Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 13, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973
NOVEMBER 2019
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
It’s Your Turn; Are You Ready? See Editorial on Page 4.
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Fire News, November 2019, Page 3
In this issue... Mahopac Falls MVA The Mahopac Falls Fire, EMS and Fire Police were dispatched to an MVA involving a county vehicle.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 8
Reports of a Structure Fire Turns Out To Be Rubbish Schenectady firefighters were called out for multiple calls. See story on page 10
Bronx Hi-Rise Fire FDNY units in the Unionport section of the Bronx responded to a fire in a high-rise apartment complex. See story on page 14
Child Hurt in DUI MVA Schenectady firefighters responded to an MVA in which the driver lost control. See story on page 18
Obituary - New Hyde Park’s, FDNY’s Chief John Nykiel The FDNY mourns Chief John 'Star' Nykiel, 59.
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 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, Carol Greene, 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, Martin E. 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 2019, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com Email:nys@firenews.com
Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania
See story on page 22 Proud Member Of:
AFDNYS Conference Staying informed at the Association of Fire Districts of New York State conference, held in Niagara Falls in October. See story on page 26
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 16 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 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 Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, November 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
It's Your Turn; Are You Ready? Many years ago, two senior members in my company looked at me as I walked into the ready room. I had the feeling they were up to something. As I sat down, one of the ex-chiefs leaned over and asked me if I was running for lieutenant. I looked at him and said no! By the time I finished my coffee, I was a candidate for my company elections. Was I ready to do the job? I really couldn’t say. The short version of my story is that over the next few weeks, the senior members tested me at county drills and company drills. I must have past their secret criteria because I was elected to the position of lieutenant in my company. I am sure your company and department have rules and requirements for upcoming officers. My department has a list of requirements for upcoming officers. They are good requirements, but my experience has shown that there is more to being a good officer than having a few extra classes. If you were responsible for sanctioning a new officer, what would you require? Can you communicate? I am not talking about talking on a radio. I am talking about speaking professionally to a homeowner who
has a question for you. Do you know how to speak with a member who isn’t doing their job? Even now, I see members who can’t tie a basic knot to tie up a hose line so it can be pulled to the roof. I see members who have difficulty starting saws, using a rabbit tool or even talking on the radio to relay messages to their officer. When you are an officer, you set the example for others to follow. Yes, unfortunately you must know everything that you expect your members to do. For the experienced officers; how many of you have ever wanted to rip a tool out of the hands of an individual who had no idea what they were doing? Many of us have been there. A good officer has patience and knows how to instruct and motivate their members to learn the proper techniques when using tools and how to train to stay fluent with its operation. Most new officers I have seen are good firefighters. However, as an officer, your job changes and now you are responsible for the safety of your crew as well as making sure they are doing a specific job correctly. Now that you are an officer, you are responsible for keeping company records. You now must learn to docu-
ment training records, tool maintenance records, along with other computer and writing skills. When PESH visits a department, they ask for your documentation and records. Give this some thought. My advice to new officers is to ask for guidance from the people whose footsteps you are following. Good luck to our upcoming officers. Riding the front seat is not as easy as it looks, especially when you pull up on a working fire with occupants within. Are you ready for the job? Only you can answer this question. - Dennis
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FDNY Fundraising at NJ State Convention Firefighters from FDNY Engine 257 and Ladder 170 sold t-shirts at the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention to help support the Steven Pollard Memorial Foundation. Firefighter Pollard died in a tragic LODD accident earlier this year. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
125th Anniversary of the Coxsackie Volunteer Fire Company - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Cover Story
East New York 2-Building 2-Alarmer
Firefighters from Engine Company 332 and Ladder 175 received multiple phone calls for fire in a vacant building on Belmont Avenue. Ladder Company 175 transmitted a second alarm for a heavy fire condition in two buildings. Tower Ladders 107 and 129 were put together to knock down the bulk of fire. -Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
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Chatham Extrication Drill
Chatham firefighters honed their extrication skills during a recent drill at the firehouse. Use of this equipment requires not only strength but also precision and finesse. The egg being carried was raw and uncooked. - Fire News photo by David Levow
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Truck Cab Fire On Septermber 27 East Greenbush Fire Department responded to a report of a truck fire in the glove compartment of a tractor trailer on I-90. Traffic was backing up as the police were shutting the road down. The rig was hauling molasses which is flammable. The tractor was destroyed, but there were no injuries. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Mahopac Falls MVA The Mahopac Falls Fire, EMS and Fire Police were dispatched to an MVA involving a county vehicle. Upon arrival, Capain Dan Meury assumed Incident Command and Captain Chris Tompkins took on Operations and Safety. Carmel Police Officer Tom Egan began the police investigation, EMStar paramedics triaged the passengers and transported one patient to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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A Fire-Fighting Surprise in Kingston
This summer I unexpectedly happened upon the quaint town of Kingston, which happens to contain a gem of fire-fighting history — the Kingston Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum. Housed in its original 1857 structure and still standing proud, it contains some of the most interesting and well-preserved firematic artifacts I’ve come across. The museum demonstrates what firefighting life was like in the 19th century. This is achieved by preserving the upstairs living quarters and hall/meeting rooms and countless objects in the truck bay. Each relic is accompanied by a back story told by the members who are led by President Bill Knowles, and who are dedicated to honoring the firefighting history of Kingston and surrounding communities. Some of the rarities you’ll discover include a 1934 Sanford Fire Engine, 1956 American LaFrance Engine, 19th century grenade-style Fyr-Fyters, two 19th century parade wagons, a uniquely converted hose carriage, and an original 1845 hand-pump (the one from the 1700s was purposely set fire to by the British to ensure Kingston burned during the Revolutionary War!). The museum has not undergone major restoration since 1908 and is currently working with the city to address needed renovations. But it also needs to raise private funds to restore artifacts and acquire historically-accurate bay doors. I guarantee, no matter how firefighting savvy you are, there is something here you have not seen before. The museum is located at 266 Fair Street in Kingston (845-443-3905; kingstonvolunteerfiremensmuseum.weebly.com). It is open Fridays and Saturdays, April through November, and on additional days per the website. - Fire News photos and story by Lisette Ruch
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Reports of a Structure Fire Turn Out To Be Rubbish
Schenectady firefighters were called out for multiple calls reporting a structure fire on Albany Street. Crews found heavy smoke in the area, and an intentionally set rubbish fire behind a threestory brick apartment building with a bodega on the first floor. The fire was knocked down quickly with a trash line from Engine 1. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Lightning Strike in East Greenbush
On July 28, 2019, East Greenbush crews responded to a lightning strike on a home from a violent storm that passed through the area. A bolt hit the chimney and left a round hole through the brick on the opposite side. There were two people inside; one heard the strike the other heard only the thunder. The home was checked for damage, fortunately only the chimney was affected by the strike. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
A 9/11 POEM: THE BRAVE FDNY It’s that time of year when I post the poem I wrote after 9/11. I was lost for words and couldn’t believe what my eyes had seen, and this is what I came up with 18 years ago. - Ryan Klambara, Clifton Heights (PA) FC THE BRAVE FDNY There’s a group of brave men that reside in black That’ve seen the worst, but still take no slack They are the brothers from FDNY, New York’s bravest spirit's will never die. September 11th was the exact date When so many of these men met their fate. They entered the towers like they have always done, With a 100 pounds of equipment that felt like a ton. They sprung into action to reach the fire And to save innocent lives, their never-ending desire As they were climbing, the worst took place For the first time they had fear on their face The towers came down with magnificent power This was FDNY’s most tragic hour. This disaster just made them much more stronger And made them want this job much longer They are the bravest and will always be Watch the news and TV it’s easy to see. Please don’t sob, And take your loved one’s hand and remember these brave men and UNITED WE STAND.
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Heavy Fire in Glen Oaks
Flames broke out in the Glen Oaks section of Queens. Firefighters battled a stubborn, all-hands blaze in a private dwelling on Union Turnpike near 268th Street on September 23, 2019. Companies encountered heavy fire on arrival and lines were immediately stretched. An extra engine and truck company were eventually called to complete the searches and wash down the fire area. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Bronx Hi-Rise Fire FDNY units in the Unionport section of the Bronx responded to a fire in a high-rise apartment complex on August 22, 2019. The fire was located in an electrical closet on the fourth floor but heavy smoke was evident throughout the building. Vent support units were brought in to provide additional ventilation to the complex. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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NJ, NY EMS Cadets Test Their Skills During Annual Bayshore Challenge Approximately 160 youths from New Jersey and New York volunteer emergency medical organizations competed in the June 8, 2019, Bayshore EMS Cadet/Youth Competition, sponsored by the Keyport First Aid Squad and the EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ). The 6th annual event challenged 40 cadet teams with basic and advanced skills in various categories. The basic teams tested their skills at CPR, defibrillator use, hemorrhage control, oxygen administration, splinting, bandaging and vital signs stations. Advanced-team scenarios included trauma and cardiac patients and an MVA with entrapped victims. Advanced teams were judged on patient assessment and proper equipment use — backboard, orthopedic/ scoop, traction splint, cervical collar and accessories, oxygen, assisting with nitroglycerin administration, obtaining vital signs, CPR and airway management. Winners of the basic-level competition: 1st — Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NY) 2nd — Keyport First Aid Squad (NJ) Bravo Team 3rd — Forest Hills (NY) Volunteer Ambulance Corps - Bravo Team
First place, basic competition: Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps cadets (left to right) Norhane Bentaleb, 16, Emgel Argamonte, 17, and Dalia Chebout, 16.
Winners of the advanced-level competition: 1st — Keansburg EMS (NJ) 2nd — Cranford First Aid Squad (NJ) Charlie Team 3rd — Cranford First Aid Squad (NJ) Alpha Team. The Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad won the Walter McKinley Memorial Award for best overall team. - Fire News photos courtesy of Sylvie Mulvaney/EMSCNJ
Bravo Volunteer Ambulance (Brooklyn) adviser and paramedic student Kara Furey-Lessen offers intubation tips as (left to right) Sebastian Mularczyk, Victoria Kapusi and Elizabeth Kapusi, all 16, take turns with a manikin.
Third place, basic competition: Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps cadets (left to right) Priscilla Lei, 16, Magdalena Mazur, 18, and Sara Diaz, 15.
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Mahopac Falls Open House
Mahopac Falls Fire Department members woke to a glorious day with warm temperatures and blue, sunny skies and headed to the firehouse for their 2019 Open House. Members of various community service organizations were there to meet the firefighters and EMTs to set up stations and greet the people of the district and surrounding areas. A blood drive was operating full force, while the kids’ favorite was the Emergency Response Team vehicle from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department — an armored eight-wheel vehicle used to get personnel in close in dangerous situations. Ambulance tours for the young and old quelled the fear of the unknown for all ages. A friendly EMT went through what happens
on an ambulance call, start to finish and what is expected from all concerned. Putnam County Sheriffs K-9 unit, Deputy Dalo and Lex put on a live demonstration and people gained new respect for what they do. Dive Team demonstrations and car extrication topped off the afternoon as people wandered over to the BBQ for a quick hot dog or hamburger with a cold water or soda. Assemblyman Kevin Byrne, wife Briana and Frank Lombardi stopped by to show their support and enjoyed a hamburger with their firehouse friends. A wonderful time was had by all and the Mahopac Falls Fire Department would like to thank all who took part. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Schenectady MVA Due to Gunfire? On September 2, 2019, Schenectady firefighters responded to an MVA when the driver of a minivan told police she was shot at and her rear window shattered, causing her to collide with a utility pole on Strong and Schenectady Streets. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Child Hurt in DUI MVA On September 22, 2019, Schenectady firefighters responded to an MVA in which the driver of an SUV lost control, struck a parked car and landed on its side in the middle of Van Vranken Avenue. A small child was in the vehicle and sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Winona Lake 3-Car Winona Lake's Engine Company responded to an MVA involving an overturned vehicle on September 27, 2019, on Routes 300 and 7B off ramp. Everyone was out of the cars upon the arrival of first responders. Firefighters secured thee vehicles and cleaned up the scene of fluids. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Lucky Man in East Greenbush On September 18, 2019, a driver suffered a medical occurrence and passed out. The car that he was driving went airborne, down into a stream and up out of it. The car came down in the road bed on its side and landed right-side up. The driver was uninjured. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Honor Flight Escort
In the early morning of September 14, 2019, the Latham Fire Department escorted a bus of veterans to Albany International Airport for the Leatherstocking Honor Flight.Veterans are given a free trip to the Washington, DC, where they are given an opportunity to visit the memorials. Albany International Fire Department helped greet the veterans at the airport. It is always a touching event as hundreds of people gather to wish the veterans a safe trip. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
FEMA NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY - R0154 SAFETY PROGRAM OPERATIONS COURSE FEMA and the National Fire Academy have asked for help in promoting one of their classes. Calling all company-level officers, chief officers, and supervisors who have department-level health and safety responsibilities (such as program planning and implementation) and who may serve as an Incident Safety Officer or department Health and Safety Officer. The National Fire Academy has three six-day offerings: The September 22-27, 2019, October 2025, 2019, and October 27 - November 1, 2019, of our R0154 Safety Program Operations course that have vacancies and are in jeopardy of cancelation due to low enrollment (https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/nfacourses/catalog/details/440). Safety Program Operations R0154 course description: This six-day course provides knowledge and practice in the context of current issues to develop strategies of risk management associated with the provision of firefighting and Emergency Medical Services to reduce firefighter fatalities and injuries. With a
focus on using the risk management model in the health and safety aspects of emergency services operations, current regulations, standards, policies and responsibilities for program management, day-to-day operations, and incident safety will be addressed. Check out the details and apply today at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/ad missions/apply.html. Follow the directions in the link. Be sure to specify the date of the course offering you wish to attend and your second choice if applicable. If you have any questions contact the Training Specialist — George Morgan; email: george.morgan@fema.dhs.gov Send your completed application to netcadmissions@fema.dhs.gov. Pay close attention to Block 16 of the application as you briefly describe your duties relative to your need to attend this class and remember to show your position on your departmental organizational chart. Again any questions contact the training specialist. We’re looking forward to meeting YOU!
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Traffic Woes Made Worse
East Greenbush on Route 4, a main route in the area, where even a minor accident can really tie up traffic. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Obituary
New Hyde Park’s, FDNY’s Chief John Nykiel The FDNY mourned the sudden and unexpected passing of Chief John ‘Star’ Nykiel, 59, Counterterrorism Battalion Chief of the FDNY and former Chief of Department in New Hyde Park, Nassau County. John was also the Fire Commissioner of Nassau County’s 8th Battalion and a beloved Nassau County Fire Service Academy Instructor. Without question, John was easily one of the finest, kindest men and one of the most knowledgeable and stand-up Firefighter/Fire Chiefs ever. He was always a wonderful smiling character with a phenomenal attitude and perspective on life. John was a friend and brother of ours and to so many for years and simply put, he is gone far too soon. We join with so many who are heartbroken over the loss of this wonderful man ... and we are all blessed and extremely fortunate to have known him. The memories last forever and this sudden loss is yet another reminder of how precious and brief life is. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in New Hyde Park on September 20, 2019, followed by interment at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Round Lake Building Dedication and Wet Down
On October 5, 2019 Round Lake Hose Co held a building dedication of it's newly constructed Fire Station. The department held an open house for fire departments and residents in the community to check out their beautiful building. While everyone was there, 9 local fire departments gave their two new engines a Wet Down. Senator Jim Tedesco spoke at the dedication and gave the fire company a proclamation from the Senate. Round Lake is celebrating 133 years of service to the community. After the wet down the explorers were given the task of pushing the engines into their new home bays. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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MacBoston 18 Training Seminar
On September 21, 2019, MacBoston 18 Truck Fallen Firefighter Memorial held its annual training seminar with FDNY and instructors from other departments in New York. The eight-hour course included multiple stations and intense hands-on training. National Grid also brought its instruction trailer and instructed attendees on the hazards of gas line fires. Stations included hose advance, vertical ladder confidence climb, Denver drop firefighter rescue, among other classes. This year’s seminar included a round table question-and-answer session. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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AFDNYS Conference
Staying informed at the Association of Fire Districts of New York State conference , which was held in Niagara Falls on October 2-5, 2019. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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