VOLUME 10, NO. 7
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MAY 2017
See story on page 6. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber, insert photo provided by the FDNY
Fire News Welcomes all to FDIC See Us At Booth 5469 – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 3
In this issue... Brush Fires in Stony Point
The Stony Point Fire Department responds for several brush fires along the CSX railroad tracks. See page 8
It’s Never Easy
City of Poughkeepsie firefighters operated at a locomotive on fire north of the Poughkeepsie railroad station. See story on page 11
12 Displaced in Clifton Park Fire
Saratoga County 911 received calls for a fire at Friars Gate at the Twin Lakes Apartment Complex. See story on page 16
Scarsdale Home Destroyed
Village of Scarsdale firefighters responded to a call transferred through White Plains Police Department for a fire in a house of Black Birch Lane. See story on page 19
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
Alpacas and Peacocks and Fire, Oh My!
Roosevelt firefighters, along with Hyde Park and Fairview, operated at a barn fire on Cardinal Road. See story on page 24
Route 306 House Fire
The Monsey Fire Department, along with Hillcrest on automatic mutual aid, responded to a structure fire on Route 306.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 36 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 37
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, May 2017
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
What Are You Thinking About? Recently, as I was responding to an automatic alarm as a member of the crew on my engine, a few thoughts went through my head. I looked at the member that was sitting with me and wondered what the young probie was thinking about. For me, I did what I have done for the past 25 years; I monitored the conversation between my officer and the chief who was already on scene. Moments later, before we arrived on scene, we were turned around and headed home. I took the next few minutes to ask the probie sitting next to me a question. The conversation started like this. "Ah, an easy call, but let me ask you, what were you thinking about when you got on the truck?" He looked at me and said," What do you mean?" Oh well, here I go playing "father firefighter." I lectured the poor kid for the entire ride home. I didn't stop "teaching" after the truck was back in the truck bay. We sat down in the kitchen and had a great conversation on what all members should do
from the moment they hear a call come over the pager. Most of you who are reading this realize what I was doing. You probably did what I did yourself. I wanted the young firefighter to understand that size-up starts the moment the call comes over the pager. Do you think differently when you hear a call go out with the words "across from?" As you pull into the parking lot, are you noticing how many cars are in the lot? When you enter the firehouse are you immediately gearing up or are you standing around waiting for more members to show up? How about checking the location of the call and looking on the map for the hydrants? When you get on the road, are you listening to the conversations that are going on inside of the truck? Who is doing what, when you get to the scene? We have learned that size-up starts the minute you hear the dispatcher put the call over the air. The young firefighter I was talking to may
or may not have appreciated what I was doing. Regardless, it is up to all experienced members to guide new members so they are prepared to go into action when they arrive on scene. No matter what the call is, no one should be getting off the truck without knowing exactly what to expect. The simple automatic alarm is a teaching opportunity. Finding alarm panels and resetting them is a valuable lesson for everyone on the truck. In the fire service, you learn the basic techniques of your trade and you learn what to do at various incidents in fire school. However, a lot of what you learn comes from the experience you received on prior calls. The pockets of your coat are probably filled with small tools that have become indispensable because experience has showed you that you needed them. To all new members; learn from every call. To all experienced members; take the time to share your experiences so that everyone goes home safely. - Dennis
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Announcements
FASNY’S ‘THE COST OF CANCER IN THE FIRE SERVICE’ TAKES HOME NATIONAL INDUSTRY AWARD Video Highlighting Volunteer Firefighter Families Wins Prestigious Telly Award The family members and firefighters featured in “The Cost of Cancer in the Fire Service” campaign by The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) poignantly express the healthcare struggles unique to volunteer firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer. The piece focuses on Wayne Smoulcey of Willowvale Fire Company, Schuyler Volunteer Fire Company’s Tony Pagliaro and the late John O’Bomsawin of Wynantskill Fire Department. The video, part of a concerted effort to secure lifesaving cancer coverage for New York State’s 110,000 volunteer firefighters, has been awarded a prestigious Telly Award. The “Tellys” are a nationwide advertising industry awards program which recognizes the year’s best creative campaigns.”We would like to thank these brave families for allowing us to tell their stories in hopes that one day volunteer firefighters will have the coverage they deserve,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “We hope that this recognition inspires real legislative action so a video like this won’t have to be made for volunteer firefighter families in the future.” “We’ve been proud partners with FASNY for nearly two decades now on many different marketing initiatives and campaigns,” ABC Owner and Creative Director Travis Bort said. “This project dedicated to such a critical issue in the volunteer fire service has been particularly rewarding and we feel privileged to be a part of it.” The campaign, created by Syracuse-based advertising and marketing agency ABC Creative, was launched by FASNY in 2016 to encourage and support advancing healthcare legislation in the New York State Legislature. Since both volunteer and career firefighters are exposed to the same health risks on the job, the campaign intends to highlight these
dangers, demonstrating the need for presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters of all departments. The statewide campaign, which included three firefighter families, was shot at different locations across New York. It featured commentary from Diane Smoulcey (New Hartford, NY), Nicole Pagliaro (Utica, NY) and Alicia O’Bomsawin (Troy, NY), all of whom are or were married to a volunteer firefighter who was diagnosed with cancer as a result of the carcinogens they are exposed to on the job. The campaign was made possible by the brave families whose members not only volunteer to safeguard their communities in the present, but also share their stories to protect those in the future.
The video can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OCEBLSEz3E&t=6s
Page 6, Fire News, May 2017
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FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo Laid to Rest
On March 25, 2017, FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo was laid to rest in a spectacular show of support and solidarity on University Avenue in the South Bronx. Arroyo died in the Line of Duty on March 16, while operating at a call in the Bronx. Ambulances from the around the state and region lined each side of the street as an American flag flew in the wind attached to Ladder 122 from Park Slope in Brooklyn and the FDNY 150th Anniversary rig. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber and James D. Joyce
Page 8, Fire News, May 2017
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Brush Fires in Stony Point
On March 9, 2017, the Stony Point Fire Department was dispatched for several brush fires along the CSX railroad tracks. The first was located in Jones Point, and was quickly contained. As they were operating at that fire, they were notified of another one two miles south at the rear of the BaMar trailer park. As firefighters worked the second fire, neighboring departments further south were toned
out for brush fires along the same track line. Luckily the wind blew the fire away from the trailer homes and further into a nearby marsh. Rough terrain, limited access and several separate fires challenged the firefighting efforts. Several other fire departments were brought in on mutual aid to finally extinguish the fires. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 9
Quick Work by Arlington
Arlington firefighters made quick work of a structure fire in a single-family residence on Slate Hill Drive shortly after midnight on March 15, 2017. Units arrived to find an active fire in the garage area of the structure. Their quick work significantly limited the fire damage to the house, although it was uninhabitable due to smoke throughout. The family escaped unharmed. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Cohoes House Fire
On March 28, 2017, a fire broke out in a multi-family residence on Saratoga Street in Cohoes. Units arrived at the multi-level building as a smoke condition quickly enveloped the back side and upper levels. Eight residents were evacuated with no injuries. Cohoes Fire, Watervliet Arsenal, Boght, Latham and Albany assisted. There were also multiple fire companies from Albany, Renselaer and Saragota Counties covering. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Page 10, Fire News, May 2017
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Fultonville Church Destroyed
On March 14, 2017, Fultonville firefighters were called out to battle a three-alarm fire at the FondaFultonville United Methodist Church on Montgomery Avenue at the height of Winter Storm Stella, which buried the region in over 12 inches of snow. Buried hydrants and snow clogged streets made it difficult to save the wood frame church. A ladder from the Fort Johnson and units from surrounding areas responded, as well. The church was totally destroyed. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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It’s Never Easy
City of Poughkeepsie firefighters operated at a locomotive on fire just north of the Poughkeepsie railroad station on the evening of March 15, 2017. The passengers on the train were all safely evacuated as firefighters tried to access the tracks to extinguish the fire. City 911 immediately requested a complete stop on all tracks and Captain Deichler verified the stop was in effect with on-scene Metro-North personnel before crews made their way onto the tracks. Firefighters had to hand-drag lines down the tracks. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Fire News, May 2017, Page 11
Oil Burner Fire on So. Lake Blvd.
Recently, the Mahopac and Mahopac Falls Fire Departments and Carmel Police responded to a commercial structure fire on South Lake Boulevard. Mahopac Assistant Chief Bill Nikisher was incident commander. The first interior crew found a smoke condition stemming from a malfunctioning oil burner. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Page 12, Fire News, May 2017
Major Blaze in Colonie Apartments
On March 21, 2017, the Fuller Road Fire Department was called to a fire at the Towne Towers Apartments in Colonie. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fully involved apartment on the second floor. Within minutes over 18 departments and 200 firefighters from multiple counties were called to the scene as well as covering companies. The grease fire, which spread quickly, also filled over five floors with smoke. Over 100 people were displaced, most of them elderly, and requiring rescue and assistance to exit the building. At one point a Mayday was called by a Shaker RoadLoudonville firefighter who became disoriented but was assisted by firefighters from West Albany. Four residents were severely injured and rushed to the hospital. No firefighters were injured in the event. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Exposure Saved in Buffalo, Body Found in Fire Bldg.
On March 17, 2017, Buffalo firefighters responded to a fire in a 11/2 story, vacant dwelling on Hirschbeck Street. Firefighters were met with heavy fire in the rear of the structure, extending to a second inhabited dwelling. Engine 22 firefighters were able to hold the fire from the exposure. On March 23, while the house was undergoing demolition, an unidentified male’s body was discovered. - Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski
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5 FFs Hurt in Bronx 4-Alarmer On March 1, 2017, the FDNY responded to a fire in a two-story dwelling on College Avenue in the Bronx. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire showing. The fire quickly spread to five other buildings in the row-type housing. It took around two hours to get the fire under control. Five firefighters suffered minor injuries during the fire. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Buffalo 2-Alarm
Just after midnight on March 2, 2017, Buffalo firefighters responded to Winspear Avenue for a fire in a 1-1/2 story house. Crews arrived to heavy fire showing, exposure problems and a high wind driving the fire. The fire eventually went to two alarms. - Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski
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Crawl Space Fire in New Hackensack
New Hackensack firefighters assisted by Hughsonville, East Fishkill, Town of Wappinger-EMStar Medics, and the NY State Police, operated at a fire in a bungalow on Herczeg Drive early on February 7, 2017. The fire began in three-foot high crawl space making access difficult. Firefighters also had to chase the fire through the walls to complete extinguishment. Fortunately, the building and its contents received relatively minor damage. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Fire House Kitchen By Ray Cooney Anti-Oxidizing Chocolate Balls While filming an episode of Firehouse Kitchen, I was visited by a very special person - Ann DeGregoria. Ann is a holistic-nutritional therapist. She said she had some delicious holistic recipes that could help firefighters. The one that came to mind was anti-oxidizing chocolate balls. These chocolate balls help with joint inflammation and blood circulation. I set up the shoot. Firehouse Kitchen is going holistic! The whole crew looked up as Ann entered the set. She’s a very attractive woman, in her early 40s. She is outspoken and has a smile that lights up a room. When the show started, I said, “OK, let’s get cooking.” Ann replied, “There is no cooking. Not every delicious treat has to be baked or fried.” We mixed the ingredients together, from cocoa powder to butter, and a whole lot of other ingredients that I didn’t think would be in the dessert. Have you ever heard of rice syrup? Ann was unbelievable at giving examples of how these ingredients can help with ailments. Ann explained how tart cherries helped her with psoriasis and joint pain. After the mixing was done, we made this brown - I wanna’ say slop - into little balls. We put them on a tray, sprinkled them with coconut and put them in the fridge for an hour to an hour and a half. OK, now it’s time to taste. Ann asked me if would I say something if I didn’t like them.
I told her of course I would! That would be great television! Fortunately for Ann, they were delicious. If you’re looking for healthy holistic treats and want to learn more about holistic nutrition go to Ann’s website: foodisthymedicine.com (Food Is Thy Medicine). You will definitely see Ann on Firehouse Kitchen again. Get ready for Season 6 of Firehouse Kitchen starting in April on NYC Life. Also check your local listings to find out where you can find us. If you want your firehouse to be on
Firehouse Kitchen, send an e-mail to firehousekitchentv@gmail.com or message me on FaceBook, once you like the Firehouse Kitchen FaceBook page.
Anti-Oxidizing Chocolate Balls 1/2 cup of organic cocoa powder 1/2 stick of organic butter 1 Banana blended 1 cup organic peanut butter 1/2 cup tart cherries blended 1/3 cup walnuts grounded 1/3 cup coconut chopped 1/3 cup organic oatmeal 1/3 cup rice syrup 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix all ingredients in a big bowl. Make mix in to little balls. Arrange on a serving tray. Sprinkle balls with coconut. Place tray in refrigerator for 1 to 1-1/2 hours and enjoy this healthy treat.
Page 16, Fire News, May 2017
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12 Displaced in Clifton Park Fire
On March 12, 2017, Saratoga County 911 received calls for a fire at Friars Gate at the Twin Lakes Apartment Complex off of Sipperly Road in Clifton Park. First units requested mutual aid from Vischers Ferry, West Crescent, Jonesville, Round Lake, Halfmoon/Waterford and Boght. Crews fought the stubborn fire for about two hours. According to Clifton Park Assistant Chief Rich Coonrad, high winds and the extreme cold hampered efforts. Six apartments were gutted leaving at least 12 people homeless. The Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the homeless. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Flushing Restaurant Fire
Firefighters in Flushing, Queens, worked for three-plus hours to put out a stubborn fire in a Chinese restaurant on Main Street. The first floor partially collapsed into the basement. The Rescue Battalion had units use multiple exterior hose lines to put out the fire. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell and Wayne Carrington
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 19
Scarsdale Home Destroyed
Quick Douse at Dumpster Fire
Early on March 5, 2017, Village of Scarsdale firefighters responded to a call transferred through White Plains Police Department for a fire in a house of Black Birch Lane. Firefighters arrived to find fire and smoke engulfing the first floor of a home that was thought to be under renovation. When they attempted to enter, they found the roof and second floor already collapsed. The call was routed through White Plains, because the street behind Black Birch Lane was in White Plains. White Plains, Hartsdale and Greenville responded to the scene on mutual aid. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief James E. Seymour IV
On March 9, 2017, Village of Scarsdale firefighters responded to Kelwyne Road in Scarsdale for a dumpster fire in close proximity to a home. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the dumpster and keep it from spreading to the structure. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief James E. Seymour IV
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Buffalo 3-Alarmer
Buffalo firefighters responded to Lafayette Avenue for an apartment building fire. Upon arrival of the battalion chief, fire was discovered on the third floor of a partially occupied structure. The third floor was vacant. Chief B-44 quickly declared a second alarm. Companies went defensive after fire found its way to the cockloft and spread throughout the roof of the building, prompting a third alarm. - Fire News photos by Donald Kilianski
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Not a Lucky Block City of Poughkeepsie Group 1 firefighters caught the second structure fire of their tour during the arrival of the blizzard on the morning of March 14, 2017. Both incidents occurred on Mansion Street, both were in occupied structures, and both were reportedly caused by malfunctioning heating equipment. The occupants were evaluated by Mobile Life Paramedics and were assisted by Red Cross in finding temporary housing. The snowy conditions made for tough operating conditions. Poughkeepsie was assisted by Arlington, Fairview, Mobile Life Paramedics, and Poughkeepsie Police Department. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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20 Displaced in Cohoes Blaze, Collapse
On March 12, 2017, Cohoes firefighters were called out to battle a three-alarm fire on Broadway. Flames originated in the rear of the three-story apartment building and quickly spread to the upper floors of the structure. Over 20 occupants were forced into the frigid air and watched as the Delta-side wall collapsed into the street. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the building of origin. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
Page 24, Fire News, May 2017
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High Water Hinders Alpacas and Peacocks SAR Effort and Fire, Oh My!
After a couple of days of heavy rain on a snow pack, the creeks along the Hudson River near Troy were pouring vast amounts of water down out of the mountains. And the Poestenkill Gorge took another life. A young man climbing on the slippery shale fell into the thundering falls, dropping nearly 200 feet to where the kill, (Dutch for creek), runs to the river. State and Troy water rescue people could only search from both sides of the river due to the current. The Troy Swift Water Rescue Team were able to get in the water nearly a week later, but had not found a body as FN went to press. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Roosevelt firefighters, along with Hyde Park and Fairview, operated at a barn fire on Cardinal Road on the evening of March 5, 2017. They arrived to find a 75- x 75-foot barn fully involved with approximately 20-plus alpacas trapped in a pen near the burning barn. Firefighters were able to release the animals to an adjoining pen as they went to work extinguishing the fire. It appeared that no animals were injured and a representative of the Dutchess County ASPCA was on the scene. A second area near the barn contained peacocks and they also were not injured. The owners were also on the scene working with firefighters to protect their animals. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Heavy Fire in Troy
Troy firefighters responded to a just-after-midnight call for a fire on the second floor of a Fourth Street residence. Arriving companies found a well established fire on the second floor, extending into an adjacent building. All residents were out safely. A second alarm was transmitted and a ladder from Waterveliet set up in a rear alley where there was heavy fire. The fire had consumed the second floor joists, burning up through the third floor and the roof. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Fire News, May 2017, Page 25
Stubborn House Fire in Hillsdale
On March 4, 2017, firefighters from multiple companies battled a stubborn house fire in Hillsdale and single digit temperatures with below-zero wind chills. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Page 26, Fire News, May 2017
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All-Hands Fire in the Bronx
FDNY companies in the Bronx battled an all-hands blaze in an apartment and quickly spread to the floor above. Two additional occupied multiple dwelling on East 165th Street on the morning of trucks were required for extensive overhaul. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com March 23, 2017. The fire appeared to have started in a fourth-floor
Lots of Problems at Latham Blaze
On March 17, 2017, the Latham Fire Department responded to a call of flames coming from Northway Toyota on Loudon Road in Latham. Upon arrival, mutual aid was immediately called from the Duty Crew, Verdoy, Boght, Fuller Road and West Albany. The fire originated in waiting/lobby area of the structure but crept its way up the wall to the ceiling and roof. The building had been remodeled multiple times over the years so the multi-level roof created a
problem as the fire went from one layer to another. The Duty Crew also faced problems trying to access water since all the hydrants were completely covered by snow banks. North Bethlehem assisted with a rehab unit on the cold winter night and the extensive hours pulling the roof area and faรงades apart to control the fire. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
Page 28, Fire News, May 2017
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Bailout at Queens 7-Alarmer
On March 4, 2017, some 200 firefighters from the FDNY fought a tiple dwelling and rapidly spread to 13 other buildings. At one seven-alarm fire, which ripped through a row of buildings on point, a firefighter had to rope bailout from a second floor window. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com Liberty Avenue in Queens. The quick moving fire started in a mul-
Route 306 House Fire
Late on March 5, 2017, the Monsey Fire Department, along with the Hillcrest on automatic mutual aid, responded to a structure fire on Route 306. On firefighters’ arrival, fire was showing throughout a two-story cottage-style building attached to another two-story home. All residents were able to escape unharmed. The fire attack
was complicated by the stairway to the second floor burning away. Extensive overhaul was needed to completely extinguish the fire. Mutual aid also came from Spring Valley, South Spring Valley and Tallman, with Suffern on standby. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 29
Quick Work in Haverstraw
Latham House Fire
On March 21, 2017, the Haverstraw Fire Department responded to a fire located in the backroom of a wood frame commercial building. Relief Hose Co. #3, the first-due engine, stretched a line and quickly knocked down the fire, containing the damage to one room. Crews opened walls and ceiling to check for extension. Theills responded on mutual aid as the FAST. Chief Robert Drexler and Assistant Chief Perry Masiello were in command. - Fire News photo by Mark Giller
On March 19, 2017, Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department was called to a fully involved living room fire at a residence on Maxwell Road in Latham. Latham and Fuller Road were also called to the scene. The crews quickly extinguished the fire, but the residence was severely damaged. Two of the four occupants were burned and Colonie EMS treated them at the scene before transporting them to a local hospital. Upon investigation for further extension, a small cache of guns was discovered and removed. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Page 30, Fire News, May 2017
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Rotterdam Chase, Intentional Head-On
Rollover in Schenectady
On March 19, 2017, South Schenectady firefighters and Rotterdam Ambulance responded to a horrific crash on Route 7 and Antonia Drive. The incident began in Schoharie County when the New York State Police pulled a compact car over. As troopers approached the vehicle, the driver pulled away, running over the foot of one of the troopers. The ensuing pursuit spanned 21 miles through three counties before the driver deliberately drove his car head on into the path of a full-sized dump truck loaded with snow. The car split in two pieces, ejecting the driver and killing him instantly. The front of the car burst into flames and landed in a snow bank while the back of the car hit a trooper car and another vehicle just behind the dump truck. Two state troopers and a driver of the vehicle were taken by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Schenectady firefighters responded to a rollover accident on Union Street, where the driver of this car was grabbing for his sunglasses and hit a parked car and rolled onto it's roof. He was not injured and declined medical treatment. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
5 Injured in Waterloo 2-Car MVA
On March 29, 2017, the Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department was toned out for a two-car head-on MVA on NY State 5 and 20 west of the village. Rescue 1641 and Engine 1601 were dispatched and found five victims, three children and two adults. Both drivers were trapped. Crews utilized hydraulic tools to simultaneously extricate both drivers; both were freed within 30 minutes. One was medevac’d to a local trauma center, the other transported by ground to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Mark Marquart
Coldham Head-On
The Coldham Fire Department was called out on April 3, 2017, for a head-on MVA on International Boulevard. They were assisted by Orange Lake Heavy Rescue. Hydraulic tools were required to extricate the victims who were medevac’d. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Page 32, Fire News, May 2017
Nanuet MVA
On February 6, 2017, the Nanuet Fire Department was dispatched for a vehicle extrication at the intersection of Route 304 and Germonds Road in Bardonia. A large SUV and a small sedan collided with both vehicles leaving the road. When units arrived on scene, it was discovered that the occupants of both vehicles had received minor injuries and no extrication was needed, but two people in the cars did require assistance to be removed and evaluated by EMS. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
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Schenectady GLA MVA
On February 18, 2017, Schenectady firefighters responded to a rollover MVA on Stanford Street and North Brandywine Avenue. The driver and passenger fled the scene after striking two parked cars and rolling a stolen SUV onto its roof. The suspects were apprehended later that night. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
DAVID RUSSELL ELECTED TO FEMSA BOARD David Russell, of Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., was elected to the Board of Trustees of FEMSA in late September at their annual meeting in Nashville Tennessee. His term of office began on January 1, 2017, and runs for three years. David was appointed as the head of the membership committee as part of his Board duties. David is the Principal and President of Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., of South Plainfield, New Jersey. He has worked for Fire & Safety Services off and on since his father, William, bought the business from its founder, Walter Runyon in 1982. After college, David joined the Metuchen Volunteer Fire Department in his hometown and was an active member there for 12 years, rising to the position of Lieutenant. In 1999, David decided to leave his career as a litigation attorney and return to the business and officially took over principal ownership and the Presidency of the company in 2006. In his free time, David enjoys
spending time with his wife and daughter, and watching his daughter excel as a middle school distance runner. David also finds relaxation by throwing his body around as a goalkeeper in a competitive Over-40 soccer league near his home. Fire & Safety Services. has been serving New Jersey’s emergency services since 1964 and has been representing Pierce Manufacturing in the State since 1977. Over the years, Fire & Safety Services has grown into the premier vendor and service center for fire apparatus in the State; with nearly 1500 Pierce apparatus sold over the course of 40 years. Fire and Safety boasts a service team of approximately 20 service technicians both in house and on the road and a service management team lead by Vincent Scalera and Sean O’Connor. The sales staff of 9 representatives is overseen by the Director of Sales, Bob Emery.
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 33
Latham Truck Rollover
On March 23, 2017, the Latham Fire Department responded to a speed,” said Gerace, “and then I believe there’s going to be some truck rollover on Route 7. Colonie Police Lt. James Gerace said that DEC violations that will be issued as well.” Latham was assisted by none of the waste oil the truck was carrying spilled, and a diesel fuel Boght and West Albany along with the Ladies Auxiliary. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan leak was handled by HazMat crews. “The driver will be getting a summons from the Town of Colonie Police Department for unsafe
Page 34, Fire News, May 2017
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NVFC Announces 2017 Fire Service Achievement Award Winners The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) announced the winners of its three national fire service achievement awards. The recipients of this year's Lifetime Achievement, Fire Prevention and Education, and Junior Firefighter of the Year awards were selected through a competitive nationwide nomination process. Award winners will be recognized at a banquet during the NVFC’s spring board meeting on April 7, 2017, in Alexandria, VA. As part of their award, recipients receive a trip to Alexandria to attend the award ceremony, complimentary registration for the NVFC spring meeting, and a personalized award. The recipients of the NVFC’s 2017 awardees were Chief Freddy Johnson, Sr. (left picture, bottom), who was awarded the NVFC Lifetime Achievement Award (award sponsored by Rosenbauer) from the Stoney Point Volunteer Fire Department in Fayetteville, NC; Parker Ketler (right picture bottom), who received the Junior Firefighter of the Year Award (sponsored by California Casualty) and William Wren (top) of the New Hartford (NY) Fire Department (award sponsored by Nest). Firefighter Wren, a 28-year member of the NHFD, is well known for bringing fire safety messages to his community and adapting to the needs of various populations. After several years of targeting elementary school students,
the NHFD Fire Prevention Program Committee realized that their educational programming should extend to junior high school and senior high school students. Wren developed several programs for the older students, covering topics such as fire extinguisher use, recognizing by-products of fire, and escaping from dangerous fire situations. He also developed a program specifically for high school seniors to address the unique aspects of fire prevention and dorm safety at college. In addition to reaching older students, Wren adapted programming to reach other groups within the community such as day cares, preschools, Boy and Girl Scouts, and senior living facilities. The fire prevention programs have reached over 2,500 students and 300 adults, not including those reached during special community-wide activities during Fire Prevention Month. For his service in his community and county, Wren was designated the 2016 Fire Safety Educator of the Year by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, and he received the William G. Martin Iron Man of the Year award in 2011, one of the highest honors presented by his department. Learn more about the NVFC’s awards program at www.nvfc.org/awards. Stay tuned to the NVFC website and Dispatch e-newsletter quet. The NVFC thanks award sponsors for additional information about each award California Casualty, Nest, and Rosenbauer for winner as well as photos from the awards ban- their support of the volunteer fire service.
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Obituary
Fire News, May 2017, Page 35
Winona Lake’s George B. ‘Cudda’ Hillman
George B. ‘Cudda’ Hillman of Newburgh, a charter member and past-President of Winona Lake Engine Company for over 50 years, passed away on March 24, 2017, in Middletown. He was 79. George was a retired truck driver for Sunoco in New Windsor and a lifetime resident of the area. The son of the late George and Ann Elizabeth Smith Hillman, he
was born August 20, 1937, in Cornwall, NY. A US Army veteran, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division A family statement read: “He was best friend to all of his sons and grandchildren. Cudda worked with his sons in each of their businesses.” Survivors include his companion, Joanne Cardillo of Middlehope; his three sons: Bernard J. Hillman and his wife,
Stacey, Timothy G. Hillman and his wife, Gina and Brian M. Hillman, all of Montgomery, NY; four grandchildren: Zachary, Dykota, Brittney and Jake. Charitable donations in his name may be made to the Winona Lake Engine Company160 South Plank Rd Newburgh NY 12550. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Page 36, Fire News, May 2017
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Union Fire Wins Fundraiser Hockey Game
The Glens Falls Civic Center was alive with the sounds of skates and cheering of crowds as MacBoston 18 Truck hockey team played Union Fire in its 4th Annual Charity Hockey Tournament. The event brings together MacBoston and another great hockey team, this year Union Fire, to help raise money for MacBoston 18 Truck Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The MacBoston tiller, waving the huge American flag at the entrance of the arena, greeted guests. Union Fire was the victor in a close game. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
2017 Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game Four years ago a couple of Binghampton-area firefighters decided to put a friendly game of hockey together 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. Four years later, the event has raised and donated nearly $20,000 to cancer research. Bill Newland, a retired City of Binghamton firefighter, founder and President of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, was approached about possibly tying his organization to the event and he immediately jumped at the opportunity. Funds raised are allocated to established programs that seek to impact those cancers that have higher occurrence rates among firefighters. On March 19, 2017, the 3rd Annual Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game took place at The Ice House Sports Complex, raising over $9,200, 100 percent of which was donated to the cancer fund. To follow and support the event on Facebook search “Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game Community.� To learn more or donate to the cancer fund visit, www.letsfirecancer.org. - Fire News photo by Jesse Murphy
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 37
Winona Lake Award Dinner
Engine Company #2 of the Winona Lake Fire Department held their annual dinner at Anthony’s Pier 9. A good time was had by all. The president of the company gave awards to some of his people. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominck
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Page 38, Fire News, May 2017
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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
Roosevelt firefighters taking a break while operating at a barn fire on Cardinal Road on March 5, 2017. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
On March 5, 2017, the water rescue teams from Halfmoon-Waterford, Boght, West Crescent and Verdoy responded to a jumper call at the Crescent Bridges. A man attempted suicide by jumping into the icy waters of the Mohawk River. Within minutes of the call the water rescue teams were in the water successfully pulling the man to shore where Colonie EMS was waiting for him. The man survived and the no one was injured in the rescue. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
(Left to right): Andrew Bratton, Matthew DeTone and Bruce Pappas were sworn in on March 7, 2017, to the Village of Scarsdale Fire department. They will begin the ir training at the NYS Career Fire Academy in Westchester on March 13. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief James E. Seymour IV
Arlington’s FAST preparing to take up during the onset of the blizzard after operating at a Mansion Street, Poughkeepsie, two-alarm fire on the morning of March 14, 2017, on Mansion Street. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson