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JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY TROY, NY — On M arch 1, 2026, at 1:49 AM, m u ltip le c a lls b e g an to p o u r in to th e R e n s s e la e r C o u nty E m erg en cy C o m m u n ic a tio n s C enter fo r a s tru c tu re fire at the G ris w o ld H e ig h ts apartm ent b u ild in g , apartm ent 33.
S ee full story on Page 8
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
CANAAN PROTECTIVE FIRE COMPANY
Task Force Response Controls Canaan House F ire CANAAN, NY - On J anu a ry 26th at 1:52 a.m., C o lu m b ia C ounty 911 alerted C anaan Fire, as part of the Lebanon V alley P ro te ctiv e A s s o c ia tio n ta sk force, to a reported s tru c tu re fire at 14755 Route 22 in New Lebanon. Canaan P ro te ctiv e F ire C om pany re sp o n de d w ith E n g in e 3441, Car 2, and Car 1. East Chatham F ire Com pany, R ed R o ck V olunteer F ire Com pany, an d Chatham R e sc u e S q ua d se rve d as m utual a id partners. C rew s from th e Le b an on V a lley P ro te c tiv e A s s o c ia tio n q u ic k ly e x tin g u is h e d th e fire . C anaan fire m e n p a rtic ip a te d w ith o v e rh a u l o p e ra tio n s a n d c h e c k e d fo r any leftover hot spots. Lebanon V alley Car 3 h e ld com m and an d c o o rd in a te d a p p ro a c h in g resources.
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
Fatal House Fire in New City Claim s Life of E lderly Woman
CANAAN PROTECTIVE FIRE COMPANY
Two V ehicles, Four Patients in Thruway Crash Near Canaan CANAAN, NY - On J anu a ry 25th at 9:35 a.m., C o lu m b ia C o u nty 911 sent East C hatham F ire Com pany, w ith m utual a id from Canaan an d lo c a l EMS ag e n c ie s, to a two-car a c c i den t on th e w estbo u nd Thruw ay betw een m ile m arkers 17.8 a n d 19.0. U n its w ere re tu rn in g from a c h im n e y fire in the Le b a n o n V alley P ro te c tiv e A s s o c ia tio n d is t r ic t w hen they w ere re d ire c te d to th e c ra sh site. T he C anaan P rotective F ire C om pany a rriv e d firs t an d fo u n d two a u to m o b ile s in separate lanes, w ith a total of fo ur patients. Crews set u p e q u ip m e n t to protect th e lo ca tio n , w h ile New York State P o lic e T roop T p ro v id e d e arly w arning. F ire an d EMS p erso n n e l cared for pa tie n ts a n d m oved d is a b le d a u to m o b ile s to re o p e n a tra v e l lane and in cre a se road safety.
N EW CITY, NY - At 5:32 p.m. on January 21 st, the N ew City Fire Department along with automatic structural mutual aid from the West Nyack and Flillcrest Fire Depart ments were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 14 Glenmere Road. While enroute, it was reported that there was possible entrapment. U pon arrival, there was heavy fire through the r o o f o f the % corner with additional fire throughout. It
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39 I & was determined that an elderly w om an was trapped in the house, but unconfirmed if her son was also. After making several aggres sive attempts, firefighters found the 85-year-old woman in the rear fam ily room. It was eventually deter-
mined that her son had left earlier that day. The fire was brought under control within an hour. N ew City was also assisted at the scene by the Thiells Fire Department. The fire is being investigated by the Clark stown P olice Department Fire In vestigation Unit. - C H R IS K E A R
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A DV ERTISER INDEX
C om pany
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LIFESAVING ON WHEELS
Page
EMS ISSUE A r m o r T uff F lo o r in g
C a m p b e ll S u p p ly C o .
3
1,56
CHELLE CORDERO F I R E 2026
35
F ir e m a t ic S u p p ly C o .
11
G a r r is o n F ir e & R e s c u e
11
J e r o m e F ir e E q u ip m e n t
11
K im t e k C o rp .
15
M id A t la n t ic R e s c u e
5
S in g le F in G o lf C o .
50
S t a t e L in e F ir e & S a fe ty
23
R odney D an gferfield’ s com ed ic catchphrase “I d on ’ t get no respect!” hits too clo se to hom e for today’ s EM S members. For too long, EM S has been called the “red-headed stepchild o f first response.”This dem ean ing attitude from others belittles the First R esponders w ho have spent hours in classroom s learn ing how to SAVE LIVES. Em ergency M edical Techni cians (EMTs), Paramedics, Certi fied First R esponders (CFRs), and Em ergency Vehicle O pera tors spend hours in classroom s and on-site situations learning how to treat patients, diagnosing, treating illness, bandage wounds, and safely transporting to medical facilities as necessary, and often com forting a patient and the fam ily ’ s fears. Our EM S First R esponders pass on valuable m edical infor m ation to the receivin g nurses and doctors at the hospital which helps to further treat the patient
towards the best p ossib le out come. And yet, too often, am bu lance crew s are m erely regarded as mere transport to m edical facil ities. Each patient is different, each sym ptom needs to be evalu ated, and som etim es the treatment received in the rig w ill make the b iggest difference in whether the patient even survives lon g enough to reach a doctor’ s care. A m bulance crew s are c o m prised o f professional m edical technicians w ho have successfully taken hours o f education and training. They are often the first ones on scene during a m edical emergency. And yet, far too often, our EM S crew s are not even in cluded in lists o f First Responders. A recent conversation with a guide at a 9/11 M em orial exclu ded the ambulance crew s (including EM T and Paramedics) from the list o f First R esponders claim in g that they were only transport vehicles. While “ambulance transports” have been around for centuries, beginning with horse drawn carts, am bulances with m edically trained individuals in autom obiles (and also helicopters and planes) becam e com m on in the m id 1900’ s. EM S signifies the trained and certified P R O F E SSIO N A L S delivering pre-hospital emergency m edical treatment to those who b ecom e ill or injured. The term “First R esponse”im cludes Police, Fire and EMS.
ALLENTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.
OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING
S u t p h e n C o rp .
7
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ALLENTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.
Allentown VFC Responds to Fully Involved Structure Fire in Scio ALLENTO W N, NY - A lle n to w n V olu nte er F ire C om pany u n its re s p o n d e d to a f u lly in v o lv e d stru c tu re fire on C o u nty Road 31 in th e Town of S c io , F e b ru a ry 25th. F ire fig h te rs w ere on sc e n e to c o n tro l th e fire a n d a id w ith s u p p r e s s io n efforts. A fter f in is h in g t h e ir a s s ig n m e n ts , A lle n to w n u n its w ere fre e d a n d re tu rn e d to duty. T he sc e n e re m a in e d a c tiv e as a s s is t in g u n its c a rrie d ou t m op-up o p e ra tio n s a n d lo o k e d fo r any le fto v e r hot s p o ts to e n s u re th e fire w as c o m p le te ly e x tin g u is h e d .
I st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
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New spaper 1 A R D M O R E S T R E E T •N E W W IN D S O R , N Y 12553 845-534-7500 •(fax) 845-534-0055 •N e w s @ 1 s t R e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m
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1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the lin e of duty
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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUM NISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Corner)
CORRESPONDENTS Jeffrey Arnold •Parker Austin •John Bechtold •Jeffrey Belschwinder •
Pennsylvania: Edward "Chip" Chidester, 55 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: March 11, 2025 Death Date: April 27, 2025 Fire Department: Harford Volunteer Fire Company Initial Summary: Assistant Chief Edward "Chip”
Virginia: Mack G. Mays Jr., 47 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: July 9, 2025 Death Date: July 10,2025
Chidester passed away on April 27, 2025, due to com pli
Department
cations o f surgeries for an injury he sustained fighting a
Initial Summary: On July 9, 2025, Assistant C h ief
brushfire on March 11, 2025.
M ack G. Mays Jr. responded to a false alarm at a com m ercial building. After returning home, he began
Brian Berkey •David Bums •Mike Carey •Mlichael Contaxis •Jeff Crianza •Russell Curley •Vinnie Dominick •Patrick D ’ Onofrio •Bob Faugh • Bradley Fowler •John Greco •Paul Harrington •Gary Hearn •Ron Jeffers • Lany Kensinger •B ob Krajicek •Connor Krueger •Jeff Levine •Stan De Long •Chuck Lowe •Tom Mlarra •Bob McCormick •Randy Mbntour • Tricia Mlood •William Mlurray •Mlark Picemo •Charlie Piper •David Ra~ gusa •John Rieth •Frank Robinson •Bob Root •Chris Sabella •Mlichael
Oregon: Ruben Gonzalez Romero, 64 Rank: Firefighter/Sawyer Incident Date: Aug. 24, 2025 Death Date: Aug. 24, 2025
Serrell •Sharon Siegel •John Smith •Ken Snyder •John Spaulding •Bill
Fire Department: United States Forest Service
Tompkins •Chris Tompkins •Bob Vaccaro •Gary Vanvoorhis •Frankie
- Region 6
Verderame •Stephen Wallace •John Walthers •Eugene Weber Jr •Steve White •Guy Zampatori Jr
EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder N ewspaper w elcom es subm issions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1Ard more St. N ew Windsor, NY 12553. Or, giv e us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all sub m issions you wash to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any
Fire Department: Monelison Volunteer Fire
Initial Summary: Firefighter/Sawyer Ruben Romero was serving as a sawyer on a Type 2 crew with TJ Forestry Contracting LLC. While actively involved in
experiencing chest pain and was found collapsed in side his house the follow in g day, within 24 hours o f responding to the alarm. Assistant C h ief M ays was pronounced deceased due to a cardiovascular event.
West Virginia: Steven Dale Griffith, 66 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 1,2025 Death Date: March 3, 2025
fighter/Sawyer Romero suffered a cardiovascular event.
Fire Department: Danville Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On March 1, 2025, Firefighter Steven
suppression o f the Bivens Creek Fire in Montana, Fire Rapid medical assistance was rendered from a line para
Griffith responded with the Danville Volunteer Fire D e
845-534-7500 ext. 212 •(fax) 845-534-0055
medic. Resuscitation attempts, however, were unsuc
partment to assist EMS with forcible entry into a resi
N ew s@ 1 s t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m
cessful and Firefighter/Sawyer Romero passed away.
dence. Within 24 hours o f this response, Firefighter
Kentucky: Brian Hatt, 51
local hospital. He was later transferred to a medical cen
Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: Aug. 22, 2025 Death Date: Aug. 22,2025
ter where he passed away on March 3,2025.
editorial or advertising material submitted.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder N ews’ graphics team w ill work with you on your adver tisement free o f charge. A ddition ally, w e offer a com plete marketing department for all o f your printed . communications, inc. needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, n o one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices. A s a newspaper in the Belsito Com m unications Inc. family, 1st Responder N ews has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scan ning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP C olor LaserJet 8500 to produce this highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.
845-534-7500 ext. 214 •(fax) 845-534-0055 ln f o @ B e ls it o . c o m
Griffith suffered a cardiac event and was transported to a
Fire Department: Raywick Fire Department Initial Summary: On August 22, 2025, Lieutenant
Ohio: Douglas William Thompson, 65 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: Sept. 4, 2025
was responding to a mutual aid call. During the re
Death Date: Sept. 5,2025 Fire Department: Warren Township Volunteer Fire
Brian Hatt was driving a fire department pumper as he sponse, the vehicle veered out o f control, hit an embank
Department
ment, and overturned. Lieutenant Hatt was ejected from
Initial Summary: On September 4, 2025, Firefighter
the vehicle as it rolled. Lieutenant Hatt was flown by
Douglas Thompson participated in fire department train
helicopter from the scene and transported to a hospital
ing from 7 to 9 p.m. Within 24 hours o f the training,
where he passed away on August 25, 2025, from the in
Firefighter Thompson suffered a cardiac event at home
juries sustained in the accident. Another firefighter who
and passed away.
was a passenger in the vehicle was also flown by heli copter to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 7
April, 2026
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PA G E 8
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Two C hildren & One Adult Burned in 2nd Alarm Griswold Heights Apartment Fire TROY, NY — On March 1, 2026, at 1:49 AM, multiple calls began to pour into the Rensselaer County Emergency Communica tions Center for a structure fire at the Griswold Eleights apartment building, apartment 33. Engine 3, En gine 6, Engine 2, Truck 1, Truck 2, the Rescue Squad, M edic 4, M edic 3, and the Battalion Chief were dis patched to the scene after the caller stated her apartment was on fire. Engine 3 arrived on scene with heavy lire showing from the road way and immediately declared a Signal 30 for a working structure fire. Police officers from the Troy Police Department rapidly began evacuating all o f the attached apart ments as heavy fire raged up the backside o f the building into the roof o f the structure. On the front side o f the structure, heavy fire was also visible. Command was notified that there were multiple victims from the fire on the other side o f the structure in an adjacent building that needed assistance. The Battal ion Chief immediately transmitted the second alarm, bringing the City o f Watervliet Fire Department, Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department,
and the Green Island Fire Depart ment to the scene. Firefighters immediately de ployed an inch-and-three-quarter handline from Engine 3 and called for water. As additional firefighters arrived on scene, they immediately began conducting rapid searches o f the adjacent apartments. Firefight ers, not receiving a response from the apartment next door, forced entry through the front door and rapidly began searching the struc ture. With the fire lane filled with parked vehicles, it made it difficult for additional fire apparatus to ac cess the lane, causing the truck company to remain on the roadway. Eleavy fire rolled out o f the win dows o f the apartment while thick black smoke pushed from the roof area. Firefighters made an aggres sive push inside the structure, be ginning to knock down a significant portion o f the heavy fire. Firefighters made their way through the apartment and up to the second floor, where they encoun tered heavy smoke and extreme heat pushing down from the fire below. Firefighters conducted a rapid primary search o f the apart ment but did not locate any victims. Troy firefighters then made their way to the other side o f the building and began treating multi ple burn victims, including chil dren. Firefighters from the truck
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Heavy fire p u s h in g from the front of B u ild in g 7 of G risw o ld H eig hts apartments. company threw a ladder to the roof and immediately began ventilating the fire building. Firefighters on the second floor conducted horizontal ventilation, releasing a significant amount o f heavy smoke. The Town o f Colonie Emer gency Medical Services and M o hawk Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters continued their aggressive interior attack as additional crews deployed a garden lay to the structure, while another firefighter established a water supply at a nearby fire hy drant. Police later notified Command that everyone in apartments 31 through 37 had been safely evacu ated. M edic 3 and M edic 4, unable to wait for additional ambulances to
arrive, quickly loaded two pediatric patients and one adult patient who had suffered burns in the fire and transported them to Albany Medical Center. Firefighters from Engine 4 provided additional resources to the medical crews to help stabilize the bum victims. Firefighters were able to knock down all o f the heavy fire condi tions inside the apartment and began conducting extensive overhaul. Crews also completed a secondary search o f all apartments, ensuring that all occupants and pets had safely escaped. Fire investigators arrived on scene along with members o f the Troy Flousing Authority, the City of Troy’ s Code Enforcement Division, and the City o f Troy Water Depart
ment. While on scene, Troy Police officers checked on occupants o f the apartments on both sides o f the fire apartment. Traffic on Project Road was shut down for an extended period o f time as fire apparatus occupied the entire roadway. Fire investigators later made entry into the apartment and began their investigation into the cause o f the fire. At this time, the three burn vic tims who were transported to A l bany Medical Center remain hospitalized. Two o f the victims have been transferred to the Westch ester Burn Center in critical condi tion, while the third victim is listed in stable condition. - J E F F R E Y B E LSC H W IN D ER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY A Troy F ire fig h te r to ss in g an AC on fire out the front door.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
I ^ Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
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April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
ANGELICA FIRE AND RESCUE
A ngelica Fire and Rescue Responds to Box Truck Rollover on 1-86
ROSTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. - NY
A N G ELICA , N Y -A t ap proxim ately 9:13 a.m. on February 17th, A n g e lic a F ire an d R e s c u e w as d is p a tc h e d to In terstate 86 w estbo u nd betw een m ile m arkers 111 and 110 in the Town of A n g e lic a for a reported m otor v e h ic le a cciden t. U pon a rriv a l, crew s located a box tru c k that had o v e rtu rne d onto its s id e in the hig hw a y m edian. T he s o le o ccupant had self-extricated p rio r to re s p o n d e rs ’ a rriv a l an d was tra n sp o rte d by MTS Am b u la n c e to Jones M em orial H o sp ita l for e valuation. A s s is tin g at the sce n e w ere the New York State P o lic e , New York State Departm ent of T ransportation, an d Fleet P rid e Towing. E m er g e ncy p e rs o n n e l se c u re d the area an d c o o rd in a te d v e h ic le recovery efforts w h ile traffic o p e ra tio n s w ere m anaged.
PATCH OF THE MONTH I f y o u have p h otos y o u w ou ld like to se e in ou r “Patch o f the m onth “feature please u pload them on our website, w w w .lstR esp on derN ew s.com or em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m .
ROSTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. - NY
ROSTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. - NY
Boston Volunteer Fire Company Announces 2026 Officers
EUGENE WERER JR. T h is patch b e lo n g s to th e West P o in t F ire Departm ent, located in O range County, New York.
BOSTON, NY - February 8, 2026 — T he B osto n V olunteer F ire Departm ent p ro u d ly re co g n ize d and co n g ra tu la te d its 2026 B osto n V olunteer F ire C om pany o ffice rs d u rin g a recent g atherin g . Members, fam ily, an d su p p o rte rs cam e tog e the r to h o n o r th o se se le c te d to lead the departm ent in the c o m in g year. T he new ly a p p o in te d o ffice rs represent a c o n tin u e d com m itm ent to le a d e r s h ip , se rvice , and o p e ra tio n a l e x c e lle n c e w ith in the com m unity. Departm ent o ffic ia ls e xp ressed c o n fid e n c e in the team ’s a b ility to g u id e th e com pany forw ard w h ile u p h o ld in g its lo n g s ta n d in g tra d itio n of d e d ic a tio n and v o lu n te erism .
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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PA G E 12
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Beacon F irefig hters Honor A ssistant C hief Dennis P. Lahey for 51 Years of Service BEACON, NY - February 17, 2026 - Beacon Professional Fire fighters IAFF Focal 3490 recog nized Assistant Chief Dennis P. Fahey (33-2) for his extraordinary 51 years o f active volunteer service to the City o f Bea con, including 27 years as a chief offi cer. Joining the fire service in 1975, As sistant Chief Fahey advanced through every rank within the department, serving as Firefighter, Lieutenant. Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief o f the Department. His five decades o f leadership and ded ication have left a lasting impact on both the department and the com munity it serves. Known for his steady presence at incidents— whether commanding operations or working alongside crews inside a structure— Fahey’ s commitment has become a hallmark o f reliability and service. Firefighters and city officials gathered to celebrate his lifetime of dedication, expressing gratitude for his unwavering support, mentor ship, and leadership throughout the years. -COURTESY OF BEACON PROFESSIO NAL FIREFIG H TERS IAFF
the c m z m o r th e c ity op beacon
IN RECOGNITION OP THE PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO HELPED MAKE THIS MUNICIPAL CENTER POSSIBLE
BEACON PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS IAFF L-3490 A ssistant C hief D en nis P. Lahey stands w ith a com m em orative pla qu e h o no rin g h is 51 years of service.
BEACON PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS IAFF L-3490 Members of the Beacon Fire Department gather o u tsid e headquarters to celebrate A ssistant C hief Lahey’s m ilestone.
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
P A G E 13
EMM Loans Joins Heroes Mortgage Program, Expands Financing Options for Community Heroes The Heroes Mortgage Program has announced
will provide a broader range o f financial solutions
build wealth beyond homeownership.
that EMM Loans has jom ed its platform as a par ticipating lending partner, further expanding fi
beyond traditional home lending. In addition to residential mortgage financing and refinancing,
The Heroes Mortgage Program mamtams a se lective network o f lending partners, choosing in
nancing options available to community heroes
the company will offer down payment assistance
stitutions that demonstrate a commitment to
nationwide.
programs tailored to eligible borrowers within the
service, transparency, and the ability to deliver
hero community.
enhanced benefits to community heroes. EMM
The Heroes Mortgage Program is designed to connect first responders and other essential pro
The partnership also introduces expanded fi
Loans’participation reinforces that mission,
fessionals with lenders offering specialized mort
nancial services, including home equity solutions
bringing additional resources and expertise to the
gage products and financial support. The
such as H ELOCs and cash-out refinancing, as
platform.
platform serves firefighters, police officers,
well as commercial financing options for invest
For eligible borrowers, the partnership provides
EMTs, military personnel, healthcare workers,
ment properties and busmess purposes. In addi
and educators, including both active and retired
tion, EM M Loans will provide access to SBA
access to a wider range o f financing tools from purchasing or refinancing a home to leveraging
members.
lending programs, allowing qualified borrowers
equity or securing funding for busmess ventures
to pursue small business opportunities and long term financial growth.
- through a single, streamlined platform.
commitment to providing meaningful financial
Industry observers note that the inclusion o f commercial and SBA financing within a hero-fo
m ore about available programs can visit w w w .H eroesM ortgageProgram .com /EM M -
solutions aligns with our mission to support those
cused lending platform reflects a growing trend
Loans or call 866-497-8833 for additional in
who serve our communities every day.” With its addition to the platform, EMM Loans
o f lenders offering more comprehensive financial
formation.
“ W e’ re very excited to have EMM Loans come on board as a participating lender o f the Heroes Mortgage Platform,”said Joseph Belsito. “Their
Community members interested in learning
solutions to clients, particularly those seekmg to
Helping get you the home financing you deserve.
V
Heroes MORTGAGE®
HeroesMortgageProgram.com/EMMLoans
Phone: 866-497-8833 Heroes Mortgage Program® is a marketing initiative and accompanying website owned and operated by Belsito Communications Inc. The Heroes Mortgage Program® is neither a lender nor a broker and does not originate or make loans nor make any credit decisions in connection with loans,but makes visitors to the site aware of licensed lenders that do. The Program is not an agent of either the consumer or any participating bank, lender or mortgage broker. There is never any charge to the consumer to use the Heroes Mortgage Program® . The Heroes Mortgage Program® does not guarantee that submitting requested information to participating lenders w ill result in the origination of a loan froma Lender, nor does it guarantee that the consumerwill receive a loan with the most advantageous rate or terms.
PA G E 14
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
FINDLEY LAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
One Driver Extricated Following Findley Lake Crash FIN DLEY LAKE, NY - On February 19th at approxim ately 5:19 p.m., the F in d le y Lake Volunteer Fire Department responded to a two-car motor v e h ic le accident on B ailey H ill Road. F ire fig h te rs and EMS personnel arrived to assess the crash v ic tim s. One patient was evaluated on the scene and released. The second d riv e r needed to be extricated from the v e h ic le and was a ssisted by responders before b ein g transferred to UPMC Hamot by F indle y Lake crews and C hautauqua County A LS w ith non-life-threatening in ju rie s . Stanley Hose Com pany arrived im m ediately and lead the evaluation and ex tri catio n efforts, c o lla b o ra tin g w ith F in d le y Lake firem en to keep the site safe.
HOMER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Crews Rescue Occupants in Town of Scott MVA HOMER, NY - On February 13th at approxim ately 10:21 a.m., the Homer Fire Department responded to a motor v e h ic le ac cid e nt w ith suspected entrapm ent near 6387 Route 41 in the Town of Scott. F ire fig h te rs a rriv e d to fin d two o ccupants trapped in s id e the vehicle . Crews w orked q u ic k ly to extricate both the d riv e r and passenger, com p leting the rescue in ap proxim ately 13 minutes. TLC Am bulance transported both in d iv id u a ls to the h o s p ita l for assessm ent. F ire fig h te rs rem ained on scene to secure the area and a ssist w ith traffic control d u rin g the incident. A ll Homer u n its had vacated the site, and Route 41 was fu lly reopened by 1:00 p.m.
ROD MCCORMICK
Two Escape After A irplane Crashes Into Hudson River in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - The Air National Guard Fire Department alerted Orange County 911 on March 2nd shortly after 8:00 p.m., reporting an airplane crash in the Hudson River. The first report indi cated that the crash occurred north o f the NewburghBeacon Bridge. M iddle H ope Fire Department was alerted and re sponded, along with the N ew burgh and Storm King Fire Departments. No fireboats were available. The Town o f Newburgh Police Department, the Town o f New Windsor Police Department, and the N ew York State Police also responded to the scene. Area EM S units were dispatched as well. Two subjects from the plane were able to exit the aircraft and swim to shore near Steel Style. EM S transported the subjects to M ontefiore St. Euke’ s Cornwall Hospital. A command post was estab lished at Steel Style. N ew York State Police Aviation searched the river for any additional occupants who might have been in the plane. Once it was determined that only the two individuals were inside the aircraft, the aviation unit was released. The N ew York State Police are investigating the incident. ROD MCCORMICK - B O B M CCO RM ICK
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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P A G E 16
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES I f y o u have ph otos y o u w ou ld like to se e in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the E m ergency S e n d e es”feature, please u pload them on our website, w w w .lstR esp on derN ew s.com or em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m .
ALLENTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
JEFFREY RELSCHWINUER/SIUEWINUER PHOTOGRAPHY T he frie n d ly faces of the M ountain View F ire Company.
Enjoy taking photographs? Get the most out of your hobby. 1st Responder News compensates correspondents ALLENTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
Allentown Crews Handle Back-to-Back Emergencies ALLENTOW N, NY - D u rin g the e v e n in g o n February 22nd, A l lentow n F ire D epartm ent w orkers re s p o n d e d to two o c c u r rences. T he firs t w as a s s is tin g A lm a an d W e lls v ille R e sc ue w ith a UTV c o llis io n o n C ounty R o ad 18. F ire fig h te rs a rriv e d to d is c o v e r th e v ic tim h a d becom e tra p p e d b e ne ath th e truck. Crew s w orke d to e x trica te th e p a tie n t an d se c u re the UTV by a tta c h in g it to W e lls v ille R e s c u e 1 to keep it from s lid in g tow ard re sp o n de rs. T he v ic tim w as taken to th e h o s p ita l fo r e v a lu a tio n . W h ile d e a lin g w ith tha t in c id e n t, u n its w ere a le rte d to a s e co nd alarm in B o liv a r fo r a w o rkin g s tru c tu re fire w ith c la im s of entrapm ent. B o liv a r w orkers freed two tra p p e d p e o p le b efore p a s s in g p atie nt treatm ent to EMS. A l lentow n fire fig h te rs a id e d w ith in s id e a n d o u td o o r o p e ra tio n s u n t il re le a se d by hea dqua rters.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
PA G E 17
Crews Rescue Snow m obiler from Ic e on Chautauqua Lake CHAUTAUQUA, NY - At around 8:51 p.m. on February 14th, the Chautauqua Fire Depart ment responded to a report o f a snowmobile breaking through the ice on Chautauqua Lake. The rider was able to swim through the river and reach a wooded peninsula, but they remained stranded Jum p t o fiie # in frigid tempera D3DB2B128 tures after their i phone stopped working. To transport the 3 * % man across the channel, firefighters used the M ARSARS ice rescue sled and rope system while wearing coldwater rescue suits. Crews safely re turned the cyclist to land without incident. The rider reported being dis oriented while traveling on the lake at night and aiming for a light near Snug Harbor Marina, inadvertently entering an area where water movement might weaken ice. O f ficials credited regular winter res cue training and coordination with mutual aid partners, including the North Lake Fire Department, for the successful outcome. -1RN NEWS TEAM CHAUTAUQUA FIRE DEPARTMENT
B ingham to n Crews H a n dle Two E x tric a tio n s in One S h ift BINGHAMTON, NY - During their shift on February 24th, Bing hamton Fire Department Group B crews handled two car extrication events, one o f which included a significant wreck on NY S Route 17 early in the morning. Just after 6:00 a.m., firefighters re sponded to a two-car incident westbound near Exit 72 involv ing a vehicle carry ing a trailer that was heavily damaged. A guardrail broke through the vehicle, trapping a passenger in the back seat. Engine 4 and Squad workers utilized hydraulic equipment to ex tract the patient, who was then transferred to a nearby hospital by Broome Ambulance. The driver was ejected but denied medical at tention. Earlier in the evening, person nel responded to a rollover incident involving entrapment at South Washington and Morris streets. Firefighters cut the windshield to free a trapped person, who was later transported by Superior Am bulance. -1RN NEWS TEAM
BINGHAMTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
P A G E 18
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
MEMORIAL BOARD If y ou r departm ent has p h otos y o u w ou ld like to s ee in ou r “M em orial Board”feature please upload them on our w ebsite www. IR B N .com o r em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m
BINGHAMTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
BINGHAMTON FIRE DEPARTMENT BINGHAM TON, NY — Fe b ru ary 13th — On th e one-year a n n iv e r sa ry of F ire fig h te r J o h n "J R " G audet's de a th in th e lin e of duty, m em b ers of th e B in g h a m to n F ire D epartm en t cam e to m ourn h im , as d id re la tiv e s , frie n d s , a n d c o m m u n ity m em bers. A c a n d le lig h t c e re m o n y w as o rg a n iz e d to com m em ora te G audet's s e rv ic e a n d th e im p act he had on th e de p artm e nt an d th e com m unity. F e llo w fire m e n p ra is e d h is d e d ic a tio n to th e p ro fe s s io n a n d th e c o m m a n d in g p re s e n c e he p ro v id e d b o th on th e fireg ro u n d a n d in th e s ta tio n . A c c o rd in g to d e p a rtm e n t m em bers, G audet's le g a cy liv e s on th ro u g h th e m e m o ries s h a re d by th o s e w ho s e rve d b e s id e h im , as w e ll as th e d e d ic a tio n that fire fig h te rs d e m o n stra te every day. T he g a th e rin g se rve d a s a tim e of com m em ora tion an d h o n o r fo r h is d e d ic a tio n , s a c rific e , an d la s tin g le ga cy in th e B in g h a m to n F ire Departm ent.
VINNIE DOMINICK
W inona Lake H olds In s ta lla tio n D inner NEW B URG H, NY - W inona Lake E n g in e Co. h e ld th e ir a n n u a l In s ta lla tio n D in n e r on February
28, 2026.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
PA G E 19
A lbany Man A rrested and C harged w ith Arson A fter A lle g e d ly S ta rtin g Troy House F ire TROY, NY — On January 31, 2026, at 7:08 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 170 First Street for a reported structure fire. The caller reported that the hall way was filled with smoke and that they were calling from the r oof o f the building. Engine 6, En gine 2, Engine 4, Truck 2, Truck 1, the Rescue Squad, M edic 4, and the Battalion C hief re sponded. Snow-covered streets and vehicles extending farther into intersections due to snow buildup created tight access con ditions, slightly delaying the firstdue engine. Upon arrival, crews reported nothing visible from the exterior, but an audible alarm was sounding from inside the building. Firefighters forced entry through the front door and en countered significant smoke in the hallway, where a cabinet was ac tively burning. A precautionary handline was stretched as crews removed the burning contents and threw them into a nearby snow bank, preventing the fire from ex tending beyond the immediate area. Occupants were safely re m oved from the rear o f the struc ture via a ladder due to the heavy smoke. Firefighters searched the remainder o f the building and lo cated no additional fire. N o in juries were reported. Crews returned to service shortly after repacking hose lines and equip ment. Due to the circumstances o f the incident, fire investigators were requested to the scene. In vestigators worked alongside the Troy Police Department and de termined the fire was suspicious in nature. Detectives responded to assist in the investigation. Authorities later concluded that the fire had been intentionally ignited. With assistance from in dividuals associated with the res idence, investigators developed a suspect description. Working in coordination with crime analysts from the N ew York State Division o f Criminal Justice Services Cap ital Region Crime Analysis Center and members o f the Albany Police Department, the suspect was iden tified and located in Albany Sat urday afternoon, February 21st. The suspect, identified as Der rick D. Moore, 49, o f Albany, was taken into custody, interviewed, and charged with Arson in the Second Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree in connection with the incident. Fie was arraigned in Troy City Court and remanded to the Rensselaer
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY County Jail. Preliminary information indi cates the suspect was involved in a dispute with another individual as sociated with the residence, leading to the intentional ignition o f the fire. Officials credited the rapid re
sponse and coordinated investiga tive efforts for preventing further damage and ensuring accountabil ity. - J E F F R E Y B ELSC H W IN D ER
JEFFREY BELSCHWIHDER/SIDEWIHDER PHOTOGRAPHY The suspect, id e n tifie d as D e rric k D. Moore, 49, of Albany, was taken in to custody, interview ed, and charg ed w ith A rson in the Second Degree and R eckless Endangerm ent in the First Degree in connection w ith the incident. He was arraigned in Troy C ity Court and rem anded to the R ensselaer County Jail.
JEFFREY BELSCHWIHDER/SIDEWIHDER PHOTOGRAPHY
PA G E 20
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
FIREFIGHTER PROFILES I f you r department has ph otos y o u w ould like to se e in our “Firefighter Profiles”feature, please upload them on our website, m w .lstR e sp o n d e r N e w s.co m or em ail them to L in dsey@ lstR espon derN ew s.com
COEYMANS HOLLOW VOLUNTEER FIRE CORP.
B ill Lake Modular Homes Recognized for Generous Support of CHVFC ALMOND, NEW YORK FIRE & RESCUE
COEYM ANS HOLLOW, NY - Members o f Coeymans H ollow Volunteer Fire Corp (CHVFC) re cently had the pleasure o f meeting with Katherine from B ill Lake Modular Homes. Bill Lake Modular Homes pre viously stepped up to assist a fam ily affected by a devastating house fire in 2024, offering critical sup port during an incredibly difficult time. That generosity has not gone unnoticed. During the visit, the company
TO f ile #022626115
af I »
presented a donation check to CHVFC in appreciation o f its v ol unteers and their unwavering ded ication to protecting the community. The fire company ex pressed sincere gratitude to Katherine for personally delivering the donation and taking the time to visit. CHVFC remains committed to
answering emergency calls 24/7/365— both within its district and in support o f neighboring de partments. Its members proudly volunteer their time to serve and protect, and the company contin ues to w elcom e new members in terested in helping the organization grow. - COURTESY OF COEYMANS HOLLOW V OLUNTEER F IR E CORP.
D R IIIS/T RA IN IN G T o s e e y o u r D r ills in the n e w s p a p e r u p lo a d th em o n ou r w e b s it e w w w . ls tR e sp o n d e r N e w s . c o m o r e m a il th em to L in d s e y @ ls t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m
ALMOND, NEW YORK FIRE & RESCUE ALMOND, NY — January 25th — Alm ond, New York Fire & Rescue had th e ir annual d in n e r to honor mem bers and adjacent depart m ents w ho p ro v id e m utual a id thro u g ho u t the year. The event bro ug ht together firem en and com m unity partners to recognize se rv ic e and coo pera tion thro u g ho u t the region. D u rin g the even in g , the departm ent re in tro d u c e d the Firem an of the Year award after several years. Fire fighte r C h ris Dieter, who has served for more than 20 years, received the 2026 recognition. Department a u th o ritie s p ra ise d h is co n sisten t engagem ent in tra in in g , com m unity events, fu n d ra is in g , and operational responses.
CITY OF HUDSON FIRE DEPARTMENT On January 12th, members of the H udson Fire Department jo ine d C olum bia County fire fig h te rs for ice rescue tra in in g at Sleepy Hollow Lake in Athens. Crews took advantage of s o lid ice c o n d itio n s to practice m u ltip le rescue techn iq ue s, in c lu d in g v ictim rem oval and cold-water operations. T raining scen arios allow ed fire fig h te rs to review equipm ent use, scene safety, and coo rdinated rescue pro cedures in a con trolled environm ent. Ice rescue tra in in g is an im portant w inter preparedness measure for departm ents operating near lakes and waterways.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
PA G E 21
House Fire on Flynn Road Draws M utual Aid from Penn Yan and Benton PENN YAN, NY - In response to a reported house fire on Flynn Road on January 24th, the Penn Yan Fire Department and the Ben ton Volunteer Fire Department pro vided mutual aid. Tanker 28 helped create a water sup ply in an area lack ing hydrants, while Jum p t o fiie # Engine 26 deployed D214261DD with Benton's FAST crew to provide quick intervention coverage. In order to pro mote firefighter safety, accounta bility, and continuous suppression operations, crews collaborated with incident command and auxil iary agencies. Strong mutual assis tance connections throughout Yates County are crucial, particu larly for rural disasters where tanker operations and specialist teams are essential. Benton units remained on the scene until they were cleared to leave and then went back to work.
A i al %
- COURTESY OF BENTON VOLUNTEER FD
BENTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Owasco F ire Departm ent C ontrols S tructure F ire on G re e n lin ks Turn AUBURN, NY - On February 16th, the Owasco Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm at Greenlinks Turn, which was later escalated to a structure fire. Upon arrival. Car 1 discovered an active fire in the back o f the house Jum p tu fiie # 030526127 and requested auto matic mutual aid <*%> i from the Sennett, Aurelius, and Flem % ing Fire Depart ments. Crews quickly deployed handlines, bringing the fire under control in about 15 minutes. While conducting overhaul operations, firefighters sought to prevent the fire from spreading further into the structure. New York State Police and Cayuga County Fire Investigators also responded to help with the in vestigation and discover the cause o f the fire.
O W A S C O F IR E
-1RN NEWS TEAM
COURTESY OF OWASCO FIRE DEPARTMENT
P A G E 22
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
Hybrid Car Fire Prompts Structure F ire Response in Cheshire
PAGE 23
CHESHIRE, NY - The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Depart ment responded late at night on February 27th to a reported vehicle lire on Onnalinda Drive, with au tomatic mutual aid from the Bristol Fire Department. Chief Brown ar rived first, reporting flames emanating from a vehicle parked approxi mately four-feet from a house. En gines 411 and 412 deployed an attack line to extinguish the vehicle fire, while a second line was established to defend a neigh boring property. Because o f the close proximity to the structure, the incident was elevated to a structure fire, resulting in aid from the Vet erans Affairs Fire Department. Bristol firefighters erected a water delivery pipe that spanned roughly 1,600-feet from County Road 16. Crews also searched the home for fire extensions, but found none. The hybrid vehicle fire re quired additional monitoring due to potential battery hazards. The fire was controlled in about 30 minutes and units returned to serv ice around 2:30 a.m.
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P A G E 24
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
MEMORIAL BOARD If y ou r departm ent has p h otos y o u w ou ld like to se e in our “M em orial B oard”feature please u pload them on our w eb site w w w .lR B N .com or em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m
BREW STER FIRE DEPARTMENT B REW ST ER , NY - February 18th — The B rew ster F ire Departm ent has a n n o un ce d the death of L ife Member, Past C o m m issio ne r, and Past C h ie f of D epartm ent L o u is G a s p a rin i. G a s p a rin i se rve d the departm ent an d the B rew ster co m m u nity fo r many years a n d w as w ell-know n fo r h is le a d e rs h ip an d d e d ic a tio n to the fire se rvice . In a d d itio n to h is departm ental duty, he w as a Korean War veteran. G a s p a rin i was re ca lle d as a be lo ve d m em ber of the fire departm ent fam ily, w ho se p re se n c e an d g o o d a ttitu d e left an in d e lib le in f lu ence on th o se a ro u n d him .
1IRILLS/TRA IN IN IG To se e you r D rills in the new spaper upload them on oi rr w ebsite w w w .lstR esp on derN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d se y @ l stRe spon derN ew s.com
BOB MCCORMICK
MVA w ith Entrapm ent and F ire on 1-84 Westbound in Coldenham COEYMANS HOLLOW VOLUNTEER FIRE COUP. The Coeym ans H o llow Volunteer Fire Corp. had a w eekly d r ill n ig ht to review b a s ic fire fig h tin g s k ills . F ire fig h te rs rehearsed p uttin g on th e ir gear and operating self-contained breathing equipm ent (SCBA). SC BA tra in in g is s t ill a key safety c rite rio n u nder state and national rules, in c lu d in g the NFPA respiratory protection recom m endations. Crews a ls o review ed m ain search procedures and em phasized the need of effective com m u nicatio n between partners and com m and o fficia ls. Mayday p roce dures were d is c u s s e d to e nsure that mem bers u ndersto o d em ergency p ro to c o ls in the event that a firem an becam e lost o r trapped. The s e s s io n ended w ith standard m ainte nance of a ir packs, su c h as battery replacem ent and system checks.
C O LD EN H A M , NY - C o ld e n h a m F ire D epartm ent re s p o n d e d to a m otor v e h ic le a c c id e n t w ith e ntra pm e n t a n d fire on Ja n u a ry 16th at th e in te rs e c tio n of State R o u te 747 an d In te rsta te 84 w e s tb o u n d e x it ram p 32. Town of N ew burgh P o lic e a n d New York State P o lic e w ere o n scene, a lo n g w ith Town of N ew b urg h EMS. F ire fig h te rs u s e d th e Jaw s of L ife to e x tric a te o n e d riv e r from a v e h ic le . A s e c o n d v e h ic le c a u g h t fire , a n d fire fig h t e rs u se d a h a n d lin e to e x tin g u is h th e fla m e s a n d s p re a d sp e e dy -d ry on f lu id s o n th e roadway. T he e x it ram p w as c lo s e d to w e s tb o u n d traffic. Town of N e w b urg h EM S tra n s p o rte d tw o s u b je c ts to M ontefiore St. L u k e ’s H o s p ita l. T he New Y ork State P o lic e are in v e s tig a tin g th e cause.
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PA G E 25
H insdale FD and M utual Aid Respond to House F ire on Cam pbell Road SYRACUSE, NY - At 12:54 p.m. on February 11th, the Ehnsdale Volunteer Fire Department and sev eral mutual aid agencies responded to a reported residential structure fire in the 100 block o f Campbell Road. Deputies from the Onondaga County Sheriff’ s Of fice arrived first and confirmed the resi dence was unoccu pied while working to remove pets from the structure. Shortly after, Mattydale Car 1reported smoke and an active fire on the Delta side o f the structure, forcing Onondaga County Fire Control to escalate the situation to a Signal 99 working fire. Ehnsdale Engine 8 arrived first due and established command, with additional units responding from Eiverpool, Mattydale, Eyncourt, Moyers Comers, Solvay, and North Syracuse. During the incident, one sheriff’ s deputy was evaluated for smoke inhalation and one firefighter sustained minor bums. Several pets were rescued, though others did not survive. Coverage was provided by Minoa and Cicero fire departments. - 1RN NEWS TEAM
HINSDALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
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PA G E 26
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Roosevelt Volunteers Handle Two Fire Calls in One Day ROOSEVELT, NY -During the day on February 27th, Roosevelt Fire District volunteers responded to two fires: a garage fire in the district and a second alarm in a neighboring com munity. Crews re sponded in the morn ing and dispatched a 10-75 for a working garage fire, with aid from the Fairview and Pleasant Valley Fire Departments. Firefighters deployed a handline, extinguishing the fire and keeping it from spreading to an adjacent home. Later in the evening, Roosevelt units assisted the West Clinton Fire Department on a second alarm at a private property. Crews responded to the scene and helped control the fire with a handline, limiting struc tural damage.
ROOSEVELT FIRE DISTRICT
ROOSEVELT FIRE DISTRICT
-1RN NEWS TEAM
FIREFIGHTER PROFILES I f your department has ph otos y o u w ou ld like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles”feature, please upload them on our website, m v w .lstR esp onderN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d sey @ l stR esponderN ew s.com
DEPOSIT FIRE DEPARTMENT
CONTINENTAL VILLAGE VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT
RINGHAMTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
In February, the Deposit Fire Department honored Fire fig hte r M. S c h lo ss as part of its F ire fighte r Friday hon ors. S c h lo ss has been w ith the departm ent sin c e 2022, w orking as an in s id e firem an w ith extra tra in in g as an Em ergency M edical Technician. He is a New York State C ertifie d EMT w ho a lso w orks on the am bulance for Eastern Broom e Em ergency Services. In a d d itio n to h is operational job, S c h lo ss is a Fire Lieutenant and Vice President of the Deposit Fire Department Incorporation Board of Directors.
In February, the C ontinental V illa g e Volunteer Fire De partm ent honored C h ris to p h e r Orm sby and B ria n Paupst after they were awarded Life M em bership. Life M em bership is awarded in acknow ledgm ent of years of de d ica tio n, service, and com m itm ent to the fire depart ment and the com m unity it serves. A c c o rd in g to de partment o ffic ia ls, the m ilestone recognizes the efforts both members have made by c o n tin u in g to participate in and suppo rt departm ent activities.
In February, the B ingham ton Fire Department honored F ire fig h te r M ike Maney on h is retirem ent after more than 22 years in the fire service. On A ugust 5, 2004, Maney began h is career w ith the Johnson C ity Fire De partment. F o llo w in g a year w ith the C ortland Fire De partm ent in 2010, he jo in e d the B in g ha m to n Fire Department on January 8, 2011. D u rin g h is tim e w ith BFD, he w orked on G ro up C at Headquarters on the Tower, then moved to G roup B at Q uint 2, and fin a lly at E n g in e 4. Maney h a ils from a strong fire fig h tin g family. H is father worked for the Johnson City Fire Department and retired as C hief, and other fa m ily mem bers even tu a lly entered the field.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
P A G E 27
RAVENA FIRE DEPT.
Ravena FD Rescues Cat Stuck in Tree in Freezing Weather
NIVERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT INC.
COEYM ANS HOLLOW, NY - T he Ravena F ire Departm ent re sp o n d e d w ith La dder 26-70 on J anuary 24th to a s s is t th e Coeym ans H o llow V olunteer F ire Corp. w ith an a n im a l re scue of a cat stu c k in a tree. Lo cal fo lk s d is c o v e re d the cat the day b efore an d re tu rn e d w hen the y h e a rd it a g a in in fre e z in g w eather. After a n a ly z in g th e s itu a tio n , th e la d d e r com pany was re q ue ste d fo r a e ria l access. La dder 26-70 p o s itio n e d it s e lf on th e street an d d e p lo y e d the a e ria l gadget. A fire fig h te r a s c e n d e d a n d c a re fu lly c a p tu re d th e an im a l. T he cat was b ro u g h t to crew s from th e Ravena R e sc u e Squad, w ho s u p p lie d w arm ing packs and blankets. T he A lb a n y C ounty S h e r iff's O ffice a s s is te d at th e site.
NIVERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT INC.
ROR MCCORMICK
Firefighters Extinguish Car Fire on Route 300 in Newburgh NEW BURGH, NY - W inona an d O range Lake FD s re sp o n de d to a w o rk in g v e h ic le fire on State Route 300 - Tandem Area on February 13th. F ire fig h te rs a rriv e d an d u se d h a n d s lin e s to e x tin g u is h the fire. New York State P o lic e was at the scene. After the v e h ic le was e x tin g u is h e d , State P o lic e c a lle d a tow tru c k to rem ove it.
Ice Rescue Performed After Vehicle Enters Pond in N iverville N IV E R V ILLE , NY - T he N iv e rv ille F ire D epartm ent re s p o n d e d to a one-car a c c id e n t in w h ic h th e v e h ic le e n te re d a p o n d w ith u nkn o w n p a s s e n g e rs on Fe b ru ary 2nd. W ith in two m in u te s, Car 2 a rriv e d an d to o k le a d e rs h ip , c o n firm in g that o n e in d iv id u a l w as p a rtia lly th ro u g h the ice. Two ic e re s c u e te c h n ic ia n s w ere d is p a tc h e d to enter th e v e h ic le a n d sa fe ly rem ove the patient. D ue to c o ld an d m e d ic a l c o n c e rn s , th e p a tie n t was c a rrie d by S tokes basket to an a m b u la n c e w a itin g fo r h im from th e V alatie V olu nte er R e s cu e S qua d. C rew s w orked c a re fu lly on th e ice, c o o rd in a tin g re s c u e an d p a tie n t treatm ent.
PA G E 28
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Second Alarm Chimney Fire Extends Into Home on Flower Road in Troy TROY, NY - On February 13, 2026, at 8:49 p.m., the Rensselaer County Emergency Communica tion Center dispatched the Center Brunswick Volunteer Fire C om pany, Brunswick No. 1 Fire Company, Mountain View Fire Company (for the rapid intervention crew), Raymertown Fire Department, and Brunswick Emer gency Medical Serv ices to 49 Flower Road for a reported structure fire. The initial caller re ported that the chimney at the resi dence was on fire. While units were responding, dispatchers received a callback ad vising that the fire had spread and the side o f the house was now burn ing. As the chief from the Center Brunswick Volunteer Fire C om pany responded to the scene, an emergency medical technician from the Pittstown ambulance arrived and reported heavy fire pushing up the side o f the home. Due to the rap idly escalating conditions, the chief transmitted a second alarm, bring ing additional assistance from the Pittstown Fire Department, Eagle Mills Fire Department, Wynantskill Fire Department, and the Speigletown Fire Department. Raymertown Engine 28-8 was among the first apparatus to arrive and, due to a sharp turn in the drive way, positioned on the lawn to gain access to the residence. Firefighters immediately deployed an inch-andthree-quarter handline from the ap paratus. With the road ending in a dead end, the next arriving engine laid a large-diameter hose line to es tablish a water supply. Firefighters were met with heavy smoke pushing from the
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY front o f the structure and significant fire in the rear o f the home. Crews from Engine 4-1 advanced a line through deep snow to the rear o f the structure and began an aggressive exterior knockdown while interior crews conducted a primary search to confirm that all occupants were out o f the residence. As operations continued, fire fighters discovered that the fire had extended into the basement area o f the home. Crews forced entry to the building and opened the garage door
to gain better access, allowing fire fighters to knock down a large por tion o f the visible fire while additional crews worked to contain fire running along the roofline. Water supply operations were established with a fill site located at the Tomhannock Reservoir, where tankers ro tated water to the scene. Firefighters also had to contend with difficult conditions due to frigid temperatures. Water from the supply lines quickly froze on the roadway near the driveway, turning it into a
JEFFREY BELSCHWIHDER/SIDEWIHDER PHOTOGRAPHY
sheet o f ice and making it difficult for crews to access the structure. Command requested a town salt truck to respond to improve condi tions. Despite these challenges, fire fighters continued to operate aggressively both inside and outside the structure. Crews used an exten sion ladder to access the rear roof area, where fire had burned through and was traveling along the ridge line. Interior crews opened ceilings and walls to locate hidden fire and successfully extinguished remaining
hot spots. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period conducting overhaul operations. No injuries were reported. The cause o f the fire remains under investigation by fire investigators from the Rensselaer County Bureau o f Public Safety. The home sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. Firefighters eventu ally cleared the scene and returned to service later in the morning. - JEFFREY BELSCHW INDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWIHDER/SIDEWIHDER PHOTOGRAPHY A B ru n sw ick No.1 fire fig h te r p u llin g the eaves of the roof.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
D R IIIS/T RA IN IN G T o s e e y o u r D r ills in th e n e w s p a p e r u p lo a d th em o n ou r w e b s it e w w w . ls tR e sp o n d e r N e w s . c o m o r e m a il th em to L in d s e y @ ls t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m
Members of the H a rris C orners Fire Department com pleted SCBA co n tro lle d b reathing tra in in g to im prove a ir management and fire fig hte r safety. The se ssio n focused on te chn iq u e s that h elp reduce heart rate, calm the nervous system , and extend a ir su p p ly d u rin g in te rio r o perations and em ergency situations. F ire fig h te rs worked th ro u g h p ra ctica l sc e n a rio s w h ile m o n ito rin g a ir con su m ptio n, com m unicatio n, and s itu a tio n a l awareness. These s k ills are im portant d u rin g h ig h-stre ss and low-air c o n d itio n s , e s p e c ia lly in rural departm ents w here resources may be lim ited. T raining o ffi cers sa id regular SCBA d r ills support safe fire g ro un d performance and prepare mem bers for real-world incidents. O ngoing education and hands-on practice rem ain a p rio rity as H a rris C orners c o n tin ues b u ild in g rea diness and operational effectiveness.
April, 2026
PA G E 29
Elm ira Heights Fire Assists Big Flats with Early-Morning Structure Fire ELMIRA HEIGHTS, NY Elmira Heights Fire Department supported Big Flats Fire Depart ment with an earlymorning structure fire on February 8th that rendered a resi dence uninhabitable. Jum p t o file # Crews worked in ex 030526130 tremely cold temper atures to manage the fire and support sup pression efforts. All people exited the home safely, and no injuries were reported. Several agencies contributed to the coordinated effort, including Tompkins Corners Fire Depart ment, Horseheads Fire Department, Town & Country Fire Department, Com ing Joint Fire District, Golden G low Fire Department, Beaver Dams Fire Department, New York State Police, Chemung County 911, NYSEG, the B ig Flats Water Board, and Red Cross Disaster Re lief. Officials also reminded resi dents that regular heating system maintenance, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and having two ways out o f every home are key parts o f lire safety planning. -1RN NEWS TEAM
ELMIRA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Angelica Fire and Rescue Responds to Rollover Crash w ith Injuries on Horner Road HARMS CORNERS FIRE DEPARTMENT
HARMS CORNERS FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANGELICA, NY -At approxi mately 1:20 p.m. on February 14th, Angelica Fire and Rescue (ANGELFR) responded to a reported motor vehicle acci dent with injuries at 9 Homer Road in the Village o f Angelica, near the intersections o f West Main Street, Peavy Road, and Town Hill Road. Upon arrival, re sponders located a vehicle that had over turned in a snow-covered area off the roadway. Four occupants were involved in the crash, with one indi vidual still inside the vehicle requir ing extrication by emergency personnel. Mutual aid from MTS Ambulance transported three pa tients to St. James Hospital in Hornell for further evaluation and treatment, while a fourth occupant refused medical treatment at the scene. Crews worked to stabilize the vehicle and ensure the area was se cured as part o f the response. The in cident remains under investigation. -COURTESY OF ANG ELICA FIR E AND RESCUE
ANGELICA FIRE AND RESCUE
P A G E 30
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindseyw! lstResponderNews.com.
In o rd e r to fa m ilia riz e newer m em bers an d p ro s p e c tiv e fu tu re te c h n ic ia n s w ith c o ld w ater o p e ratio ns, m em bers of th e A rcade F ire Departm ent c o n d u c te d b a s ic ic e w ater rescue tra in in g . An o v erview of th e departm ent's safety re g u la tio n s , p e rs o n a l p ro te c tiv e e q u ip m e n t, a n d e q u ip m e n t w as co v e re d th ro u g h o u t the sem inar. In o rd e r to sho w correct p ro c e ss e s a n d re in fo rc e fu n dam e n ta l s k ills , crew s p ra c tic e d a num ber of real-w orld sc e n a rio s. The e x e rc ise w as re a lis tic b ecause th e ic e w as ha rd and to o k m ore w ork to b re ak thro u g h. M em bers review ed c o m m u n ic a tio n and re s p o n s ib ility w h ile prac t ic in g v ic tim access, rope system s, an d sc e n e safety.
ROSTON, VOLUNTEER FIRE DEFT. - NY
ARCADE FIRE DEFT
The B osto n V olunteer F ire Departm ent c o n d u c te d hands-on e x tri c a tio n tra in in g d e s p ite c h a lle n g in g w inte r c o n d itio n s , re in fo rc in g th e d e p a rtm e n t’s co m m itm e nt to p re p a re d n e s s an d o p e ra tio n a l re a din e ss. M em bers tra in e d a lo n g s id e a rep resen ta tive from F ire & R e sc u e P ro d u c ts an d fire fig h te rs from th e M orton C o rn e rs F ire C om pany d u rin g an e v e n in g s e s s io n that featured tem pera tures near 20 d eg rees, steady w in d , and fa llin g snow.
HARRIS CORNERS FIRE DEPARTMENT
ARCADE FIRE DEFT
To stay u p to date on life -sa v in g te c h n iq u e s , m em bers of th e H ar r is C o rn e rs F ire D epartm ent underw ent C P R re c e rtific a tio n tra in in g . U pdate d A m e ric a n Heart A s s o c ia tio n g u id e lin e s , p a tie n t assessm en t, an d p ra c tic a l e x p e rie n c e w ith a d u lt, c h ild , an d infant C P R as w e ll as autom ated e xterna l d e f ib rilla to r u se w ere a ll co v e red in the s e s s io n . In ru ra l lo c a tio n s w here e a rly C P R an d d e fib r illa t io n m ig h t im p ro ve s u rv iv a b ility , re g u la r re c e rtific a tio n h e lp s e n s u re fire m e n are p re pa re d to h e lp d u rin g m e d ic a l e m ergencies. H a rris C o rn e rs w o rks c lo s e ly w ith EM S p a rtn e rs th ro u g h o u t W yom in g C o u n ty a n d re s p o n d s to a v a rie ty of c a lls . M em bers c o n tin u e to get p rio rity tra in in g , w h ic h keeps them ready to care fo r a n d a s s is t re s id e n ts an d g u e s ts as needed.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
PA G E 31
YULAN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Crews Operate Nearly 10 Hours at Yulan Structure Fire CITY OF SCHENECTADY FIRE DEPARTMENT
YULAN, NY - At 2:35 a.m. on February 12th, the Yulan Fire Department responded to a re ported structure fire near St. An thony's Church. Assistant C hief Flaas (Car 3) arrived within min utes and learned o f many calls re porting a fully involved house fire. The Narrowsburg-Lava Fire Department, Flighland Lake Fire Department, and Lumberland Fire Department were all requested for mutual aid due to the visible glow from the fire. C h ief Schadt (Car 1) took command upon arrival. Additional resources included the Bethel
Jump t o file #030726108 *6
3#
FAST team, Shohola tankers, and personnel from the Sparrow Bush Fire Department and the Port Jervis Fire Department. Crews worked until almost noon. Flighland Ambulance Serv ice, the Town o f Flighland Flighway Department, N ew York State Police, Sullivan County Fire In vestigators, Sullivan County 911, and N GS Construction also as sisted. - 1RN NEWS TEAM
CITY OF SCHENECTADY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Quick Response Contains Schenectady House Fire SCHENECTADY, NY - Platoon #2 of the Schenectady Fire Department responded on the m orn in g of February 27th to a w orking structure fire. F ire fig h te rs q u ic k ly began su p p re s s io n oper ations and were able to put the fire under control, sa ving more dam age to the residence. Crews rem ained on scene to fin is h overhaul and ensure it was safe before g o in g back in service. YULAN FIRE DEPARTMENT
P A G E 32
A p ril, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
D BII1 S FROM ABOUND THE STATE To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
N EW BU RG H, NY - W in o n a Lake fire fig h te rs d r ille d on th e e v e n in g of February 17th on ic e rescue, d is c u s s in g what to do before g o in g out to save som eone in distre ss .
DREWERTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
VINNIE DOMINICK
On F e b ru a ry 10th, m em bers of th e B rew erton F ire D epartm ent perform ed ic e rescue tra in in g at O n e id a S h o re s in p re pa ra tio n for any cold-w ater in c id e n t s d u rin g th e w in te r m onths. D u rin g the e v e n in g re h e a rsa l, fire fig h te rs tested ta c tic s fo r re a c h in g and re m o vin g p e o p le w ho had fa lle n th ro u g h ice. C rew s used s p e c ia l iz e d re s cu e e q u ip m e n t and p ra c tic e d c o o rd in a te d team o p e ra tio n s re q u ire d fo r safe and effective ic e rescues.
ROSTON, VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. - NY VINNIE DOMINICK
The B oston V olunteer F ire D epartm ent hoste d an in te n s iv e la d d e r o p e ra tio n s tra in in g s e s s io n as part of its o n g o in g B E F O (B asic E x te rio r F ire O perations) c la s s at S tatio n #2. The hands-on d r ill b ro u g h t to g e th e r m em bers fo r p ra c tic a l in s tru c tio n in la d d e r d e ploym ent, c a rrie s , ra ise s, and p ro p e r placem ent te c h n iq u e s , re in fo rc in g e s s e n tia l s k ills re q u ire d fo r fire g ro u n d op erations.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
PAGE 33
San Francisco Fire Apparatus 1849-2010 ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
San Francisco Fire Apparatus 1849-2010 Fland drawn-Florse DrawnM orotized By Lt. B ill Koenig, SFFD Flistorian & Milton Yuen, SFFD Inspector Available from: FSP Books 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, M AO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $49.95 This is a hard covered coffee table book measuring 8 Vi inches by 11 inches, with 300 pages plus a 4 page index. It is a magnificent jo b done by the two gentlemen, one o f which is retired from the SFFD and is the historian. The other is a civilian inspector whose name is familiar to me because many years ago we corresponded about San F rancisco’ s Fire D e partment. San Francisco has al ways had a special place in my heart. Back in the ‘ 60’ s, when I was a teen, I used to write away
to different fire departments and apparatus manufacturers to ask for photos and brochures and had g o o d results. It was a different time back then. When I wrote to San Francisco, they not only sent me photos but also an annual re port. They have been well known for building som e o f their own bodies in the shop, but also for re purposing some apparatus by plac ing different bodies on existing chassis. Through the years, they also had many interesting makes o f apparatus. They even had two Cadillac ch ief cars at different times. After the dedication and in troduction there are three sections with a total o f five chapters detail ing records o f their apparatus through the years. Many quality black and white as w ell as color photos apparatus are intertwined in the pages. There is also infor mation about the manufacturers. The Appendix covers ch ief’ s bug gies from 1893-2007, Patents by SFFD members, 1875-1934,Corporation Yards and Ladder Shop, Horses, St. Francis H ook & Lad der Society-SFFD Muster Team and Fireboats and the Airport Land Division. After the A c knowledgements and Conclusion there is a list o f Line o f Duty Deaths follow ed by the index. Without saying, I w ould recom mend this b ook to anyone inter ested in fire department histories and apparatus. It is w ell worth the price.
Read more from a ll of our colum nists on our website! www.1rbn.com
C H R IS KEAR
Several Chickens Die in Pomona Coop Fire POMONA, NY - On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Hillcrest Fire Department responded to 137 Camp Hill Road in Pomona for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, it was determined that a 20’ x 15’ chicken coop was on fire with possible exposure issues. The fire was quickly knocked down, and it was determined that there was no extension to a nearby garage. Unfortunately, a few chickens perished in the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Beacon F ire fig hte rs Q uickly Contain Car Fire Near Spring V alley Street Residence BEACON, NY - Beacon Pro fessional Firefighters IAFF Local 3490 responded to a reported vehicle fire dangerously close to a residence on Spring Valley Street, February 14th. Assistant C hief 33-2 arrived on scene to find an ac tive vehicle fire burning approxi mately five-feet from the struc ture. Crews acted quickly to bring the fire under control, preventing flames from extending to the nearby home. After knocking down the fire, firefighters con ducted a thorough check for ex tension to ensure the residence had not been compromised. Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated efforts o f person nel, the incident was contained without reported structural dam age.
-COURTESY OF BEACON PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS IAFF
B EA CO N P R O F E SSIO N A L FIR E F IG H T E R S IA FF
PAGE 34
April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
FLASHBACK If you have photos you would like to see in our "‘ FLASHBACK" feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to LindseyM lstResponderNews.com
NIVERVILLE F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
C H A D T A D Q D A F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
As winter approached, the Chautauqua Fire Department reflects on the January 1961 Colonnade Fire at the Chau tauqua Institution, which was one of the most major fires in area history. The fire started in a third-floor flat amid subzero temperatures, strong winds, and snow-covered roadways, soon overwhelming local per sonnel. Frozen hydrants, de layed notice, and a lack of
command staffing hindered early operations. With water supplies limited, firemen sliced through the ice on Chautauqua Lake and pumped water uphill using portable pumps, relay operations, and miles of hose. Mutual aid swelled to encom pass 29 agencies, 44 apparatus, and over 300 firemen, making it the state's greatest coordinated response at the time. Despite
extensive rescue efforts, one resident lost her life. The inci dent led to major improve ments in mutual aid coordination and incident management, influencing re sp on se planning across New York State for decades. As win ter conditions returned, the de partment honored the firefighters who served then and those who continue to an swer the call today.
nIRILLS/TRAININIEl T o se e y ou r D rills in the new spaper upload them on oui w ebsite w w w .lstR espon derN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m
NIVERVILLE F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
N iv e rv ille Assists at V ehicle Fire in South Schodack NIVERVILLE, NY - On January 28th, Niverville Fire Depart ment responded with Car 1 and Engine 45-13 to a working vehicle fire in the South Schodack Fire District. At the time of call, the car was believed to be around two-feet away from a dwelling. Crews quickly secured the situation and utilized tow ropes to move the truck away from the structure, pre venting the fire from spreading. Firefighters from South Schodack, Nassau, and Niverville worked together to put out the fire and safeguard the residence. Tanker 45-35 stayed in position for coverage, but was not required on the scene.
C H E S H IR E VO L D N T E E R F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
Members of the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department practiced ice water rescue at Onanda Park on Canandaigua Lake in preparation for possible winter emergencies. During the training, firefighters worked on cold-water survival skills, victim retrieval, and the proper use of specialized ice rescue equipment. Crews also worked on coordinated team operations to safely approach and rescue people who might fall through the ice.
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April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
DBIILS FROM ABOUND THE STATE To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
On March 3rd, Winona Lake Engine Company and Town of Newburgh EMS drilled on a Man vs. Machine scenario, showing what happens if someone's hand or leg got stuck in a snow blower. EMS demonstrated transporting one patient to the hospital with a hand still in the snow blower.
CHEN AN GO-BRIDGE FIR E-CO M PA N Y
Many members from Chenango Bridge Fire Company (CBFC) participated in a snow plow-involved emergency training exercise at the Broome County Highway Garage. The training was coordinated through the efforts of the Broome County Office of Emergency Services, the Broome County Highway Department, and Oralis Garage, whose support and cooperation were greatly appreciated.
RAVENA FIR E DEPT.
Ravena Fire Department workers recently received training in search and rescue operations, an essential activity undertaken during structural fires.
VINNIE D OM IN ICK
BIN GHAM TON FIR E D EPA RTM EN T
Members of the Binghamton Fire Department conducted ice rescue training over several days to prepare for cold water and frozen waterway emergencies.
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April, 2026
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B O B M C C O R M IC K
C O U R T E SY O F LAKE C A R M E L FIR E DEPT.
Crews Respond to Chimney Fire in Lake Carmel LAKE CARMEL, NY - At 8:52 p.m. on February 11th, the Lake Carmel Fire Department re sponded to a reported chimney fire. Within minutes, the first arriving unit, 17-2-3, identified an active chimney fire. Firefighters promptly began operations on the ro o f and inside the house to put out the fire and remove burning creosote accu mulation from the chimney. Crews worked for around an hour before returning all units to service. Units on scene were 17-11, 17-2-3, 17-3-1, 17-4-1, 17-6-1, and 17-FlyCar 1, as well as mutual aid units 12-1-2 and 12-2-3. The Carmel Fire Department and the Town o f Kent Police Department both gave assistance. Creosote accumulation, a
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highly combustible residue gener ated when w ood is burned, is a typ ical cause o f chimney fires, officials said. When creosote builds inside a chimney, it can bum and transmit heat throughout the structure. To lessen the risk o f chimney fires, fire officials recom mend having chimneys profession ally examined and cleaned at least once a year, using only seasoned firewood, avoiding trash or treated w ood in fireplaces, and keeping smoke and carbon m onoxide de tectors in working order.
- 1RN NEWS TEAM
Additional news from around New York can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
B O B M C C O R M IC K
Two-Car Crash on Route 300 in Newburgh Sends One to Hospital NEWBURGH, NY - Cronomer Valley Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident on State Route 300 and Forest Road on February 19th. Town of Newburgh Police and Town of Newburgh EMS were also on scene. Firefighters checked both vehicles for hazards and, under the direction of police, moved the vehicles off the roadway. Town of Newburgh EMS transported one driver to Montefiore St. Luke’ s Hospital. Firefighters then swept debris from the roadway to reopen traffic. New York State Police assisted with traffic control. The Town of Newburgh Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash.
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April, 2026
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C O U R T E S Y O F P A L M Y R A FIR E D E P A R T M E N T
Y 0 R K T 0 W N H E IG H T S V O L U N TE ER FD
C O U R T E S Y O F P A L M Y R A F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
Several Fire Departments Respond to Morning House Fire in Palmyra PALMYRA, NY - The Palmyra Fire Department was summoned around 9:45 a.m. on March 1st to a reported house fire on Route 31. Port Gibson and Newark Fire Departments were among the first units to arrive. As the incident progressed, more mutual help resources were asked to support opera tions. The East Palmyra Fire Department and the Clifton Springs Fire Department were requested for assistance. The Manchester Fire Department responded as the Rapid Inter vention Team, while the Oaks Corners Fire Department offered rehab support to firemen on the scene.
Y 0 R K T 0 W N H E IG H T S V O L U N TE ER FD
M utual A id Crews Respond to W orking F ire in Yorktown YORKTOWN, NY - Along with the Bedford Hills Fire Department FAST, members of the York town Heights Volunteer FD responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of Moseman Road on February 1st. EMS units, coverage companies, a ladder from Lake Mohegan, and mutual aid engines from Mount Kisco and Peekskill arrived in response to a 10-75 working fire. After confirming that everyone was outside, firefighters launched a vigorous interior as sault. On the second floor, crews faced a deep-seated fire with poor visibility, intense heat, and wind-driven conditions. When the water supply was delayed by frozen hydrants, a tanker task force was called in, and there was a brief evacuation until the water was restored. Later, a second alarm was sounded.
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A p ril, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
DBII1S FROM ABOUND THE STATE To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
Firefighters in Boston, New York gathered for the 2026 BEFO (Basic Exterior Fire Operations) training class, reinforcing essential skills and operational readiness. The hands-on training session focused on foundational exterior firefighting techniques, equipment famil iarization, and coordinated team operations. Participants reviewed gear deployment, air management, and safety procedures before engaging in practical exercises designed to strengthen response effectiveness.
LINCOLN F IR E R E SC U E
R O S T O N , V O L U N TE ER F IR E DEPT. - NY
LINCOLN F IR E R E SC U E
In order to strengthen firefighter responsibility and preparedness, members of Lincoln Fire Rescue conducted a Monday night practice that centered on timed PPE donning and air consumption. In order to enhance response speeds and the safe use of self-contained breathing apparatus during emergency operations, crews finished timed evolutions. A team-building exercise called "Hockey Night" was also incorporated into the training, emphasizing the value of cooperation and a solid corporate culture in the volunteer fire service. The practice began with a ceremonial puck drop by department leadership.
R O S T O N , V O L U N TE ER F IR E D EPT. - NY
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P A U ST IN F IR E P H O T O S
WYANDANCH, NY - On March 7th, the Wyandanch Fire Company was activated for a reported house fire on Cypress Dr. Wyandanch chiefs and engine arrived on scene to a fully engulfed house and transmitted the Working Fire. - S ee full story on P age 45
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B R 0 0 K H A V E N F IR E 0 E P A R T M E H T
Brookhaven FD Stops V e h ic le F ire Before it Spreads A dditional news
BROOKHAVEN, NY - The Brookhaven Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire that was threatening nearby vehicles and located close to a residence on February 24th. The in-house duty crew responded promptly and was able to quickly extinguish the fire before it could spread or cause damage to other vehicles or the nearby home. Engine 2, Rescue 4, and the Chiefs handled the incident efficiently and were back in service within the hour.
E A S T FA R M IH G O A L E VO L U H T E E R FIR E C O M P A H Y
from Long Island can be found on our
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C entral Is lip FD B rings House F ire Under Control CENTRAL ISLIP, NY - The Central Islip Fire Department re sponded to a residential fire and brought the situation under control in a short time on February 17th. Thanks to the rapid response, coordinated operations, and professionalism demonstrated by all members at the scene, firefighters were able to contain the incident efficiently and minimize further damage to the property.
East Farmingdale Responds as RIT to Am ityville Fire EAST FARMINGDALE, NY - East Farmingdale units were dis patched to Amityville as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) truck, February 8th. Units 1-5-4, 1-5-31, and support vehicle 1-5-23 responded to the scene. Upon arrival, crews were reassigned to assist with overhaul operations. All East Farmingdale units on scene operated under the command of 1st Assistant Chief Greco.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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FIREFIGHTER PROFILES I f y ou r departm ent has p h otos y o u w o u ld like to s e e in ou r “Firefighter P rofiles”feature, p lea se uploa d them on ou r w ebsite, w w w .lstR e sp on d e rN e w s.com \or em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR e sp on d e r N e w s.com
EASTPORT, NY - Joe Petit’ s dedication to the fire service is deeply rooted in both family tradition and a lifelong com mitment to helping others. His journey began in 2005 when he joined the Flanders Fire De partment. Through hard work and leadership, he rose through the ranks and, in 2009, became a lieutenant. Over time, he continued ad vancing until he ultimately served as Chief of the Flan ders Fire Department. B O H E M IA F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
In 2020, Joe returned to Eastport, where he served as a captain for three years. His de cision to continue serving was not just about the job —it was about family history. Joe’ s fa ther had once served as Chief of the Eastport Fire Depart ment, and that legacy played a major role in shaping his path. When Joe first moved to Flan ders, he recognized a strong need for firefighters in the community. Once he joined, he quickly developed a deep appreciation for the work. The opportunity to help people and be part of something bigger than himself solidified his pas sion for the fire service. For Joe, firefighting is more than a responsibility—it is a calling that runs in his roots.
B O H E M IA F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
Bohem ia F ire Departm ent A ssists C entral Is lip During M ajor F ire Response BOH EM IA , N Y - O n March 3rd at approxim ately 11:30 a.m., the Bohemia Fire Department was activated to assist the Central Islip Fire Department by standing by at their headquarters while Central Islip crew s operated at a largescale fire within their district. W hile cov erin g the district, B ohem ia crew s responded to a m otor veh icle accident that in v olv ed a fuel spill, ensuring the situation was quickly brought under control. A few hours later, B ohem ia firefighters were requested to re spond to the original fire scene to
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assist with extinguishing remain ing hot spots from the earlier o p eration. Engine 1 rem ained on scene until the w ork was c o m pleted and returned to service at approximately 3:15 p.m. The Bohemia Fire Department com m ended the Central Islip Fire Department and all mutual aid d e partments in volved for their out standing w ork during the incident.
- 1RN NEWS TEAM
What keeps him involved is the unique nature of the job. Joe believes every call brings something meaningful, whether it’ s the experience gained, the people helped, or the teamwork shared among members. Rather than a single defining moment, it is the col lection of experiences that makes the service memorable. Returning to Eastport also rekindled something special for him—the camaraderie. Re connecting with people he had known for years reminded him that the fire department is more than just an organiza tion; it is a brotherhood and sisterhood built on trust, serv ice, and community.
E A S T P O R T F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
As part of this series, the Eastport Fire Department has been asking its members why they joined and what keeps them committed. The department has a strong connection to the Eastport community, and many members believe there is something truly special about the town. That sen se of be longing motivates them to re spond to every call. Joe Petit’ s story reflects that dedication. Having served as both a member and Chief of the Flanders Fire Department, and holding multiple positions
within the Eastport Fire Depart ment, his experience high lights the deep bond between firefighters and their commu nity. Over the coming months, the department will continue shar ing more members’stories. These reflections not only bring back meaningful memo ries but also strengthen the bond among members and hopefully inspire others to join the Eastport Fire Department and becom e part of its proud tradition of service.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
F ire , EMS, and P o lic e Coordinate to Rescue Trapped Driver in Brookhaven BROOKHAVEN, NY - As members prepared for an approach ing blizzard, the department was dispatched to a motor vehicle acci dent with reports o f a driver trapped inside the vehicle. Upon arrival at Horseblock Road, re sponding units dis covered a vehicle overturned in a ditch. Firefighters from Rescue 4, Rescue 3, Engine 2, and Engine 9 immediately began rescue operations to free the driver. While the fire crews worked to extricate the individual. South Country Ambulance personnel sta bilized the driver inside the over turned vehicle. Within just 10 minutes, respon ders successfully removed the driver from the severely damaged vehicle. The patient was then quickly trans ported to a local hospital for further medical care. The incident highlighted out standing coordination between fire crews, EMS, and the SCPD, whose combined efforts ensured a rapid ex trication and effective pre-hospital care for the individual involved.
BROOKHAVEN FIR E D EPA RTM E N T
BROOKHAVEN FIR E D EPA RTM E N T
- 1RN NEWS TEAM
HVAC M alfunction Triggers Carbon Monoxide Alert at Brookhaven Grocery Store BROOKHAVEN, NY - On February 24th, fire department units were dispatched to a local grocery store at approximately 2:15 p.m. following an automatic carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Upon arrival, crews detected elevated levels o f the toxic gas throughout the building and con firmed that all occu pants had been safely evacuated. Firefighters con ducted an investiga tion and traced the source o f the carbon monoxide to a malfunctioning HVAC system. Crews deployed multiple batterypowered ventilation fans to help remove the gas and restore safe air quality inside the store. After ventilating the building and ensuring conditions were safe, units cleared the scene and re turned to service at approximately 4:45 p.m.
- 1RN NEWS TEAM
BROOKHAVEN FIR E D EPA RTM E N T
BROOKHAVEN FIR E D EPA RTM E N T
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
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LONG ISLA Firefighters Contain Fully Involved House Fire on Cypress Drive in Wyandanch WYANDANCH, NY - On March 7th, the Wyandanch Fire Company was activated for a re ported house fire on Cypress Dr. Wyandanch chiefs and engine arrived on scene to a fully engulfed house and transmit ted the Working Fire. Mutual aid compa nies arrived on scene and helped extin guish the fire and start searches. Within 30 min utes, the fire was ex tinguished and the scene was placed under control two hours later.
- PARKER AUSTIN
PA U ST IN F IR E P H O T O S
P A U STIN FIR E PH O TO S
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April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLANi T WORKING FACES I f y o u h a v e p h o t o s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in ou r “W o r k in g F a c e s ”feature, p le a s e u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b site, w w w . ls t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ l s t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m
C O U R T E S Y O F B A Y S H O R E F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
Bay Shore Crews Respond to Overturned DOT Plow Truck
B E L L P O R T F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
BELLPORT, NY -The Bellport Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Doane Avenue at ap proximately 2:39 AM on February 22, 2026. Firefighters arrived on the scene during the early morning hours and worked to control the blaze, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. The crew carried out firefighting operations to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties.
DRIIIS/TRAINING T o s e e y o u r D r ills in th e n e w s p a p e r u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b s it e w w w . ls t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m o r e m a il th e m to L i n d s e y @ l s t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m
BAY SHORE, NY - The Bay Shore Fire Department responded to an overturned New York State Department of Transporta tion plow truck on Sunrise Highway in the evening on Febru ary 23rd. Firefighters worked alongside the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance, Town of Islip Fire Marshal's Office, New York State Department of Environmen tal Conservation, MTA Police Department, and Suffolk County Police Department. A hazardous materials crew stayed on the scene for several hours to contain and clean up a diesel fuel spill from the plow truck, while environmental regulators checked local waterways for pollution.
MEMORIAL BOARD I f y o u r departm ent has p h otos y o u w o u ld like to se e in ou r “M em oria l B oard”feature, p lea se uploa d them on ou r website, m w . ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m o r em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR e sp on d e r N e w s.com
C O U R T E S Y O F C O M M A C K FIR E D E P A R T M E N T
C O L D S P R IN G H A R B O R FIR E D E P A R T M E N T
SUFFOLK, NY - In February, crews from the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department (CSHFD) conducted winter boat operations training, braving cold conditions to maintain readiness. The exercise highlighted the department’ s commitment to preparedness, demonstrating that their mission continues regardless of dropping temperatures.
COMMACK, NY — February 22nd — Members of the Commack FD came together to honor and remember Police Officer Glen Ciano for his community service and the long-term impact of his work in public safety. The homage represented the close relation ship and common mission of the Commack community's fire and police departments. Department members stated that honoring fallen first responders is an important practice in the emergency services community.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
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LONG ISLAND
So how good is Artificial Intelligence C h a p la in ’s C o rn e r Didymus McHugh
This will be only time that I will use AI to write an article for me. I told it "Write an article in the style o f Didymus McHugh in re gard to the downfall o f using artifi cial intelligence to do your work". Hear it directly from the mouth o f artificial intelligence:
"When the Machine Learns Your Voice” There is a strange comfort in being answered quickly. You ask. It responds. No waiting. No wrestling. No long walk in the dark. Artificial intelligence is a re markable tool. It gathers fragments o f thought at speeds that would make a scribe weep. It arranges words with alarming competence. It can outline sermons, draft policies, com pose poems, and calculate budgets before your coffee cools. But here is the danger: It can begin to do your wrestling for you. And wrestling is where the soul is formed.
The Seduction of Efficiency We live in an age that worships efficiency the way older genera tions worshiped endurance. If something can be done faster, cheaper, smoother— why not? The farmer knows better. You cannot hurry seed into har vest. You cannot command roots to deepen by shouting at the soil. You cannot bypass winter with out destroying spring. Artificial intelligence promises winterless productivity. And that is not always mercy. When a preacher lets a machine craft every sermon, when a student lets it form every thought, when a leader lets it draft every convic tion— something quiet begins to erode: The muscle o f reflection. The ache o f doubt. The discipline o f study. The humility o f not knowing. The machine gives answers. But growth com es from ques tions.
Borrowed rowed Soul
Words,
Unbor
There is a difference between in formation and formation. A firefighter learns procedures in a classroom. But courage is forged in smoke. A chaplain studies theology in books. But compassion is born in hospital corridors at 3 a.m. Artificial intelligence can sum marize tragedy. It cannot sit beside it. When you allow it to speak for you too often, your words may re main accurate— but they may no longer be yours. And people can tell. They may not know why. But they feel the absence o f lived gravity. The soul recognizes authenticity the way a horse senses tension in a rider.
The Illusion of Mastery Another subtle danger is the il lusion that we understand what we have not truly labored to learn. I f a system drafts your research paper, your strategic plan, your de votional, your crisis protocol— did you learn it? Or did you simply ap prove it? Knowledge without struggle be comes fragile. The farm teaches this daily. Fence posts set shallowly will not withstand a storm. Faith formed without friction will not withstand doubt. Artificial intelligence can as semble insight. It cannot give you endurance.
The Slow Death of Silence Perhaps the greatest loss is this: silence. When we grow uncomfortable, we reach for a prompt. When we feel uncertain, we ask for instant clarity. When we feel inadequate, we outsource competence. But silence is not emptiness. Silence is the field where God plows the heart. I f we fill every pause with gen erated language, we risk losing the quiet place where conviction is born. We trade contemplation for con sumption. And eventually, we may forget how to think alone.
A Tool, Not a Shepherd Artificial intelligence is not evil. Neither is a tractor. But a tractor does not decide where to plant. And a machine must never de cide who you are.
Use it to assist, not replace. To refine, not originate your conscience. To support your calling, not be come it. I f you are a chaplain— sit with the grief yourself. I f you are a father— shape the words in your own voice. I f you are a farmer— put your hands in the soil. I f you are a student— wrestle with the text. Let the machine carry weight. But do not let it carry your soul.
The Question Beneath the Tool In the end, the danger o f artifi cial intelligence is not technological. It is spiritual. Will we surrender the slow work o f becoming in exchange for the quick reward o f appearing com pe tent? Will we trade scars for sum maries? Will we allow something that can imitate wisdom to replace the process that forms it? The farm still requires dawn. The fire still requires courage. The hospital room still requires presence. And the human soul still re quires struggle. D o not give that away. Let the machine serve. But let your heart remain un mechanized." Ok, you heard from ai. Where is the creativity? Don't give up thought, process and being human. Mistakes happen and you learn from the mistakes. Open books and read things that do not change. The information on the computer and internet does change. The truth that the computer has is changing, this is why I prefer the printed word. People can make fun out o f the World Book Encyclopedia but you do not see books magically changing the words. When you research something for yourself, you invest your time and energy. You learn and just don't just spit out truth that a machine tells you is the truth. Think for yourself. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus- mchugh .com
G REEN LA W N F IR E D E P A R T M E N T
V e h ic le Overturns in Greenlawn; Occupant Escapes Before Emergency Crews A rrive GREENLAWN, N Y - On F eb ruary 9th at approxim ately 1:03 P.M., volunteers from the G reen lawn Fire Department were d is patched to the scene o f a reported m otor vehicle accident involving an overturned vehicle. First Assistant C h ief Richard Jones, Third Assistant C h ief Chris Schumacher, and district para m edics responded immediately to the call. W hile units were en route, Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Em ergency Services notified Greenlawn dispatch that one per son had initially been reported trapped inside the overturned v e hicle. U pon arrival at the scene. A s sistant C hiefs Jones and Schu macher confirm ed that the occupant had already self-extri cated prior to the arrival o f emer-
,
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gency personnel. Station 1 R escue Engine 2-78 and Station 1 Am bulance 2-7-5 responded to assist. C rew s from R escue Engine 2-7-8 w orked to ensure the veh icle w as properly stabilized, with additional support provided by Headquarters Rescue Quint 2-7-2. Em ergency units remained on the scene for approxim ately 30 minutes under the com m and o f First Assistant C h ief Richard Jones. N o additional hazards were identified, and all responding units were subsequently returned to service.
- 1RN NEWS TEAM
A dditional news from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
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April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
SCENES FROM THE 2026 LONG ISLAND METRO FIRE/EMS EXPO PHOTOS BY VINCENT FAVINO
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
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Sub-Zero Temperatures C hallenge Structure F ire Operations in Chazy CHAZY, NY - The Chazy Vol unteer Fire Department responded at 9:02 AM on January 30th to a re ported commercial structure fire on Ratta Road. First arriving of ficers reported a large 30'xl00' foot building with heavy fire showing. En gines established an initial attack and de ployed a portable pond, supplied by a tanker task force. Due to sub-zero temperatures, hydrant system fail ures required crews to draft water from the Little Chazy River and utilize a hydrant in the Beekmantown Fire District. A tower truck from District 3 was requested to assist with suppression. Multiple regional departments and agencies responded to support operations. Firefighters faced frozen equipment and water supply challenges throughout the incident. No injuries were reported, and the fire remains under investigation.
- COURTESY OF CHAZY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT C H A ZY VOLUN TEER FIR E D EPA RTM E N T
Diesel S p ill Contained After Thruway Truck Accident in Canaan CANAAN, NY - The Canaan Protective Fire Company re sponded to an auto accident involving property damage on the westbound Thruway near the B2 exit as part o f mutual aid on Janu ary 15th.
Columbia
County 911 initially dispatched the East Chatham Fire Company, with Canaan and Red R ock Volunteer Fire Companies assisting. Upon ar rival, firefighters discovered an ac tive fuel leak from a tractor-trailer, resulting in an estimated 80-gallons spilled. East Chatham Car 2 assumed command. Firefighters used hand tools, absorbent materials, and contain ment areas to keep gasoline from spreading. The Columbia County Fire Coordinator's Office requested the county Hazmat Team and a spill response trailer, to which the New York State Department o f En vironmental Conservation re sponded. Traffic was restricted to a single lane. The incident is being investigated by the New York State Police.
- COURTESY OF CANAAN PROTECTIVE FIRE COMPANY
CANAAN P R O T E C T IV E F IR E C O M PA N Y
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April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Bob Long PATCH OF THE MONTH I f y o u have p h otos y o u w ou ld like to s e e in our “Patch o f the m onth “feature please upload them on ou r website, w w w .lstR esp on derN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m .
“Kids today don ’ t know how easy they have it When I was young, I had to walk ten feet a cro ss the room through shag carpeting just to change the TV channel!”
E U G EN E W E B E R JR .
This patch belongs to FDNY Division 6, located in Bronx County, New York.
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April, 2026
PAGE 51
1993 W orld Trade C enter Bom bing - Rem em bering 33 Years Later LIBERTY ISLAND, NY - February 26th marked the 33rd Commemoration of the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing. A moment of silence was observed at 12:18 p.m., marking the time of the bomb’ s detonation. The victims—John DiGiovanni, Robert Kirkpatrick, Stephen Knapp, William Macko, Wilfredo Mercado, and Monica Rodriguez Smith and her unborn child, were honored as their names were read aloud by family members during the commemoration ceremony.
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April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Bronx 4-Alarm Fire Causes Major Damage, One Firefighter Injured BRONX, NY - The FDNY re sponded to a 4-alarm fire at 1234 E Gun Hill Road in the Bronx just before midnight on Thursday, March 5th. Units arrived to find fire extending through the cockloft, the area between the ceiling and the roof, and into adjoining occu pancies, ultimately affecting 11 stores. “When units opened up the store, they encountered fire in the cockloft that had spread across several adjoining stores,” said Deputy Assistant Chief Paul Miller. “ At the height o f the oper ation, firefighters had six hose lines stretched and utilized a cockloft nozzle to knock down the fire and prevent it from spreading further.” During the course o f opera tions, two vehicles were found il legally parked on hydrants and were issued criminal court sum monses. One firefighter sustained a minor injury during the incident. The cause o f the fire remains under investigation.
- FDNY
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2026
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“ 911...What’s Your Emergency?” IN THE FIRE ZONE JOSEPH CEA
Before reading further, take a moment to give som e ap plause to an often-overlooked group of people who, without them, would make it im possi ble for firefighters (and other first responders) to do their job. Yes, I am talking about the dispatchers. If ever the phrase “Don’ t take it out on the mes senger”is at its most applica ble it would be while interacting with emergency dispatchers. This is simply be cause they are only relaying the information that they re ceive. Sometimes a confirmed outdoor fire turns out to besom eone chillin’around the fire pit. But that’ s how it was called in and that’ s just the na ture of the business. There are numerous tasks and trials for dispatchers. Not only in dealing with the public but also the first responders on the other end of the micro phone. A common thread for both groups is that dispatch ers have to remain calm, fo cused and in control at all times, regardless with whom they are communicating. If a dispatcher matches the inten sity of the caller, then the situ ation will only escalate. Overall, caller intensity makes it more difficult to gather accu rate data where incomplete in formation can potentially endanger the caller and first responders. Dispatchers are often dealing with high-risk, quickly-evolv ing situations and in that sen se are no different than other first responders where secon d s count. Turning a re quest for additional resources into actually mobilizing an extra apparatus off the floor is no easy task. This is especially true when considering other required duties such as enter ing data into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, handling radio traffic, monitor ing multiple incidents and up dating responders with new information. When communicating with the public, one of the biggest chal-
P R O V ID E D
United Communication Center in Rotterdam is the dispatch center for Schenectady County. lenges is that everyone’ s situa tion is an “ em ergency” . Whereas that may sound very unsympathetic it is up to the dispatcher to be able to deci pher the true nature of the call. Dispatchers often have to ask multiple questions to make sure the proper resources are called in. Sometimes callers perceive any questions as in action when the reality is that the dispatcher has already started emergency services to them. A secon d challenge when speaking with the public is that there is a tendency to tell a story while the dispatcher needs to get pertinent informa tion quickly and efficiently and d oes not necessarily have time to let som eone ramble on “ just the facts, please” . In som e rare circumstances sometimes the system itself can be a challenge. Case in point is the radio system s and frequencies used. Although my experience as a dispatcher is limited, one circumstance that repeatedly surfaced was som e first responders using digital radios while others were using an analogue system. Those with digital radios could hear all radio traffic while the ana logue users could only hear themselves which made dis patching resources a chal lenge. Additionally, som e first
responders are on a dedicated channel and thus not privy to other radio traffic whereas the dispatcher is handling all radio communications at once. So, what actually happens when an emergency call com es in? A recent visit to the Universal Communications Center (UCC) in Rotterdam, NY yielded some really interesting observations. Each dispatcher has multiple screens in front of them each with different functions. This is the CAD system. When som e one calls “ 911”their approxi mate location is displayed on one screen with data entry on another. The dispatchers listen to the caller and enter informa tion based on the caller re sponses. The CAD then displays a number of potential responses. This process re peats and continues until the true nature of the call is deci phered and the proper emer gency services (if any) are dispatched to the location in question. Because the respon ses are generated by the CAD system one can draw a conclusion that it takes the human element out. Perhaps that is true but that is exactly what you want because reading pre- determined re sp on ses allows a dispatcher to remain monotone and not e s
calate the situation. Once the correct emergency type is de lineated then the appropriate response is sent. That could be fire, EMS or law enforcement. Keep in mind that the entire transaction from initial call to dispatched resources may only be a minute or at most two. Being a dispatcher is a great stepping stone to employment later on as either law enforce ment, firefighter and EMT. This is simply because having a working knowledge of som e of the behind-the- scen es opera s not tions is invaluable. It’ going out on a limb to suggest that every firefighter (espe cially officers) should visit and talk to the dispatchers that are sending apparatus and/or addi tional resources. This will cer tainly aid in size-up and decision making on the fireground. As an example, the CAD will also display for the dispatcher all the available resources that are “ on the box”and in what order. Officers on the fireground should also know this information. Typically, all nec essary resources (save those that are called for after the ini tial call) are dispatched simul taneously. The dispatcher will highlight each department and the resources needed i.e. en
gine, truck, EMS etc., and then click on “ send”once which will alert everyone at the same time. Because the CAD can only send one signal at a time if the dispatcher clicks on and sends each resource one at a time it will obviously take longer and may confuse the system with overlapping s ig nals. What d oes it take to be a dis patcher? From an educational requirement standpoint typi cally only a high school diploma (or equivalent). This is mostly because dispatcher po sitions rely heavily on on-thejob training. Working with a certified dispatcher for several weeks or even months newly hired dispatchers will learn the CAD system, basic radio eti quette, call talking/questioning, agency policies and standard operating procedures. Addi tional requirements may be a first aid/CPR, online coursework, NIMS certifications, background check and p ossi bly a civil service exam. This article is dedicated to the dispatchers of the City of Saratoga Springs (some of whom contributed to this arti cle) and who not only perform above and beyond but always have my safety in mind.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
FIREFIGHTER PROFILES I f your department has photos you w ould like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles”feature, please upload them on our website, w w w .lstResponderNews.com or email them to L indsey@ l stResponderNews.com
The FDNY wishes Captain Robert Hauryluck a happy and healthy retirement! Captain Hauryluck joined the Department in 1988, be ginning his career at Engine 80. He was promoted to Lieutenant in January 2003 and then assigned to Ladder 41 and Ladder 128 before transferring to the Bronx, where he worked at Ladder 48. In 2014, he promoted to Captain, and proudly worked at Engine 54, for nearly 12 years. He says he will miss the enthusiasm of the members. We thank him for his decades of dedicated service and wish him all the best in retirement.
S T E V E W H IT E
All-Hands Fire Reported in Staten Island STATEN ISLAND, NY - Crews responded on box 3442 to an All Hands fire at 104 Ainsworth Ave., February 21st. Fire was found on the second floor of a two-story private dwelling. There were no injuries reported.
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BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES I f y o u have p h otos y o u w ou ld like to se e in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the E m ergency S ervices”feature, please upload them on our website, w w w .lstR espon derN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m .
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Three-Alarm Fire Erupts at Brooklyn Mixed-Use Building; Several Injured BROOKLYN, N Y - Late Fri day evening, February 20th, the FDNY responded to a 3-alarm fire at 3322 Church Avenue in B rook lyn, bringing approxim ately 40 The fire took approxim ately units and 170 FD N Y mem bers to 90 minutes to bring under control. the scene. Four civilians and one fire “U pon arrival, units en cou n fighter sustained m inor injuries tered heavy fire on the top floor o f and were transported to local h os a three-story m ixed-occupancy pitals. building, w hich ultimately re The cause o f the fire remains quired a third alarm response,” under investigation. said Deputy C h ief Edward E sp o s ito. - FDNY
C O U R T E S Y O F FDN Y
On Monday, March 2nd, Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore and Chief of Department John Esposito swore in the latest class of Probationary Firefighters at the FDNY Fire Academy. Over the next 18 weeks, these Probies will undergo rigorous training in all aspects of firefighting.
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April, 2026
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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