VOLUME 8, NO. 12
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State OCTOBER 2015
See page 6 for full story. - Fire News photo by Bryan Sypniewski
National Stair Climb For Fallen Firefighters See page 2
– New York State Edition –
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Fire News, October 2015, Page 3
In this issue... .
S. Schenectady 2-Alarmer
South Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Duanesburg Road. See story on page 7
Fatality in Saratoga MVA
Saratoga 911 received several calls for an MVA and rollover involving an 18-wheeler. See story on page 9
A Landmark Burns in Geneseo
The Geneseo Fire Department responded to a fire in the business district of the village. See story on page 10
Cronomer Valley Handles MVA
The Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called out for a three-car MVA on Route 32 and North Plank Road in Newburgh.
See story on page 14
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, 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 2015, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Double Wetdown
The Hillcrest Fire Department held a dual wetdown for their new 6-75, a 2015 Pierce Velocity quint, and 6-Tanker, a 2012 Pierce Saber. See story on page 24
ATF Arson Class
The ATF conducted a live fire arson training for prosecutors at "The Rock," the FDNY's Fire Academy.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25
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, October 2015
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
AreTime youtoready Change Seasons! for the challenge? Hopefully you have looked at your Fire Prevention Program and redefined your goals and objectives to educate students about the importance of fire safety. Changing batteries in smoke detectors is important and students should be encouraged to go home and discuss fire safety with their parents. Knowing what to do when the alarm goes off is the key to survival in a real fire situation. I am sure by the time you read this editorial your local schools will have had several fire drills. Many years ago I looked forward to the fire safety presentation of Nassau County Fire Marshal Andy Steinmuller. Andy came to many of the local schools and captivated, educated and motivated students to go home to teach their parents about fire safety. He took the topic of Fire Safety and developed it to a point that students of all levels understood the importance of planning and knowing how to get out alive when a fire occurs in the home.
Is there really a need to have a dozen or so fire drills a year in schools? I say, yes! Recently I researched fires in schools. I recalled three major school fires in my area, one of which the students were in the building when the fire broke out. Fortunately, the staff of teachers was well versed in what to do when the fire alarm sounded. Hundreds of lives were saved by the actions of these educators. College students are not exempt from fire drills and fire education, either. I recalled the major fatal fire at Seton Hall University in 2000, which took the lives of three students. The students who started the fire as a prank were imprisoned for their actions and the college was fined by the federal government for failing to have a fire plan in place to protect its employees during the deadly dormitory fire. What can you do to educate the students who live in your community? First off, take this task seriously. Showing off equipment
impresses kids of all ages. Is this what you want to do? Of course we want to show our students who we are and what we do. However, I think it is more important to teach our audience that when they hear the alarm, they need to put their evacuation plan into action. They need to understand the principles of “stop, drop and roll.” Trust me; it is not just young children who need to know this. Many parents don’t remember this simple life saving tip. If your department has an open house to teach fire safety, remember your goals. You want everyone who attends this event to go home and review their evacuation plan, test smoke alarms, know what the silent killer — carbon monoxide — is, and know how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Educating our community about Fire Safety is a probably one of the most important things we can do to save lives. Are you ready for the challenge? …Dennis
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ANNOUNCEMENTS NVFC AWARDED GRANT TO ADDRESS FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH AND SAFETY The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) a $786,580 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant to conduct a series of health and safety initiatives over the next year. The grant will help the NVFC build on existing health and safety programs as well as address emerging issues facing the fire and emergency services. A cornerstone of the NVFC’s mission is to address firefighter health and safety, reducing injuries and deaths among the volunteer fire and emergency services. The NVFC, with support from previous FP&S grants, administers groundbreaking health and wellness programs including the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, the Share the Load behavioral health support program, and the B.E.S.T. Priorities for Health and Safety. In addition, the NVFC has released resources and training to help with vehicle safety, cancer awareness and prevention, and other critical areas of firefighter health and safety. With this grant, the NVFC will focus on creating a culture of knowledge and safety in the fire and emergency services, emphasizing the need to change attitudes and actions to an environment that embraces safety and takes proactive measures to lessen the risks that personnel face. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive awareness campaign, education,
and the development of resources. Key areas that will be addressed under this grant include cancer, behavioral health, and risks while responding or on the incident scene. The grant will allow the NVFC to offer training through its Virtual Classroom, develop a handbook on how and why to make this cultural shift to safety, and develop a standards implementation guide. In addition, the NVFC will hold its second Training Summit and rollout an awareness campaign addressing key health and safety issues facing the volunteer fire service, including behavioral health concerns such as depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. “By educating personnel on their risks and manageable steps they can take to lessen these risks, we empower the volunteer fire service to do better,” said NVFC Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. “The NVFC has created a lot of positive changes in the fire service through its health and safety programs and initiatives. We thank FEMA for providing this grant to help us continue and expand on these initiatives to further increase the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters and emergency responders.” The FP&S Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. Learn more about the grants at www.fema.gov/fireprevention-safety-grants.
FIREFIGHTERS VS. CANCER More and more firefighters are being diagnosed with cancer, and recent medical studies have demonstrated that firefighters are at a significantly higher risk for many types of cancer than the general population. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has begun a statewide campaign: “Firefighters Fighting Cancer.” This is a FASNY-produced video that highlights the stories of six cancer survivors from across New York State who exemplify the dedication to their communities that is a hallmark of New York’s volunteer fire service. But they also showcase a disturbing trend. All six were healthy, when they received their respective cancer diagnoses. Based on the types of cancer they were each diagnosed with, it is believed that their illnesses may likely be a by-product of their work as volunteer firefighters.The full video can be viewed at www.fasny.com/fightcancer. KEY FACTS ON CANCER: Firefighters are 102 percent more likely to develop testicular cancer than the general population; they are 53 percent more likely to develop multiple myeloma than the general population; they are 62 percent more likely to develop cancer of the oesophagus than the general population; they are 21 percent more likely to develop intestinal cancer than the general population; and firefighters are 26 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than the general population.
Page 6, Fire News, October 2015
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Heavy Fire in Buffalo
On September 6, 2015, the Buffalo Fire Department responded to Filmore Avenue for a reported fire in a 2-1/2 story vacant dwelling, which was the scene of a fire in October 2013. On arrival the fire was well involved on the second floor and extending into the attic. There were also exposure issues on 2 and 4 sides. Crews set up for a defensive attack on the main fire building with 2-1/2 inch lines, and master stream operations. On the scene were: Engines 3, 32, 35, 1 and 21; Trucks 5, 2, 6, 15 FAST; Rescue 1; Chiefs B-43 and B56; and Support Staff F-20, 40, 9 and 11. - Fire News photos by Bryan Sypniewski
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Fire News, October 2015, Page 7
South Schenectady 2-Alarmer
Recently, South Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Duanesburg Road after flames were discovered coming from the garage. The fire extended into the adjoining house but was quickly controlled. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
Page 8, Fire News, October 2015
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2-Alarm Bronx House Fire
2 Killed in Far Rockaway Blaze
Fire companies of the FDNY battled a two-alarm blaze in the Schuylerville section of the Bronx on August 22, 2015. The fire was in a three-story, brick, private dwelling on Ellison Avenue. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Two people were killed in a fast moving fire in Far Rockaway on August 23, 2015. The blaze broke out in a two-story home on Cornaga Avenue. Firefighters had a difficult time entering the home due to an excessive amount of clutter. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, October 2015, Page 9
Fatality in Saratoga MVA
Well, That’s Different
Recently, Saratoga 911 received several calls for an MVA and rollover involving an 18-wheeler in the area of exit 10 southbound on I-87 (Northway). The Jonesville Fire Department was dispatched to the scene with R 36-2, 37-2, and 37-3. Upon arrival additional help was requested from Vischer Ferry and Round Lake. The 75-year-old driver of the semi from Fort Ann went off the left shoulder of the highway, down an embankment, rolled over and crushed the tractor, killing the driver instantly. The crash was being investigated by the New York State Police. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
On August 27, 2015, the Defreestville and Wynantskill Fire Departments were called to a car over a wall incident. On arrival, they found a vehicle with a man and his wife inside, which had gone over a wall, tearing off the electric service. Neither were hurt. National Grid arrived to turn off the power, and North Greenbush Ambulance members checked the couple out and then utilized a rope lift to remove them. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Page 10, Fire News, October 2015
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A Landmark Burns in Geneseo
Recently, the Geneseo Fire Department responded to a fire in the business district of their village. A passerby discovered smoke emitting from the back of Kelly’s Saloon, a staple in the community since 1978. The building also has two apartments attached to the C side of structure. Multiple mutual aid companies were called to the scene, including two extra ladder towers. More units were dis-
patched to fill in and rotate crews, as the ambient temperature was 93F. It took several hours to contain the fire, and into the midnight hours to complete the overhaul. Several adjoining building sustained smoke and water damage. The building of origin was a complete loss. - Fire News photos by John Spaulding
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Fire News, October 2015, Page 11
Thomas Corners Make Roof Rescue
Thomas Corners firefighters had to utilize their ladder truck to extricate a roof worker from a building on Tryon Avenue in Glenville after he was shot in the leg by a nail gun and was unable to move. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
Page 12, Fire News, October 2015
Bus KOs Rego Park Bldg.
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On August 24, 2015, a casino bus lost control and crashed into building at 63rd Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park in Queens. FDNY with NYPD responded to the scene. Multiple passengers were injured and the bus driver was transported in serious condition. - Fire News photos by Edmund J Coppa and Wayne Carrington
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Fire News, October 2015, Page 13
Garnet Lake Battles House Fire
On July 16, 2015, the Garnet Lake Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a reported structure fire, with multiple calls, on Garnet Lake Road. While en route, Chief Fred Comstock immediately requested a second alarm. Garnet Lake Pumper 405 arrived and began the initial attack. Firefighters battled extreme heat and downed power lines on the front lawn. The exposures were not affected. After numerous hours, and an unlimited water supply from drafting out of Garnet Lake, the fire was extinguished. The
second alarm brought in units from Johnsburg, North Creek, North River, Riverside, Bakers Mills, Thurman and Warren County Fire Car 2, with Minerva Fire standing by in North Creek. Chief Comstock reported that the last major fire, of this magnitude, was in November of 1999. The Chief expressed his thanks to all of the mutual aid companies, and Deputy Fire Coordinator Ted Little, for all of their efforts. - Fire News photos by Mike Turano
Firefighter Shot on Staten Island
Recently, a six-hour standoff occurred on Staten Island after a suspected gang member allegedly shot a firefighter responding to a call. The man then barricaded himself inside a home. NYPD with Fire and Rescue units surrounded the home. The shooter emerged from the house wielding a fully automatic AK-47 and began shooting. Law enforcement officers returned fire, killing the shooter. Everyone was grateful that the injured firefighter, Lt. James S. Hayes, a 31-year veteran of the FDNY, was in stable condition and would recover, and they praised the performance of law enforcement officers. -Fire News photos by Edmund J Coppa
Page 14, Fire News, October 2015
MVA in Warwick
On August 3, 2015, the Warwick Fire Department was dispatched to an MVA on Warwick Turnpike by Pennings Orchard. The occupants suffered minor injuries and were transported by Warwick Ambulance to St. Anthony’s Hospital. The driver of the truck was not injured. Warwick Police, Warwick Ambulance and EMStar were also on scene. - Fire News photo courtesy of Deborah Schweikart/Warwick FD
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Cronomer Valley Handles MVA
The Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called out for a threecar MVA on Route 32 and North Plank Road in Newburgh. Two people were transported to a nearby hospital. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
FAMA AWARDS 2015 PHILLIP L. TURNER SCHOLARSHIP TO TYLER LAMBERT The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) has awarded its 2015 Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship to Oklahoma State University student Tyler Lambert. Lambert is a senior at Oklahoma State University and plans to graduate this year from the School of Fire Protection and Safety in the College of Engineering and Technology. He currently serves as a volunteer firefighter for Ingalls (OK) Fire Department while maintaining a 3.25 GPA. He received the $5,000 scholarship in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to the fire service. The award is given annually by FAMA and has been sponsored since 2009 by FAMA member Akron Brass Co., a worldwide marketer and manufacturer of high performance life-safety, firefighting and emergency rescue equipment. A presentation was made today at the FAMA Technical Committee meeting held in conjunction with the Fire-Rescue International conference in Atlanta, GA. During the application review process, the FAMA Education Committee asked students to explain their reasons to pursue a career in fire. Tyler responded, “I am passionate about a career in firefighting and challenged by the opportunity to someday serve as a fire protection engineer. I am fortunate enough to be able to continue to serve as a volunteer fire fighter while attending OSU. Firefighting runs in my family history. My father, my brother and I all serve on our hometown fire department in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey.” Lou Milanovich, FAMA Education Committee Chair, stated, “The funds from this scholarship will help Tyler pay for his final year in the Fire Protection Engineering MS program at OSU.” “Akron Brass is honored to sponsor the Phillip L. Turner Scholarship. Education is a key part of the philosophy at Akron
Brass, and we feel it is our responsibility to provide individuals like Tyler an opportunity to build the critical skills and knowledge to be successful in life and as leaders within the fire and emergency service industry,” stated David Durstine, Vice President for Akron Brass. On behalf of FAMA, we wish Tyler much success in his future endeavors. The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association is a non-profit trade association committed to enhancing the quality of the emergency service community through the manufacture and sale of safe, efficient emergency-response vehicles and equipment. For more information, visit www.fama.org.
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Fire News, October 2015, Page 15
Winona Lake Wetdown
Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department held a wetdown on their new KME Engine 320. Companies from all over the county came to the wetdown, the local Stop and Shop provided food, and fun was had by all. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Page 16, Fire News, October 2015
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Diana Pfersick Elected to Board of Directors of FASNY
Diana Pfersick, MHA; RN; EMT-CC, a school nurse with Wayne Central Schools, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State-wide organization representing 92,000 volunteer first responders including firefighters and emergency medical workers. Ms. Pfersick is currently Chair of FASNY’s EMS Committee, one she has served on since 2007. She is a firefighter and EMT with the Rush Volunteer Department in Monroe County, where she has served as President, Vice-President, Secretary and Ambulance Lieutenant. In her wide-spanning and award-winning career she has been a hospital instructor for nursing topics including basic dysrhythmia, IV therapy, code management and other health care subjects. Diana has served as Nurse Educator at Highland Hospital in Rochester where her duties included providing NRP, BLS and ACLS instruction and orientation programming for new staff. She has developed and maintained online education programming. She also has been the Educator/Case Management at the Maternity Center for Highland Hospital.
Ms. Pfersick’s volunteer responsibilities and association involvement are well-known and include serving as Publicity Chair and EMS Committee Chair for the Northern Central Volunteer Firemen's Association and active membership in the Western New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association. Among her many awards and honors, she has received recognition as Highland Hospital Employee of the Month; the American Legion Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Public Service and the Distinguished Service Award from the Rush Fire Department. She also received the very special Dunkin Donut Community Foundation Award, which recognizes people who serve their community. The winner is the individual whose life story has the ability to inspire and encourage others to get involved. Diana earned an MHA in Health Care Administration from Bellevue University and a Nursing Diploma from Highland Hospital School of Nursing and a Bachelors in Art and Psychology from the State University of New York College at Potsdam. - Fire News story and photos provided by FASNY
Explorers Compete at FASNY Convention
The FASNY convention was held this year in Albany, and the ning their gear, connecting hose lines, and getting water to the fire Explorers took the center of attention. The Rensselaer County Fire four stories up. Backing up the crews were the Rensselaer County Training tower and grounds were the scene of competition and good Bureau of Public Safety and local fire departments. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller fellowship. These young adults trained hard to compete in skills such as priming a portable pump to get water out of a stream, don-
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Sloatsburg FD In a very funny e-mail I received from the Sloatsburg Fire Department, located in upstate New York, they commented on the show I did with Firefighter Mike Brockbank from the FDNY. Mike was cooking with a plastic fork. In Mike’s defense, all the silverware was locked up in the firehouse in which we were cooking and house watch couldn’t find the key. So like any good fireman, fireman find a way! This spurred the Sloatsburg comment, “Why don’t you come to Sloatsburg to film a show, where we have real knives and forks to cook with?” I happily accepted. Sloatsburg is a beautiful, little town about 15-miles northwest of the Hudson River (off the New York Thruway). When I arrived at the firehouse, they were just getting back from a run. I said to one of the firemen, as he was stepping out of his bunker gear, “Hi. I’m Firefighter Ray and I’m here to film Firehouse Kitchen.” He replied, with a big smile, “Oh, you’re the guy. The cook’s committee is in the back.” The firehouse was an old one. It had a recreational room that looked like the inside of an old barn, but in a good way. It added to the old-time country feel of the town. Around back, I met John Barcowski, Jack Collins and Ronnie Herman. John was the head cook and was bigger than life. John, with a great big smile, asked, “Are you ready for some jambalaya? But first, we have to have an adult beverage.” I said with a smirk, “Of course we do.” This turned out to be a great show. John and Jack had great chemistry cooking together. They were ‘busting each other's chops,’ telling fire stories and sharing Sloatsburg history, while Ronnie did all the prep work in the background. He was the man behind the scenes. On this episode, I introduced our firehouse pride moment. Sloatsburg’s pride was a 1954 Dodge pickup. It was a small pick-up with four-wheel-drive that had a pumper on it and could go anywhere! It was perfect for brush fires. Hey, they are in the Catskills, so it’s an essential vehicle for their department. The jambalaya was delicious, and we made some heart attack Italian bread. It wasn’t so much the meal that made my experience at this firehouse one to remember, it was the guys. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com or visit us on facebook.
SLOATSBURG'S JAMBAYALA (serves 4)
3 Kielbasa links 3 green peppers 2 onions 1 lb. raw, peeled shrimp 1 lb. crayfish tails Garlic powder Cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning 1 cup Sliced green olives 1 cup rice 1 cup water Salt and pepper
Slice kielbasa, peppers, onions and olives. Make sure all shrimp and crayfish are de-shelled. In a large sauce pan, sauté kielbasa until golden brown. Add green peppers and onions. As they soften, juices will fill the pan. Pour in cup of dried rice (add water if needed). Reduce to a high simmer and cover. Once rice is cooked, add shrimp and crayfish. Use garlic powder, salt and pepper and cajun seasoning to taste. Mix together. Add more water if needed. When just about done, add the olives. Stir together and serve.
Page 18, Fire News, October 2015
FASNY Happenings
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- Fire News photos by Gordy Kotars
The five recipients of FASNY’s Firefighter of the Year Award on the dais after being presented with their medals. They are from the Moyers Corners Fire Department in Clay (Onondaga County) and include Deputy Chief Frank Crispin, FF Phil Vogt, FF Ryan Whitmore, FF Jeremy Corsaro and Deputy Chief Steve Zaferakis. They pulled two victims from a working fire on Christmas Day, 2014.
New FASNY Director Diana Pfersick reads the chronology of events regarding the lifesaving water rescue performed by the father/son duo of Albertson Fire Company First Assistant Chief EMT Joel Melamed and his son FF Andrew Melamed on the Great South Bay off of Long Island.
FASNY 10-year Director David Sweet gives his retireiment speech at the 143rd Annual FASNY Convention. David gave a great and, at times, emotional speech as he thanked all of his supporters, especially his wife Bonnie.
FASNY President Robert McConville presented the Department Plaque for Firefighter of the Year to Moyers Corners Fire Department Fire Chief John Perkins.
Page 20, Fire News, October 2015
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Fuller Road Scores Win
Congratulations go out to Fuller Road Fire Department on their first trophy win in the Town of Colonie Emergency Services Athletic League Softball series. Fuller Road faced Shaker RoadLoudonville Fire Department in the playoff series. Through rain and thunder, the teams continued to play a very intense final game with the winning runs taking place in the final few innings. The trophy was graciously passed from last year’s winners, Verdoy, to Fuller Road. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Colonie Tournament
The Town of Colonie firefighters held their 33rd annual Firefighters Golf Tournament on August 21, 2015. The team of John Hulett, Dale Monlea, John Courter and Kevin Hulett from Stanford Heights Fire Department won this year’s event, which drew almost 200 participants. Luckily, the torrential rainstorms that hit the area during the night ended just prior to tee off. The afternoon ended with awards and a steak banquet. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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The Hamlet of Clifton Celebrates with Annual Parade and Carnival
Clifton at one time was a bustling center of commodities in agriculture, and still is, but like many small towns, it has shriveled up a bit, and large farms now occupy most of the land. The U.S. Post Office closed in the 80s leaving the Fire Department and a church as the only buildings that aren’t homes or barns; even the firehouse used to be a barn. The parade on Friday night was one of the major fundraisers for this rural community. After the parade, the community gets together to play games of chance, catch up with friends and neighbors, and meet new friends. Everyone pitches in to make the event a success, and this year was no exception. A perfect sunny evening on a Friday night brought many townsfolk from far and near for a good old fashioned carnival. There are no amusement rides. just refreshments, including steamed clams. The carnival hasn’t changed in over 30 years, and most people like it that way. It is one of the few parades that has a large showing of antique tractors in the lineup to celebrate the heritage of the town. Saturday night they hold a old time tractor pul, where tractors tow a metal sled as far as it can go in one of several classes each time adding more weight. No modern weighttransfer, engine-operated sleds here. The event continues to draw a bigger crowd and more tractors every year. - Fire News photos by John Spaulding
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Ambulance Decontamination Under Scrutiny In Wake of Ebola Scare Transporting patients with, or suspected of having, communicable diseases is nothing new. But when the first patient with the Ebola virus was brought to the United States in November 2014, the question of how emergency medical service professionals and their equipment are decontaminated came under scrutiny. Several EMS agencies around the state have tapped into Federal grant funding, or in some cases their own budgets, to acquire decontamination systems designed to completely attack every possible crevice where pathogens might linger. The FDNY, which has been called upon to transport multiple patients with possible Ebola exposure (or what dispatch protocol refers to as “Fever-Travel cases”), has purchased and placed an AeroClave RDS-3110 device in each of the city’s five boroughs. The Hazardous Materials Battalion is special-called any time a patient with symptoms of Ebola is transported. Personnel are decontaminated using standard procedures originally developed with bio-terrorism incidents in mind. After routine physical cleaning of the ambulance, the RDS-3110 fills the patient compartment with a proprietary dispersion technology that utilizes an EPA-approved, hospital-grade disinfectant. In less than 20 minutes the vapor permeates the compartment, reaching where physical decontamination by wiping with liquid disinfectants cannot. The vapor remains in a state that avoids condensation thereby making the process safe for electronic equipment.
AeroClave, of Winter Park, Florida, came into being after then-Governor Jeb Bush asked Ronald Brown, MD, then Medical Director of Seminole County EMS, to look in to effective
ways of decontaminating commercial aircraft, in the wake of the SARS epidemic in 2002. Dr. Brown came up with a high-heat, high-temperature system that decontaminated the interior of the planes much faster than methods being
used at the time. Seeing the potential of such products, Brown formed AeroClave and has since developed a line of products utilizing “hands-off” decontamination technology in delivery systems ranging from vehicle-mounted and rugged portable units to wall-mounted and whole building systems. (The company works closely with the Air Force on decontaminating aircraft returning from overseas.) Recently, the company teamed up with FireGrantsHelp to assist any fire department or emergency medical service interested in applying for grant funding to purchase AeroClave equipment. Rockland County purchased two units that it plans to make available to EMS providers throughout the county whenever decontamination is called for. County officials point out that while Ebola brought attention to the need for thorough decontamination of ambulances, it is not the only communicable disease that EMS crews encounter. Its deployment to crime scenes or in medical examiner vans is also being considered. Other area agencies which have purchased AeroClave systems include Stony Brook University Hospital in Suffolk County, Wilton Emergency Squad, in Saratoga Springs and Westchester County Department of Emergency Services. Locally, Paladin BioDefense represents AeroClave with offices in Westchester and Nassau Counties. - Fire News article by Gary R. Urbanowicz
Page 24, Fire News, October 2015
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Double Wetdown in Hillcrest
On August 22, 2015, the Hillcrest Fire Department held a dual wetdown for their new 6-75, a 2015 Pierce Velocity quint, and 6Tanker, a 2012 Pierce Saber. Many Rockland, Orange and Bergen County departments stopped by and sprayed down the new pieces. The wetdown continued late into the night with live performance by Dead Mile Dance, while food and beverages were served to all attendees. -Fire News photos by Mike Nowacki
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Fire News, October 2015, Page 25
New Apparatus for East Greenbush On June 30, 2015, the East Greenbush Fire District No. 3 dedicated their new 2015 Spartan ERV engine tanker in a ceremony held at the company’s Frank Becker Pavilion. The truck was dedicated to Chief Charles Link, the first Fire Chief of the East Greenbush Fire Company, who served at the inception of the company in 1916. It was especially significant as Chief Link’s daughter was present to witness the dedication, and played an integral role in the ceremony. In addition to affixing the commemorative plaque to the apparatus, Ms. Link directed a water stream at the new truck, carrying on the traditional fire service practice of wetting down a new piece of apparatus. The family of Chief Link was present as well; his family has been instrumental in the East Greenbush Fire Company over the years and continues to be, currently spanning four generations. At the conclusion of the historic ceremony, the new truck was placed into service at the company’s main station on Hays Road. The truck was furnished by Arrowhead Equipment and replaces a 1997 Pierce engine, which was sold to the Cherokee Falls Fire Department in South Carolina. Ms. Link is nearly 100-years old. - Fire News photos by Peter Lehmann and Martin E. Miller
Page 26, Fire News, October 2015
ATF Arson Class
FireNews.com
On September 2, 2015, the ATF with the assistance of the NYPD’s Arson and Explosion Squad, and FDNY and Suffolk County Fire Marshals conducted a live fire arson training for prosecutors at “The Rock,” the FDNY’s Fire Academy. The three-day course provided the prosecutors from NYC, US Attorneys Office, and Nassau and Suffolk Countys, as well as out of state prosecutors, with a basic knowledge of fire dynamics, scene preservation, evidence collection, use of accelerant detection dogs and legal issues. -Fire News photos by Ed Simonetti
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