VOLUME 11, NO. 11
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State SEPTEMBER 2018
Story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Never Forget 9/11/2001 See page 5 – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, September 2018, Page 3
In this issue... 2-Alarm House Fire
Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Eleanor Street. See story on page 7
Washingtonville Responds to Maybrook MVA The Washingtonville Fire Department was requested by the Maybrook Fire Department to respond to an MVA.
See story on page 10
Colonie Village Garage Fire Smoke from the fire could be seen in neighboring towns.
See story on page 9
Heavy Fire on Arrival in Chelsea
Chelsea and Castle Point firefighters responded to a structure fire. See story on page 11
Three Generations Lost in Fire
A young man jumped out the second floor window of a Rennselaer home in which his family was trapped. See story on page 18
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.
Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
Obituary FDNY’s, Deer Park’s John T. Vigiano
Family and friends of Deer Park said their final farewell to FDNY ex-Captain John Vigiano. See story on page 22
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, September 2018
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are We Forgetting? Recently, I asked one of my friends what he remembered about Pearl Harbor. He looked at me like I was nuts! Two other members thought for a minute and figured out that I was gathering information for my September editorial. As for Pearl Harbor, we all agreed that if it wasn’t for movies, documentaries and conversations with our fathers and mothers, we would know little about the first-hand experience of WW II. I grew up during the era of the Vietnam War. I can tell you about the protests that happened in 1969 and I can tell you about the saddened feeling my family felt when our neighbor was informed her son was killed in battle. But, I cannot tell you anything about the first-hand experiences about the war because I was too young at the time. I am reflecting about our important history of the past because I woke up last night realizing that another anniversary of September 11 is not far away. Reflecting on 9/11, I can remember where I was and what I was doing. I was teaching a group of eighth grade students. Many of my students had parents who worked in the financial district of Manhattan and quite a few had fathers who were members of the FDNY. All of the teachers in my school went into an emergency
mode to keep our students calm. Yes, there were tears, questions with no answers and serious apprehension of what would be in store for us as the day progressed. I made it through the day and rushed home to my firehouse. When I walked into my station, the silence in the TV room was unnerving. My company was organized into crews, ready to deploy into Manhattan if needed. Our ladder crew was activated to stage in Queens. The next day our rescue truck responded to the Financial District to provide lighting for the residents of Manhattan. I am telling you this for a reason and it is really not about what the Terryville Fire Department did during the attack on the World Trade Center. The other day, I watched a bunch of young energetic responders return from a call. I looked at their faces and saw smiles and heard the members kidding with one another about a plethora of topics. Only a first responder knows the complicated feelings we experience after a call. Talking, kidding around and sitting down for a few minutes with the crew is what helps us bring closure to the call. Looking at the crew, most of them were infants when the World Trade Center was attacked. They have no memories
of that fateful day. What they know about the attack on our country is what they have heard from parents, learned in school, or watched on television. As responders, do they really know what occurred? As time marches on, the first-hand experiences of the past become distant memories. In some cases, this may be a good thing. However, as we continue to lose responders that operated at the World Trade Center, we must insure everyone never forgets. On September 11, 2018, take the time to share stories, comfort a friend who lost loved ones and sit with those who have been taken ill with cancer from 9/11. Remember, we never forget our own! ……Dennis
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17 Years of Remembrance: September 11, 2001
As we remember September 11, 2001, never forget how our lives the lives that continue to be lost as a result of the terrorist attack on were changed on that horrible day. Take the time to say a prayer to our country. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam remember those who were lost, the families that were broken and
Page 6, Fire News, September 2018
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Cover Story
Two Rescued in City of Poughkeepsie Building Collapse
On June 18, 2018, immediately following a very brief but intense storm, City of Poughkeepsie firefighters along with Mobile Life Support Paramedics were dispatched to a building collapse on Academy Street near Cannon Street. Units arrived to find a seven-story vacant building of which the top three floors had collapsed and come down onto at least two occupied, multiple-occupancy exposure buildings. On arrival people could be heard screaming inside one of the structures. A second alarm called in all off-duty personnel, the Arlington Fire Department with their heavy rescue and collapse team, as well as station coverage. Two additional ambulances were also requested from Mobile Life Paramedics. One male was found trapped inside his apartment and firefighters from Engine 1 were able to remove him. Firefighters located an adult female trapped under a six-foot pile of debris. Firefighters began to carefully
remove the debris, knowing that a secondary collapse could occur. A Trauma Surgeon Team from the Mid-Hudson Regional Trauma Center was brought as a precaution. The rescuers worked over 4-1/2 hours to free the woman, who was transported. City of Poughkeepsie firefighters are grateful for the assistance of the following: City of Poughkeepsie's 911 dispatchers, City of Poughkeepsie Police, Arlington F, Mobile Life Support Services, NYS USAR Team Task Force 2, Dutchess County FDNY, NYS Police, MidHudson Regional Hospital and their surgical team, City of Poughkeepsie DPW, City of Poughkeepsie Building Department, Central Hudson, and the American Red Cross of Dutchess County. Station coverage for the city was provided by Arlington-Croft Corners, New Hamburg and Roosevelt. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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2-Alarm House Fire
Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Eleanor Street after flames were discovered at the rear of the house. Flames quickly spread to the second floor and attic. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
Fire News, September 2018, Page 7
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Smoky Apartment in Rye
Geneva House Fire
On June 13, 2018, firefighters from Rye were dispatched for a report of smoke coming from the ceiling of a home on Peck Avenue. The fire, which was in an apartment unit of a garden apartment complex, was producing smoke from the windows and vents. A second alarm was declared for mutual aid from surrounding towns. The fire, which was contained to the kitchen, was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
On June 7, 2018, the Geneva Fire Department was called out for a stove fire. Geneva Police notified dispatch of fire in the back of the house with all occupants out. The fire was quickly brought under control, but a dog perished in the blaze. - Fire News photo by John Greco
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Fire News, September 2018, Page 9
Fire in Campbell Hall
Colonie Village Garage Fire
On June 16, 2018, Rescue 581 was the FAST on the first-alarm assignment for a fire on Briar Brook Lane in Campbell Hall. The crew was put to work to assist with the initial fire attack. Washingtonville Truck 579 and Tanker 577 responded on the second alarm. - Fire News photo by Ryan Hearn
The Colonie Village, Fuller Road and West Albany Fire Departments spent part of their Father’s Day responding to a fully-involved garage fire. Smoke from the fire could be seen in neighboring towns. The quick response of all the departments prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent homes. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Page 10, Fire News, September 2018
Holy Smokes!
The Mahopac Falls Fire Department and a unit from Carmel Police were dispatched to the Holy Smoke Restaurant on Route 6N for a commercial fire alarm. Chief Brian Sacher assumed Incident Command and Assistant Chief Jeff Boyle took Operations. Forcible entry was required to access the interior, only to find a heavy smoke condition coming from a malfunctioning meat smoker located in the basement. Smoke ejectors were set up in doorways removing the smoke quickly and bringing CO levels to a safe range. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
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Washingtonville Responds to Maybrook MVA
On July 21, 2018, the Washingtonville Fire Department was requested by the Maybrook Fire Department to respond to an MVA with extrication required on Little Britain Road. Rescue 581 responded, Rescue Engine 580 was special called for additional manpower and extrication equipment (due to the heat it was necessary to rotate crews). Assistance came from Campbell Hall and Montgomery. There were two injuries (one RMA). New Windsor EMS Paramedics and the Life Net Medevac crew treated and flew the patient to Westchester County Medical Center. New Windsor Police Department conducted the accident investigation. Washingtonville Fire Police assisted the Maybrook Fire Police with traffic control. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
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Fire News, September 2018, Page 11
Heavy Fire on Arrival in Chelsea Chelsea firefighters, along with Castle Point VA Hospital firefighters, responded on a first-alarm assignment to a structure fire in a 4000-square-foot residence on Huber Road in the Town of Fishkill. The original dispatch was reported as a fire in an electrical outlet but upon arrival of Castle Point 91-12, heavy fire showing was reported. Additional alarms were transmitted. The residence was totally destroyed but, fortunately, all the occupants escaped without injury. Also responding were Glenham, Hughsonville, Rombout and North Highlands, as well as the Town of Fishkill Police and the New York State Police. Beacon Volunteer Ambulance and Mobile Life Paramedics also assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Two-Alarm Blaze in Bed-Sty Engine Company 214 and Tower Ladder 111 arrived to fire showing from the third and fourth floors of an occupied multiple dwelling on Herkimer Street in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn on June 1, 2018. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Brookville House Fire The FDNY received multiple calls for a fire in a private dwelling on 147th Avenue near 225th Street in the Brookville section of Queens on June 24, 2018. Arriving companies found numerous occupants fleeing the house on arrival and went to work to contain the fire. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, September 2018, Page 13
Chimney Fire in Schenectady
Schenectady firefighters were called to a home on Central Parkway after a chimney fire erupted. Working from the bucket of Truck 2 they were able to extinguish the fire, preventing it from extending into the home. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Page 14, Fire News, September 2018
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St. Albans Laundromat Fire
Two-Alarmer in Crown Heights
FDNY units battled a two-alarm blaze in a laundromat on Merrick Boulevard in the St. Albans section of Queens on June 4, 2018. Heavy smoke blanketed the structure on arrival and, at one point in the operation, the cockloft nozzle was deployed. The incident was brought under control within an hour. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Brooklyn firefighters fought a two-alarm fire in a commercial building at Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Engine Company 235’s Lieutenant Kendal Richardson gave an urgent 10-75 and requested an engine and truck on arrival, followed by a second alarm. The fire was brought under control in just over an hour. Squad Company 1 searched the basement - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Happy Birthday Bryce! Last year Bryce Hill, who has autism, turned four and no one came to his birthday party. This year, the Albany County Sheriff Department Project Lifesaver joined forces with local fire departments to make sure Bryce had an exceptional fifth birthday! Bryce was escorted to Menands Fire Department by the Sheriff’s Department to an out-of-this-world birthday party. Members of Menands, Schuyler Heights, Colonie Village, Shaker Road-Loudonville, Albany County Sheriff’s Explorers and Menands Police Department gathered with gifts and birthday wishes for little Bryce. Chief Gerald Paris came to meet Bryce, as well. Menands Police Department created a motorized police car for Bryce which he fell in love with, and a bouncy house highlighted Bryce's day. Bryce received turnout gear and a helmet from the fire departments. Nothing could have been more special than the look on Bryce’s face when everyone sang happy birthday to him. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure Bryce Hill turned five with a lot of special memories. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Shoulda’ Put in a Drive-Thru Earlier
The Elsmere Fire Department and Bethlehem EMS responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into the Dunkin Donuts Restaurant on Delaware Avenue in Delmar. Two victims were found, one pinned under the vehicle. The small SUV was completely inside the restaurant and crews found two young teenaged females with multiple non-life threatening injuries; one teen had burns from the exhaust
system. Both teens were treated on the scene by Albany County Paramedics and transported to Albany Medical Center. Bethlehem Police were investigating the cause of the accident, and charges may be pending against a 78-year-old female driver. Ironically, this particular Dunkin Donuts was in the planning stages of adding a drivethrough! - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Page 18, Fire News, September 2018
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Three Generations Lost in Fire
Old City Hall Fire in Rensselaer
On March 11, 2018, in Rensselaer, a young man jumped out the second floor window, ran across the street, and alerted neighbors that his family was trapped in their burning home. First arriving apparatus were confronted with flames in the sky and were not able to enter the home. Mutual aid came from Defreestville, East Greenbush and Clinton Heights. Three generations were lost, one person was in critical condition. The father was at work and the son was treated and released. -Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
On June 1, 2018, Rensselaer firefighters responded to a fire in the old city hall. First arriving company reported smoke emanating from several broken windows on the second floor and chimney. Clinton Heights, East Greenbush and Defreestville also responded. The building was comprised of brick and heavy timber, and the fire moved between both floors before being extinguished. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Paramedics Graduate in Brooklyn
On June 28, 2018, 33 new FDNY EMS Paramedics graduated at a ceremony held at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. Good luck to everyone who will serve the City of New York as FDNY EMS-Paramedics. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Fire News, September 2018, Page 21
Red Knights’ Olympic Run
On June 6, 2018, the Red Knights Chapter 3 held its annual Americaid Ride. This year’s ride was entitled the Olympic Run and brought the group of almost 100 riders from Lake George to Indian Lake Fire Department and finally to the Olympic ski jumps at Lake Placid. The all-day event brings Red Knights from Canada, New York, New Hampshire and many other states to the Adirondacks.
The riders were given permission to bring their bikes onto the landing field to have their photos taken in front of the jumps. The tour ended by visiting the Hague Market, whose owner loves the Red Knights, to visit the owner who had been shot multiple times and was still recovering. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Page 22, Fire News, September 2018
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Obituary
FDNY’s, Deer Park’s John T. Vigiano
On Saturday, uJ ly 14 , 2018, the FDNY, family and friends of Deer Park said their final farewell to FDNY ex-Captain oJ hn Vigiano. oJ hn was a former member of the Deer Park Fire Department. He was also the father of oJ hn II, a firefighter with FDNY nEgine 13 2, and oJ seph, who was an E SUDetective in Truck 2. Both sons were killed on September 11, 2001. Captain Vigiano gave 63 years to the FDNY. He served in Ladder 103 , as a Lieutenant in Rescue 2, and a Captain in Ladder Company 17 6. After retirement, Captain Vigiano dedicated himself to our wounded military personnel. oJ hn visited soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda on numerous occasions and raised funds for Hope for Wounded Warriors and the aGry Sinise Foundation. Always keeping a positive attitude, oJ hn always said that L “ ife is what you make of it.” Captain Vigiano would have turned 80-years old on November 23 . - Fire News photos by BTFirePhoto.com, headshot by Dennis Whittam