VOLUME 12, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State NOVEMBER 2018
Story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Edmond J. Coppa
Fire News Welcomes all to NYSAFD October 11-13 and Firehouse Expo October 18-20 Booth 338 – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, November 2018, Page 3
In this issue... FF Burned at Stanford Hts. Fire
Stanford Heights Fire Department responded to house fire belonging to one of their own members. See story on page 8
Car Burns in Rotterdam
Schonowe firefighters responded to a car fire on Interstate 890. See story on page 12
Garage Fire Battled in Bowmansville
Upon arrival firefighters were met with a fully involved garage with three vehicles burning. See story on page 14
Poughkeepsie Abandoned Structure Blaze The City of Poughkeepsie firefighters snuff a fire in an abandoned structure.
See story on page 20
Rotterdam Extrication
Firefighters responded to an MVA on West Campbell Road in which a man was pinned. See story on page 26
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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Hazmat Drill Held at Albany International Albany International Airport held a mock HazMat drill on September 15, 2018.
See story on page 32
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, November 2018
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Document What You Do! Several years ago, I attended a seminar that was given by one of the insurance companies that insure fire districts. The company did a reenactment of an actual fatal scenario that happened in a small department. In the end, the department was found at fault for the death of civilian. What was the deciding factor? The department could not provide paperwork proving that their trucks’ equipment was in operating order before the call. It was possible that the extrication pump needed to save someone worked fine before the call. However, with no documentation of any recent truck and tool maintenance, a jury blamed the department for the delay in patient removal from the vehicle because the hydraulic pump was previously damaged and there were no records that the pump worked before the call. If you ask firefighters how often they do truck maintenance and equipment checks, you will get a variety of responses. Some departments check their equipment every day. In other departments, it is common to get different answers when maintenance and inspections were performed. Weekly inspections are commonplace in many departments. However, if the truck and equipment was used for a call, everything should be immediately checked for proper operation.
How does an officer know that the company’s equipment was inspected and is ready for action? It is called paperwork! When an inspection is performed, a written checklist should be followed. It is up to the members to actually follow the inspection list. Start saws, and thoroughly check all SCBAs. Do your radios work? Truck maintenance is not opening a compartment to see if a tool is in place. Remove equipment and actually check its functionality. Simply put, make sure the tool works. Halligans, hooks and hand tools all should be looked at for any damage, cleanliness and proper markings. I could go on and on about equipment checks. It is important that the responders take ownership of the tools of their trade, including their personal PPE. It is imperative that every inspection is documented. I can’t tell you how many times I found an issue with a piece of equipment when it was my time to do truck maintenance. With written and signed sheets, I was able to go back to the previous person who inspected the truck and point out any oversights. Make sure your department has written Polices and Best Practices that members can easily access to review safety concerns for vehicles, use of SCBA, use of PPE along with other safety concerns. Many departments post this information on their website in a
“Members” section. Make sure members are constantly reminded to review their Best Practices. To sum it up, don’t neglect your equipment. It is the key to your survival. Know your equipment inside and out, so you will know when something is wrong. What is imperative for every inspection is documentation. Should something go wrong at a call because your equipment failed, you must be able to prove that it was recently inspected and worked as expected at the firehouse. Inspect and document your equipment frequently! -Dennis
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Senator Amedore Announces Grant for Town of Florida FD for Safety Parkas
Senator George Amedore today joined members of the Town of Florida Fire Department to announce he secured a $9000 grant to allow the Department to purchase 35 511 Tactical brand safety parkas. The parkas will help increase visibility when members of the department are responding to calls. “Our first responders drop everything to answer calls that come in because they are committed to keeping our communities safe,” said Senator Amedore. “We need to do everything we can to help them do their jobs safely and effectively. It’s why the Legislature passed the
‘Move Over’ law, and it’s why I was happy to secure this funding to help the Town of Florida Fire Department purchase these parkas. Our responders need to be seen to be safe, and this will help increase their visibility as they respond to calls.” The grant was secured from public protection funding included in the New York State budget. Pictured above is Senator George Amedore, with Town of Florida Volunteer Fire Department members. -Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Page 6, Fire News, November 2018
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Cover Story
Arson in Kings Plaza 7-Alarmer
FDNY units were called to a Brooklyn parking garage at the Kings Plaza mall on Flatbush Avenue on September 17, 2018. Heavy black smoke could be seen for miles and units were quickly put into operation. Thick acrid smoke and high heat caused the blaze to extend to seven alarms by the conclusion of operations. Over 120 cars being stored in the garage by a local dealership went up in flames. A suspect was taken into custody and eventually charged with arson. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Hi Temps Add to the Battle
Fire departments from Schuyler Heights, Maplewood, Latham, that the area was a hang-out. With the temperature at almost 100 Boght and Verdoy responded to a large brush fire that burned both degrees, crews worked hard to quickly bring the fires under control. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn sides of Lincoln Avenue. It was evident by the refuse left at the scene
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FF Burned at Stanford Heights Fire
While at another fire call, members of the Stanford Heights Fire Department viewed a plume of smoke. They immediately responded and upon arrival realized the home was that of one of their own members. Firefighters worked to rescue their brother firefighter who had received third-degree burns on parts of his body. He was immediately rushed to Albany Medical Center. In the interim,
Stanford Heights, assisted by Carmen, Niskayuna 2, Midway, West Albany, Colonie Village and Shaker Road-Loudonville worked to put the structure fire out. The fire began in the kitchen area and moved up the outside of the building into the attic. Assistant Chief Baker worked diligently to try to revive a dog that was rescued but was unable to do so. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Washingtonville Shed Fire
Kiryas Joel 2-Alarmer
In August 21, 2018, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a shed fire on Marie Lane. Personnel arrived to find the shed fully involved and extended to a vehicle parked behind it. Radiant heat from the fire damaged the siding on the north side of the house, as well, but the fire did not extend into the garage/house. A tanker from Salisbury Mills stood-by at the scene. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
On August 17, 2018, the Washingtonville Fire Department was requested to respond as the FAST on a second alarm for a fire in a three-story multiple dwelling in the Village of Kiryas Joel. The fire was on the third floor and extended into the attic. Upon arrival, the crew of Rescue 581 was split to stand-by as the FAST and to put up portable ladders as a secondary means of egress for firefighters operating on the third floor. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
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Fire Escapes Utilized in Brooklyn
At least 12 people were injured after a fire tore through a building in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens section of Brooklyn on July 15, 2018, after firefighters were alerted to a fire at a four-story building on Flatbush Avenue near Winthrop Street. Flames could be seen pushing from the windows on the second and third floors of the building. Several people were removed via the fire escapes while other came down portable ladders with the assistance of firefighters. The fire went to two-alarms. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Quick Work in Fishkill
East Fishkill Firefighters with the Village of Fishkill as the FAST responded recently for a reported structure fire on Ballymeade Road. Firefighters arrived to find an active fire in a large residence with fire venting from a window on the D side of the structure. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Car Burns in Rotterdam
In August, Schonowe firefighters responded to a car fire on Interstate 890 in the westbound lane at the West Campbell Road exit. At one point the air bag in the car exploded. They were assisted at the scene by South Schenectady volunteers. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Overloaded in Amsterdam
Fully Involved in Hagaman
On June 30, 2018, firefighters in the City of Amsterdam responded to an overloaded electrical circuit, which caused a fire in the attic of a home on Mathias Avenue. -Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
On June 30, 2018, the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire at the corner of Shuttleworth Avenue and Free Hill Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fully involved fire involving a shed and boat. The Amsterdam Fire Department was called for the FAST. Responding departments included Fort Johnson, Cranesville, Tribes Hill, Galway and Perth. Firefighters had to deal with 90-degree-plus temperatures. The fire was under investigation. -Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
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Garage Fire Battled in Bowmansville
The Bowmansville Firemens Association was alerted at approximately 0845 hours on September 09, 2018, for a structure fire on Pleasantview Drive in the Town of Lancaster. Upon arrival they were met with a fully involved garage with three vehicles burning in front of it and the fire starting to extend into the home. There were three people and two dogs inside at the time. Two of them got out safely while the third was rescued by a police officer and Firefighter Jim Robinson and a neighbor. Mutual aid came from
Depew, Lancaster, Twin District, Harris Hill, Clarence Center, Millgrove, Hy-view, Bellevue and Crittenden. The fire was hampered by a loss of water pressure and a line was laid 2500 feet to Transit Road (State Route 78). Bowmansville is one of three fire companies which cover the Town of Lancaster; the Lancaster Fire Department covers the Village of Lancaster -Fire News photos by Jim Lepard
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Tech Rescue in Sunset Park
Smoke Shows in West Albany
On the afternoon of September 12, 2018, the body of a 47-year-old construction worker was found after FDNY and NYPD Units operated at a technical rescue for more then 24 hours after a retaining wall and foundation collapse on 39th Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The worker was pinned under metal, debris, brick and cement for three hours. His five other co workers were not injured. Battalion 40 transmitted a 10-60 (major emergency) bringing in numerous city agencies from the Con Ed vacuum truck, FDNY Major Matrix Units, NYPD Canine Units and NYPD Emergency Services Truck 6 operated. The units operated with caution as they thought the rest of the wall would collapse. FDNY agencies turned the incident over to the NYPD as it became a recovery effort -Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Fuller Road, West Albany, Colonie Village FAST and the Town Duty Crew responded to an early morning call of smoke billowing from a boarded up house. The unoccupied house had no power to it at the time and investigators are unsure what caused the fire in the walls. No one was injured. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Explorers Train in Albany County
Shaker Road-Loudonville and Fuller Road Fire Departments, and Albany County Sheriff’s Explorers held a combineddiscipline drill at the Town of Colonie Municipal Training Tower on September 9, 2018. The various evolutions included active shooter training, propane live burn and car fires. The various departments learned how to depend and work with each other. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Poughkeepsie Abandoned Structure Blaze
City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, assisted by Arlington, Fairview, Mobile Life Paramedics and the City of Poughkeepsie Police, operated recently at a fire in an abandoned structure on Cannon Street. Firefighters had the majority of the fire quickly knocked down, however they were forced to spend a fair amount of time chasing the fire through the walls of the balloon construction structure. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
EDITORIAL CHANGES PREPARE FIREHOUSE FOR THE FUTURE
Firehouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Matthews to conference director and acting editor-in-chief of Firehouse, and the promotion of Janelle Foskett to editorial director of Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com. “The positive response to these moves, both internally at Firehouse, and among our many speakers, contributors and instructors, has been incredible,” said Greg Toritto, vice president/group publisher, public safety, Endeavor Business Media. “Both Peter and Janelle possess the necessary tools and leadership skills to ensure Firehouse’s continued growth and success, and to accomplish its mission to best serve our audience, customers, and partners. The fire service has always been about teamwork, and we are excited to name two true team players to these important Firehouse posts.” Matthews started with Firehouse in 1999 and has served in multiple leadership and management roles throughout his career, making him truly ‘homegrown’ to the Firehouse brand. He has served as the executive editor and editor-in-chief of Firehouse.com, leading a team responsible for Firehouse’s 365-day-a-year digital operation providing news and education to the fire service community. Matthews has also been responsible for Firehouse’s events portfolio, supporting conference development, association partnerships and working with exhibitors to help them with their product and public relations efforts. In addition to his roles at Firehouse, Matthews has worked as a photo editor and photographer at the New York Post. Matthews was introduced to the fire service by his father, a 59year volunteer firefighter. He volunteered with fire departments in New York and Maryland, holding the rank of lieutenant, and served as photographer for the St. Paul (MN) Fire Department.
Foskett joined the Firehouse team as executive editor in 2015, running the print operations for Firehouse Magazine, including special projects and custom supplements, and working closely with the web team and conference group to build the Firehouse brand. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, Foskett worked in fire service publishing for nearly a decade, managing the print and web operations at FireRescue magazine. She has nearly 20 years of experience in publishing and communications, and has worked as a reporter, writer, communications and social media specialist, and editor. Matthews and Foskett have been responsible for the day-to-day editorial operations of Firehouse’s publishing franchise for several years. They will continue to lead a team that truly understands that its responsibility to serve our readers, the industry, and our contributors, is first and foremost. Matthews and Foskett will assume their new roles immediately. Timothy E. Sendelbach, who had served as Firehouse’s editor-in-chief and conference director, has resigned. Firehouse would like to thank Tim for his contributions as a member of the Firehouse team, and wish him luck in his future endeavors. In addition to the leadership changes above, Firehouse has also announced the following appointments and promotions: Steven Shaw has been promoted to senior editor, Firehouse. Steven will take on an expanded role focused on magazine production and special projects. John Kosik has been named senior editor, Firehouse. In addition to his prior responsibilities as an associate editor, John will oversee the day-to-day operations for Firehouse.com. Associate editor Ed Ballam’s role will expand to include additional digital and print assignments, as well as special projects.
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All-Hands in Queens
FDNY companies in the Bellrose Manor section of Queens battled an all-hands blaze in a private dwelling on 261st Street near 83rd Avenue on September 15, 2018. Firefighters encountered heavy fire on arrival but were able to bring the fire under control within 40 minutes. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Heavy Fire in Gerritsen Beach
A three-alarm fire tore through two private dwellings on Aster Court in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn on September 24, 2018. Units encountered heavy fire on the the second floor of attached private dwelling. Units operated with three handlines. One civilian suffered minor injuries, but was rescued from the basement by truck company crewmen on their primary search. Seven smokeeaters also suffered minor injuries. -Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Fully Involved in the Town of Nassau On August 24, 2018, responders from the Town of Nassau were dispatched for a fully involved, occupied house fire on Route 20. First arriving Nassau chief reported everyone, including two dogs, were out of the structure. Mutual aid came from Tsatsawassa, Schodacks and East Greenbush. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Road Blocked in Winona Lake On August 7, 2018, Winona Lake responders were called out for a tree down on Route 52. The road was closed for an hour as firefighters removed the tree. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Altamont Places New Rig in Service
In July 2018, the Altamont Fire Department introduced its new Spartan Fire Rescue truck at an open house celebrating the department’s 125 years of service to the Village of Altamont. There were four proclamations presented to the Altamont Volunteer Fire Department from Congressman Paul Tonko from the House of Representatives; Dan McCoy Albany County Executive; Senator George Amadore, and Travis Stevens, County Legislator. Congressman Tonko had two special guests with him, Stephanie Peacock and Darren Jones, both members of Parliament in the United Kingdom. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan, Sr.
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Water Rescue in Mahopac
Car Hits House in Colonie
Recently, Mahopac Fire, EMS, Rescue and Fire Police, and the Mahopac Falls Dive Team and EMS Support, and EMStar Paramedics and Carmel Police were dispatched to Washington oad off Route 6 for a car in the reservoir, with occupants still inside. Carmel Police were first on the scene and stretched a rope securing it to the police cruiser and preventing the vehicle from sliding any further. Mahopac Falls Dive Team was told to standby. Firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Andy Roberto, used forcible entry to get to the victims. Minor injuries weretriaged by EMTs and paramedics. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Colonie Police were sorting out what caused the driver of an SUV to hit four other vehicles and end up crashing into a house at the corner of Breeman Street and Central Avenue. After crashing into the house the driver was very combative and struck at least two witnesses at the scene and injured a female police officer as she tried to interview him. The officer was taken to the hospital for treatment, the driver was taken into custody and also sent to the hospital by Colonie EMS. There were no other serious injuries. The 51-year-old driver was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and was facing a slew of other charges. The Colonie Village Fire Department and their Technical Rescue and Collapse Unit as well as the Fuller Road Fire Department were on the scene of the incident. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Overturn in Schenectady
Schenectady Car Into Building
In July, Schenectady firefighters responded to a rollover accident on Campbell Avenue at dawn after an intoxicated female driver struck a parked car and rolled her car onto its roof. No one was injured in the accident. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
On August 11, 2018, Schenectady firefighters responded to an MVA with a car into a building, on Union Street near Jay Street. The car lost control and hit the side of a funeral home. The driver and passengers fled the scene. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Rotterdam Extrication
Motorcyclist Injured on Barnes Road
Schonowe firefighters responded to an MVA on West Campbell Road at Burdick Street, in which a minivan lost control and rolled onto its side after striking a railroad bridge support. The driver had to be extricated by Rotterdam District 2 firefighters using hydraulic rescue tools. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
On August 16, 2018, the Washingtonville Fire Department was alerted for a motorcycle accident on Barnes Road. Washingtonville personnel assisted Blooming Grove VAC with patient treatment and packaging, and established an LZ for a medevac to Westchester County Medical Center. The accident was being investigated by Blooming Grove Police Department; Washingtonville Police assisted at the scene and the Washingtonville Fire Police assisted with traffic control. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn
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Up Close
Amsterdam firefighter Andy Iannotti - Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Amsterdam Lieutenant Aaron Robinson - Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Amsterdam Firefighter Kenny Brooks - Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
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DWI and More in East Greenbush On August 11, 2018, the East Greenbush Fire Department, Bruen Rescue Squad and North Greenbush EMS responded to an MVA in the westbound lanes of I-90 by exit 9. Units found two vehicles off the road in a ditch. The initial investigation revealed one car was traveling eastbound on I-90 when it struck a vehicle also traveling eastbound, causing it to cross the median into the westbound lanes, where it was struck by another car, killing the driver. Westbound traffic was backed up for miles. Upon further investigation by New York State Police both drivers were found to be intoxicated. The two drivers were arrested on vehicular manslaughter (second degree) charges as well as several others. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Wayne County Chief’s Show The Wayne County Fire Chiefs Association held a fire equipment show in Newark (NY) at the Firemen’s Field on August 24, 2018. There were new fire trucks from several Wayne County departments. Thank you to the vendors who participated in the event. - Fire News photo by John Greco
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New Facility at Buffalo Airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport Fire Department and Mercy on August 24, 2017, and the Mercy Flight of WNY facility. There Flight of Western New York co-hosted an open house on July 22, were games, tours of the equipment and facilities, face painting and 2018. This was a free event with tours of Buffalo Niagara a chicken barbeque. - Fire News photos by Jim Lepard International Airport Fire Department’s new facility which opened
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Obituaries FDNY’s Jimmy Martinez
FDNY’s John R. Elges
With regret, the Fire Department of the City of New York announced the death of retired Firefighter Jimmy Martinez, of Engine 157, on August 24, 2018. Martinez bravely served the department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087-World Trade Center. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire department is extended to the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased in the midst of the great loss that they and the department have sustained. Martinez was appointed to the FDNY on January 21, 1990. His funeral took place on August 30, 2018, followed by a Mass at St. Clare’s Church in Staten Island. - Fire News story by Chaplain Mark Little, South Region Director for the NYS Association of Fire Chaplains
With regret, the FDNY announced the death of retired Firefighter John R. Elges of L-134, appointed August 3, 1985. Firefighter Elges died on September 15, 2018. Appointed to the FDNY on August 3, 1985, he bravely served the department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire Department is extended to the family, relative, and friends of the deceased in the midst of the great loss that they and the Department have sustained. His funeral took place on September 22, 2018, followed by a Mass at St. Ignatius Martyr Church in Long Beach.
Remembering Firefighter William Tolley On September 26, 2018, a plaque dedication and street naming ceremony was held at the fire house of the “Myrtle Turtles” who lost firefighter William Tolley in April 2017 while operating at a twoalarm fire in Ridgewood, Queens. The street was renamed Firefighter Tolley Way. -Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
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Hazmat Drill Held at Albany International
Albany International Airport held a mock Hazmat drill on September 15, 2018. Albany International Fire Department along with West Albany, Verdoy, Elsmere and Albany, Colonie EMS and the Albany County Sheriff’s departments participated in the drill that took place in an actual airplane on one of the runways. Shaker
Road-Loudonville Explorers and almost 50 other participants portrayed bystanders and passengers. There were two scenarios of a chlorine release and also undocumented packages in need of removal. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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MFVFD Holds Open House The skies held the rain long enough to get the 2018 Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department Open House up and running ... and people came! The first to greet the community members were members of the MFVFD Fire Police unit who assisted with parking. Then entering the grounds, kids didn’t know where to go first because there was so much to see and do. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office had their Marine, K-9 and handler, and the Tactical Mobile units out front.
As you walked the grounds, you were greeted by chiefs and ex-chiefs ready to answer questions, the MFVFD Dive Team showed off a newly purchased Zodiac and assorted gear. An extrication demo wowed the kids and parents alike showing just how fast firefighters can gain access to someone in a mangled car, as EMS demonstrated triage. Greg Amato from the local chapter of the Red Cross Disaster Team, along with members
from Central Hudson, made people aware of how they operate and are ready to respond at a moment’s notice. The New York Blood Center had a blood drive and set up inside the firehouse to get much needed donations of life saving blood. A donation of CPR masks for animals was recently accepted from the Humane Society and the members of the Middlebranch Veterinary came down with their expertise on how to keep the four-legged family members safe in extreme weather conditions.
They also brought to the attention of many residents a new service, VetMedics, a pet ambulance that provides critical care and transport for your animal, that is new to the area. Dan Pearsall from the Putnam County Department of Health was on board to answer many of the questions that people had. When people got tired and hungry, hot dogs
and burgers were at the ready, compliments of the members of the fire department. They also got to meet with Investigator John Matrician from the Sheriff’s Office who finger printed the youngsters and stressed how important it is to have this on record for identity purposes in an emergency.
The MFVFD wishes to thank our neighbors for supporting us in this important venture to bring out what we do for the community and to the people, businesses, associations and service providers that came down to let the residents see that they are there to help. It was an awesome day and they made it better. Special thanks to our friends with the ice cream truck for the cool delights and our friends from Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 6 in Mahopac for bringing so many smiles with their donations of donuts, munchkins and the sweet treats that they provided. It was a great day by the community — for the community. -Fire News photos by Jack Casey
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Annual Convention Held in Belmont
Keeping Tradition in Mahopac
The Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen’s annual convention was held at Belmont in Allegany County on August 2 through 5, 2018. Next year the convention will be held in Wales Center with Phil Mohn as President. -Fire News photos by Jim Lepard
The prettiest Christmas tree in three counties, at the Mahopac Falls Fire Headquarters, was lost to the tornado that caused havoc back in May2018. People would have the firehouse as their first stop when they would wrap up the family, grab some hot cocoa and head out for an evening of looking at light displays. Coming from miles around, folks were truly dismayed to see the tree gone and pictures of the tree that sustained extreme damage from the storm. Calls still come in from people wondering “will there be another tree?” This past week brought out the dedicated Mahopac Falls Elves (Stan Zalesny, George Tompkins, Art Wisotsky and Ed Kuck) culminating in a three-month search for just the right tree. A day was spent in preparation for its arrival and the tree now is at home at the corner of Luccaro Lane and School Street. Word is getting out that the tradition continues. The new tree now measures at around 12-feet high. Stay tuned for the flyers about the 2018 Tree Lighting in a few months ... and thank you for your continued support for the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Car Show Benefits Orange County The Orange County Fire Police put on their 3rd Annual Car Show to benefit the fire police of Orange County. The show was held at the Trotter Historic Track in Goshen. There was great food, a 50/50 and trophies awarded. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Wet-Down in Colonie Village
On September 29, 2018, Colonie Village Fire Company invited its mutual aid companies to help christen the newest member of their fire services fleet, Fire Rescue 406, with an old fashioned wetdown. Engine 406 is a 2018 Pierce Enforcer. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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