VOLUME 9, NO. 7
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MAY 2016
See page 7 for full story. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 3
In this issue... .
Nanuet House Fire
The Nanuet Fire Department responded to a fire of “unknown type” on Mesa Place.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 6
South Spring Valley Blaze
The South Spring Valley Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the evening of March 3, 2016. See story on page 13
Structure Fire in Mahopac
A call for a structure fire on Longdale Road sent a full fire and EMS response. See story on page 15
You Can Run, But …
A vehicle, which failed to comply and pull over, crashed in the City of Albany. See story on page 16
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, 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 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Laurelton All-Hands
FDNY companies in the Laurelton section of Queens battled a basement fire in a private dwelling. See story on page 18
Getting the Job Done
The City of Newburgh assisted by the City of Beacon operated at a structure fire on N. Miller Street.
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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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, May 2016
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Cancer:
Are You Concerned? Periodically, I like to remind everyone about the issues in the fire service that are addressed by the Congressional Fire Services Institute and other organizations in the fire service that we take for granted. If you visit CFSI.org, you will find their 2016 Legislative Outlook. The data in this outlook comes from the National Fire Protection Association and is quite comprehensive. CFSI's document is a synopsis of the critical issues in the fire service that will be considered during the Second Session of the 114th Congress. I am only going to talk about one concern in the fire service that is personally important to me. Visit www.cfsi.org for the full report, which covers all areas of importance to the fire-rescue and emergency services. One of the issues discussed in the Legislative Outlook is cancer. Recently, I have attended two fire association meetings and the topic of cancer was discussed through a presentation at the meeting. (On a side note visit YouTube and do a search for "Fighting Fires Fighting Cancer: FASNY Members Share Their
Story.") Each time I heard the presentation, I sat back and wondered where my life altering cancer came from. Was it something I did wrong? Could I have prevented my cancer? I will never know the answer to these questions. When I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer, I was told, that I was born with this dormant cancer, and doctors have no idea what woke it up. Let's face it; the heightened risk of cancer among firefighters has been attributed to their frequent exposure to a range of harmful toxins. Was this my trigger? When I listened to ex-Chief Tony Cruz of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network speak, I realized that I may have put my own personal safety at risk by not wearing my mask when I should have, such as during overhaul operations, or by not cleaning my equipment as much as I should have. Let's face it; it has only been over the past few years that we have realized that we as firefighters are coming down with this dreaded disease in alarming numbers. I hope it never happens to you, but when you sit
down with your doctor and you are told that you have cancer, you will go home and rack your brain trying to figure out how you got it and if you will survive the disease. What can you do to lessen the chances of coming down with cancer? Watch the video. Learn from my friends who walked down the dark hallway of cancer. On a positive note, I am seeing fire-rescue personnel taking the time to thoroughly clean up after calls. This past weekend I stopped by a firehouse in NYC. When the company backed into quarters, I observed a member take the time to clean off his helmet so that it was free of contaminants and clean for the next call. Take the time to do one thing; watch the FASNY video mentioned above. I sincerely thank the members of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for being there for me and my family and for reaching out to all responders to educate them about cancer. - Dennis
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER
Brook Road. There will be door prizes, raffles, food, music and vendors. To register call James at 914-879-6163; The Perth Volunteer Fire Company and the Brian at 845-416-7190; or Chris at 845-490Broadalbin Perth Lions Club witll hold a 4703. Pre-registration fee is $15; after May 31, spaghetti dinner on Saturday, April 23, 2016, $20. fro, 1600 to 2000. The event will be held at the FASNY & NYS FIRE CHIEFS ON Perth Volunteer Fire Company at 4080 State PASSING CANCER Highway 30. The menu includes tossed salad; rolls and COVERAGE BILL butter; spaghetti and meatballs; cookies and cake; and milk water, coffee and tea. The Firemen’s Association of the State of Tickets are $10 per adult, $9 for seniors 65- New York and the New York State Association plus and active-duty military, and $7 for chil- of Fire Chiefs today issued the following statedren under 12. ment after the New York State Senate voted to Contact any BP Lion or Perth VFD member pass S. 3891 by a vote of 60-0. This bill or call 469-2559; or send e-mails to extends the already-existing Volunteer BPlions@hotmail.com. Firefighters’ Benefit Law to cover all instances All proceeds go to benefit youth programs of melanoma, as well as cancers of the digesin the Mayfield, Broadalbin and Perth commu- tive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, nities. prostate, neurological, breast, and reproductive systems. MAHOPAC FALLS CAR, “FASNY applauds the New York State MOTORCYCLE AND TRUCK Senate for voting to protect our volunteer firefighters,” said FASNY President Robert SHOW McConville. “This bill effectively updates The Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire VFBL, addressing the 21st-century fires and Department will hold its 8th Annual Car, dangers faced by today’s firefighters. This bill Motorcycle and Truck Show on June 5, 2016 passed in part because of critical leadership of sponsor State Senator Michael Nozzolio, and (rain date June 12). Registration is open from 0830 to 1130. The co-sponsor State Senator Joe Griffo. FASNY show runs from noon to 1500. Trophies and asks that the State Assembly now do the right thing and act to protect those who risk their raffles will be awarded from 1500 to 1530. The event will be held at the Mahopac Falls lives to protect the public’s safety, and as well Volunteer Fire Department on Route 6N and as its wallet.”
“I want to thank the Senate for passing this important legislation, providing the same coverage for cancer to volunteer firefighters as their brothers and sisters in the career fire service,” said Daniel Schwertfeger, President of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs. According to peer-reviewed research published over the last decade, firefighters are 102 percent more likely than the general population to develop testicular cancer; 62 percent more likely to develop cancer of the esophagus; and 26 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. These alarming rates are largely due to the high levels of carcinogens and other toxins found in burning buildings and other hazardous environments. Plastics and other synthetic materials are in much greater use than ever before and when these materials burn, they produce a staggering variety of chemicals and toxins. Every building is now packed with electronics — TVs, computers, smartphones — which are similarly toxic. Modern firefighters, in both urban and rural departments alike, face far greater dangers than their predecessors.
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Page 6, Fire News, May 2016
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Nanuet House Fire
Recently, the Nanuet Fire Department responded to a fire of “unknown type� on Mesa Place. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire in the rear of the home, with extension into the attic. The fire quickly burned through the roof as lines were being stretched. Several lines were placed into service, and the fire was darkened down. The cause was under investigation by the Clarkstown Police Department and the Clarkstown Fire Inspectors office. Mutual aid came from Spring Valley, South Spring Valley, Pearl River and West Nyack. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 7
Cover Story
Schenectady 2-Alarmer Suspicious
Recently, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm porch fire that broke out shortly after midnight. Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Mareno called a second alarm, bringing Niskayuna Fire District 1, and all four engines, two towers and a rescue to the scene. A woman was rescued from a second floor bathroom by the crew of Engine 4. She was taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center then transferred to Westchester Medical Center’s burn unit. Defensive efforts kept the fire contained to the building of origin. The cause of the fire was considered suspicious. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
Page 8, Fire News, May 2016
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Wind-Whipped Brush Fire On March 21, 2016, Campbell Hall (Orange County) firefighters responded to reported fire on Route 416. Upon arrival, a huge pile of hay bales and nearby brush were found afire. Numerous mutual aid was requested to the scene with additional standby. Firefighters were hampered by a stiff wind. Extinguishing the blaze took several hours. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Cronomer Brush Fire On March 21, 2016, the Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called to Union Avenue for a brush fire. On Arrival, Car 3 requested a second alarm, and later a third. Mutual aid came from Middle Hope, Good Will, Winona Lake, Cornwall and Plattekill. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Flushing 3-Alarmer
FDNY units in the Flushing section of Queens battled a threealarm blaze on Laburnum Avenue on March 13, 2016. The fire was in a two-story, attached private dwelling. Arriving units found a heavy smoke condition with fire in the basement extending to the first floor. There were several minor injuries reported. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Families Displaced in Queens 2-Alarmer
Queens firefighters of the FDNY battled a two-alarm fire in a row of attached private dwellings on Troutville Road on February 29, 2016. First arriving units were faced with a heavy fire condition in the rear of the building with heavy smoke throughout. The fire may
have originated in the basement, but quickly spread to the upper floors. Lines were stretched and roof operations were initiated. There were no serious injuries reported but several families were displaced. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 11
Firehouse Kitchen By Ray Cooney
Yes, Those are Super Bowl Rings! Yes, those are real Super Bowl rings that I am wearing. I was invited to be a judge at Cooked and Uncorked, an unbelievable event held in Edison, New Jersey, at the Pine Manor — a top-of-the-line catering hall. It was a fire department fundraiser for the burn center at St. Barnabas Medical Center and featured over 40 of New Jersey’s finest restaurants, caterers and dessert shops, as well as various wineries and spirit companies. Twenty different firehouses also competed in this ultimate cook-off to see who had the best gourmet and/or firehouse cooking. Guests of the event were invited to sample all the fire department dishes and have a chance to submit a people’s choice. As for the judging, there were two panels: one for the gourmet section and the other for the firehouse cooking. After viewing Firehouse Kitchen, they immediately knew that the gourmet panel was not for me. Back to the rings. At my table, I started talking to a very fit gentleman about New Jersey. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a sports fanatic. I don’t know much about what player plays which sport for which team, etc. We struck up a conversation about the two things I knew about Jersey — Great Adventure and the old Haunted Mansion in Long Branch. This man never heard about the Haunted Mansion. “You’re from Jersey and you don’t know about the haunted mansion of Long Branch?” I said. “I’m not from Jersey,” he responded. “I only moved here when I was drafted to the Giants.” That’s when I found out this man I was talking to was famous Giant Bart Oates. Oates was an ironman on the offensive line and won two Super Bowls with the Giants. When he showed me his rings, I jokingly said that I would love to wear them and he graciously gave me the opportunity. The rest of the judges on this panel were a dynamite group of people and included John MacLean (NJ Devils), Mike Murphy (NY Giants) and Riley Cote (Philadelphia Flyers) to name a few. When the judging was done, the Paterson Fire Department was
declared the victor in the firehouse cooking event. The winning team was led by Captain Jason Macones and Firefighters Ken Jeltema, Mike Oates, Sean Duffy and Mike Payne. When I asked Captain Macones for the recipe, he said, “Ancient Paterson secret.” They made pork belly tacos with pineapple relish on a grilled flour tortilla. Everything was delicious. In my opinion, all the teams deserved a 10! One thing I must say about New Jersey firefighters is the pride they have in their departments is the same as what we have in New York. They treat each other, and firefighters from outside departments, like family. If you are not doing anything next February, look up “Cooked and Uncorked” to find out how you can attend this event. You will not regret it! To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com.
Page 12, Fire News, May 2016
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Rotterdam House Saved
Canarsie 4-Alarmer
On March 23, 2016, South Schenectady firefighters were called out to fight a house fire on Woodbridge Avenue in Rotterdam. Upon arrival, the back of the house was found completely involved. Quick work and a fast response kept flames from consuming the entire structure. Rotterdam Fire District 2 and Plotterkill assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
On January 21, 2016, FDNY companies in Brooklyn responded to a fire in attached homes in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn. The blaze in the three-story brick building quickly spread from the top floor into the cockloft. A strong wind and icy conditions made operations particularly challenging. The fire went to four alarms before firefighters could bring it under control. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 13
South Spring Valley Blaze
The South Spring Valley Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the evening of March 3, 2016. Crews arriving at a Williams Street address found heavy fire venting out of several windows on the first floor. The occupants of the home escaped before the fire
department arrived. A quick knockdown was achieved by the firstin crews, and the fire was kept from destroying the entire home. Mutual aid came from Spring Valley, Pearl River and Nanuet; Monsey covered. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
Page 14, Fire News, May 2016
A Helping Hand
Recently, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department responded to a call for a brush fire at a bank on Route 6N. The brush truck and a support pumper along with Assistant Chief Brian Sacher and a Putnam County Sheriff's unit responded. While en route, they were notified that the structure was also involved. Staff at the bank saw smoke and investigated the situation only to find the fire was outside the building. The fire was brought under control by a brave bank teller using two fire extinguishers as the fire units arrived. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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Washingtonville Does 2 in 24 Hours
For the second time in a 24-hour period from February 7 to 8, 2016, Washingtonville Fire Department’s Rescue 581 had the FAST assignment, but was put to work in operations at a fire in Woodbury. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 15
Dobbs Ferry Tackles U/G Parking Fire
Structure Fire in Mahopac
Recently, Dobbs Ferry firefighters respondedto the Osborn Manor Apartments on Broadway for a fire involving multiple vehicles in a basement level garage. The fire was started accidentally by electricians working with exposed fuses in the garage and extended to the two floors above. Companies from Hastings-on-Hudson, Ardsley, Irvington, Elmsford and Tarrytown assisted and the fire was brought under control in just over two hours. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
Recently, a call for a structure fire on Longdale Road in the Lake Casse section of the Mahopac Fire District sent a full fire and EMS response, along with multiple units from Carmel Police. First arriving units requested mutual aid from Carmel, Kent and Mahopac Falls for tankers and a call was put out for Mahopac Fire Police units to close all roads to the scene. Mohegan responded as the FAST unit. Chief Bill Bahr was Incident Command and was assisted by Battalion 11, Ted Pollack. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Page 16, Fire News, May 2016
MVA’s
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You Can Run, But ‌
On March 2, 2016, a vehicle, which failed to comply and pull over after a State Trooper activated his emergency lights and siren, crashed at the intersections of Van Rensselaer and Northern Boulevards in the City of Albany. The 47-year-old driver was extricated from the vehicle by the Albany Fire Department, found unresponsive at the scene, and transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment and subsequently became responsive. A 25-year-old female passenger exited the vehicle on her own, and was transported to Albany Memorial Hospital for possible complications with her
pregnancy. Prior to the crash, a State Trooper spotted the vehicle on Interstate 787 exceeding the posted speed limit. The vehicle sped away when the trooper attempted to make the stop. Police followed the driver through the Village of Menands and onto Route 377, where the vehicle failed to yield at a red light and struck a second vehicle, and continued for approximately 300 feet before striking a utility pole and rolling over. The operator of the other vehicle struck was not injured. State Police were assisted by the Albany Police Department. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Winona Lake MVA The Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to an MVA on Union Avenue. Two people were treated at the scene. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Fatality in MC Crash On March 30, 2016, Albany Fire and EMS responded to a motorcycle crash on I-90 westbound near Exit 4. Upon arrival, they found a 24-year-old male under the guardrails with his motorcycle across the highway near the Jersey barriers. The rider suffered serious trauma and was transported to Albany Medical Center where he died on April 1. The State Police Accident Reconstruction Team was sent to the scene. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Laurelton All-Hands
Tree Hits Car
FDNY companies in the Laurelton section of Queens battled a basement fire in a private dwelling on 227th Street on February 12, 2016. The fire went to all-hands with an additional engine and truck. There were no serious injuries reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Recently, as winds began to increase in force, tones went off for the Mahopac Falls Fire, EMS and Fire Police units, along with Carmel Police to respond to Baldwin Place Road, just in from Route 6, for a tree down on a car. EMS tended to the driver, who suffered minor injuries. Assistant Chief Brian Sacher was the Incident Commander and a crew from Putnam County Highway Department responded to remove the tree from the road. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
2016 FIRE NEWS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT FIREHOUSE EXPO
Fire News and Firehouse will continue their long-time partnership when Firehouse Expo moves to Nashville in October 2016. This year’s show will be held October 18 to 23, at the Music City Convention Center. Nominations for the 2016 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award are now being accepted and will be awarded at this year’s show. This is the 14th year that Firehouse Expo is partnering with Fire News to pay tribute to an outstanding industry leader. In addition to being spotlighted at the show, the winner and one guest will each receive a complimentary three-day conference package to all educational sessions, the opening ceremony and keynote presentation, and admission to the exhibit hall where over 300 exhibitors will be displaying the latest products, services and technologies in the industry. The winner will also receive a three-night hotel stay. “These leaders have continued to give selflessly of themselves by putting the needs of others first. They are representatives of the men and women of our nation that go the extra step to make a difference in the lives of others,” stated Tim Edwards, Editor of Fire News. To nominate a fire, rescue or EMS professional for the 2016 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award, download the form at http://bit.ly/1UYB1eE. Nominations must be received by September 15, 2016. Candidates (those within all ranks of the fire, rescue or EMS service) will exhibit strong leadership qualities, above and beyond
the call of duty. Firehouse Expo will also be providing complimentary exhibit hall admission to all Fire News readers. Free exhibit hall admission includes three days of exhibits, the opening ceremony and keynote presentation. To obtain your free exhibit hall admission register now at http://bit.ly/1VIOUnX.
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Orange Lake Fire
Recently, the Orange Lake Fire Department was called out for a structure fire on Plank Road. Car 1 arrived to heavy smoke pouring out of the structure and requested Winona Lake as mutual aid. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Fire News, May 2016, Page 19
3 Die in Tug-Barge Collision at TZB
Three tugboat crewmen died in a pre-dawn collision with a barge working on the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge on March 12, 2016. One of the crew was recovered when the tug was salvaged on March 24, 2016. The other two crew were recovered the day after the accident. - Fire News photo by Eddie Coppa
Page 20, Fire News, May 2016
Fast Moving Fire in Queens
FDNY companies in the St. Albans section of Queens battled an allhands blaze in a large private dwelling on Farmers Boulevard on March 29, 2016. The fire started in the basement but quickly spread to the upper floors. Extensive overhauling was required. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Schodack Brush Fire
On March 9, 2016, Schodack brush fire season got an early start. Seven companies responded and found about eight acres had burned off because of high winds. The fire was heading into the woods, so 500 feet of forestry hose was deployed and four fire ATVs were put in service to quell the hot spots around the area. Command requested an air drop, which brought New York State Police to the scene, however, as the wind died down, the drop was cancelled. There had been very little snow in the area and ground cover was extremely dry. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 21
My Owners Went on Vacation and All I Got Was ...
On March 13, 2016, a dog, stranded on a cliff ledge, was spotted by an eight-year-old boy. Lt. Robert Cook of the Albany Fire Department and Fire News photographer Marty Miller were passing the area and stopped to assist. Another man, Joe Farquhar, joined them and calmed the dog, named Maple, as they fashioned a
harness and rigged a line to lower the dog. Just as the dog was being handed off, another Good Samaritan rushed across Route 9 just west of Brattleboro (VT) and completed the rescue. Apparently, Maple, whose owners were vacationing in Europe, had run off four days prior. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
Page 22, Fire News, May 2016
MVA’s
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Victim Thanks Brockport Rescuers
Brockport chiefs, firefighters, commissioners and EMTs all gathered in the truck bay at the Market Street firehall awaiting the arrival of Douglas Hinkley, Jr., who was coming to meet the crews that saved his life on a cold February morning. Hinkley was eastbound on Route 31 near Salmon Creek Road on February 15, 2016, when he collided with a large crane heading westbound. Doug’s vehicle was ripped apart on impact trapping him in the wreckage. First arriving personnel,, realizing the severity of the crash called for additional equipment and personnel from Hamlin and
Spencerport. A speedy extrication ensued for the unconscious occupant. Fourteen minutes after rescue apparatus arrived, Doug was in the ambulance and on his way to the hospital, where he woke up four days later. The 21-year old is still being treated for his injuries, though, during his recovery, it became very important to him to visit those responsible for saving his life. With his mother and father along, and a tear in his eye, he spoke from the heart when he thanked his heroes in person. - Fire News photos submitted by Christopher R. Martin, PIO
Tire Hits Car on GCP
Burke Responds to MVA
On March 11, 2016, a tire flew off a westbound car hitting a eastbound car on the Grand Central Parkway, critically injuring a 63year-old male. The tire came off the driver’s side of the westbound vehicle near the Cross Island Parkway. The tire jumped the median and struck a small SUV on the passenger side, police said. The driver in the SUV was also injured. - Fire News photo by Eddie Coppa
On March 5, 2016, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a single-car MVA with overturn on Franklin County Route 24. The operator hit a patch of ice in a shaded area, spun 180 degrees, hit a snow bank and tipped onto the passenger side of the van. The van traveled approximately 50 feet on its side, hitting the front of a two-car garage, demolishing the front of the structure. The driver was shaken up but not injured and was not transported. - Fire News photo by John Martin
Page 24, Fire News, May 2016
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Getting the Job Done
On February 9, 2016, the City of Newburgh assisted by the City of Beacon operated at a structure fire on N. Miller Street. Units arrived to fire venting from the rear with heavy smoke throughout. The fire was quickly extinguished. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 25
2-Alarmer Damages Exposure
On February 29, 2016, City of Poughkeepsie Group 3 firefighters, assisted by Arlington, operated at a structure fire on North Hamilton Street across from the Dutchess County Jail. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire from the rear of the building, which had also spread to the adjacent structure. The incident quickly went to second alarm, bringing mutual-aid to the scene as well as for station
coverage. Firefighters fought heavy fire conditions in the building as they also worked to save the exposure building. By the time the fire was under control the fire had caused major damage to the building of origin as well significant damage to the rear of the exposure building. Station coverage was provided by Arlington, New Hamburg, and Roosevelt. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Page 26, Fire News, May 2016
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Winona Lake 2016 Officers
On February 13, 2016, the Winona Lake Fire Department held 2nd Lieutenant Danielle Krammer Stinson (the first female officer their annual installation dinner at Anthony’s Pier 9. The 2016 offi- in the Winona Lake Fire Department); Assistant Chief Andy cers are (left to right): 1st Lieutenants David Krammer and Zack Colurciello; and Chief Anthony Weed. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick Gaydos; 2nd Lieutenant Andrew Decker; Captain Chris Stinson;
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Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game Three years ago a couple of firefighters decided to put a friendly game of hockey together with teams comprised of firefighters from all over Broome County. Camaraderie, fitness and fun were on the agenda that year and people came from far and wide to see the event. With hundreds of unexpected onlookers in the stands, event organizers realized they had something special on their hands and decided to make the gathering an annual event to benefit a charity. Bill Newland, a retired City of Binghamton firefighter, and Founder and President of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc., was approached about possibly tying his organization to the event and he immediately jumped at the opportunity. The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization committed to raising funds for cancer research programs. Funds are allocated to established programs that seek to impact those cancers that have higher occurrence rates among firefighters. With that, it was settled. The firefighters would come together annually, and while having fun would come naturally, raising awareness and funds to be donated to cancer research would be the main objective. In March 2015, the first official year of the game as a fundraiser, it donated over $2000, and the event was off and running. On March 20, 2016, the second annual “Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game” again took place at The Ice House Sports Complex in Binghamton. This time, over $8,300 was raised, all of which was once again donated to the cancer fund. Newland was quoted in a post-game gathering as saying, “None of this could be done without you, your hard work and your support for this event.” Everyone from the players, game coordinators and Newland, to the corporate donors, event spectators and game day operation workers, make this event a success and have an equal part in raising this money To follow and support the event on Facebook, search “Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game.” To learn more or donate to the cancer fund, visit www.letsfirecancer.org. - Fire News photos by J. Murphy
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Missing Man Recovered from Hudson
Albany Police and Fire Department were dispatched to the boat launch at the Corning Preserve for a report of a body in the Hudson River. Upon arrival, the body of a male was found along the edge, partially submerged in a marshy area. Troy firefighters were call for assistance and lowered a rescue boat into the water for the
recovery. Troy Police detectives were on the scene, as well. The body was taken to the Albany Medical Center for an autopsy. The body was identified the next day as a 21-year-old from Poestenkill, who went missing on Christmas Day. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Fire News, May 2016, Page 29
Burn Foundation Fundraiser 2016 Sweet 16 for Fire & Safety Services
The Keystone Firefighter Conference July 15-17, 2016
Sweet Sixteen? No, Fire and Safety Services, Ltd., of South Plainfield have been in business for over 50 years, but have supported the Burn Foundation and artist Joseph M. Getsinger for 16 years straight. Yes, back in 2001, President William Russell, of Fire and Safety Services, started the ball rolling with supporting the Burn Foundation and the artist. Now over the past several years his son David, now President, has picked up the ball to continue the great support to burn victims/survivors, the Burn Foundation and the artist. Getsinger has supported the Burn Foundation with his art for over 35 years. In this thirty-sixth year, the artist is still creating another image for them in hopes of breaking another record with raffle sales before and during the Fireman's Convention in Wildwood to be held September 16 and 17, 2016, to aid burn victims/survivors. This year's image is titled, "Enemy of Fire" which will depict a firefighter(s) approach to fighting the enemy, fire. Without giving too much away, we are sure it will be another winning image to aid the Burn Foundation. Aside from the #1 Giclee' canvas print, framed and signed as for first prize winner, there will be 25 additional signed and numbered prints given away from the raffle that occurs on Friday and Saturday of the convention. The raffle drawing will be on Saturday at approximately 1300. Convention spoiler alert. For those of you who were dedicated enough to read through this article, the artist will also give out additional prints after the winners are drawn with a special raffle afterwards. You may want to stick around during the drawing if you can, since you'll have to be present to win these. We will continue to have collector pins created from this image, which will be available at the Burn Foundation booth for an additional $5 donation. If you'd like to make a donation to the Burn Foundation aside from the convention you can check out their website at: www.burnfoundation.org or contact them at 215-545-3816. You can check out Fire & Safety Services website at: www.fss.com/. Check out Artist - Joseph M. Getsinger's - new website at: www.jgetsingerarts.com.
We have lots in store for you again this year. Our training sessions start on Friday, July 15, 2016, at 0900 with a forcible entry seminar by the Traditions Training staff. Fire Ground Leadership for command and company officers commences at 1300 with Joe Pronesti and Chris Naun. The exhibit floor will be open from 1600 to 2100 and our keynote speaker, Mike Dugan, will speak at 1900. Antique fire apparatus will be on display in the exhibit hall, as well. Saturday starts at 0800 and continues until 1800 with training on a wide variety of scenarios presented by Tony Tricarico, Richard Ray, Jimmy Smith, the Traditions Training Group, Joe Pronesti and Chris Naun, and Bobby Halton and Mike Dalton. And we still have lots of other things going on for you to enjoy. New for 2016 will be our Junior Firefighter/Explorer competition sponsored by VFIS from 1100 to 1400. Bring your boys and girls out to see how they fair against other departments. From 1000 to 1400 we will have antique and modern apparatus on display in the parking lot all shined up and ready to be judged; we are offering over $2100 in prize money. Also, we have invited the Selden (NY) Fire Department Slowpokes Drill Team to display their Class B and C rigs, which they use for racing. On Sunday, July 17, the exhibit hall will be open from 0900 to 1400 with activities planned outside and inside. We will be having a chili cook off contest judged by Ray Cooney, chef of TV’s Firehouse Kitchen fame. Brink your best crockpot of chili to be judged by him and his staff. The winner of the contest will receive a $100 gift certificate donated by the Fire Store. Once again our friends from VFIS are sponsoring a fire apparatus rodeo. Bring a rig and see if you are the best on the course. Awards will be presented by VFIS for the winners. We hope that you can join us for the second year of the Keystone Firefighter Conference. We are sure that you will find enough to keep you busy, whether you join us for one day or all three. Please visit our website www.keystonefirefighterconference.com for more info; or contact Bob Romig via e-mail at bobrfire17@aol.com.
Page 30, Fire News, May 2016
FireNews.com
Man vs. Machine Seminar in Latham
On March 19, 2016, the Latham Fire Department held an all-day instructional event entitled, Man vs. Machinery. The course, which included instructional information and hours of hands-on training, was designed to teach firefighters to think outside the box. Firefighters from Schuyler Heights, Shaker Road-Loudonville, Verdoy and Colonie Village were taught how to remove a stuck ring from a finger using a rubber band and other household supplies.
Other tasks included impalement techniques, body parts caught in a grinder removal and how to properly use an acetylene torch, as well as alternative ways of lifting a car off of a victim. The event was put on by PL Vulcan Fire Training, whose instructors are veteran firefighters from the FDNY, and the Worcester (MA) Fire Department. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn