VOLUME 12, NO. 4
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
FEBRUARY 2019
Story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Brian Grogan
Do You Wear Your PPE? See page 4.
– New York State Edition –
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Fire News, February 2019, Page 3
In this issue... 3-Alarm Church Fire in New Rochelle
New Rochelle firefighters were dispatched to Lockwood Avenue for the report of smoke in the area. See story on page 5
Dogs Saved in Town of Glen
The Town of Glen Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Route 30A. See story on page 7
Schenectady House Fire
Schenectady firefighters received a call for a house fire on Rugby Road and arrived to find the entire third floor heavily involved. See story on page 10
Basement Fire in Laurelton
FDNY companies in the Laurelton section of Queens battled an all-hands blaze in a private dwelling. See story on page 12
Calm, Cool and Collected in Mahopac
The Mahopac Falls Fire Department was dispatched to an activated fire alarm at Mahopac High School. See story on page 20
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 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
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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
FDNY Cook-Off
Congratulations to all of the FDNY members who participated in the 2018 FDNY Cook-Off at the New York City Fire Museum. See story on page 22
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22
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, February 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Do You Wear Your PPE? Recently, many of you watched a video of New York City firefighters being consumed by a cloud of violent smoke and flame in Sunnyside, Queens. As I watched in horror, my main concern was that no one would be found dead or seriously injured after the smoke explosion. Seconds before this, I watched firefighters casually walking away from the building. Like a soldier going into battle, I am always impressed that FDNY firefighters typically demonstrate their professionalism on all levels as they don all of their personal protective equipment (PPE) all of the time. When the explosion occurred, my concern was for the members that were closest to the explosion. I watched the explosion over and over as it consumed several firefighters and their chief. I truly believe that everyone survived this incident because they were properly wearing their PPE. Yes, the chief and his members set the example for all firefighters to follow. Do you need another reason to convince you to wear your PPE? It has always been a pet peeve of mine, when I photograph a fire scene and I see people standing in the doorway of a fire wearing sandals, shorts and a T-shirt. If you are going
to stand in the collapse zone of a structure that is on fire, you should be in full turnout gear. I know your adrenalin kicks in and as you stand watching your brothers and sisters stretch lines and you see a kink or a hose line caught in an un-chocked door. Your first thought is to help — they might be short staffed — get their line in place. But you really have to gain control of your emotions and instruct the firefighters in gear and point out the issues and let them handle the situation. Once a firefighter, always a firefighter; I get it! But, if you get hurt, the first thing the investigators are going to ask is why were you in the collapse zone feeding hose through a door with no PPE. By the way, I understand the person who was hurt the worse in the Sunnyside smoke explosion was a civilian standing in front of the building. Yes, your personal protective equipment works. Department Safety Officers should visually scan their scene and when they see an individual in close proximity to the scene and not in turnout gear, pull them back to a safe area. I have seen members of departments in suits and ties, golf shirts and sandals, and improperly donned PPE. It is not in
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anyone’s best interest to be on a fire scene with no personal protective equipment. Learn from this recent smoke explosion in Queens. Watch the video over and over. Look at the force of the explosion as it swallowed the surprised firefighters. They were basically uninjured because they wore their personal protective equipment properly. Set the example in your department. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your own safety. -Dennis
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Fire News, February 2019, Page 5
3-Alarm Church Fire in New Rochelle
On the morning of December 27, 2018, New Rochelle firefighters with voids throughout. Over 70 firefighters from New Rochelle and were dispatched to Lockwood Avenue for a report of smoke in the Yonkers worked to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the area. On arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from a large fire was under investigation by federal, state and local agencies. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com church. A second alarm was transmitted as the fire grew. The fire, and Mike Messar which ran the top floor of the church and into additions of the structure, burned intesley off the dried out wood used in the building,
Page 6, Fire News, February 2019
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Cover Story
FDNY FF Steven H. Pollard On January 11, 2019, the Fire Department of the City of New York laid to rest Firefighter Steven H. Pollard, following a funeral service in Brooklyn. Firefighter Pollard died from critical injuries sustained while operating at a motor vehicle accident on the Mill Basin Bridge in Brooklyn on Sunday, January 6, 2019. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the the family, firefighters and friends of Firefighter Pollard. May he be remembered as a true American hero for his dedication to the FDNY and to the people of New York City. - Fire News photos by Brian Grogan and Lloyd Mitchell
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Fire News, February 2019, Page 7
Dogs Saved in Town of Glen
On November 23, 2018, the Town of Glen Volunteer Fire ders arrived, along with two of their seven dogs, Firefighters saved Department responded to a structure fire on Route 30A and discov- the couple’s remaining dogs still inside the house but were unable to ered heavy smoke billowing out from the second floor. A man and reach a rabbit that perished on the second floor. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti woman who live at the home escaped unharmed before first respon-
Page 8, Fire News, February 2019
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All-Hands in Crown Heights
Newburgh Structure Fire
FDNY Ladder 113 arrived on President Street for fire on the top floor with slight extension into the cockloft of a three-story, multiple dwelling just after 1415 on Christmas Eve. Two hose lines were put in operation and searches proved negative. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
The City of Newburgh firefighters were called out for a structure fire on Broadway. Stewart FAST and Good Will also responded. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Up Close
Amsterdam Firefighter Mike Del Costello. - Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Fire News, February 2019, Page 9
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Schenectady House Fire Schenectady firefighters received a call for a house fire on Rugby Road on December 13, 2018. Firefighters arrived to find the entire third floor heavily involved. A second alarm was requested, bringing all city apparatus to the scene, and placing neighboring Niskayuna Fire District 1 and Scotia firefighters on standby at their stations. In addition to the frigid mid-teen temperatures, defensive operations were ordered when firefighters discovered the two-story duplex had been illegally modified into multiple apartments. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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Fire News, February 2019, Page 11
FDNY Cook Off By Firehouse Kitchen Host Ray Cooney This month I thought I would write about another cook-off. Yes, I know you’re saying, “Another cook-off?" But this one was hosted by the FDNY Fire Museum. The museum is located in downtown Manhattan. This particular cook-off only included FDNY firefighters. One can only imagine the laughs and banter occurring about which fire company was the best. The head judge was supposed to be Amy Freeze, from ABC News. I was only going as a side judge. Something unforeseen happened and Amy was not able to attend. Therefore, I became the celebrity judge! Hey, I'll take it anyway I can get it! The companies involved were as follows: Peter Acton, Engine 79 — his dish, Thanksgiving Tacos; Neil Ayupov, Engine 321 -— his dish, Potato Perogie with Braised Brisket; Joseph Chiodi, Engine 262 — Famous Chicken Italiano with Roasted Asparagus; Jose Cruz, Ladder 36 — Southeast Asian Glazed Salmon Medallions w/Coconut Jasmine Rice; Myron Henry, Engine 94 — Fruithouse Bites; Alex McLoughlin, Engine 309 — Momma’s Pepper Meat Sauce with Ravioli; Robert Walsh, EMS ST10 — Pulled Pork Empanada; Bobby Wolmart, Ladder 47 — Mushroom Arancini with Mint Chutney and Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Dipping Sauce. If you notice that one of the names is Joseph Chiodi, it is because he was the calendar boy I wrote an article on about a year ago. He is a chef and owns his own meatball company. Besides the chicken dish he made, he brought trays of his famous meatballs. Hence the name of his company, The Famous Meatballers. These meatballs disappeared in minutes and so did his first-place winning, Chicken Italiano. Yes, Engine 262 took first place! A close second, was Ladder 36 and third place was Ladder 47. If this article comes across a little short and somber, it’s because I am writing shortly after hearing about the passing of a young, fellow FDNY
fireman. I know my articles are usually upbeat and all about food, but I only felt it right and fitting to give a nod and mention to FDNY, Ladder 170, Firefighter Steven Pollard (30). If you didn’t hear, he lost is life responding to a car accident on the Belt Parkway. In a freak accident, Firefighter Pollard fell more than 50 feet through a gap between the two roadways. It is with a heavy heart that we honor him today and pray for his family. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers. I’ve said it on my show many times — being a part of the FDNY was and always will be one of the greatest moments of my life. When the fire department is good, it is good, but when it’s bad, it’s very bad. This is one of those bad moments. Rest in peace, Firefighter Steven Pollard. For info go to www.firehousekitchenshow.com; or call 631-5145859; or e-maiol me at ray@firehousekitchenshow.com.
Page 12, Fire News, February 2019
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Canarsie Commercial Blaze
Basement Fire in Laurelton
Firefighters from Canarsie were confronted with heavy smoke and fire through the roof of a single-story commercial building on Rockaway Parkway on the evening of December 11, 2018. More than 140 smokeeaters used multiple lines to bring the fire under control in a little under 90 minutes. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
FDNY companies in the Laurelton section of Queens battled an allhands blaze in the basement of a private dwelling on Francis Lewis Boulevard on December 19, 2018. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Page 14, Fire News, February 2019
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Yonkers Bedroom Fire Extends
Shed Fire in N. Greenbush
On December 10, 2018, the Yonkers Fire Department responded to a house fire on Kathwood Road, in the northeast section of the city. Yonkers 911 received calls from the homeowner about a fire in their bedroom and units arrived to find fire showing out two windows on the 3 and 4 sides. The fire was located in a rear, first-floor bedroom and had extended to the second floor, as well as the exterior of exposure 4. Companies quickly stretched two lines and found that the floor above the fire was already compromised. Members had the fire knocked down in about 30 minutes with no reported injuries. One cat was rescued from the fire building. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
On December 18, 2018, Defreestville and Wynantskill were toned out for smoke coming from a shed in a farmer’s back field in North Greenbush. Upon arrival, on a freezing day, they encountered a heavy fire condition in a very large shed well off the pavement on an ice-covered dirt road. Mutual aid arrived from Best Luther and West Sand Lake to supply water to the scene, where there were three large fuel tanks surrounded with fire. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Barn Fire in Washington County On December 29, 2018, Washington County Fire and Rensselaer County Fire responded to a report of smoke in a barn on their mutual border. Within minutes it was upgraded to a heavy fire condition. White Creek, Cambridge, Buskirk and Hoosick Falls, among others, also responded. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Mahopac Smoker The Mahopac Falls Fire Department received a call for smoke in a house on Secor Road. Mahopac Falls Fire, Heavy Rescue, EMS and Fire Police converged on the scene with all equipment from both stations, along with Carmel Police Officer Chris Fox. First on the scene was Chief Brian Sacher, taking Incident Command with Assistant Chiefs Jeff Boyle and Bob Trace sharing Operations. Putting out a call for Putnam Valley Fire and FAST, first in crews found heavy smoke in the structure as they entered, but little fire. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Page 16, Fire News, February 2019
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Buffalo Rollover Sends 1 to Hospital
1 Injured in Laurelton MVA
Buffalo firefighters from Engine 21, Truck 6 and Rescue 1 had to use hydraulic tools to free the driver of a car that collided with a van at the intersection of Landon Street and Wohlers Avenue. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Laurelton firefighters and Paramedics from Irondequoit Ambulance, had to extricate the driver of the minivan that struck a construction crew truck on the morning of December 27, 2018. The driver was transported to URMC Trauma Center. - Fire News photo by Chris Imm
TWO ORGANIZATIONS SELECTED CO-RECIPIENTS OF THE SENATOR PAUL S. SARBANES FIRE SERVICE SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) selected the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative and the Denver Fire Department as the co-recipients of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. The award will be presented at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, in Washington, DC. Named after retired-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, the award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters. Established in 2016 as a nonprofit organization, the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative brings together members of the fire service and health and safety advocates in the state of Florida to share information and best practices on firefighter health and safety. The Denver Fire Department is being recognized for its development of a comprehensive health and safety program. The Denver Fire Department Safety and Training program incorporates fitness, nutrition and behavioral health that can be tailored to the needs of each individual firefighter. The elements are integrated with the department’s safety and training program, beginning with the recruit level and continuing well into each firefighter’s career.
Award. The presentation will take place at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, DC. Chief Sanders has been a member of the fire and emergency services since 1967. For over 27 years, he served as a member of the Louisville (KY) Fire Department, including nine years as chief of the department. Among his achievements as chief, Sanders worked with city officials and the public to pass legislation mandating that all unsprinklered high-rise buildings in the city be retrofitted with automatic sprinkler protection. Throughout his distinguished career, Sanders has held leadership positions in numerous national and international organizations and committees, including Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and the Director of Central Field Operations for the National Fire Protection Association. On the international level, he serves as the President of the United States Delegation to the Comite Technique Internationale de Prevention and d ’Extinction de Feu. He also is the NFPA representative to the European Fire Service, the National Fire Chiefs Council of the United Kingdom, the Institution of Fire Engineers, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council and the Global Fire Service Leadership Alliance. “He has made significant contributions in the areas of public safety and prevention, research, codes and standards, and leadership. Like the Chief Russ Sanders To Be Recognized At The 31st Lankford, he has dedicated his career to building a stronger Annual National Fire And Emergency Services Dinner late-Mason The Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Board of Directors and safer profession for all who serve. The CFSI Board of Directors selected Chief Russ Sanders as the recipient of the 2019 congratulates him and looks forward to honoring him on April 25, CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership 2019,” said Dr. William F. Jenaway, CFSI President.
Page 18, Fire News, February 2019
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FDNY’s Stromstedt Calls It a Career
On August 29, 2018, Firefighter 1st Grade Lenny Stromstedt (Ladder 174) worked his last night tour at “Snyder Island.” Lenny did over 31 years on the job, first with St. Alban’s “Sleepless Knights” (Engine 317 and Ladder 165. He then transferred to “Snyder Island,” where he finished out his last 27 years. A few FDNY pipers, drummers, Lenny’s
children — Lenny Jr., Jesse, and Krista — stopped by to wish him luck, as did his brother Kenny Stromstedt (retired from Ladder 133) who came up from Florida to surprise him. You say Snyder, I say Island. Wishing you a long and healthy retirement Lenny. Enjoy your cruise! - Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com
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Saratoga Toys for Tots Caravan On November 25, 2018, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department held it annual Toys for Tots Caravan. More than 175 fire engines/trucks, tractor trailers, emergency equipment and personal vehicles traveled from Clifton Park to Saratoga Performing Arts Center to drop off thousands of donated toys they had gathered for needy children of New York to the Marine Corps. One of the largest Toys for Tots caravans in the state brought help from Congressmen and local dignitaries. Despite rain, the caravan entered the SPAC parking lot to unload under MacBoston 18 Truck’s American Flag. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Calm, Cool and Collected in Mahopac On the morning of December 3, 2018, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department was dispatched to an activated fire alarm at Mahopac High School. Firefighters arrived to find the principal at the curb waiting for them. Reporting a faulty detector head at the rear of the building, firefighters were taken to the site by custodians and School Resource Officers from the PCSO. While exterior crews stayed at staging, it was noticed how safe, quiet and orderly the scene was. The actions taken are what keep people on the campus safe and all those firefighters encountered are to be commended for a job well done. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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The Brotherhood Brings Generations Together We have lived through years of the “Me” generation, but today, the members of the MFVFD said goodbye to those and welcomed the “Us” generation. One of the senior members was healing from the effects of a fall suffered some months back. Other “geezers” signed up to help transport Bill Heckett to physical therapy in Jefferson Valley. Unknown to the geezers, the younger members also started paying extra attention to Mr. Bill. When he graduated from using a walker to a cane, the “kids” got together and paid for a custom cane made by the grandfather, a gifted woodworker, of members Casey and Tara Stiller. The presentation was made at morning coffee, where the problems of the world are discussed and solved. The pride of being a member of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department was shared by firefighters and EMTs who are in just a few years to the seasoned Old Guard with 50 years of service to their credit. Stepping up to help a brother made the difference in ages seem to disappear. As our motto reads, “With Pride, We Serve” … and today, you made us proud. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
A Day at the Museum During school break, the New York State Museum invited parents to bring their kids for a visit. The museum has a fabulous collection of firefighting apparatus and everyone had a chance to try on boots or other gear, pull hose to put out a waste basket fire or wrap the hose back up. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Page 22, Fire News, February 2019
FDNY Cook-Off
Congratulation to all of the FDNY members who participated in the 2018 FDNY Cook-Off at the New York City Fire Museum. Firefighter Joseph Chiodi of Engine 262 was awarded Best FDNY Chef; Jose Cruz of Ladder 36 was awarded second place; and
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Bobby Wolmart of Ladder 47, was awarded third place. All proceeds from the cook-off benefit the museum's fire safety education programs. Learn more about the Museum by visiting www.nycfiremuseum.org. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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