Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
Volume 21, No. 7
W W W.FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue The Magazine & EMS Fire, Rescue Serving & EMS Heroes &Fire, EMS Heroes Rescue Heroes Since Heroes 1973 Since 1996 &Since EMS 1973 November 2026
See story on page 8. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298
Page 2, Fire News, November 2026
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Apartment Fire Sends 3 to Hospitals An apartment fire in Colonie sent residents scrambling to get out of their building. See story on page 6
2-Alarmer in Vacant Residence Winona Lake and Orange Lake fire crews responded to a residential fire. See story on page 10
6 FFs Injured at Brooklyn 4-Alarmer Explosion and collapse leaves 6 firefighters with minior injuries and burns 3 restaurants. See story on page 16
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREGORY JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus 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
Cornwall-on-Hudson Residence Destroyed Cornwall-on-Hudson responded to a structure fire and requested a second alarm. See story on page 19
Schenectady Police Pursue Stolen Suburban Schenectady police officers observed a stolen SUV. Attempting to pull the vehicle over the driver fled causing a roll-over. See story on page 21
1 Dead in Glider Collision in Edinburg Two gliders collided over a wooded area in the Great Sacandaga Lake area. See story on page 24
PLUS: 9/11 Memorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 25-27 Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28
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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.
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Ion Batteries Possible Cause of Glen Oaks Fire
FDNY companies in the Glen Oaks section of Queens battled a first- Haz Mat units were called to the scene to package and remove the floor fire in a garden apartment on Langston Avenue on September bikes and scooter involved. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com 19, 2026. Two E-bikes and one E-scooter were removed from the fire area with the scooter being the possible cause of the blaze. FDNY
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 5
St. Albans 2-Alarmer
A two-alarm blaze in a private dwelling in St. Albans, Queens, brought FDNY companies from throughout the borough to the scene on September 26, 2026. On arrival, heavy smoke was pushing from the two-story home on 196th Street with fire showing in the rear. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Apartment Fire Sends 3 to Hospitals
An apartment fire at the four-story Towers of Colonie Apartments on Sand Creek Road in Colonie on September 17, 2026, sent residents scrambling to get out of the building when a second-floor apartment caught fire. Smoke clogged the hallways causing several
residents to be overcome. A mutual aid call for multiple ambulances was requested, however only three residents required transportation. The fire was brought under control and confined to the apartment of origin. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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Cover Story
Rotterdam Car Fire
Stanford Heights firefighters battled a car fire on the Interstate 890 was not injured. The cause was under investigation. Carman voluneastbound exit ramp to Curry Road after a vehicle burst into flames teers assisted at the scene. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber on October 1, 2026. The occupant escaped the burning vehicle and
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2-Alarmer in Vacant Residence
Winona Lake and Orange Lake fire crews responded to a residen- Hudson was called for a power cut and an Orange County Deputy tial fire on Roan Lane at 0757 hours on October 2, 2026. Car 2 Fire Coordinator was also on scene. One firefighter was taken to arrived to smoke showing and requested a second alarm. Good Montefiore-St. Lukes Hospital. - Fire News photos by Robert McCormick and Gary Hearn Will, Cronomer Valley, Vails Gate and Newburgh Fire and EMS responded. Firefighters used handlines to fight the fire. Central
Page 12, Fire News, November 2026
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1 Critical at Brooklyn All-Hands
FDNY Engine Company 290 and Ladder Company 103 transmitted a 10-75 for a fourth-floor apartment fire on Wortman Avenue on September 10, 2026. Members were able to rescue a civilian in critical condition and transport the person to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Perth Holds Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
The Perth Volunteer Fire Company held its annual Denise Helie Stewart Memorial Cornhole Tournament on September 19, 2026 at the Perth Firehouse. The event brought together cornhole players and community members for a day of friendly competition, food, refreshments, raffles and fellowship. Hosted in memory of Denise Helie Stewart, the tournament helps support the annual memorial
scholarship. Each year, the scholarship recognizes a high school student for compassion, volunteerism and service to others. The growing tournament gives the fire company an opportunity to bring the community together while supporting a meaningful local cause. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
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Washingtonville 2-Alarm Destroys Home
At 0437 hours on September 28, 2026, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire on Woodcock Mountain Road. Upon arrival of the Chief of Department, fire was showing from the windows on Sides 3 and 4 of a single-story old wood frame dwelling. A second alarm was transmitted. At the time of the fire there was an occupant sleeping who was awakened by the detector. She was able to escape from the house with her dog. Upon arrival of Squad 580, a 1-3/4 inch handline was stretched, while the forcible entry/search team conducted a primary search. The crew of Salisbury Mills Pumper/Tanker 577 stretched a second line off of Squad 580 while the chauffeur supplied 580 with water. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
Fire News, November 2026, Page 15
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6 FFs Injured at Brooklyn 4-Alarmer
FDNY Engine Company 211 and Tower Ladder 119 transmitted a 10-75 for fire in the rear of a single-story commercial building containing three restaurants on North 5th Street on September 20, 2026. On arrival, the 35 BC, transmitted a second alarm. A short time later, an explosion and collapse occurred in the rear of the
building. DC 11 transmitted a 10-66 for the possibility of trapped members. A total of six firefighters were hospitalized all with minor injuries. Units used five hoselines to knock down the main body of fire, which went to four alarms. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
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Tri County Rescue Team Recognized for Save
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara joined Montgomery County The team earned the 2026 Higgins and Langley Memorial Award Sheriff Jeff Smith to recognize the Tri County Swift Water Rescue for its lifesaving rescue of a man from the Mohawk River. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti Team, presenting New York State Assembly Citations to the departments, agencies and individual first responders behind the team.
ATTENTION
CHIEFS CHAPLAIN In GOOD times and BAD Whether your department realizes it or not you need a
FIRE/EMS
For information on the importance of having a Chaplain in your Fire Department contact 1st Deputy Chief Chaplain Stephen Muhlenbruck at 631-806-7292.
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 19
Cornwall-on-Hudson Residence Destroyed
Cornwall-on-Hudson responded to a reported structure fire on Stable Way on September 15, 2026. Cornwall-on-Hudson Car 1 arrived and reported structure fire and requested a second alarm for a fully-involved residence. West Point, Air Guard, Vails Gate, Washingtonville, Highland Falls, New Windsor, Salisbury Mills, Fort Montgomery, South Blooming Grove and Monroe also
responded; Cornwall EMS stood by at the scene. A tanker task force was set up on Mountain Road and Central Hudson Gas and Electric was called for a power cut. Town, Village and State police blocked State Route 9W/Mountain Road. Orange County Fire Investigators responded and the cause was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Robert McCormick
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Brooklyn All-Hands
FDNY Engine Company 310 and Ladder Company 174 transmitted a 10-75 for fire in the attic of a two-story attached private dwelling on East 46th Street. Units used three hoselines to knock down the main body of fire on September 25, 2026. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Chaplain Rev. Richard Washburn Honored By FASNY Home Trustees
Congratulations to home Chaplain Rev. Richard Washburn, who 2026 Trustees Meeting held in the FASNY Firefighters Association received his gold shirt and was formally honored by the Board of Home Chapel. - Fire News photo by Vinny Ammirati Trustees of the FASNY Firefighters Home during the September
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 21
Schenectady Police Pursue Stolen Suburban
On September 30, 2026, Schenectady police officers observed an SUV reported stolen from Glens Falls, an hour north of Schenectady, on Eastern Avenue. When they attempted to pull the vehicle over the teenage driver fled causing a roll-over accident at the Crosstown Connection and Golf Road. After the collision the
driver continued westbound getting off on State Street where he lost control and hit a parked utility van on Fehr Avenue. The driver and passenger were taken into custody. Three innocent motorists sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to area hospitals for treatment. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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Schenectady Softball Fundraiser
On September 11, 2026, Schenectady Fire Department and Schenectady Police Department held their second annual Schenectady’s Bravest versus Finest Softball Charity Game to benefit Detective Higgins. Schenectady’s Central Park was lit up with two teams on a mission to raise funds and play a good game. The Higgin’s family took the mound to throw out the first balls and ended the game with hitting some home runs. The teams battled it out through nine innings of back-to-back runs. This year the winner (though everyone wins) was the Schenectady Police Department. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 23
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Page 24, Fire News, November 2026
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1 Dead in Glider Collision in Edinburg
A New York State Police helicopter hovers over one of two gliders Road with the pilot sustaining minor injuries. The second glider that collided over a wooded area in the Great Sacandaga Lake area crashed and a debris field was found by state police helicopter in the Saratoga County town of Edinburg on September 18, 2026. pilots. That glider pilot did not survive. One glider was able to safely land at Edinburg Airport on Wheeler - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 25
9-11 Memorial
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at FDNY Rescue 2
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
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9-11 Memorial Brockport FFs Reflect, Remember & Honor 9/11 Victims
The red, white and blue bunting was hung, there were new signs installed on the front of the building, the grass was cut, and the small American flags were placed around the memorial. At the onset, we had 343 “tags of remembrance” for the participants to “adopt.” We started the day with an opening ceremony at 0830 hours. The SUNY Brockport Army ROTC unit removed the old tattered American flag, and replaced the worn flag with a new one as part of the ceremony. Past Chief Gregory Wing ordered the new flag to half-staff in accordance with Presidential orders. The memorial bell was rung in the Fire Department of New York’s (FDNY) tradition of 5-5-5-5 signifying the loss of a firefighter at the time of the first strike, and the uniformed honor guard took their place around the memorial from the close of the opening ceremony until the closing ceremony. The participants in the honor guard; police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, members of the military and community volunteers
were asked to choose one of the “tags of remembrance" with a firefighter's photo and name on it before they took their place on the engraved walkway surrounding the memorial. Once they were relieved, they rang the memorial bell as they left the memorial for their firefighter and said his or her name. The closing ceremony began at 1830, honoring the fallen. Sweden Supervisor Patricia Hayles, Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley offered words of reflection and remembrance in keeping with the theme of the day. The Gates Police Keystone Pipes and Drums played America the Beautiful at the beginning of the ceremony and Amazing Grace as part of the ceremony. The American flag was raised back to full staff by the ROTC group as the sun set. We closed the Vigil with a prayer by Chaplain James Woodward, and in the tradition of our department we had Bugler Luke Dowdell play Taps for us. - Story and photos by Christopher Martin
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 27
9-11 Memorial
Colonie High Hosts FDs on 9/11 Anniversary
Colonie High School invited the town’s fire departments to participate in an early morning ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. On stage were students who are also Explorers with the fire departments took part in the ceremony by placing flowers on the Field of Heroes. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
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MES LIFE SAFETY IS EXCITED TO SPONSOR THE LIGHTS & SIRENS SOCIAL AT THIS YEAR’S EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO AND CONFERENCE! If you’re registered for the conference, join us Friday from 5:00– sentations. No PowerPoints. Just two hours of games, laughs and probably a little unnecessary competition. 7:00 p.m. at Game On. At MES Life Safety, we’re proud to serve the fire and EMS professionals who protect communities every day. We spend a lot of time talking about equipment, training, and solutions — but events like this give us the opportunity to simply enjoy some time with the people behind the profession. So grab your conference crew and come hang out with us. No pre-
THE CALL FOR PAPERS IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR THE 28TH ANNUAL NEW JERSEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ASSOCIATION (NJEPA) CONFERENCE Taking place April 12–16, 2027, in Atlantic City, NJ! NJEPA is looking for presenters to share their knowledge, experience, best practices, and innovative ideas with New Jersey’s emergency management and first responder community.Paper Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026We encourage you to submit your presentation ideas and share this opportunity with colleagues and partners who may be interested in presenting at the 2027 NJEPA Conference. We look forward to another great conference and hope to see you in Atlantic City!
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 29
NYSAFC, Past Chief Chaplain, Ken Palmer celebrates his 90th birthday It all began a few months ago when I received a Facebook invitation, saying, “Shhhhhhh, it’s a surprise 90th birthday party for Ken Palmer.” On September 25, 2026, Ken celebrated his 90th birthday with his family. On Saturday, September 26, guests all waited at a community center for his arrival. As he walked through the door, approximately 150 of his family, friends and fellow firefighters from the Newport Fire Department and the Mohawk Fire Department began to sing happy birthday, and Ken was genuinely surprised. Ken is the Past Chief Chaplain of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains (2012 to 2014). He is also the Chaplain of the Newport Fire Department and the Mohawk Fire Department. Ken is married to the beautiful Sharon Palmer, a talented musician who has played at many of our memorial service programs over the years. When asked what he attributes his longevity to he said, “Sharon of course.” He also said that keeping active keeps him going. Congratulations to Ken on his 90th birthday. Thank you for all you do for the fire service of New York State. Thank you for the honor of attending and celebrating your special day. - Submitted by Bill Miles, Executive Secretary, NYSAFC, Inc. Past Chief Chaplain 2006-2008
Page 30, Fire News, November 2026
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Stanford Heights & Midway Car Show
Stanford Heights and Midway fire departments held their first joint car show. Even with the rain that popped in periodically the event drew in motorcycles and cars from vintage to modern who competed for unique one-of-a-kind trophies. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck