VOLUME 9, NO. 11
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State SEPTEMBER 2016
See page 6 for full story. -Fire News photo by Eddie Coppa
Never Forget 9/11 15 Years of Progress see page 5 – New York State Edition –
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In this issue... 9/11 — 15 Years Later A Photo Essay & Baseball and the Healing Process See pages 5 and 29
Poestenkill Home Destroyed
Poestenkill firefighters responded to a call of smoke and, on arrival, found a home fully involved with fire out all windows. See story on page 9
Where There’s Smoke … etc.
Members of the Shaker RoadLoudonville Fire Department responded to a smell of smoke outside their station. See story on page 15
2 Fatalities at Schenectady Blaze
The Schenectady Fire Department was recently dispatched to a reported structure fire on 6th Avenue. See story on page 17
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, 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
Boy Drowns at Popular — But Dangerous — Pool Dispatch received a report that someone has fallen into the Poestenkill Gorge.
See story on page 28
LODD
Tioga Co. Fire Coordinator and NYSAFC Conference Committee Chair John Scott
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 13 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 30
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Box 5-5-8087,
15 Years Later NYC Box 5-5-8087 was the location of the WTC attack. I am sure you know this. This was the alarm box that summoned the Fire Department of the City of New York to the World Trade Center for a plane that crashed into Tower One. Ironically, WTC 1, or the North Tower, was the first of the twin towers to be completed, the first to be hit by a plane on September 11, and the last to be destroyed. This horrific day has been in our minds for the past 15 years. Yes, that’s right, the attack on the World Trade Center happened 15 years ago. Unlike other attacks that still continue throughout the world, the September 11 attack still haunts us by claiming lives through cancer. If you have learned anything from this dark day, remember that every call you go on must be taken seriously and responded to with caution. Simply put,
never leave your guard down and wear your PPE all of the time. As in the past, I pause to give remembrance to the firefighters I personally knew who died on 9/11. I think of all of the families that were broken apart by this tragic day. I commend Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, Chief of Department James Leonard, along with the numerous chiefs, officers, firefighters and friends in government, who always come to the memorial ceremonies to support the families that have lost loved ones. On September 11, 2016, start your day with prayer to remember the families whose lives were sadly changed as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center. I still close my eyes and in horror, can clearly see the pile that took away lives and continues to destroy families. Fortunately, the current World Trade Center complex is a
proud tribute to this terrible day. The 16-acre site, the purpose of which is to remember the fallen with dignity, is a reality. When you find the time to visit the area, remember that it is place to reflect and pray for the families who lost their lives. I hope the purpose of this beautiful area, which took 15 years to complete, never falls to commercialization. Our families and the families of the future must always remember September 11, 2001. Visit the site, learn from it and say a pray for the names that are engraved at the site. This year, we remember 9/11 through the progress that has occurred over the past 15 years. Thank you to photographer Steve Spak, who has followed the development of this newly created complex over the years and has shared them with Fire News so our readers can be part of the rebuilt area. -Dennis
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15 Years of Progress Remembers 9/11 -Fire News photos by Steve Spak
9/11 coverage continued on Page 29.
‘A Ball, a Homer and the Healing of America’
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Cover Story
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Crane Collapse on Tappan Zee
On July 19, 2016, a construction crane being used to build the Tappan Zee Bridge’s replacement bridge collapsed across six lanes of traffic. Miraculously, only four people (some reports say five) three motorists and a construction worker - were injured, all receiving minor injuries. “This was nothing short of a miracle,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo at a news conference held at the bridge. - Fire News photos by Eddie Coppa
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Busy Time in Mahopac
July weather held for the opening of the second night of the Mahopac Fire Department Annual Fair, but going into the second hour brought an alarm at the Kohler Senior Housing Center on Route 6. While en route, a second call was broadcast for a confirmed working commercial structure fire on South Lake Boulevard and Cherry Lane. Calling in Mahopac Falls to cover the call at the senior center, Mahopac and standby crews from Mohegan responded to second call. Carmel Police, EMStar paramedics and Mahopac Fire Police also responded. A call for Carmel’s ladder truck was also dispatched. The structure housed stores on the ground floor and apartments on the second floor. The Bureau of Emergency Services, the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team and a crew from NYSE&G were also requested. Chief Bill Bahr assumed Incident Command and Assistant Chief Jay Kinash was in charge of Operations. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Jackson Heights Fire
FDNY companies in the Jackson Heights section of Queens arrived companies searched and vented. Several minor injuries were at a multiple dwelling on 83rd Street on July 12, 2016, and found reported. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com flames shooting from a third floor window with auto exposure to the floors above. Engines quickly stretched their handlines, while truck
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Poestenkill Home Destroyed
On July 17, 2016, Poestenkill firefighters responded to a call of smoke and, on arrival, found a home fully involved with fire out all windows. Mutual aid was called from Wynantskill, West Sand Lake and Averill Park. More than 3000 feet of five-inch supply line had to be laid to get water to the scene. The family of five was not at
home at the time, and were provided for by the Red Cross. The fire was under investigation by the Rennselaer County Cause and Origin Team. Chief David Basle said, “the fire was so intense that the floor burned out.� - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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East Greenbush Fire Snuffed
On the Fourth of July 2016, the East Greenbush Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire. The first arriving chief found tons of horse barn sweepings on fire endangering a structure, and called for a second alarm. Most of the Schodack companies, Clinton Hgts and Rensselaer responded. While waiting for them, The newest member of the company — who went from Explorer to a member
last month — worked the first line, getting water on the smokey pile of soiled hay and straw, backed up by another ex-Explorer. A fourinch supply line was laid from the road for about 900 feet. The first two men with tank water did a great job knocking it down, but a lot more water was required. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Hot Car in Latham On July 24, 2016, the Latham Fire Department was called to a car fire in the parking lot of Price Chopper on Route 9. The fire quickly spread, engulfing an adjacent car. The driver of the first vehicle, and employee of the store, stated he pulled into the parking lot and when he went to turn off his ignition he heard a pop. Believing his vehicle had been hit he walked around the car only to find a small flame coming from the bottom of the engine compartment. Upon arrival by the assistant chief, additional manpower was requested. Both Verdoy and Boght responded. Both cars were destroyed and three cars were damaged. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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ANNOUNCEMENTS SUPPORT NYS SENATE BILL 1831A-2015 New York State Senate Bill 1831A-2015, co-sponsored by Senator Sure Serino, would increase the NYS income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members from the current $200 to $1200. Please contact your local representatives and ask that they lend their support to the bill. The Stanford Fire Company No. 1 Legislative Committee (Dutchess County) also asks that you form a legislative committee in your own organization to stay abreast of important legislative matters affecting volunteer personnel.
Correction In the NYS August issue of Fire News on page 20, the initial report on the fire in Watervliet suspected arson. It was later reported that there was no link seen between the three Saturday fires that occurred in the area. Thank you to Andrew Mangini, Director of Public Affairs Gramercy Communications for the correction.
Scarsdale Transfers Command
On July 12, 2016, the Scarsdale Fire Department held a transfer of command ceremony. Chief Thomas Cain retired after 32 years of service, the past 11-½ as Chief. Captain James Seymour was promoted to Chief to replace him. Firefighter Stephen Mulcahy was promoted to the rank of Captain. In 1st picture (from left to right) are new Chief James Seymour, Captain Stephen Mulcahy, Retiring Chief Thomas Cain. The 2nd picture is members of the Scarsdale fire department that were present at the transfer of command ceremony. - Fire News photos courtesy of Jim Seymour
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Nice Save in Waterveliet
Waterveliet....On June 25, 2016, Waterveliet firefighters received a report of black smoke coming from a window of a warehouse near the Hudson River. First arrival reports went quickly from fire on the first floor to fire throughout the two-story brick and heavy timber 18th century, 200-foot structure. Mutual aid was called from Albany, Troy, four other departments. Albany’s master stream kept
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the fire from spreading to a nearby new apartment building, although water remained a problem. ATF and state and local fire investigators were called in since two homes burned in the city earlier in the day. Three businesses located in the structure were lost. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Where There’s Smoke ‌ etc.
On July 17, 2016, members of the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department responded to a smell of smoke outside their station, emanating from a farm next door. Smoke filled the local neighborhoods so badly that the responding department of West Albany could barely see the road as they made their way to the 80-year-old building that housed farming equipment. Fuller Road and Albany Airport departments also responded. Difficulties arose due to equipment failure and Menands was requested to the scene with their ladder truck. The roof consisted of multiple layers, which made it difficult for the fire companies to get to the initial source. The building sustained damage but was not completely destroyed. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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It Helps to Know Where It Is South Schenectady firefighters arrived at the scene of a car fire in the westbound lane of Interstate 90 in the town of Rotterdam, just west of Schenectady. Multiple calls were received and conflicting reports of the location delayed the response of firefighters. The driver escaped unharmed. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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2 Fatalities at Schenectady Blaze The Schenectady Fire Department was recently dispatched to a reported structure fire on 6th Avenue in the Mount Pleasant section. After dispatch received multiple calls, a second alarm was struck, bringing all remaining pieces of apparatus and manpower to the scene. E3 was first to arrive and found a two-story wood frame house completely involved. With confirmed reports of occupants still inside, firefighters made their way into the structure but were pulled out moments later when flames began showing from the second floor B side window. The fire claimed the lives of a fiveyear-old girl and a disabled 26-year-old man. Three others were treated for minor injuries when they were forced to jump from the second floor to escape the flames. The cause was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Chester Garage Fire
On July 14, 2016, fire was reported in the attic area of a garage at the old Camp LaGuardia (among its last purposes this was used as a homeless camp for men from NYC. It was closed in 2006), in Chester. Engine 580 assisted with overhaul. A Chester firefighter was treated for heat related illness at the scene. - Fire News photos by Gary Hearn
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“Enemy of Fire” Painting to be Burn Foundation Fundraiser
Last year Cinnaminson Fire Chief William Kramer, Jr., assisted artist Joseph M. Getsinger in creating “The View.” This year Chief Kramer and department members again assisted the artist with a photo shoot for this year's creation, “Enemy of Fire.” For the 16th consecutive year, David Russell, President of Fire and Safety Services (800-400-8017; www.fss.com), a longtime supporter of the Burn Foundation and the artist, gave his full financial support to this project. Fire and Safety Services, Ltd., of South Plainfield, N.J. is a dealer and distributor of Pierce Manufacturing apparatus, one of whose trucks was used in the photo shoot. In the past 36 years, the artist has created a large number of paintings to support burn victims and survivors for the Burn Foundation. Last year it was a view from the cab of a fire truck. This year the artisted wanted to do something he hadn’t seen any other artist paint — the view of the fire from within the residence. The image is painted from the perspective of the fire, rolling across the ceiling towards the door to get more oxygen. At the door are two firefighters driving the fire back with a hoseline: the “Enemy of Fire.” Firefighters are aiming a stream of water towards the fire. The chief is communicating with his crew while the engineer is controlling the flow of water. The painting took two full months of work from the artist referring to pictures from the photoshoot. The artist has also created a new and improved website where you can see all the up-to-date fire art available, from Getsinger at
www.jgetsingerarts.com. In addition he has added other artists’ works, as well. Choice Marketing (www.choicemarketing.net) will again be creating a collector card for “Enemy of Fire,” which can be found at the Burn Foundation booth. It is expected that this year the Burn Foundation will be offering another collector’s pin to add to your collection of Burn Foundation pins for a donation of $5 You may become a prize winner of one of the artist’s “Enemy of Fire” prints. Aside from the dollar raffle tickets purchased at the gates or Burn Foundation booth for a chance at a Giclee canvas print or 25 other prints, we will be giving away another 25 prints after the drawing as well. You have to be there for the second drawing to win. Support the Burn Foundation by purchasing raffle tickets before the convention. If you can presell 100 tickets before the convention, send the artist a check made out to the Burn Foundation and he will mail you your tickets based on the dollar amount, which you can distribute or sell and turn the stubs in at the convention before the drawing date of September 16, 2016 at 1300. Tickets will be available through J.M.Getsinger Art Studio, PO Box 97, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097(studio: 856-853-8039). You can also donate funds directly to at Burn Foundation, One Medical Center Boulevard, Lewis House, Upland, PA 19013; phone: 215-545- 3816; Fax: 215-545- 3818; info@burnfoundation.org.
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Main Transit Juniors in Action at the NYS Junior Drill -Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
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Wake Up Maggie I Think I Got Something To Say To You
Firefighters received a call on July 24, 2016, for an animal rescue, a horse trapped on a fence, on Hulsetown Road. Cars 2, 3, Truck 579 and Rescue 581 responded. Once in the area, firefighters determined there was no such house number and requested address verification. The incident was then reported to be on County Road 51 in the Hamptonburgh Fire District; units were advised they were no
longer needed, but continued the response. At the location firefighters found an injured horse wedged in trailer with its head hanging out the side door. Campbell Hall was requested for manpower assistance. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, the now sedated horse (named Maggie) was removed from the trailer and treated. - Fire News photos by Gary Hearn
HENDRICKSON OPEN HOUSE APPARATUS DISPLAYS AND VENDOR SHOWCASE over 30 emergency response vendors who will showcase their latest products. Over 20 pieces of apparatus will be on site from Spartan, PL Custom, Rescue 1, and Lake Assault, as well. Dinner and dessert will be served for attendees who arrive in the evening, and there will be giveaways and a live band that will transform the event into a party with plenty of food, drinks and good company. Be sure not to miss out on what has become the premiere private event for the Fire/EMS community. For more information please e-mail dwalker@ hendricksonfire.com with any questions. Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment, 140 Hoffman Lane, Islandia, NY 11749; Office: 631-427-6276 ext. 222; Cell 516761-8374; www.hendricksonfire.com; www.facebook.com/hendricksonfire Due to the success of our events in the past with over 400 of our customers who attended each year, we are pleased to announce we will be hosting our 3rd annual open house on Friday, September 23, 2016. All Firemen and EMS providers are invited to attend. Please register by sending an e-mail to RSVP@hendrick sonfire.com. Include the following information: name, number of attendees, your organization, and position/rank. The event begins at 1500 with a mini trade show with
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Laundry’s Done FDNY units in Queens were on the scene of a fire in a laundromat on Liberty Avenue in the Richmond Hill section on July 4, 2016. The fire originated in a dryer but was quickly knocked down and companies were put back into service. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Blooming Grove MVA
On July 5, 2016, Blooming Grove and Washingtonville crews ed at scene by Blooming Grove personnel. Washingtonville assisted responded to the scene of an MVA. One person was transported to at scene and established the LZ. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn Westchester County Medical Center by medevac, after being treat-
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Mahopac Brush Fire
A call for a brush fire recently, brought out a standard brush fire response from the Mahopac Fire Department with two chiefs, a brush truck and a pumper tanker, fire police, Battalion 6 Ted Pollack and units from Carmel Police. First on the scene, Chief Bill Bahr, requested mutual aid from Mahopac Falls with their brush truck, as there was a fairly large brush fire on both sides of the road. The cause of the fire was undetermined and was being investigated by Carmel Police. Fire Police units had Buckshollow Road closed off at Battista Drive and Bloomer Road. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Verdoy, Latham Water Rescue Drill
On July 25, 2016, the Verdoy and Latham fire departments attended a water rescue drill in Colonie Town Park. The drill was overseen by Captain Jon Politis from Verdoy and included swimming agility practice, and proper usage of backboards, flotation devices and throw ropes. Verdoy is one of Town of Colonie’s most requested water rescue teams and often assists neighboring counties with water rescue equipment and personnel. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Elmhurst All-Hands
On July 12, 2016, FDNY units responded to an all-hands blaze on smoke filling the upper floors. The fire was placed under control Elmhurst Avenue in the Elmhurst section of Queens. Fire broke out within 30 minutes. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com on the third floor of the occupied multiple dwelling with heavy
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Boy Drowns at Popular But Dangerous Pool
On June 28, 2016, dispatch received a report that someone had fallen into the Poestenkill Gorge. Police and Troy Fire, along with Albany Fire and State Police divers, responded to the scene, and determined that a 16-year-boy had fallen 30 or 40 feet into a pool, about 20-feet deep, and was underwater. Two friends tried in vain to rescue him. After attempts by rescue personnel with long poles were unsuccessful, divers finally located the victim under a ledge. “I have been too many rescues or retrievals [here] over my 50 years with the department,� said Chief Tom Garrett. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Baseball After September 11 A Ball, a Homer and the Healing of America Fifteen years after the horrific events of September 11, 2001, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum paid tribute to baseball’s role in the healing process with a six-month exhibit, as well as with a special recognition during the recent Hall of Fame Weekend. On June 18, the Museum cut the ribbon on an exhibit case that will remain open through the end of the year. The centerpiece in ‘Baseball After 9/11’ will be the Mets jersey 2016 Hall of Fame electee Mike Piazza wore on September 21, 2001, in the first game played in New York after the attack on the World Trade Center. Piazza’s dramatic eighth inning home run propelled the Mets to a 3-2 victory over Atlanta at Shea Stadium. Additional artifacts in ‘Baseball After 9/11’ included both the NYPD hat worn by Mets manager Bobby Valentine and the FDNY hat worn by Mets pitcher John Franco on September 21, 2001, as well as a game ticket to the scheduled September 11 game at Yankee Stadium between the Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. During the Hall of Fame Weekend, as part of the annual awards presentation, FDNY Battalion Chief Vin Mavaro shared his thoughts and memories of baseball’s role in helping New York City — and the nation — begin to recover from the 9/11 attacks. In late September 2001, Mavaro found a baseball in the rubble of the World Trade Center. Upon donating it to the museum, Mavaro explained at the time that the ball offered an unexpected, almost visceral, reminder of the ideal so many of us learned as children, the notion that a game — and its immortals — can have melding, communal power. Mavaro was recognized along with 2016 J.G. Taylor Spink Award Winner Dan Shaughnessy and 2016 Ford C. Frick Award winner Graham McNamee. - Photos by Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame
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Visit your photos and purchase them online. www.FirefighterCancerSupport.org
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Gary Margerum North East Regional Sales Manager Cell 970-420-1964 Phone 1-800-525-5224 Fax 970-667-4296 Email garym@supervac.com Super Vacum Manufacturing Co., Inc. P.O. Box 87, Loveland, CO 80539
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Page 30, Fire News, September 2016
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LODD
Tioga Co. Fire Coordinator, NYSAFC Conference Committee Chair John Scott The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs regretfully announces the passing of Tioga County Fire Coordinator John V. Scott, who was lost in the line of duty on July 20, 2016. He was fatally injured while performing maintenance at a county 911 tower after he was accidently struck by a vehicle. Scott was the chairman of the NYSAFC Conference Committee and throughout the year was actively involved in the planning and production of the annual event, which is one of the largest fire service conferences and expos in the nation. Scott had served as Tioga County Fire Coordinator since 1999. He was also a past-Chief and 46-year member of the Campville Fire Department. Scott also served as a Town of Owego Fire District Commissioner, a fire investigator, and as a member of the Tioga County Search and Rescue, and Haz-Mat teams. A member of NYSAFC since 1975, Scott served as Tioga County Regional Representative for many years. He was appointed to the Conference Committee in 1999, served as Vice-Chairman of the Administrative Sub-Committee, and was named Committee Chairman in 2011. Scott also actively participated in Fire Service Government Affairs Day and assisted the association at local education programs. He was also a member of FASNY. “The officers and staff of NYSAFC are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague John Scott, who dedicated years of service to our association and the fire service of New York State. We join the Tioga County fire service in mourning,� said NYSAFC President Joseph Fahd. John V. Scott was laid to rest on July 25, 2016. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam; story by the NYSAFC