolina: Cale Bodie, 18 Rank: Probationary Firefighter Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Saluda County Fire Service Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Chief Chad Satcher and Probationary Firefighter Cale
Bodie were responding to a structure fire during Hur ricane Helene when a tree fell on the cab o f their fire apparatus. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene. Massachusetts: Jason Gould, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 19, 2016 Death Date: September 8,2024 Fire Department: Brockton Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, June 19, 2016, Fire fighter Jason Gould was rescuing a woman from an apartment fire when his mask was knocked off. When his mask became dislodged, he took in a large amount of smoke and suffered lung damage. After his retirement in 2023, Firefighter Gould received two lung transplants. On Sunday, September 8, 2024, he passed away due to complications from another lung procedure, directly re lated to the incident that occurred in June of 2016. North Carolina: Tony Ray Garrison, 51 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Bat talion Chief Tony Ray Garrison was assisting in the res cue of victims of a landslide during the response to Hurricane Helene, when a second landslide occurred. He passed away from the injuries sustained in this incident. Battalion Chief Garrison also served with the Garren Creek Fire Department.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
March, 2025
PAGE 7
W rights Corners Fire Co. 85th Anniversary In stalla tion To celebrate 85 years of serv ice, Wrights Corners Fire Com pany went with a Black & White theme, and special guest speaker, A1 Sienkiewicz, from Webster's Fire Department. The president of the fire company, Michael J Nor wood, called the ceremony to order, and David Weaver led the pledge to the flag. As always for the first hour, guests and members enjoyed cocktails and amazing food pro vided by Donna Eicks Catering. Music was again handled by Beamin Sounds, nothing but pure entertainment at these events for over 20 years. Chaplin Jack Bridwell provided the invocation. The memorial service and ringing of the bell was held, and then it was time to eat. Fiundreds of people did just that, with plates of beef, chicken, alfredo, salads, shrimp, the list goes on. Wrights Corners never skimps on their installation celebration. During the dinner hour, all screens played a special slide show that was produced with the help of historian Lowell Dicken son and Specialized Services; people, places and scenes from 80 years of history and collections. Wrights Corners had bought its first engine that allowed them to get their rating from Webster. Dur ing Mr. A1 Sienkiewicz's talk and presentation, a homemade movie from the 1940's was shown of the new truck. What a show. The road was lined with cars on both sides as a bull dozer plowed a path in the snow so the truck could drive down a hill and actually draft water. The gear was stored on the outside of the engine, so it was frozen if it was cold, and wet if it rained. The turnout gear that the original firefighters were wearing during this demonstration made you think you were watching an old Superman movie with reporter Clark Kent in his top hat and long dress jacket. There were smiles on the firefighters' faces as water was sucked from the frozen creek and was pumped through these power ful hoses. Well, hoses, one looked like what a heavy duty garden hose may be today and what an old trash line from the 60's was; but it was a fire truck and it would provide years of life-saving serv ice for the Wrights Corners Fire Co. The best part of this old time movie was the bull dozer hooking up to the truck and a handful of well-dressed firefighters pushing the truck back up the hill so it could roll down the road back to the fire hall. President Michael J Norwood provided his report. Then it was time for Fire Chief Commander "JJ" Jonathan Mcknight to update the company on calls and new members, and welcome all the special guests. It was an amazing celebration for John Lobczowski, Sr., who was honored for 60 years of serv-
JUMP TO FILE #012725118
ice. State Senator Robert Orr was first with a proclamation. Senator Orr is a major supporter of volun teers across the state of New York. Fie brought to the attention of those celebrating that Wrights Comers has at least four members with over 60 years of service. There were members from the as sembly, local government, sher iffs office and more honoring John. Five years of service went to Mark Flare; 20 years of service to Kelly Simard (we have covered all 20 of her years, a very active member who helps keep the com pany moving forward); 30 years of service to Kyle LaRuffa and Michael L Norwood, who re ceived his award and hug from his son, the president. New members Samantha McKeon, Renee Ponter, Thomas Czach were all men tioned. The Ladies Auxiliary Officers for 2025 are President Sherrie Campbell (who finally said I DO after decades). Vice President Sara McKnight, Treasurer Cindy Fiorner, Recording Secretary Tanya Steinhardt, Corresponding Secretary Kathy Nizialek, 3rd year director Susan Nizialek, 2nd year director Jill Pietkiewicz, and 1st year director Tracy Williams. Fire Company Officers are President Michael J Norwood, VP Robert Bruckner, Treasurer Kelly Simard, Recording Sec Linzie Michel, Corresponding Sec. Bonita Reid, and Fiead Trustee Ryan Finat. Trustee 3 year Shane Brundage, Chaplin Jack Birdwell, Steward Roxanne Davis, Sergant at Arms David Weaver, CFilEF Jonathan McKnight, 1st Ryan Dicinson, 2nd Wallace Linderman, 3rd Zacary Wodo, Master Mechanic Jeffery Lee, Fire Police Matthew Finat, Parade Marshal Michael J Norwood. The installation Committee: Robert Bruckner Chair, Kelly Simard, Lowell Dickinson, Lau ren Fiunter, Roxanne Davis, Tanya Steinhardt, and Sherrie Campbell. It was not just a night to relax and laugh. This ceremony told the history of the fire company. Low ell provided a multi-page sheet that broke down the who, what, when, and why. Like, why are the Wrights Corners trucks green and white; no, we decided it wasn't a couple of Irish firemen at a bar one night. It was because of mem bers in the war who wrote back to the company and advised the members that the Japanese would bomb anything red. Fiistory, memories, and amaz ing times, that's a Wrights Corners Installation Dinner.
STEPHEN MWAUACE
Senator Orr celebrating John Lobczowski, Sr. for 60 years with Wrights Corners Fire Company.
STEPHEN MWAUACE
Administration Officers for 2025.
- STEPHEN WALLACE
STEPHEN MWAUACE
Experience of the front line Wrights Corners Officers.
PAGE 8
March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters from the Johnsonville Fire Dept, hitting the heavy fire from the back of the building.
BOB MCCORMICK
M ultiple Departments Respond to Third-Alarm in City of Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - City of Newburgh FD responded to a re ported structure fire in the area of DuBois Street and Farrington Street on Friday, January 31st. Command arrived and found heavy smoke coming from 74 Far rington Street and requested a sec ond-alarm transmitted. Mutual Aid to the scene in cluded West Point-Engine; Air Na tional Guard-Engine and Cronomer Valley-Engine. GoodWill and Cornwall-on-Hudson were on stand by at Fire Head quarters. Firefighters were under the command of Car Four in de fensive operations only. A truck from Comwall-on-Hudson eventu ally moved to the scene.
Jump to file #020325100
i t 3$ ! & After the fire was knocked down, crews used hand lines to check for hot spots. Command re quested Orange County Fire In vestigators to the scene. Deputy Fire Coordinator 36-13 was on the scene, as well as City of New burgh Police and Empress EMS. Central Hudson was called for a power cut. The fire was called in at 11:18 P.M., and placed under control around 2:00 A.M. The cause and origin is under investigation. - BOB MCCORMICK
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Firefighters Battle Freezing Cold Temperatures & Heavy Fire in Valley Falls VAFFEY FAFFS, NY - On January 7th at 12:43 A.M., the Hoosic Valley Fire Co., Pittstown Ambulance, Melrose Fire Depart ment, and Schaghticoke Fire De partment were dispatched for a reported structure fire. The caller stated there was a house on fire in the area of State Street and Poplar Avenue in the Village of Valley Falls. Hoosic Valley Car 1 called en route to the scene and the dis patcher notified them that they were taking multiple calls on the fire. The chief requested the sec ond-alarm to be transmitted. The chief arrived on scene, clarified the address as 268 Poplar Street and immediately assumed command after confirming to the dispatcher that he had a well-in volved house fire. The secondalarm brought Speigletown Fire Department, Johnsonville Fire De partment, Raymertown Fire De partment, Buskirk Fire Department, and Pittstown Fire Department to the scene. A special request was placed for the Easton Fire Department to the scene with a tanker, and the Pleasantdale Fire Department to establish a water supply at the high school. The chief on scene was able to confirm that everybody was out of the structure and accounted for. The chief had a two-story wood-frame structure with no exposure issues and heavy fire pushing from the windows and roof. Command also requested the mayor of the village of Valley Falls to the scene, na tional grid for a power disconnect, fire investigators, and a salter to the scene due to slippery condi tions from water supply opera tions.
Jump tu file #012625103
m
3P
Firefighters from the first-in engine deployed a one-and-threequarter-inch hand line and began to knock down the heavy fire con dition. The next engine company laid in a supply line from Route 67 down the roadway as firefighters on scene were establishing a water supply operation at the end of the roadway. The truck company from Speigletown arrived on scene and set up next to the structure. As ad ditional firefighters arrived, they began deploying additional hand lines around the backside and Delta side of the structure and went to work knocking down the heavy fire condition. As firefighters were working on scene, crews ran out of water from the engines on scene and mu tual aid tankers began to arrive to supply the scene with water as quickly as possible. As soon as firefighters were able to resupply a significant amount of water for the scene, the Speigletown ladder company went into master stream operations for a short period of time, knocking down a large por tion of the heavy fire condition. Firefighters on the backside of the structure began to pull apart the siding to be able to access the heavy fire condition that was deep inside of the home. As crews con tinued to work on the backside of the structure, firefighters made their way to the roof area via the ladder company on scene and began to create a hole in the side of the house where they could get the nozzle to reach the heavy fire
in the cockloft. The frigid temperatures on scene hovering around 3°F did not help firefighters, as everything that got wet or the overflow from the tanker operations turned everything into a sheet of ice, cre ating slip hazards for firefighters. Firefighters on scene had hot spots and fire conditions inside the home until the early hours of the morning. Fire investigators ar rived on scene and began to con duct their investigation into what caused the fire. Due to the exten sive damage to the home, an exca vator was brought in to bring down the structure for safety rea sons. The Stillwater Fire Depart ment, Center Brunswick Fire De partment, Pleasantdale Fire Department, and Brunswick No. 1 Fire Company provided cover companies for the mutual aid de partments on scene of the working fire. The cause of the fire has not been released publicly. The Vil lage of Valley Falls closed their fire department at the end of 2020 due to a lack of funds and volun teers. The village has contracted with the Hoosic Valley Fire Com pany to provide fire services since the closure and has contracted am bulance services for basic life sup port only from the Pittstown Volunteer Ambulance Corp. The village of Valley Falls does not have an advanced life support for EMS services contract in place at this time with any of agencies in the area. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
March, 2025
PAGE 9
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
March, 2025
Massive Barn Fire at Samascott Orchard in Kinderhook KINDERHOOK, NY - On January 7th at 7:14 P.M., the Kinderhook Fire Department with the Kinderhook Task Force was dispatched for a reported struc ture fire at 5 Sunset Avenue, at Samascott Orchard. Kinderhook, Valatie, Niverville and Chatham Fire Departments, along with Claverack Fire Department with the FAST team, were immedi ately dispatched to the scene. Kinderhook Car 1 requested the Stuyvesant Fire Department to the scene for a working struc ture fire. The chief arrived on scene with an extremely heavy fire condition in a 225-foot-long by 100-feet-wide commercial structure. Command requested Stockport Fire Department, West Ghent Fire Department for a tanker, Stottville Fire Department for their truck company. North Chatham Fire Department for a tanker to the scene, and the Valatie Rescue Squad to the scene. Command notified the dis patcher that he just had multiple large explosions from the build ing that sent hot embers into the night sky. Firefighters arrived on scene, deployed a one-and-three-quarter-inch hand line and attempted to make an aggressive interior at tack to try to knock down the heavy fire, but were quickly pushed back out of the building. Firefighters began to deploy addi tional hand lines from the rigs. With winds pushing around 45 mph, a significant amount of em bers were being lifted up and landing in the nearby neighbor hood, sparking numerous 911 calls. Valatie and Stottville Fire Department’s truck and ladder company arrived on scene and began to set up around the struc ture. Firefighters on their way into the scene secured a fire hy drant at the end of the street and began to lay in a significant amount of large diameter hose. As firefighters were doing so, an other tanker in-bound to the scene continued to drop the rest of their hose bed to complete the tanker relay to supply both truck compa nies on scene. As firefighters from mutual aid companies ar rived on scene in the rear of the structure, they placed themselves between the greenhouse and the heavily involved barn. As more firefighters were re sponding to the scene, the chief started to redirect firefighters to check on houses where hot em bers were beginning to land on the roof. With wind starting to go upward of 60 mph from the south, it caused a fire to quickly inten sify on scene and rapidly spread throughout the structure, sending a massive amount of heavy fire into the night sky. As the building was raging on the south side, Stuyvesant and Niverville fire fighters took up a position in the rear of the structure protecting the greenhouses to prevent fire from
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spreading to the greenhouses that supplies flowers to Samascott's store. Firefighters began to experi ence water problems as they did not have enough water supply on scene to be able to quickly extin guish the fire. Firefighters began to lay in through a neighbor's yard and along the bike trail, cutting through the fences near the walk way into the farm. Firefighters had to lay over 1000-feet of large di ameter hose to supply the appara tus in the rear of the building. As heavy fire blew throughout the front of the structure, firefighters turned the hoses onto the apparatus to begin to cool down paint and the ladder of the engine company as the rigs began to smoke. Firefighters in the rear of the building conducting defensive op erations began to have significant problems as a large propane tank and ammonia tank caught fire, sending firefighters back away from the incident. The propane tank began to violently off gas, sending a 30-foot fire tornado into the sky. Then, a massive stack of apple crates caught fire that sent flames over 110-feet into the air, blocking out Stottville’s truck company on scene. Firefighters in the rear of the building began to at tempt to make a push into the building to knock down the heavy fire condition, and as they were doing so, the heavy wind that was feeding the fire quickly blacked out the scene with thick, heavy smoke and a significant amount of flying embers. Command requested Stuyvesant Falls to the scene, along with Schodack Landing Fire Department to stand by at the Stuyvesant Fire Department as they had all of their apparatus re spond to the scene with a signifi cant amount of manpower.
Firefighters in the rear of the building began to make progress in darkening down the heavy fire condition. The truck companies in the front and side of the building continued utilizing master stream operations for an extended period of time in an attempt to bring the incident under control. Additional firefighters in the front of the building deployed one-and-threequarter-inch hand lines and began knocking down a significant amount of the fire condition in the front of the building. Firefighters had to remain vigilant, as the winds that were feeding the fire would quickly pick back up and cause a significant amount of em bers to spread across the fire grounds along with pieces of the building breaking off and becom ing flying projectiles. As they were spraying water, firefighters would get hit with the mist from the hand lines and master streams and the water would freeze to them, adding to the challenges on scene. Firefighters in the rear of the building that placed their appara tus between the greenhouses and the main barn were able to suc cessfully stop the fire from spread ing. Firefighters on the Bravo side of the structure were able to con tain the fire to the main structure and prevent it from spreading to any of the nearby buildings. Fire fighters remained on scene until the early hours of the morning, battling the fire and hitting hotspots and overhauling. Crews had an extensive amount of equip ment to pick up, and did not go back in service until the early hours of the next morning. The building was deemed a total loss. Fire investigators from Columbia County requested New York State Office of Fire Preven tion and Control to the scene. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.
JEFFREY BELSCHWIHDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWIHDER/SIDEWIHDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Massive barn fire at Samascott Orchard lights up the night sky over Kinderhook.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Chief Wayne Huyck of the Niverville Fire Department.
March, 2025
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 11
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
A lbany F ire fig h te rs A rrive to Heavy F ire and Two Houses on F ire ALBANY, NY - On January 7th at 2:46 P.M., the City of Albany's Fire Department was dispatched to 610 3rd Street for a structure fire. The dispatcher notified all units that they were taking multiple calls on the fire. En Jump to fiie# gines 7, 9 and 5, 013025106 along with Rescue 9, Trucks 3 and 2, Mo hawk Ambulance Service and the bat talion chief were dis patched to the scene. Engine 7 notified the dispatcher that they had smoke showing from a few blocks out, as police on scene began to evacuate the neighboring structure. A few moments later. Engine 7 arrived on scene and had heavy fire showing on the front of the structure and heavy fire out the rear of the building and beginning to spread to the neighboring structure. Com mand transmitted the second-alarm, bringing additional resources to the scene. Firefighters began deploying multiple hand lines along with twoand-a-half-inch hand lines to the front of the structure to knock down the heavy fire condition. Firefighters connected to the hydrant across the street and command had another en gine grab another fire hydrant down the block and lay in to establish an other water supply.
Firefighters in the rear of the building began knocking down the heavy fire condition on the Delta side of the structure and the siding that was on fire on the exposure building. An additional truck com pany came in off the street behind the property, took up position in a vacant lot and began to extend their ladder over the back of the building. As firefighters continued to work, heavy fire traveled throughout the structure and in the rear of the build ing there was a partial collapse. Ply wood on the windows of the structure made it difficult for fire fighters to gain access to the fire in the building. Fire on the Bravo side blew through the building and fire fighters quickly began to knock down all of the visible fire. With heavy fire still pushing from the building, the two truck companies in front of the structure set up and began connecting to a water supply, waiting for command to give them the go ahead to go into master stream operations. Firefight ers in the front of the structure moved away from the building and set up a blitz fire in the roadway. Command notified all units that they were going into master stream oper ations. Firefighters from the truck companies and the crews with the blitz fires switched into master stream operations, quickly knocking down the heavy fire condition within
minutes. Firefighters continued to utilize master stream operations for an ex tended period of time. Crews in the
exposure building were able to knock down the heavy fire condition on the side and overhaul the inside of the building. No injuries on scene
were reported, and the fire is under investigation at this time. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDERPHOTOGRAPHY Albany FF Wilbur hitting the heavy fire with the deck gun on Engine 7.
Working House Fire on Route 11 in the Town of Kirkwood KIRKWOOD, NY - At 11:42 A.M. on the morning of January 23rd, the Five Mile Point Fire Co. was dispatched to the address of 1128 Route 11 for a house fire. With multiple calls and reports from responding personnel of fire and smoke showing, the 2nd alarm was quickly requested. Upon arrival of the first Engine 7 minutes after dispatch, crews en countered a single wide trailer with an addition off the side with heavy fire and smoke conditions. Initially it was unknown if the resident was home at the time of the fire, and an aggressive attack was initiated. Two hose lines were stretched to extin guish the fire. As additional crews arrived, an attempt was made to uti lize the hydrant across the street from the driveway. Finding that hy drant frozen due to recent extreme cold temperatures, crews were forced to switch gears and utilized tankers. Additional tankers were re quested at this time. With quick as sistance from the Town of Kirkwood Water Department, the hydrant was thawed and was able to be utilized. This caused Route 11 to have to be closed for a short time while 5-inch hose ran across the
road. As soon as the main body of fire was extinguished, crews broke down the 5-inch line and reopened Route 11. Pretty quickly into the fire, the resident was located and safe. Crews remained on scene for sev eral hours extinguishing the fire, searching the building, and per forming overhaul operations. All crews were clear of the scene at 2:30 P.M. The house is being con sidered a total loss due to the extent of damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the members of the Broome County Fire Investigation Team. The resi dent is being assisted by the Red Cross. Five Mile Point Fire Co. was assisted on scene by the Kirkwood Fire Co., Conklin Fire Department, West Windsor Fire Co., Town of Binghamton Fire Co., Great Bend Flose Co., Superior Ambulance, Broome County Fire Coordinators, Broome County Fire Investigation Team, Broome County Sheriffs De partment, New York State Police, New York State DOT, Town of Kirkwood Water Department, Town of Kirkwood Code Enforcement, Red Cross and NYSEG Electric. Windsor Fire Co. and Port Dickin son Fire Department also provided standby crews during this incident.
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- NICHOLAS GRISWOLD
March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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Serious Fatal Collision in the Town of New Scotland NEW SCOTLAND, NY - A serious crash in the Town of New Scotland claimed the life of a woman back on October 19, 2024. First responders were called to the area of New Scotland South Road and Orchard Hill Road at 2:20 RM. for a report of a two-car crash with one person possibly unconscious. As more information began coming into the dispatch ers, it was reported that there was entrapment in one of the cars and that one person was not breathing. Chief Mike Salisbury of the Onesquethaw Fire Department ar rived approximately 10 minutes into the incident and reported ar riving to a person on the ground next to the car with other first re sponders already on scene per forming CPR on one of the patients. “It appears a vehicle with two occupants pulled out of Game Fann Road into the path of a ve hicle traveling on New Scotland South Road,” said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple in a post on Facebook. Chief Salisbury said the car pulling off of Game Farm Road was struck on the driver's side, slightly entrapping the driver. Due to the impact on the driver's side, both cars came to a rest against each other. Crews had to move one of the cars away to gain ac cess to the car that was struck. Firefighters worked to remove
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the door off the car to get the driver out of the vehicle while EMS personnel were performing CPR on the passenger. The driver was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the other car was treated for minor injuries. The pa tient on the ground receiving CPR was a passenger in the vehicle that was struck on the driver's side. Despite life-saving measures, the 91-year-old woman (whose name has not been released), was pronounced dead at the scene. Road closures took place at Delaware Turnpike at New Scot land South Road, Orchard Hill Road at Spore Road, Game Farm Road at the railroad tracks, and New Scotland South Road at Miller Road. Chief Salisbury says the roads were closed for approximately five hours while police investi gated the scene. On scene were Onesquethaw, New Salem and Slingerlands fire departments, Onesquethaw EMS, Albany County Sheriff’s Ambu lance, Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Paramedics, Al bany County Sheriff’s Depart ment, and New York State Police. -THOMAS MARRA
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PAGE 14
March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Two-Alarm Row House Fire Leaves One Person Badly Burned in Albany
BOB MCCOBMICK
V ehicle Fire Near S tructu re in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Cronomer Valley FD responded to a re ported vehicle fire close to a structure on January 29th. Com mand arrived and requested the first-alarm sounded, requesting Plattekill, Good Will and Middlehope. Cronomer Valley stretched one line to the vehicle and knocked down the fire. Plattekill continued to the scene and supplied Cronomer Valley's engine with water. Middlehope was can celed to the scene, and Good Will was released to cover fire calls in Cronomer Valley's district. Command requested the Town of Newburgh Fire Inspector to the scene. Cronomer Val ley Fire Police directed traffic at the scene. The cause is under investigation.
JEFFBEY ARN0LD/@FIREPH0T025
Basement Fire in Geneseo GENESEO, NY - Just after midnight on Saturday, February 1st, Geneseo Fire/EMS was dispatched for a fire in the wall at 4928 Warner Road. Upon arrival, fire chief Andrew Chanler found a fire in the basement under the front door. He further requested mutual aid to the scene for a tanker from Groveland, as well as two additional engines from Lakeville and Livonia fire departments. The blaze was brought quickly under control with no injuries reported. Livingston County Emergency Management was investigating the cause. York Fire Department provided a standby during the incident.
ABANY, NY - On December 25, 2024, just before 10:00 P.M., multiple calls poured into the City of Al bany’s emergency communication cen ter that 530 2nd Street was on fire. The dispatcher dropped the alarm of fire tones for Engines 7, 1, 2, 10 and 11, Rescues 2, 9 and 1, Trucks 4 and 2, the rescue squad, Mohawk Ambulance Service, and the battalion chief re sponded to the scene. Engine 7 arrived in the front of the structure and had heavy fire blowing out the rear of the building. Engine 7 took the front of the build ing and had heavy smoke pushing from the roof of three buildings and heavy smoke pushing from the main fire building out the front windows and roof area. Command transmit ted the Signal 30 and the secondalarm. Firefighters deployed a one-and-three-quarter-inch hand line to the rear of the structure and went to work attempting to knock down the heavy fire condition. Fire fighters in the front of the building located a burn victim and quickly transported the victim to the hospi tal. Within a few minutes of crews getting on scene, the heavy fire in the rear of the building had ex tended into the other structures and thick heavy black smoke began to push from all three buildings. Fire fighters on scene went to work mak ing sure that everybody was out of the structures. Firefighters began deploying multiple hand lines into the structures and made their way to the second-floor as they had heavy smoke showing from all of the cocklofts. The freezing tempera tures on scene quickly began to cre ate havoc, as the roadway where the water was flowing into the engines and from the hand lines quickly began freezing into a sheet of ice. Firefighters attempted to connect to a nearby fire hydrant, but the hy drant was completely frozen, so they began to connect to the next engine to supply tank water to the primary engine on scene. Command requested additional engines as they continued to have hydrant problems on scene. Fleavy fire in the main fire building had consumed the structure and command made the tactical de cision to write off the building and attempt to stop the fire from spread ing at the next house. As firefighters were working inside of the structure heavy fire blew through the front of the main fire building and thick heavy black turbulent smoke began pushing from the windows, eaves, and the roof of the secondary build ing. Thick heavy smoke began to push out the Bravo side of the third building and out the front door of the structure. Firefighters made a
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Albany FD Engine 7's pump operator hitting the heavy fire with the deck gun.
push up to the second-floor and began to make an aggressive inte rior attack on the third building in the row house. The pump operator of Engine 1 was notified that En gine 11 was able to successfully get a hydrant to open and was estab lishing a water supply. As firefight ers continued to work inside of the exposure structures, conditions in side of the exposure buildings worsened as the heavy fire condi tion had traveled across the com mon cocklofts and in the walls. Engine 7’s pump operator quickly hopped on top of the rig and positioned the deck gun into the windows of the house, opened up the valve and put a master stream through the front window of the main fire building to knock down some of the heavy fire condi tion. As he was doing so, heavy smoke continued to push from the front of the two exposure buildings and fire had ignited out of the com mon space between the building. Firefighters on the roof of the struc ture began to vent the building and thick heavy and violent turbulent smoke continued to push from the building. Firefighters in the rear of the structure requested a two-anda-half-inch hand line to the rear of the building with a blitz fire to at tempt to get the heavy fire condi tion in the rear of the structure under control. Firefighters in the front of the structure deployed ground ladders to the front of the building and began to vent the front windows on the structure. Firefight ers inside of the structure notified command that they were becoming overrun by fire and were backing out of the structure. Firefighters in the front of the building took out the windows on the second floor of the building and had heavy smoke pushing from all of the windows that became vented. Firefighters on the bravo side of the third structure utilize a hand line and began to put the stream into the attic area of the third building as they had heavy fire pushing out the side vent. Firefighters on scene began to run multiple 2 1/2-inch
hand lines to the truck companies on scene to feed them to be able to go into master stream operations. Command requested the dispatcher to transmit the evacuation tones for all of the firefighters inside of the building to exit the structure as they were going to go into master stream operations and defensive opera tions. As firefighters came out of the building, they began to change their air bottles out and grab a bot tle of water quickly while addi tional firefighters set up master streams in the street. Fleavy fire blew through all three of the build ings and through the roof of the structures. Firefighters in the rear of the structure set up lighting and master streams as firefighters cut a hole in the fence and ran a supply line from the next street over. As firefighters were working in the front, firefight ers from the truck companies were in position and had water being supplied to the ladder pipe and crews went to work knocking down the heavy fire in the roof area. Fire fighters in the front of the structure continued to utilize master stream operations along with firefighters utilizing hand lines to hit the re maining fire in the primary fire building. As firefighters continued to utilize master stream operations the heavy fire conditions inside of the buildings quickly subsided and the street had a thick heavy layer of smoke and steam throughout the area. Within 20 minutes, firefighters were able to utilize multiple master streams and bring the incident under control. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period of time hit ting hotspots after the incident was brought under control. Fire Investi gators are working to determine the cause of the fire. The individual that was transported to Albany Medical Center was listed in stable but crit ical condition. No firefighters on scene sustained any injuries. Fire fighters went back into service later in the morning. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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PAGE 15
PAGE 16
March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
MASON CAMPBELL
(Lto R): PJ Farrell-Campbell Supply Service Director, Ryan BaileyCampbell Supply Sales Manager, Clinch Valley VFD Chief David Strong-Clinch Valley VFD Assistant Chief Jason Hagreen, Mike Sassi-Old Bridge Fire District 3 Commissioner, Bob Verney-Old Bridge Fire District 3 Chief Administrator, Scott Campbell-Campbell Supply President, John Craft-Campbell Supply Vice President & CFO, Nick Raymond-Campbell Supply Service Manager for Emergency Equipment.
New Life fo r an Old Engine Engine 322, known fondly as "22," had a distinguished 32 years of service in South Old Bridge and the surrounding towns. Pur chased in 1992 by the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire Dis trict #3 in Old Bridge, it became a trusted workhorse for the local fire service. Flowever, in 2024, after three decades of service, it was time for 322 to retire and make way for a new engine. A 2025 Spartan fire engine, 322. But as the old engine made its way out, a new chapter was being written for 322. After the devasta tion caused by Flurricane Flelene in September 2024 in North Car olina and Tennessee, the Board of Fire Commissioners felt a deep sense of compassion and looked into the possibility of donating 322 to a fire department in need in those affected regions. Though 322 had seen better days, it still had potential, albeit requiring some tender loving care and minor repairs. With the help of the Middle sex County OEM Director Jack Kramer, Old Bridge Fire District 3 was able to get in touch with Bill Killen of the America’s First Responders Foundation. Bill was able to get the two organizations together on conference calls and the arrangements were finalized. This is where Scott Campbell, President of the Campbell Supply Company, came into the scenario. Campbell Supply, a family-owned business in South Brunswick, New Jersey, is a premier dealer -
JUMP TO FILE #020725100
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ship for commercial and emer gency vehicles. The Board of Fire Commissioners and Campbell Supply got together and came to an agreement to get the necessary repairs done to Engine 322 so it could continue its mission in the storm-ravaged areas of Tennessee. With repairs completed by Campbell Supply, Chief David Strong and Assistant Chief Jason Flagreen of the Clinch Valley Vol unteer Fire Department in Eidson, Tennessee, traveled to Campbell Supply in South Brunswick to pick up their "new" fire engine and drive it back to Tennessee. This collaboration ensured that the old 322 would carry on serv ing a community, though in a dif ferent state, continuing its legacy. Congratulations to the Clinch Valley Volunteers! A special thanks go to the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District #3 in Old Bridge for their thoughtful donation, and a heartfelt acknowl edgment to Scott Campbell and the entire team at Campbell Sup ply for their professionalism, gen erosity, and philanthropy in making this possible. Through this donation, 322 has found new life, showing that even in retirement, a piece of equipment can continue to serve communities and save lives. - ROBERT VERNEY
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters knocking down the heavy fire in the front of the building as other firefighters pushed into the building.
Two-Alarm House Fire on Dunsbach Rd. in West Crescent Fire District On January 5th at 6:30 P.M., the West Crescent Fire Department, Boght Fire Company for the RIT, and Clifton Park EMS were dis patched to 132 Dunsbach Road for a reported structure fire. The caller was an individual driving by, stat ing that the house was on fire. Car 69-9 from the West Cres cent Fire Department arrived on scene and radioed the dispatcher that he had a working structure fire with heavy fire in the garage and breezeway area, extending into the house, and requested the secondalarm. Command requested national grid to the scene, as he had a gas meter that melted off the structure and was actively burning. The Clifton Park Fire Department, Halfmoon-Waterford Fire Department, and Visher Ferry Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. The first engine on scene took the drive way and firefighters immediately deployed a one-and-three-quarterinch inch hand line to the garage, the breezeway, and the Bravo side of the structure. Command notified the incoming fire chief that he had heavy fire spreading up the side of the house into the second-floor. The pump operator on scene hit the house with a master stream from the deck gun, knocking down a sig nificant portion of the fire on the ex terior portion of the house. Firefighters on scene hand laid the large diameter hose up to the roadway for the next incoming en gine to establish a water supply. Firefighters on the next incoming engine laid their large diameter hose down the roadway over 600feet to the scene. As firefighters
Jump to file #011925124
continued to work on scene, heavy fire extended into the second-floor area and began to push out the front windows of the structure and out of the Delta side of the structure. Fire fighters coming in from the oppo site direction located a closer hydrant and established the water supply. Firefighters utilized a hand line from the exterior portion of the structure and began to knock down a significant portion of the fire from the exterior. As they were doing so, firefighters deployed a three-quarter-inch hand line in to the front door of the structure and began to conduct an aggressive interior at tack. Firefighters on the Bravo side of the structure utilized the hand line to knock down the significant fire pushing from the garage roof area and the breezeway. Firefighters utilized a rotary saw to cut open the garage doors. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the heavy fire in the garage area and in the breezeway. There was still an active fire from the gas meter, so a fire fighter on scene utilized a halligan bar and shut off the gas at the bot tom of the pipe to stop the gas fed fire. As this was going on, the en gine operator on scene requested the hydrants to be charged as they were running low on water. Fire fighters inside of the structure con ducting an aggressive interior attack were able to knock down all of the heavy fire inside of the struc ture and additional firefighters began to make their way inside to
pull apart the ceiling to check the roof of the structure and make sure that there was no hidden fire. Firefighters on scene began to establish scene lighting, and the Jonesville Fire Department was brought to the scene with the rehab unit for firefighters who were work ing on scene. With the extremely cold temperatures, the water and foam being utilized to battle the fire quickly began to freeze. Command requested national grid to the scene with a gas crew, as they were going to have to dig up the main out at the roadway and shut it off. Firefighters continued to conduct extensive overhaul of the badly damaged home and to search for the family’s pets inside. Firefighters on scene came out of the house, exchanged their air bottles and a new crew made their way inside of the struc ture to continue to conduct exten sive overhaul of the badly damaged house. Fire investigators arrived on scene and began to conduct their in vestigation into the cause of the fire. Firefighters remained on scene for a significant portion of the evening. Fire Investigators worked until the early hours of the morning conducting their investigation. Na tional grid shut down the power and gas to the home. The building de partment and code enforcement was brought into the scene to check into the structural stability of the building. No injuries were reported. Unfortunately, the family's pets per ished in the fire. Firefighters went back into service in the late evening hours. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 17
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Providing a watchful eye and help if needed were Orange County Technical Rescue Team Deputy Coordinator Anthony Kurtz, Port Jervis FD firefighters and Special Operations Team members Mike Aumick, PJFD Chief Keith Brown, PJFD Past Chief Frank Fuller III, Dana Presto, Justin Brewster, and Billy Brewster.
Port Jervis FD Hosts Special Operations Team Polar Plunge Event PORT JERVIS, NY - Port Jervis Fire Department hosted its sixth annual Polar Plunge at West End Beach on January 11, 2025. The Delaware River temperature was listed by the National Park Service as 32-degrees in the Port Jervis area as 69 swimmers en tered the water via a path cut through the icy river. The Polar Plunge is co-hosted annually by PJFD and the Port Jervis Recreation Department. All funds raised benefit PJFD’s Spe cial Operations Squad, which in turn contributes toward lifeguard certifications needed in advance of summer swimming season at the beach. Snow was falling as PJFD firefighters and Department of Public Works crews prepared firepits and wood stacks to keep participants warm, heated tents, music and other amenities early on Saturday morning. While last year’s Polar Plunge took place in unseasonably warm January tem peratures, the air was 28-degrees as firefighters marked a perimeter and used chainsaws to remove ice from the river area used for this year’s plunge. Some firefighters not only helped prepare the beach and water, but braved the swimming aspect, also. One was Matamoras, PA Mayor Cory Homer, an active neighboring fireman who has completed the local plunge in all six of its years. Another was PJFD’s 1st Assistant Chief An thony Fuller, who traded his res cue gear for swimming attire during the plunge part of the event, as he has each year. PJFD Chief Keith Brown was stationed in the river with fellow Special Operations Team, keeping close watch on those taking to the water the event. PJFD 3rd Assistant
PROVIDED
(L to R): Kathy Welsh, Public Information Officer Union Vale Fire District, recently presented over 28 pounds of aluminum soda tabs to Home Bureau Eastern District Chairperson Alice Dickson, Dutchess County Home Bureau Chairperson Anne Christmas, and Eastern District/Dutchess County Home Bureau Community Service Chairperson Marie Elliott for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Jump to file #011225117
I ^ Local F ire Com pany P ic k s Up th e Tab Chief Jeff Lewis joined many other company members with as sistance offered on shore. Lindsay Imhold, a repeat plunge participant, attended with her six-year-old daughter Victoria and husband William. William Imhold was one of Port’s fire fighters assisting in keeping the beach firepits roaring. Lindsay said she was glad to return this year knowing what to expect. She plans to return next year. For most, it was a fun event for a great cause. Chip Estenes, dressed as a loggerhead turtle and carrying a sign explaining this tur tle species’ lifestyle and habitat, praised the community’s all-vol unteer fire department and skilled responders. Last year he was dressed as a penguin, and has par ticipated in all six years represent ing and teaching about varying water-based wildlife. “Our firefighters do not have to do what they do, but they do it without question and without pay. I can’t say enough about the men and women of our local fire de partments,” Estenes said. That feeling between fire fighters and the community they serve is mutual, according to PJFD Firefighter Tim Simmons, 1st Lieutenant of PJFD’s Water Operations Team and co-chairman of the Polar Plunge with Recre ation Director John Faggione. Both chairmen praised the support of all involved. “The best part is the commu nity involvement. It’s good to see all the participants have fun while supporting us,” Simmons said. - SHARON SIEGEL
UNION VALE, NY - The Union Vale Fire Company, located in Dutchess County, began col lecting aluminum soda tabs at the end of October and within two months, and thanks to the eager ness and enthusiasm of the public, close to 30 pounds of aluminum tabs were collected for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Recently, Public Information Officer Kathy Welsh of the Union Vale Fire District donated the first collection of tabs to members of the Eastern District Home Bureau of NYS Federation of Home Bu reau Inc., which includes Home Bureau Eastern District Chairper son Alice Dickson, Dutchess County Home Bureau Chairperson Anne Christmas, and Eastern Dis trict/Dutchess County Home Bu reau Community Service Chairperson Marie Elliott. Local chapters of the Eastern District Home Bureau of NYS Federation of Home Bureau Inc. have been collecting aluminum tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities for some time now. Welsh said, “When I heard the Home Bureau was collecting alu-
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3i I » minum tabs for a worthy cause, I thought we could help out to col lect even more aluminum tabs and invite the public for their support.” And the public came through in flying colors! In just 10 weeks, a little over 28 pounds of aluminum tabs were collected. An individual from as far away as Monticello heard about our campaign through social media and donated several years’ worth of tabs, noted Welsh. And emails and phone calls have been received wanting to support the campaign. “These tabs will be given to the Ronald McDonald House in Albany to help with their heating expenses. We are very grateful to Kathy Welsh, the fire department, and the entire community for part nering with us and helping to sup port this project,” said Community Service Chairperson Marie Elliott. Welsh said the fire company will be collecting aluminum tabs for an all-year campaign in 2025.
As a courtesy, and for the public’s convenience, there is a drop-off container at the Union Vale Town Hall, 249 Duncan Road, where the public can bring their aluminum tabs. “We are very happy to help the Eastern District Home Bureau of NYS collect and give the tabs from our very first campaign to ul timately help Ronald McDonald House Charities,” said Welsh. Dutchess County Home Bu reau, part of the New York State Federation of Home Bureaus, is a women’s organization centered around crafting with a focus on community service, fellowship, and family life. Their local com munity service efforts focus on helping veterans, those in nursing care facilities, and babies bom at Northern Dutchess Hospital and Albany Medical Center. To learn more about Dutchess County Home Bureau’s Community Serv ice efforts or to partner with them, contact Marie Elliott at marieelliott.facs89@gmail.com. - KATHY WELSH
Read More News from Around New York Online!
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PATCH OF THE MONTH I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r “P a tc h o f th e m o n th “f e a tu r e p le a s e u p lo a d th e m on o u r w e b s ite , w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r em ail th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m .
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Serious MVA w ith Ejection in Middle Hope
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Brocton Fire Department, located in Chautauqua County, NY.
MIDDLE HOPE, NY - Middle Hope FD responded to a tractor-trailer/vehicle MVA with ejection in the area of 5453 State Route 9W on January 22nd. Town of Newburgh Police and EMS were at the scene. Town of Newburgh EMS requested a MedEvac for the driver of the vehicle, but later the request was canceled. Town of Newburgh EMS transported one subject to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. State Route 9W was closed between Old Post Road and Cortland Drive during the incident. Town of Newburgh ID Unit was requested to the scene for photos. Both vehicles were impounded by Town of Newburgh Police. New York State Police also assisted at the scene. The Town of Newburgh Police Dept, is investigating the cause.
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March, 2025
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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R esp o n d er N e w sp a p e r This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage o f Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1 9 9 3
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MARCH, 20 25
PARKER AUSTIN (PAUSTINFIREPHOTOS)
BROOKHAVEN, NY - On January 8th, the Brookhaven FD was alerted for a reported residential structure fire on Loughlin Dr. On arrival of 5-3-30, he had heavy fire in an attached garage.
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLANI ADVERTISER
INDEX A guide to finding great companies
Company
NAVIGATING THROUGH CRISIS Seasonal Changes
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Chaplain’s Corner Firematic
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CORPORATE INFORM ATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 27 No. 3 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Pe riodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for
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Additional news from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
The circumstance may be out of your control, but how you transition is optional (your choice, your atti tude). The old saying: “Attitude de termines Altitude” is so true. Each of us will face situations which brings us to a place of transition. Transition is the process or a period of changing from one state or con dition to another. How can we thrive in times of change and crisis? CRISIS = a time of intense dif ficulty, trouble, or danger: Another definition of a crisis is an an unexpected change or event over which we have no control over. Sound familiar? We have all been in situations where we had lit tle or no control over it. Life is all about seasonal changes. And the truth is, our success many times de pend upon our ability to navigate through storms and personal con flict. THE BENEFITS OF SEA SONS. 1. Nothing is permanent Ex cept God and His promises. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time fo r every purpose under heaven: God is saying: Everything has a season, nothing is permanent. Everything we go through is only for a time, it won’t last. And one thing you can count on is that God never changes. God and His prom ises are permanent and can be de pended upon. 2. Seasons guarantee change. Seasons of your life (good or bad) will introduce change. Change is inevitable. So, no matter how cold it gets in the winter, summer is coming. One of the keys to living a victori ous life is knowing how to outlast
the season. If you can stay warm long enough to survive winter, sum mer is coming. When winter comes you don’t throw away your swim trunks and t-shirts. You don’t drop them off at the Goodwill. You store them in a drawer. Why? Because you know that winter is temporary (a season). Every crisis offers an opportu nity. I know this may sound as through I am trivializing someone else’s pain or suffering, but the truth is that we can grow thought what we go through. There are positive les sons to be learned in every season of difficulty. One thing we know about storms - they’re always moving. We STAND, til it MOVES past us. That is why we should never respond per manently to a temporary problem. The Bible says: “Weeping may last fo r a night hut jo y cometh in the morning” In other words; there will be things in life that cause you to weep - but don’t worry, the season of laughter will return again. Genesis 8:22 “A s long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. ” 3. God’s blessing comes in every season. You may find yourself in the cold right now -God’s message to you: warmth is on it’s way. Some of you are in darkness right now - Day time is coming. Ezekiel 34:26 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in seasons; there will be showers o f blessing. Your shower is coming. Even God’s blessings come in seasons. So, let’s have faith that “this too shall pass”. Whenever you experi ence something that in your mind comes under the category of a crisis (a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger) I want you to think and say - Opportunity. Always remember - what lies behind us and what lies before us is nothing compared to what lies within us. Pastor Fernando Villicana Fire Service Chaplain
PARKER AUSTIN
MVA w ith Car Fire in Yaphank YAPHANK, NY - On January 26th, the Yaphank Fire Depart ment was alerted for a reported motor vehicle accident with car fire at Mill Rd. and German Blvd. 5-30-51 arrived on scene and knocked down the fire with a fire extinguisher. 5-30-7 and 5-30-15 still responded in, cleared all leaks and made sure that all fire was knocked down. Crews went back into service 30 minutes later.
PARKER AUSTIN
Another MVA w ith Car Fire fo r Yaphank YAPHANK, NY - On the evening of January 22nd, the Yaphank Fire Department was activated for a reported motor vehicle accident with car fire at Yaphank Middle Island Rd. On arrival of 5-30-31, he had an involved auto and no one trapped. 5-307 and 5-30-9 responded in and extinguished all fire. Crews went back into service within 30 minutes.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
March, 2025
PAGE 25
LONG ISLA
Rick Billings C^ he cold harp truth... W O W ' A HOME RON/ I'M SORRY I MISSEP THE GAME POPPY...
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Smoke and flames pushing out of the house.
Lakeland FD Combats House Fire RONKONKOMA, NY - On Tuesday, January 7th at approxi mately 8:50 A.M., the Lakeland Fire Department was activated for a reported structure fire on Wild wood Road. Upon the arrival of 3-13-30, a working fire was transmitted with heavy fire on the first and second floors of a private dwelling. Lake land Fire Department Engine 313-4 arrived first due and began an aggressive interior attack. Mutual aid was provided by Central Islip Fire Department, Bo-
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JUMP TO FILE #011525111
hernia Fire Department, Flolbrook Fire Department, Nesconset Fire Department, and Ronkonkoma Fire Department. The cause of the fire is cur rently under investigation by the Islip Town Fire Marshal's Office. All units operated under the com mand of 3-13-30. - BRADLEY FOWLER
ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our All in the Family feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
RRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Lakeland Fire Department Engine 3-13-4 hooked up to hydrant.
JOHH WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Wading River Lt. Brendan Donnelly and Chief of Department Mark Donnelly at the department's open house.
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLA WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
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If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
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BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Hempstead Fire Department Truck Company 1 operates this 1998 Mack MR/Saulsbury Walk-In Rescue as Rescue 86. This truck has previously served American Fire Company 1 PA & Fire Department of New York Mask Service Unit.
STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
March, 2025
PAGE 27
SCENES FROM THE 2025 LONG ISLAND METRO FIRE/EMS EXPO PHOTOS BY M ICKEY FAVINO
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG IS L A N lf DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
Leadership in the Fire Service There are literally dozens of roles within the fire service. There are firefighters, line offi cers, civil officers and instruc tors to name a few. One title that will likely never be found is “leader” and that is because leadership cannot be contained and defined in a label. There is no NFPA standard. Further, lead ership might be a long-lasting concept such as an officer that has to consistently design and implement drills or it could be momentary on the fireground when any firefighter regardless of rank can take the lead in knocking down the flames. In French “je ne sais quoi” translated literally means “I don’t know what” but is used to portray an indescribable, spe cial distinguishing feature. Leadership can be thought of in these terms due to often being intangible. Also that any fire fighter can inspire other fire fighters to follow his/her lead. Leadership may also come in a more tangible and indeed ad ministrative form such as lobby ing for safer firefighting tactics and equipment, changing an employment policy to allow leave for firefighter to respond to calls or ensuring that instruc tors have the necessary gear to teach with or pursuing legal remedies such as the volunteer firefighter benefit law (VFBL). Not to complicate this topic even more but being a leader is sometimes natural but can also be developed. There are some firefighters that simply give off an aura that compels others to follow them into a burning build ing while other leaders in the fire service over the years put in the time, energy and effort to learn their craft and as a result as cended the ranks to leadership positions. A good example of developed leadership would be the perfection of radio commu nications since this skill typi cally must be practiced consistently. How leadership is attained is ir
relevant when considering one of the common roots i.e. knowl edge of necessary skills. Fire fighters won’t simply follow a title and are far more likely to fol low someone that has intimate knowledge of firefighting and firefighting tactics to the point they make quick, decisive choices when necessary. One other intangible quality that defines leadership is confi dence. On the fireground that translates to having the confi dence to trust the firefighters around you and under your command. When comparing those officers/chiefs that trust their blackhats to do the job ex pertly, effectively and safely ver sus those that feel that they must control every aspect of the firehouse from the fire scene to rolling hose in the apparatus bay and you’ll find the most effi cient and successful is the for mer model. What then is the role of a fire service instructor relative to leadership? First and foremost, instructors are typically leaders themselves that consistently display leadership whether it’s in the classroom facilitating a discussion or demonstrating motor skills. Instructors are the first line in recognizing natural leaders (one could argue it takes one to know one) and certainly in developing others. In most cases, leaders display those skills consistently which from an omnipotent standpoint is easily recognizable. There are times when an instructor will have to have a simple conversa tion with a potential leader be cause that firefighter may not recognize their own potential. What then can an instructor do to beyond recognition. That an swer is also simple. Provide op portunities to shine. Provide opportunities to lead and in struct other firefighters within the class such as designating that firefighter as team manager. This is not to say that an instruc tor should ignore potential lead ership abilities in other
firefighters. Rather focus on the most promising students - real istically, there are only so many opportunities in a given class. Since leadership also involves having a more intimate knowl edge of the fire service Instruc tors can also recommend firematic books such as Seven Fires by Peter Charles Hoffer. As an aside this is an excellent book about seven historical fires that shaped the current fire serv ice. Displaying leadership may also involve having the authority to discipline other firefighters under your charge. In this regard there is a time, place and method to do so. Generally, it is wise to be critical but not criti cize. Remember that leadership involves improving the perform ance of those around you. Being critical as a form of evaluation aimed at improving firefighter skill sets is essential. Criticism on the other hand is typically un necessarily negative and has the opposite effect breeding con tempt and resentment - two properties that any fire company can do without. In the quest to develop leaders and leadership there are defi nitely impediments. If ever there was an enemy of leadership it would be bureaucracy and com placency. Standing tall based on principle is a necessity even it means having to endure some backlash. For example, not being complacent with current, unsafe practices or possibly fol lowing the chain of command above and beyond the first level bringing awareness to an ongo ing safety concern. Displays of leadership can be described in this regard as the “Courage to be Safe”. Fire Learning Net work’s online class in this re gard can be accessed here: https ://www.f ireherolearningnetwork.com/training_programs/co urage_to_be_safe.aspx To summarize: Brendan Boyle, a civil officer for a capital region (NY) volunteer fire company, in a recent speech
commemorating the installment of officers remarked the follow ing in reference to leadership:
tone, foster teamwork, and en sure that we are well prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
The role of an officer is one that requires selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. The well being of each other. It’s a calling that goes far beyond just wear ing a uniform —it's about show ing up when it matters most... and serving with integrity and pride. It’s about abandoning your ego and putting your com mitments before all else.
Leadership is a privilege. As we move forward, let’s continue to work together to ensure that we remain a beacon of resilience, committed to readiness and service to our community.
Leadership is a sacrifice. It is. To those stepping into leadership roles, you’re not just officers— you are the leaders of our com munity, the exemplar who set the
Leadership is the greatest honor. To our outgoing officers, we ex tend our sincere gratitude. Your hard work, dedication, and vi sion have shaped the direction of this department, and we owe much of our success to your leadership. Your contributions will be felt for years to come. - JOSEPH CEA
PARKER AUSTIN (PAUSTINFIREPHOTOS)
PARKER AUSTIN (PAUSTINFIREPHOTOS)
Attached Garage Fire Quickly Knocked in Brookhaven BROOKHAVEN, NY - On January 8th, the Brookhaven FD was alerted for a reported residential structure fire on Loughlin Dr. On arrival of 5-3-30, he had heavy fire in an attached garage. 5-3-1 was first due and knocked the fire down. Mutual aid departments responded in and helped with overhaul. All crews went back into service within 2 hours.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
March, 2025
PAGE 29
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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Second-Alarm on Tompkins Ave. in Brooklyn BROOKLYN, NY - (Box 675) New York City Firefighters bat tled a two-alarm fire at 155 Tompkins Avenue on Friday morn ing, January 24th. The fire broke out shortly before 10:00 A.M. in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.
Group photo with members of Ladder 83, Ladder 86 and Capt. Anthony Harper (center) of Engine 163.
ACTION SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our Action Shots feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
STEVE WHITE
Baby Rescued from Second-Alarm in Staten Island PAULRRINCAT
FDNY Marine Unit operating at a boat fire in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn back on October 10, 2021.
STATEN ISLAND, NY - On January 17th, Capt. Harper, without the protection of a hose line, was notified by a civilian that a baby was trapped in the smoky basement at 267 Ada Drive, a twostory private dwelling. Capt. Harper rushed into the basement, located the baby and handed the baby to the OV, Ryan Smith of Ladder 86, through an open window. The baby was trans ported to the hospital in critical condition, along with four other civilians. Fire marshals inves tigated the fire and determined it was from a space heater plugged into an extension cord.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
March, 2025
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MEMORIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
STEVE WHITE
DAVID DURNS/@FD4D
Retired First Grade Firefighter Anthony Aquaro passed away at the age of 103 on January 12, 2025. Firefighter Aquaro was a World War 2 veteran and was sworn into the NYC Fire Dept, in 1953. He served with Engine 269 and was on the scene in 1960 when an airliner crashed in Brooklyn. He is pictured with his wife, Gloria, in 2023. The couple had been married for 80 years and lived on Staten Island for 60 years.
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
DAVID RURNS/@FD4D
Cause of Brooklyn 4th Alarm Under Investigation BROOKLYN, NY - (Box 155) New York City Firefighters battled a four-alarm fie at 335 Graham Avenue late Saturday night, January 26th. Fire extended to the exposures. The FDNY is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
CHUCK LOWE
FDNY Ladder 26, The Fire Factory, once operated this 1993 Seagrave 100' aerial. It carried shop number #SL9301.
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March, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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