VOLUME 10, NO. 8
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State JUNE 2017
Story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm
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In this issue... Cohoes Exterior Attack
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes
Cohoes firefighters battled a multiple-alarm fire in a wood frame structure. See page 9
Barn Destroyed
The Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department was called to a fully involved barn fire within walking distance of their station. See story on page 15
5-Alarm Fire Displaces Hundreds
Hundreds of residents were displaced by a raging five-alarm fire in the Elmhurst section of Queens. See story on page 17
Mayday at Chili Apt. Complex Blaze
The Chili Fire Department was dispatched to an alarm for smoke coming from a building. See story on page 20
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, 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
Poughkeepsie Fire
City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, along with Arlington, Fairview, and Mobile Life Paramedics operated at a structure fire on Mansion Street. See story on page 23
Selkirk MVA
The Selkirk Fire Department responded to a crash on Route 9W near the Glenmont Walmart.
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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29
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, June 2017
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Don’t Be Complacent It is 0300 and your tones go off informing you of an automatic alarm at a residence. There are a lot of thoughts that should be going through your head as you are responding to the call. Automatic alarm, not a commercial establishment, no additional calls, etc. Your dispatcher informs the officer or chief he has no additional information. Your sleepy mind might be thinking about getting the call over with and getting back to bed. Damn automatic alarms! You arrive on scene at a typical house in a residential development. No cars in the driveway, and no sign of anyone in the home. You knock on the door, ring the door bell, perform a 360 and confirm no one is home. You find a window that isn’t locked, make entry into the home and there is no sign of danger. Or is there? The front door is opened and a few guys search the house, finding a smoke alarm head flashing. There is no apparent reason for the activation. Hey, you have been at this type of call many times. It is probably a defective alarm head that was set off by any number of reasons.
By now, a neighbor pops in and asks, “Anything wrong?” You go through your usual questions and find out the house was just sold and the new owner stopped by to check the house and cleaned up. You are ready to go home, when one of your crew says he smells something in the basement. Making a long story short, it turned out the homeowner set off several insecticide “bombs” in the basement to take care of a bug problem. Fortunately, no one was hurt at this call. But this call makes you think of everything you did right, what you did wrong and what could have happened that might have had disastrous results. All of us, at times, can be accused of complacency. We assume that every call is going to be like the past calls we have had, especially with automatic alarms. Carbon monoxide, chemicals, gas leaks that show no sign of odor as you are walking around a structure, are all possibilities that we must be aware of when we enter a building. I can tell you to wear your SCBA and facepiece all of the time. But let’s face it, we don’t always do
what we know is the safe thing to do. This insecticide call actually happened. No one was hurt, but the call made me think that possibly we should encourage homeowners to place signs on their home when they are using total-release foggers or bug bombs. Encourage your community at Fire Safety Day to read labels on dangerous products and not to be complacent of the hazards of using these products. Use every call as a learning tool to stay safe for future calls. It is springtime, the time of the year that homeowners use pesticides. Keep this in mind when you respond to calls for a “strange odor.” Dennis
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Announcements SPRING CLEANING FOR A CAUSE: THE BEREAVEMENT UNIFORM PROGRAM
“Making sure a dress uniform is available for conduction of Final Honors is what the BUP is all about and without question is one of the most generous and outstanding programs ever offered to a Fallen Firefighter. What we do collectively for families during this most solemn of times speaks volumes about who we are and how we honor those who serve. The Lighthouse BUP supports the American Fire Service in a most fitting and respectful way. The Eternal Chief and St. Florian are smiling,” said Michael Kuk, PhD., Chief Fire Chaplain, Vernon Parish FD (LA). Now available in all 50 states, the BUP needs your surplus dress uniforms … and the truth of the matter…the BUP won’t survive without you and your department. Take responsibility for checking your department’s storage closet and ship your surplus dress uniforms to: Lighthouse Uniform Company, Attn: BUP, 1532 15th Ave W., Seattle, WA 98119 Every donation is recorded on the BUP’s Be Remembered Wall of Fame. Don’t forget to include a note with how you would like your donation to read. For more information, call 206-282-5600 (PST). - BC Greg Markley, Sec/Treasurer Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO?
Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department and contact information. E-mail us at nys@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help. - Ed
WHERE ARE YOUR DEPT’S PHOTOS?
Please e-mail your photos to nys@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where” information.We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue.
THE NYS VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE & RESCUE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONFERENCE & MEETING:
PULSE CHECK 2017 - NYSVARA Location: Albany, NY New York State Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Association's 61st Annual Conference & Trade Show-PULSE CHECK 2017-will take place in Albany on September 21-24, 2017. First Responders, EMT's, Paramedics and many others who represent Emergency Medical Services in the Empire State and nearby New Jersey and New England states will come together at the Albany Marriott for professional development, continuing education, to learn about the latest trends, practices, equipment and technology-and to celebrate our industry and the accomplishments of NYSVARA! For info, NYSVARA.org.
HUNTINGTON HOSE COMPANY ANNUAL HOEDOWN The Huntington Hose Company will hold its 6th Annual Country Hoedown, an outdoor country concert, on June 24, 2017, from 1800 to 2300. Music will be provided by Whiskey Road. The event features line dancing, beer and a barbecue (included with your ticket), and will be held at the Huntington Fire Department at 1 Leverich Place in Huntington, NY. Tickets are $40 at the door and $35 for advanced purchased, which are available at www.huntingtonhoedown.brownpapertickets.com.
ISLIP FIREFIGHTERS’ MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER The Friends of Firefighters request the honor of your presence at the Grand Opening of the Islip Town Fire Museum and Education Center on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Court House Drive, Central Islip, NY, across from the Ducks-Bethpage Park.
Page 6, Fire News, June 2017
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Cover Story
Firefighter William Tolley Answers Last Alarm
On April 27, 2017, a firematic funeral was held for FDNY Firefighter William N. Tolley of Ladder 135 located on Myrtle Avenue in Queens. Firefighter Tolley was taken from us while operating at a fire on Putnam Avenue in Ridgewood. Tolley was a former member of the Hicksville Fire Department and a current member of the Bethpage Fire Department. He was also a drummer of a heavy metal band that was about to embark on a nationwide tour. Mayor Bill de Blasio, Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, and thousands of FDNY members, family, and friends attended the funeral service for this hero. Our prayers go out to Marie Tolley, his wife, and to his eight-year-old daughter, Isabella, as well as to his brothers and sisters in the fire service. Firefighter William N. Tolley is the 1,147th member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty. May he rest in peace as he watches over his family from the floor above. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
Page 8, Fire News, June 2017
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East Fishkill House Fire East Fishkill assisted by Village of Fishkill, Mobile Life Paramedics, and the East Fishkill Police operated at a structure fire at East Fishkill Provisions on Old Hopewell Road on March 9, 2017. Firefighters were originally dispatched for an automatic fire alarm at the location and within several minutes, an EFPD patrol car was on location and advised DC911 that they had smoke venting from the structure. The alarm was immediately upgraded to a full first-alarm assignment and when firefighters arrived, they found and quickly extinguished a room and content fire saving the structure from any significant damage. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Explosion, Fire in Roosevelt On March 20, 2017, the Roosevelt Fire Department, assisted by Arlington, City of Poughkeepsie, Fairview, Hyde Park, Pleasant Valley, Staatsburg, Hyde Park PD, and the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response - Fire Investigation Division, operated at a structure fire at Joseph’s Steak House on Violet Avenue. Roosevelt was originally dispatched by Dutchess 911 for an explosion, which was updated to an explosion with a confirmed structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire throughout a good portion of the structure with significant physical damage to the structure consistent with an explosion. Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire, but the fire burning under the debris of the collapsed portion of the structure proved to be more challenging. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Cohoes Exterior Attack
Schenectady 2-Alarmer
On March 28, 2017, Cohoes firefighters battled a multiple alarm fire in a wood frame structure on Saratoga Avenue. Heavy smoke could be seen for miles as mutual aid units descended on the city from Watervliet, Albany, Green Island and Troy. Defensive operations were ordered, as the fire spread and made it too hazardous to make an interior attack. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a two-alarm blaze on Park Avenue on March 21, 2017. First-due Engine 4 pulled a second alarm on arrival when flames were seen engulfing the attic. With the temperature hovering in the mid-to-low 20s and a stiff wind blowing, it wasn’t long before men and equipment began icing over. All eight occupants of the home escaped safely. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Page 10, Fire News, June 2017
Heavy Fire in Mt. Vernon
On March 19, 2017, Mount Vernon firefighters responded to South Third Street for a report of a house fire. On arrival, firefighters found heavy fire coming from a vacant structure. The quick moving fire fully engulfed the house and then spread to the B and D exposures and eventually led to the collapse of the original fire building. No one was hurt and one dog was saved from one of the homes. New Rochelle, Eastchester, and Pelham came in mutual aid. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Buffalo 2-Alarmer
Buffalo firefighters were called to Dearborn Street. Upon arrival, heavy fire was found on the first floor extending to the attic. Engine 26 reported fire on the second floors. Rescue 1 reported fire in the attic, prompting the division chief to request an additional 2 -and1 to the scene, As fire conditions continue to worsen, a second alarm was called and companies went defensive. - Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski
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Kew Gardens All-Hands
EMS at Work
FDNY companies in the Kew Gardens Hills section of Queens battled an all-hands fire in an attached private dwelling on 153rd Street on April 18, 2017. The bulk of the fire was in the rear of the building, but quickly extended to a nearby exposure. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
At least 10 residents were treated for injuries after a fire broke out in a Brownsville apartment house in Brooklyn on April 19, 2017. FDNY companies were on the scene after the blaze broke out on the second floor of a six-story apartment complex at Lot Avenue. Heavy smoke forced many of the residents near the fire apartment out of the building. FDNY EMS personnel were on the scene with multiple ambulances standing by. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Quick Work in Albany
Railroad Yard Fire
On April 19, 2017, firefighters responded to Second Avenue in Albany. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke pouring from the eaves. A quick attack brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes. Battalion Chief Andy Nolan stated the body of fire was contained to the rear second floor and the roof. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
On April 15, 2017, firefighters responded to a very large fire near the Selkirk railroad yards, which could be seen in the sky from Rensselaer County. Looking south from Selkirk there was another fire in New Baltimore. Selkirk was looking for help from Coeymans and had been responding to New Baltimore, and requested South Schodack to stand by in Coeymans. The fire in New Baltimore spread across several acres, consuming tires and other trash. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Page 14, Fire News, June 2017
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Stephentown Ice Rescue
Rescue at Amsterdam Fire
A man walking his dog cut across a pond and broke through the ice into over five feet of water about 80 feet from shore Nearby workers heard him calling for help and summoned the Stephentown Fire Department, which responded from less than a mile away. Ladders and other rescue equipment were employed successfully. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
The Amsterdam Fire Department (AFD) received an alarm for a fire on Academy Street on April 3, 2017. Responding companies reported a heavy body of fire from the first floor east side of the building and a heavy smoke condition from the second floor east and west sides and attic on arrival. An initial hose line was deployed through the kitchen door and into the dining room, and a second was deployed through the front door. The main body of fire was extinguished in the dining room. Simultaneously, the truck company was laddering the west side of the building where there was a reported family member still inside. Firefighters entered the second floor through the window and located the family member on the second floor and removed him to a waiting ambulance, which transported her to St. Mary’s Hospital. - Fire News photo by www.markperfettiphotography.com
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Barn Destroyed But Contained
On April 11, 2017, Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department was called to a fully involved barn fire within walking distance of their station. Fuller Road and West Albany were called for assistance. Upon arrival, the older wooden structure was already unsalvageable. Firefighter’s main concentration was to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses. One residence remained untouched while another received melted vinyl siding and
fencing, and damage to a car’s bumper. Large overhanging trees also caught fire and firefighters had to dodge falling burning limbs, as well. Due to the age of the structure it was quickly consumed by flames and the roof collapsed within minutes of arrival. Luckily no firefighters or residents were injured. The barn housed motorcycles, which were unable to be retrieved. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Defensive Fight in Buffalo
On April 12, 2017, Buffalo firefighters were called to the scene of tions getting worse, crews went defensive. An additional two engines Locust and Carlton Streets. On arrival, Engine 21 reported heavy and two trucks were called above the initial alarm for tower opera- Fire News photos by Donald Kilianski fire showing from the 2 side of a two-story house. With fire condi- tions and manpower.
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5-Alarm Fire Displaces Hundreds
Hundreds of residents were displaced by a raging five-alarm fire in the scene and the blaze was brought under control in approximatethe Elmhurst section of Queens on April 11, 2017. The blaze broke ly four hours. This was only the second time that the new FDNY out on an upper floor of the seven-story apartment house on 94th drone was deployed to assist in command operations. Street. The fire spread quickly to the cockloft and then to the - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com adjoining wings of the building. More than 200 firefighters were on
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Not a Good Welcome to the Neighborhood
On April 14, 2017, the Albany Fire Department responded to a house fire on Elk Street. "Upon arrival, they found a heavy fire condition in the rear of the building," Albany Deputy Chief Joseph Gregory said. Crews got it under control in about 40 minutes. No one was injured. The rear of the house was completely destroyed, and two neighboring homes sustained some damage. Eighteen people were displaced, including one family that had just moved to Albany with children and grandchildren. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Read the Label!
On April 24, 2017, the Clinton Heights Fire Department responded to a report of a man who inhaled gas while attempting to unclog a drain. The man was taken to Albany Medical Center after he combined two different drain cleaners, which created chlorine gas. The Troy Fire Department HazMat Team and the Rensselaer County Decontamination Team also responded. - Fire News photo by Martin Miller
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Fire House Kitchen By Ray Cooney
Fire Museum Opening! The groundbreaking for the Islip town Fire was very moving. You could tell all the speechMuseum was on January 9, 2016 at 10 AM. On es were from the heart, especially the one from December 27, a week or so before, I got a Nick Campson. Nick spoke about how it all phone call from David June, one of the muse- started and how he'd been waiting for the day. ums main organizers, that it was finally hap- What made Nick’s speech so special was how pening — 26 years in the making. Dave asked he thanked all the supporters. It was a long list me if I could get some of the sponsors from but Nick made sure he acknowledged what each supporter did. It Firehouse Kitchen to was comical and donate some refreshUPCOMING FUNDRAISING warm at the same ments for this event. EVENTS FOR THE MUSEUM time. I answered “I’m on IN 2017 The Islip Town it!” the reply I Fire Museum is always give Dave June 10 located right next to when he tasks me Car Show Ducks Stadium in with something. The Touro College, Bay Shore, NY Central Islip. It is a one sponsor I could venue where Suffolk think of was Best June 11 County fire departMarket. They have Antique Fire Truck Show ments can show off three locations in the Heckscher Park, NY their antique fire town of Islip and equipment and share they are big supportSeptember 23 their histories. It will ers of the volunteer Big Chili Cook Off also be a learning fire departments. Bayport (NY) Fire Department center to teach young Without hesitation minds about fire prethey accepted. Not only did they bring good food and drink but the vention and fire safety. Just like my safety tips CFO Jeff Yonkers came with his three sons to on my show. WOW! A year-and-a-half later it is time for help serve the food. Ok onto the ceremony. All the bigwigs came the grand opening. On June 24, 2017, the ribout from the town of Islip even Angie bon will be cut and the museum will finally be Carpenter the Town Supervisor and open. The Islip Town Fire Museum will be honorCouncilwoman Trish Bergen. The ceremony
ing all its supporters. To mention a few ... Georgi Vodka, DiCarlo Foods, Best Market, Wenner Bread, McNeill Insurance, Astro Mason Supply, Fire News, and of course Firehouse Kitchen. The Islip Town Fire Museum has been a great friend to Firehouse Kitchen. I will always support it and do what I can to make it great. Special thanks to Ray Reily, Bill Johnson, Ed Tulley, Rick Gimbal, David June, Warren Holtje, Nick Campson, Laura Johnson, Joe Giaquinta, Warren Horst (may he rest in peace) and the rest of the building committee. This is going to be a great day for the Town of Islip and for the firefighters of Suffolk County. Upcoming fundraising events for the Museum in 2017 are: June 10 — Car Show at Touro College in Bay Shore; June 11 — Antique Fire Truck Show at Heckscher Park; and September 23 — Big Chili Cook Off at the Bayport Fire Department. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen go to Firehousekitchenshow.com. Friend us on Facebook and if you want your firehouse on Firehouse Kitchen e-mail me at firehousekitchentv@gmail.com.
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Mayday at Chili Apt. Complex Blaze
On March 28, 2017, the Chili Fire Department was dispatched to an alarm for smoke coming from a building. The first-due quint was met with smoke from the A and C sides of a 2-1/2 multi-unit apartment building. An issue with water supply delayed an initial attack. An urgent message transmission was made with a large hole in the second-story floor. Shortly thereafter command ordered a full evacuation. Elevated master streams were deployed, followed by interior crews who made progress on the fire. At this time, a Mayday was called for a firefighter who had a ceiling collapse on him. He was evaluated with minor injuries by CHS EMS. Rochester Gas and Electric responded as did the American Red Cross. At least eight of the units were a total loss. The Monroe County Fire Bureau was on scene. Seven companies responded and several more provided coverage. - Fire News photos by John Spaulding
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Nice Save in Cohoes
On March 29, 2017, a kitchen fire was reported in a two-story frame house on State Route 32. Flames spread through the structure, and mutual aid was called from Green Island, Waterveliet, Waterveliet Arsenal, Latham and Albany. The fire soon became a stubborn smoky job. Four alarms were transmitted and a propane gas train was held up on the tracks, which were about 50 feet from the rear of the home. Crews quickly made a good knock down. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
Smart, Safe, Efficient
rollnrack.com • 262-363-2030
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Missing Person Found, Rescued Rochester Police Department responded to a missing person report recently, who was despondent. The patrol cars began a methodical search along the Genesse River which separates Rochester, and was where the person was last reported seen. The subject female was observed standing dangerously close to the river on a very old, mud covered foundation. One of the responding officers was part of the crisis intervention team and made contact via cell phone to attempt to bring the woman away from the location. As the police worked, the Rochester Fire Department (Group 2) was dispatched with a full water rescue assignment with at least one extra truck company. Due to rain and snowmelt the river was in high flow. Rescue 11 deployed two rescue swimmers downstream to an eddy where a rescue would be possible. Additionally, two harnesses and a compound mechanical advantage system was put into place for a firefighter and the victim. Hostage negotiators responded to the scene and the victim elected to try and walk back to shore, but after standing in the water mist for two hours the subjects legs were weak, and command decided to effect a rescue. A firefighter donned all appropriate gear and brought a harness and PFD and assisted her back to shore where AMR transported the victim to a local hospital for evaluation. -Fire News photos by John Spaulding
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Poughkeepsie Fire
City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, along with Arlington, Fairview, and Mobile Life Paramedics operated at a house fire on Mansion Street on March 13, 2017. Units arrived to a working fire and made a great stop as they chased the fire through the structure. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Fire News, June 2017, Page 23
3-Alarmer in Colonie 6-Story
On March 21, 2017, Fuller Road firefighters were called out to battle a three-alarm blaze on Enterprise Avenue at the Town Tower Apartments. Flames consumed a single apartment on the second floor of the six-story building. A firefighter Mayday was called when a member became disoriented in heavy smoke. He was later accounted for and not injured. Several occupants were taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Coldham Assists at MVA The Coldham Fire Department was called out on April 3, 2017, for a head-on MVA on International Boulevard, to assist Orange Lake Fire Department. Several people were extricated, and medevac’d. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Selkirk MVA Glenmont, N.Y. On April 30, 2017, the Selkirk Fire Department responded to a crash on Route 9W near the Walmart store in Glenmont. Three people were treated at the scene by Albany County Paramedics and transported to the hospital by the Bethlehem Ambulance Service. The roof and driver’s door had to be removed to free the driver of one of the vehicles. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Fatality at Selkirk MVA On April 25, 2017, the Bethlehem Police Department responded to a head-on MVA on River Road in Selkirk. The crash involved a sedan occupied by two 18-year-olds and a tractor-trailer. The driver of the sedan was pronounced at the scene and the passenger was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital by Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and Albany County Paramedics. He was listed in critical condition. The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured. The crash was under investigation by the Bethlehem PD with the assistance of the New York State Police Troop G Collision Reconstruction Unit. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Spill Response Team also responded to mitigate a minor fuel oil spill from the tractor trailer. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Winona Lake MVA The Winona Lake Fire Department responded to an MVA on Gardnertown Road. One person was transported to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
WATERWAY TWIN TIER IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE ITS EXPANSION! This spring their new division, Twin Tier Fire & Safety Services, will be offering comprehensive fire truck and pump maintenance as well as aerial testing at their facility or at your location. Jim Conboy, owner of Waterway Twin Tier since 2009, has seen the great need in New York and Pennsylvania for an independent third party tester for aerial devices. He has also had numerous requests for recommendations of a company to perform annual maintenance. “My customers constantly ask if I know anyone who can service their apparatus. So far, I've had to say no. Now I can say, Yes!” Twin Tier Fire and Safety Services’ technicians are EVT certified and the aerial testing technicians are NDT certified, all according to NFPA requirements. Generator and light tower maintenance will also be offered. The safety of the firemen, as well as the community, are just part of the driving force behind the creation of Twin Tier Fire and Safety Services.
“Our goal is to provide our maintenance customers with the same outstanding service and fair prices they currently receive from Waterway Twin Tier,” Conboy explained. Waterway Twin Tier currently tests fire hose, ground ladders, hard suctions tubes, appliances, nozzles and hydrants. Pump tests are conducted using their Draft Commander 3000®. Detailed records for each apparatus will be maintained and supplied to each department. Fire departments in New York and Pennsylvania can now enjoy quality preventative maintenance and Annual and five-year aerial testing by certified technicians from a company they know and trust. For more information, 570-767-1018 or info@twintierfireandsafetyservices.com.
RECORD ATTENDANCE ACHIEVED AT FDIC INTERNATIONAL 2017 The Fire Department Instructors Conference International (FDIC International) announced a record-breaking attendance of nearly 34,000 attendees from 58 countries at its 90th annual training conference and expo, held at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN April 24-29, 2017. The world’s largest and most comprehensive annual firefighter training and exposition event, FDIC International included Classroom Sessions, Pre-Conference Workshops, Hands-On Training Evolutions, networking events, a conference program with more than 300 speakers, and an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge products and services from nearly 800 companies. “FDIC International 2017 was a huge achievement for PennWell and the fire service. Its continued growth reflects its reputation for delivering the most advanced training and education from the world’s finest instructors,” said Eric Schlett, Vice President/Executive Director, PennWell Corp. FDIC International 2017 featured many special events and networking opportunities. The NFFF 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, the Scott Firefighter
Combat Challenge, the Firefighter Throwdown Crossfit competition, the HEAT Competition, and the Real Time Outdoor Product Demonstrations provide firefighters with competition and educational opportunities. Many off-site industry association events also take place each year, as well as networking events such as the International Networking Event. As an official event of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyers Select Program, FDIC International also provided an International Lounge complete with local area information and translation services for attendees traveling overseas. Recognizing that the FDIC Experience is hard to put into words, Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, FDIC International Education Director, maintains that, “after nine decades, FDIC will stay true to our heritage and original commitment to train the fire service.” FDIC International 2018 will be held April 23-28, 2018, at the Indianapolis Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. To learn more about FDIC International, please visit www.fdic.com.
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Fire News, June 2017, Page 27
Mahopac Falls 2-Car MVA
Cronomer Valley Handles MVA
A call for a two-car accident with extrication needed at the intersection of Secor Road and Agor Lane had Mahopac Falls Fire, EMS and fire police, along with EMStar paramedics and Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies. First arriving units called off the need for extrication as Fire Police began setting up to control traffic. EMS and paramedics tended to one of the drivers as PCSO began their investigation. First Assistant Chief Brian Sacher assumed incident commander and 2nd Assistant Chief Bob Trace took charge of operations. The injured driver was transported by Mahopac Falls EMS to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey
Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called out for an MVA at Routes 32 and 300 in Newburgh. One person was taken to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Firefighting is a Common Language
On March 2, 2017, the Barker Fire Department had a visit from a volunteer firefighter from Metelen, Germany, Matthias Schmitt-Gutt. Gutt shared training and tactics utilized in his country to show different styles and strategies in fire and rescue techniques. Barker firefighters also shared how they do things. - Fire News photos by Rodney Recore
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Firefighter Cancer Support Network Together we can make a difference
Dennis Whittam
Fire Fighter
Antonio J. Cruz
New York Fire Photos
Director of New York State Cancer Survivor & Mentor
www.nyfirephotos.com Phone: 631-473-3821 Email: dwhittam@optonline.net
Visit your photos and purchase them online. www.FirefighterCancerSupport.org
Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Brian J. Farrell Chairman 516-840-8839 cell 516-783-1996 office terryfund@terryfund.org www.TerryFund.org
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Gary Margerum North East Regional Sales Manager Cell 970-420-1964 Phone 1-800-525-5224 Fax 970-667-4296 Email garym@supervac.com Super Vacum Manufacturing Co., Inc. P.O. Box 87, Loveland, CO 80539
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FireNews.com
Fire News, June 2017, Page 29
Easter in Medusa On April 15, 2017, the Easter Bunny came to the Medusa Fire Company for the Easter egg hunt with the children, while the parents and friends enjoyed a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast. The Department serves the breakfast every third Saturday of the month from September through April each year. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Athens Awards and Installation Dinner The Athens Volunteer Fire Department held its annual dinner at their social hall on Third Street in the Village. Several members were awarded various awards and commendations for years of service to the community. Members receiving years of service awards were Robert Brunner for 60 years; and Bill Boyer and Anthony Delvechio, Jr., 50 years. Newly elected department line officers were sworn into office by Athens Mayor Peter Alberti. Elected Captain was Anthony Delvechio III. Elected Lieutenants were Mark Vota, Antonio Fuentes and James Robinson III. Special awards were presented by Chief Adam Greco to Firefighter of the Year Anthony Delvechio III. Most Improved Firefighter went to Don Winegard. A special Chiefs Merit Award went to Robert Schrader and a Lifetime Training Award went to John Greco. Awarded a special Leadership Award was James Robinson III. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
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“Surplus Equipment Program” has assisted fire departments throughout upper New York State with much needed turnout gear, hoses, tools and even several vehicles. All of this is possible through the generous support of Long Island Fire Departments. We now need the help of volunteers to assist us with • Equipment deliveries • Drive our vehicles in parades • Man our booths at Fire Dept. tournaments, festivals & functions • Assist with the collection of gear from donating department No one is paid in our organization but the feeling of helping firefighters who receive our donations and assistance and the gratitude they show to us is payment enough. To Volunteer of for more information about our fund please go to our website terryfund.org Or email terryfund@terryfund.org Thank You, Brian Farrell
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UR O Y ADRE Call Barbara HE
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Gifts T-Shirts Decals Rubber Ducks Infant and Youth items and much, much more! www.FireandRescueStore.com div. Larry Fox & Co.,Ltd.
Page 30, Fire News, June 2017
FireNews.com
Colonie House Fire Draws a Crowd
Stanford Heights firefighters responded to a house fire on Central Midway, Fuller Road and Colonie to assist. No injuries were reported. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber Avenue in the town of Colonie on April 17, 2017. Flames consumed the house in the early afternoon fire, which brought volunteers from
East Greenbush Training
On April 15, 2017, 20 members of the East Greenbush Fire Company attended an eight-hour hands-on training class conducted by Brotherhood Instructors. Members completed training on forcible entry, vent enter and search, saw and roof operations. During the training, members also answered five calls including from brush fires, a natural gas leak, and a couple of MVAs. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller