VOLUME 8, NO. 2
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State DECEMBER 2014
On October 27, 2014, New City firefighters responded to a possible structure fire with a resident trapped. See page 6 for story and more photos. -Fire News photo by Kenneth Flynn
Fire News Wishes Everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 3
In this issue... Rochester City Fire Snuffed
Multiple calls were received for an attic fire, which was handled quickly. See story on page 10
Troopers in Head-on in Defreestville Two State Troopers were injured by a wrong-way vehicle on Interstae 90.
See story on page 14
METU Drill Held in the Bronx
Medical Evacuation Transportation Units from around the Metro and New Jersey areas participate. See story on page 19
Maplewood Honors its First Chief Chief Joseph Heyko, 99, is honored for his 74 years of service to the
See story on page 23
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
Off-Duty FDNY FF Saves Man
Kevin Mohr, on his way to work, frees a man from a burning overturn. See story on page 24
Colonie First Responders Honored
The residents of the Beltrone Living Center honor all first responders for their committment.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 27
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, December 2014
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Remember the Reason for the Season When an idea or thought strikes us out of the blue, I believe that our heroes from the past, who are on the floor above, guide us to press onward and to do the right thing. I almost forgot to put my firematic mode aside to make room for my holiday prayers and wishes. Let me share my thoughts with you. The holidays should be a special time for all of us. It is a time when we should put our differences aside and remember those who have been taken from us. Hopefully you gave thanks to a higher being for getting you safely through 2014. I hope that before you dove into a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, you paused to remember all of the fallen responders and their families. To date there have been 73 firefighter fatalities. Multiply that number by the average family size and you soon realize that there are a lot of people who need your support and could use comforting words to get them through the holiday season. No matter what holiday dinner you are enjoying with your loved ones, pray for the safe return of our
troops who are away from their families. I know most departments escort Santa throughout their communities. I am always touched by the member of the community who holds up a sign that says, “Thank you for saving my life.” Yes, despite what you may think, the community is also praying for your safety as a responder. I remember the words of an ex-Chief in my division who was taken from this world too soon. As a chaplain, Rick ended his prayers to us by saying, “Remember the reason for the season.” He encouraged all of us to give thanks and to be watchful over each other. To all of you; may the true reason for the season be remembered. I wish all of you a New Year full of peace and hope. Let God’s blessing inspire you to help those who need your prayers. Give thanks with a grateful heart. Season’s greetings from all the staff of Fire News. -Dennis
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS GIANTS AND JETS KICK-OFF NFL LICENSED SMOKE DETECTORS! EXCLUSIVELY FOR DEPARTMENTS TO USE AS FUNDRAISERS The Buff Project (The Buff Challenge) a nationwide FUNdraiser, has been launched. A new, FUN and Educational fundraiser has been created to benefit all participating local fire departments. Joining is easy and very profitable. The Buff Project is collaboration between The National Football League, USI (a premier Smoke Detector manufacturer) and Brax Fundraising (a national fundraising company). They have teamed-up for our benefit to increase fire safety awareness by creating Officially Licensed Giant and Jets smoke detectors that fire departments can easily use as a fundraiser. All the Fire Departments has to do, is direct their neighbors to www.TheBuffProject.com so they can buy an officially licensed Giants or Jets detector and direct The Buff Project to donate $5.50 to the department of their choice. The detectors are then shipped directly to the consumer’s homes, or if they prefer, directly to their loved ones homes as a gift. The Buff Project also donates and supports Vision2020’s national “Fire is Everyone’s Fight” campaign. Visit www.TheBuffProject.com to see more about this great program that is dedicated to making people aware of their smoke detectors by branding them with their beloved NFL Football Teams. By bring attention to the smoke detector, we hope to make people more conscience of having properly working detectors. The financial bonus is that The Buff Project is the greatest way for you (and especially your junior firefighters) to raise the money that is desperately needed. There are a variety of ways to inform your neighbors about this great opportunity…newsletter, school visits, open houses, street fairs, social media and community events. If your department only distributes 1000 units, your department can earn $5,500 and Vision 2020 will receive $500. Educate Protect and Engage with The Buff Project today! Don’t delay, act today, go to www.TheBuff Project.com or call 917-468-8483.
SANBORN FIREFIGHTER DONALD MARTIN ANSWERS LAST ALARM
Fire News offers its condolences to the Sanborn Fire Department on the loss of Firefighter Donald “Pete” Martin. Firefighter Martin passed away on October 30, 2014. After arriving at the station for mandatory department training, Firefighter Martin fell ill. Firefighter Martin passed away from a cause of injury still to be determined.
CHIEF COMPTON RECEIVES DR. JOHN GRANITO AWARD The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation congratulates Chief Dennis Compton, chairman of the foundation's Board of Directors, on receiving the Dr. John Granito Award for Excellence in Fire Leadership and Management Research. The award was presented recently by the International Fire Service Journal of Leadership and Management (IFSJLM) for his outstanding leadership and management practices and contributions to the fire service. “We could not be more pleased for Chief Compton in receiving this important award. He exemplifies what many of us aspire to in terms of putting knowledge, research and leadership into action,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. Chief Compton presented the keynote address as part of the 10th Anniversary of the Research Symposium sponsored by Fire Protection Publications immediately prior to the IFSTA Validation Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The award is named in recognition of Dr. Granito, Professor Emeritus and Retired Vice President for Public Service and External Affairs at the State University of New York at Binghamton and an internationally known public safety management consultant. This year Chief Compton was the unanimous choice for the prestigious award.
Page 6, Fire News, December 2014
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1 Fatality in New City Blaze
New City firefighters responded to a possible structure fire on Hansen Avenue on October 27, 2014. Calls from neighbors confirmed a working fire in the garage of the home and that one of the residents might still be trapped in the home. As units arrived, they were met with heavy fire in the attached garage quickly advancing up the siding into the eaves and attic space. As lines were being stretched, a search crew made entry to look for the con-
firmed trapped resident. Despite these efforts, a 67-year old male was later found dead in the garage. Although still under investigation, it appears the victim, home with his wife, went to the garage to locate the source of a strong gasoline odor. As he was checking, his wife heard an explosion, went to investigate and found the garage already in flames. She suffered severe burns to her face and arms as she attempted to reach her husband. She was later transported in
serious condition to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital’s burn unit for treatment. Mutual companies from around the area also responded, with Nanuet, Congers, West Nyack and Hillcrest coming into the scene and Haverstraw standing by New City’s quarters. The Clarkstown Police, New City Ambulance Corps and Rockland Paramedic Service also provided assistance. -Fire News photos by Kenneth Flynn
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 7
FDNY Assists Mount Vernon
The Mount Vernon Fire Department battled a three-alarm fire on November 3, 2014, at a commercial building on South 12th Avenue. The blaze began in the morning and burned into the early afternoon as firefighters poured water into the one-story structure. Several FDNY units were summoned to the scene as part of a mutual aid agreement. -Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Page 8, Fire News, December 2014
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Buffalo Cops Save Man from Fire
On October 2, 2014, two Buffalo Police officers spotted a working structure fire and rescued one civilian sleeping in the bedroom of his apartment on Grant Street. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 9
2-Alarmer in Washingtonville Recently, the Washingtonville Fire Department responded to a fire on Tower Hill Road. Upon arrival heavy smoke was emanating from the onestory structure. Because the occupants were accounted for quickly, the first-due engine was able to split into two teams and stretch two lines, Captain Bates’ crew took the first line into the first floor to cover the interior basement stairs. Lieutenant Morrissey’s crew took a line to side 3 and entered the rear door to the basement. The fire was confined to the basement with no extension, and no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by Gary Hearn/2nd AC, WFD.
Quick Work in Ridgewood The FDNY battled an all-hands fire on Woodbine Street in the Ridgewood section of Queens on October 19, 2014. The fire was located on the third floor of a four-story, brick, occupied multiple dwelling. Units were back in service in about 20 minutes. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Page 10, Fire News, December 2014
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Multiple Calls for Rochester City Fire
On October 9, 2014, the Rochester City Fire Department was dis- alarm was put in effect. Engine 12 supplied water and stretched two patched for multiple calls reporting an attic fire on Shirley Street. lines. The fire was knocked down and no injuries were reported. -Fire News photos by Zachary Imm Truck 4 was the first on scene and reported smoke showing from the attic. The RFD deputy declared a working fire and a restricted
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Page 12, Fire News, December 2014
2-Alarmer in Bayswater
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5 FFs Injured in Brooklyn Blaze
A two-alarm fire broke out in a private dwelling on Mott Avenue in the Bayswater section of Queens on October 15, 2014. Firefighters encountered heavy fire on arrival but the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. Numerous companies from the Rockaways were on the scene along with other units from the borough. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FDNY units in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn were busy with a two-alarm blaze in an occupied multiple dwelling on Washington Avenue on the morning of October 15, 2014. Several families were displaced from their apartments and five firefighters suffered minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 13
1 Dead, 1 Injured in Rensselaer Fire
On July 29, 2014, a call was received about a large fire behind the Rensselaer railroad station. The alarm was transmitted, bringing mutual aid from Defreestville, Clinton Heights and East Greenbush. On arrival firefighters found a male who had jumped from a second floor window on the ground with serious burns. Several people escaped the blaze, but an elderly woman was later found in the bedroom. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller, EGFD
Page 14, Fire News, December 2014
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Fatal Henrietta MVA On October 28, 2014, the Henrietta Fire District was alerted for a vehicle that crashed into a bridge. Upon arrival, Henrietta’s deputy reported a single-car MVA with entrapment. The Henrietta chief then reported to fire dispatch that he had an unconscious driver with no pulse. Unfortunately the driver was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no other injuries reported for the incident. -Fire News photo by Zachary Imm
Troopers Hit in DeFreestville On October 12, 2014, the Defreestville Fire Department responded to a head-on crash at the exit 8 eastbound off ramp of I-90. Upon arrival responders located a State Trooper SUV and a car that had collided head on. The car was traveling the wrong way on the exit ramp. The two troopers were transported to the hospital by the Bruen Rescue Squad with injuries. The 69-year-old driver of the car was not injured and was arrested. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 15
Winona Lake to the Rescue On September 28, 2014, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called to a motor vehicle accident with a report that a car ran into a pole on Meadow Hill Road. One person was injured and transported to an area hospital with injuries. The car hit the pole, moving it approximately two inches. The car ended up in the driveway of a home between two parked cars. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Winona Lake Auxiliary Visits Rumford On August 15, 2104, several members of the Winona Lake Ladies Auxiliary took a weekend getaway in Rumford, Maine. While there they stopped at the Rumford firehouse and had there picture taken with some of the firefighters. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Page 16, Fire News, December 2014
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Colonie FF of the Year Banquet
Wetdown in Walker Valley
The Town of Colonie had its annual Firefighter of the Year Banquet on October 12, 2014. This event brings together the 12 departments in the town to honor those firefighter who have gone above and beyond for their department and community. This year’s recipients are: Boght Community — Matthew Anderson; Colonie Fire Company — William Boomhower; Fuller Road — Robert Davis; Latham Fire — Paul Lavigne; Maplewood Fire — William Clairmont, Sr.; Menands Fire — Benjamin Lattanzio; Midway Fire — Diana Suits; Schuyler Heights — Chief Aaron Fandl; Jonathan Dudley, Frank Elsworth, Daniel Yates, Sr., Joseph Kunz, Raymond Smith; Shaker Road-Loudonville — Michael DellaValle; Stanford Heights — Kirk Hulbert; Verdoy — Chief Brian Girard; West Albany Fire — Josh Bleichert. Also in the photo is Operations Car 1 — Richard Haack. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
On October 19, 2014, the Walker Valley (Ulster County Company #63) held a wetdown for their new E-One Cyclone II 1500/3000 Pumper/Tanker-#63-35. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 17
Firehouse Kitchen With FF Ray Cooney
While going through e-mails, I noticed one recurring message. People kept e-mailing me about the shows I did with my father-in-law, Anthony Cino. It wasn’t so much the recipes they were talking about — as delicious as they were — but his strong on-screen presence. In our first show, he spoke about growing up in Brooklyn, smelling the foods from the other apartments and cooking with his mother. Our viewers were touched by the sincerity and heartfelt sharing of the fond memories of his youth. One thing about Anthony, though, he never stops! I had a hard time getting a word in. After he finished his dish, I told him that I had a dish to make. It was my famous Blue Glove Tuna. He looked at me with a smirk because I said, “You made fish. Now I’m going to make fish.” Blue Glove Tuna comes from my days of working in the New York City Fire Department. The first time I made it at the firehouse, the men came into the kitchen and leered at me in disbelief. Was I really mixing the tuna with blue EMS gloves on my hands? I told them to calm down and that I had washed them with soap and water before use. This was more sanitary than having my bare hands mixing it! I prefer to use my hands to mix the tuna, rather than a fork, because the hands give it a smoother
texture and ensure the ingredients are mixed evenly. Even though my Blue Glove Tuna gets rave reviews at the firehouse, my wife doesn’t leave me in control of the tuna salad at home! In the second show I filmed with my father-in-law, he talked about his present life, which includes his wife of 49 years, Roselie, his three beautiful daughters and eight adoring grandchildren. Anthony is like a second father to me because I have known him since I was 15. He has always made me feel like one of his own and has given me his unconditional support throughout the years. Come on! He even let me marry his youngest daughter! The two shows I filmed with him are very special to me. He has a standing invitation on Firehouse Kitchen. As for the public, please no more e-mails about him replacing me as the host! We are currently in preparation to begin filming the fourth season of Firehouse Kitchen. We are always looking for some firefighter chefs and firehouses to feature and share their recipes and stories. Also, this show wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit Firehousekitchenshow.com or call 631-514-5859.
BLUE GLOVE TUNA
10 cans of tuna fish 1/3 cup of chopped onions 1/3 cup of relish 1/3 cup of chopped celery One sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers Mayo (to your liking) Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup lemon juice Mix all ingredients in large mixing bowl, with or without the gloves, and serve on your favorite toasted bread.
Page 18, Fire News, December 2014
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Niskayuna Fire Prevention Demo Niskayuna Fire District 1 members gave a fire prevention demonstration for the Niskayuna Recreational Park Summer Program at Hillside Elementary School. The crew of two professional firefighter/paramedics John Baker and Shannon Powers and volunteer Dan Baker, gave youngsters a tour of Engine 402, a 2003 American LaFrance rescue pumper. Firefighter Powers donned her gear to show what she looks like when she has to make a rescue, and Safiyah El-Refaie, 4, sprayed a fire hose with Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Fireworks End Community Day The Winona Lake Fire Department held a Community Day on July 8, 2014. The original Fourth of July’s events were postponed due to rain. The fire company came out and showed their smoke house and equipment to the community. At the end of the event there was a fireworks display that everyone enjoyed. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
FIREHOUSE ANNOUNCES BRIAN CASSELL AS NEW GROUP SHOW MANAGER Apparatus Veteran Latest Addition to Firehouse Events Team
resigned from the position and left the fire market at Cygnus Business Media is proud to announce the the end of May. appointment of Brian Cassell as Group Show "We committed to improving the value of the Manager for Firehouse events. Brian will be responFirehouse brand across all of our properties when I sible for the overall performance of Firehouse Expo joined Firehouse two years ago, and I believe firmly in Baltimore, MD, and Trade Show Executive 2012 that the addition of Brian, and Tim Sendelbach earliFastest 50 Winner Firehouse World, in San Diego, er this month, demonstrate our commitment to that CA. promise," said Greg Toritto, Firehouse Group Brian is a 20-year fire service veteran, serving on Publisher. "As the needs of the fire service evolve and the marketing team for fire apparatus manufacturer change, we remain committed to meeting those KME for 10 years and as a volunteer firefighter with needs." the Tamaqua, PA, Fire Department. In addition to his "I am very proud to be joining the Firehouse experience both as a manufacturer and firefighter, team," said Brian Cassell. "This is a great team of Brian has previously served on the Exhibitor committed men and women and I am looking forward Advisory Boards of Firehouse Expo and Firehouse to having a positive impact for our exhibitors, sponWorld, as well as FDIC and Fire-Rescue sors and attendees at both Firehouse World and International. Brian has also served as the Fire Firehouse Expo. There are many very exciting Apparatus Manufacturer's Association (FAMA) improvements coming for both events that will give Trade Show Committee Co-Chair, responsible for attendees new learning opportunities, as well as procommunicating manufacturer needs and concerns to vide exhibitors with the value they need." fire service trade shows. Brian joined the Firehouse Team on August 18, working from his "I'm very excited to have Brian join our team as the new Group Show Manager," said Ed Nichols, Vice President of Events for home office in Tamaqua, PA. Cygnus Business Media. "Brian's experience in the fire service, as a manufacturer, in an oversight role with FAMA, and his involvement with all of the industry's major trade shows makes him uniquely qualified to move our events forward." Brian fills the role previously held by Tom Tobiason. Tobiason
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 19
METU Drill in the Bronx
Standford Hts., Colonie in Extrication Drill
On October 6, 2014, Medical Evacuation Transportation Units (METU) from around the region gathered for a staging exercise at Orchard Beach Park in the Bronx. Seventeen of the vehicles from New York and New Jersey were deployed to simulate the evacuation of multiple medical facilities with a patient count of approximately 400. The Major Emergency Transportation Unit (METU) program is intended to establish an enhanced transportation capability as well as a scene support role by providing a mobile climate controlled environment for triage and/or rehab activities at major emergencies and events. A vital aspect of the METU program is that it does not take the place of existing mutual aid processes and concepts. Rather, it serves as an additional specialized resource that emergency officials may integrate into existing major emergency/disaster event planning activities. The NY City Urban Area Work Group (UAWG) is the coordinating body for the METU program. The drill marked the first time that 17 of these units met in one place and included FDNY and metro area departments, as well as New Jersey departments. - Fire News photo by Michael Messar
Stanford Heights and Colonie Village Fire Departments joined together on August 18, 2014, for an informative interactive drill to simulate a trench excavation. An eight-by-12 foot trench was dug allowing the departments to descend into and practice shoring up the walls. This multi-departmental drill gave both departments the ability to see and use equipment carried on Colonie Village’s Extrication unit. The departments practiced and played out various scenarios on what they could and should do if requested to respond to an extrication call. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Page 20, Fire News, December 2014
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9 Added to Firefighter Memorial
On October 7, 2014, hundreds of firefighters from across the state gathered at the New York State Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Albany to honor nine firefighters who answered their last call. This brings the total number of names engraved on the wall to 2390. In attendance at the event was Master of Ceremonies Francis Nerney, Jr., Deputy State Fire Administrator; Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy; Mary Kavanery, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Public Safety; Senator Dean Skelos; Senator Kathleen Marchione; Assemblyman Sheldon Silver; Assemblyman Steven Englebright; Bryant Stevens, State Fire Administrator; and Paul Martin, Deputy State Fire Administrator. The National Anthem was sung by Regina Wilson of the New York City Fire Department. Also on hand was Assemblyman Chief Harvey Weisenberg, whose assistance helped create the Fallen Firefighter Law. The nine firefighters added to the wall this year
were: Firefighter Bernard E. Bauman, Laurelton Fire Department; Firefighter Thomas J. Burley, Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company; Lieutenant Joseph P. DiBernardo, New York City Fire Department; Firefighter John M. Janos, Binghamton Fire Department; Assistant Chief Timothy J. Lamere, Constable Fire Department; Captain Matthew J. Porcari, Owego Fire Department; Firefighter Antonio C. Rodriques, Yonkers Fire Deparment; Firefighter Arthur E. Sink, Laurelton Fire Department; and Firefighter Michael D. Sowich, New Hartford Fire Department. The memorial in Albany is funded by private donations and fundraisers done by organizations such as MacBoston which was on hand with their tiller proudly flying the American flag over the event. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Martin E. Miller
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 21
9 Added to Firefighter Memorial ...Continued
Page 22, Fire News, December 2014
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MacBoston’s
‘Day With the FDNY’ Training
MacBoston 18 Truck is a membership organization that promotes the brotherhood of the fire service and keeps the memory of its fallen brothers and sisters alive. They have rolling memorials in the form of fire trucks that have plaques with the names of all the NYS firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice since the organization’s inception in 1996. MacBoston 18 Truck’s mission is to keep alive the memory of NYS firefighters who died in the line of duty by promoting firefighter safety through education and raising public awareness with fire safety and prevention, and assistance in the recruitment of firefighters. On September 20, 2014, MacBoston held a “Day with FDNY” training event at the Saratoga County Training Facility. Over 100 firefighters from Long Island, Vermont and across New York State attended the all-day, hands-on training sessions, learning from members of the FDNY. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 23
Maplewood Honors Chief
Up Close & Personal
Maplewood Fire Department’s first chief, Chief Joseph Heyko, was honored at the departments Old Timer’s Night on November 1, 2014. Chief Heyko, who will be 100 in April, has been serving his department for 74 years from the time it was incorporated in 1941. Chief Heyko, who held many jobs in the community when the department was first established, including becoming an attorney, was instrumental in helping the department to acquire supplies and equipment needed to help Maplewood protect its community. At the ceremony, Heyko spoke briefly thanking all for their support. Tom With and Fred Pettingal also presented him with awards from FASNY, Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fire Association, Hudson Valley Volunteer Fire Association, and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. (Above, seated): Chief Heyko, (left to right): past-Chief Joseph Perrigrim, Jr.; past-Chief Glen Roberts, Sr.; past- Chief Louis Tetrault; past-Chief Walter Babeyko; and Chief Paul Comproski. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Past Chief and FASNY Director Brian McQueen with Dan Kinney at the end of their Apple Tree Day Care Fire Prevention program put on by members of the Whitesboro Fire Department. \- Fire News photo courtesy of Robert Leonard
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Page 24, Fire News, December 2014
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Off-Duty Hero
On October 14, 2014, FDNY Firefighter Kevin Mohr, on his way to work, saved a man from a burning overturned car on the Cleaview Expressway. Kevin spotted the car on the opposite lanes, ran to it and found a man pinned by his seat belt; flames were showing from the engine compartment. With the help of others who stopped, they managed to get the car on its side, and Mohr reached in for the seat belt, and got the man out before the car was completely engulfed. - Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington
FF to Rehab Hawk
On October 12, 2014, a call went out to MTA and NYPD for a rescue at 91st Street and 127 Avenue in Brooklyn. An eastbound LIRR train struck a red tail hawk, which lodged in the grill. The bird rode to Oyster Bay in the grill and then back to Brooklyn, was spotted, presumed dead and removed from the train’s grill and it started moving. Enter Firefighter Robert Horvath, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Horvath packed the bird into a jacket-lined box and took him to his North Massapequa home, where the bird will have a broken wing fixed. It’s expected to fully recover. - Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 25
Montgomery HazMat Team Training
Recently, the Montgomery County Hazmat Team held a training exercise. Hazmat Specialists and Team Leaders reviewed the AHURA Defender meter procedures at the drill. Among other things, the team practiced taking readings of samples with the meter. Members of the team donned Level A Hazmat suits during the training exercise. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
Page 26, Fire News, December 2014
Time Flies
A look back to 1949. The Sherwood Park Fire Company men and ladies photographed in front of their fire station. They are now part of the East Greenbush Fire Company. They will be celebrating 100 years in 2016. - Fire News photos courtesy of Martin E. Miller
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Thanks to Colonie First Responders
The residents of Beltrone Living Center in Colonie, along with Town Supervisor Paula Mahan and Village of Colonie Mayor Frank Leak paid their respects to the men and women of the Town of Colonie who help to keep the residents safe. Chief Steven Heider of the Colonie Police, Paul Shepherd from Colonie Building and Fire Services, Chief Peter Berry from Colonie EMS and Craig Apple from Albany County Sheriff spoke on behalf of their department members. The event is an acknowledgment of the service and contribution of the local civilian organizations that work hard 24/7 to keep residents safe in their homes and neighborhoods in Colonie. (Above): residents from Beltrone pose with Edward Neary, Executive Director, Colonie Senior Service Centers and members of the Latham Fire Department, Fuller Road Fire Department and Colonie EMS members. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Fire News, December 2014, Page 27
Colonie FFs Golf Tourney On August 15, 2014, the Town of Colonie held its annual Firefighter Golf Tournament. Close to 100 firefighters join together each year to compete and commune with each other. Even among the frivolity, the golfers are serious about playing to win. This year’s winners were Sean Organ, Kenny Urquhart and Bob Moffit from Boght Fire Department. Many of the golfers had a joke pulled on them as they played through the course only to find large marshmallows that had been strewn across the course. It was a great day on a great course. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Verdoy Wins Softball Championship Congratulations go out to Verdoy Fire Department for winning the Town of Colonie Emergency Services Athletic Softball Championship for the fourth year in a row. In a neck and neck ballgame, Verdoy won over Fuller Road Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn