1st Responder News New York February Edition

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JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY COLONIE, NY - On December 5, 2023, at 4:35 P.M., the West Albany Fire Department, Shaker Road Fire Department, Fuller Road Fire Department, Colonie Village Fire Co., Menands Fire Department, and Colonie EMS were dispatched for a reported structure fire at 112 Frederick Avenue. The caller reported heavy smoke coming from the second-floor of the structure. -

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

Dog Dies in Fully Involved Garage Fire on Christmas Day in Albany WYNANTSKILL, NY - On December 25, 2023, at 5:22 A.M., the Poestenkill Fire Department, along with Mohawk Ambulance Service, was dispatched to 38 Snyders Corners Road for a re­ ported structure fire. The caller re­ ported that the garage was on fire. The first arriving sheriffs deputy notified the dispatcher that the garage was fully involved, and there were two fire hydrants across the street. The first chief on scene had a well-involved garage fire with heavy fire impinging on the main structure. Command transmitted the Signal 30 for a working structure fire and re­ quested Wynantskill Fire Depart­ ment and West Sand Lake Fire Department to the scene. Command was able to deter­ mine that all of the occupants in the main house were out of the structure and accounted for. Wynantskill Car 2 arrived on scene and quickly geared up, put­ ting his air pack on and making his way to the front of the structure. Engine 27-2 arrived on scene and without missing a beat, Wynantskill Car 2 grabbed the cross lay and began to make the stretch to the front of the garage. Command requested fire investi­ gators and national grid to be dis­ patched to the scene. Engine 42-7 quickly arrived on scene and fire­ fighters dismounted and grabbed an additional hand line and made

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the stretch to the front door of the home. The pump operator quickly connected to the nearby fire hy­ drant, establishing a water supply for the scene, and firefighters began to knock down the heavy fire condition in the front of the garage. Firefighters deployed an additional hand line to the front of the structure and crews put them­ selves between the main house and the well-involved garage and began to make a push into the garage area, driving back the heavy fire. As firefighters were quickly knocking down the heavy fire condition on the first-floor, thick, heavy brown and black smoke began to push from the roof and the two window areas on the second-floor. As firefighters were working on the first-floor, heavy fire began to push from the second-floor win­ dows again as the roof of the structure started to exhibit heavy brown smoke and turbulent black smoke from the Delta' side of the structure. Firefighters redirected both hand lines into the windows on the second-floor, quickly dark­ ening down the heavy fire condi­ tion pushing from the second-floor again. Firefighters tossed a ladder to the backside of the structure and

made their way to the top floor, utilizing a chainsaw to cut the bot­ tom of the windowsill out to make it easier for firefighters to gain entry. Firefighters utilized a hand line from the second-floor and made entry to the second-floor, knocking down all of the remain­ ing heavy fire. Command re­ quested Eagle Mills Fire Department and Defreestville Fire Department to stand by in quarters for the mutual aid departments on scene. Firefighters on scene contin­ ued to hit hot spots throughout the building and checked the primary home for any type of extension. Crews were able to keep the fire contained to the garage with min­ imal damage to the siding of the home. Firefighters worked until about 9:15 A.M. before going back into service. Fire investiga­ tors worked on scene to determine the cause of the fire. One dog died on scene from the fire. Unfortu­ nately, the garage was utilized as a boarding room where the owner of the property would help find the owners of lost dogs and reunite them with them, as Rensselaer County currently does not have an animal shelter. The owner of the property has set up a GoFundMe to help raise funds to rebuild the garage and get the boarding room back open. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Chief Dan Wilson putting his mask on.

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

PAGE 3

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

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Even though you and your co­ workers are in the same field, every provider has different experiences, and different memories, some of which may haunt you. “In my early years of riding, we got called to a brutal homicide of several family members and at­ tempted suicide of the killer. Every emergency responder was crying at the scene. Afterward, the local PD invited our crews to attend CISD sessions. It was helpful.” When an agency arranges for professionals to offer counseling, and when that professional understands what the responders have experienced, it does help. “There was the night we got called to a heart attack. When we arrived, we found the “patient” on the toilet passing gas!” In a panic, family members may accidentally imagine a worst-case scenario... sometimes they just want the ambu­ lance to get there faster. EMS is an INCREDIBLY stressful job. That exhilaration rush when you hear the tones go off raises your blood pressure, and if you don’t find a way to relax, it can lead to permanent hypertension and cardiac problems of your own. It’s also difficult to think calmly and logically if your pulse is racing. Taking the time to BREATH, taking a few deep and slow breaths, can be calming. “I rode with a squad that cov­ ered an area near where I lived. We got dispatched to a motorcycle ac­

cident, a bad one. We loaded the pa­ tient up. While we were enroute to the hospital the patient died, and the medic asked us to check his wallet for an ID. We were shocked to find we knew him and never even recog­ nized him.” Every provider has different ex­ periences, but every provider should be able to talk with other providers who understand. Sometimes the cul­ ture of a specific squad may not be conducive to talking about your feelings after a call (even without violating HIPPA); if you worry about being ridiculed, you’ll proba­ bly just “clam up” and keep it to yourself. If management is not sup­ portive and if you fear judgment or penalties for being human, then you’ll probably put on a happy face and try to hide your angst. “We were running all night, and twice we didn’t even make it back to base before being dispatched on our next call. Finally, at ten minutes to the end of our shift, we got called out to a house fire where firefighters were injured.” If your agency is understaffed and expects its members to show up after last-minute calls, then it needs to work on better recruitment and employee retention. Long, unrelent­ ing shifts with no breaks, no food, and no rest, can take their toll. Get­ ting home exhausted and later than expected can seriously limit family/friends’ time when members might unwind. And these interrup­ tions can only be damaging to home life. There is a high incidence of al­ coholism, substance abuse, hyper­ tension, home-life disruptions, and even suicide in Emergency Medical Response. If you feel that you are succumbing to the pressures, don’t be afraid to get help. NYS Mental Health offers resources for First Re­ sponders, check out their website at https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/mental_health.htm Stay healthy and be there for those who need your help.

BOB MCCOBMICK

Boiler Room Fire Damages New Windsor Home NEW WINDSOR, NY - New Windsor FD responded to a reported structure fire at 88 Windsor Highway on January 8th. Newburgh FD responded on the first-alarm as well. Firefighters arrived to find a small amount of smoke coming from the residence and proceeded to check downstairs in the boiler room for a possi­ ble electrical fire. Crews stretched one hand line inside to the downstairs area and opened up windows to ventilate the resi­ dence. New Windsor PD and EMS, and the Fire Inspector's of­ fice were at the scene. The Fire Inspector's Office was investigating the cause/origin.

WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 25 No. 2 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Pe­ riodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial 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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Read more articles from around New York online! www.1rbn.com JEFFBEY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY West Albany Fire Department Chief Dan Sullivan commanding over the scene of a structure fire on 12/5/23.

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2024

PAGE 5

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February, 2024

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CORRESPONDENTS Jeffrey Arnold • John Bechtold • Jeffrey Belschwinder • Brian Berkey • David Bums • Mike Carey • Michael Contaxis • Jeff Crianza • Russell Curley • Vinnie Do­ minick • Patrick D’Onofrio • Bob Faugh • Bradley Fowler • John Greco • Paul Har­ rington • Gary Hearn • Connor Jacobs • Harold Jacobs • Ron Jeffers • Larry Kensinger • Bob Krajicek • Connor Kmeger • Jeff Levine • Stan De Long • Chuck Lowe • Tom Marra • Bob McCormick • Randy Montour • Tricia Mood • William Murray • Mark Picemo • Charlie Piper • David Ragusa • John Rieth • Frank Robin­ son • Bob Root • Chris Sabella* Michael Serrell • Sharon Siegel • John Smith • Ken Snyder • John Spaulding • Bill Tompkins • Chris Tompkins • Bob Vaccaro • Gary Vanvoorhis • Frankie Verderame • Stephen Wallace • John Walthers • Eugene Weber Jr. • Steve White • Guy Zampatori Jr.

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Florida: Terryson Jackson, 50 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: August 28, 2023 Death Date: August 28,2023 Fire Department: Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Initial Summary: On Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emer­ gency Services flight crew members were dispatched to a medical call regarding a traffic crash with injuries in North Lauderdale. The EC 135 Eurocopter was airborne when the pilot attempted to return to the Pompano Beach Airpark. The aircraft sustained an in-flight emer­ gency and crashed into a small apartment building, east of North Dixie Highway and just south of Northeast 10th Street. Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson died in the crash. An individual that was inside the apartment at the time of the crash was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two other crew members and two civilians were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are all listed in fair condition. Illinois: Kevin P. Ward, 58 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: August 11, 2023 Death Date: August 28,2023 Fire Department: Chicago Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, Lieutenant Kevin P. Ward responded to a fire at a single-family resi­ dence. While fighting the fire in the basement, he was critically injured, and a mayday was transmitted. He was transported to the Resurrection Hospital and subse­ quently transferred to Loyola Medical Center. On Mon­ day, Aug. 28, 2023, he succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the fire. Three other firefighters were wounded in the incident, and all have been released from the hospital. Connecticut: Anthony DeSimone, 50 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: August 24, 2023 Death Date: August 24,2023 Fire Department: North Haven Fire Department

Initial Summary: On Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, Fire­ fighter Anthony DeSimone returned to his residence after working over 30 hours responding to numerous in­ cidents. The last response was a medical call at a resi­ dence. Less than 3 hours after arriving home, he collapsed and was immediately rushed to the Yale New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced deceased from an apparent heart attack. Virginia: Mia Regina Ethridge, 20 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 9, 2023 Death Date: September 2, 2023 Fire Department: Louisa County Department of Fire and EMS Initial Summary: On Sunday, July 9, 2023, Fire­ fighter Mia Regina Ethridge was responding to a resi­ dential structure fire when the fire apparatus she was driving ran off the road in the rain and hit a tree. She was ejected from the vehicle. Firefighter Ethridge was receiving treatment at the University of Virginia Medical Center when she succumbed to the injuries she sustained in the accident on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Firefighter Ethridge was wearing her seatbelt. Firefighter Ethridge was also a firefighter with the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department. Texas: Joe Parish, 67 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: August 30, 2023 Death Date: September 1, 2023 Fire Department: Diboll Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Firefighter Joe Parish was responding to a request for mutual aid from Fuller Springs, TX, when his privately owned vehicle left the roadway and crashed. Firefighter Parish was air-lifted to a Tyler, TX hospital for emer­ gency surgery. On Friday, September 1, 2023, he passed away from the injuries he sustained in the accident.

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

PAGE 7

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, mw.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

BILL TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Fourth platoon Firefighter Dave Beaulac, Sr. of the Troy Fire Department is retiring after 29.5 years of highly dedi­ cated service to the residents of the City of Troy. Dave Beaulac, Sr. was sworn into the Troy Fire Department on July 24, 1994, and was first assigned to Engine 1 in Lansingburgh. Firefighter Beaulac spent four years of his career on Engine 1 before moving to Engine 5 at central station. Dave spent three years on En­ gine 5 before it went out of service. Not wanting to move from central station and the busyness of the firehouse and his crew, Dave moved to the rescue squad for two years. After two years of running multiple calls from central sta­ tion, Dave moved down to South Troy for two years at En­ gine 6. His final move was back to the rescue squad for 18.5 years to finish out this ca­ reer. On September 10th, 2011, Dave stood by his son, Dave Beaulac, Jr., as he was sworn into his position with the Troy Fire Department. On December 26, 2023, on Dave Beaulac, Sr.'s last night on the job, his son was working by his side. Beaulac Sr. has been one of the very few firefighters that gets to remain on his platoon, which is the fourth platoon in his entire 29.5-year career. Dave Beaulac, Sr. is regarded as the senior man of the res­ cue squad for the fourth pla­ toon, working some of the City

of Troy's biggest fires in the history of the city, including the 119th St. fire over 15 years ago that destroyed nine build­ ings in temperatures below 32°F with the wind chill. During Beaulac, Sr.'s time on the job, one of the most memorable events was a rescue down in South Troy on Fourth St. of a female that was trapped in her home by fire. Beaulac, Sr. was successfully able to get her out of her home while crews worked to knock down the fire. Beaulac, Sr. was always seen on the fire grounds as a work­ ing man, whether it's venting the windows on a fire scene, hanging out a window hitting fire in the eaves, covered in in­ sulation, or soot from the fire on his face. Being the senior man and highly respected, a lot of the other firefighters on the job looked up to Dave for the knowledge that he could pass down that he had learned over the nearly 3 decades of working on the City of Troy’s busiest rig. Firefighter Dave Beaulac, Sr.’s last day was full of visitors to the central fire station, includ­ ing family members, firefight­ ers from other stations, and members of the Troy Fire De­ partment that had retired. When asked what he was going to miss the most about the job, without any hesitation Dave stated, “The guys and the job itself. It's going to be a big void to fill." Dave plans to relax and spend more time with his grandkids, family, and his friends during his retire­ ment.

Church Building Burns in Yonkers YONKERS, NY - Flames tore through a large structure attached to a church early on December 12, 2023, but firefighters were able to keep the fire from extending to the church sanctuary. YFD units were dispatched to 20 Buckingham Rd. shortly after 3:00 A.M. A second-alarm was transmitted on arrival as flames were venting out of windows on most of the second-floor of the ap­ proximately 60'xl25' two-story brick building used partially as a day care center, but was reported

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mostly vacant. A third-alarm was sounded within five minutes as the second-floor became fully in­ volved and fire was breaking through the roof. Firefighters worked to protect the church sanc­ tuary, which was about 30-feet away and connected by a one-story walkway. By about 3:30 A.M., most of the roof had collapsed in and part of the exterior wall on the

“B” side had come down. Four elevated master streams, as well as several ground monitors worked to knock down the heavy fire, and continued for several hours. The fire was able to be placed under control at about 7:00 A.M., with no damage reported to the church sanctuary. No injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation, but investigators suspect renovation on part of the building may be responsible. - BILL TOMPKINS

B i l l TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

PAGE 8

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

BOB MCCOBMICK

Working Structure Fire on Leonard Ave. in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Good Will FD responded to a reported struc­ ture fire on the early morning of December 24, 2023. Units ar­ rived and found heavy fire in attic area. A second-alarm was transmitted, bringing Newburgh FD as the FAST, Winona Lake FD's Ladder, and Air National Guard FD's Engine to the scene. Firefighters used hand lines and tools and made searches of the residence to confirm that everyone was out. Three lines were stretched and working on extinguishing the fire. Town of Newburgh EMS and Police were at the scene. Central Hudson was called for a power cut. Deputy Orange County Fire Coor­ dinator 36-13 was also at the scene. At the 50-minute status check, the fire was under control and firefighters were hitting hot spots. The Town of Newburgh Fire Inspector's office was requested to the scene as mutual aid units returned back to quarters. New Windsor and Middle Hope FDs stood by in Good Will quarters during the incident. The fire investigation was turned over to the Town Fire Inspector's Office.

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

THOMAS MARRA Driver arrested and one passenger ejected following a rollover in Elsmere.

Passenger Ejected, Driver Arrested for DWI at Crash in Elsmere ELSMERE, NY - A driver was arrested after a crash in Elsmere that ejected one of their passengers from the vehicle in early December. Town of Bethlehem dispatchers received numerous 911 calls for a single-vehicle crash with multiple passengers screaming for help in the area of Oakwood Road and Dumb­ arton Drive in Elsmere around 10:40 RM. on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Elsmere Fire, Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Para­ medics and Bethlehem Police responded to the scene. Bethlehem Police said they discovered a single­ vehicle rollover that was off the road, with one passenger ejected from the vehicle. “The investigation indicated

Jump to file #011024101

that the vehicle stmck a cement cul­ vert, went airborne, struck several trees and brush, went through a fence, rotated 180-degrees and rolled over before coming to a rest,” Bethlehem Police said in a state­ ment. One passenger was ejected, however, there was no entrapment within the vehicle. The Elsmere Fire Department assisted with securing the vehicle, providing lighting and closing the road during the incident. Bethlehem Police said the driver of the vehicle was inter­ viewed by officers on scene and ad­

mitted to driving too fast and con­ suming alcohol prior to driving. “Officers on scene conducted a DWI investigation and arrested the operator for DWI,” police said. “Following their arrest, the operator did state they had injuries sustained in the crash and was transported from the scene for medical care.” Police say the passenger that was ejected was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two additional passengers were also transported to the hospital for minor injuries and evaluation. The driver was arrested and charged with DWI and multiple ve­ hicle and traffic offenses regarding the crash, police said. -THOMAS MARRA

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

PROVIDED BY MIKE VINCENT This patch belongs to Berne Volunteer Fire Co., located in Albany County, NY. Last year, they celebrated 95 years of volunteer fire service to their town and neighboring communities.

FRANK ROBINSON New Hamburg Fire District operates a 2015 Seagrave 2000/750 as Engine 11.

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2024

PAGE 9

Van Shears Gas M ain O ff a t A lbany A pa rtm e n t B u ild in g , Causing F ire ALBANY, NY - On November 30, 2023, at 2:32 P.M., the city of Albany’s Fire Department was dis­ patched to 167 3rd Avenue for multiple calls for a reported structure fire. En­ gines 1 and 5, the rescue squad. Trucks 1 and 4, Rescue 9, Mohawk Ambulance Service, and the bat­ talion chief re­ sponded to the scene. The callers reported a vehi­ cle fire near the structure. As units were responding to the scene, a heavy black column of smoke was visible from the distance. Engine 5 arrived on scene and transmitted the Signal 30 for a working structure fire. Engine 5 had a vehicle that had crashed into the front of an apartment building, severing the gas line to the build­ ing, and heavy fire traveling up the front of the structure with a win­ dow that had blown out on the top floor and fire pushing into the apartment. Engine 1 grabbed the fire hydrant on the comer of the scene and laid into the scene. Fire­ fighters immediately began to de­ ploy multiple hand lines and made entry to the stmcture to begin to evacuate the building, as they had heavy fire running up the front of the building. Command notified the dispatcher that they had a threestory, multi-occupancy apartment building with heavy fire traveling up the front of the stmcture from a vehicle that had caught fire after striking the building, causing an ac­ tive gas main leak under the vehi­ cle. Command advised that all hands were deployed for this oper­ ation. Firefighters dry-stretched a hand line to the top floor where the fire had blown out a window and made entry to the apartment and conducted a quick primary search. Additional firefighters made their way into the apartment building and began to make sure everybody had evacuated safely. Command re­ quested an additional engine and tmck company to the scene. Com­ mand also requested national grid gas to the scene and asked that they expedite, as they had an active gas main fire underneath the vehicle from a sheared off gas meter. As thick, heavy black smoke pushed into the afternoon sky, firefighters charged a two-and-a-half-inch hand line and went to work knocking down the heavy fire in the front of the stmcture. Tmck 2 set up in the front of the building and went to work checking the roof area for any extension. Firefighters on the upper floor requested the hand line to be charged and utilized it to knock down some visible fire and cooled

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Albany Firefighters using hand lines to keep fire from spreading back to the building.

some hot spots. Firefighters on the upper floors began to pull ceilings and conduct overhaul to make sure that they did not have any further ex­ tension inside of the stmcture. The truck company on the roof notified command that they had a light smoke condition in the attic, but nothing to worry about. Firefighters inside of the stmcture were able to confirm that everybody was out of the structure and accounted for. Command requested housing au­ thority to the scene. Command was notified that they had a hydrant issue on scene and firefighters were locat­ ing another hydrant nearby. Within a very short period of time, firefight­ ers on scene had the incident under control and the heavy fire condition completely knocked down, but they still had an active gas meter fire un­ derneath the vehicle that had crashed into the stmcture. National grid arrived on scene and began to search for the shut off for the gas line into the building in the street. Firefighters continued to utilize two hand lines to keep the gas line fire under control to prevent it from spreading back to the building. National grid was unable to quickly shut off the gas line to the building, as they could not easily locate the shut off valve. Command was able to confirm from housing that there was no master shut off valve to the building and command notified the

dispatcher that the gas meter had melted off of the building. As fire­ fighters continued to utilize the two hand lines, heavy fire would blow from all portions of the vehicle time to time. Firefighters inside of the stmcture continued to conduct over­ haul and notified command that the fire inside of the building was com­ pletely under control. The mayor of the city of Albany and her team ar­ rived on scene and began to assist with coordinating resources for the residents inside of the building af­ fected by the fire. Within about one hour, national grid was able to secure the gas and firefighters were able to knock down all of the remaining fire in the front of the stmcture. Firefighters checked for any extension around the area where they still had fire for an ex­ tended period of time. Firefighters did not come up with any hidden hot spots and overhauled the scene. Fire investigators and police worked to­ gether to determine what caused the vehicle to crash into the structure. No injuries were reported from the fire and the vehicle was towed away from the scene. The residents that were affected by the fire were as­ sisted by Albany Flousing Authority. All of the fire apparatus went back into service later in the evening hours. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGE 10

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

JEFFREY ARN0LD/@ FIREPHOT025

Lakeville Field Fire LAKEVILLE, NY - On Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:34 P.M., the Lakeville fire department and Livonia EMS were dis­ patched for a controlled burn that was out of control at 3323 West Lake Road. First arriving units found a brush pile on fire and spreading into a cornfield. Mutual aid was re­ quested to the scene from East Avon, Avon, Livonia and Liv­ ingston County Special Op's for UTVs, brush trucks and water supply. The fire was declared under control at 3:53 P.M. There were no injuries.

UNION VALE FIRE DISTRICT

Union Vale Fire Dept. Hosts Brownies UNION VALE, NY - The Union Vale Fire Department re­ cently welcomed the Brownies of Girl Scout Troop 10564 to our Sta­ tion 1, located on the north side of town in Verbank, for a tour of the firehouse. Union Vale District Chief Steven Schmoke, Captain Scott Geider and Firefighter Bill Liguori showed the Brownies the apparatus used in fires and motor vehicle ac­ cidents, and various tools kept on the trucks and their use. They were able to hold the hose, climb into the trucks and ambulance, and wear a

TOfile #121823102

3> £ » real helmet. Our members demonstrated the use of the ‘jaws of life’ (a hydraulic extrication tool used to spread and breach doors in accident damaged vehicles), and what a firefighter looks like with a Scott Air-Pak SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) on when they enter a burning building. The girls were pleased to see everything up close and have some

hands-on experience. “Our girls had the best time meeting all of you and learning about all of the important equip­ ment you use to help others. My daughter has not stopped talking about the trip there and wants to learn more about the important work that the fire men and women do. They thought it was really "cool" that the President of the fire department is a woman (something to aspire to),” said troop leader Kristen Baurczarski. - KATHY WELSH

EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

ROR MCCORMICK

Multiple Departments Respond to Structure Fire in Campbell Hall CAMPBELL HALL, NY - Campbell Hall FD responded to a re­ ported structure fire at 34 Kipp Road on December 14, 2023. Command arrived and radioed in an active fire on the sec­ ond-floor. A first-alarm was transmitted, followed by a request for a second-alarm, which brought Maybrook, Coldenham, Montgomery, Washingtonville, Florida, Walden, Salisbury Mills, and Chester departments to the scene. Hand lines and ground ladders were used on the second-floor which was fully involved. City of Middletown stood by with an engine in Campbell Hall during the incident. NYS Police and Goshen EMS were at the scene. Central Hudson was called for a power cut. The Red Cross was called to help four occupants of the residence. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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ROR MCCORMICK City of Newburgh FD was dispatched on 12/4/23 to set up the landing zone for a MedEvac to transport a child with burn injuries.

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

Deep-Seated A ttic Fire Gives Colonie Firefighters Trouble COLONIE, NY - On December 5, 2023, at 4:35 P.M., the West Al­ bany Fire Department, Shaker Road Fire Department, Fuller Road Fire Department, Colonie Village Fire Co., Menands Fire Department, and Colonie EMS were dispatched for a re­ ported structure fire at 112 Frederick Av­ enue. The caller re­ ported heavy smoke coming from the sec­ ond-floor of the structure. As multiple units called en route to the scene. Car 51 notified the dispatcher that he had a heavy smoke condi­ tion from Albany Shaker Road. Car 21, Car 66 and Car 51 arrived on scene and had a two-story, woodframe structure with heavy smoke showing from the roof and secondfloor, and all of the occupants out of the building. Command requested the Signal 30 to be transmitted. En­ gine 454 pulled down the roadway past the house and firefighters im­ mediately dismounted from the rig and deployed a hand line to the front door of the structure. Com­ mand requested the truck company to take the front of the structure and crews to begin to go to work. Com­ mand requested an additional FAST to the scene, as they were going to place the first due FAST to work. Command requested the Stanford Heights Fire Department to the scene with their FAST. Tmck 3 ar­ rived on scene and began to set up in the front of the structure. Com­ mand notified the truck company that they had low wires and to use caution. Command conducted a 360 around the building and had heavy fire pushing from the rear of the building and on the Delta' side of the structure. Firefighters on scene notified command of an urgent message that they had an electric vehicle in the garage. Command re­ quested national grid to the scene to kill the power to the structure. En­ gine 406 arrived on scene and fire­ fighters dismounted from the engine and began to hand lay to a nearby hydrant as the pump opera­ tor connected to Engine 454 to es­ tablish a full water supply. Firefighters on the second-floor made it to the back bedroom and began to search for the fire and no­ tified command that it was in the attic above their heads. Firefighters cleared the house and notified com­ mand the primary search was nega­ tive. Firefighters made entry to the garage and began to pull ceilings and discovered heavy fire running in the ceilings of the garage. Com­ mand notified the firefighters on the second-floor that the second-floor was pushing heavy from the out­ side. Additional firefighters began to arrive on scene and deployed an­ other hand line to the front door of the structure, as they needed a hand line to protect the stairwell. Command was notified that the second FAST did not call en route

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Colonie Firefighters push in the front door of the 2nd alarm fire.

to the scene yet, and Colonie Village had an additional engine in quarters with four qualified FAST members, and without missing a beat, com­ mand with two words to the dis­ patcher said, “Send it!”. Thick, heavy brown smoke began to chug from the side of the building and command notified all of the units that it was inside of the structure and to use caution. Command notified units on the second-floor that they had the super two coming in the front door, so they would have three lines in op­ eration. Units operating in the garage notified command that they had the fire knocked down, and units on the second-floor notified command that conditions were changing on the sec­ ond-floor, and they had significant amounts of heat pushing them to the floor and heavy smoke above. Fire­ fighters that made entry to the struc­ ture made their way to the basement to check to see if they had a working basement fire, and discovered they only had a smoke condition, but no fire Firefighters on the second-floor notified command that they were pulling down to the first-floor as con­ ditions had worsened and they were not making any progress. Command notified them to pull down to the sec­ ond-floor, that the structure was now well-involved in the attic area as they had heavy brown smoke pushing from the roof, and they were sending crews to the roof to begin to vent the structure. Command notified all units to get off the second-floor as condi­ tions were rapidly changing, and he was worried that they might have a smoke explosion on the second-floor. Truck 3's bucket stretched over the driveway up to the second-floor area

and began to pull the vent on the side of the house. As firefighters were cutting a vent hole in the structure, thick, heavy brown smoke began to violently chug from the hole. Fire­ fighters immediately exited the roof after venting the structure. Firefight­ ers in the rear of the structure notified command that they had heavy fire blowing through the back of the building. Firefighters deployed an­ other two-and-a-half-inch hand line to the rear of the structure and began to hit the heavy fire condition in the rear of the building in an attempt to darken it down. Firefighters that were on the second-floor quickly ex­ ited the structure, changed out their bottles and grabbed a quick bottle of water before rushing back in. Fire­ fighters deployed the super two hand line to the front door and notified command that they were going to make entry back to the second-floor to get the fire. Command was about to put the firefighters back in to the building as firefighters were utilizing a hand line on the rear of the structure and the 'Delta' side of the structure, when the engine company on scene notified command that they had a water prob­ lem. Command requested the water department to the scene and re­ quested a second-alarm to be trans­ mitted, bringing the Latham Fire Department and Verdoy Fire Depart­ ment to the scene. The engine com­ panies notified command that they had no water pressure coming from the hydrants, and command notified the dispatcher that they may have a water main break. Car 66 requested units to find another hydrant and Verdoy's engine company, while arriv­ ing on scene, grabbed a hydrant from

down the street and laid into the scene, establishing a water supply again. Heavy fire began to blow through the roof of the structure in the front of the building through the vent hole, the vent in the roof and the rear of the structure. Car 67 notified command that the fire was deepseated into the attic, and to not allow crews to re-enter the structure until they had an adequate water supply in place. As units recharged the super two hand lines and firefighters stacked up on the front door of the house, com­ mand notified all units that they had adequate water pressure again and firefighters pushed up the stairs to the second-floor where they had heavy heat pushing down to the floor, zero visibility and heavy fire blowing out the roof of the structure. Firefighters inside the building began to conduct an aggressive interior attack, driving back the heavy fire condition. As firefighters continued to work on the second-floor, the smoke condition from the vents in the building did not begin to change at all, and crews had a deep-seated heavy fire condition still traveling the entire length of the attic. The truck company on the ex­ terior of the building notified the units inside of the structure to seek shelter as they were going to open up the master stream across the roof of the building from the vent hole. Just before the truck company opened up the master stream, heavy fire continued to blow through the rear of the building again and out the 'Delta' side of the structure. Firefight­ ers on the inside of the structure no­ tified the truck company that it was clear for them to open up. The tmck company opened up its master

streams for about one minute on scene and then shut it down and fire­ fighters on the second-floor made an aggressive push, knocking down all of the remaining heavy fire condi­ tion. Firefighters inside the garage notified command that they still had fire traveling in the roof area of the garage and needed a hand line. Fire­ fighters inside the garage knocked down the remaining fire condition, and the smoke in the roof of the structure quickly began to change to a white gray color. Firefighters inside the structure notified command that they had the fire on the second-floor completely knocked down and were conducting extensive overhaul. Fire­ fighters in the rear of the stmcture utilized a hand line and knocked down the remaining visible fire from the exterior portion of the stmcture. Firefighters on the second-floor requested additional assistance from crews with hooks to begin to pull ceilings and walls. Firefighters on the second-floor and in the garage con­ ducted extensive overhaul to check for any type of extension or remain­ ing hot spots. Command had addi­ tional companies move up to different fire stations throughout the town of Colonie for coverage assign­ ments, as the fire was a manpower­ intensive operation. Once the fire was brought under control. Town of Colonie Fire Services made entry to the structure and began to conduct their investigation into what caused the fire. No firefighters were injured on scene, and the home was severely damaged by the fire. The fire is under investigation at this time. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2024

PAGE 13

February 2-4,2024 Nassau Coliseum I Uniondale, NY Three days of exhibits and education on Long Island for fire/EMS personnel of all ranks. Tickets: $25 per person/day! Hosted by and to benefit Islip Town Fire/EMS Museum Educational Center & NYSAFC

www.nysfirechiefs.com

PAGE 14

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Troy FD's two truck companies going to work.

Troy Firefighters Quickly Handle 2nd Alarm House Fire on 4th Street JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Raymertown FD Asst. Chief Bulson uses a thermal imaging camera at a structure fire in December.

BOB MCCORMICK

One-Car MVA with Rollover in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Cronomer Valley FD responded to a onevehicle MVA with rollover on 356 State Route 32, December 8, 2023. Town of Newburgh Police were at the scene and blocked the roadway off. Firefighters checked the vehicle for hazards and awaited the arrival of a tow truck. Town of Newburgh EMS arrived and evaluated the driver. Cronomer Valley Fire Police blocked the roadway at State Route 300/32 and State Route 32 and Sarvis Lane while the inci­ dent was being investigated. The Town of Newburgh Police Dept, was investigating the cause.

TROY, NY - On December 3, 2023, at 4:39 P.M., the City of Troy’s Fire Department was dis­ patched to 251 4th Street for a re­ ported structure fire. Engine 6, Truck 2, Truck 1, Engine 4, Engine 2, Medic 4, the rescue squad, and the battalion chief responded to the scene. The caller reported a fire in the ceiling and that the house was being evacuated. The battalion chief, arriving on scene within two minutes of the dispatch, immedi­ ately transmitted the Signal 30 for a working structure fire as he had heavy smoke pushing from the building. The chief notified the dis­ patcher that he had a three-story, multi-occupancy structure with heavy smoke showing from the third-floor. Engine 6, being only a few blocks away, quickly arrived on scene and firefighters immediately deployed a one-and-three-quarterinch hand line to the front door of the structure. Command requested Truck 1 to come down the street the wrong way and set up in front of the structure. Truck 2 immedi­ ately pulled behind Engine 6 and began to set up the truck company. Firefighters from the additional en­ gine companies and the rescue squad quickly arrived on scene and began to establish the water supply from the nearby hydrant. Firefight­ ers on the fire floor notified com­ mand that they believed they had fire traveling up into the cockloft of the building and command re­ quested the transmission of the sec­ ond-alarm, bringing the City of

to fiie #122823100

I Watervliet’s Fire Department, Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department, and Engine 3 to the scene. Truck 1 arrived on scene and began to set up in the middle of the roadway. With only inches between the out­ riggers and the cars. Truck 1 was able to successfully set up. Firefighters on the fire floor re­ quested the hand line to be charged and an additional hand line to be brought up the stairs. Firefighters from the truck company began to vent the roof of the structure, as they had a heavy smoke condition pushing from the vent hole. Fire­ fighters on the fire floor notified command that the fire was in the center of the building, and they were working to pull the ceilings and requesting additional man­ power to the fire floor. Command, noticing there was smoke pushing from the adjacent structure, re­ quested the mutual aid companies to make entry to the structure and evacuate all of the occupants. Fire­ fighters on the fire floor of the pri­ mary building began to knock down the heavy fire condition in the ceiling area. Firefighters in the secondary building notified com­ mand that everybody was evacu­ ated, and there was only residual smoke in the attic area from the building next door. Firefighters on Truck 2 notified command that they still had a pretty good moderate smoke con­

dition pushing from the vent holes, and the fire was still in the front of the building. Firefighters on the primary fire floor notified com­ mand that they were making heavy progress in knocking down the fire and crews were still continuing to pull the ceilings. The truck com­ pany on the roof notified command that they had fire showing in be­ tween the walls of the building. Firefighters on the fire floor were able to quickly knock down that heavy fire condition in between the buildings. Once firefighters were able to knock down the remaining fire, crews began to conduct exten­ sive overhaul of the fire floor. Ad­ ditional firefighters from the adjacent structure exited the build­ ing and reported to the staging area. Firefighters from Truck 1 came off the roof and began to get themselves back in service, as they would be the only truck company in service in the city. Command notified the dis­ patcher that the fire was under con­ trol in less than 25 minutes. Fire investigators arrived on scene and began to conduct their investiga­ tion into what caused the fire. No injuries were reported. The main fire building suffered extensive damage from the fire. Firefighters from the Troy Fire Department re­ mained on scene for an extended period of time before going back into service. No firefighters were injured during the fire. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

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1st Responder Newspaper - NY

BOB MCCORMICK

Two-Car MVA with Injuries in New Windsor NEW WINDSOR, NY - The New Windsor FD responded to a MVA with injuries at State Route 9W/Union Ave. on January 3rd. New Windsor Police and EMS were at the scene. Fire­ fighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate one driver from a vehicle. Both drivers were transported to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital by New Windsor EMS. Northbound traffic was redirected east on Union Ave., while southbound traffic was down to one lane during the incident. Firefighters checked both vehicles for hazards. The New Windsor Police Dept, is investigating the cause.

WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Troy Fire Department Lt. Jukes at a house fire, 12/3/23.

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Troy Utilizes ATF Task Force Member with Investigating Suspicious Fire at 524 2nd Ave. TROY, NY - On November 26, 2023, at 2:41 A.M., the city of Troy's Fire Department was dis­ patched to 524 2nd Avenue for the second time in less than a week for another reported structure fire. The caller reported that the building was on fire. Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 4, the rescue squad. Truck 2, Truck 1, Medic 4, and the battalion chief responded to the scene. On Novem­ ber 17, 2023, at 6:42 A.M., the city of Troy's Fire Department re­ sponded to the same address for a chair in the hallway that was set on fire. The police department quickly arrived on scene, as they were just previously there for an individual that had threatened and dragged an individual from the home with a knife. The police department noti­ fied the dispatcher that they had smoke pushing from the roof of the structure. Engine 1 and Truck 1 ar­ rived on scene within one minute of the dispatch and transmitted the Signal 30. Firefighters made their way up to the second-floor where they had a heavy smoke condition and requested the hand lines to be charged. Additional firefighters made their way to the third-floor to search above the fire floor, and only had a heavy smoke condition. Fire­ fighters were able to quickly search the third-floor, as it was a vacant apartment, and firefighters made sure that everybody was out of the first-floor apartment. As firefighters were working the fire scene, police canvassing the area discovered an individual from the fire scene in a

Jump to file #121523102

garbage can down the street uncon­ scious and requested EMS to the scene. With all of the units tied up on the fire scene, Colonie EMS was dispatched to the scene to assist. Firefighters on the second-floor continued to make a push inside of the apartment and discovered they had multiple items on fire, and quickly began to knock down the fire condition on the second-floor. As a precautionary measure, fire­ fighters deployed an additional hand line to the front door of the structure from Engine 1. Engine 4 laid in the large diameter hose down the street and fed the scene with water. Firefighters on the roof had a heavy smoke condition in the cockloft and began to vent the structure. Firefighters on the thirdfloor deployed an extra hand line and went to work knocking down the fire condition they had discov­ ered that extended from the secondfloor and quickly knocked it down. Firefighters notified command that the primary search was completed, and there was no one inside of the structure. Firefighters inside of the building requested crews to bring pike poles to the second and third floors to begin to pull ceilings and check for further extension. Within 15 minutes, firefighters on scene had all of the fire knocked down and were overhauling. Com­ mand requested national grid to the scene to shut down the power to

that portion of the building along with code enforcement. Command also requested the red cross to the scene for individuals on the secondfloor. Fire investigators were re­ quested to the scene, as the fire was suspicious in nature. Command also requested the police depart­ ment evidence technician to the scene. Police arrived and began to process the scene and work with fire investigators. One individual was taken in custody involved with another inci­ dent just prior to the fires breaking out. Troy police arrested Tequan Grimes (age: 38, Troy), and he was charged with Burglary, Menacing and Criminal Possession of a Weapon (knife). At this time, police have yet to make an arrest in the case of the arson fire of either time the building was ignited. Troy po­ lice anticipate they will be making an arrest regarding the fire once the investigation corroborates certain information. Troy police depart­ ments detectives assigned to the ATF task force are utilizing re­ sources to help find the person re­ sponsible for the fires. No injuries were reported on scene from the fire. One neighbor that lived in the building was extremely vocal about the conditions and problems the in­ dividuals on the second-floor have been causing, along with significant drug activity and major distur­ bances. The individual has reported the quality-of-life issues multiple times to numerous police agencies. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

February, 2024

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JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Pleasantdale FD Asst. Chief Matt Valyou at the scene of a house fire in Rensselaer County on 12/25/23.

BOB MCCORMICK

Chimney Fire in Middlehope MIDDLEHOPE, NY - Middlehope FD responded to a reported chimney fire at 3 Tower Road on December 11, 2023. Units requested a first-alarm dispatched to the scene. Cronomer Valley Car 3 arrived and radioed in that smoke was showing from the chimney. Cronomer Valley FD responded with a lad­ der, Good Will FD responded with an engine, and Middlehope FD responded with their ladder. Firefighters stretched a hand line to the front door, while other members used a ground ladder to get to the roof area. Firefighters checked the base­ ment area for extension and disconnected an LP gas tank that was near the chimney. Firefighters used a chimney chain to clear the chimney and filled a bucket on the roof with debris from the chimney. They then took a pipe apart that was clogged. After cleaning was complete, the resi­ dence was turned over to the homeowner.

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, mw.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@l stResponderNews.com

GARY HEARN

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Troy FF Dave Judge standing with his family in front of the War Wagon. The City of Troy’s Father of the Rescue Squad, a.k.a. (The War Wagon) Firefighter Dave Judge, is officially retiring after 30 long years of highly dedicated serv­ ice to the residents and visitors of the City of Troy. Dave joined the Troy Fire De­ partment on October 20, 1993, and was appointed to Engine 5, which was located at the old Central Station at 55 State Street until the day it closed. Dave moved from Engine 5 to Engine 2 near RPI for two years before moving down to Engine 1 in Lansingburgh for one year. After spending one year at there, Dave made his final move back to Central Station, where he re­ mained on the rescue squad for his whole career. Dave always had a smile on his face with a very humble attitude, and be­ friended numerous firefighters throughout the years. One of the most memorable things that Dave had was his helmet that could tell hundreds of stories about traffic accidents, fires, rescues, and more that it has been to. Firefighter Judge did not have a very quiet career on the city's busiest piece of apparatus. He received numerous unit cita­ tions for countless rescues in the city of Troy, including the rescue of a person from a fire on May 14, 1996 at 246 9th Street, a successful reversal of a cardiac arrest on the Captain JP cruise line mid-cruise on June 10, 2010, a water rescue on Septem­ ber 12, 2016, and another water rescue on December 17, 2017.

One of the most heroic rescues was FF Judge's rescue of a 15year-old trapped Troy High Stu­ dent in the Poestenkill Gorge 150-feet above the ground on April 12, 1999. FF Judge was lowered on a rope dangling over the gorge and successfully per­ formed a high angle rescue of the teenager on the gorge wall. After the rescue, Judge said, “It wasn’t anything special, I was doing my job.” Days after the World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001, FF Judge deployed with firefighters from the Troy Fire Department to help with rescue efforts with New York State's Task Force One down at ground zero.

One-Car MVC w ith Serious In ju rie s in Bloom ing Grove BLOOMING GROVE, NY - At 12:23 P.M. on December 31, 2023, the Washingtonville Fire Depart­ ment was dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Farmingdale Road in the Town of Blooming Grove. Upon arrival, units found one vehicle that collided with a tree. The operator of the vehicle was on the ground, outside the vehicle with serious injuries. Washingtonville Fire Department personnel assisted the Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance Corps with transferring the pa­ tient to the ambulance and established a landing zone in the parking lot of a nearby church. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Westchester County Medical Center by helicopter. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Blooming Grove Police Department.

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters of the Emergency Services” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@l stResponderNews.com.

Members of Dave’s crew stated, “Dave was the leader of the first platoon and was the heartbeat of the fire house, and always kept the old traditions alive in the fire house. Dave is going to be greatly missed by all.” During his last day at the fire house, dozens of guests, includ­ ing Dave's family, retired fire­ fighters, and crew members that worked with him, stopped by the station and brought desserts, food, and photos to share some memories. The atmosphere in the fire house was very ener­ getic. FF Judge showed off a year book, newspaper stories, and told old stories of his crews working fires back in the day. FF Judge plans to spend a lot more time with his family, take trips and make memories, and go back to his passion of coaching during his retirement.

VINNIE DOMINICK On 12/9/23, Winona Lake Engine Company and their crew brought Santa and the Grinch through the neighborhood, handing out candy canes to the kids.

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

Tractor-Trailer Rollover with Pin on Interstate 84 in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - On De­ cember 19, 2023, Winona Lake and Orange Lake Fire Depart­ ments responded to a two-vehicle MVA with rollover and entrap­ ment on Interstate 84 eastbound, in the area of the off ramp to State Route 300. Eastbound traf­ fic was shut down as the driver of the tractor-trailer and driver of the other vehicle involved were transported to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. Orange County Hazmat was called and responded to the scene, as the tractor-trailer was carrying caustic sodium hy­ droxide. Firefighters disconnected the battery on the vehicle in­ volved, which was up against the guardrail on the north side of the interstate. The roadway was closed for hours during the incident. NYS Police Officers, were assisted at the scene by Town of Newburgh Police. - BOB MCCORMICK BOB MCC0BMICK

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February, 2024

PAGE 21

February, 2024

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1st Responder Newspaper - NY

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

PAGE 23

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

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Two-Car MVA w ith Injuries in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Newburgh FD responded to a two-vehicle MVA with injuries at 39 West Street on January 2nd. City of Newburgh Police were at the scene. Mobile Life ALS trans­ ported one subject to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. Fire­ fighters spread speedy dry on fluids on the roadway and made both vehicles safe from any hazards. West Street was closed between Broadway and Third Street until tow trucks removed the vehicles. The City of Newburgh Police Dept, is investigating the cause.

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

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PAGE 26

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

The Body Craves & Needs Good S alt HOLISTIC HEALTH

DEE DEE DIMINO Our body is actually starving for the real benefits of salt. For years, salt has taken a bad rap. Flowever, not all salt is bad. You just have to choose the right kind. For example, refined salt is chlo­ rinated, fluorinated and bleached. When salt goes through this heat­ ing process, all the beneficial minerals are removed, and an ex­ tremely low percentage of artifi­ cial iodine is added. Also added to promote longer shelf life is alu­ minum silicate, an anti-caking agent. This type of processed salt can damage cellular function by raising blood pressure and glu­ cose levels. It also causes water retention, becoming a burden to the kidneys. Additionally, the anti-caking agent is now known to be a primary contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. Who knew? What does our body crave and need? Unrefined salt which is unbleached and unprocessed. It has approximately 92 trace min­ erals that balance all bodily sys­ tems, including the brain and the nervous system. Also included

are the trace minerals that occur naturally like iodine. Furthermore, real, unrefined salt is never ex­ posed to an altering process. Flere is another interesting fact. Consuming refined salt can cause blood pressure to rise. Con­ suming an insufficient amount of real, unrefined salt can elevate blood pressure. Flmmm...that’s interesting—ingesting one raises blood pressure and not ingesting enough of the other raises blood pressure. Real, unrefined salt can help regulate heartbeat, balance blood pressure and glucose levels, pre­ vent muscle cramps, and reverse dehydration. It can help promote stronger bones and teeth by re­ building bone mineral density and osteoblast cells, which can help prevent osteoporosis. It can help clear mucus from the lungs during a cold, flu, or other issues. It can help with headaches by adding it to water—if the headache is due to a mineral deficiency. It is a good idea to try this method before tak­ ing over-the-counter medications. So, what kind of unrefined salt do I recommend? My favorites are Celtic sea salt, Flimalayan sea salt, or Icelandic flake sea salt. Your body will thank you for supplying it with these needed beneficial minerals found only in unrefined salt. Dee Dee DiMino Health Coach & Educator Awakening to Wellness, LLC dyminl-hcpbellsouth.net www.deedeedhnino. com

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Second Christmas Day Fire in Rensselaer County Brought Under Control SPIEGLETOWN, NY - On De­ cember 25, 2023, at 8:09 A.M., the Spiegletown Fire Department, Mel­ rose Fire Department, Raymertown Fire Department, Pleasantdale Fire Department, and Floosie Valley Res­ cue Squad responded to 103 Valley View Avenue, for a caller reporting that the neighbor's laptop was on fire inside the residence. Spiegletown Car 2 quickly ar­ rived on scene and had heavy smoke showing from the structure and trans­ mitted the Signal 30 for a working structure fire. Command quickly conducted a walk-around and dis­ covered that the dog had gotten out of the house, and that all of the occu­ pants in the structure were accounted for. Engine Ladder 35 arrived on scene, pulled directly into the drive­ way, and firefighters deployed a one-

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and-three-quarter-inch hand line to the front door. Engine 26 and Engine Tanker 35 arrived on scene and fire­ fighters deployed to the front of the structure. Engine Rescue 28 and En­ gine 26-8 quickly followed behind. Firefighters made their way inside the structure and made a push down the hallway where they had a signifi­ cant fire condition in the hallway leading to the main fire room. Crews quickly began to knock down the heavy fire condition and took out the front window, venting the building. Command requested law enforcement to the scene, as they had an issue that needed to be han­ dled. Command also requested fire investigators and national grid to the

scene to secure the power to the home. Within minutes, firefighters had the entire incident under control. Firefighters began to conduct exten­ sive overhaul of the fire rooms and conducted a secondary search of the home to make sure everybody was out. The Schaghticoke Fire Depart­ ment was requested to stand by in quarters to handle any calls in the Town of Schaghticoke while the multiple fire departments operated on scene. Fire investigators began to clear the other Christmas Day fire on the other side of the county. No in­ juries were reported, and fire inves­ tigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire. All fire units went back into service later that morning. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

Subm itting photos and press releases is EASY! Register a t www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer em ails? Email your press release and photos d ire ctly to Lindsey@ 1strespondernews.com BILL TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM Yonkers Ladder 72, a 2002 HME/Smeal 105' rear-mount, puts an elevated master stream in operation to knock down the flames at a 3rd alarm in a church building on December 12, 2023.

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R esp o n d er N e w sp a p e r This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services W W W .1 R B N .C O M

P U B LIS H IN G SIN C E 1 9 9 3

FEB R UA R Y, 2 0 2 4

BROOKHAVEN FD AND MULTIPLE EMS AGENCIES HANDLE MVA

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS SHIRLEY, NY - On December 2, 2023 at about 5:55 P.M., officers from Suffolk Police 7th precinct were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Montauk Highway at Plymouth Place. The Brookhaven Fire Department and Shirley Ambulance were also dispatched to the scene. -

See full story on Page 29

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PAGE 28

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

LONG ISLAND] ADVERTISER INDEX A guide to finding great companies

BRADLEY FOWLER / FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 26 No. 2 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, N ew Windsor, NY 12553. Pe­ riodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. N o financial responsibility is assum ed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for

Central Islip FD Hobos Drill Team truck leading the parade.

MICHAEL E. ZALESKI

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graphical errors excommunications, inc. cept of reprinting that part o f the ad w hich was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors m ust be brought to the at­ tention o f the new spaper during the sam e m onth o f publication. Printed in Canada.

Central Islip FD Responds to Wires Down w ith Fire

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PUBLICATION CONTENT BRADLEY FOWLER / FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY Notice: T he advertisem ents, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the view s o f 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Com munications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pur­ suant to the “ space available” and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisem ents are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Commu­ nications, Inc. vouches for the credibility o f the claims made in the advertisem ents o r the representations expressed or implied in them.

Ocean Beach FD Engine 1 (3-20-1).

Additional news

ANTIQDE APPARATUS

from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com

ISLANDIA, NY - On December 18, 2023 at 9:02 P.M., on the eve of bad weather, the Central Islip Fire Department was placed into service for a reported brush fire to the rear of a residen­ tial structure on Serpentine Lane in Islandia. Once on scene, Chief of Department Vincient Plotino determined that the growing fire resulted from a downed primary powerline. PSEG was notified to respond to render the electrical lines safe for the extinguishment. Due to a delay in PSEG re­ sponse, crews stood by with a booster line from Engine 374 while the fire consumed multiple wood and PVC fencing be­ tween homes. Once PSEG terminated the power to the lines, crews were able to douse the flames without further property being damaged. Chief Plotino, as well as Assistant Chiefs Vereline, McAteer and Ford, placed the scene under control. All units returned to service shortly after.

If you have photos you would like to see in our Antique Apparatus feature please upload them on our website w ww.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@ lstResponderN ew s.com .

BRADLEY FOWLER / FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY Shirley Community Am bulance Co. Am bulance 17 (5-38-17).

Brentwood FD Hosts 13th Annual M a tth e w ’s W ish EAST ISLIP, NY - On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Brent­ wood Fire Department hosted the 2023 Matthew's Wish Parade of Toys. The parade went from East Islip, NY to Brentwood FD headquarters, located at 125 4th Street. Matthew's Wish is a non-profit organization started by Matthew's parents. Matthew, who passed away at the age of 13, had one dream which was to fill an 18-wheeler full of toys and send it to a children’s hos­ pital for sick children. Matthew's Wish asked for any new toys unwrapped to be brought and donated. Various fire depart­ ments and ambulance companies attended the parade from around Suffolk County, NY.

FRANK ROBINSON Levittown Fire Department still owns their 1959 Pirsch 750/350 Engine.

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2024

PAGE 29

Brookhaven FD and M ultiple EMS Agencies Handle MVA w ith Entrapment SHIRLEY, NY - On December 2, 2023 at about 5:55 P.M., officers from Suffolk Police 7th precinct were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Montauk Highway at Ply­ mouth Place. The Brookhaven Fire De­ partment and Shirley Ambulance were also dispatched to the scene. On arrival, Brookhaven FD 1st Assistant Chief Giuseppe Loiacono (5-3-31) found a twovehicle MVA with one person trapped in one of the vehicles. Rescue trucks 5-3-3 and 5-3-4

arrived on scene, along with Engine 9, and crews went to work setting up portable lights and putting tools in operation to extricate the trapped subject. The person was quickly freed from the vehicle by firefight­ ers. Crews from Shirley, Mastic and Mastic Beach Ambulance were on scene and transported the subject, as well as others who were injured, to a local hospital for further treatment. All FDs were back in service after about an hour or so. The road was closed for a period of time as the scene was turned over to Suffolk Po­ lice. - JOHN WALTHERS

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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS The scene of a vehicle crash with entrapment in Shirley.

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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS EMS work to bring a patient to an ambulance.

PAGE 30

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

LONG ISLANiT DEPARTMENT PROFILE

DRILLS/TRAINING

If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

On December 7, 2023, the Central Islip Fire Department held elections for their 2023-2025 Chiefs office. Outgoing Chief of De­ partment Michael Zaleski welcomed the 'Changing of the Guard' with the newly elected Chief of the Department Vincient Plotino, 1st Asst. Chief Joseph Vereline, 2nd Asst. Chief Kevin McAteer, Jr., and baby Chief, 3rd Asst. Arthur Ford.

Lesson Plans for the Fire Instructor There is literally no limit to the style and format of a fire service lesson plan. There are of course common elements which is what will be presented here. There will also be a distinct difference be­ tween your lesson plan and the final presentation that you pro­ vide to any students. What is the point of writing a lesson plan anyway? There are several rea­ sons. The first is to keep your­ self in line with your objectives. Second, is to make sure you present all the information you want to in a cohesive and rele­ vant order. Lastly, and arguably the most important is to assist with your timing which is very important because going too fast or too slow can have a detri­ mental effect on the quality of your presentation and reputation as an instructor.

MICHAEL E. ZALESKI CIFD 2023-2025 Chiefs office. (L to R): 1st Asst. Chief Joe Vere­ line, Chief of Department Vincient Plotino, 2nd Asst. Chief Kevin McAteer, Jr., and newly elected 3rd Asst. Chief Arthur Ford.

MICHAEL E. ZALESKI Chief of Department Zaleski (left) takes a last photo with his office before 1st. Asst. Chief Plotino (second from left) is elected to Chief of Department.

So, what is in a lesson plan and where do you start? What are the parts and in what order? The first part is a summary page which is completely separate from the lesson plan itself and something your students will NEVER see. This is literally akin to a building pre-plan. Some basic information that is listed in the summary includes the course name, lesson title, type of lesson (affective, cognitive or psychomotor), level of instruc­ tion, method of instruction (lec­ ture, demonstration etc.), the learning objective, references, how much time the entire lesson will take to deliver and any mate­ rials needed. This is a prelimi­ nary step but helps to shape your lesson plan. It also assists with reminders for things like materials needed which could require an entirely additional set of request forms depending on your department or employer. Next is the outline itself. From a format standpoint the outline should not only have the infor­ mation to be presented but also an additional column or other

space devoted to “Instructor Notes”. The instructor notes would include items like how much time each section should take and in a running chronol­ ogy. You may also wish to in­ clude an interesting personal note and/or a reminder of when to play a video or what slide should you be at in your powerpoint. In a nutshell, anything that keeps your presentation seam­ less, without transition or delays that would create downtime. The main body of the outline has four main parts; with the first section being preparation. Do not confuse the term preparation as a section of a lesson plan with the overall effort an instructor would utilize prior to a presenta­ tion as they are completely dif­ ferent entities. The preparation part of a lesson plan regardless of the topic should take any­ where between 1-2 minutes. It would consist of a brief introduc­ tion of yourself and your fire service experience and perhaps what department you are from. You then introduce the topic which is the equivalent of read­ ing your topic sentence if you were writing a magazine article. The most important aspect of the preparation section is the learn­ ing objective and what job per­ formance requirement (JPR usually an NFPA standard) the objective is based on. The second part is called the presentation. Again, do not con­ fuse the terms. This part does not refer to the overall standing up in front of the room talking but rather the bulk of the infor­ mation disseminated to the stu­ dent. It is best to start with a safety message because this will provide an overall justification for why firefighters are sitting in class. From there break down the information and discuss by building from the simple to the complex. For example, you wouldn’t discuss using PASS

prior to discussing the parts of a fire extinguisher or the decay stage of a fire prior to the incipi­ ent stage. Your instructor notes should reflect the slide or visual you are at as well as that running time clock discussed earlier in order to keep your timing intact. The application stage is the third part. This section is very brief perhaps a minute and is more or less a classwide open-book quiz or review of the main topics. To be consistent in our examples perhaps show a picture of each stage of a developing fire and ask the firefighter which stage is represented in the pictures. This can also be done with a handout but since this section is intended to be brief, have an assistant or skills instructor provide that handout just prior to the applica­ tion so as to minimize time pass­ ing documents which will create downtime and necessitate hav­ ing to refocus the class. The last part of the main body of the lesson plan is the evaluation i.e the test. Depending on the cir­ cumstances an instructor may want to summarize and con­ clude the lesson plan prior to providing the evaluation. The cir­ cumstance this may apply to would be if the evaluation is a national certification exam which requires an entirely differ­ ent set of test taking conditions that have to be completed sepa­ rately. To complete the lesson plan, start by commenting and provid­ ing some feedback on the evalu­ ation. Then summarize by restating the objective and each point in the presentation step. Fi­ nally end with a safety reminder. (To continue reading and view a sample lesson plan, visit www.1RBN.com and jump to story #010124105) - JOSEPH CEA

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2024

PAGE 31

In the market for a mid- or rear-mounted tower? Take a look at the new Pierce® Ascendant® 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower! Reaching heights of 100' vertically and 93' horizontally, the Ascendant 100' Aerial Tower packages a 5-section heavy-duty steel tower onto a vehicle with a low overall height of 10'8" and length of only 41'3" with a rear overhang of a rear-mount that minimizes tail-swing, it offers superior maneuverability and greater visibility. The Ascendant 100' Aerial Tower is available on a variety of custom chassis and body styles to meet your department's needs. Its integrated ground pads eliminate time spent throwing ground pads, so setup is streamlined and faster than any other aerial on the market. Configured as shown with a rear axle rating of only 48,000 lb, it outperforms with a 1,000 lb tip load capacity, up to 20-degree below grade operation, and a below grade 50-degree scrub area. All of this is accomplished at a mere 20' set-back from the building.

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PAGE 32

February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

They Saved New York: The Men and Women of the FDNY ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky

They Saved New York: The Men and Women of the FDNY Concept and Photography by Glenn Usdin Written by Dan Potter Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@ fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $75.00 This is a heavy hard copy cof­ fee table book, measuring 12 inches by 12 inches, with 291 pages. A portion of the proceeds from the book support the Ray Pfeifer Foundation, the FDNY Fire Family Transport Founda­ tion, the Lt. Joseph P. Dibernardo Memorial Foundation and the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. The Forward is by Frank Leeb, (December, 2022) Assistant Chief, FDNY. The book features

90 men and women who have dis­ tinguished themselves in protect­ ing the City of New York, including the author of this book. Some of them I know, others are names that I know or recognize. I do not believe any of them were killed on 9-11-01, but a number of them had relatives that were. They are all meaningful stories, plus there are other chapters that fea­ ture fires, apparatus, and other in­ teresting topics that you would not want to miss. Some examples are Black Sunday, The John’s Bargain Store Fire, Rescue 1, The West 42nd Street Fire, Trapped Brook­ lyn Firefighters, Marine Company Operations, Brooklyn Church Fire, the Boro Call on West 30th Street, Brooklyn 7th Alarm, Super Pumper System, September 11th and many more. It is a fantastic book coupled with the impeccable photography by Glenn. Glenn ac­ tually hired me to contribute to the Apparatus Deliveries Column in Fire Engineering Magazine in 1984, where he was the associate publisher. In 1989,1 was given the entire column to author, which I still do to this day. His photos are both black and white, and color. It is a book that will sell itself, not only to FDNY buffs, but to anyone as a human interest story.

DAVID DDRNS/@FD4D

E Battery Fire Injures Two in Brooklyn BROOKLYN, NY - Brooklyn Firefighters responded shortly after 12:00 P.M. on December 31,2023, to a report of a fire on the fourth-floor of a New York City Housing Development at 417 Morgan Avenue. First due companies encountered a working fire on arrival and quickly transmitted the all-hands, and then a 10-77 (the FDNY’s code for a high-rise fire). Two occupants of the building sustained moderate injuries and were removed via EMS. Initial reports point to E batteries as being the cause of the fire, although FDNY Fire Marshall will determine the exact cause.

OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING W e N e e d Y o u r H e lp !

Post an event in your area at www.1rbn.com Keep an eye out for National Events too!

O u r re a d e rs m a k e a ll th e d iffe re n c e !

STEVE WHITE On December 15, 2023, the FDNY fought a second-alarm at 208 Benziger Ave. in Staten Island. An occupant of the private dwelling succumbed to her injuries.

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

February, 2024

PAGE 33

No Victims Found in Bronx Partial Building Collapse BRONX, NY - The sevenstory Billingsley Terrace building in Morris Heights began to par­ tially collapse around 3:30 RM. on Monday, De­ cember 11, 2023, prompting a speedy 90-second response from firefighters who scoured through rubble and debris and fortu­ nately found no vic­ tims. According to FDNY Commissioner Kavanagh, "They have gone through a large pile of debris, 12-feet high in spots, and found no victims. Two civilians sustained minor injuries during the evacuation." Kavanagh said the department was thankful there were no serious injuries in the collapse. Work was being done on the nearly 100-year-old building as recently as a few days ago, but not on the day of the collapse, accord­ ing to Department of Buildings Commissioner James Oddo. Much-needed repairs recom­ mended by Koenigsberg Engi­ neering PC, which inspected the building on Feb. 18, 2020, were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Building Department records. FDNY

- DAVID BURNS

FDNY FDNY conducts search operations.

FDNY

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February, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

Dozens of Families Displaced by Fifth-Alarm in Queens QUEENS, NY - Queens fire­ fighters were called out to a re­ port of a top-floor fire in a six-story occupied by multiple dwellings at 12:30 P.M. on De­ cember 20, 2023. First-due com­ panies encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions showing from sev­ eral apartments on the top floor. Bat­ talion 49 quickly transmitted a sec­ ond-alarm, fol­ lowed by subsequent alarms up to the fifth-alarm, with numer­ ous special calls on top. FDNY Fire Marshals deter­ mined the fire to have started in Apt. 6M. A contractor was using a torch to heat lead paint off a metal closet door frame in the va­ cant apartment when they noticed smoke coming from the door frame. The New York Chapter of the American Red Cross regis­ tered 70 families, 142 adults and 27 children. Approximately 34 displaced families were sheltered in an area hotel. - DAVID BURNS DAVID DURNS/@FD4D

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

DAVID RURNS/@FD4D

Four Alarms Struck at Brooklyn Structure Fire EUGENE WEDER JR. This patch belongs to FDNY Battalion 27, located in Bronx County, NY.

BROOKLYN, NY - At around 4:00 A.M. on December 15,2023, the FDNY responded to 137 Kingsland Avenue in Brooklyn. Arriving units found a heavy fire condition. Fire spread to homes on the left, right, and rear. It quickly went up to four alarms. Five people sustained minor injuries. The cause is under investigation. The New York City Chapter of the American Red Cross was on scene and assisted 18 residents with relocation services.

1st Responder Newspaper - NY

Do we really see how we are loved? Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

Recently, I have had some events happen that I did not expect. I had someone connect with me that helped my father with a medical emergency back in the 1960's, and I was reunited with a friend that helped me through a real rough patch in my life. I look at these two instances and I see different levels of love. The first was showing how a neighbor cared enough to help out a neighbor that they saw, which may have been in­ jured even further. They cared for someone that they probably just waved to. The second became a friend and let me into his world, business, home and made me feel like family. He was also a brother firefighter and showed to me the love for another re­ sponder. He was compassionate enough to share what he knew would help me and he made sure that I was able to laugh. How do you express love? My fa­ ther served in Korea and came from a family that really did not show much emotions and that was passed to me a bunch. When he was getting older, I told him that I loved him and his way of telling me that he loved me was "why do you think I am here." To dad being present, spending time with you, was his way of him showing that he loved us. After all, he worked a full time job, came home and then went out to work as a waiter or maitre d at night, but he also had the fire depart­ ment and police department. He worked all the long hours to show that he cared for the family, while he went with little. Who do you show love to? Do you show or express, somehow, to your family that you love them? How do you show children? Do you read to them, play, take them special places, buy them toys? How do you show your romantic interest that you love them? How do you show, do you show, perfect strangers that you care about your fellow person? Is it by helping an older person in with the trash cans, or shovel their sidewalk when it snows, or pick up groceries for them, or cut their lawn? Do we love people as we should? Or could? Do we put up barriers to keep people away because we have been hurt in the past? Maybe we need to take down some barriers and risk getting hurt again. Yes, we may get hurt, but if we constantly have barriers up, we may miss getting to know many wonderful and special people. I listen to many people. I am priv­ ileged to hear many people's stories and I realize that some ways people know that they are loved is when you give of yourself. You give your time and attention. You realize that that per­

son, in that moment is the most impor­ tant. You silence your phone and you are just present with the person. When we are young and have a ro­ mantic interest, we may look in an­ other's eyes for hours and not say a thing, but both feel the love. We can sit with our children and be present with them as they play an instrument or sing for a school concert or play. I had people, who when I was sick and could not get out of the house, that came over and brought food or gave me a ride someplace. I had an ex-chief who would help me repair my vehicle or we would work on things and we would talk. A chief, that my son used to call Uncle Chief, went into the town where

my son lived and made it a point to turn on the lights and sirens as he was pass­ ing my son. All these are ways of show­ ing that we care for each other. When we were growing up, we may have had some challenges with fi­ nances, but being loved was shown dif­ ferent ways. Dad showed his love by being the one that worked hard to earn money. My mother would pick up some favorite food for each person in the family. My grandmother gave us hugs and always sent us home with some of our favorite homemade food, even though she struggled also. Uncle Joe showed that he cared by visiting Sunday mornings and asking how your car was doing. My sister would goof around

February, 2024

until we were chasing each other around the house. When I know people who want to get married, I usually give them Gary Chapman's book the Five Love Lan­ guages. Dr. Chapman explains about the five ways people express love: words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service, and gifts. We need to look at not only how we know that we are loved, but we need to know how other people in our lives know that they are loved. Even if we try to figure it out, we should have the con­ versation with the other person to make sure. I think of it as trying to listen to a radio program or watch the television and you are on the wrong channel. I re­ member one time when we were teach­

PAGE 35

ing rappelling and we had the early headsets. I was on the top of the build­ ing and another person was on the ground. I was calling the person, but ap­ parently the frequency was the same as a baby monitor and the mother was try­ ing to figure out what was going on in the baby's room. Make sure that you have clear communications, not only expressing that you love others, but also look how people show that they care about you. As my father would have said, why do you think I wrote this article. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

The Fire Service Experience Connecticut’s own Fire Apparatus Photographer Kevin R McKeon releases his brand new book.

‘The Connecticut Fire Service Experience Volume 3-Our Heritage and Our Future’ This is the third volume in the trilogy of the Experience and his sixth Connecticut Apparatus book overall. This book contains apparatus, firehouses, monuments, training and firefighter photos. There are stories, Connecticut trivia, and many new features! All the quality that you expect from Kevin’s Connecticut books!

DAVID DDRNS/@FD4D

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FDNY Responds to Brooklyn 2nd Alarm

AUTHOR OF THE CONNECTICUT FIRE SERVICE EXPERIENCE VOLUMES I CONNECTICUT FIRE APPARATUS PHOTO ALBUMS VOLUMES 1-3

Order you copy today!! Retail price $35.00 Call or go online to FSP Books and Videos. www.fire-police-ems.com

BROOKLYN, NY - Shortly after 9:00 P.M. on December 21,2023, FDNY firefighters responded to a phone alarm for a fire at 423 Broadway, near Hewes Street. Box 235 was transmitted for a second-alarm for the top floor fire in a three-story commercial.

February, 2024

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