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FDNY NEWS
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JANUARY, 2014
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January, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
PROVIDED ALLEN EPSTEIN
Epstein takes up New York, NY. After some recent health issues, Joseph Epstein recently retired from his job with the FDNY. Joseph has an extensive resume with many years of service to the Fire Department of New York and the American Red Cross. At the age of 13, he joined the American Red Cross as a volunteer. He began working for the Red Cross in 1980 at the Queens Chapter and as a driver for a year. He transferred to disaster services in 1993. From there, he went on to the FDNY as a dispatcher. Epstein worked in Manhattan for a few years and then came to Queens. In 2011, he took det to OEM in the watch command, where he continued until his retire-
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ment on October 31st of this year. For almost 40 years, Epstein served the City of New York emergency services community. “I helped hundreds of hundreds of people and worked with so many nice people,” stated Joseph Epstein. Joseph will continue with his photography for 1st Responder and other local newspapers and spend a lot of time with his family. He will surely be missed by many in the FDNY and the OEM family. - HEATHER PILLSWORTH
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
BILL TOMPKINS
Manhattan supermarket destroyed in three alarm blaze A three alarm response was needed to control a spectacular blaze that tore through a supermarket and laundromat in Upper Harlem on Sunday, November 10th. At about 7:45 p.m., Manhattan dispatch transmitted Box 1541 for a reported fire at the Associated Supermarket at 1440 Amsterdam Ave. at W 130th to W, 133rd St. First in units faced heavy fire showing from the one story building which also housed a laundromat. Battalion 16 transmitted the “all hands” followed shortly by
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the second alarm. Tower ladders were immediately set up for exterior operations. By 8:00, two tower ladders were in operation and fire was breaking through the roof. Two additional tower ladders were set up, one additional in the front of the building and another in the rear. A minor collapse began to occur at 8:22 and a third alarm was transmitted.
As the roof continued to collapse in, flames shot into the night sky over 50 feet. With no nearby exposure buildings, the four tower ladders and several multi-versals easily held the flames to the fire building. Heavy smoke blanketed the area and extended well into the Bronx. All heavy fire was darkened down by 10:00 and the fire was placed under control at 10:31 with no serious injuries reported. - BILL TOMPKINS
STEVE WHITE
Engine 154's old quarters is now used as a private resident on Hannah Street in Staten Island. Engine 154's new quarters was built in 1971 on Victory Boulevard in Travis, Staten Island.
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
January, 2014
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25 Truck, 74 Engine FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock
Manhattan is twenty-seven square miles and home to 1.5 million people. Densely packed, the weekday population swells to over eight million due to the working people and tourists as well as deliveries of goods and services. Finding peace and solace, is daunting at best. This city never sleeps and the fire department responds under all conditions. Some think that there are too many fire houses and some are close in proximity, but if you compare it to other large cities, New York is actually under the norm for companies and manpower. 25 Truck located at 205 West 77th Street is a three story firehouse built in 1900 with the purpose of housing an engine and a truck. 25 Truck was organized on June 1s, 1901 and placed here along with 74 Engine, as they were established on the same day and in the same year. 74 Engine moved to their firehouse in 1972 on 83rd Street and 25 Truck has been here alone since. As the city and the population grew as well as the fire activity, so came the apparent need to separate companies for the purpose of better response time. This neighborhood on the Upper West Side has its notable landmarks and highlights with one being this firehouse, which has achieved landmark status. A short walk from here on 75th and Broadway is the Beacon Theater, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The 3,000 seat theater, built in 1929, was used as a movie palace and stage for Vaudeville, later transitioning to a concert hall that over the decades has played host to some of the best musicians in history. The ornate structure features a 30 foot high arch over its stage with numerous elaborate sculptures, marble floors, and brass staircases. As recently as 2010, it closed for a short time while undergoing a $10 million dollar renovation. Their first due includes another National Register of Historic Places, the American Museum of Natural History at Central Park West and 79th Street, one of the largest and most acknowledged museums in the world. The Victorian gothic building, which opened in 1877, is a series of twenty five inter-connected buildings that sees five million visitors per year.
LARRY WOODCOCK
The library has grown to contain one of the world’s great natural history collections and for many years was at the forefront of many notable field expeditions. Today, the museum has a scientific staff of over two hundred and sponsors numerous expeditions. The Hayden Planetarium, connected to the museum, opened in 1935 and was established with a donation from Philanthropist Charles Hayden. It offers visitors
a glimpse into space, research, education and space travel. On the corner of 72nd Street at Central Park West, sits the Dakota built in 1884 and at a time when the area was sparsely inhabited and remote from the city’s population, it dominated the landscape for miles around. The nine story luxury apartment was built around a courtyard and in English Victorian style with sixty five apartments ranging from four to as many as twenty rooms
with no two being alike. Many will remember it for one of the truly black marks on this city, the day December 8, 1980 when former Beatle John Lennon was shot leaving his apartment. The building has had a long list of notable residents over the years and has appeared in several movies, giving it an iconic status that makes it a tourist destination. The structure was designated a New York City landmark in 1969 and added to the National Register
of Historic Places in 1972. It was declared a national historic landmark in 1976, one of the few building in New York City to hold all three distinctions. This firehouse was designated a city landmark in the 1980s and was renovated in 2002. 25 Truck has had five line of duty deaths in their 113 year history protecting lives and property in the City of New York.
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January, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
FRED BACCHI BILL TOMPKINS
Manhattan third alarm briefly traps firefighter An FDNY member became trapped battling a three alarm fire in Upper Harlem on November 24th, escaping with minor burns thanks to being properly geared. At approximately 7:00 a.m., units were dispatched to 625 W. 138th St. First due Engine 80 transmitted the 10-75 at 7:03 for fire on the third, fourth, and fifth floor of a five story OMD. An “all hands with an additional engine and truck” was called for immediately. Lines were stretched and trucks opened up, but conditions continued to worsen. A second alarm was transmitted and by 7:18 fire was out all the windows on the fourth floor and extending to the fifth, a third alarm was sounded. Brisk winds fueled the
All hands in Maspeth All hands went to work at 60-79 60 Road in Queens, NY on November 15th. Fire was in the walls of a two story 20x40 wood frame dwelling. Fire was located in the wall and quickly extinguished by unit on the scene.
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flames and a firefighter became trapped in a fourth floor apartment and transmitted a “mayday”. He was able to exit to a hallway on his own and the mayday was cleared. The fire was darkened down within a hour with no extension to the exposure buildings. One other firefighter received a minor injury due to all the ice that formed on the coldest morning of the season so far. No residents were reported injured, but the 55 residents were left homeless.
NOW RECRUITING FIRE, POLICE & EMS DISPATCHERS! Do you have a passion for monitoring Fire, Police & EMS activity?
- BILL TOMPKINS
Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to heather@1strespondernews.com
1RWN is currently recruiting dispatchers in ALL areas who monitor police, ems & fire incidents. Our goal is to provide our subscribers with an outstanding service and we are looking for more dispatchers to continue achieving this! We offer an outstanding Dispatcher Rewards Program as a thank you for all the incidents you page out or call in. If you are interested in joining our team please visit the following link and someone from our Dispatch Support Staff will contact you to get you started!
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1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
January, 2014
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January, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
STEVE WHITE
Live fire training for Richmond Engine Company Richmond Engine Company 1, a volunteer fire company located in Staten Island, participated in a live burn training exercise at Monmouth Fire Academy. Richmond Engine 1, is one of two volunteer fire companies dispatched by the New York City Fire Department and responds to emergencies, fire and also EMS runs.
FRED BACCHI
Firefighter assists civilians safely past the fire
Four alarms in Kew Gardens, Queens On November 12, 2013, FDNY units in Queens responded to a report of structure fire at 129 Street and Metropolitan Ave, in the Kew Gardens section of the boro. At 7:10 p.m., Engine 298 arrives and transmitted a 10-75 followed by a 10-70 (problem with a positive water source, water relay is required). Battalion 51 arrived and transmitted the second alarm and requested an additional engine and truck. The 51 Battalion ordered responding trucks to the 127 Street side of the fire and to operate in the alley of exposure two. Numerous people were evacuating down the
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fire escapes on all sides of the building. At 7:23 p.m. the third alarm was transmitted. The fire building was a six brick 100x175 and the fire was on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors on the exposure two side of the building. The exposures were 129 Street, an alley, and 127 Street (No 128 St in that area) and four was an alley. At 7:52 p.m., the fourth alarm was transmitted. Fire was now in the cockloft over apartment 6M.
Cell phone transmitters on the roof were preventing a trench cut from being performed. At 8:28 p.m., Car 4, Chief Of Operations Esposito, reported the main body of fire knocked down. Primaries were negative. The fire was in the M line on floors three, four, five, six and the cockloft. At 8:35 p.m., Car 4 ordered three additional ladder companies to the scene. Eleven civilians and eight firefighters received minor injuries at this fire. The fire was placed under control at 8:45 p.m. - FRED BACCHI
STEVE WHITE
Fatal fire in Staten Island On November 16, 2013, FDNY members fought an all hands fire in a townhouse located at 470 Hawthorne Ave. in Staten Island. A 10-45-code 1 was reported when a female occupant died in the fire.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands in Queens On November 24, 2013, FDNY crews were alerted to a fire at 108th Street and Jamaica Avenue in Queens. Firefighters arrived to find a small fire in the attic of the private home. Ladder 143 extended their stick and one line was used to extinguish the fire.
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
January, 2014
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JOHN HOPPER STEVE WHITE
JOHN HOPPER
STEVE WHITE
Second alarm in Staten Island Staten Island, NY. At 1:40 p.m. on November 25th, 2-2 Box 1049 sounded for a fire at 151 Gateway Drive in Staten Island. Firefighters arrived at a three story townhome fire, which extended to exposures two and four. Car 7 reported five handlines stretched and two tower ladders operating at the scene. It took two hours to bring the fire under control. The fire was deemed suspicious because of the large amount of fire upon arrival.
JOHN HOPPER
Metro North train derails killing four New York, NY. On the morning of December 1, 2013, four perished and 63 were injured when the train they were riding in derailed enroute to Grand Central Station. According to officials, the train approached a dangerous curve while going 82 mph, instead of the posted 30 mph speed limit. The investigation into whether operator error was a factor is cur-
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rently underway. The train originated in Poughkeepsie and made several stops as it approached a dangerous curve near the Spuyten Duyvil station. The crash occurred where the Harlem River joins the Hudson River.
First responders from many departments, including the FDNY's specialized rescue personnel, worked for hours to free trapped passengers. Three of the fatal passengers were ejected and found outside the train. This is Metro-North's third crash within one year, but the first fatal crash in its 30 year history. - HEATHER PILLSWORTH
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January, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
STEVE WHITE
Protecting the boy scouts Staten Island's two New York City Volunteer Fire Companies donated their time to help protect the Boy Scout Jamboree at Pouch Camp, held from October 11 to October 14, 2013.They maintained an around the clock fire watch for 1,500 scouts. Pictured are firefighters Nick Lamberti, Joe Black and Jimmy Amato,not pictured is Lieutenant Rick Caliri, all from Oceanic Hook and Ladder 1. In the center and to the right are Firefighter James Corey, Chief Steve White, Firefighters Justin Kaplan, Anthony Scalisi, Mike Prestovino and Captain David Buttermark all from Richmond Engine Company 1.
FRED BACHI
Two alarms in Briarwood On November 24, 2013 at 2:30 p.m., a fire started in the basement power lines for the cell phone towers located on the roof. The fire spread up the lines, gaining access to numerous apartments. The building was a six story brick 200x150 H type, occupied multiple dwelling.
VEHICLE NEWS If you have photos you would like to see in our Vehicle News feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands in Queens On November 17, 2013, FDNY crews were alerted to a fire at Grandview Avenue and Linden Street in Queens. Firefighters arrived to find fire on the second floor. One hose line was used to extinguish the fire and a 1045 was pulled from the fire apartment.
RON JEFFERS
FDNY Ladder Co. 174 has placed into service a 2013 Ferrara 100foot rearmount aerial ladder.
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
January, 2014
PAgE 9
STEVE WHITE
All hands in Staten Island A dryer fire led to an all hands response in Staten Island on November 20, 2013. The fire was reported in a 2 story brick semi-attached home located at 20 Baltimore Street.
STEVE SOLOMONSON
Tractor trailer wedged under train trestle in Midwood, Brooklyn On November 27, 2013 at approximately 8:30 p.m., a 53 foot fully loaded tractor trailer traveling at a pretty good speed managed to wedge itself under the train trestle located on the eastbound lanes of the always busy Ave J, just off E 16 St in the Midwood section of Brooklyn. The FDNY responded and determined there were no injuries at the scene and that the police were notified for a heavy duty tow truck to free up the tractor trailer.
JOSEPH EPSTEIN
Two killed in Queens car accident Queens, NY. On November 11, 2013, the driver of a car lost control on Queens Boulevard at Van Loon Street. The vehicle was reportedly going at a high rate of speed, mounded the sidewalk, took down a phone booth and a lamp post, and hit two pedestrians. One victim succumbed to injuries at the scene. The other lost the battle en route to a local hospital. The driver of the vehicle was taken to a local hospital for what appear to be minor injuries. The accident is under investigation by authorities.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
New smoke house dedicated by FDNY On November 23, 2013, the FDNY dedicated a new smokehouse for fire safety education in honor of Lt. Steve Riesman. Lt. Riesman was a firefighter at Engine 71 in the Bronx and a lieutenant at Ladder 154 and Engine 307 in Jackson Heights as well as worked in the FDNY's fire safety unit. Lt. Riesman is battling an illness and was at the dedication with fellow firefighters and his family.
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January, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Fire in four brick On November 10, 2013, a fire broke out in a four brick apartment house at Howard Avenue and Halsey Street in Brooklyn. FDNY crews arrived to find fire on the top floor and used one hose line to extinguish the fire. At the scene were Engines 222 and 233; Squads 252 and 214; Ladders 176, 111, 112, and 120; BC 37 and 28; Squad 1, Rescue 2 and Div 15.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Basement fire brings out FDNY On November 24, 2013, FDNY firefighters were alerted to a fire at 9th Street and 34th Avenue in Queens. They arrived to find fire in the basement on the B/C side in the rear of a two brick. One hose line was used to extinguish the fire.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands in Brooklyn On November 9th, crews were alerted to a fire at Broadway and Dunham Place in Brooklyn. They arrived to find fire in the ceiling on the first floor. It was quickly extinguished and they were soon back in service.
JOSEPH EPSTEIN
All hands in Queens On November 21, 2013, FDNY crews were alerted to Woodbine Street and Forest Avenue. They arrived to find fire in a two frame on the second floor in the rear. The building was quickly laddered as heavy smoke was pushing. Two hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY
January, 2014
PAgE 11
FACES OF FDNY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
RON JEFFERS
Recruits on the march at The Rock in November.
BILL TOMPKINS
Members of FDNY 30 Truck at the scene of a three alarm fire on November 24th.
JOSEPH EPSTEIN
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Vincent Mattone came on the job in 1983 and was sent to Engine 319 in Middle Village (The Lone Wolf). He worked the job for thirty years and on November 26, 2013, he will serve his last tour.
Tommy Evans took his last tour on November 11th after 35 years on the job. He worked at Ladder 148, 40 and 45 as well as Engine 271 and Squad 288. Best wishes, Tommy.
BILL TOMPKINS
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Members of FDNY 28 Truck take a break after battling a 3 alarm fire in Manhattan on November 24th.
On November 16, 2013, the FDNY was alerted to a fire at Wilson and DeKalb Avenues in Brookly. They arrived to find fire on the second floor in a three frame.
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January, 2014
1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY