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NEWS
JANUARY, 2017
TWO TRAPPED IN RONKONKOMA THREE-CAR CRASH
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Ronkonkoma, NY - On Wednesday, November 30th, three cars collided on the Long Island Expressway during the morning rush hour, trapping two people and closing the roadway for several hours.
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
MVA in Coram Injures Driver Coram, NY - On the late afternoon of Sunday, November 20th, the driver of a red Jeep lost control, rolling the SUV and injuring himself on County Rd. 83 and Route 112 in Coram. Coram firefighters responded and rushed the driver to a local trauma center for a serious arm injury.
JOHN WALTHERS/ SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Firefighters from multiple departments operate at the structure fire in Center Moriches.
Center Moriches FD and Neighboring Departments Operate Structure Fire Center Moriches, NY - At about 5:17 P.M. on November 16th, the Center Moriches Fire Department was activated for a reported structure fire at 591 Main Street. Chief of Department Stanley Kuzmech lll [5-4-30] and Assistant were first to arrive on-scene and advised that they had smoke showing. Chiefs' Foley [5-4-32] and Fremgen [5-4-31] were also onscene a short time later. County
JUMP TO FILE #111616120 advised the Center Moriches Chiefs that they had mutual aid responding from Mastic, in accordance with the pre-plan. Command then requested additional mutual aids to be activated. Firefighters from Brookhaven and East Moriches also responded to the scene and
Manorville stood-by in case Center Moriches got a second-alarm. The firefighters knocked down the fire quickly and vented the smoke from the home. The alarm was placed under control by 5:55 P.M. No injuries were reported and the scene was turned over to the Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate. - JOHN-PAUL WALTHERS
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Off-Duty SCPD Officer Rescues Family of Four Centereach, NY - On November 11th, a family of four was rescued after the young daughter of an off-duty SCPD Officer alerted her dad of a fire across the street. The officer ran to the house with a ladder in hand to rescue all four of his neighbors, including two small children. The off-duty officer got to the house just as two other on-duty officers arrived to assist with the house, which was fully engulfed in flames. Moments later, firefighters from Centereach and several other departments arrived and went to work, fighting the blaze. After about 25 minutes into the fire battle, Centereach firefighters were able to rescue a family pet. The fire was under control about 30-40 minutes later. The family received only minor injuries.
JOHN WALTHERS/ SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
January, 2017
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
ADVERTISER
INDEX
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Firematic
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7
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CORPORATE INFORMATION
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 18 No. 1 - 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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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.
Additional T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
news from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
Ridge Firefighters Extricate Driver from Pickup Ridge, NY - A woman and her dog escaped serious injury on November 24th after she lost control of her 1994 Mazda B2300 pick-up truck while on the exit from the eastbound L.I.E. to the southbound William Floyd. The SCPD 7th Pct., Highway Patrol, ESU and Ridge Fire Dept. responded to the scene. Firefighters had to cut the woman from her car in order to get her out of the vehicle. The driver was treated by Ridge FD EMS at the scene.
Gordon Heights F.D. Hosts Thanksgiving Feast Gordon Heights, NY - The Gordon Heights Fire Dept. hosted their annual "Thanksgiving Feast" for the local community at their firehouse located on Hawkins Avenue. The homemade dinners were provided free of charge, through either food or monetary donations, provided by the members of the Gordon Heights F.D. The firefighters also prepared all the meals that were served. Assistant Fire Chief Eric Lee (5-9-31), estimated that an average of 250 meals are served at this yearly dinner, an event which has just surpassed it's 10 year mark. The fire department members also prepare additional meals, which they deliver to group homes, the elderly, and shut-ins throughout the area. The dinner ran from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
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January, 2017
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Heavy Rescue with Entrapment in Commack
Commack, NY - On the evening of November 15th, Commack firefighters, along with the Commack Ambulance Company, responded to a reported MVA with heavy entrapment on 300 Townline Rd. in Commack. Upon arrival, units found that two cars had collided after one vehicle ran a red light and crashed into a telephone pole, pulling down wires and street traffic lights, and trapping a passenger in the rear seat. Firefighters extricated the passenger, who was then airlifted to University Hospital in Stony Brook. Three other people were also transported to local hospitals by ambulance.
Arriving EFD units found heavy fire coming from the #4 side of the dwelling.
ELMONT FD
Elmont FD Battles Early Morning House Fire Elmont, NY - At approximately 5:30 A.M. on November 13th, the Elmont Fire Department responded to a reported basement fire at 23 Sobro Ave. in N. Valley Stream. First to arrive was 1st Asst. Chief Ronald Conti, who reported a working house fire. First arriving firefighting units found fire coming from the side door of the Cape Cod dwelling. The fire had spread up the base-
JUMP TO FILE #111316107 ment stairs and into the kitchen of the home. Engine Co. 3 and Truck Co. 1 were the first on the scene. Assistance at the scene was rendered by the Valley Stream, W. Hempstead and Lakeview Fire Departments. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to a great
deal of boxes that were stored in the home. Chief Edward Dailey requested that the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office respond to the scene to determine the cause and origin of the blaze. There were no reported injuries. Elmont units cleared the scene at approximately 7:45 A.M. - DAVID RAGUSA
EMS If you have photos you would like to see in our EMS feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JOHN WALTHERS
Vehicle Hits Pole and Overturns in Brookhaven Brookhaven, NY - At about 2:15 P.M. on November 8th, the Brookhaven Fire Department was activated for a Motor Vehicle Accident in front of 2873 Montauk Highway. On arrival, Chief Tom Connors advised that he had a vehicle flipped over, but nobody was trapped inside. There was also damage to a PSEG pole. Members from Rescue-3 and Unit-4 responded to the scene and secured the car. South Country Ambulance was also on-scene to treat the driver. PSEG responded to repair the pole and fix the downed wires. The road was closed while emergency workers operated.
Mastic, NY - Mastic EMS on-scene of an MVA on November 15th.
JOHN WALTHERS/ SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
Remembering Hagerman Fire Police Ex-Lt. William Baessler
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Afternoon House Fire in Central Islip Central Islip, NY - Firefighters from Central Islip were alerted to a residental stucture fire at 455 Earle St. on November 19th. Upon arrival, first-due units were met with flames through the roof. A call for mutual aid was transmitted and firefighters were able to quickly knock down the second-story fire shortly after. No injuries were reported.
East Patchogue, NY - William "Bill" James Baessler, 70, of East Patchogue, passed away on November 23, 2016. Bill grew up in Mastic Beach and as a teen, worked as a lifeguard. He met his wife, Patricia, JUMP TO FILE# while working at 112616108 Kalers Pond and they married in 1967. In 1966, he joined the US Air Force and served in Vietnam from 1969-1970. Bill worked for the Suffolk County Consumer Affairs for 30 years, while also serving as a member of Fire Police for Hageman Fire Department. In 1989, he was a founding member of Suffolk County Chapter 11, Vietnam Veterans of America, where he served as president from 1989 to 1995. Bill was always known for his generosity and going the extra mile for anyone who ever needed assistance. He is survived by his wife Patricia, his children, Paul Baessler (with daughter-in-law Carla and grandsons Andre and Matthew), Patrick (with daughter-in-law Karin), Robin Matos (with sonin-law Christopher and grandson Nolan) and Erica (with grandson Kai). He is also survived by sister Caroline Mars, and brothers James Baessler (with wife Regina) and brother Sal Baessler (with wife Dani and nieces Brittany and Briana). Bill was a great man who served his community with pride and he was also a great dad. He is the reason why his son, Patrick, first became involved with volunteering. Patrick served alongside of his dad as a member of Hagerman Fire Department. Patrick is proud to serve and even prouder to call Bill his father. He will be dearly missed by so many.
Hagerman FD patch with mourning band.
PROVIDED
- PATRICK BAESSLER
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
Flames Engulf Van in Ridge Ridge, NY - The SCPD 7th Pct., Brookhaven National Labs and Ridge F.D. members responded to reports of a car fire on November 18th, just after 8:30 A.M. Upon arrival, units found a 2003 Dodge Caravan fully engulfed in flames. The van was located on southbound William Floyd Pkwy., north of Longwood Road. Firefighters quickly knocked the fire down and no injuries were reported.
Ex-Lt. Bill Baessler.
P. BAESSLER
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January, 2017
All of us at Safety & Environmental Solutions would like to say “Thank You� to all of our clients for your continued business this past year. We wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a Healthy and Safe 2017!!!
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Multiple Cars on Fire in Medford
Medford, NY - On Thanksgiving evening, November 24th, at approximately 5:30 P.M., firefighters from Medford were activated for a report of multiple cars fully involved on the back of a moving car transport, located on the Long Island Expressway in Medford.
From the Management & Staff of Safety & Environmental Solutions Inc.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Car Crashes into Tree on Thanksgiving Day
Selden, NY - Two people were thankful to be alive after a car accident on the afternoon of November 24th. The driver and passenger of the vehicle involved were able to self-extricate after crashing into an old oak tree, located on the corner of Old Town Rd. and N. Bicycle Path Road. Mutual Aid from Coram was requested to respond with an ambulance to the scene. Both occupants of the vehicle were reported to be in good condition after the wreck.
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
Three Injured in Medford Car Wreck Medford, NY - On November 21st, the driver of a Nissan lost control of their car and struck a large tree on Granny Road, near the intersection of Richard Drive, at approximately 4:10 P.M. It is believed the vehicle was traveling eastbound at the time of the accident. The Gordon Heights Fire Dept., SCPD 6th Pct. and ESU responded to the scene. Firefighters used the Jaws-of-Life to free the injured occupants, who were trapped in the vehicle. The three injured occupants were transported by fire dept. ambulances to local hospitals, with undisclosed injuries. Granny Road was closed in both directions while crews operated at the scene. The Yaphank Fire Department was also called in to assist with the injured.
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
HAROLD JACOBS
Truck-8 of the North Bellmore FD, located in Nassau County, is a 2007 KME 2000/0/81'.
KEN SNYDER
Multiple Explosions at Shirley House Fire Shirley, NY - On November 27th at 5:50 P.M., firefighters responded to 149 Lexington Road, between Clyde Road and Roberts Road, for reports of a house fire. The SCPD 7th Pct. and Mastic Fire Dept. responded to the call. Mastic FD Chief Rudy arrived on the scene to find heavy fire showing on the left side of the house and requested to re-tone for
JUMP TO FILE #112916108 a working fire. Chief Rudy requested an RIT team from Brookhaven FD, an engine from Ridge FD and an engine from Mastic Beach FD to stand-by at the Mastic FD station. Firefighters from the first-due
engine company aggressively attacked the fire while the second-due engine provided water. After about 45 minutes, the fire was placed under control. The Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. There were no reported injuries. - HAROLD JACOBS
The Rocky Point FD, located in Suffolk County, operates this unique Marine Unit 5A7-28. It was built on a 1983 AM General chassis, with local body work for the back end. BOB VACCARO
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
BOB VACCARO
The Farmingville Fire Department, located in Suffolk County, placed into service this 2016 Pierce Enforcer (the first on Long Island), as Engine 5-18-4. It has a 2000-GPM pump and 500-gallon water tank.
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The 2004 Infiniti that crashed head-on into a Van after driving the wrong-way down Sunrise Highway, sits in a median after the fatal crash.
Two Killed in Wrong-Way Crash Brookhaven, NY - Two men were killed in a head-on crash on Sunrise Highway, near Yaphank Avenue, that occurred just after 4:00 A.M. on Sunday, November 27th. Excerpts from a Newsday report stated that Kevin Melgar, 23, of Brentwood, was driving a 2004 Infiniti sedan eastbound while in the westbound lanes of Sunrise Highway, when he struck a 2001
JUMP TO FILE #112916114 Chevy van head-on, driven by Ozcan Ayyildiz, 49, of Mastic Beach. Melgar was killed instantly while Ayyildiz died later at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in Patchogue. A passenger from the
Inifiniti was also taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The Brookhaven Fire Dept., Shirley Community Ambulance, South Country Ambulance and Suffolk County Police Dept.'s Highway Patrol, ESU, crime scene, and detectives, responded to the scene. - THOMAS LAMBUI
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T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
Multi-Car Crash in Yaphank
Yaphank, NY - Brookhaven F.D. Chief Giuseppe Loiacono stopped to render assistance when he came upon a car accident on November 21st while crossing southbound over an elevated roadway on Yaphank Avenue, just north of SCPD Headquarters. While assisting at the scene, his fire department's chief car was rear-ended. The original accident involved a Ford Mustang and a Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck, which occurred at approximately 6:45 A.M. Chief Loiacono requested assistance and the Yaphank Fire Dept. responded to the scene. At least two people were injured in the original accident, including the Mustang's driver, who had to be extricated from the vehicle. The injured patients were transported by Yaphank F.D. ambulances to local hospitals.
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
Police Car Struck by Street Sweeper Injures Officer
Brookhaven, NY - At approximately 7:25 A.M. on November 27th, a parked SCPD Hwy. Patrol police car was hit by a man driving a street sweeper on Sunrise Hwy. (Rte. 27), while heading eastbound. The crash pinned the officer inside of the patrol car, who had been parked there to divert traffic off of Sunrise Hwy., onto Exit-57 (Yaphank Ave., south), after an earlier double fatal accident that occurred on Rte. 27. The injured officer was airlifted by an SCPD helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital. The Brookhaven Fire Dept., Suffolk County Police Dept. ESU and South Country Ambulance responded to the scene. The Bellport F.D. was also called to the scene to stand-by for a helicopter landing.
The staff of 1st Responder Newspaper would like to extend to our valued readers and advertisers our warmest wishes for a safe & happy holiday season.
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January, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
Outdoor Fire Pit Causes House Fire in Mastic Mastic, NY - A fire occurred at approximately 5:50 P.M. on November 27th at a residence on Lexington Road, between Clyde Road and Roberts Road. The SCPD 7th Pct. and Mastic Fire Dept. responded to the scene. Numerous surrounding fire depart- JUMP TO FILE# ments were called to 112916121 the scene for mutual aid, including Brookhaven and Ridge. The Mastic and Mastic Beach Volunteer Ambulance crews also responded. The Mastic Beach F.D. responded to Mastic F.D.'s headquarters to stand-by. It was reported that flames from an outdoor fire pit had started the blaze, which then extended to the interior of the house. There was heavy damage to the exterior and interior of the private dwelling. No injuries were reported. The fire was placed under control after approximately 30 minutes. - THOMAS LAMBUI
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Mastic F.D members attack the main body of fire on the Exposure-2 side of the private dwelling.
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
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SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Two Trapped in Ronkonkoma Three-Car Crash Ronkonkoma, NY - On Wednesday, November 30th, three cars collided on the Long Island Expressway during the morning rush hour, trapping two people and closing the roadway for several hours. Firefighters from Lakeland and Ronkonkoma used hydraulic tools to get into the van and a second car. Once firefighters were able to access the vans rear door, they removed (three) five-gallon buckets of Sulfuric Acid safely from the scene.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Car Crashes into Sayville Motor Lodge and Flees Sayville, NY - Early Tuesday morning, November 30th, firefighters were dispatched after a driver crashed into the office of the Sayville Motor Lodge and then fled the scene. Police arrested the man a short time later. One person was injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment.
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
January, 2017
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FACES OF LONG ISLAND’S EMERGENCY SERVICES
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JOHN WALTHERS /SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Shirley, NY - Brookhaven Firefighter John Hodge Jr. stands by as part of the RIT Team during a house fire on November 27th.
Center Moriches, NY - A firefighter wraps up the hose after a structure fire on November 16th.
T.J. LAMBUI/LIHOTSHOTS
Ridge, NY - Ridge Firefighter John Mirando holds what appears to be an engine hood piston that exploded out from an engine compartment and found approximately 100' from the scene of a car fire on November 18th.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Holtsville, NY - Holtsville Fighter Byran Lopez poses after responding to the scene of an overturned car on November 10th.
Center Moriches, NY - Center Moriches Firefighter Joe Swan on-scene of a structure fire on November 16th.
Selden, NY - Selden F.D. ex-chief and active Rescue-4 member, Bill Xikis, at a recent Mutual Aid fire in Coram, N.Y.
JOHN WALTHERS/ SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
JOHN WALTHERS/ SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
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January, 2017
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