1st Responder News FDNY November Edition

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

FDNY NEWS

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NOVEMBER, 2014

FDNY TRENCH RESCUE

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FRED BACCHI

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On September 5, 2014, FDNY units responded to a report of a Cemetery Worker that was trapped in a grave that was being dug. The man was attempting to shore up the hole when he lost his balance and fell in.

- See full story on page 3

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November, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

JOHN HOPPER

Third alarm with extension in the Bronx At approximately 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, Bronx dispatchers started receiving numerous calls reporting a fire at 3304 Decatur Avenue near East 209th Street and sent a response of five engines, two trucks, Battalion 27, Rescue 3 and Squad 61.

There were reports of people trapped and reports of jumpers out

JUMP TO FILE #091114107

of the rear window.

Ladder Company 32 arrived seconds later and transmitted the 10-75 for fire in a private dwelling.

Moments later, Battalion 27 transmitted the second alarm for ex-

tension in the exposures. Shortly thereafter, a third alarm was transmitted for a fire in the opposite exposure.

Numerous rescues were made.

Yhe fire was placed under control within two hours.

- JOHN HOPPER JOHN HOPPER

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

ALLEN EPSTEIN

High speeds result in MVA On August 10, 2014, the FDNY responded to a two car motor vehicle accident at Borden Avenue and Hamilton Place in Queens. According to witnesses, one vehicle was speeding and ran the light. Four victims were pinned in the vehicles and extrication took approximately ten minutes. All were packaged and transported to local hospitals. One patient was in very serious condition.

RON JEFFERS

Members guide BFU 166 between barriers to go to work on an all hands brush fire off of Quintard Street, Staten Island, on September 19th.

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

November, 2014

PAgE 3

Appointing and training fire officers STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

On January 22, 2013, a 34year-old volunteer fire captain died while fighting a fire when the floor collapsed and trapped him in the basement of a residential structure with another firefighter who was injured but survived. The incident occurred in western New York State.

The U.S. Fire Administration notified the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of this incident and they began an investigation in late January, 2013. Also conducting an investigation was the New York State Labor Departments Public Employees Safety and Health (PESH) Division. The NIOSH report on this incident can be found on their web s i t e : http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face201302.html The NY State report was not publically released.

The NIOSH and PESH investigators met with the victim’s fire department, the volunteer department who commanded the incident, volunteer departments who responded to the incident, the county coroner’s office, and the state fire marshal’s office. Interviews were conducted with firefighters from the various departments who were on scene during this incident. Investigators also reviewed the victim’s training records, the incident commander’s training records and both the victim’s department and the incident commander’s department standard operating procedures.

NIOSH issued a report on the fire investigation in March 2014 and identified the following items as key contributing factors in this incident that ultimately led to the fatalities: Inadequate water supply, Ineffective fire ground communications, Ineffective incident command, Inadequate Size-up, Lack of situational awareness, Uncoordinated fire attack and Deteriorated structural members.

The NYS PESH also cited the department with violations, one of which was directed at insufficient training for officers, with those in leadership roles getting the same basic training as the firefighters.

What are the standards and requirements necessary to be a fire officer?

Who sets those standards? This can be a very confusing issue.

For most firefighters, it is a time of pride and personal satisfaction when they are promoted and begin their rise through the ranks of their department. A few may eventually achieve the rank of chief and, along with the prestige, the greater responsibility that goes with being chief.

Now you find yourself responsible for all the daily operations of

the fire department, not just emergency responses. Many chiefs enjoy the action of the emergency scene, while deploring the daily operational and personnel duties that occur more frequently than fires.

Paperwork, record keeping, scheduling annual training and maintenance of equipment and apparatus has become an important and time consuming function for the fire chief, and sometimes neglected.

In the career service, advancement in rank usually entails additional educational and experience requirements and an examination process to determine a qualified list of candidates for the position.

Many volunteer fire departments conduct annual elections to determine who their officers will be for the ensuing year(s). Most of the time this is a good guy election and not necessarily based on leadership quality, ability, and knowledge for the position sought; and overall knowledge of the fire service.

There is more to being an officer than just being a “good guy”, you are electing someone who will be directing your operations at an emergency scene and his/her decisions will have a bearing on your personal safety.

Before casting your vote, maybe you should ask yourself a few questions, beginning with “Will I follow this individual wherever he/she my lead? Do I believe he/she is knowledgeable for the leadership position they seek? Are they aggressive and cautious, or aggressive and careless? It is your safety and your life that will be under their guidance and leadership!

Does your department have minimum training and educational requirements that must be met prior to seeking an officer position, or immediately after filling the position? Does the department strictly enforce those requirements, or are they overlooked due to a variety of reasons? Do these requirements escalate for each ensuing rank? If not they should.

With today’s decline in volunteerism and staffing, some departments may tend to lessen requirements in order to have the position filled. Is that good enough justification? Smaller career departments may operate with no officer due to staff reductions. Who then is looking after whom? It becomes very difficult to try and operate as an officer and a firefighter at the same time. Something will be overlooked or missed that could prove to be catastrophic.

Being a responsible and knowledgeable fire officer requires more than having a lucky day taking a promotional exam or being the most popular person in the fire company. Leadership has many obligations and safety of personnel under your command tops the list.

Till next time stay safe and God Bless!

JEFF CRIANZA

Bronx fatal accident A passenger is dead and driver is in custody after an attempt to pass a tractor trailer in the Bronx ended in a fatal wreck, authorities said. It happened at about 7 a.m. on September 16th along Tiffany Street between Barry Street and Spotfford Avenue in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. The driver of a minivan pulled to the right of a tractor trailer and collided with a box truck, authorities said. It was not immediately known if the box truck was parked or moving at the time of the crash. The minivan passenger was pronounced dead at the hospital. The minivan driver was arrested on unknown charges.

FRED BACCHI

FDNY Trench Rescue St. John’s Cemetery September 5, 2014 at 10:20hrs, FDNY units responded to a report of Cemetery Worker that was trapped in a grave that was being dug. The man was attempting to shore up the hole when he lost his balance and fell into the 8 Foot deep hole. FDNY units shored up the hole and removed the trapped victim. The injured worker was transported to Elmhurst Hospital with Shoulder and leg injuries.

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November, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

JEFF CRIANZA

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Small fire in Queens On September 27, 2014, a small fire broke out in a first floor store at Madison Street and Fresh Pond Road in Queens.

FDNY firefighters arrived at the three brick and quickly extinguished the fire with a can.

JEFF CRIANZA

73 year old woman struck on Upper West Side Just around 8 p.m.on September 7th, a 73 year old female was trying to cross West 90 St and West End Ave, when she was struck by an auto that was being driven by an elderly male. The victim was removed to St Luke’s Hospital in serious condition.

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Truck hits tree in Ridgewood

Fire in three story brownstone

On September 8, 2014, the FDNY was alerted to a truck into a tree at Himord Street and Woodward Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. Limbs fell and wires were down, but the driver walked away without injuries.

On September 7, 2014, a fire broke out on the top floor of a three story brownstone at Halsey Street and Reid Avenue in Brooklyn. FDNY firefighters used four hose lines to extinguish the fire, which extended into the cockloft. Crews also opened the roof to access the fire. No further extension was found.

ALLEN EPSTEIN

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

November, 2014

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November, 2014

FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock

Union Square in Manhattan is a neighborhood that when most people are here, they immediately think of the Marketplace that is open year round, four days a week.

The now-famous Union Square Greenmarket began with just a few farmers in 1976 and has now grown to include over 140 farmers with bakers and fishermen from as many as five different states.

But, it is much more then that.

It is a historical landmark, a popular meeting place, and also serves as an important intersection for the 14th Street subway line and Broadway.

Its name is not derived from labor or federal unions, but denotes a union of two principle thoroughfares of Manhattan.

Union Square and the surrounding streets in the 1830’s was an affluent community with high priced homes and notable merchants like Tiffany & Co. Originally, a fountain was built in the center to receive water from the Croton Aqueduct in 1842. Now, it is famous for its equestrian statue of president George Washington. The statue was unveiled in 1856 and was the first American equestrian sculpture cast in bronze.

The square includes several other statues including one of President Abraham Lincoln. It became a national historic landmark and added to the Register of Pistoric places in December of 1997. “Sweet fourteen,� also known as Engine 14, sits at 14 East 18th Street between 5th Avenue and Broadway. It is another example of a turn of the century firehouse with its architecture, which is no longer seen today.

Built in 1894, it was one of legendary fire department Architect Napoleon Lebrun’s last 42 designs. Much less ornate then his previous firehouses, it was modeled to resemble a town house to fit in with the neighborhood style.

Nonetheless, it is a reminder of a long forgotten era of beauty and style that is no longer captured in an era of modern and contemporary design. The city’s first theater district known as the Rialto was located in and around Union Square in the late 1800’ s, but over time, the theater district moved to its current location due to cheaper rents and larger real estate.

Union Square has seen its share of demonstrations over the years including the first Labor Day celebration in the United States on September 5, 1882. It has also been a gathering point for many political rallies and radicals either making speeches or demonstrations.

The park itself opened in July

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

14 Engine of 1839 and later in 1929 was demolished to make way for an underground concourse for the subway. Alterations made in the 30’s and then major renovations in the 80’s returned the park to its current look.

Gramercy Park, located on 20th and 21st Streets between Park and Third Avenues, is part of the Gramercy Park Historic District. The small fenced-in park is the only private park in New York City. Only people living around the park have a key for access, which they pay an annual fee for.

In the center of the park is a statue of one of the areas most famous residents, Edwin Booth.

Booth was one of the great Shakespearean actors of the 19th century and was the brother of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln.

In September of 1966, the neighborhood was designated a historic district and added to the U.S. Register of Historic Places mainly for its wide array of architecture and pristine aesthetics that date back to 1844.

Besides a beautiful firehouse, there is a beautiful neighborhood with many historic sites and architecture. Engine 14 is one of the original companies in the long storied history of the FDNY. This house was organized on October 6, 1865, with this location being their only home.

That firehouse was replaced and rebuilt by the current one in 1894. The company has had eight line of duty deaths in their history.

- LARRY WOODCOCK

LARRY WOODCOCK

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1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

November, 2014

PAge 7

TRIBUTE IN LIGHTS If you have photos you would like to see in our features please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

ALLEN EPSTEIN

Fire in two buildings in Bushwick On September 20, 2014, FDNY crews were alerted to a fire in Bushwick at Bushwick and Putnam Avenues. Upon arrival, units had heavy fire in a vacant three story frame structure on floors one, two, three as well as extension to exposure two. Five lines were used to extinguish the fire.

STEVE WHITE

STEVE SOLOMONSON

Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance drilling on the street On Monday, September 9th, 2014, members of the Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance located at Schenectady Ave and Ave N in Brooklyn were drilling. They had their hands full as they rendered aid to a pedestrian struck and trapped under an SUV. They eventually removed the victim out from under the Jeep and began to render aid. There were no injuries reported as this was only a drill.

STEVE WHITE

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1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

JEFF CRIANZA

Male struck crossing Bronx Street Just before 9 a.m. on September 22nd, a 59 year old male was crossing the street when he was struck by a minivan. The male was thrown approximately ten feet into the air after being struck. EMS removed the male to Jacobi Hospital with head trauma. NYPD requested the CIS to respond to the scene.

EVAN WEBSTER

FDNY Foam 96 is a 1989 Mack CF foam pumper.

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

November, 2014

PAgE 9

JEFF CRIANZA

Police involved shooting sends one On Monday, September 29, 2014 at approximately 5:44 p.m., two officers assigned to foot posts on East 145 Street and College Avenue observed a male discharging a firearm at the intersection of East 146 Street and College Avenue within the confines of the 40 Precinct.

As the officers responded to the location to investigate, the suspect began running toward their location holding a .22 caliber revolver in his right hand. The suspect then pointed his firearm at one of the officers, at which point the officer's partner discharged his firearm at the suspect,

JUMP TO FILE #093014100

striking him one time in the elbow.

The suspect then dropped the firearm and fled into 414 Morris Avenue, where he was apprehended.

The suspect was brought to Lincoln Hospital in stable condition via EMS. The .22 caliber revolver was recovered at the scene while a .380 caliber firearm was recovered from inside the apartment.

The investigation is ongoing.

JEFF CRIANZA

- JEFF CRIANZA

Your Fire Department VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky

Your Fire Department (1949)

By Quality Information Publishers Available from: FSP Books & videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-5228528 E-mail: support@fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price $12.99 (DVD) This is a 31 minute educational film put forth by the Los Angeles City Fire Department for the benefit of its residents.

Although specifically geared to the apparatus and standard operating procedure of the LAFD, it can be used to inform the general public about how a fire department generally operates.

It is fully narrated and begins with the start of a fire and how people summon the fire department.

From that point on, it covers how fire stations are distributed within a community and how many are designed to blend in with the neighborhood by means of architecture.

Moving on, the video explains the different types of major fire apparatus, what their responsibilities are and how they operate.

In Los Angeles, there are both two piece and one piece engine companies and the difference on how each operates is shown.

Manifold units, which carry larger diameter hose and can distribute many hose lines at fires such as at industrial plants, is also illustrated. Ladder companies and their duties are outlined as well as that of salvage companies.

The diversification of the city breaks down other types of fire protection such as with mountain patrol stations, where brush patrol and tankers are stationed and where positive water supply is more scarce.

Bulldozers also play a part in this type of firefighting. Add to that, fireboats protect some 45 miles of harbor area.

Water towers and heavy stream appliances are explained and illustrated when fires get large. Utility companies bring floodlights and generators for night operations and they also serve coffee for rehab. Foamite companies are used at petroleum fires at facilities and on the road. At airports, crash trucks are there for aviation emergencies. Finally ambulances are featured with their life saving capabilities.

From the apparatus, the video goes to the administration, explaining the duties of the chief of department, deputy chief, assistant chiefs, battalions chiefs and captains.

A further breakdown explains the duties of the engineer, tillerman, hosemen, truckmen and salvage men.

The fire department entrance exam is touched on along with the medical exam and training.

The communications office is next, explaining its operation and how alarms are received and transmitted.

Arson investigations and fire prevention activities are also explained and a reminder is put forth that fire prevention is everybody’s responsibility.

Though this is an old movie, the principles are still the same and it is a good way to explain the functions of the different parts of the fire department.

The old scenes also add a little flair with what would now be antique fire apparatus and of course the way we used to dress in the years gone by.

JEFF CRIANZA

JEFF CRIANZA

Early morning fatal accident At least one person is dead after a possible wrong-way driver collided with a dump truck Tuesday, September 23rd in the Bronx. It happened near Jerome Avenue and 233rd Street. Initial information from the scene suggests the driver of a sedan with handicapped license plates was traveling against traffic, when he collided with a dump truck leased by the New York City Department of Transportation. The driver of the sedan, identified only as a 63-year-old man, was killed in the crash. The dump truck driver was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

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1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

FACES FROM AROUND NEW YORK CITY To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

FDNY LADDER 49

FDNY Ladder 49

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY Engine 83 and Ladder 29

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Members of the FDNY Family Transport at the 9-11 “Tribute in Light” photo shoot.

RON JEFFERS

Chief of the 22 Battalion, John A. Calderone, surveys an all hands fire involving a large area of brush off of Quintard Street, Staten Island, from 77 Truck's bucket on September 19th.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY TL-31

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

FDNY Engine 71 & Ladder 55.

1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY

November, 2014

PAge 11

FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

Don’t Move a Muscle Okay, I knew that would get you. What’s the catch? Well, none really. Here’s a quickie fill-in workout for you on those days you are away from the gym, have very little time or just want a neat little change. You don’t have to move, but you will still have to work.

Ooops! I guess that’s the catch.

Ahhh, buck up and try it anyway.

Those who have are reporting all ‘thumbs up'!

Assume each of the following positions. The goal is to hold them for 30-40 seconds, but if that is out of reach, begin by holding as long as you possibly can. Perform each position once and then repeat the sequence for a total of 2-3 times.

Follow with stretching. It’s a change from the usual, as once you assume the position there is no movement. Sounds simple? It is.

Easy? Well you tell me. Really…Tell me. I’d love to hear from you!

Begin with a traditional “pushup” position and hold for 30-40 seconds. For a greater challenge try raising one foot off the floor (maintain straight leg) for ½ the time and the other for the remaining ½.

Next assume a squat position with your back against a wall. Be sure to sit with your hips flexed 90 degrees. Your feet are slightly wider than shoulder width apart and are placed at a distance from the wall so that when you are seated your knees are positioned directly over your ankles. If your knees are over your toes your feet are too close to the wall and if your knees are over your heels you are too far away. Hold for 30-40 seconds. For a greater challenge you can rise up on the toes lifting the heels off the floor.

Sit on the floor or on the edge

of a chair. Feet are flat and shoulder width apart. Knees are bent.

Hands are placed just behind the hips, in tight against the body with fingers pointing toward the feet.

(You may recognize this as the “start” position for a bench dip).

Lift the hips off the floor (chair) and hold for 30-40 seconds. For a greater challenge raise one foot off the floor for ½ the time and the other for the remaining ½.

Lie on your back, knees bent.

Feet are flat on the floor shoulder width apart. Arms are on the floor extended out to the side. Raise the hips and hold for 30-40 seconds.

For a greater challenge extend one leg straight up for ½ the time and the other for the remaining ½.

Assume a traditional plank position. Lie on your stomach. Rest on your forearms with elbows flexed 90 degrees. Tuck your toes and raise your body. (This is similar to the push-up position, but you are resting on your forearms instead of the palms. Hold for 30-40 seconds. For a greater challenge, raise either one leg or arm off the floor for ½ the time and the other for the remaining ½. For an amazing challenge, raise the opposing arm and leg at the same time for ½ the time and the others for the remaining ½.

Repeat the entire sequence a total of 2-3 times and follow with stretching.

This static workout is a great addition to a traditional strength training routine. Many of my clients have found it a useful alternative once or twice each month on those days where they were short on time/equipment or just looking for a change.

As always, remember to receive clearance from your physician before beginning any exercise routine.

Additional Firefighter Fitness columns by Lori Hodgkinson can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com

ALLEN EPSTEIN

One car accident in Queens On September 23, 2014, FDNY crews were alerted to a one vehicle accident at 72 Street and Queens Boulevard in Queens. The driver with minor injuries was the only person injured in the accident. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Charities helped by bus trip Once again, the Annual FDNY Benefit Bus Trip has raised hundreds of dollars that will be donated to the FDNY–UFA Widow’s and Children’s Fund and the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas.

About forty friends from across New Jersey plus from New York state and Connecticut traveled through the South Bronx stopping at numerous firehouses photographing the apparatus, buying T-shirts and trading war stories. A good time was had by all for a great cause.

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1st Responder Newspaper - FDNY