VOLUME 9, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State NOVEMBER 2015
See page 9 for full story. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
In Memory of Firefighter Barry Miller See page 6 for full story.
– New York State Edition –
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Fire News, November 2015, Page 3
In this issue... .
LODD: Chief Barry Miller
In the very small and tightly weaved community of Bergen, New York, no one would have thought the morning of September 23, 2015, would be different than any other day...
See story on page 6
House Destroyed in Colonie
A family was able to escape through the back of the residence because the fire started on the front porch. See story on page 8
Fire at JFK
A two-alarm fire did considerable damage to a portion of the Fed Ex building on North Boundary Road at JFK Airport. See story on page 10
3-Alarmer in Albany
Arriving companies found heavy fire on the upper floor of the 100-year old Wilson Meat Packing building. See story on page 13
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.
Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2015, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MacBoston 18 Truck Seminar
MacBoston 18 Truck held its annual fire training school, “A Day of Training with the FDNY.” Firefighters from as far away as Texas attended the all-day seminar. See story on page 23
Volunteer Firefighters vs.
CANCER
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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
FASNY kicks off its cancer awareness campaign
See story on page 27
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Time to Forget We Never Change Seasons! Our Own Recently I attended the FDNY Memorial Service. It is one of the most solemn events the FDNY holds. This year was no different than years past, but for some reason, I pondered the event and gave a lot of thought to it on my long ride home from New York City. For those of you that do not know, there is a monument on West 100th Street and Riverside Drive in Manhattan. The Firefighters Memorial in Riverside Park, dedicated on September 5, 1913, is one of the most impressive monuments in New York City. Each autumn, the incumbent mayor joins the fire commissioner and thousands of uniformed firefighters and EMS personnel at the Firefighter’s Memorial to honor the memory of the FDNY responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This ceremony reaffirms the dedication of those who perform heroic acts on a daily basis. This year was no different. Mayor Bill
de Blasio, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and Chief of Department James E. Leonard honored seven members who died in the past year at the 108th Annual Memorial Service. As I gave thought to this month’s event, I asked myself what message does the ceremony show those who know nothing about the family known as the fire service? As I stood at the monument, I saw Mayor de Blasio, FDNY Commissioner Nigro and Chief of Department. Leonard speak to the families of the seven members who died. Looking at the faces of the family members, my heart sank for a moment. What is the purpose of this beautiful ceremony and the ceremonies that are held at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Maryland, your individual state’s memorial and your department’s memorial service? Here is the common theme I see: I saw a mayor, a commissioner, a chief of depart-
ment, and several chaplains reassure the families of the fallen that they will never be forgotten. I saw seven representatives of the FDNY comfort and make a presentation to their assigned family as the fire bell sang out in remembrance. I looked past the families and saw a sea of blue lining Riverside Drive for blocks and blocks. This signifies that the families who lost loved ones will always have someone to come to in time of need. All responders remember their fallen brothers and sisters and never turn their backs on their families. I ask all of our friends in government to join the principles of all fire departments and to support you by making sure that the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is always their to help those Americans who suffer from illnesses related to 9/11. Let’s not add insult to injury. …Dennis
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ANNOUNCEMENTS NVFC AWARDED GRANT TO ADDRESS FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH AND SAFETY The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) a $786,580 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant to conduct a series of health and safety initiatives over the next year. The grant will help the NVFC build on existing health and safety programs as well as address emerging issues facing the fire and emergency services. A cornerstone of the NVFC's mission is to address firefighter health and safety, reducing injuries and deaths among the volunteer fire and emergency services. The NVFC, with support from previous FP&S grants, administers groundbreaking health and wellness programs including the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, the Share the Load behavioral health support program, and the B.E.S.T. Priorities for Health and Safety. In addition, the NVFC has released resources and training to help with vehicle safety, cancer awareness and prevention, and other critical areas of firefighter health and safety. With this grant, the NVFC will focus on creating a culture of knowledge and safety in the fire and emergency services, emphasizing the need to change attitudes and actions to an environment that embraces safety and takes proactive measures to lessen the risks that personnel face. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive awareness campaign, education,
and the development of resources. Key areas that will be addressed under this grant include cancer, behavioral health, and risks while responding or on the incident scene.
The grant will allow the NVFC to offer training through its Virtual Classroom, develop a handbook on how and why to make this cultural shift to safety, and develop a standards implementation guide. In addition, the NVFC will hold its second Training Summit and rollout an awareness campaign addressing key health and safety issues facing the volunteer fire service, including behavioral health concerns such as depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. "By educating personnel on their risks and manageable steps they can take to lessen these risks, we empower the volunteer fire service to do better," said NVFC Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. "The NVFC has created a lot of posi-
tive changes in the fire service through its health and safety programs and initiatives. We thank FEMA for providing this grant to help us continue and expand on these initiatives to further increase the health and safety of our nation's firefighters and emergency responders." The FP&S Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. Learn more about the grants at www.fema.gov/fireprevention-safety-grants. About the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC): The NVFC is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable resources, programs, training, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org. National Volunteer Fire Council 7852 Walker Drive, Suite 375 Greenbelt, MD 20770 888-ASK-NVFC (275-6832) nvfcoffice@nvfc.org | www.nvfc.org
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LODD: Chief Barry Miller In the very small and tightly weaved community of Bergen, New York, no one would have thought the morning of September 23, 2015, would be different than any other day. It started with bright sunshine and above-normal temperatures for this time in autumn. The town was waking up, as the sound of tractors starting the fall harvest echoed. Someone, though, was in need of an ambulance, the call for chest pains. As he often did, EMS Chief and firefighter Barry Miller responded to the call as the EMT, along with a trainee and the driver. As they drove into the distant part of town, they encountered some heavy fog in a low lying spot in the road. They slowed, but it wasn’t fast enough. A Town of Riga backhoe was moving in the same direction, but more slowly. The impact was absorbed directly by the passenger’s seat. Chief Miller was unresponsive, and later was pronounced dead at the local hospital. That night, a vigil was held at the firehouse that drew hundreds to mourn, to weep, to look for understanding and to support the volunteer company. Chief Miller served the Bergen community for 31 years. He also was on the Town Board, was the Genesee County Coroner, owned Miller Millworks that was severely damaged by fire and rebuilt a few years ago. He also owned a resort in the Adirondack Mountains. For awhile, he also worked for the Rochester Eye and Human Parts Bank. He loved the ambulance of which he was chief, though. It was his passion. He fought tirelessly to improve it. He certainly passed away doing what he loved. “It’s a big hit for any department, but even more for a small department like ours,” said Byron Fire Department Chief Kevin Finucane before a vigil at the firehouse, which attracted several hundred people. “He was the lifeblood of the rescue squad. He always pushing to make things better and do things better.” The Fire Coordinators from Monroe and Genesee Counties secured around-the-clock ambulance and fire fill-ins to give the Bergen firefighters time to prepare, and ultimately accept the loss of their friend, neighbor and colleague. A painful process that no one should have to endure. The wake was held for two nights at the small Presbyterian church in the village where Chief Miller and his parents worshipped. The funeral was held on September 29, 2015, at the Pearce Memorial Church in North Chili. Internment was at the village cemetery. Miller is survived by his father, Tracy, also a firefighter, and his mother, Loretta. Barry Miller was 50 years of age. Please visit www.bergenfd.com to make donations or support. -Fire News photos by John Spaulding
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House Destroyed in Colonie
Recently, the Colonie Village Fire Company with the assistance of Fuller Road, Midway, Verdoy and Latham responded to a fully involved, single-family home on Roberts Drive in Colonie. The family, including three young children, were able to escape through the back of the residence because the fire started on the front porch. Multiple handlines and an aggressive interior attack were able to bring the fire under control and no other residences in the closelybuilt neighborhood received any damage. The home was completely destroyed by the quickly moving fire. The family vehicle in the driveway was also destroyed. One firefighter was injured but released from the hospital the same day. A family pet perished in the blaze. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Recently, firefighters responded to a four-alarm barn fire at Currybush and Scotch Ridge Roads in Rotterdam. Units arrived to find one barn a flaming skeleton, and a second fully involved with a third barn catching fire and threatening the farm house. Tankers from several area departments were utilized to battle the flames. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Fire at JFK
On September 23, 2015, a two-alarm fire did considerable damage to a portion of the Fed Ex building on North Boundary Road at JFK Airport. A blaze that started in a large dumpster quickly spread to the adjoining building and into some office space on an upper floor. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Mount Eden Blaze
On September 20, 2015, a second alarm was transmitted for a fire in a row of taxpayers on Burnside Avenue in the Mount Eden neighborhood of the Bronx. The seat of the fire was initially difficult to locate, but units made good progress and the blaze was brought under control. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Structure Fire
Thiels Fire - Again
On September 16, 2015, the Good Will Fire Department was called out for a structure fire on Pleastant ViewAvenue. Mutual aid came from the City of Newburgh, Vails Gate, Winona Lake and Orange Lake. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
The Thiells Fire Department responded to an early evening call for a structure fire on the property of Letchworth Village on August 22, 2015. The property, has several large, abandoned structures on it. Over the years, Thiells has fought several large fires in some of the buildings previously. Assisted by several local departments, the fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
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Hoseline Comp
The Orangeburg Fire Department recently held a multi-department drill, concentrating on a friendly hoseline deployment competition. Several evolutions were laid out, with rapid line deployment and water application the goal. Units were timed, and awarded a trophy at the conclusion of the drill. The winners, a crew from New City, are now responsible for hosting the fun, friendship building event in 2016. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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All-Hands in Ozone Park
On September 23, 2015, FDNY companies battled an all-hands blaze at a private dwelling on Rockaway Boulevard in the Ozone Park section of Queens. Dispatchers received multiple calls for fire out the rear of the building. There were no reported injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Duanesberg 2-Alarm
Recently, Mariaville firefighters caught a two-alarm fire on Gutha Road in the town of Duanesburg. Flames quickly consumed the two-story wood framed house that was located on a dead end street making access difficult. No one was injured in the blaze. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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3-Alarmer in Albany On September 12, 2015, Albany City dispatch was notified by a police patrol of a fire in an old industrial structure in downtown Albany. Arriving companies found heavy fire on the upper floor of the 100year old Wilson Meat Packing building. The building was of heavy timber and brick construction. An extremely heavy fog in the area may have possibly concealed the fire, resulting in a long-delay before it was reported. Albany was assisted by Waterveliet and Troy as the inferno spread to two other structures, and threatened nearby businesses in other buildings, eventually reach three-alarms. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Truck Fire in Schenectady Schenectady firefighters arrived on the scene of a truck fire at Mont Pleasant Middle School on Forest Road where construction was taking place. A full compliment of apparatus responded to the school because of the vehicle’s proximity to the building. The fire was contained to the truck, which was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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That’s Not the Brake Schenectady firefighters work to free the driver of a car and a patron of the Blue Ribbon Diner on State Street after the man mistook the gas for the brake and drove his car through the wall of the diner, pinning a patron between the back bumper and dining area. In all, six people were injured in the mishap. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Feura Bush Roll-over On September 16, 2015, the Delmar and Onesquethaw Fire Departments responded to a semi rollover on Indian Fields Road (Route 32) in Feura Bush. The driver was treated on the scene by paramedics from Albany County as well as EMS from the Town of Bethlehem Ambulance Service, and transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Onesquethaw Ambulance was on the scene as well. State Police were investigating the cause of the crash. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
ESI EQUIPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT NEW JYD NATIONAL SALES MANAGER ESI Equipment, Inc., the home of JYD Industries is proud to announce the hire of Tammi Northrop as the JYD National Sales Manager. Tammi comes to ESI with over a decade of experience in the rescue products field, previously in a similar position. Her duties will include the management of the JYD dealer network, coordinating the national and regional shows and assisting in marketing and product development. Tammi will be operating out of an office located in New York, but can be reached at ESI's toll free number: 1-800-574-8228 Extension 138; or, by e-mail at tnorthrop@jydind.com. Tammi will be a great asset to ESI/JYD Industries bringing her years of experience and her spirit of hard work to the many products offered under the JYD umbrella. JYD Industries is a manufacturer and wholesale distributor of vehicle rescue and other life-saving devices. JYD started with rescue strut stabilization equipment which is now part of the ZSTRUT and XTEND strut lines. The Sidewinder stabilization and lifting
jack has increased rescuers capabilities in basic stabilization and quick lifting. The New Glass Knife is designed to safely cut laminated glass in vehicles using a drill supplied by either the end-user or JYD. Other products include the Packexe window protection adhesive film that is found in the JYD Safety Kit. The Safety Kit includes many products to keep the patient, EMS and rescuers safe during the extrication process. Many other products round out the JYD offering which are all designed to create a safe extrication environment and to protect tools and equipment. Contact JYD Industries at: 1-800-5748228. Or by e-mail at: info@jydind.com. Visit our website at www.junkyarddogindustries.com or our Facebook page. ESI Equipment is located at 119 Keystone Drive, Montgomeryville, PA 18936.
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Glenmont MVC Injures 3
ATV Accident
On September 15, 2015, the Selkirk Fire Department was dispatched to an MVC on Route 144 near Wimple Road. Car 402 reported a propane tanker and a small sedan were involved. Chief Asprion arrived, and reported there were two children involved: an infant in a car seat and a boy age two or three who was not restrained. The mother and children were transported to the hospital by the Town of Bethlehem EMS, and Albany Co. Paramedics. Bethlehem Police were investigating into the cause. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
On September 5, 2015, Blooming Grove first responders arrived at the scene of an ATV accident on Goshen Road. The injured person was transported to Westchester County Medical Center by Lifenet Air 2. Washingtonville Fire Department assisted Blooming Grove Ambulance at the scene and established the landing zone. BGPD was also at the scene. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
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Teaching Fire Safety The Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department assisted Siena College with their Student Safety Day on September 16, 2015. The event’s activities included a pod burn of a typical student dorm, showing students just how quickly their dorm and belongings can catch fire. One of the members of the Shaker Road team putting out the fire, Tucker Martin, is also a student at Siena College and was able to converse with the students afterwards, explaining his gear and what they should be careful of while in the dorms. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Clean Your Chimney! With the approach of the cold weather and increasing use of fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves, the Chatham (NY) Fire Department conducted a live chimney fire exercise on September 30, 2015, to hone firefighters’ skills in combating chimney fires. Using a simulator constructed by department members using typical chimney building materials, firefighters were able to test and refine their skills to extinguish chimney fires without the use of water. Using water as a last resort minimizes potential damage to residents’ homes. Residents were encouraged to have their chimneys cleaned at least annually in order to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. - Fire News photo by David Levow
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Winona Lake Scores at Orange Co. Parade On September 26, 2015, the Orange County Parade was hosted by the Woodbury Fire District and Highland Mills Fire Company. Sixty-eight companies from all around Orange County came out. Winona Lake's Ladies Auxiliary took first place in class A, the men took second and the color guards third. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick and Steve Lenz
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Introducing Your First Responders
You know who your friends are when you come up and with an idea (open house/blood drive, etc.), ask a “few� friends to help out (New York Blood Center, Brewster Fire Safety House, Carmel Police and K-9 Unit, Mahopac Ladder Truck, Putnam County Sheriff and Marine Unit, Putnam County Haz-Mat Response Team, New York State Police and bloodhound unit, the Putnam Valley Fire Department Dive Team and the Putnam County Emergency Response Team), making it a memorable day for all who attended. The purpose of the event was to let area residents get an up-close look at the volunteers and people who respond 24/7 to a 911 call. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Best Penne Alla Georgi On October 4, 2015, the Bayport Fire Department had a stand-by crew for the impending approach of Hurricane Joaquin. Luckily, the storm passed, but left behind in its wake the threat of massive flooding. Martin Silver, owner of Georgi Vodka as well as a huge supporter of the fire department and Firehouse Kitchen, wanted to do something for the fire department in celebration of National Vodka Day (which happened to fall on October 4). This gave me the idea of preparing food for our stand-by firefighters and what would be more appropriate, being it was National Vodka Day, than penne alla georgi (vodka). This led me to reach out to another one of the show’s supporters, Best Market, and ask for donation of the food that would be necessary to prepare this exquisite meal. Without hesitation, Best Market said yes! A few days prior, when I arrived at Best Market in Oakdale (to pick up the groceries), I was greeted by the manager and staff like I was a superstar. All the necessities were packed up and ready to go. When I noticed I needed a few more items, the manager said, “Anything for the fire department. Help yourself.” The actions of the employees were as beautiful as the store itself. Best Market gets a “two thumbs up” from Firefighter Ray. Back to October 4. It was a beautiful Sunday morning. Not the one that the weathermen had been projecting during the preceding days. Martin Silver was waiting for me in the parking lot with two cases of Georgi Vodka and a big neon Georgi sign, which he generously donated to the Bayport Fire Department recreational room. I said, “Two cases? How much penne alla vodka are we making?” Silver replied with a smile, “Whatever we don’t use, we’ll give to the firefighters — for when they are off duty of course!” I thought, besides feeding them, there are going to be some very happy men. We prepared the meal using Georgi’s vodka and the men devoured it and were very appreciative of the act of kindness from Georgi Vodka, Best Market and Firehouse Kitchen. This was extra special to me, being I am a volunteer of the Bayport Fire Department. The generosity of this town, the local merchants and the people that live here never ceases to amaze me. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com and catch our new season on NYCTV, starting October 8, 2015.
Penne Alla Georgi 1 pound penne 1 cup heavy cream 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 generous pinch red 1 whole medium onion, pepper flakes, plus more chopped finely if needed 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup Georgi Vodka Grated Parmesan, One 14-ounce can tomato for serving puree or tomato sauce Directions Cook the pasta according to package directions. Saute the garlic and onions in 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until soft. Pour in the vodka, being careful if your stove has an open flame (remove the pan from the heat before adding). Cook and reduce for two to three minutes, then pour in the tomato puree. Stir the mixture until it's thoroughly combined, then reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then turn heat to the lowest simmer possible. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the remaining one tablespoon of butter. Pour the drained pasta into the sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle on the Parmesan, then sprinkle on more red pepper flakes if desired.
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NYS Motorized Championship Drill at Ridge -Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
The Official Publication of NYS Drill Teams
Page 22, Fire News, November 2015
Winona Lake
Members of the Winona Lake Fire Department take a break. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Firefighter for a Day with Westchester’s City Firefighters
To kick off Fire Prevention Month, New Rochelle Firefighters have brought our brothers and sisters from Yonkers, White Plains, and Mount Vernon together to have local, county, and state politicians, as well as members of the media, suit up and experience live firefighting scenarios. The event was held on October 2, 2015, at the Westchester County Fire Training Center. Our International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), has previously held this event successfully across the country. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
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MacBoston 18 Truck Seminar On September 19, 2015, MacBoston 18 Truck held its annual fire training school, “A Day of Training with FDNY.” Firefighters from as far away as Texas attended the all-day training seminar. The day is filled with intense hands-on training from search and rescue, and ladders, to forcible entry and firefighter removal. The instructors were all members of the FDNY and shared their experiences, knowledge and tips throughout the day. MacBoston 18 Truck is a membership organization that promotes the brotherhood of the fire service and keeps the memory of its fallen brothers and sisters alive. The organization has rolling memorials in the form of fire trucks, which have plaques with the names of all the NYS firefighters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice since the organization’s inception in 1996. Their mission statement is to keep alive the memory of NYS firefighters who died in the Line Of Duty by promoting firefighter safety through education and raising public awareness with fire safety and prevention and assisting in the recruitment of firefighters. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Two Liams
Wet Down
Liam Glinane and Rescue 2 Captain Liam Flaherty get together at a recent ceremony at “the Rock.� -Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Obituary
Albany’s Chief Robert Forezzi
Fire Chief of the Albany Fire Department Robert ‘Bob’ Forezzi passed away August 30, 2015. Bob grew up in the south end of Albany on Franklin Street, growing up across from Engine 5 where his grandfather was a lieutenant. Bob always had a passion for the fire service, working his way through the ranks and serving as the department Chief for seven years retiring in December 2013. Chief Forezzi was the first certified paramedic chief of the department. Bob focused on increasing the health, education and safety of his firefighters through the education through the Albany Fire Department’s Wellness Program, the Fire Medic Academy, and the Officers’ Development Program. Bob’s greatest pride were his two sons, Robert Jr, and Nicholas and his three grandsons Alec, Anthony and Nicholas who learned life’s lessons from him. Bob instilled in his sons the pride of public service and, as a result, both chose careers in the police and fire departments, respectively. Bob was a devoted husband, son, father and grandfather who loved his family, had an intense passion for his job, and dedicated his life to his community. The Forezzi family would like to thank Dr. David Shaffer and the staff and nurses at New York Oncology Hematology for easing Bob’s short journey with cancer. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Celebrating 100 Years of Service
On Tuesday, September 29, 2015, FDNY Engine Company 291 and Ladder 140 of Queens held their Centennial Celebration. On hand to thank the members for their service were FDNY Officials, local politicians and current and former members. In the true tradition of the FDNY, two members who died in the line of duty Lieutenant John Mayer in 1929 and Firefighter Joseph Sparacino in 1976 - were remembered for making the supreme sacrifice. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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FDNY Night Tour by Tom Mason
On September 24, 2015, Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro unveiled a new painting by Artist Tom Mason. The painting celebrates the history and sacrifice of the Department at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island. “FDNY Night Tour” is a painting by artist Tom Mason, who spent several hundred hours creating this work. It depicts FDNY members ready for duty, standing outside their firehouse, the fictitious “Engine 343.” The painting pays tribute to the 343 members of the FDNY who died on September 11th, 2001, and celebrates the brave work of FDNY members for 150 years. “This is not a ‘911’ painting,” said Mason. “There are references to that day but I tried to make them with poignancy and subtlety.” The painting is displayed at the FDNY Training Academy alongside many other works of art and memorials to FDNY members who have made the supreme sacrifice. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Volunteer Firefighters vs.
CANCER
FASNY kicks off its cancer awareness campaign with video showcasing stories of firefighter cancer survivors — pushes for expanded cancer coverage for New York’s 92,000 volunteer firefighters.
The Firemen’s Association of the State of New cancer diagnosis does not spell potential personal it, the truth remains that the risk of cancer must be recognized as a part of modern firefighting. York (FASNY) is taking on a new challenge: can- and financial ruin. FASNY will use the “Firefighters Fighting Education and awareness can only go so far — cer. More and more firefighters are being diagnosed with cancer, and recent medical studies Cancer” video to generate grassroots-level sup- New York’s firefighters need presumptive cancer have demonstrated that firefighters are at a signif- port for this critical piece of legislation, which coverage. “There are 92,000 reasons that volunicantly higher risk for many types of teer firefighters should have presumptive cancer than the general population. cancer coverage in New York State,” said This is due to the high levels of carKey Facts on Cancer: FASNY President Robert McConville. cinogens and other toxins found in 1. Firefighters are 102 percent more likely to develop “Watch ‘Firefighters Fighting burning buildings and the other haztesticular cancer than the general population. Cancer’ and learn the stories of these ardous environments that firefighters brave men and women. Share it with routinely work in. 2. Firefighters are 53 percent more likely to develop your friends and your families, and Central to this new, statewide cammultiple myeloma than the general population. please let your legislators know that prepaign is “Firefighters Fighting 3. Firefighters are 62 percent more likely to develop sumptive cancer coverage for volunteer Cancer,” a FASNY-produced video cancer of the esophagus than the general firefighters is not only the necessary that highlights the stories of six cancer population. thing to do, but the right thing to do. No survivors from across New York State. 4. Firefighters are 21 percent more likely to develop firefighter should be left wanting for help These six brave men and women intestinal cancer than the general population. and assistance during their most desperexemplify the dedication to their com5. Firefighters are 26 percent more likely to develop ate hour.” munities that is a hallmark of New breast cancer than the general population “This legislation will provide greatly York’s volunteer fire service, but they needed presumptive cancer coverage to also showcase a disturbing trend. All the 92,000 volunteer firefighters in New six were seemingly healthy, with no notable health issues to speak of, when they passed the Senate last session, but ended the ses- York State who are at a significantly higher risk received their respective cancer diagnoses. Based sion in committee in the Assembly. The video for cancers due to their exposure to carcinogens on the types of cancer these firefighters were promises to be a powerful tool in engaging the and other deadly toxins,” said Senator Nozzolio. diagnosed with, it is believed that their illnesses people of New York State in an important discus- “My constituent, Matthew Foe of Geneva, a volmay likely be a by-product of their work as vol- sion about the need for presumptive cancer cov- unteer fireman for over 20 years, passed away unteer firefighters. The full video can be viewed erage for volunteer firefighters. The 92,000 fire- after battling brain cancer. This bill will ensure fighters in New York State volunteer to run into that dedicated volunteers, like Matthew, who sacat www.fasny.com/fightcancer New York State legislation sponsored by State burning buildings, to pull people out of wrecked rifice their safety to protect all of us will not be Senator Michael Nozzolio and Assemblymember cars, and to spend countless nights and weekends neglected when facing a cancer diagnosis.” “Firefighters all deserve presumptive cancer Aileen Gunther would provide presumptive can- away from their families for the good of the comcer coverage to New York’s 92,000 volunteer munity. These 92,000 firefighters did not volun- coverage, regardless of whether they are career or firefighters. The bill would cover several types of teer to get cancer, and they deserve the support of volunteer,” said Assemblymember Aileen cancers presumed to be linked to firefighting, the state and local communities that they have so Gunther. “All firefighters face incredible danger in order to help others, and all are exposed to ensuring that no firefighter diagnosed with cancer diligently served. Although FASNY has instituted a robust edu- deadly carcinogens in the process. As such, all would be left looking for help. The bill would ensure that New York’s volunteer firefighters cation and awareness campaign to inform fire- firefighters deserve the same benefits. Fires do have the safety net that they deserve, and that a fighters about the risk of cancer, and how to avoid not discriminate, and neither should we.”