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BOB MCCORMICK NEWBURGH, NY - Good Will FD responded to a reported structure fire at 32 Fifth Ave. on October 12th. Car 2 arrived and requested a second-alarm sounded, bringing in Winona Lake, Cronomer Valley, Newburgh's FAST, and Coldenham's FAST to the scene. Firefighters used hand lines to knock the fire down. -
S ee full story on Page 7
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December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
FUTURE 1ST RESPONDERS If your department has photos you w ould like to see in our “Future 1st R esponders”feature please upload them on our w ebsite www. IR BN .com or email them to L indsey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com
NEWBURGH, NY - Ava Cheesman, 19-months-old, will be a 4th generation firefighter in Orange Lake. Her dad, Eric Cheesman, is soon-to-be Captain at Dan Leghorn Engine Co.
JOHN SMITH
Two Kittens K illed, One Person Injured in Jamestown Structure Fire
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
JAMESTOWN, NY - On Octo ber 24th, the Jamestown Fire D e partment was dispatched to 539 Crescent Street for a reported struc ture fire. Car 1 went on scene re porting a working structure fire with flames showing on the A/D side. Firefighters on Engine 3 de ployed (two) one and-three-quarterinch lines to the second-floor to attack the fire while firefighters from Engine 4 connected to a hy drant at Crescent and Kipp Streets. Crews were able to knock down the bulk o f the fire on the second-floor within about 15 minutes, according
Jump to file #102424111
to a news release from the city fire department. Crews from Ladder 1 com pleted primary and secondary searches o f the first and second floors o f the home. Crews from En gine 3, Ladder 1 and Engine 4 tried to find a way into the attic o f the home, but were unable to do so, so firefighters made multiple holes to contain the spread o f the fire. Firefighters were evacuated from the home and attacked the rest
o f the fire from outside when fire spread between the original roof and the tin roof that had been laid on top o f the original structure. Once fire between the roof panels was brought under control, crews returned to the inside o f the house to extinguish the rest o f the fire. Two kittens were killed and one person was taken to UPMC Chau tauqua to be treated for smoke in halation. There were no other injuries reported. The cause o f the fire is under investigation.
-JOHN SMITH
JOHN SMITH
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PAGE 4
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 25 No. 12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Pe riodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial r sponsibility is assumed by , this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omit ted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.
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It is an accepted theme that the average First Responder, whether EMS, Fire, or Police, is con sidered an “adrenaline jun kie”. And why not? First R e sponders routinely run toward danger, not away from it. The average EM T or Para m edic greets their patients, many o f w hom are often facing possible life-ending consequences. M en tally they don their “superhero ca pes”as they begin, hopefully, life-saving treatment, keeping stoic faces on in front o f grieving family m em bers and feelin g like tired heroes if they revive the pa tient, and seein g them selves as failures if they do not. M aybe the call w asn’ t a m ed ical emergency, m aybe it w as a trauma on the side the side o f a busy highway, or at the bottom o f a cliff. A nd on ce again those im agined superhero capes are donned as they w ork to pull a trapped victim out o f a m angled car or carry an injured hiker to safety. Worse, if y ou listen to re cent new s stories y ou can im ag ine those w ho run into active shooter scenes to rescue victim s or try to revive victim s o f struc ture fires. W hile many o f us sit at home w atching our television s and gaspin g at new s reports o f su s penseful m ovies, som e are actu ally on the frontlines and living through those scenarios in person. After being ex p osed to so much trauma and som etim es feeling su perhuman, som etim es feeling dis
appointed, it is not unusual for a First R esponder to be careless with their ow n lives - either b e cause they believe they are invin cible, or because they believe they deserve blame. Lack o f sleep, PTSD, the use o f alcoh ol and drugs, and even suicide is higher am ong First R e sponders than the average popula tion. Many First R esponders w ill often take risks such as speeding and ch oose recreational activities that m ight involve higher threats such as m otorcy cle racing, rock climbing, and such. There is a fine line betw een feeling like a super hero and needing to chastise on e self that makes an individual put their ow n lives in peril. W hile Critical Incident Stress D ebriefing (CISD) is often avail able to First Responders w ho have faced an unusually stressful call, many do not partake o f it... they may see them selves as w eak if they consent, or they may feel that they sim ply are above the “pain” and do not need it. T oo often, m anagement su ggests bringing a team only when there has been a single traumatic call. Responders w itness illness, traumas, deaths, and bear the brunt o f a fam ily’ s pain and accusations over multiple calls. It all builds up. Supervisors and management at these agencies need to encour age healthy outlets to help balance the stressors that their m em bers face every day. They also need to keep open lines o f communication am ong all their personnel and learn to reco gn ize when one o f their ow n is “suffering”and en courage them to speak with a pro fessional. A b ov e all, they must rem ove the stigm a o f n eedin g to hide on e’ s pain. I f several m em bers o f an agency are involved in a traumatic incident, professional C IS D should be offered in a group set ting. First R esponders must take care o f them selves first to keep caring for others.
THOMAS MARRA
3-Car MVA Slows Evening Commute in A ltam ont Area ALTAMONT, NY - A three-car crash caused some delays at the start of the evening commute in the Altamont area on October 3rd. The New Salem FD was dispatched with Albany County Sheriff’s Ambulance, Albany County Paramedics and Albany County Sheriff’s for a three-car collision at the intersection of Altamont Road and Tygert Road just after 4:15 P.M. The driver of one of the vehicles was transported to the hospital with chest pain. The occupants of the other two vehicles in volved were checked out by EMS on scene and refused trans port to the hospital. The intersection remained alternating traffic to one lane while crews operated on the scene.
VIHHIE DOMINICK
Read more from a ll of our colum nists on our w ebsite! ww w.1rbn.com
Two Transported from MVA in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Good Will FD was called out to a two-car MVA on Woodland Terrace and Taffet Ave., October 3rd. Two people were taken to the hospital by Town of Newburgh EMS. Town of Newburgh Police Department also assisted on scene.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2024
PAGE 5
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PAGE 6
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
1 "R esponder N ewspaper
In memory of those who gave a ll
1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 1 2 5 5 3 8 4 5 - 5 3 4 -7 5 0 0 • ( fa x ) 8 4 5 - 5 3 4 -0 0 5 5
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EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER
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1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers
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emergency responders lost in the line of duty
ACCOUNTING
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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Corner)
Indiana: Kenneth D. Caldwell, 63 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 6, 2024 Death Date: June 6,2024 Fire Department: LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On the morning o f Thursday, June 6, 2024, Firefighter Caldwell responded to a field fire.
Fire Department: Los Angeles County Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, June 14, 2024, while fighting a construction vehicle fire, Firefighter Andrew Pontious was killed when an explosion occurred.
Vermont: Charles "Charlie" Parker, 74 Rank: Captain
could get equipment to the area o f the fire. After the fire,
Incident Date: July 8, 2024 Death Date: July 8, 2024 Fire Department: Chittenden Volunteer Fire
he returned to the station and cleaned up the equipment.
Department
He mentioned to others that he was going to stop and get
Initial Summary: On Monday, July 8, 2024, Captain
•Bob Krajicek •Connor Krueger •Jeff Levine •Stan D e Long •Chuck
his mail on the way home. That evening, he missed a
Charles "Charlie”Parker responded to a bam fire.
Lowe •Tom Mlarra •B ob McCormick •Randy Montour •Tricia Mlood •
work detail at the firehouse. On Friday, June 7, 2024, he
After operating at the scene, he returned the tanker to
William Mlurray •Mlark Picemo •Charlie Piper •David Ragusa •John Rieth
failed to respond to a call. By Sunday morning, June 9,
the fire station. Captain Parker was found unrespon
Siegel •John Smith •Ken Snyder •John Spaulding •Bill Tompkins •Chris
2024, Firefighter Caldwell had not been seen or heard
sive by a fellow firefighter. Lifesaving efforts were
Tompkins •Bob Vaccaro •Gary Vanvoorhis •Frankie Verderame •Stephen
from since Thursday. Members o f his department went
immediately perform ed but were unsuccessful. The
to his residence to check on him. The found him de
cause o f death has yet to be determined.
CORRESPONDENTS Jeffrey Arnold •John Bechtold •Jeffrey Belschwinder •Brian Berkey • David Bums •Mike Carey •Michael Contaxis •Jeff Crianza •Russell Cur ley •Vinnie Dominick •Patrick D ’ Onofrio •Bob Faugh •Bradley Fowler • John Greco •Paul Harrington •Gary Heam •Ron Jeffers •Lany Kensinger
•Frank Robinson •B ob Root •Chris Sabella •Michael Serrell •Sharon
Wallace •John Walthers •Eugene Weber Jr •Steve White •Guy Zampatori Jr
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ EDITORIAL INFORMATION_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1Ard more St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all sub missions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.
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During the response, Firefighter Caldwell used rescue equipment to cut through a fence so other firefighters
ceased inside the home. He had collapsed and died while opening his mail, just a few hours after his emergency
Missouri: Matthew Tobben, 42
response to the fire incident.
Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: July 8, 2024 Death Date: July 8, 2024
West Virginia: Benny Filiaggi, 62 Rank: Chief Incident Date: June 14, 2024 Death Date: June 14, 2024 Fire Department: Montgomery Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, June 14, 2024, Chief
Fire Department: Boone County Fire Protection District
Initial Summary: On Monday morning, July 8, 2024, Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben from the Boone County Fire Protection District, and another firefighter
Benny Filiaggi was on official paid duty working at his
from the City o f Columbia Fire Department were con
residence performing administrative functions for the
ducting a swift water operation in North Columbia. The
department. He had spoken to the mayor earlier in the
firefighters had rescued two individuals when the boat
morning and informed him that he did not feel well. His
overturned. Assistant Chief Tobben was thrown into the
son attempted to contact him but was unsuccessful.
water and drowned. The other firefighter and the two
Chief Filiaggi was found unresponsive in his home and
victims originally rescued were not injured.
was immediately transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased from an apparent heart at tack.
California: Andrew Pontious, 52 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 14, 2024 Death Date: June 14, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2024
PAGE 7
Working Structure Fire on F ifth Ave. in Newburgh Destroys Home NEWBURGH, NY - G ood Will FD responded to a reported structure fire at 32 Fifth Ave. on October 12th. Car 2 arrived and requested a second-alarm sounded, bringing in Winona Fake, Cronomer Valley, Newburgh's FAST, and Coldenham's FAST to the scene. Firefighters used hand lines to knock the fire down. At the 10 minute status check there was water on the fire with exposure issues. Winona Fake set up the master stream on their Fadder Truck. At the 20 minute status check, three lines were in operation and there was a request to Central Hudson for a power cut. Town o f Newburgh EMS and Police Dept, were at the scene. Orange Fake FD was called to stand by in G ood Will quarters. Deputy Orange County Fire C oor dinator 36-13 requested Orange County Fire Investigators to the scene. The source o f the fire was undetermined, and an investiga tion continued by the Orange County Fire Inspector's Office.
- BOB MCCORMICK BOB MCCOBMICK
BOB MCCOBMICK
PAGE 8
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
VINNIE DOMINICK
M o to rc y c le MVA w ith M edEvac in Newburgh
THOMAS MARRA
A discarded cigarette in mulch believed to start a minor fire in Glenmont. NEWBURGH, NY - Cronomer Valley FD, Town of Newburgh EMS and Police Department were called out to 516 Canter St. on October 4th for a motorcycle accident. One gentleman was airlifted to the nearest hospital with unknown injuries.
M inor Fire Q uickly Extinguished in Glenmont GLENM ONT, N Y - A small fire was quickly noticed and extin guished at a hom e in Glenm ont in September. C rew s w ere called to 347 Route 9W in Glenmont just before 8:00 RM. on Wednesday, Septem ber 4th, for a report o f a confirm ed structure fire. The caller stated there w as heavy sm oke pouring out o f the building. Firefighters arrived to find the house filled with smoke, but no visible flames. C rew s went to
Jump t o file #100724120 i 4
3 P
w ork rem oving portions o f the sid ing on the hom e to determine the source o f the smoke, as the base ment w as still filling with smoke. It was determined a small fire took place outside the hom e and slightly extended to the structure. C rew s w et dow n the area and as sisted with ventilating the sm oke from the home.
It is believed that an im prop erly discarded cigarette in the m ulch is what may have started the fire, according to C h ief Marc Futia o f the Elsm ere Fire Depart ment. Elsm ere Fire, Delmar-Bethlehem EM S, Albany County Para m edics and B ethlehem P olice responded to the scene. There were no injuries reported.
-THOM AS MARRA
BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES I f y o u have ph otos you w ou ld like to se e in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the E m ergency Services” feature, please upload them on our 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 .
BOB MCCORMICK
School Bus Vs. Car in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Newburgh FD responded to a school bus vs. vehicle MVA on October 11th at Broadway and Wisner Ave. City of Newburgh Police Officers were at the scene and diverted traffic away. Empress EMS transported one subject from the school bus to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. Fire fighters stretched a hand line due to gas leaking from the ve hicle. Students on board the school bus were evaluated by EMS and escorted to an awaiting bus. Fire Command notified DEC of the gas leak. The FD stood by until tow trucks arrived. The City of Newburgh Police Dept, is investigating the cause.
PROVIDED
NEWBURGH, NH - Blue Mass at St. Patrick's Church, held on September 22nd, was followed by a reception at the Dan Leghorn Engine Company. Battalion 3 participated with the Knights of Colum bus during this annual service.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
The O fficial Book of Andy ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
The Official B ook o f Andy By Fire Engineering Books Available from: FSP B ooks & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, M AO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $39.00 This is a soft cover book, measuring 6 inches by 9 inches, with 296 pages. It is a com pila tion o f writings o f the late Fire fighter Andrew R. Fredericks o f FDNY Squad 18, who was killed at the World Trade Center on 911-01. I did not know Andrew personally, but I attended his view ing in Suffern, N ew York. One o f the reasons was because I was familiar with many o f his teachings, especially the Fire En
gineering “Bread and Butter” videos which were excellent for training and fighting interior fires. He devoted his life to training fire fighters, particularly in engine company operations, as w ell as keeping firefighters safe in fire at tack. He had an exceptional view o f solid streams versus com bina tion streams from fo g nozzles. Combination nozzles in my opin ion are a misconception o f original high pressure fog used by the navy and adapted to structural firefight ing. There are 15 chapters plus 10 “Fire N uggets”at the end o f the book. Space does not allow me to detail much o f what this book is about. I started reading textbooks on fire related subjects when I was a teenager who decided he wanted to be a firefighter. I stopped study ing them 21 years ago when I re tired. I can tell you one thing. There were and are many out standing textbooks, and this one is no less a fantastic one. Everyone on the jo b should get a copy to help you better perform your jo b and stay safe. I do not know if it's on the bibliography list for prom o tional exams, but if it is not, it should be. In A ndy’ s 40 years o f life, he brought a wealth o f infor mation to the Fire Service.
December, 2024
PAGE 9
Bob Long
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PAGE 10
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
THOMAS MARRA JEFFREY RELSCHWIHDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Heavy fire pushes from the garage after it collapsed.
Second-Alarm Raging Garage Fire in W aterford
THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
Delmar FD Hosts Open House DELMAR, NY - The Delmar Fire Department hosted their an nual open house event on Sunday, October 6th. Members were serving pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, apple cider and apple cider donuts. There were hose and fire extinguisher ac tivities for kids to participate in, as well as a bounce house. There was also a live burn demonstration showing how quick a fire can grow, and the importance of early detection from a smoke detector.
WATERFORD, NY - On Sep tember 27th at 8:58 P.M., the Northside Fire Department with Waterford Rescue Squad was dis patched to 10 Fairview Avenue for multiple calls for a reported structure fire with heavy smoke showing from the garage. As the Fire Chief left his home, a heavy column o f smoke with heavy fire was visible off in the distance and as he pulled out of his driveway and down his street, he immediately transmitted the secondalarm. The second-alarm brought addi tional mutual aid from the Waterford Fire Etepartment, Boght Community Fire Company for the FAST Team, Flalfmoon-Waterford Fire Depart ment, the Saratoga Fire Coordinator to the scene. Upon arrival, the fire chief had heavy fire pushing from a multi-story garage in the rear o f the building, and heavy fire pushing over the top o f the house. Fie began to evacuate the main home while police evacuated the structure around it. Multiple small explosions occurred inside o f the garage. The fire chief notified the dispatcher that he had multiple exposure issues and a secondary structure in danger o f catching fire. The first arriving engine on scene immediately laid in from the fire hydrant nearby and firefighters deployed a two-and-a-half-inch hand line with a blitz fire to the end o f the driveway. Additional firefight ers deployed a hand line around the other side o f the structure and began to work to stop the spread o f fire from the garage to any other struc tures. As firefighters deployed addi tional hand lines to the rear o f the structure, the heavy fire condition continued to rage and could be seen from as far away in the clear night sky as the city o f Troy’ s Congress Street bridge. Firefighters laid in an additional supply line from another
JEFFREY RELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY street to make sure that they had an adequate water supply. As firefighters were utilizing a hand line on the Bravo' side o f the structure, they hit fuel that had burned through its con tainer, causing a quick flash up. Fire fighters began to remove heavy debris alongside o f the garage that had burned through and collapsed. As firefighters were doing so, the garage walls began to shake and command had them stop and move away from the wall for safety rea sons. Within 20 minutes, firefighters had the entire incident under control and began to conduct overhaul on the collapsed garage. Firefighters checked the main house for any ex tension as they had melted siding. Ehrring the incident, one of the supply lines leading into the scene was ran
over by a vehicle, resulting in that supply line being shut down and taken out o f service. Firefighters in the rear o f the structure conducted a check o f the nearby structure next to the garage for any extension, and were able to determine that there was only smoke inside o f the building. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period o f time conducting extensive overhaul into the late evening hours. The fire is under investigation at this time, and no cause has been re leased publicly. No injuries were re ported from the homeowners. Firefighters went back into service just after 11:30 RM.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
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13T Responder Newspaper - NY_____________ December, 2024___________ PAGE 11
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December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
MEMORIAL BOARD I f your department has ph otos y o u w ou ld like to see in our “M em orial Board”feature please upload them on our w ebsite www. IR BN .com or email them to L indsey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com
PROVIDED
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Selkirk Firefighter & 1st Responder News Correspondent Thomas Marra receives Firefighter of the Year for his heroic actions.
1 s t Responder News C orrespondent R eceives F ire fig h te r o f th e Year fo r H eroic A c tio n s BOB MCCORMICK
VINNIE DOMINICK
Past President and 40+ year member of Winona Lake Engine Co., John R. Bootz, Jr., born on March 27, 1964, passed away on Oc tober 14, 2024 at his residence. He held positions in the Orange County Volunteers Association, and managed the Mid Hudson Firemans League for years. A viewing was held at Brooks Funeral Home where a Firematic Service was held. A motorcade left the funeral home and stopped at Winona Lake Engine Co. where a service was held. John's turnout gear was displayed in front of the bunting of the firehouse. The pastor said some words and prayers were said. After everyone was in formation, Last Call was announced by the Orange County 911 center. A bell was rung and a lone bagpiper played Amazing Grace. Rest in Peace John, see you on the other side.
ALBANY, NY - On January 19, 2024, during a frigid winter night, firefighters from multiple departments responded to a struc ture fire at 69 Miller Road in the Town o f N ew Scotland. A m ong them was Firefighter Thomas Marra o f the Selkirk Fire Depart ment, whose swift and decisive actions have earned him Fire fighter o f the Year for the Town o f Bethlehem. What began as a routine m u tual aid response quickly turned into a life-threatening situation for one o f the firefighters on scene. As the N ew Salem Fire Department fought to control the structure fire in sub-zero temperatures, brief water supply issues delayed sup pression efforts, allowing the fire to intensify. Black, turbulent smoke filled the second-floor, and firefighters were assigned to lo cate and eliminate hot spots in the budding. Firefighter Marra, who had initially arrived on scene as a pho tographer to document the inci dent for 1st Responder News, soon switched roles when addi tional manpower was requested from his department to the scene.
Jump to file #101524133
Fie teamed up with a fellow fire fighter, Lieutenant Tyler Searles. It was during the overhaul opera tion when disaster struck. As the firefighters advanced through the building, Marra’ s partner suddenly fell through a weakened portion o f the floor, becom ing trapped waistdeep in the debris. Fie tried to call a Mayday, but due to radio issues, was unable to make contact with command. R ecogn izing the ur gency o f the situation. Firefighter Marra immediately took action. With no hesitation, Marra worked quickly to free his partner from the hole in the floor. Despite the FAST team being activated, Marra had already extricated his partner and was helping him exit the building by the time they ar rived. Thanks to Marra’ s rapid re sponse, the trapped firefighter sustained no injuries and was able to return home safely that night. Firefighter Marra’ s courage and quick thinking under pressure have not gone unnoticed. Flis fel low firefighters have now put
forth his nomination for the pres tigious Firefighter o f the Year award for his role in preventing a potentially tragic outcome. Slingerland Fire Lieutenant Tyler Searles stated, “Flis quick actions not only saved me from serious in jury, but allow ed me to return home safely that night. Firefighter Marra showed incredible bravery and decisiveness in a moment where seconds counted.” The heroism that occurs b e hind the scenes o f incidents is nor mally handled behind the closed doors o f the fire department after wards in an award ceremony, nor mally not shown to the public. The nomination for Firefighter o f the Year was decided by the Selkirk Fire Department’ s awards co m mittee and awarded to firefighter Thomas Marra at the Bethlehem Town Park in front o f hundreds o f members o f the community. This incident serves as a reminder o f the dangers firefighters face dur ing all portions o f structural fire fighting operations and how your training is highly important.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
m
December, 2024
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December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
■■_________ SHAROHE. SIEGEL
(L to R): Back Row: PJFD Secretary Bill Werner, Eng. Co. 5 2nd Lt. Dana Presto, Sr., Butch Wood, Frank Fuller, Sr. PJFD Past Secre tary Dick Drew, Eng. Co. 5 Treasurer Tom Vicchiarriello, Eng. Co. 5 1st Lt. Michael Aumick, PJFD Past Chief Petey Fuller, PJFD Chief Keith Brown, Eng. Co. 5 Secretary Joseph Scott.
THOMAS MARRA
Firefighter Jordan Flach of the Coeymans Hollow Fire Department operating a hoseline at the department open house event.
Port Jervis Fire Department Thanks Riverside Creamery Owners for Support! PORT JERVIS, N Y - Congrats and thank you, neighbors! On July 11th, m em bers and officers o f Port Jervis Fire Depart m ent’ s E xcelsior Engine Co. No. 5 presented a plaque to Riverside Cream ery’ s founders and owners for “25-years o f sellin g the best ice cream and treats”and in grati tude “for b ein g an outstanding com m unity provider.” The o f fi cers and members praised the sup-
JUMPTO FILE #101324100
3l port o f Riverside Creamery ow n ers for always supporting their company. Port's fire department, and other organizations and indi vidual efforts for the communitiy.
- SHARON SIEGEL
THOMAS MARRA
Vehicle extrication demonstration at the Coeymans Hollow FD Open House.
SHAROH E. SIEGEL
Front Row: Denis Livingston, The Creamery Co-Owner Jeff Penner, Eng. Co. 5 Vice President Russ Scott, The Creamery CoOwner James Doviak.
Coeymans Hollow FD Open House COEYMANS HOLLOW, NY - The Coeymans Hollow Fire Department hosted an open house event at their firehouse on Saturday, October 5th. The department also hosted a craft fair inside their firehouse during their open house event. Foods and drinks were served by members. There was a vehicle extrication demonstration as well.
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December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Fully Involved Blaze Destroys Home in Richmond RICHMOND, NY - Around 7:30 P.M., on Monday, October 7th, Richmond and Bristol fire fighters were dispatched to a house fire at 4274 Reed Road in the town o f Richmond. First arriving units found a single story home fully in volved in flames. A full response was re quested from H em lock, a FAST team from Livonia, as well as additional tankers from Ionia and West B loom field fire departments. One occupant was able to safely evacuate the structure. The blaze was brought under control in about an hour. There were no in juries reported. Officials from On tario County Emergency Management were investigating the cause.
-JEFFREY ARNOLD
JEFFREY ARN0LD/@FIREPH0T025
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December, 2024
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DRILLS/TRAINING I f y o u have ph otos y o u w ou ld like to se e in our D rills feature, please u pload them on ou r 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 .
Tapping a Hydrant
PROVIDED
If a firefighter is learning how to tap a hydrant from a firefighter 1 class, then the approach may be more “vanilla” for lack of a better term. State fire classes have their curriculum (same as any department SOPs) and usu ally cannot deviate from that too much if at all. Realistically, there is really is no way to take into account the nuances of hun dreds of different departments anyway.
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One of the most basic firefighter skills is tapping a hydrant and is likely to be encountered in fire fighter 1 class or department equivalent. The focus of teach ing this skill may be slightly dif ferent depending on the instructor. For example, if the firefighter is learning from a company officer, then the ap proach will be from that depart ments standard operating procedure (SOPs) as the poli cies of other departments are for the most part irrelevant.
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From a municipal instructor i.e. state fire standpoint it is best to focus on the commonalities be tween state curriculum and local SOPs full well knowing that most if not all divergence is procedural which should really not be taught and emphasized until the end of the lesson any way. That said having designed hydrant tapping drills for Ex plorers I found it best to start with baseline terms and how a hydrant actually works i.e. what actually happens when the stem nut is turned at the top. This re quires two things - a vocabu lary list and an open hydrant model that includes being able to view the below ground parts. Here are some common hydrant parts/tools/terms: Steamer Cap - largest of the three caps on the front of the hydrant Hose Cap - the auxiliary caps on the sides of the hydrant Stem Nut - Hex screw at the top Upper Barrel - body of the hy drant that is above ground Lower Barrel - Body of the hy drant that is below grade Valve - Located at the bottom of the hydrant that allows water
flow when opened Dry Barrel-The hydrant is drained after use and the shut off is located below grade. These hydrants are used in cold areas to avoid damage and in operation due to freezing. Wet Barrel - The barrel has water all the time. The shut off valves are located above ground. Easier to use with water present at all times. Used in warmer climates. Hydrant bag - Contains all had tools necessary for opening a hydrant and should include but not limited to hydrant wrench(es), rubber mallet, gated wye, adapters, spanner wrenches. Once the terms are down and all the firefighters are familiar with the parts proceed to discuss the colors of the hydrants, caps and other accessories such as flags or metal posts associated with hydrants. Most firefighters know that the different colors of caps and flags reference the size of the water main the hy drant is based on but remember your audience; hydrant tapping is a firefighter 1 skill so color schemes on hydrants will be im portant information to build on as the firefighter becomes more experienced and advances into firefighting operations. Colors (NFPA 291) can also indi cate municipal versus a pri vately owned hydrant and that can definitely have an impact on firefighting operations. Moving on to procedure for opening a hydrant a good in structor will focus on the com monalities but reference and prepare a beginning firefighter for the fact that local depart ment SOPs are likely to be dif ferent. Some of the more common procedures would in clude but is not limited to: Open the hydrant standing be hind it so that there are no in juries due to any loose caps being forced off by water pres sure. Clear any other firefighters for the same reason as presented in #1.
Open the hydrant all the way to flush it out first. Close the hydrant all the way to put on LDH. Open the auxiliary cap and at tach a gated wye. Signal the pump operator that the hydrant is ready to go. As far as any subtleties some departments have you wrap the hydrant with LDH while others use a gate to initially flush the hydrant. Still others will only tap the auxiliary port closest to the fire where some will hook up a gated wye to one side and a 2 1/2 inch hose to the second. Be prepared as an instructor to addresswhythesedifferencesexist-besidesjustsaying“well,that’ stheSOP”. Alwaysrememberasan instructor that you want the firefighters in your class to go back to their respec tive departments with new ideas. Those new ideas may end up improving a department. Whatever the procedure it is im portant to practice the entire procedure until it is mastered because you never know when the situation will dictate changes. Drawing on my own experience, at one fire we could n’t get the steamer cap off as the nut was stripped and so we had to tap both auxiliary ports in order to get enough water and through two separate lines. A good instructor should in clude additional firefighting op erations information such as how weather may affect open ing a hydrant even going so far as to plant a seed that as fire fighters and community resi dents to look around their own neighborhoods and shovel out hydrants if you live in an area with snow or possibly even re port or remind their department to make certain hydrant inspec tions are done accordingly if you notice one in need of main tenance. Lastly, would be for firefighters to familiarize them selves with all the hydrants in district relative to location, type and how best to tap that hy drant. - JOSEPH CEA
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PATCH OF THE MONTH I f y o i 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 our 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 .
BOB M CCORMICK
No In ju rie s in Two-Car MVA in Newburgh
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Auburn Fire Department, located in Cayunga County, NY.
NEWBURGH, NY - Cronomer Valley FD responded to a two-vehicle MVA with unknown injuries at State Route 32, in the area of Weyants Lane, on October 14th. Town of Newburgh Police Offi cers were at the scene. Firefighters disconnected the battery from one vehicle; both parties in volved were not injured. State Route 32 was blocked at Weyants Lane and State Route 32/300 until the scene was secured. The Town of Newburgh Police Dept, is investigating the cause.
The s ta ff o f 1st Responder Wewspape would like to extend to our valued readers and advertisers our warmest wishes for a safe & Happy Thanksgiving/ ^ S T
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Ex-Chief Glen P feiffer Honored fo r 50 Years of Dedicated Service The O ld Tappan Volunteer Fire Department honored ExC h ief Glen PFEIFFER for 50 years o f dedicated service at its annual Inspection dinner on Friday, September 27th. Glen began his career as a Volun teer Firefighter in 1974 when he join ed the Depart ment's Junior Fire fighter Program. Upon reaching age 18, he becam e a regular fire fighter, and successfully co m pleted various firefighting courses, which increased his fire fighting skills, qualified him as a Chauffeur on the Department's apparatus, and permitted him to serve as a Fire O fficer from the rank o f Lieutenant to C h ief o f Department. Ex-Chief PFEIFFER also served the Department on the A d ministrative side by holding the positions o f Treasurer, President and Trustee over the past 50 years. Fie w illingly shared his professional experience in the business and finance sector to help the Department in its fund raising endeavors and maintain ing its fiscal and budgetary stability. Ex-Chief PFEIFFER re mains an active Firefighter and frequently serves as Chauffeur on the Department's First Due En gine, especially during the criti cal, lowered staffing, daytime weekday hours. Glen was simultaneously honored at the dinner by New Jer sey State Senator Fiolly SCFiEPISI who presented him with a proclamation from the N ew Jer sey Legislature which co m mended him for his 50 Years o f Volunteer Firefighting Service, and the Pascack Valley Firemen's A ssociation which recogn ized this great accomplishm ent as well.
COURTNEY V0SLER
COURTNEY V0SLER
Ex-Chief PFEIFFER and State Senator Holly SCHEPISI proudly hold up the NJ Legislature Proclamation.
Department President Mark FIEDLER, Ex-Chief PFEIFFER, and Chief Brian MORGAN display the honoree's 50 Year Service Plaque from the Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Department.
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December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
W hat are you p u ttin g in to y o u rs e lf Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
There are many times that I have heard people tell me that I am the books that I read and the people that I associate with. Well, times have changed now we have to watch what we watch from any media. So many times, we are exposed to people who want to tell us false truths (LIES). Enough o f this dou ble speak let's call a lie a lie. People lie to us and want us to believe their lies. I have heard people tell som e one that they did not know how to put out a certain type o f fire. They are telling someone that they do not know how to do a certain thing, when the person that they are telling is a subject matter expert. When I was taking my HazMat Technician class, we were being taught the chemistry section by a nuclear physicist. Every time the physicist taught, a hand came up in the back o f the room. The per son in the back kept correcting the physicist. The instructor finally said, "if you think you know so much then you teach the chemistry. Who do you think you are?" Turns out that the person who kept cor recting him had a doctorate in chemistry and was the expert in his field. Didn't the instructor have egg on his face? When I work with addicts, the one thing that they were told was to get a new phone number and be very selective with the people that they allow to be put into the phone. They should not put in the phone people who would bring them back to their addictive life again. Who do you listen to? D o you listen to the people that bully peo ple around? I f you hang out with them long enough, you will become a bully. I f you are around people who are not being truthful about fi nances, you have a strong tendency to become just like that person. There may be people who are smart in one subject but then they becom e an expert on all subjects because they are full with their over confidence. Knowing one subject gives you no right to be a challenge to everyone on everything else in
your life. I will admit that there are many subjects that I do not know. The way that I handle my lack o f knowledge is to sit at the feet o f people who know more that I do. I f I want to know how to grow crops, I will lis ten to a farmer. I f I want to know how to repair a vehicle, I will ask an experienced mechanic and not the dentist. One o f the favorite things I loved was a friend o f mine went to a dinner party with his cousin. She was a beautiful woman and some people underestimated her. They were talking to a gentleman who was talking about challenges with a cer tain Apple product. The woman said, " why don't you give me the infor mation and I will get back to you." The man said something like "that's ok, I will talk to someone who knows about Apple." I wonder what he looked like when he found out that the woman was in charge o f the Apple think tank for that product. We all know that everything on the internet is factual and nobody is allowed to put lies on the internet, LIE. We need to be selective with the people we associate with before we become arrested with them. We need to not associate with people who launder money. We need to be selec tive with people we spend time with. We turn into people that are in our crowd. Certain people who want to ob tain certain information or skills as sociate with the elite. They sharpen their skills and attitudes by learn from people who have the knowl edge, skills and reputation, and will ingness to be taught. As soon we think we know everything about everything, we open ourselves up for a big fall. In the Bible, Proverbs states "if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them." I will say at this time that you have been informed. You have the right and responsibility to decide for yourself but I want you to re member that you have the right to make whatever decision you want, but are you willing to pay the price for bad decisions. Pay attention to what you put into your brain. What goes into the brain does stay there and does influ ence you.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters venting the building while crews overhaul the first-floor.
Aggressive Fire Tactics in Speigletown Bring Farmhouse Fire Under Control SPEIGLETOWN, N Y - On O c tober 8, 2024, at 6:10 P.M., the Speigletown fire department along with the Pleasantdale Fire Depart ment, Raymertown Fire Depart ment, and H oosic Valley Rescue Squad, was dispatched to 315 Fogerty Road for a structure fire, with the caller reporting the build ing to be on fire as he was driving by. A s the fire department was being dispatched, the g o o d Samari tan, Thomas Bristol Jr., stopped his vehicle and jum ped into action, as sisting the resident inside o f the home away from the fire. Speigletow n Car 1 arrived on scene and immediately notified the dispatcher that he had fire showing from the front o f the structure and transmitted the Signal 30 for a w orking structure fire. The ch ief had a two-story farmhouse with heavy fire showing from the AlphaBravo side o f the structure. C om mand was able to confirm that
Jum p t o f i l e #102324101 m
3 i
everybody was out o f the structure. The first due apparatus de ployed a one-and-three-quarterinch hand line to the front door o f the house and called for the pump operator to charge the line. With heavy fire pushing from the bed room, firefighters made entry to the structure and began to make an ag gressive interior attack, pushing back the heavy fire condition. Engine Ladder 35 quickly placed their truck company to the r o o f o f the structure and additional firefighters made their way inside o f the structure, conducted a primary search and notified com m and that inside o f the structure was negative and everyone was out o f the home. Firefighters continued inside o f the structure, hitting all o f the visible fire, knocking it down rapidly.
Within 13 minutes, firefighters on scene had the entire incident under control with all o f the visible fire completely knocked down, and in terior crews began to conduct ex tensive overhaul. County fire investigators were requested to the scene to determine the cause o f the fire. N o injuries were reported and due to the heroic efforts o f Thomas Bristol, Jr., all o f the occupants in the hom e were able to make it out safely. Due to the aggressive interior firefighters, crews prevented the fire from spreading to any other portion o f the home. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period o f time conducting extensive over haul. Mutual aid com panies re mained on scene assisting in overhaul operations and picking up the scene so that all units went back into service fire-ready.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
MASTIC, NY - Firefighters from Mastic and neighboring departments responded to a house fire Thursday morning, October 17th, on the 170 block of Mastic Boulevard, where flames were quickly spreading through the rear of the home. The Mastic Fire Department was activated at 10:17 A.M., after receiving reports of the fire. Chief Steven Januszkiewicz was the first to arrive on scene, finding the rear of the house fully involved in flames. -
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Additional
Mastic Beach firefighters operate at a vehicle in the woods off the William Floyd Parkway, October 1st.
Vehicle Crashes into Woods Near W illiam Floyd Parkway M A S T IC B EA CH , N Y - Suf folk County p olice responded to a sin gle-vehicle crash on Tuesday, O ctober 1st, after a car veered o ff the road and into the w oo d s near the northbound lanes o f W illiam F loyd Parkway, officials said. The incident occurred at ap proximately 5:20 P.M., just north o f N eighborhood Road. O fficers from the 7th Precinct w ere dispatched to the scene, alon g with the M astic B each Fire Department and M astic B each Ambulance. Firefighters from R escue 5-134 secured the vehicle, w hile EM S personnel treated the driver at the scene before transporting them to a local hospital. The condition o f the
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Jump t o file #102124107
m 30
driver and details o f h ow the a cci dent occurred were not released. Northbound traffic on W illiam F loyd Parkway was temporarily di verted as em ergency crews worked. Suffolk County P olice Em ergency Sendees rem oved the vehicle from the w ood s to allow for towing. N o other veh icles w ere in v olv ed in the crash, accordin g to authorities, and the scen e was cleared a short time later.
-JO H N WALTHERS
PATCH OF THE MONTH I f y o u h ave p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in ou r “Patch o f the m on th “feature p le a se u p lo a d them
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Gordon Heights Fire Department operates this 1994 Pierce Dash Walk-In Rescue as Rescue 8 (5-9-8).
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BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Medford Fire Department operates this 2007 Pierce Quantum Walk-Around Rescue as Rescue 15 (5-14-15).
from
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w
can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
BOBV A CCA RO EUGENE W EBER JR.
This patch belong to the Suffolk County Fire Department, located in Suffolk County, NY.
The Carle Place Fire Department recently put in to service a 2024 Spartan/Marion/Smeal Quint. The vehicle has an 85' Smeal Plat form with a 1000-gpm Waterous Pump.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2024
PAGE 25
LONG ISLA
Annual Southampton Fire Department Muster Celebrates Community and Competition SOUTHAMPTON, NY — On September 14, 2024, the Southampton Fire Department hosted its annual muster, drawing participation from over a dozen fire departments for a day o f friendly com peti tion and community celebration. The day began with a parade o f an tique fire trucks that captivated on look ers. Families lined the streets, cheering as the vintage en gines passed, show casing the rich history o f firefighting in the region. The im pressive lineup included trucks from various departments, each telling its own story. After the parade, firefighters and junior members engaged in a series o f competitive events, in cluding Efficiency, Midnight Alarm, and Buckets. Departments also demonstrated their water drafting and pumping skills using som e o f the antique trucks on hand. Results from the day's events included: Efficiency Competition: The Stumblers took first place, demonstrating exceptional team work and speed in their tasks. Midnight Alarm: The Smithtown team o f Juniors excelled, showcasing their strategic skills under pressure in the juniors divi sion. Throughout the day, the ca maraderie among departments was evident. The event not only highlighted the skills o f firefight ers but also reinforced the strong bonds within the community. The Southampton Fire D e partment’ s muster was a resound ing success, reminding everyone o f the dedication and bravery that define firefighting, past and pres ent.
Patchogue FD pumping the hand-drawn antique the Honey Bee.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
-JOHN WALTHERS
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Smithtown Jr firefighters participate in efficiency.
PAGE 26
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLANi T Central Islip Fire Department Hosts 2024 S uffolk County Medal Day CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — On Priday night, September 27th, the Central Islip PD hosted the Suffolk County Lire Acad emy Vocational Edu cation and Extension Board (VEEB) Medal Day, honoring fire fighters who have gone above and be yond the call o f duty. The event recognized those who displayed exceptional bravery and dedication, often putting their own lives on the line to protect their communities. In addition, instructors and fire coordinators from across Suffolk County were honored for their outstanding service and leader ship. The event brought together fam ily members, fellow firefighters, and dignitaries to celebrate these heroes. Notable attendees included Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, Suffolk County Legislature Presid ing Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Chair o f Hie Legislature's Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services Pre paredness Committee Dominick Thome, Commissioner o f Suffolk Fire Rescue Rudolph A. Sundennan, Chief o f Suffolk Fire Rescue Joel Vetter, and many other elected offi cials and fire service leaders.
SUFFOLK COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY
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SUFFOLK COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY
SUFFOLK COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY
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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Suffolk County Fire Academy Director Scott Davonski with Honorable Mention honoree James Hand - East Islip FD.
Members of the Patchogue FD with Honorable Mention recipient Peter Feehan. —
SUFFOLK COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY
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JUHN WALTHERS- SUFFULK FIRE PHOTOS
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Suffolk County Elected Officials with Frank L. Obremski Memorial Award honoree Coordinator and Chief Michael Gianmugnai.
Suffolk County Exec Ed Romaine congratulates Chief Michael Gianmugnai on Coordinator of the Year.
Honorable Mentions:
Frank Greenwood & William Renton - Riverhead Fire Department Kenneth Ruddick Sr. & Juan Sanchez - Central Islip Fire Depart ment Joseph Hinton, Kenneth Pearsall III, Christian Figumiak & Bryan Zissel - Cutchogue Fire Department The room was filled with fire fighters, family members, and sup porters from across Suffolk County, all there to celebrate the courageous individuals who have gone above and beyond the call o f duty. The Medal Day event underscored the profound dedication o f these first re sponders, highlighting their bravery and commitment to the safety o f their communities.
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Frank L. Obremski Memorial Award: Chief Michael Giamnugnai Edward Tully Jr. Memorial Award: Chief Edward Schneyer
Bronze Medal Recipients:
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James Hand - East Islip Fire D e partment Michael DeGregorio - Linden hurst Fire Department Peter Feehan - Patchogue Fire Department
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Instructor of the Year Awards:
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A1 Nemecek Award: Deputy Chief Walter E. Dunn III Jack Gibson Award: Deputy Chief Paul Mastronardi
Coordinator Awards:
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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Bronze Medal recipients from the Cutchogue FD Joseph Hinton, Kenneth Pearsall III, Christian Figurniak & Bryan Zissel with their Chiefs.
Suffolk County Fire Rescue Commissioner Rudy Sunderman and Chief Fire Marshal Jack Blaum present Coordinator of the Year award.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2024
LONG ISLA
OPEN HOUSES FROM AROUND LONG ISLAND
Photos by Bradley Fowler/Fire Guy Photography
PAGE 27
PAGE 28
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLAND]
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Police interview a driver at the scene of a fatal crash involving a bicycle. JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
B icyclist Killed in M astic Collision M astic F irefighters B a ttle House Mastic probie Dale C and other Mastic members operate at a recent working fire.
M ASTIC, NY - A bicyclist was killed Saturday night, Sep tember 14th, after being struck by an SUV on Mastic Road near Dover Avenue, according to Suf folk County Police. The crash occurred at approx imately 9:40 P.M. when Gerrianne Griffin, 74, o f Mastic Beach, was driving a 2019 Kia SUV south bound and struck an adult male b i cyclist, who was also traveling southbound on Mastic Road. Mastic Fire Department and Mastic Ambulance responded to the scene, and a helicopter was initially requested but later can celed as the bicyclist was in trau matic arrest and could not be flown. The injured man was trans ported to Long Island Community
to FILE #100224100
3M * Hospital in Patchogue, where he was pronounced dead. His identity is being withheld pending notifi cation o f next o f kin. Griffin was not injured in the crash. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check, and Mastic Road was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the scene. Suffolk County P olice Sev enth Squad detectives are investi gating the incident and are asking anyone with information to con tact them at 631-852-8752.
- JOHN WALTHERS
Fire on M a stic Boulevard MASTIC, NY - Firefighters from Mastic and neighboring de partments responded to a house fire Thursday morning, October 17th, on the 170 block o f Mastic Boule vard, where flames were quickly spreading through the rear o f the home. The Mastic Fire Department was activated at 10:17 A.M., after receiving reports o f the fire. Chief Steven Januszkiewicz was the first to arrive on scene, finding the rear o f the house fully involved in flames. Moments later, the first en gine arrived, and firefighters rapidly stretched a hose line, launching an aggressive attack on the fire while working to cool a propane tank lo-
JUMPTO FILE #102124104 m
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cated behind the house, officials said. Additional engine crews from Mastic and mutual aid departments, including Brookhaven, Manorville, Center Moriches, East Moriches, and Eastport, arrived shortly after to assist with extinguishing the blaze. Firefighters also conducted searches inside the home and con firmed that all occupants, along with their pets, had safely escaped. Mastic Beach Fire Department stood by at Mastic headquarters to handle any additional calls during
the incident. Shirley EMS and Mas tic EMS were on scene to provide firefighter rehab and standby for any potential injuries. The fire was brought under control by 10:55 A.M., but firefight ers remained on scene for another hour to ensure the fire was fully ex tinguished and overhaul. In total, the alarm lasted about two hours. The scene was turned over to investigators from the Brookhaven Fire Marshal’ s Office and the Suf folk County Police Arson Squad. The cause o f the fire has not yet been determined, and no further in formation has been released.
- JOHN WALTHERS
IN SERVICE
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
I f you have photos you w ould like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our w eb
I f you have photos y ou w ou ld like to see in our “E m ergency M edical Services”feature, please upload them on our website w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com or em ail them to L ind sey@ lstR espond erN ew s.com .
site w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com or em ail them to L ind sey@ lstR espond erN ew s.com .
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
West Sayville 3-10-4 at a recent parade.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
The kids check out Ambulance 5-39-17 from Mastic Beach Ambulance Co. under the guidance of EMT Michelle C. at a recent touch-a-truck.
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 29
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PAGE 30
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “ Brothers & Sisters o f the Emergency Services” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
STEVE WHITE
T hird A larm S tru ck a t S taten Island Church Fire PROVIDED
About 3 years ago, Jersey City Special Operations Deputy Chief Jack Johnson met New York Special Operations Deputy Chief John Esposito at a New York City High-Rise symposium. Since then, they have been friends and have shared strategies, tactics, and equipment ideas. Fast-forward some three years now, they are both Chiefs of their respective departments. Chief Esposito is cur rently the FDNY Chief of Department the Biggest Department in New York & Chief Johnson is the JCFD Chief of Department the Biggest Department in all of New Jersey. The two Chiefs remain friends and look forward to working together with the common goal of leading & protecting their members and citizens in every and any way they can.
STATEN ISLAND, NY - Firefighters were dispatched on October 8th at 7:05 P.M. to 1174 Castleton Ave., a three-story church named Full Gospel Tabernacle. On arrival crews found heavy fire on the third-floor and the attic of the 50'x60' structure. Three hand lines were stretched and oper ating with Ladder 79's stang put into operation in front of the fire building. This was an exterior operation, with the fire placed probably will hold at 8:52 P.M. A 10:41-1 was transmitted as a suspicious fire.
STEVE WHITE
A ll Hands in Staten Island DAVID BURNS/@FD4D
FDNY Deputy Chief of Staff Fabricio Caro, SI Boro Commander Brian Gorman, Assistant Commissioner James Harding and Deputy Chief Andy Morgan.
STATEN ISLAND, NY - Firefighters were dispatched on October 6th at 9:55 P.M. to 215 Yetman Ave. for an attic fire in a two-and-a-half-story 20'x50' private dwelling. Two lines were stretched and operating, and the fire was placed probably will hold at 10:35 P.M.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2024
PAGE 31
DAVID DURNS/@FD4D
Honoring Detective Luis Fernandez
DAVID DURNS/@FD4D
FDNY Hosts Open House BROOKLYN, NY - Meet local firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs and learn lifesaving fire safety tips! In October, the FDNY hosted a citywide Open House program. More than 200 firehouse and EMS stations opened their doors to the public. Pictured are a small part from Brooklyn’s Engine 282 and Ladder 148.
BROOKLYN, NY - A very heart-rending tribute was held on October 16th to remember the 10 years since the passing o f D etec tive Luis Fernan dez, Emergency Service Squad 6. The gathering took place at the NYPD Aviation Hangar at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn. Luis was taken by 9/11 illness suffered through his dedi cated service during the rescue and recovery m ission at Ground Zero. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including Luis’two daughters and his lov ing wife, Maritza, as w ell as many o f his former ESU c o l leagues and a host o f other friends and relatives. The event was opened with a prayer by Assistant C hief Chap lain, M onsignor Robert J R o mano, follow ed by a spectacular rendition o f the Star Spangled Banner, magnificently delivered by Police Officer Brianna Fernan dez, proud daughter o f Maritza and Luis. Briana is assigned to her dad’ s prior command, the 9th Precinct. Passionate speeches were de livered, each o f which were given in an atmosphere o f reverent si lence, with emotional love and re spect. Assistant C h ief Carlos Valdez, Comm anding Officer, ESU, spoke from his heart and soul recalling the dedication and self-sacrifice o f a great E-Man. Retired D EA President Paul D iG iacom o offered a glow ing tribute to Detective Fernandez, noting with the highest NYPD honor to the late detective’ s work as a D EA Delegate. L uis’dear friend and former
DAVID RURNS/@FD4D
Detective Luis Fernandez, Emergency Service Squad 6
ESU boss, retired Lieutenant Richard Lobasso, spoke o f Luis with deep, endearing friendship and praise, for the love and treas ure that his wife and two daughters meant to him and formed the foun dation o f his life ’ s existence. It was as touching and rich as anyone could express. Detective Fernandez’ s wife
and daughters concluded with words that had no equal as they re layed their childhood and family life that could only be defined as second to none.
- DAVID BURNS
PAGE 32
December, 2024
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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