VOLUME 10, NO. 2
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State DECEMBER 2016
See story on page 6 -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Season’s Greetings from the staff at Fire News – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 3
In this issue... Latham Hotel Fire
A three-alarm fire ripped through the Travelodge Inn and Suites on New Loudenville Road. See page 7
Newburgh 3-Alarmer
City of Newburgh firefighters respond to a warehouse fire on Washington Street. See story on page 8
Chase, Crash, Fleeing the Scene in Albany
An SUV t-boned a small sedan containing two adults and two children during a police chase. See story on page 9
Arson in Fishkill Warehouse Blaze
Village of Fishkill and Rombout firefighters were dispatched for a reported fire at the Gap Distribution Center. See story on page 10
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, 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
Shed Fire in New Hackensack
New Hackensack firefighters and Town of Wappinger EMStar Medics operated at a shed on fire. See story on page 13
New York State Firefighters Memorial
Eight names were added to a New York State Fallen Firefighter Memorial at a service held in Albany.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 30
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.
Page 4, Fire News, December 2016
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Revitalize in 2017 My head is spinning. I can't believe I am writing my December editorial and wrapping up 2016. I always look forward to a new year. I welcome and wish the officers who will be leading their companies into battle, good luck. If you are a new officer, go slow. Listen to the people who have walked in your shoes. Remember that fighting fires is not always the hard part of being an officer. The hard part is training your members so they are ready to safely battle the flames that have claimed so many firefighters. Let me ask you, how many Line of Duty Deaths has there been to date? This morning, I went to the U.S. Fire Administration website. I was amazed that there have been 73 firefighter deaths in 2016. To put it into perspective, think an average of six firefighters a month! The U. S. Fire Administration tracks and collects information on the causes of on-duty firefighter fatalities that occur in the United States. It is in your best interest to go to their website
at apps.usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities. Review the causes which claimed the lives of 73 firefighters in 2016 by clicking on each firefighter’s name to read their story. Do not think that you are exempt from being a statistic. The good news is that according to the 2013 statistics, fires are down by 21 percent, fatalities are down 21 percent, and injuries are down by six percent. Let's hope the 2013 trend continues. My question to all responders is simple. What can you do in 2017 that will be different from 2016? I encourage all of you to train, attend seminars to make you aware of situations that could kill you. Recently, I attended the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Seminar. I left the seminar revitalized and motivated to train harder in 2017. Make your training, physical exercise and diet a priority. As an officer in 2017, lead by example. You cannot expect your company members to do things of which you do not take
part. Are you attending your department drills and training with your members? With the advent of LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program), many volunteers are looking at their points and saying, “Oh, I don’t need that drill, my points are up to date.” If you are saying this, you should rethink it. Let's face it, you cannot become proficient at an evolution unless you practice what you have learned over and over. What we do at fires and rescues has to become second nature. This will only happen if you constantly participate in training. Do not let a points system dictate whether you train or not. Let the new year be the year that you shine. Set the example for everyone else to follow. As we enter the holiday season, remember the reason for the season; have a safe and happy holiday. Dennis
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS SUPPORT NYS SENATE BILL 1831A-2015/ASSEMBLY BILL 4850 New York State Senate Bill 1831A-2015 and Assembly Bill 4850, co-sponsored by Senator Sure Serino, would increase the NYS income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members from the current $200 to $1200. Please contact your local representatives and ask that they lend their support to the bill. The Stanford Fire Company No. 1 Legislative Committee (Dutchess County) also asks that you form a legislative committee in your own organization to stay abreast of important legislative matters affecting volunteer personnel.
WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? We are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper. Please e-mail your photos to nj@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where” information.We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed
Page 6, Fire News, December 2016
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Cover Story
Nice Save in Poughkeepsie
The City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department, assisted by Arlington, Fairview and Mobile Life Paramedics, recently operated at a structure fire with exposures involved on North Hamilton Street. As firefighters arrived, there was an individual needing assistance in the window of the fire building and, as Ladder 2’s crew set up, the individual disappeared. Fortunately, Poughkeepsie Firefighter Matt Doherty was able to reach into the window and locate the individual on the floor and pull him to safety. Firefighters also had to deal with two additional active fires on Main and North Hamilton Streets as a result of radiant heat from the initial fire. All three fires were extinguished. The cause was under investigation by the City of Poughkeepsie Police and Fire Departments. -Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 7
Latham Hotel Fire
A three-alarm fire ripped through the Travelodge Inn and Suites on out safely. Fire departments were called in for mutual aid from as New Loudenville Road in the Town of Colonie, Village of Latham. far as Schenectady County, nine miles away. The cause of the fire - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller Flames spread quickly briefly trapping occupants, but all made it was under investigation.
Page 8, Fire News, December 2016
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Microwave Fire
Newburgh 3-Alarmer
Fire crews from several departments responded to a call for a fire in a home on Western Turnpike in Guilderland. Upon arrival, fire crews found a large farm house charged with smoke, and flames showing from the C side of the structure. Flames quickly spread then started venting from the roof. All crews were given the evacuation signal and defensive operations began. The fire originated ina microwave over. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Recently, City of Newburgh firefighters were called out to a warehouse fire on Washington Street. Car 1 arrived and called a second alarm, bringing mutual aid from surrounding towns. The fire eventually went to three alarms and took two hours to bring under control. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 9
2-MVA Morning for Mahopac
Chase, Crash, Fleeing the Scene in Albany
On October 16, 2016, Mahopac Fire, EMS, EMStar Paramedics, Fire Police and multiple units from Carmel Police responded to a head-on crash in front of the Mahopac Public Library. Assistant Chief Bill Nikisher was Incident Commander. Two injured were treated and then transported to the medical center. Before Mahopac could get their ambulance back in service, a second call came in reporting a rollover accident with injury on East Lake Boulevard (above). Again, fire, rescue and fire police, along with a mutual aid ambulance from Mahopac Falls and multiple Carmel Police units converged on the scene. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
On October 5, 2016, New York State Police attempted to stop an SUV for running a red light in the city of Albany, when it sped off reaching speeds over 100 mph on Interstate 90. The chase continued to the exit 6 off ramp exiting into the City of Albany onto Henry Johnson Boulevard into the Arbor Hill neighborhood where the SUV t-boned a small sedan with two adults and two children at the corner of Third and Lark Streets. The Albany Fire Department and Rescue Squad responded to the scene to extract the victims. All four were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV fled the scene, but an arrest warrant was issued for the man. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Page 10, Fire News, December 2016
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Arson in Fishkill Warehouse Blaze
On August 8, 2016, Village of Fishkill and Rombout firefighters were dispatched by Dutchess County 911 for a reported fire at the Gap Distribution Center building off of Merritt Boulevard, a 990,000-square-foot facility that is part of 3.3-million-square feet of warehouse space in the Village of Fishkill. As the first crew worked its way towards the fire, the fire quickly grew and its rapid advance forced all personnel to evacuate the structure. Firefighters went to
a defensive operation and summoned the assistance of 24 departments from Dutchess, Putnam and Orange counties to help bring the blaze under control. Although building 100 was a total loss, the efforts of firefighters coupled with the building’s design prevented the fires spread to the other attached structures. The fire was determined to be arson and was under investigation by state and federal departments. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Colonie FF of the Year Banquet
On October 9, 2016, the Town of Colonie celebrated the 45th Annual Firefighters of the Year Banquet at the Colonie Elks in Latham. This years honorees were: (Left to right, front row): Walter Babeyko (from Maplewood Fire Department), Louise Sullivan (West Albany), Evan Dessingue (Verdoy), Jame Kalica (Colonie Village), Theodore Huban (Latham), and Paul Healy (Midway). (Left to right, back row): Josh Mertin (Exalted Ruler, Colonie Elks),
Bianca Boccio (Stanford Heights Fire Department), Conor Scully (Schuyler Heights), Brendan Murphy (Menands), Matthew Harrison (Shaker Road-Loudonville), William Prime (Fuller Road), Paul Reepmeyer (Boght Community), and Richard Haack (Town of Colonie Fire Operations Car 1). Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for your dedicated service to your departments and community. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 11
Save by Union Vale
Union Vale assisted by La Grange, Beekman, Dover, East Fishkill there was a portion that appeared to receive minimal damage due and Pawling operated at a residential fire on August 28, 2016. to the firefighters actions. Firefighters were also able to rescue at Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire in the rear of a large single- least one pet from the residence. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson story ranch. Although a good portion of the house was damaged,
Page 12, Fire News, December 2016
Mulch Fire
New Hackensack firefighters, Wappinger EMStar Medics, and the DCSO were recently dispatched for reported electrical panel burning on the side of a residence on Schuele Drive. Firefighters arrived to find mulch burning. Power was cut to the residence until electrical equipment impinged on by the fire could be inspected and deemed safe. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Good Work DFC Beresford!
East Fishkill firefighters assisted by La Grange and Village of Fishkill operated at a structure fire on Old Sylvan Lake Road. The alarm was originally reported as wires burning in a tree and then confirmed as a structure fire by Dutchess County Deputy Fire Coordinator Shawn Beresford who was in the area. As the fire traveled the exterior wall and was in the process of entering the soffits of the residence, Coordinator Beresford used a garden hose to successfully slow the fire’s spread into the house’s attic until other firefighters and their equipment arrived to take over. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 13
Shed Fire in New Hackensack
New Hackensack firefighters and Town of Wappinger EMStar Medics recently operated at a shed on fire in the rear of a residence off Carol Drive in the Town of Wappinger. The fire, which was caused by a lightning strike, destroyed the shed and caused significant damage to the corner of the nearby residence. -Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
Page 14, Fire News, December 2016
Quick Work in Queens
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Yes, They Have Trees in Manhattan
FDNY companies in Queens were on the scene of a fire in a private dwelling on October 21, 2016. The blaze, on Murdock Avenue near 227th Street, was quickly knocked down and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FDNY units in Manhattan were called to West 43rd Street on October 10, 2016, after a tractor-trailer struck an overhanging tree. The tractor section of the rig sustained some serious damage and chain saws were required to remove several parts of the tree. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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NYSAFC Home Sprinkler Awareness The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) recently completed its 15-month Home Fire Sprinkler Awareness Project to increase awareness of the benefits and affordability of home fire sprinklers, and assist in the fight for changes to the NYS Fire Prevention and Building Code to increase the use of home fire sprinklers statewide. NYSAFC developed the full-color home fire sprinkler awareness brochure and shipped copies to every fire department in the state in October. The brochure was also provided to fire sprinkler advocates and local code enforcement officials to encourage home fire sprinkler installations statewide. E-mail Sue Syzdek at ssyzdek@nysfire chiefs.com for details about how to request more brochures. The project also included a media campaign integrating TV, radio and online advertising. A public service announcement (PSA) was also developed to share the basic facts about home fire sprinklers and advocate for their inclusion in newly constructed homes. It can be viewed on NYSAFC’s YouTube channel and is accessible from the Home Fire Sprinkler Advocacy and Awareness Toolbox on the NYSAFC website at www.nysfirechiefs.com. The Home Fire Sprinkler Awareness Project was a comprehensive initiative that also included five media events and live fire demonstrations. These events were held in Henrietta, Plattsburgh, Baldwinsville, Orchard Park, and Albany during the project. Most were timed to complement other fire sprinkler advocacy efforts. Specifically, NYSAFC reached the general public very effectively through news coverage of the live fire demonstrations and, as part of the coverage, NYSAFC representatives advocated for public support of the revisions to the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code. These eye-catching events also helped the association educate the public about sprinkler effectiveness and how sprinklers operate. Funding for NYSAFC’s Home Fire Sprinkler Awareness Project was provided by FEMA through the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program. NYSAFC hopes to expand the project in the future as funding allows.
Rensselaer Rescue
On October 27, 2016, Rennselaer police received a report of a man having fallen off the Dunn Memorial Bridge. The first officers were told by the victim that he was thrown off the bridge about 70 feet above the ground by a man wearing a red hoody. The fire department and two paramedic rigs responded. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Page 16, Fire News, December 2016
You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide
On October 2, 2016, Central Bridge and Schoharie Fire were called out to aid New York State Police and Sheriff Department to shut down Wetsel Hollow Road. A few minutes earlier, a 27-year-old female managed to steal a New York State Police patrol car after being arrested. The woman was placed in the front passenger seat, when she locked the doors and moved into the drivers seat, then took off. The trooper was injured as she drove away. A chase ensued, ending in a search of a large area of woodland where she ditched the vehicle on Wetsel Hollow Road. After an eight-hour search she was taken back into custody. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Not For Car Storage
Whoops. New Hackensack firefighters, Town of Wappinger EMStar Medics, the NYSP, and the Town of Wappinger Fire and Building Inspectors operated at a car into the building with significant structural damage at Guardian Self Storage on Route 9. The driver of the vehicle was injured and was treated and then transported by EMS, Fortunately, there were no injuries to the occupants of the structure. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 17
Lentil on the John J. Harvey With Firehouse Kitchen Host Ray Cooney
I am always looking for something new and exciting to do on Firehouse Kitchen. While browsing my e-mails, I saw that my prayers had been answered. I received a message from Chuck Parodi. Chuck is a crewmember on the fireboat, John J. Harvey. This boat is stationed down at Pier 6 in Manhattan. It has been retired since 1994, and is now used as charter boat and for its water extravaganza displays. Before this, it was one of the main FDNY fireboats. Chuck wanted to know if I would be interested in taking a ride and be a host to a group of French firemen that were fans of my show. Sacre bleu! I have fans in France! Firefighter Christian Belour was the head liaison on the French fire department. He was full of laughter and spirit and invited me to come to France and cook. I asked, “What do you want me to cook? Crepes?” He laughed and said in a strong French accent, “We’ll do much better than that!” Maybe one day, the budget of Firehouse Kitchen will allow me to take a trip to France to join my new friends, but for now we’ll have to settle on New York. When I first arrived, I was greeted by Chuck and Renee Stanley, one of the head trustees for the John J. Harvey. Renee loves this boat! She was full of information, supplying me with its history; her passion for the boat, when she spoke about it, was immediately evident. A few facts: it first sailed in 1936, is the
first fireboat named after a fallen firefighter and it can shoot 18,000 gallons of water per minute and can spray over the Brooklyn Bridge. We went south down the West River, continued on around the Statue of Liberty, over to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and back to Pier 6. As we were returning, we made a few stops to impress the passerbys on the shores of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The John J. Harvey blew its nozzles (aka, stangs), giving a spectacular show to those watching. It was a magnificent sight, not only because of the enormous spray of water, but because of the rainbow that showed It was a beautiful, sunny autumn day, but there was a chill in the air. I informed the crew that I would be sure to be warming up with a bowl of my wife’s homemade lentil soup. They invited me to come back and cook with them in my next season of Firehouse Kitchen and I promised I would. Next time you are in Manhattan, I highly recommend this tour! It is not to be missed. Just go to johnjharvey.org for information. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com and be sure to like us on Facebook. Season five of Firehouse Kitchen is now airing on NYC Life. Check your local listings for times and channel. You can catch past seasons on firehousekitchenshow.com.
HOMEMADE LENTIL SOUP 2 quarts of vegetable stock 1 bag of dried lentils 1 cup chopped carrots 1 cup chopped celery 1 chopped onion 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in large pot. Bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer and let cook for one to two hours. Serve over rice or enjoy with a loaf of semolina bread!
Page 18, Fire News, December 2016
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Springfield Gardens 2-Alarmer
FDNY firefighters in Queens battled a two-alarm blaze at a food preparation facility on Rockaway Boulevard in Springfield Gardens on October 3, 2016. The majority of the fire was contained to the duct work but extensive overhaul was necessary to reach the seat of the fire. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
So. Jamaica House Fire FDNY companies in South Jamaica battled an all-hands job in a private dwelling on 140th Street on October 26, 2016. Units found a heavy fire condition on the first and second floors on arrival and quickly went to work. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Page 20, Fire News, December 2016
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Halloween Car Show On October 26, 2016, Winona Lake Fire Department’s engine company held their second successful Halloween Car Show. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
FASNY Teacher of the Year:
Mike Revenson
Everybody knows ‘Rev.’ He may have touched your life directly as a Responding Paramedic or been on the crew of one of Mahopac Fire Department’s ambulances. He may have taught you or your kids at Mahopac High School. He is Mike Revenson, this years’ recipient of the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) EMS Teacher of the Year Award. Rev joined the Mahopac Fire Department and started his career at the Mahopac School District in 1989. He also began working part time as a paramedic in Westchester County. In 1994 he became one of Putnam County’s first paramedics. In the early 2000s, Rev rendered assistance to a school administrator’s family member in an emergency situation. His professionalism and excellent patient care impressed school administrators to the point that when they were presented with the idea of an in-house EMT class at the high school, everybody came aboard. The program, meant to recruit new EMTs and add much needed youth to the ranks of local emergency service departments, benefited both Mahopac and Mahopac Falls Fire Departments as well as their communities. This pilot program was the first of its kind in Putnam County and has proven its worth and continues to expand and grow every year under the caring and watchful eye of Mike Revenson. The Mahopac High School EMT program generated 39 EMTs this year and over 250 EMTs over the past 10 years. Rev’s students who have completed his course have gone on to use their skills to help the community as volunteers in the local fire departments or paid EMTs for local commercial providers. Some have furthered their careers to go on to becoming paramedics, nurses, doctors and law enforcement professionals. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 21
Mahopac Falls Swear in Officers
Villa Barone was Firehouse Central as members and distinguished guests gathered to witness the 79th Installation of Officers of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department. The officers were sworn in by Life Member and third generation legacy Judge James Reitz. They are Chief Jeff Boyle, 1st Assistant Chief Brian Sacher, 2nd Assistant Chief Bob Trace, Captains Dan Meury and Dave Lapadula, and Lieutenants Jason Stasiak, Tom LoPrieno, Chris
Tompkins and Rob LoPrieno. A high point of the evening was the presentation of The Chief’s Award to Firefighter Brian Ward, a three-year member who works at the Mahopac Middle School, and who has set the bar high for new volunteers. Always first to sign up for standbys and work details, in addition to all the fires and EMS calls he responds to, Brian exemplifies the honorable term volunteer. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Page 22, Fire News, December 2016
FF Saves Grandfather
On October 12, 2016, at the annual meeting of the fire department, Mahopac Falls Firefighter Kevin Norton received a Certificate of Merit for saving a life. On October 8, 2016, while at home, Kevin heard screams from his mother and responded to find his grandfather choking. The man’s airway was completely blocked and he was in a total panic. Kevin yelled to call 911, checked his grandfather’s airway again, then got his father to support the older man as he got into position to administer the Heimlich. On first compression, he managed to dislodge a small piece of food, but not enough to make a clear airway. Kevin proceeded to give a few more compressions and dislodged the object enough to start his grandfather breathing on his own. When questioned as to his heroic deed, he shrugged and said that he was going to give Camille Lapadula, who taught the first aid class where he learned the technique, “a big hug.” (Left to right): 2nd Assistant Chief Bob Trace, Chief Jeff Boyle, Firefighter Kevin Norton and First Assistant Chief Brian Sacher. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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Fire Prevention Tour a Hit
On October 7, 2016, firefighters welcomed the Austin Road School kindergarten classes of Mrs. Binns and Mrs. Coluccio. Firefighter and EMT Bill Lindsey started the tour in which the classes were split, with one class looking at the trucks, ambulances, equipment, dive trailer and the main station, and the other outside to learn how to handle a hose line. The weather cooperated enough for one lucky kindergartener to “make a rainbow.” - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 23
Colonie Golf Tourney
The Town of Colonie held its 34th annual Firefighters Golf Tournament at the Colonie Golf Course. Over 100 firefighters from 12 departments arrived early in the morning for the all-day event. Fun competition and camaraderie were the themes of the day. The team of Casey Clements; William Clairmont, Jr.; Andy Nestuk; and Nick Comoriski from the Maplewood Fire Department were the winners. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
Page 24, Fire News, December 2016
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NYS Memorial
NYS FF Memorial in Albany
On a beautiful, sunny October 9, 2016, eight names were added to the New York State Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The induction ceremony was held in Albany at the Empire State Plaza. Hundreds of firefighters and dignitaries from across the state converged on the massive sculpture and wall that bears the names of the 2,398 firefighters who paid the ultimate price to protect their communities. Names added to the Roll of Honor this year were: Firefighter Michael P. Esposito from Baldwin Fire Department; Firefighter Robert A Knight from Sayville Fire Department; Assistant Chief Barry G. Miller from Bergen Fire Department; Captain Jack H. Rose from the Mt. Marion Fire Department; Firefighter Lawrence
G. Sesso from the Sayville Fire Department; Assistant Chief Arthur C. Stickney, Sr., from Village of Malone Fire Department; Firefighter Charles V. Wallace from the Montgomery Fire Department and Firefighter Richard D. Weisse, Sr., from the St. James Fire Department. Regina Wilson from New York City Fire Department once again honored everyone with her soulful rendition of the National Anthem. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul once again spoke eloquently of firefighters and spoke of each member whose name was added to the wall. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan, Lori Washburn and Martin E. Miller
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Lt. Ray Strong Retires From FDNY
On September 28, 2016, Lt. Ray Strong of FDNY Rescue 4 said farewell to his company as he enters a new chapter in life called “retirement.� Thank you for your 31 years of service and for your unselfish dedication to the citizens of the City of New York and to the FDNY. Enjoy retirement! -Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Dennis Whittam
Fire News, December 2016, Page 25
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CHIEF GREASER AND FIREFIGHTER PFEIFER HONORED AT FIREHOUSE EXPO Both Recipients of the 2016 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award
East Meadow FD and FDNY firefighter Ray Pfeifer and Flower Mound, TX, Fire Department Fire Chief Eric Greaser recently received the 2016 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award at Firehouse Expo in Nashville, Tennessee. Both fire service veterans were nominated by their colleagues who indicated that they have gone the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of others. Their efforts have not only helped improve the fire departments they serve, but the future of the fire service. For the past 14 years Fire News (Left to right): Tim Sendelbach, Editor-in-chief Firehouse magazine, and Firehouse have teamed up to Eric Greaser, Chief, Flower Mound, Texas, honor those leaders who have influRay Pfeifer, East Meadow FD and FDNY, enced the fire service in a positive Ray Maguire, Executive Director, Freeport FD, Frank Trotta, Publisher, Fire News way. Nominations will be accepted
for next year’s awards beginning Jan 1, 2017 through Sept. 15, 2017. The award recognizes someone who influences and guides others selflessly, communicates effectively, cultivates trust, pride and commitment and enhances the image and reputation of their department or agency. All ranks can be considered for the award - firefighter, paramedic, training officers, battalion chief, or any other fire service member. Past winners include Robert Fling (2015), Heather Senti (2015), Glenn Gillespie (2014), Robert Sinnott (2013) and Brian Farrell (2012). Firehouse Expo will be held October 17-21, 2017 at the Music City Center in Nashville.
H2M, PACHECO ROSS JOIN FORCES H2M architects + engineers (H2M) is excited to announce its part- service-line to the next level. With similar values and attitudes nership with Pacheco Ross Architects, P.C. (PRA) as of October 1, towards the way we approach our work, PRA is both a cultural and 2016. Both firms are looking forward to bringing their individual professional fit and we are looking forward to what we will be able expertise together to provide a high quality level of service to both to achieve for our clients moving forward.” David Pacheco, AIA, NCARB, co-owner of Pacheco Ross their current and future clients. PRA brings a diversified national presence in the emergency Architects, P.C. adds, “We’ve worked with H2M for many years and response market to H2M’s distinct presence in several markets have always been impressed by their culture, professionalism, work including Fire/EMS, Education, Energy, Industry, Insurance, product and attitude toward clients, particularly in its similarity to our approach. While we were Municipal, Public Agencies, sometimes competitors, we Real Estate, Wastewater and were always colleagues and it Water, rounding out the two was only logical to envision the firm’s vast capabilities. With a great opportunities, future posclear strength in the emergency sibilities and benefits to our response market, Pacheco Ross clients that a merging of these will remain in Albany, NY and two great firms would enable.” will be fully integrated with the Dennis Ross, AIA, NCARB, H2M team, working on all types co-owner of Pacheco Ross of design projects. Architects, P.C. said, “While Throughout the past 20 years Pacheco Ross and H2M are PRA and H2M have built a both very excited about our strong relationship working merger and where this can go, together on several major projthe real excitement is for curects. While each firm is unique, rent and future clients because a common thread that has now we can offer a vast range of brought them together is their services to help our clients go in respect, work ethic and profesdirections they never thought sionalism when it comes to possible.” finding the best methods to (Left to right): Richard Humann, P.E., President and CEO, H2M Joseph M. Mottola, R.A., serve their clients. architects + engineers; Joseph M. Mottola, R.A., Senior Vice President, H2M and PRA both Director of Architecture, H2M architects + engineers; Dennis Ross, AIA, Senior Vice President, Director approach their work with one NCARB, Co-Owner, Pacheco Ross Architects P.C.; and David Pacheco, of Architecture, H2M architects AIA, NCARB, Co-Owner, Pacheco Ross. Architects P.C. + engineers stated, “After workcommon priority - their clients. ing with Dennis and David That value of putting their clients’ needs above all else is what brings H2M and PRA together in throughout the course of my career, I am excited about what we will such a seamless fashion. The two firms recognize that a successful be able to accomplish together. With our clients at the forefront of project cannot be completed without proper communication, respect everything we do, our level of knowledge, expertise and passion for and integrity between themselves and their clients. This synergy the emergency response market will allow us to provide unmatched affirms the strategic business decision both firms have made to bring quality and service.” their relationship to the next level. Rich Humann, P.E., President and CEO of H2M architects + engineers said, “It is a true honor to officially announce our partnership with Pacheco Ross. As a nationally recognized firm, PRA’s expertise within the emergency response market will surely bring H2M's
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Fire News, December 2016, Page 27
Mt. Sinai Donates Ladder Truck to Speculator Fire Department
(Left to right): Tony Srour from the Terry Farrell Fund, Speculator Fire Department Captain Sean O’Brian and Assistant Chief Matt O’Brian, Mt. Sinai Commissioner Joe Tacopina and District Manager Larry Archer.
Page 28, Fire News, December 2016
FDNY Memorial Day
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In October, one of the most solemn events on the FDNY calendar, firefighters and their families make serving the city. They honored Memorial Day, was held at the Firefighter’s Monument in Riverside the five members of the FDNY lost this year with a wreath laying Park. Thousands of FDNY members attended the department’s ceremony at the Firemen’s Monument. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam annual service. Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, and Chief of Department James Leonard spoke about the sacrifices
Page 30, Fire News, December 2016
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Fire Prevention in Winona Lake On October 7, 2016, firefighters from Winona Lake and Orange Lake took their Fire Prevention Week efforts to the Meadow Hill School. (Below): Assistant Chief Andy Colouciello and daughter Sara. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick