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FDNY NEWS
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JULY, 2016
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On May 16, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 175th Street and Liberty Avenue in Queens for a fire in a two-story frame. Crews found heavy fire throughout, with fire extension to exposures 4 and 4A. Five hose lines and two tower ladders were used to extinguish the fire. - See full story on page 4
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July, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
PROVIDED
River Laurence, a 4-year-old boy from Converse, Texas.
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FDNY holds swearing-in ceremony for two young boys battling illnesses Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro was at the Honorary Firefighter Swearing-In Ceremony held on May 31st for River Laurence, a 4year-old boy from Converse, Texas, and Trucker Dukes, a 3year-old boy from Maui, Hawaii. Both boys are battling illnesses and receiving treatment in NYC. Following chance encounters with FDNY Firefighters, both boys have become close friends with FDNY members and were swornin, in front of their families and their new friends in the department, at the Fire Academy on Randalls Island. "They're braver than
JUMP TO FILE #060316113 we are in many ways. This is just as much an honor for us as it is for them,"said Firefighter Francisco Ruiz from Ladder 13. "Both Trucker and River already know quite a bit about being brave. These young men are battling illness and have traveled far from their homes to undergo a great deal of care and treatment here in New York City, at Sloan Kettering Hospital. While in the city, both young boys met FDNY
Firefighters; River while at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Trucker at Ronald McDonald House, and immediately, incredible bonds were formed. Now today, because of their courage, and because of how much they both care about helping others and dream of being firefighters, we’re going to swear in River and Trucker as Honorary FDNY Firefighters. River, Trucker‌today, you, your brother, sisters, moms and dads are now part of the FDNY family." - FDNY -FDNY
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National EMS Memorial Service On Saturday, May 21st, the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride concluded in Washington, DC., with the National EMS Memorial Service, a ceremony which pays tribute to EMS professionals who have given their lives in the line of duty. FDNY Chief of EMS, James Booth, was the keynote speaker, and the FDNY EMS Pipes and Drums were in attendance, along with the FDNY Color Guard.Nine names of fallen FDNY members were added to the Tree of Life: Lieutenant Michael Cavanagh, EMT Francis Charles, EMT Luis de Pena, Lieutenant Thomas Giammarino, Lieutenant Harold McNeil, Lieutenant Douglas Mulholland, Lieutenant Linda Ohlson, Captain William Olsen and EMT Tyrone Rogers. - FDNY
Trucker Dukes, a 3-year-old boy from Maui, Hawaii.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
July, 2016
Paramedic Jimmy M. Guailacela and Paramedic Marilyn L. Arroyo
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FDNY presents the first EMT-P Carlos Lillo-Lt. Ricardo Quinn Medal to two paramedics Lieutenant Brian J. Colleluori
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James Gordon Bennett Medal/NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal Awarded To Lieutenant Brian J. Colleluori In the early morning hours of February 1, 2015, FDNY Engine 310 and Ladder 174 responded to a fire in a three-story apartment building in Canarsie. FDNY Lt. Brian Colleluori, of Ladder 174, approached the building with Firefighter Kevin Koster and Firefighter William Duffy. Upon entering the home, Lt. Colleluori was met with heavy smoke and high heat. Even though a water delay was likely, he wasted no time in initiating a search for trapped occupants, and after advancing 25 feet into the blinding smoke, found a man lying on the floor, unconscious. Moving the patient was difficult due to his large size, but Lt. Colleluori managed to drag him into the garage, where additional members helped to move the man to safety. Still operating without a protective hand-line, Lt. Colleluori made his way to the rear of the building, where he found an unconscious female. Forced to his knees by the brutal heat, and with fire rolling over his head, the Lieutenant began to drag the patient towards the front of the home. As conditions intensified, he was forced to shield the patient from the heat by lying on top of her as the
JUMP TO FILE #060316111 fire rolled over them. Firefighter Koster crawled under the flames with an extinguisher, and was followed by members from Engine 310, who pushed back the fire, allowing Lt. Colleluori and Firefighter Koster to pull the patient to safety. Lt. Colleluori’s quick and decisive actions saved the man’s life. Regrettably, the female patient later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Lt. Colleluori’s turnout coat was condemned after determining that it had been exposed to temperatures at or above 1,000 degrees, a strong indication of the danger he had faced. The bravery and perseverance of Lieutenant Brian J. Colleluori exemplify the highest FDNY traditions of courage, dedication and service, making him eminently worthy of the James Gordon Bennett Medal/NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal, which he received at the 147th annual FDNY Medal Day ceremony on 6/1/16. - FDNY
FDNY Paramedics Marilyn L. Arroyo and Jimmy M. Guailacela were both assigned to Station 46 in 2012, when they were dispatched to a vehicle submerging in water, with patients trapped inside. Then EMTs, Arroyo and Guailacela could hear screams for help upon arrival, and saw a hand waving from the car’s sunroof. Without any other resources or assistance, EMT Guailacela and EMT Arroyo entered the water. EMT Guailacela, in waist-deep water, made his way to the car, which was now three-quarters submerged, and discovered three elderly patients. EMT Arroyo scaled and climbed over a fence to make her way to the top of the vehicle. EMT Guailacela removed one patient while EMT Arroyo pulled a second patient from the sunroof and then
JUMP TO FILE #060316110 passed the person off to EMT Guailacela. With the flood waters still rapidly rising and the car now completely submerged, EMT Arroyo asked the third patient if she could swim. She replied, “a little.” Although EMT Arroyo is a poor swimmer, she advised her patient that she would not let her swim alone and that she would swim out with her. But before EMT Arroyo attempted to swim with the woman, EMT Guailacela arrived and quickly grabbed the third patient and safely removed her. With the last patient now safe, EMT Arroyo attempted to climb the fence again, but felt some-
thing pulling her down into the flood waters. Struggling, she realized that her utility belt had gotten caught. Remaining calm, she unbuckled the utility belt, freed herself, scaled the fence and wall and joined the three patients in their safe location. Despite the danger and challenges, the EMTs continued their sworn duties, evaluating all three individuals who had no physical complaints, but an abundance of gratitude for the pair. For their bravery and dedication above and beyond the call of duty, the FDNY was proud to present the first EMT-P Carlos Lillo-Lt. Ricardo Quinn Medal to Paramedic Jimmy M. Guailacela and Paramedic Marilyn L. Arroyo on 6/1/16. - FDNY
WORKING FACES
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FDNY EMT Christos Groutas and EMT Deniss Diaz, both from Station-8.
WILLIAM PASSERO
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July, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS
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FDNY
The FDNY hosted it's second annual citywide FDNY Open House event on May 14th. More than 200 Firehouses and EMS Stations opened their doors to the public, offering tours, demonstrations and more.
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Three alarms needed in Queens
FDNY
On May 16th, firefighters were dispatched to 175th Street and Liberty Avenue in Queens for fire in a two-story frame. Crews found heavy fire throughout, with fire extension to exposures 4 and 4A. Five hose lines and two tower ladders were used to extinguish the fire.
MEMORIES
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FDNY
Engine-251's 1951 Ward LaFrance rig from Floral Park, Queens. Engine-97 in the Bronx also had this rig.
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July, 2016
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Brownstone fire in Brooklyn
On May 20th, a fire started on the 3rd-floor of a brownstone with extension to the 4th floor. Three lines were used.
Main body of fire knocked down.
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Firefighter Mike Long did 35 years, from 1982 until 2016, with Engine 80, Ladder 23 and then SOC. 5, taking his last tour on 5-22-16.
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos you would like to see in our Antique Apparatus feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FDNY (Engine-242); 1933 Ahrens Fox.
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Units checking the cockloft.
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July, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
New York City ambulances going green, saving green It was announced on June 7th that the New York City Fire Department is installing Stealth Power’s idle reduction systems on more than 100 of its ambulances, helping prevent hazardous emissions and saving fuel. Emergency response vehicles need electric power to operate vital equipment and provide a controlled environment for medicines and patient care. Historically, this required ambulances to idle their engines at all times. For every hour of idle – up to 20 hours a day in NYC – one ambulance burns about 1.5 gallons of fuel, emits about 33 pounds of carbon dioxide, and puts 35-50 miles’ worth of wearand-tear on its engine. Multiply that by NYC fleet size and operating time of 365 days a year and the numbers – in both dollars and carbon emissions – become exorbitant. Stealth Power’s smart power systems provide power without engaging the engine. The system allows first responders the power they need to run all auxiliary electrical equipment – including air, heat, lights, laptops, radio, refrigerator, windows and power-load stretchers – without turning on the ambulance’s engine. It recharges when the truck is driven. “Stealth Power’s EMS Series provides dependable power for ambulances without idling,” explains Devin Scott, CEO, Stealth Power. “The New York Fire Department has the busiest EMS system nationwide – it responded to more than 1.5 million calls last year. Our technology offers fast access to power which aids first responders’ lifesaving efforts while creating a better work, patient, and community environ-
ment.” IDLE REDUCTION IMPROVES PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & FISCAL HEALTH: The City of New York is committed to protecting public health and the environment. Emissions from excessive idling is a major source of pollution that has been linked to increases in asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease and cancer. In addition to reducing these hazardous emissions, Stealth Power’s systems also save the City money by using less fuel, reducing maintenance and decreasing engine wear and tear. These systems also operate quietly, decreasing noise and engine vibration providing improved conditions for both patients and emergency personnel. They also have emergency “never stranded” jumpstart capability that also increases patient safety. ABOUT STEALTH POWER: Stealth Power is the leader in mobile power and idle-reduction technology, developing and producing smart mobile power systems for fleets seeking mobile auxiliary power or idle-reduction solutions, as well as for organizations requiring standalone remote hybrid power. Stealth Power systems have prevented the release of thousands of tons of toxic emissions and preserved millions of gallons of fuel – as well as millions of dollars – for its client partners. More information can be found at Stealth Power’s website: http://www.StealthPower.net or http://idlereduction.com. - STEALTH POWER
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Two-alarm fire in Brooklyn
On May 15th, firefighters were dispatched to 57th Street and New Utrecht Avenue in Brooklyn for a structure fire. Crews arrived to find fire on the first floor in a story, with minor extension to the second floor. Four hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
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Three-story brick fire in Brooklyn On May 22nd, there was a three-story brick fire on 1 floor (rear), where one line was used.
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CHASE1053
Car collides head-on with delivery truck
On May 16th, around 1:30 P.M., units responded to a crash between a car and a truck in the Walgreens parking lot at 2270 Hyland Blvd. The air bag deployment caused minor injury to the occupant. RMA was on the scene for the minor injury.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
Rescue Company 4 and Engine 292
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July, 2016
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FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock
Queens, New York is the largest of the five boroughs with over 112square miles, including beach-front homes, many historic sites and a population of over 2.1 million. It’s also home to the Belmont racetrack, which is known to be the longest track for any horse looking to win the Triple Crown. The world’s fair was held here twice, the U.S. Open Championship is played there every September, the Mets play there, the Jets did play there and it’s maybe one of the most diverse communities in all of New York City. It does not get as much notoriety as it’s neighbor to the south, Brooklyn, but is equally as important to the fiber and history of New York City. Recently voted one of the best places to visit by lonely planet, it is no longer overshadowed by Manhattan. The neighborhood was originally called Winfield, named after General Winfield Scott, and was later incorporated by Elmhurst and Woodside in which people still refer to it as that to this day. The Winfield War Memorial, dedicated to neighborhood residents killed in WW1, stands at 65th Place and Laurel Hill Boulevard and Saint Mary’s Church of Winfield still bears the name. As with the majority of communities in Queens, the 20th Century saw unprecedented growth, as the subways became available and many Italian and Jewish families settled here in the 1970’s. Most left for the suburbs and were replaced by immigrants from around the world. As of 2010, there were over 115 nations represented in the borough, a number sure to change. Queens Boulevard and 64th Street is home for the firehouse of Rescue Company #4 and Engine-292. This firehouse is the only home for E-292, which will celebrate it’s centennial in August of 2018. Orginally, they were the second section to Engine287, 287(2) and were disbanded to form Engine-292 on August 1,1918. Unlike the other rescue companies in
the city that were shuffled around to different houses over the years, this has been the only home for Rescue-4 since their establishment in June of 1931. The firehouse was built in 1914, after a fire destroyed the previous building that stood on the site. On Father’s Day, June 17th 2001, a fire occurred on Astoria Boulevard and Main Avenue in Astoria that would simply become known as the “father’s day fire.”In a rather bizarre circumstance, two teenagers spraying graffiti on the backdoor of a hardware store knocked over a can of gasoline in the rear yard. The gas would run underneath the back door and down the stairs, into the cellar. The vapors were ignited by the pilot’s light from the gas water-heater and started a fire that spread to numerous flammable liquids and paints. This in turn allowed the vapor and gasses to build up while the fire department was operating. During ventilation and hose line operations, an explosion ripped through the block long building, blowing out the walls and dropping the first floor into the basement. Fireman Harry Ford of Rescue-4 and Fireman John Downing of Ladder163 were killed instantly. Fireman Brian Fahey of Rescue-4 was trapped after landing in the basement, but could not be rescued. Several other firefighters would be rescued and some suffered careerending injuries during the five-alarm fire and explosion. These men would leave behind eight children. As if this was not enough, rescue and the department would suffer even greater loss on 9/11, with the deaths of eight more members, including the Captain. In total, thirteen men have died in the line of duty serving the city of New York and fellow members. As Father’s Day approaches, please remember these men as well as all the other firefighters that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of others.
LARRY WOODCOCK
FDNY (Ladder-18); 2002 Seagrave Tower Ladder, nicknamed "Fort Pitt."
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Small job in Queens On May 2, 2016, firefighters were dispatched to 55 Avenue and 84 Street in Queens for a fire. Crews arrived to find a fire in the bedroom. They used one hose line to extinguish it.
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July, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY