VOLUME 9, NO. 10
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
AUGUST 2016
See page 6 for full story. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
Fire News Pays Tribute to: Rich Beebe and FDNY BC Lawrence Stack See Page 34
– New York State Edition –
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Fire News, August 2016, Page 3
In this issue... Clifton Park Home Saved The Vischers Ferry and Halfmoon Crescent Fire Departments were called to a structure fire in a two-story residence.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 7
10-Year Old Saves the Day Schenectady firefighters were called out to an attic fire where a cat was rescued and a 10-year-old girl was credited with alerting other residents of the flames.
See story on page 9
3-Day Hillburn Con Ed Fire
The Sloatsburg and Hillburn Fire Departments were notified of what was thought to be a brush fire, only to discover it was a fire at a Consolidated Edison electrical substation. See story on page 16
Arsonist Working Watervliet
The Watervliet Fire Department was strained to its maximum by an arsonist who started three fires in a 12-hour period. See story on page 20
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
MCI Drill
Several Town of Glenville and Schenectady County fire departments and EMS agencies took part in a mock air disaster, which was a year in the making. See story on page 30
FDNY Honors BC Lawrence Stack
In the FDNY tradition of never forgetting, Battalion Chief Lawrence Stack was laid to rest, 15 years after his death on 9/11.
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See story on page 34
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33
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, August 2016
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Be Cautious With the recent protests and shootings that have taken the lives of five police officers, I will address some of the issues that directly relate and affect the fire-rescue and emergency service. First off, I offer my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the massacre that took place at El Centro Community College, Texas and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I pause to remember Officers Brent Thompson, Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, Lorner Ahrens, Montrell Jackson, Brad Garafola and Matthew Gerald, as well as all the people wounded. Sadly the officers left their families to go to work, and never returned home. The Texas attack of July 8 was followed by the Baton Rouge attack on July 17. The Texas attack marked the deadliest day for law enforcement since September 11. As I reflect on these horrible incidents, I realized history is repeating itself and, as first responders, you must take pause and ask yourself: could this happen to you? I grew up in very turbulent times. I remember the Fire Department of the City of New York modifying their rigs so firefighters riding the back step or riding on a ladder truck were shielded from thrown bottles.
Firefighters always wore their helmets because they never knew when a bottle or rock would be tossed from above. The “War Years” got its name from the numerous fires that were fought, along with the attacks on firefighters by protestors who were not happy with the way the city was being run. What good does it do to attack the people who are trying to help you? In 2015, an ambulance was blocked by protestors who put their arms into barrels of cement. This group of 24 people snarled traffic and caused an ambulance to find another way to get its patient to the hospital. On March 12, 2016, an ambulance was blocked from responding in Chicago. I don’t know about you, but this tactic to make a point makes no sense. If anything, it angers the silent majority to take actions and it only makes matters worse. What made the War Years go away? What made the areas once burned out throughout the country in the 70s great again? My research showed that it was not one person who solved the problem. Yes, political leadership changed and new means of solving the problems of social unrest came into play. After 20 years, the
gangs of the city, the silent citizens of the city and the political leaders of the time realized they had to work together to make their areas safe again. Everyone affected by the problems of the time became part of the solution. First responders should not have to worry that someone is trying to prevent them from saving a life. Unfortunately, the turbulent times right now require you to be vigilant of your surroundings. It might be a good idea to discuss with your department, what to do if you find yourself under attack by a deranged individual or group. The 15th anniversary of 9/11 is a month away. I urge you to be cautious when you are at calls. Remember, no call is routine, especially in these troubled times. - Dennis
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ANNOUNCEMENTS CHAPLAIN’S 2017 CONFERENCE DATE SET On behalf of Chief Chaplain James Van Houten and the Deputy Chaplains, with overwhelming approval of the Board of Directors, Executive Secretary William Miles announced that the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains will be holding its 51st Annual Training Conference April 23 - 26, 2017, at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base in Niagara Falls. Many changes are on the agenda for this years conference. We are positive you won’t want to miss this one! Conference sign up details will be posted soon, so please save the date and welcome to Niagara County!
CHIEF JOSEPH M. FAHD OF THE COHOES FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS Chief Joseph M. Fahd, Jr., of the Cohoes Fire Department was installed as president of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) during the 110th Annual Conference and FIRE 2016 Expo Installation Ceremony held on June 18, 2016, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY. He will serve a one-year term leading the statewide organization. Fahd has served as chief of the Cohoes Fire Department since 2003. He is the sec-
member of the association, which he joined in 1978, and served on the EMS and Paid Chiefs Committees before being elected to its board of directors in 2006. In 2012, he was named Career Fire Chief of the Year by NYSAFC. Fahd’s fire career began in 1966 with the Albany Fire Department, where he served as lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. He retired from the department after 35 years in 2002. Fahd has served in many capacities with various organizations related to the fire and emergency medical services. He currently serves as the chief Deputy in the Office of the Albany County Fire Coordinator, a position he has held for over 20 years. Fahd is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and was recently elected the New York director for the Eastern Division IAFC. He is also the Eastern Regional Director of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers and a member of the Governor’s Fire Advisory Board of the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Fahd obtained an associate’s degree in fire science from Corning Community College and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy, where he completed the Executive Fire Officer Program. He was awarded Chief Fire Officer designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. NYSAFC is a not-for-profit organization with more than 10,000 members that has served career and volunteer fire chiefs, offiond Cohoes fire chief to lead NYSAFC, fol- cers, and emergency services personnel lowing Chief Thomas C. Collin who served throughout the State of New York since 1904. as president from 1918-1919. Fahd is a life - Photo by Walter Tomasik
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Cover Story
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Amsterdam 6-Alarm
Amsterdam firefighters battled a six-alarm, which consumed three houses and threatened an entire neighborhood. Amsterdam’s two ladder trucks plus an extra tower from Fort Hunter were summoned to the scene. Defensive operations saved houses on either side of the three houses on West Main Street from becoming involved. Half a dozen firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion at the scene. The cause was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Clifton Park Home Saved
On June 19, 2016, the Vischers Ferry and Halfmoon Crescent Fire Departments were called to a structure fire in a two-story residence on Weston Drive in Clifton Park. Upon arrival, smoke was billowing from the left side of the second story. Crews worked quickly to open up the side of the building and roof of the attached garage to
put the fire out. Latham and Boght were called for mutual aid. With the temperatures over 90 degrees all crews took adequate time to remain hydrated. No injuries were incurred and the residence was saved. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Mount Vernon House Fire
Bensonhurst All-Hands
Mount Vernon firefighters responded to a multi-alarm fire on South 2nd Avenue on June 12, 2016. The fire began in the roof area of a three-story frame dwelling. A homeowner and a worker were reportedly doing repairs in that area earlier in the day. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts. Yonkers and Eastchester companies assisted at scene and there were no reported injuries. The fire was placed under control in just over two hours. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
FDNY units in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn battled an allhands blaze on May 17, 2016. The fire was in a three-story mixed occupancy structure on 18th Avenue near 86th Street. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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10-Year Old Saves the Day
Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a mid-morning attic fire in a home on Euclid Avenue in the city’s Bellevue section. A cat was rescued from the blaze and a 10-year-old girl was credited with alerting other residents of the flames; all escaped unharmed. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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Shaker Road-Loudonville Goes to Work
On June 2, 2016 Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department was called to Wood Plot Drive for a structure fire. Upon arrival, the structure was fully involved with most of the roof area in flames. Latham, West Albany, Colonie and Fuller Road, along with support companies covering their districts, responded to the single-family structure. The residents were not home at the time, but arrived shortly after, whereupon the male resident collapsed and was taken to the hospital. The fire was extremely difficult to work on. The location was difficult to approach so no ladder truck was able to be
utilized; there was not sufficient water to give sufficient water pressure for the number of apparatus that were called to the scene; lines had to be run from long distances and many engines were run off each other. The terrain of the property also precluded access to parts of the building. Firefighters continually fought the constantly spreading fire as hot spots spread throughout the roof area. The fire, which began in the rear of the structure, completely destroyed the home and was considered suspicious. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
Vails Gate House Fire
Firefighters responded to a house fire on June 12, 2016. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with fire on the left side of the front porch. A stiff wind rapidly spread the fire across the front of the house. - Fire News photos by Gary Hearn
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Quick Work in Colonie Saves House
On June 5, 2016, a homeowner on Delafield Drive in Colonie called another room. Due to the quick attack by both Colonie and Fuller 911 reporting her kitchen on fire. According to Colonie Assistant Road, damage was held to the two rooms, with smoke damage Chief John Baker, the first arriving units from the Village of throughout the house. Colonie EMS was on the scene, as well. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan Colonie Fire Department reported a heavy smoke condition in the residence with heavy fire in the kitchen area, and extension into
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Kitchen Fire in Colonie
On June 4, 2016, Colonie Fire Company was called to a structure fire on Delafeld Road in Colonie. Fuller Road and Verdoy were also call to the scene. The fire originated in the kitchen area where one of the residents was trying to make doughnuts for her younger brother, which got out control. The young lady quickly called 911 and got all
residents out of the home. The two family cats were rescued by Colonie Fire Company firefighters. Though the house sustained significant damage to the kitchen and smoke condition throughout the home, the fire departments were able to quickly contain the fire before it spread. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Smokin’ in Albany
On May 21, 2016, several 911 calls were received for a large amount of smoke coming out of a manhole on Delaware Avenue in Albany. Upon arrival of Albany Fire Department Battalion Chief William Moore, the Albany Police were requested to block off the road for a couple blocks in each direction, and he also requested National Grid to the scene. Firefighters checked surrounding residences and businesses for smoke. Chief Moore turned the scene over to National Grid, upon their arrival. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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3-Day Hillburn Con Ed Fire
Early in the evening of June 24, 2016, the Sloatsburg and Hillburn Fire Departments were notified within minutes of each other, of smoke in the area of their neighboring districts. Initially thought to be a large brush fire, it was quickly discovered it was a fire at a Consolidated Edison electrical substation on Torne Valley Road in Hillburn’s response area. The arriving Hillburn chief confirmed a working fire, and began an incident that would last several days, and require extensive mutual aid from area departments, as well as New Jersey departments; the FDNY also sent several apparatus on June 25 with a supply of Purple K extinguishing agent. Working with ConEd and Orange and Rockland Utilities, the fire service maintained a steady presence at the scene in an effort to completely extinguish the fire. In addition to the heavy fire department response, several police and EMS agencies, NY State OFPC, as well as several environmental agencies were also on scene. The transformer fire was finally extinguished on June 28. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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Home Destroyed Despite FFs Efforts
Fatality at Rensselaer Gen. Plant
Shaker Road firefighters responded to a fire that destroyed a mansion on Wood Plot Road in the town of Colonie. The home was located at the end of a cul de sac in a small valley surrounded by trees and had a long, winding driveway. Water supply and access by apparatus was limited and numerous lengths of five-inch supply lines were laid to sustain a water supply. In spite of the fire department being just blocks away, the home was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
On June 17, 2016, the Rensselaer Police Department received a report of a construction worker being injured in an accident at the Empire Generating Power Plant. Albany Fire responded to help with the rescue of the man who was crushed on the sixth floor when a cooling fan fell on him. Albany and Troy Rescue Squads, which train and work together, determined that the victim was deceased and the incident became a recovery operation. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Bronx 2-Alarmer
On April 30, 2016, the FDNY responded to University Avenue for a house fire. On arrival, companies were met with heavy fire showing from a 2-1/2 story dwelling. There were numerous injuries to civilians, all minor in nature. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
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Where’s My Turkey Soup? With Firehouse Kitchen Host Ray Cooney
While filming the sixth season of Firehouse Kitchen, I set up a very special shoot at Long Island Cares in Hauppauge (hop-pog), New York. Long Island Cares is a foundation that provides meals to people in need. On Long Island alone, there are about 87,000 children who do not know where their next meal is coming from. Long Island Cares is here to help end this epidemic. When I heard about this charity, I knew we had to get Firehouse Kitchen involved. I met with the head of the foundation, Paul Pachter, and while visiting him saw the kitchen at their headquarters. It was amazing! The kitchen set up and spotless stainless steel appliances were perfect for a filming. The kitchen was donated by Dunkin’ Donuts and Lifetime Brands. I asked Paul what the kitchen was used for. “We give seminars on cooking and nutrition to families with a tight budget,” he said. Paul explained how macaroni and cheese, and cereal can go a long way, but it’s not the most nutritious for kids. Paul and staff show people that there are other alternatives, using the same budget, yet getting the right nutrition for the children. The recipe for today’s article is from Medford Firefighter Jean Dowd. Two days before we started shooting at Long Island Cares, one of my (FDNY) firefighters had to cancel. I put a blast out on Facebook asking any firefighter if they’d be interested in appearing on Firehouse Kitchen, and Jean came to my rescue. With 18 years on the job,
Jean had tons of good stories. My favorite one was for this recipe called “Where’s my turkey soup?” After having a Thanksgiving meal in the firehouse, there was about 20 pounds of turkey left over. Jean was going to make a turkey soup for the next department meeting. When she arrived a few hours before to make the soup, all the turkey was gone! Somebody had thrown them away! In a panic, and pressed for time, Jean went through the refrigerator and found hamburger meat and breakfast sausage. Jean said to me (something I say a lot on the show), “Present a firefighter with a problem and they will always find a solution.” Jean ground up the hamburger and sausage meat, retrieved some other spices and broth and presto! Turkey (or not so turkey) soup! It was delicious! On days like this, it’s good to be Firefighter Ray. When I meet people like Paul Pachter, the staff and all the volunteers at Long Island Cares, it shows me that there are still a lot of good people in the world. If you want to help a great cause, you can donate food or volunteer at LongIslandcares.org. There is a big food drive going on this summer and they need all the help they can get. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, go to firehousekitchenshow.com or friend us on Facebook. I’m Firefighter Ray and remember, Long Island Cares saves Lives.
WHERE'S MY TURKEY SOUP 2 quarts chicken stock 2 28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes 3 tablespoons oregano 3 tablespoons basil 1 bag carrots 1 bunch celery 2 medium onions 1 lb. ground beef 1 lb. bulk sausage 1/2 cup orzo pasta Heat stock and tomatoes over high heat in a large pot. Chop vegetables into big chunky pieces. Add to liquids. Add oregano and basil. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer. Crumble and brown both meats. Add meat mixture to pot and let simmer for 30 minutes. Add orzo and cook additional 10 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Serve and enjoy!
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Arsonist Working Watervliet
The Watervliet Fire Department was strained to its maximum by an arsonist who started three fires in a 12-hour period, including a three-alarm fire in a two-story brick abandoned warehouse on Broadway. Flames were found venting from every window on the A
side of the building. Within a half-hour a large section of wall collapsed sending firefighters scurrying for safety. Ladder trucks and engines from Troy, City of Albany, Cohoes, and Green Island were called in to battle the flames. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Hudson Valley Parade
On June 17 and 18, 2016, the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fire Hundreds of people lined the streets and sidewalks with tents and Association held its annual convention in Lake George, which plenty of water for the 90-plus-degree heat. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn, Vinnie Dominick brings hundreds of departments to participate. Departments poland Martin E. Miller ished their equipment and apparatus so that it glistened in the sun.
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Hudson Valley Parade (continued)
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1 Ejected in I-90 1-Car
5 Injured in Schenectady MVA
A passenger was ejected in a single-car collision at the Exit 26 eastbound exit ramp on Interstate 90. She was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. The driver sustained minor injuries and refused transport. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Schenectady firefighters worked to extricate four people from a vehicle after it was hit broadside by another and knocked into a third, which had stopped to make a left hand turn at McClellan and Nott Streets. The driver of the car, as well as one adult and three children from the car with four people were taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Fatality at Thruway MC MVA
Ummm … That’s Not the Drive-Thru
On June 9, 2016, the Selkirk Fire Department responded to a motorcycle/tractor trailer accident. When responding, units found the northbound lane of the New York State Thruway north of the Selkirk exit blocked. On arrival at the scene, they assisted the New York State Police with a fatality, which closed all lanes for several hours. The motorcycle had first hit the guardrails on the left side of the road and was then hit by the truck, and came to rest several hundred feet to the north. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
On June 1, 2016, the Fuller Road Fire Department was dispatched to a car, which had crashed into the CVS store on the corner of Wolfe and Sand Creek Roads. Upon arrival, they found that a sedan had crashed through the front doors, doing heavy damage to the front of the building. The Colonie Village Fire Department’s Collapse Team was requested to shore up the entryway. Colonie Chief Jack Moser stated that there were four people in the car, two adults and two children, all uninjured. The store — except for the real drive-through — was closed until repairs could be made. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
HOW HANG-DRY BECAME A REALITY Before starting Hang-Dry I worked as a commercial diver. The hassle of getting back into a wetsuit after a previous dive was always difficult, uncomfortable, wet, cold and sticky. I had tried washing them by hand and letting them air-dry, but it just took forever. To make matters worse, my mind always wandered as I got into a damp wetsuit thinking about what might be growing inside my dark wetsuit and definitely did not make me feel comfortable. While working as a commercial diver I would spend my free time riding motorcycles, doing track days and later on moving to road racing for over 10 years. I would do anywhere from eight to 10 races every weekend, and by the end of it my race suit was always saturated with perspiration and sometimes rain. Like my wetsuits for diving, I tried to stop the odor and bacteria by washing my suits after my weekend races. It took too much time to air dry and I was concerned with just leaving it to air/sun dry. As I looked for my own way to dry my suits, I did a lot of research about the effects of perspiration and bacteria growth within unventilated materials like leather, Nomex, neoprene and others. From there, Hang-Dry was born — directly inspired by wanting to help others
find a safe solution to drying their suits and gear. The first Hang-Dry that was ever built (I still have it!) was made of chicken wire fence, lots of duck tape, a fan, a wire, two bolts, a pipe, a bungee hook – yes, a bungee hook — and a whole lot of creativity. It took a long time and hard work for Hang-Dry to get to where it is now but I made sure that no corners were cut. I wanted the best of everything in the Hang-Dry dryer so it could withstand just about anything. And, with help from so many great people along the way, I am also proud to say it is MADE IN THE USA! Contact Tom Levy at 856-981-9398; www.hang-dry.com for more information.
Request for Presentations for the NJEPA Conference 2017 The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) Conference provides training and promotes the development of public and private partnerships in the planning, coordination, recovery and mitigation of all types of emergencies. The conference will be held at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey May 1 to May 5, 2017. If you are interested in making a presentation or conducting a
training session at the 2017 Conference please go to: www.njepa.org/submit-presentations/. All submittals must be received by December 1, 2016. Those accepted will be notified by February 2017.
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Having Fun at the
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NYS AFC Conference -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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MCI Drill
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Several Town of Glenville and Schenectady County fire departments and EMS agencies took part in a mock air disaster, which was a year in the making. The scenario was the crash of a C-130 cargo plane from neighboring Stratton Air National Guard Base crashing into a residential area near the Mohawk River. Volunteer firefighters were in moulage and several victims were in the water. Fireboats from Niskayuna District 2, Scotia and the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office handled that rescue and recovery operation. Victims on land were triaged and transported to Ellis Hospital's emergency department. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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Mahopac’s Mike ‘Rev’ Revenson Honored
Firefighters and EMTs, along with many local dignitaries, packed Mahopac Fire headquarters to thank and support Mike ‘Rev’ Revenson, as he was honored with FASNY’s Teacher of the Year award. When Mahopac Falls Assistant Chief Brian Sacher, who was one of Rev's students, called for any of Mike's students from Mahopac Falls Fire Department to come up and help present the plaque, more than a dozen people joined him at the podium. A modest man, Mike spoke passionately about what mattered to him. With his wife at his side, he took all the praise in stride because it was never about thanks or glory. What he was doing was what mattered. Revenson has touched so many lives but is far from done, and for that the fire community is thankful. (Above, left): Casey Stiller, one of Mike’s former students, with Assistant Chief Brian Sacher, President Hans Schweizer and Lieutenant Chris Tomkins from the
Mahopa Falls Fire Department present a token of appreciation to Mike. (Above, top and bottom): FASNY representatives announce the Mahopac Fire Department’s Mike Revenson gets the Teacher of the Year award. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Cancer Fundraiser
A Relay for Life fundraiser to support the American Cancer Society Fire Department had a team (the Winona Lake Warriors), which was held at Cronomer Hill Park in the town of Newburgh on June raised nearly $2000. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick 4, 2016. Walden Savings Bank served food and the Winona Lake
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FDNY vs. NYPD Rugby Benefit
A benefit rugby game between New York’s Finest and New York’s Bravest was held at Gaelic Park in the Bronx on May 7, 2016. The NYPD won 20 -14. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
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FDNY Honors BC Lawrence Stack
In the true tradition of the FDNY of never forgetting, Battalion Chief Lawrence Stack was laid to rest, 15 years after his death on 9/11. Thousands of mourners stood in St. James to honor Chief Stack as a flagdraped casket passed, carrying two tiny vials of blood, the only known remains of a comrade who died in the September 11 attacks. After holding out hope for 15 years that he would one day be identified, the family contacted the New York Blood Center, seeking to bury vials of blood that Chief Stack had donated prior to his death. “We told the New York Blood Center our story, that my father, FDNY Battalion Chief Larry Stack, was at the World Trade Center and we never got his remains. Now we can lay him to rest,” said Lieutenant Michael Stack. Chief Stack was the commander in charge of the safety battalion in 2001. He was last seen assisting a man who had injured his leg when the south tower collapsed with him on the ground below. “The Stacks will never forget the love he had for his family,” said Commissioner Nigro. “And we will never forget his sacrifice, his leadership, and most of all, his bravery.” - Fire News photos by the FDNY Photo Unit
Remembering Paramedic Rich Beebe
It is with sadness that Paramedic Rich Beebe has been laid to rest. Rich was a nationally known author and EMS educator, an icon in New York State EMS, member of the State EMS Education and Training Committee and Board Member of CECBEMS (Continuing Education Coordinating Board for EMS) and NAEMSE (National Association of EMS Educators). Paramedics who graduated from the many classes and programs directed by Rich Beebe proudly call themselves “Beebe Medics”. Rich was also the co-organizer of the annual NYS Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Association's Pulse Check conference. Rich Beebe, who was a Guilderland paramedic and nationally known emergency medicine instructor, died Sunday from complications of the injuries he suf-
fered in a motorcycle accident. Known as a dynamic paramedic with the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad, Rich was also known as a captivating instructor. Beebe loved teaching his profession to any level of student. Beebe was a lifetime member of the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad and still worked part-time as a Guilderland paramedic. When his twin daughters were born 29 years ago, he organized a baby-sitting system with other Western Turnpike volunteers so they could respond to ambulance calls while their children stayed at the station with another volunteer. Paramedic Rich Beebe’s legacy will live on in the hearts of the people he cared for and who he trained. Prayers go out to his family as he guides us from above. May he rest in peace.