This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of the New York City Fire Department PUBLISHING SINCE 1993
FDNY NEWS
WWW.1RBN.COM
SEPTEMBER, 2015
ALLEN EPSTEIN
On July 31, 2015, an all hands was required at Woodbine Street and 60th Place in Queen for fire on the second floor. Crews arrived at a four brick apartment house and found fire in the rear of the second floor. - See full story on page 10
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Two cars and truck collide in Maspeth On July 30, 2015, two cars collided with a parked truck at 66th Street and Grand Avenue in Maspeth, Queens. One patient was removed and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Squad 288 and Ladder 14 worked the scene. The cause is under investigation.
JEFF CRIANZA
Highway 1 RMP involved in collision Just before 11 p.m. on June 18th, an unmarked NYPD Highway 1 car was involved in a collision with a civilian auto. Both officers were removed by FDNY EMS to Jacobi Hospital and the driver of the civilian auto was taken to Lincoln Hospital.
EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Watercraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
All hands working in Ridgewood On July 19, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to Madison Street and Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens for fire in a two brick commercial on the first floor with apartments above. Crews found fire on the second floor. The main body of fire was quickly extinguished with one hose line.
FDNY Marine 9 (Firefighter 343-2) giving a water display off the coast of Staten Island.
STEVE WHITE
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
PAGE 3
September, 2015
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Ridgewood man impaled on iron fence On July 19, 2015, FDNY firefighters and EMS were dispatched to Woodward Avenue and Stockholm Street in Ridgewood, Queens for a male impaled in a fence. According to reports, the male was riding a bicycle, fell off, and landed on the fence. FDNY firefighters cut the fence around him and a he was transported to Wyckoff Heights Hospital in serious condition. Units followed the ambulance to the hospital to assist with eventual removal of the fence.
JOHN HOPPER
Train traffic halted for Bronx second alarm On July 15, 2015 at approximately 2:50 p.m., Bronx dispatchers received a telephone alarm for Box 4841 at 4045 White Plains Road at East 228 Street reporting an electrical fire in a store. Moments later, Engine 63 arrived on scene first due and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in a one story taxpayer. Battalion 15 arrived and put all hands to work and requested an additional engine and tower ladder (E97/TL41). The 15 also requested that train traffic on the above 2 line
JUMP TO FILE #072015125 to be shut down. Two lines were stretched and put into operation. The fire quickly extended up into the cockloft, requiring a transmission of a second alarm by Division 7. Fire in the original store and cockloft was quickly knocked down. A primary search was conducted and came up negative. Trucks began to open up and
search for any additional pockets of fire. Division 7 requested two additional truck companies to the scene (Ladder 61 and Ladder 56). The fire was placed probably will hold and the rescue and squad were released. The incident was placed under control with an approximate one hour duration. - JOHN HOPPER
MEMORIES
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ALLEN EPSTEIN
Train and tractor trailer collide in Queens In the early morning hours of July 8th, a train hauling garbage collided with a tractor trailer at Mastic Avenue and Rush Street in Queens. The fire was quickly extinguished by responding FDNY units. The driver of the truck was removed with serious injuries. No one on the train was injured. On the scene were the FDNY, NYPD and EMS units.
RUSSELL CURLEY
FDNY Ladder 147 was a 1978 Seagrave 100 foot tractor trailer tiller. This photo was taken at an alarm in 1984. This was Ladder 147's last all red rig before they changed to white over red fire apparatus.
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September, 2015
FDNY HOUSES FDNY HOUSES by Larry Woodcock
The FDNY turned 150 years old this year. From a historical standpoint, 150 years is not long. New York City has had a fire department as far back as 1648, when the first fire wardens were appointed. In 1865, the department was organized into a paid department with boroughs segregated and operating as separate entities. And, in January of 1898, the merger was completed and the department became one. One question frequently asked is why it is called the Fire Department of New York instead of the New York City Fire Department. That is because there was a fire department before there was a New York City. In the beginning, it was called New Amsterdam until 1664. Other then the military, we would be hard pressed to find an organization that has brought more joy and happiness and on the other hand more agony and sorrow then the FDNY. 1169 men have died in the line of duty protecting the lives of this city and fellow firefighters. Surprisingly and given the amount of fires and risks taken, more have not been killed. Countless others have suffered career ending and life changing injuries. Many more have died from job related cancers shortly after retirement, easily putting that total over 10,000. Many members are fighting post 9-11 cancers that continue to plague the department. A close friend of mine has just been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer from working at the World Trade Center, forcing his retirement from Queens and making his future very uncertain.
Additional FDNY Houses columns by Larry Woodcock can be found at www.1rbn.com
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
Celebrating 150 years, the FDNY
Numerous high profile events and fires have made an impact on this city and for certain more will occur in the future. Over 4,000 years of experience was lost on September 11th, including many high ranking officers and chiefs, who like in years past stood by the men and went down with them. FDNY firefighters and officers developed policies and procedures used by fire departments across the country and around the world. Their influence and knowledge as well as expertise are far reaching. Sure, books have been written and FDNY firemen span an entire century and some have even invented tools, but it’s the men and the stories that make this institution what it is today. Talk to any men, who worked in the war years, and they will affectionately refer to it as the glory days. I am constantly aware of the impact this department has had on people’s lives when at Christmas party’s and company functions, members who retired for many years show up just to see the old place and talk about those times and the men they worked with. This job and the friends I have because of it have made such a profound impact on my life that I can only wonder what it would have been like to be part of the FDNY, bittersweet for me. My father spent 27 years on the job in New Jersey and was a pretty tough man. He told me that he envies them. In March of 1911, 146 immigrant workers were killed when a fire trapped them on the upper floors of a ten-story building located at Washington Place and Greene Streets in Manhattan, known as the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. The fire so outraged then Chief of the Department Edward Croker, who was one of the most influential and colorful men in the
history of the FDNY, that he resigned as a direct result of the fire to start his own fire prevention company, which is still in existence today. A plaque is located on the outside of the building commemorating the tragedy. This past March was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Happy Land Social Club fire, where eighty-seven people were trapped and perished in a fire that was started by a jealous lover trying to get back at his former girlfriend, who had already left the building. This year Rescue Company 1 turned 100 years old in March. It is the first rescue company in New York City and the first rescue company in the United States. August 2nd marked the thirtyeighth anniversary of the Waldbaums Supermarket fire and collapse in Brooklyn that claimed the lives of six firemen. To this day as a child, I can still see the pictures in the Daily News, that my father brought home and showed me. October of next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Wonder Drug Store fire, also known as the 23rd Street fire that took the lives of twelve firemen from division chief right the line to a probie. August 17th, eight years ago while visiting a friend at 10 and 10, I witnessed from start to finish the seven-alarm fire that killed two firemen and where an unprecedented twenty maydays were called by members trapped, miraculously no one else was killed. Let us not forget Chief Smoky Joe Martin, who fought fires in the city for 46 years despite being injured and killed multiple times. Doctor Harry Archer, who rather then becoming a private physician, chose to respond to fires throughout the city and tended to injured firemen and civilians for sixty years, never receiving any compensation. These events and people don’t
scratch the surface of one of the greatest organizations in the world whose history and men served are the epitome of sacrifice and duty to serve. Their memories should always be cherished and never forgotten. Everyday of the year, there is an anniversary of some kind within the FDNY. The city that never sleeps will always have some tales to tell. I implore you to
get these books “The Fires” and “The Bravest 1865 to 2002”. They are quintessential books on the history of the FDNY. Happy 150 Years to the Fire Department City of New York and to all my friends on the job current and retired, and to the ones I never had the pleasure to meet. Thank you for the difference you have made in my life.
IN SERVICE
If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
STEVE WHITE
This apparatus is a rear mount Ferrara specially deigned for the 150th Anniversay of the FDNY.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
PAGE 5
September, 2015
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
STEVE WHITE
FDNY Anniversary Ladder at the FDNY Block Party
Area resident enjoying the fun with the FDNY
JEFF CRIANZA
JEFF CRIANZA
FDNY continues Summer block party community events The FDNY is continuing the department’s 150th anniversary celebration by hosting a series of 12 Summer Block Party community events at firehouses and EMS stations in all five boroughs. The Summer Block Parties are made possible by generous support from the FDNY Foundation. Those in attendance will be
JUMP TO FILE #072515106 able to take part in raffles to win FDNY items and other prizes. FDNY members will also be distributing fire safety coloring books and fire helmets for children, flashlights and other FDNY
150th Anniversary items. All children in attendance can meet the FDNY Fire and Life Safety Mascots, Hot Dog and Siren, as well as take part in obstacle courses, dance performances and other activities led by local community groups. - JEFF CRIANZA
STEVE WHITE
FDNY appreciation night Staten Island, NY. FDNY Chief of Department, James Leonard received a plaque from the Staten Island Yankees in appreciation for his 35 years of service to the FDNY and the City of New York.
September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
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PAGE 8
September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
FRED BACCHI
JOHN HOPPER
All hands in the Bronx
On Thursday, July 30, 2015 at approximately 8:30 p.m., Bronx companies turned out to 2477 Grand Avenue at West 190 Street for a report of a fire in a multiple dwelling. Engine 75 quickly arrived on scene and transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in the basement of a five story occupied multiple dwelling. Battalion 19 arrived on scene and put All Hands to work. Two lines were stretched and put into operation. The fire was contained to the basement and was quickly placed doubtful. An extra truck was requested for overhaul (Ladder 38) and an extra engine was requested for relief (Engine 81). The fire was determined suspicious and placed under control with an approximate 45 minute duration.
IN SERVICE
If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
FRED BACCHI
Three alarms in Elmhurst At 2:50 a.m. on August 10th, Queens fire units responded to a reported structure fire at 52 Ave and 70 Street, in the Elmhurst section of the Borough. Squad 288 transmitted the 1075 followed closely by Battalion 46 with the transmission of the second alarm. The original fire building was a two story brick 20x40, attached on both sides. Fire started in the basement and quickly spread to the upper floors of 70-09 52 Avenue. Fire had then
JUMP TO FILE #081015117 spread to each exposure. All the residents from the homes were able to self evacuate. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and one other person refused medical attention at the scene. The fire was under control at 4:50 a.m. - FRED BACCHI
FDNY Special Operations command apparatus
STEVE WHITE
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
September, 2015
PAGE 9
IN SERVICE
If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
STEVE WHITE
FDNY ambulance designed for the 150th anniversary of the FDNY.
JEFF CRIANZA
Two construction workers trapped after collapse
STEVE WHITE
This apparatus is a rear mount Ferrara specially deigned for the 150th Anniversay of the FDNY.
Just before 9 a.m. on August 4th, FDNY responded to a report of two men buried under a column that collapsed inside a building under construction. Upon arrival, they found two men, who were working on a column for an elevator when it collapsed on top of them. Both men were able to free themselves and EMS transported them to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
Codes, Rules, and Initiatives, a Safety Refresher - Part IV STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
The 16 Life Safety Initiatives (FLSI) were jointly developed by representatives of the major fire service constituencies in 2004 at a Firefighter Safety Summit in Tampa, FL and passed off to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to implement. In March, 2014 they reconvened to review and assess the effectiveness of the 10 year campaign. It was reported 955 firefighters died in the line of duty that time period, averaging 95 firefighter deaths per each of the 10 years. These figures indicate that progress has been slow and that more work still must be done to reduce firefighter deaths.
The 16 Life Safety Initiatives are as follows: 1) Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety, incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability, & personal responsibility. 2) Enhance the personal & organizational accountability for
health & safety throughout the fire service. 3) Focus greater attention on the integration of risk management with incident management at all levels, including strategic, tactical, & planning responsibilities. 4) Empower all firefighters to stop unsafe practices. 5) Develop and implement national standards for training, qualifications, and certification (including regular re-certification) that are equally applicable to all firefighters, based on the duties they are expected to perform. 6) Develop & implement national medical & physical fitness standards that are equally applicable to all firefighters, based on the duties they are expected to perform. 7) Create a national research agenda & data collection system that relate to the initiatives. 8) Utilize available technology wherever it can produce higher levels of health & safety. 9) Thoroughly investigate all firefighter fatalities, injuries, & near-misses. 10) Ensure grant programs support the implementation of safe practices and/or mandate safe practices as an eligibility requirement. 11) Develop & champion national standards for emergency response policies & procedures. 12) Develop & champion na-
tional protocols for response to violent incidents. 13) Provide firefighters & their families’ access to counseling & psychological support. 14) Provide public education more resources & champion it as a critical fire & life safety program. 15) Strengthen advocacy for the enforcement of codes & the installation of home fire sprinklers. 16) Make safety a primary consideration in the design of fire apparatus.
The NFFF also includes the “Everyone Goes Home” program that has to do with returning to quarters from each and every alarm with the same number of members as you departed with. It goes further than alarms, it also includes everyday fire service duties, station activities, and non emergency functions performed on a regular basis. Everyone Goes Home is a program meant to reduce the annual number of line-of-duty deaths, and if you review the annual LODD causes, you will note that not all firefighter deaths occur at an emergency scene. Has your department adopted the 16 Life Safety Initiatives, if not, why not? Stir the pot, blow the siren, bang the drum and make some noise until they do. Stay abreast of all the informa-
tion and programs offered to the fire service from the NFFF and the Everybody Goes Home program, information that will help keep you safe. For additional information on the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives and other related firefighter safety information go to: Everyone Goes Home-http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/16-initiatives/ The last code in this series of articles is the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Service Association (FEMSA) PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY CODE. The code should serve as a warning for emergency responders to be sure they understand their role and responsibility in their own safety relative to using, wearing, or operating any new equipment or protective clothing. Training must be provided in the use, precautions, and care of any equipment you may be called upon to use. DANGER! Personal Responsibility Code The member companies of FEMSA that provide emergency response equipment and services want responders to know and understand the following:
1. Firefighting and Emergency Response are inherently dangerous activities requiring proper training
in their hazards and the use of extreme caution at all times. 2. It is your responsibility to read and understand any user’s instructions, including purpose and limitations, provided with any piece of equipment you may be called upon to use. 3. It is your responsibility to know that you have been properly trained in Firefighting and /or Emergency Response and in the use, precautions, andhttp://www.1strespondernews.c om/webpages/Correspondent/Spell Check.aspx?Modal=true care of any equipment you may be called upon to use. 4. It is your responsibility to be in proper physical condition and to maintain the personal skill level required to operate any equipment you may be called upon to use. 5. It is your responsibility to know that your equipment is in operable condition and has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 6. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in death, burns or other severe injury.
You can contact FEMSA at Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Service Association P.O. Box 147, Lynnfield, MA 01940-0147 • www.FEMSA.org Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
PAGE 10
September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
JOHN HOPPER
Car into a building in the Bronx
On Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at approximately 5:45 p.m., Bronx fire companies turned to out 627 East Tremont Avenue between Hughes Avenue and Arthur Avenue for a report of a car that crashed into a store. Battalion 18 shortly arrived on scene along with the first due units (Engine 45 and Tower Ladder 58) and found a car backed into the front of a one story deli with no structural damage. The 18 shortly dropped down to using one engine and one truck and Rescue Company 3. The scene was turned over to the police and units took up.
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Three residents and cat treated at Queens all hands On July 31, 2015, an all hands was required at Woodbine Street and 60th Place in Queen for fire on the second floor. Crews arrived at a four brick apartment house and found fire in the rear of the second floor. Two hose lines were used to extinguish the blaze. Three residents were treated for smoke inhalation as well as a pet cat.
DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
JOHN HOPPER
All hands in the Bronx
STEVE WHITE
Rescue 5 in Staten Island recently hosted wounded war vets in conjunction with the Wounded Warriors Project.
On Sunday, August 2, 2015 at approximately 5:45 p.m., Bronx companies turned out to 4112 Carpenter Avenue at East 230 Street for a report of a fire in the rear. Battalion 15 quickly arrived on scene and transmitted a 10-75 for a heavy smoke condition on the corner of Carpenter and 230. Companies made their way to the rear to find an exterior fire working its way upward of a three story 20x60 frame. The 15 put All Hands to work and requested an additional engine and truck (Engine 66/Ladder 37). Two lines were stretched and put into operation. The fire spread up to the third floor and eventually knocked down. Searches were conducted and found negative. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 45 minute duration.
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY
September, 2015
PAGE 11
ALLEN EPSTEIN
Top floor fire in Glendale On August 5, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to 66 Street and 70 Avenue in Glendale, Queens for a fire. They arrived to find fire on the top floor in three rooms and used two hose lines to knock it down.
JOHN HOPPER
Two transported from Bronx all hands On July 15, 2015 at approximately 4:15 p.m., Bronx dispatchers received a phone alarm reporting a fire in a private dwelling at 127 White Plains Road. Shortly after receiving multiple calls reporting a fire in a multiple dwelling at 1227 White Plains Road between Westchester and Gleason Avenues dispatchers redirected the units responding from the initial address to the corrected address. Due to the amount of phone
JUMP TO FILE #072015123 calls dispatchers received, they assigned four engines and three trucks, including Rescue 3 and Squad 61. Shortly after, Ladder 129 acting 41 transmitted a 10-75 for a fire on the second floor of a six story 50x100 multiple dwelling. Battalion 18 arrived on scene and transmitted an All Hands. One
line was stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down. Primary and secondary searches were conducted and came up negative. Two 10-45 Code 3's (fire victim with non-life threatening injuries) were declared and were transported by EMS. The incident was placed under control with an approximate 40 minute duration. - 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
Top floor fire in bushwick
On July 4, 2015, FDNY firefighters were dispatched to a fire at Wyckoff and Greene Avenues in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Crews found fire in a three frame on the top floor with extension to the cockloft. No extension was found in the exposures. Four hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.
FDNY Engine 90 is a 2016 KME 2000/500
JOHN HOPPER
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - FDNY