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NEWS
DECEMBER, 2015
CAR FIRE FOR NESCONSET
MATTHEW O'REILLY
On Saturday, October 24th, the Nesconset Fire Department responded for a reported car fire on Route 347. Upon arrival, Chief of Department Jim Kean confirmed a working car fire.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
HAROLD JACOBS NYS INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy held
HAROLD JACOBS
Yaphank hosts open house Yaphank, NY. On the afternoon of October 25, the Yaphank Fire Department displayed all of their trucks and showed the public what to do in case there was a fire in their homes. Firefighters showed what they do when they need to remove someone trapped in a car during an extrication demonstration. Firefighters showed what not put on a grease fire and what do do in case of a fire in a residence.
The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (NYWIMA) being held at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in Upton, NY conducted field demonstrations and JUMP TO FILE# exercises specially 103015112 designed for wildfire and All-Hazard emergency management. Approximately 335 students, 41 instructors, 37 trainees, and 40 overhead personnel representing 26 states and Canada participated in 25 class offerings as well as individuals/students from Long Island-based government agencies and emergency response personnel organizations through the end of the week. Field demonstrations and exercises were held in a number of locations on the Brookhaven National Lab location in addition to several other locations in Suffolk County. Outdoor field exercises included: • Wildfire Powersaws and Storm Debris Removal; provided training and demonstrations of the safe and proper use of chainsaws and the techniques necessary for functional role. The focus was on storm debris removal (debris piles, tree felling techniques, etc.) • Portable Pumps and Water Usage; students trained in the setup and operation of portable pumps along with foam applications. • Firing Operations; identified roles and responsibilities of the position of Firing Boss (FIRB) including planning, coordination, and safe execution of ignition op-
NYS INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
The course is designed to train students in the proper use of chainsaws and techniques necessary to prepare for their functional role as a chainsaw operator.
erations on a wildland or prescribed fire. • All-Hazard Field Reconnaissance; addressed and demonstrated the needs of mapping and developing situational awareness at allhazard incidents. Hands-on
activities included the use of various tools (compass GPS, laser range finders), digital data collection and damaged structure assessment. - JIM HAY
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December, 2015
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ADVERTISER
INDEX
A guide to finding great companies
Company
Page
Firematic
16
Grant Guys
6
Long Island Mega Show
11
Mid Atlantic Rescue
15
Safety & Environmental
7
Safety First Divers
5
Task Force Tips
3
Waterway
9
HAROLD JACOBS
Two car MVA in Shirley
HAROLD JACOBS
Shirley, Suffolk County, NY. On the early morning of October 17, 2015, the Mastic Fire Department with Mastic EMS were toned out for an MVA on William Floyd Parkway northbound at McGraw Street. Units arriving on scene found a jeep versus car. Firefighters secured the vehicles, using Speedy Dry on fluids. The extent of injuries is unknown. The cause of the accident is under investigation by local officials.
CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 16 No. 12 - 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 typographical 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.
845-534-7500• (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@belsito.com
PUBLICATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the “space available” and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.
CAROLYN STONE
No one covers Long Island like 1st Responder News does!
Donation made to law enforcement and firefighter foundation
Will McGuire (center) of Garden City’s Global Elite Group presents $10,000. to the National Law Enforcement & Firefighters Children’s Foundation (NLEAFCF) Executive Director, Sarahbeth Grossman (L) and Founder & President, Al Kahn (R) .
HAROLD JACOBS
Mastic hosts open house
Mastic, NY. On October 11, 2015, the Mastic Fire Department opened their station to the public to allow residents to view all of their fire trucks. SCPD also showed what happens when people don’t wear a seat belts in vehicles through an extrication demonstration. Firefighters showed the public how the cutters and jaws of life work.
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December, 2015
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Public Safety Dive Trainers and Equipment Specialists HAROLD JACOBS
Another MVA in Shirley
On the evening of October 23, 2015, Brookhaven Fire Police came upon an MVA at William Floyd Parkway and the service road of Sunrise Highway while responding to an MVA, which was down the road. Mastic Fire Department and EMS were toned out for the MVA. Mastic EMS transported a patient to a local hospital.
Reflections Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
This time of year, we are so busy running around. We are decorating the station and the fire apparatus for the holidays and getting ready to take Santa around for the children. Then, there is the gathering of your fire company members and a party at the station also. Oh, we forgot to mention the family. We need to pick up the presents for the children and the rest of the family members and the relatives that we may see once a year. Then comes the thought of the actual day. Do you dress up? Whose house will you celebrate at? Is it your parents’ house or your spouse’s relatives? Or, do you go to Aunt Jenny’s house or a friend’s house? Have you thought about the less fortunate? Have you bought them anything? What about the homeless? Do you really know who they are? How many veterans are homeless? Have you decided to work and feed some people? Or bring joy to those who have nobody? Just look at your members or retired members or those in the firemen’s home or local nursing home. Have you taken time to be still and just be with God?
Maybe it is time to thank God for all the blessings in your life. We forget God said that He will take care of our needs, not wants, but needs. Have you thanked Him? Yes, I understand that we go through hard times, but did we learn something from that, become stronger or more compassionate? Have you reflected and truly looked in the face of people who need help? Do you really know if it is God in disguise? Let us remember what the holidays are really about. Miracles. For Christians, it is about the miracle of our Savior being born, as a man. For the Jews, it is the miracle of the Hanukkah, which was a miraculous military victory, but a tiny cruse of oil proved more miraculous and enduring in the memory of the Jewish people. Let us reflect on the miracles that we have seen in the past year. Who lived after a bad car accident or survived a fire, or a fall, that by all means should have been dead? We do not always notice the hand of God at work around us. I challenge you to do as Psalm 46:10 states and “be still and know that I am God”. He is always here for you, not just when things seem to fall apart. Kiss your loved ones. Let them know how much they mean to you and keep coming home to them after your calls. Express now to people how much they mean to you. You will also light up their day. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Stay safe.
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COMMACK FIRE DEPARTMENT
Engine compartment fire Traffic was slowed on October 26th around 9:00 a.m. on the northbound Sunken Meadow Parkway as members of the Commack Fire Department extinguished a fire in the engine compartment of a vehicle. The crew from Ladder One led by Lieutenant Christopher Ciaccio quickly extingushed the fire. Commack Fire Department's Ladder One is equipped with 300 gallons of water mixed with F500, an encapsulation agent, which helps extinguish the fire more efficiently and with the use of less water.
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December, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
HAROLD JACOBS
HAROLD JACOBS
Third MVA of the day in Shirley On the evening of October 23, 2015, Suffolk Police were up the road at an MVA on William Floyd Parkway and were dispatched out once again for another MVA. The Brookhaven fire chief responded to the MVA also to find it was a minor property damage only incident.
HAROLD JACOBS
Smoke showing in Wyandanch
Wyandanch, NY. The Wyandanch Fire Department was dispatched for a house fire at 142 North 24th Street on October 19th. As the chiefs arrived on scene, they found smoke showing from a one story house. The first due engine made a quick knock down on the fire. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by local officials.
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LAWRENCE-CEDARHURST FD
Car strikes pole and gets stuck on railroad On Thursday, October 22nd, 2015, the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department was alerted to a report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Mulry Ln. and Rockaway Tpke. First chief on scene, Chief of Department McHugh, reported he had a car that struck a pole and was stuck on the railroad tracks. A stop order was placed on all
JUMP TO FILE #102315121 east and westbound trains and power was shut to the third rail. Engine 323 and Ambulance 329 responded and secured the vehicle and evaluated the driver. PSEG Long Island was requested to the scene due to the vehicle knock-
ing out power to buildings in the general vicinity. Lawrence-Cedarhurst Ambulance 329 transported one aided to South Nassau Communities Hospital. The vehicle was towed off of the tracks and train service was restored. - LAWRENCE-CEDARHURST FD
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December, 2015
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ARE YOU IN NEED OF RESPIRATORY FIT TESTING SERVICES??? Look no further, our company has been in business since 1996 and can provide your Department/District/Company: HAROLD JACOBS
Two car MVA with vehicle into the woods Islip, NY. On the morning of October 19, 2015, 911 took a call for an MVA on the Southern State Parkway westbound between Exits 43 and 42. Fire department and EMS units arrived on scene to find that one car went off the roadway and into the woods. The other car stopped on the shoulder. Firefighters had to cut trees out of the way so EMS personnel could remove the occupants from of the vehicle. Injuries were sustained, but they did not appear to be life threatening. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
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December, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
Maintenance shop, golf car facility destroyed
The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a Signal 13 (automatic alarm) at 6:02 p.m. with the location of 2000 Raynors Way in the maintenance shop and golf cart storage facility at the Stonebridge Country Club on October 29, 2015. Upon arrival at the scene, the alarm was quickly upgraded to a working structural fire. The two story building was fully engulfed in fire and an exterior attack began to get it under control. The primary attack was undertaken by Smithtown Ladder 4-2-7 and Hauppague Ladder 3-8-7. Hose
JEFF BRESSLER
JUMP TO FILE #103015105 lines were also deployed to one of the outside exposures. Once the majority of fire was knocked down, entry was made into the lower level of the facility to conduct a search. The search determined no one was in the building and there was no extension of fire. The building suffered major damage with the upper level used to store golf carts a total loss and the lower level used to house maintenance equipment heavily damaged.
The fire was determined under control at 8:50 p.m. On scene were Smithtown Chiefs 4-2-30 (Murphy) 4-2-31 (Landrigan) 4-2-32 (Fitzpatrick) and 4-2-33 (Diecidue), Engines 42-1, 4-2-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-5, Ladder 42-7, Rescue 4-2-9, Ambulance 4-2-6-1 and 4-2-65. Mutual aid at the scene was provided by the Hauppauge and Nesconset Fire Departments with additional ambulance support from Central Islip/Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance. - JEFF BRESSLER
JEFF BRESSLER
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.
Blood & Fire Vendetta ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
HAROLD JACOBS
The John J. Harvey FDNY fireboat was on display and open to the public for viewing at the Oyster Bay Festival.
Blood & Fire: Vendetta By K.M. Bozarth Available from Amazon.com Price: Paperback $15.43 Kindle: $3.43 I read this book, which is soft cover measuring 5 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches. It has 24 chapters within 209 pages and is the first of what is to become a series of novels by this author. The author has been a firefighter since the year 2000 and has worked in volunteer and paid fire departments in Burlington County, New Jersey. This county is New Jersey’s largest in area and spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River, which sepa-
rates the state from Pennsylvania. The book is fiction, but is based on her personal experiences. Being a female, one can imagine the obstacles she faced within her career working in what for many years was considered a “man’s job.!” In a very unbiased way, she writes about being treated differently by different individuals in her crew and in the department, particularly by an officer in command of her company. She is married and her husband has a different public safety type job. Both go through trying times from the demand of their jobs in which PTSD can become a by product. For her character, she takes you through station life, training sessions and emergency calls and helps you develop the imagery of being right there in their midst. It is a good read for both genders, whether you are an emergency service worker or not.
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Vehicle News
Yaphank recently took delivery of their new first re- Stewart Manor took delivery of their Rosenbauer, Com- The Kings Park FD took delivery of a 2015 Spartan ERV sponder vehicle. mander cab with a 2000gpm pump and 500 gallon tank. engine, 1500gpm pump and 500 gallon water tank. HAROLD JACOBS
BOB VACCARO
BOB VACCARO
Mineola received a 2015 Seagrave 75-foot Aerialscope Garden City has placed into service a 2015 Ferrara The Garden City FD recently took delivery of Engine 145, with eight-man cab and 10 kw Onan generator. heavy rescue that features a 350-lb Purple K system and a 2015 Ferrara Cinder with a 1250 Hale QMax Pump and carries eight extrication tools. 750 gallon tank. RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
BOB VACCARO
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Firefighters Museum Badge of Courage event The Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center hosted its Annual Badge of Courage Gala on Friday, October 9th at 7 p.m. on Museum Row in Garden City. During the event, which introduced new exhibits and debuted JUMP TO FILE# the new building 101515105 façade, the museum bestowed three awards for notable contributions to the fire service: The Firefighters Leadership Award was presented to businessman, philanthropist and civic leader Butch Yamali, president of hospitality and catering enterprises, The Dover Group. Chief John P. Brown, Chief Instructor of the Nassau County Fire Service Academy (NCFSA) and Former Chief of Baldwin Fire Department was presented with the Francis X. Pendl Firefighter Award. Joseph Sanford, Jr., Ex-Chief, Inwood Fire Department was posthumously awarded the Firefighters Humanitarian Award. ** Butch Yamali, President of the Dover Group in Freeport, is a civic, philanthropic and business leader in the New York food industry. A father of three, Butch was born and raised in Island Park, and resides in Merrick with his wife Linda. Yamali built a thriving, offpremises catering business before expanding to operate his own establishments; developing snack bar and concession stands in municipal park locations and earning vending machine contracts with government and corporate clients. Butch, who regularly serves as a business analyst for small businesses on FOX Business News, was named Business Man of the Year by the Nassau County Republican Committee in 2015 and has been recognized as Businessman of the Year in the Village of Freeport. He has served on the board of the American Red Cross and Pronto (food pantry) of Long Island and has received recognition from many organizations including Man of the Year by The Center of Developmental Disabilities in Woodbury; Honorary Fire Chief by the Nassau County Fire Commission and Honorary Police Chief in 2014 from the NYS Police Benevolent Association. Butch has received The Leadership Award from the Freeport Union Free School District; was named President of the Freeport Educational Foundation; and was honored with the American Red Cross’ Humanitarian Award. In 2014, Butch began his first term as President of the Merrick Union Free School District Board. Most notably, Butch's highest honor was being named in 2015 as Honorary Chief by his hometown Island Park Fire Department. Chief John P. Brown, a Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran, joined the Baldwin Fire Department in 1971. As a member of Truck Company 1, he served as a Captain twice and rose through the ranks from
Deputy Chief to Chief of Department in 1987. During his time with the department, John was recognized for his actions at two separate working fires, which resulted in the saving of two lives. In 1991, John joined the Nassau County Fire Service Academy as a Second Deputy Chief Instructor. He held this rank until his full time appointment to Industrial Coordinator of Training. During his tenure, John coordinated the acquisition and the curriculum development of the Long Island Railroad Training Program at the Academy. He was also instrumental in the building of the Shipboard Firefighting Vessel and the United States Coast Guard Training curriculum for both the United States Merchant Marine Academy and SUNY Maritime College. John was appointed Assistant Chief Instructor of the Academy in 1999 and Chief Instructor in 2004. During his time at the Academy, he has been involved with the building of five new state-of-the-art burn buildings. He has also developed much of the curriculum for the Academy, including a full 66-hour curriculum in Essential Firefighting and hands-on Primary Course. He has established a relationship with Nassau Community College’s Fire Science Degree Program, enabling firefighters to earn college credits for five courses taken at the Academy. On September 11, 2001, John was working at the Academy. Classes were cancelled and John, along with other members of the Baldwin Fire Department, were asked to take the department’s heavy rescue into Manhattan. The crew arrived prior to the collapse of 7 World Trade. The Nassau County Fire Service Academy and VEEB lost five instructors that day. John took on the task of honoring the five members by obtaining steel from WTC Tower 1 and creating a display at the Fire Academy. In their remembrance, John has recently requested that the fire burn building be named in honor of the five instructors killed on September 11th. In addition to running the Fire Academy, John is the owner and operator of the John P. Brown Ladder Company and often donates his time and expertise to entities such as the Museum. John and his wife Patti have been married for 42 years and together they have three children and seven grandchildren. Joseph Sanford Jr. was born in 1971 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Junior, as he was affectionately known, moved to New York in 1992, where he met his wife Jacqueline. Together, they had three children: Douglas, Janisha and Isaiah. Junior was a faithful family man with a desire to serve his community. Junior joined the Inwood Fire Department in October 1996 where he became a member of Engine Company #1. It was here that he began to excel in the fire training certification courses and gained a reputation as an outstanding and dedicated firefighter. He loved being a part of the brotherhood in the volunteer fire service. He was also known for his expressive personality
CAROLYN STONE
Nassau County Firefighters Museum Executive Director, Alana Petrocelli. Honoree, Chief John P. Brown, receives “Francis X. Pendl Firefighter Award” Angelo Catalano, Museum Board President
and infectious smile. Junior went on to hold several positions within the department during his 18 years of service. He moved up the ranks and served as Lieutenant in 2005, Captain in 2007 and Assistant Chief in 2009. After his term in office as Chief, Junior continued his service with the department and also focused on his other hobbies. Junior became a coowner of a semi-professional football team, the Nassau Golden Eagles. Junior’s love of life was apparent to all that knew him. During a house fire in Woodmere on December 19, 2014, Junior had an accident which ultimately led to his passing on December 23, 2014. Junior was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and an amazing fireman. He is greatly missed by all. Alana Petrocelli, Executive Di-
rector of the Nassau County Firefighters Museum said, “We are honored to recognize these three men who, each through their own, unique individual service, earned the awards to be presented at The Badge of Courage Dinner. The dinner helps raise funds for our Museum & Education Center so that it can continue to provide valuable resources for saving lives through fire safety education – a mission supported and exemplified by Chief Sanford, Chief Brown, and Honorary Chief Yamali.” About the Francis X. Pendl Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center The nearly 10,000 square-foot educational facility features hands-on displays, interactive exhibits, historical fire equipment and live demonstrations on fire prevention and fire safety techniques.
Since opening in June of 2006, more than 100,000 visitors of all ages have been taken step-by-step through a working fire, from alarm activation and emergency call to the “knocking down” of flames at the scene. The Center’s exhibits also trace the evolution of fire service equipment, gear and apparatus. The Museum was named after lifelong firefighter Francis X. Pendl, an ex-Chief of the Bethpage Fire Department who began to collect fire service memorabilia in the lobby of the Fire Academy to memorialize and educate about the service of Nassau County firefighters. For more on the Museum and Education Center, visit www.ncfiremuseum.org. - CAROLYN STONE
HAROLD JACOBS
Overturn in Sayville
Sayville, NY. On the afternoon of November 3, 2015, 911 took a call for an overturned van on eastbound Sunrise near Pond Road. Services arrived on the scene to find a van on it's side. ESU uprighted the van and there was unknown injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
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New York
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
KIMTEK Targets Improved Fire, EMS, and Police Rescues with New Facility
KIMTEK Corporation, Vermontbased makers of MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® transport skid units, celebrated the opening of its second production facility in September. Attended by company employees, vendors, community members, and special guests representing the fire and rescue manufacturing industry, the event marked an expanded focus on fire, EMS, and police rescue markets by the company founded in 1984 by Kimball Johnson, holder of numerous U.S. patents and founder of the Westmore, Vermont Fire Department, for which he also served as fire chief. KIMTEK moved into the new facility, located in Orleans, Vermont, in May with plans to expand research, design, and production of its lines of off-road patient evacuation and fire suppression units within the domestic and international medical, fire, and rescue communities. According to Mr. Johnson, the addition of the new facility triples the space now available for company operations. The original Westmore facility will continue to house office and warehouse space as well as provide additional room to expand the company's new product design and engineering pursuits. KIMTEK office headquarters have been relocated to the Orleans facility. Darley CEO notes KIMTEK's growth and sound corporate culture Special guest and speaker Paul C. Darley, president and CEO of W.S. Darley & Co., of Illinois, manufacturers of Darley water pumps and fire apparatus, delivered remarks at the ceremony. Mr. Darley applauded the tenyear relationship between the two companies, and specifically noted that KIMTEK Corporation has grown significantly in a market that has not grown much in the last ten years.
"We're very pleased to be a small part of your success and growth,"
Mr. Darley told the assembly. "I'm a big believer that culture is what sets aside a company from all the others. You need a culture with a leader such as Kimball who gets it... who understands people, understands his customers, understands his employees, and who understands where the market is going. And with the innovative, high quality products produced here, he has actually created new markets."
Mr. Darley also recognized the family-based core values that their companies share, obvious to him, he said, while meeting company employees during his visit. He emphasized the two companies' similarities as family-owned businesses.
Mr. Johnson said the strong relationship with the Darley team has helped KIMTEK become the company it is today. He also spoke of his appreciation of company employees, some of whom are actually relatives but all of whom he thinks of as family. He recognized his workforce as consisting of committed public servants, and said, "We're celebrating the ribbon-cutting of our new facility, but in reality we are celebrating our employees and our families, for without them, none of us would be standing here today." Roots of leadership in R&D Mr. Johnson purchased the Orleans facility to expand production of the company's full line of MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® transport skid units, products he designed when, as fire chief, he saw firsthand the need for affordable, flexible transport in remote rescue locations. In fact, KIMTEK Corporation was founded as a research and development company dedicated to advances in life safety technology in the fire sciences. Today KIMTEK is the largest producer and marketer of ATV, UTV, and compact pickup truck-specific skid units for public safety agencies in the
United States. Custom designed for off-road emergency service vehicles, KIMTEK's slide-in medical, fire, and rescue skid units are now in service in all fifty states, the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. Its ever expanding global presence is cemented with units in service for U.S. Embassies, the Department of Defense, and all branches of the U.S. Military. A certified GSA (General Services Agency) contractor, KIMTEK transport skid units are also widely used in first response for large industrial plants, mining operations, and for seashore, sports stadium, racetrack, and other recreational venues. According to Mr. Johnson, among the advantages of the new and bigger facility is a streamlined, spacious production area, improving workstation assembly and packaging efficiency. With help from a dedicated in-house machine and tool center, KIMTEK's production area stays ahead of updates in equipment technology and quickly meets its markets' growing demand for custom, specialized products. Known for exceptional quality construction and top-of-the-line
components such as pumps from Darley and Pacer, Hannay reels, and Scotty foam systems, KIMTEK's transport units are made in America. Mr. Johnson says the company's leadership in the marketplace is due to big vision and small details. "We insist on installing all aluminum tubing and diamond plate on the chassis, and we never cut corners," he said.
Protecting the protectors The needs of first responders are as varied as the terrain within their jurisdictions. Mr. Johnson sees opportunities for custom skid units nearly everywhere he goes. Some of the new products KIMTEK has in prototype are for beach rescues and specialized police team response. Mr. Johnson's plans may also include providing more accessories options to customers, simplifying their procurement of routine items such as strainers, suction hose, and nozzles. "Assuring customers of the superior quality and reliable delivery they expect from KIMTEK is paramount in all our plans for the future," he said.
A company keenly familiar with adapting to the fast-changing specifications of ATV and UTV markets, KIMTEK consistently meets needs specific to first re-
sponders with top quality, easy-touse components and attention to ergonomic details, such as installation of sturdy, stainless steel grab bars and non-slip texturing on component grips. Always aiming to support first responders as well as their mission, KIMTEK works with industry specialists to deliver options that professionals report are needed in the field. One recently launched series of new skid units features an ultra high pressure FoamPro® Turbo Stream® foam concentration injector system, specifically requested by fire professionals for UTVs and pickup trucks. After 31 years in business and expansion into a large, new manufacturing facility, KIMTEK is poised for even greater growth. "Our new space means we can indeed better explore new products serving new markets," Mr. Johnson said. "New units custom designed for military and law enforcement applications are in the works right now." The company expects to conduct field tests on these and other prototypes in development in 2016. More information about KIMTEK may be found at www.kimtekresearch.com.
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Vehicle News
The Northport FD bought an International 7400 4x4 chassis/Spartan ERV Midi Pumper. The vehicle has a 1250 gpm pump and 500 gallon water tank.
BOB VACCARO
HAROLD JACOBS
Truck versus car in Shirley Placed into service with Kings Park was a 1991 Mack CF Aerialscope that was refurbed in 2015 by Pierce, which replaced the Cab and chassis with a Pierce Velocity Cab. BOB VACCARO
Take the “pressure” off! FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
On the heels of Halloween and Thanksgiving and the busy holiday season fast approaching, many of us are soon to abandon our regular exercise routine. Unfortunately, in many cases fitness routines are replaced with poor eating patterns laden with sugar, salt, cholesterol and fat. Less exercise and increased food consumption is a double whammy! Many of us are well schooled in the danger of consuming excessive amounts of high fat food. Although it is important to limit the amount of fat you consume, many of us are unaware of the negative effects a diet high in sugar and salt can have on our weight and our health. One such negative effect is high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure has long been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and more. Before you trade in your exercise program for a holiday season of poor eating, consider the long term consequences. A recent client presented as overweight, and newly diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension). His physician not only recommended weight loss, but also wanted to prescribe multiple medications. Since this was a recent diagnosis (which did not present at a doctor’s visit in previous months) the physician agreed to give the client an opportunity to manage his blood pressure on his own. (Please note,
this decision can only be made by a physician and is dependent on the severity of the hypertension and condition of the individual.) Although it is possible to wean off medication as blood pressure is managed over time, in many cases blood pressure medication continues long term and sometimes lifelong. My client (Bob) wanted to avoid medication if possible, so he set out to manage his blood pressure naturally. The physician cleared him for mild to moderate exercise (based upon the individual), and sent him on his way with an appointment to return in three weeks for reevaluation. Upon first interview with Bob, I learned that a typical breakfast for him was a sugared cereal and a glass of chocolate milk. Lunch (since he was on the go) was typically pizza, a hot dog or sometimes a soup and sandwich. Additionally, on average there were two to three glasses of iced tea or other soft drink per day. Snacks were often chips, pretzels and an occasional candy bar. Dinner, was much better, a lean meat – starch and a vegetable. Alcohol consumption was occasional. Since, bodyweight, as well as sodium, caffeine and alcohol consumption (and of course saturated fat and cholesterol) all significantly affect blood pressure, Bob’s daily food/beverage choices seemed the best place to start. Along with a mild exercise program, Bob agreed to make some dietary changes. A dietician can be of significant benefit, so after checking with one, here is what we managed to workout. The sugary cereal at breakfast was replaced with shredded wheat or oatmeal (read the label, zero sugar
On the afternoon of October 18, 2015. Suffolk County Police received a call for an MVA on Montauk Highway in front of Burger King. Police arrived on scene and found a pick up truck and a car were involved in a crash. EMS and fire department were not needed. The road was closed for about a half hour.
zero sodium). Bob added a ½ of a banana and ¼ cup of (raw, unsalted) almonds. The chocolate milk had to go (sugar and caffeine). Instead, he had a cup of decaf coffee with just a splash of flavored creamer (less than 1 gm saturated fat, zero sodium, zero cholesterol and 2.5 gms sugar). He also added a multi-vitamin daily. His mid morning snack was an orange. Lunch was more typically grilled chicken or turkey on light bread (sodium is only 70mg/slice as opposed to most breads which contained closer to 200mgs/slice). The bread didn’t seem to taste much different, was really just a bit thinner than most, which probably accounted for the lower calories and sodium content. Later day snacks were unsalted popcorn or ¼ a cup almonds. Dinner remained pretty much the same. He paid more attention to portion sizes and avoided prepackaged foods or canned vegetables since they are all loaded with sodium. Evening Snack was a “Healthy Choice” brand fudge bar. Please note these are merely a few examples of what worked for him. His diet contained a wide variety of foods. Your dietary choices should be tailored to your needs. Bob originally thought soup and salad was a healthy meal, but the labels show most canned soups contain over 600 mgs of sodium in just one serving. Many of the salad dressings are high in fat and contain 350700mgs of sodium in just two tablespoons. That doesn’t leave room for much else if you are looking to stay between 1500 and 2300mgs of sodium per day. (see the DASH eating plan, a dietary plan for reducing blood pressure at http://dashdiet.org/default.asp) The sugary soft drinks had to go. Bob now drinks plenty of water and naturally flavored seltzer. An occasional soft drink can be tolerated, but
consuming two, three and sometimes four per day had him exceeding recommended sugar levels. Exercise, was four days per week for 30 minutes. Considering hypertension, workouts were mostly cardiovascular in nature. We avoided overhead lifting, used light weights and did lots of circuit training. After three weeks Bob dropped ten lbs. I know we typically recommend a weight loss of only two lbs per week, but calculations showed that Bob had dropped more than four lbs of water (as per measured on a bioelectrical impedance scale) and a little more that five lbs of fat. That had him well within recommended levels. His high sodium diet had him retaining a great deal of water and reducing his sodium intake released a good amount of water. He returned to the doctor and his blood pressure had dropped enough for the Dr. to grant him a few more weeks of self management. (Remember, the physician, and only the physician can safely make this determination.) After three additional weeks, Bob dropped another seven lbs (for a total of 17 lbs). His blood pressure was within normal range and the physician deemed no medication necessary at this time. Bob had been consuming far too much sugar, which was keeping extra weight on him. His sodium content had him retaining far too much water. Originally, the Dr. would have prescribed a diuretic along with an antihypertension medication, but Bob’s weight loss brought him success on all counts. Presently, as this holiday season approaches, he continues to lose weight, at a somewhat slower rate. Bob will check in with the dietician for further recommendations and eventually some maintenance advice. His blood pressure and weight are within healthy ranges. He is still
medication “free”. He continues to exercise, and we constructed a plan to fit his holiday schedule. As of our last workout, he reports that he is not going hungry and is not feeling deprived at all. By reading the labels, he has been able to make better choices and avoid unnecessary food traps. He has worked some of his favorite, and less healthy food choices into the mix, but has limited portions and also managed to find tasty satisfying versions. Next time you are in the food store, pick up a few of your favorite foods and read the label. Check the fats, and saturated fats. Compare the sodium and sugar levels. Not only will you be surprised how high some of them are, I bet you will also notice a significant difference in many brands of the same product. Be sure to pay close attention to serving size as often they are much smaller than we think. For more information on label reading go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/ucm274593.htm For more information on daily sugar intake go to: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Ne wsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm4 55837.htm For more information regarding sodium intake go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm315393.htm For further information on reducing blood pressure through nutrition go to: http://dashdiet.org/default.asp for the “DASH” diet I referred to earlier. Get your holiday exercise plan in place and by January you can be enjoying a Happy Healthy New Year! More than ever, a physician’s approval is the place to start.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
HAROLD JACOBS
MVA in Shirley
MATTHEW O'REILLY
Shirley, NY. On the evening of October 23, 2015, the Brookhaven Fire Department and shirley EMS were dispatched out for an MVA at Victory Ave and the ramp to Sunrise Highway. As units arrived on the scene, they found that no one was trapped in the vehicle and the roadway needed Speedy Dry for fluilds. EMS transported to a local hospital for treatment.
THEN & NOW
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Then & Now” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
MATTHEW O'REILLY
RON JEFFERS
In North Manheim, Pa., Mount Carbon's 1985 American General 6x6 was used for off road flood relief.
MATTHEW O'REILLY
Car fire for Nesconset
RON JEFFERS
The American General 6x6 is now part of the Franklin Square-Munson Fire District on Long Island and serves as a disaster relief unit.
On Saturday, October 24th, the Nesconset Fire Department responded for a reported car fire on Route 347. Upon arrival, Chief of Department Jim Kean confirmed a working car fire. Due to an ongoing fire within the fuel tank, command requested Smithtown FD for their foam bank as well as the Islip Town Hazmat Team for assistance in extinguishing the fire. No injuries were reported.
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
December, 2015
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December, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI