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SEPTEMBER, 2016
WEST SAYVILLE FD
Oakdale, NY - On June 19th, the West Sayville Fire Department responded to a call on Race Place in Oakdale. Upon arrival, smoke was seen coming from the roof.
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September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
KEN SNYDER
Unique rig from Long Island SOUTHAMPTON FD
Southampton, NY- In early July, the Southampton Fire Department responded to a grill fire, located at a condo complex in the village. Upon arrival, the fire was quickly extinguished. Firefighter Tara Collins calmed the children from the neighboring house, helping them realize that everything was okay.
West Sayville responds to Father’s Day fire Oakdale, NY - On June 19th, the West Sayville Fire Department responded to a call on Race Place in Oakdale. Upon arrival, smoke was seen coming from the roof. It was confirmed that there was fire in the attic, which was quickly knocked down before it could spread to the attached units. The Bohemia Fire Department, Sayville Fire Department, East
JUMP TO FILE #081016109 Islip Fire Department, Bayport Fire Department and Sayville Community Ambulance were also on-scene to assist.
Harrisburg, PA - On July 9th, the PA Pump Primers held their Annual Muster on the Susquehanna River. At this apparatus buff's delight were numerous rigs, including a rear mount pumper from the North Sea Fire Department, located in Suffolk County, NY. This unit is a 1976 Ford F-600 4x4 /Young 750/700.
BELLMORE-MERRICK EMS “Your Volunteer Ambulance Company” Since 1971
- WEST SAYVILLE FD
You see our history. Become our future.
We accept members from outside districts. Hours are done via posted shifts in 4 hour tours, two times/week.
Membership Drive in Progress. Call 785-7700 or Email:
membership@bmems.org TODAY! WEST SAYVILLE FD
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
September, 2016
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September, 2016
ADVERTISER
INDEX
A guide to finding great companies
Company
Page
Bellmore-Merrick EMS Firematic
2 12
Grant Guys
6
Long Island Mega Show
11
Safety & Environmental
7
Task Force Tips
3
CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 17 No. 8 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for t y p o graphical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
The Human Factors, a Contributing Factor in Firefighter Injury and Death, Part III STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
This article, along with the two previous articles, first appeared when I initially started writing this column, "Staying Safe," 15-years-ago. I repeated it six-years-ago with slight modification, and feel it still holds true today as a leading cause of firefighter injury and death. It can serve as a refresher for senior firefighters and as a safety lesson for newer firefighters. There are those firefighters who believe they are impervious to injury and that accidents don’t happen to them; therefore they can do and act as they wish. The taking of foolish chances and avoidable risks under the guise of being a “macho” firefighter can lead to injury and death. This is Human Error at its worse and any personnel displaying this type of action requires strong supervision, discipline and additional training to correct the behavior. In most circumstances, the problem will be remedied. Personnel who believe they operate in a protected environment, safe and free from harm, just because of the nature of the service they provide, are setting themselves up for disaster. Horseplay and practical jokes have been in the fire service from its origin and when done occasionally and in good taste, they can contribute to the morale of the organization while building camaraderie and providing a form of stress relief. It is important that horseplay not get out of control and that it is not demeaning, offensive, or derogatory, and also that it does not compromise safety. The biggest negative factor regarding horseplay is that it has the tendency to get out of control and it is then when stupidity is interjected that the problems and unsafe acts begin. Any form of horseplay at the scene of an emergency should not be permitted because it becomes a diversion of one’s concentration from the tasks at hand and increases the risk for unsafe acts. Supervision and department policy will control to what extent horseplay may be tolerated, if at all. There is a feeling among many firefighters, especially the newer firefighters, that to seek help in order to accomplish a task or chore is reflective of their inability to get the job done, while in actuality, they may be increasing their risk of being injured. As previously mentioned, “you do not have to know how to do everything," and with that I include, “you don’t have to do everything alone.” There are many functions on the emergency
scene that require team effort and if the task you have been assigned to needs more than one set of hands or eyes, request them. You may need someone to assist you with lifting, raising a ladder, or to protect your back when opening a roof. Strains, sprains and falls add to the number of injuries each year that can be prevented, simply by seeking a helping hand. If there are not enough personnel on-scene, call for additional help. If upon arrival it looks like you will need more personnel, call immediately, as you will need lead time before they are on-scene and available to assist. The old proverb still exists, “call for help early, if you don’t need them, they can go back home, but if you do, they are on the way!” Adequate on-scene personnel greatly reduces the potential for unsafe acts and injuries. Common sense, something that was always the hallmark of the American persona, has been on the decline in our country and has appeared within the ranks of emergency service. Common sense is the basic brain function that helps keep us safe and generally acts as our gut reaction and alarm system, which (should) alert us to danger. If something doesn't look right, it probably isn't. That is how simple it is! You don’t need a ruler to measure how far the distance is between the base of the ladder and the wall in order to check for a safe climbing angle. If it doesn't look safe, it isn't. When you are crawling down that long, smoke filled hallway and the flames start to roll back in your direction, it is common sense that tells you to slow down, open the nozzle, or get the heck out! Common sense, when used in addition to our other senses, is an integral part of our built-in personal alert system. Pay attention to it, as it may very well save your life. These are just some of the Human Factors that contribute to human error, which in turn contribute to unsafe acts, followed by an increase in accidents and the possibility of death and injury. Until we can control the excitement, speed and adrenaline rush that kick in during emergency response while also overpowering the thought process, we remain at risk. Human error is a behavioral problem that is controllable through training, supervision and thought. Think about what you are going to do, before you do it. Think about what can go wrong in the task you are about to do. Think about the risks involved and weigh them against what you intend to accomplish. Always take the time to think. Just because you put your helmet on your head doesn't mean you have to remove your thinking cap! Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
WEST SAYVILLE FD
West Sayville Fire Department's Flying Dutchmen drill team.
Flying Dutchmen win again at Riverhead Riverhead, NY - On July 16th, the West Sayville Fire Department's Flying Dutchmen drill team once again came out on top, vying against fourteen other volunteer fire departments from Suffolk County, at the Riverhead Fire Department Annual Invitational Drill. Stringing together a top-five finish in each of the eight contests, including four first-place efforts, the Flying Dutchmen accumulated a total of 29-out-of-40 points to take home the top honors. The invitational tournament is in it's 30th consecutive year, and was part of the Riverhead Fire Department’s 180th-Anniversary celebration. The Islip Wolves garnered second-place overall with 21points, while the Central Islip Hoboes and North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers shared thirdplace, each earning 17-points. The Lindenhurst Snails rounded out the top-five, with a 15-point effort. The victory was the third of the Summer for West Sayville, with the first two victories taking place in Lindenhurst at the Long Island Invitational Drill, followed by the Suffolk County title at Central Islip. The victory marks their
JUMP TO FILE #072016101 170th win since the team first stepped foot on the track, in 1892.
The Flying Dutchmen led the way from the first-through-thelast contests, by placing first in the Three Man Ladder (6.34 seconds), B Ladder (5.18 seconds), C Ladder (9.01 seconds and Motor Pump (6.02 seconds) contests; third in C Hose (12.95 seconds) and B Hose (8.45 seconds); fourth in Efficiency (9.30 seconds) and fifth in Buckets (27.26 seconds). The 2016 Riverhead Invitational Champions are coached by Frank R. Miller, Sr., Robert Marra and G. Scott Schrader; led by Captain Michael Marra and Lieutenant Chad Leigh-Manuell; and, comprised of David Banks, Kristy Banks, Kevin Candido, Louis Christensen, Brian D’Onofrio, Patrick Garrett, William Hothan, Ryan Huguenin, Casey Johnson, Frank R. Miller, Jr., Robert Noonan, Richard Quenzer, Joseph Quenzer, Gary A. Schaum, Daniel Tenney and Ryan Tenney. - WEST SAYVILLE FD
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9/11 Memorial Monument unveiled in Port Washington Port Washington, NY - A 9/11 Memorial Monument was unveiled on July 31st at Manorhaven Village Hall. The monument was created by Kyle DiLeo as an Eagle Scout project.
September, 2016
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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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JUMP TO FILE #081016108 - PORT WASHINGTON FD
KEVIN MADIGAN
Mastic Beach, NY - Mastic Beach FD uses this 1977 R Model Mack 1,500-GPM Pumper.
RUSSELL CURLEY
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North Babylon, NY - North Babylon Vol. Fire Co. uses this 1990 Pierce Lance 1,500-GPM Top Mount Pumper. KEVIN MADIGAN
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September, 2016
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Oceanside rescues kitten from storm drain Oceanside, NY - On the very hot and humid evening of Tuesday, July 14th, the Oceanside Fire Department received a call via the Nassau County Police 9-1-1 call center, of a cat stuck in a storm drain, in the parking lot of South Nassau Communities Hospital. Chief Kevin Klein was first onscene and confirmed he heard "meowing" coming from the hole. Truck Co. 1 and EMS personnel responded, along with Chief of Department JT Madden and Chief Dave Bettes. After removing the drain grating, a gas meter was lowered into the hole to check for any hazardous gasses. Once the storm
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JUMP TO FILE #081016108 drain was deemed safe, a ladder was placed into the hole and FF Charles "Chuck" Pedian, while attached to a safety line, climbed down and located the kitten. The feline was brought up to street level, and quickly scampered away to live out it's remaining eight lives. Members of the Nassau County PD and Emergency Ambulance Bureau were also on-scene to assist. - OCEANSIDE FD
RUSSELL CURLEY
Mount Sinai, NY - Mount Sinai FD's 1977 Mack "CF" Tower Ladder once served the North Massapequa Fire Department in Nassau County.
MEMORIES
KEITH LANE/OFD
If you have photos you would like to see in our Memories feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
KEITH LANE/OFD
We write and track your Federal & State Grants!
“Grantguys� www.grantguys.us. Email: info@grantguys.us
Riverhead, NY - Riverhead FD's 1966 Seagrave Mid Mount, 75-foot Aerial Ladder.
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DRILLS If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
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September, 2016
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For more info contact: 631-586-1745 • info@sesllc.org KEITH LANE/OFD
Oceanside, NY - Members of the Oceanside Fire Department train on a weekly basis in order to learn new techniques, hone their existing skills and also to pass on their knowledge to newer members. Recently, crews from Engine Co.1, Hose Co.1 and Truck Co.1, got together at Oceanside FD's training center, located at Fireman's Field, for some "master stream" training. This is an operation that isn't used very often, where large amounts of water, upwards of 500-gallons-per-minute are flowed from either tower ladders or deck guns at the scene of a large fire.
www.sesllc.com 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
KEITH LANE/OFD
Southampton, NY - Southampton FD's 1941 Mack Type 500, 750-GPM Pumper. KEITH LANE/OFD
RUSSELL CURLEY
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September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
Merrick Fire Chief Thomas Gies named NYSAFC 2016 “New York State Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award” recipient East Schodack, NY - The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), is pleased to announce the 2016 recipient of it's “New York State Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award,” Chief Thomas W. Gies of the Merrick Fire Department. The award was presented during the General Session of the NYSAFC 110th Annual Conference & FIRE 2016 Expo, held on June 16th, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY. NYSAFC’s “Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award” honoree is selected for demonstrating exemplary leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the fire service of New York state as a whole. Gies comes from a firefighting family and has been a member of the Merrick Fire Department since 2002, and a firefighter with the Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) since 2004. During his 14-years with the Merrick Fire Department, he has served as a company officer for more than seven years, and has worked diligently to improve the department’s training and EMS programs. On February 19, 2015, while serving as Assistant Chief, Gies responded to a mutual aid fire in North Bellmore, NY. Upon ar-
BUDDY SHOT
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shot” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JUMP TO FILE #070816117 rival, he was advised that there was a report of possible entrapment. Gies entered the two-story cape-home, with fire rapidly extending from the basement to the first and second-floors. After giving a report of heavy fire and smoke in the basement, he immediately called a “Mayday," upon seeing two firefighters who had fallen through the first-floor and into the fully involved basement. Instead of trying to escape the heat and flames, Gies went to assist his fellow firefighters, who were disoriented and unsure of how to escape. Crawling down the stairs below the heavy smoke and flames, he made his way to the first firefighter, leading him to the stairs, so that he could make his way out. Gies then returned to look for the second firefighter, bringing him back to the stairs and to eventual safety as well. Thanks to the quick actions of Gies, both firefighters were treated for only minor injuries. For leadership in the fire service and bravery above and beyond the call of duty, NYSAFC honors Chief Thomas Gies with this prestigious award. - NYSAFC
OCEANSIDE FD
Long Beach, NY - On Sunday, July 17th, under a beautiful blue sky, the boys from Truck Co. 1 once again took part in the Long Beach FD Wounded Warriors Parade, in conjunction with the Waterfront Warriors. Tower Ladder-244, along with the brothers from LB Tower Ladder-2372, formed one-of-five arches, welcoming the heroes and their families to Long Beach for a week of great events. The officers and members of the Oceanside Fire Department thank you for your service.
ON THE LITER SIDE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “On the Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
PROVIDED
L to R: Volunteer Chief of the Year Award recipient Thomas Gies and NYSAFC 2015-2016 President Daniel Schwertfeger.
PORT WASHINGTON FD
www.1rbn.com
Port Washington, NY - On July 15th, PWFD Chief Brian Waterson and PWPD Officer John Steadman (both members of the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Co.1), worked together to remove a storm drain cover in order to rescue six baby ducklings from a storm drain.
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
September, 2016
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DRILLS
If you have photos you would like to see in our “On the Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RUSSELL CURLEY
Units respond to general-alarm in Lake Grove
WEST SAYVILLE FD
West Sayville, NY - On August 9th, the members of the West Sayville Fire Department attended Class "A" (residental house), fire training, which simulated a house fire.
Join the Heroes Team!
Lake Grove, NY - On June 6th, the East Farmingdale Fire Department was toned out for a general-alarm, located on Sarah Drive. Mutual aid was requested, bringing Farmingdale, Melville and Wyandanch Fire Company to the scene. Thanks to the four departments working together, the fire was quickly knocked down and only minimal damage was done.
ON THE LITER SIDE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “On the Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
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OCEANSIDE FD
Oceanside, NY - On a very hot July 27th, the 6th graders from the Oceanside Summer Rec. Program held a car wash at School 6. Drivers got a clean car in exchange for a donation of non-perishable food items, which the kids will be donating to a local food pantry. The boys and girls were woking hard under the hot July sun, so the crews from Hose Co.1 and Engine Co.1 decided to take a ride over to cool the kids off with their deck guns. Needless to say, everyone had a great time.
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September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
Beachwood, N.J. Fire Department starts Pro-Police trend in support of Dallas Beachwood, NJ - The guys from Beachwood FD put a sign up at their station in support of police after the recent police shootings in Dallas, TX. Shortly after, many other fire departments and EMS squads across Ocean County in N.J. followed suit, posting their own supportive signs. The "I Got Your Back" slogan was started by Sugarland, Texas Firefighter Greg Hopper approxi-
JUMP TO FILE #071116104 mately one-year-ago. In October of 2015, Beachwood FD received a few stickers displaying the slogan from FF Hopper, which they proudly still have on their Chief car. - BEACHWOOD VOL FD
Beachwood, NJ - Beachwood FD put a sign up at their station in support of police after the recent shootings in Dallas and shortly after, many other fire departments and EMS squads across Ocean County, N.J. started doing the same.
BEACHWOOD VOL FD
PINE BEACH VOL. FIRE CO.
Pine Beach, NJ - Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 shows their support to police.
Howell, NJ - Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad No. 1 showing their support.
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
Toms River, NJ - Manitou Park Vol. Fire Dept. shows their support from Toms River, NJ.
Jackson, NJ - Cassville Vol. Fire Co. showing support for their town's PD.
PROVIDED
To all of the 1st Responder News supporters, let's keep this Pro-Police trend going! Upload pictures showing your support for police to www.1rbn.com, or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
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September, 2016
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September, 2016
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