1st Responder Long Island March

LONGISLAND NEWS

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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MARCH, 2014

TWO DOGS PERISH IN BELLMORE BLAZE

BILL KELLY

Bellmore Fire Department was toned out on January 27, 2014 to 510 Shore Road for a reported house fire. North Bellmore was alerted for a truck due to Bellmore’s being out of service. Bellmore’s assistant chief arrived to smoke showing at the residence.

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March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

CHRIS BRENNER

MARK OSHINSKY

MARK OSHINSKY

CHRIS BRENNER

Southampton Fire Department responds to working garbage truck fire The Southampton Fire Department was toned out to the report of a truck on fire on Sandy Hollow Road in Southampton on January 13th at 8:45 a.m. Chief Dennis Roy arrived and stated to the responding units that the cab of the truck was fully engulfed. Units arrived and the fire was extinguished with ten minutes. Southampton town fire marshals office was called in to investigate. No injuries were reported. Sandy Hollow Road was shut down in both directions for approximately one and a half hours from North Sea Rd to County Route 39.

Chief Dennis Roy was in charge of the scene.

MARK OSHINSKY

Fatal fire in Melville Melville, NY. On January 5, 2014, the Melville Fire Department responded to a house fire in Melville. The smoke and fog made the driving very hard for the responders as you could not see the road. Upon arrival, Chief Michael McKeefrey found a house fully involved and he established command. 3rd Assistant Chief Chris Nolan and 2nd Assistant Chief Paul Mahler were also on the scene. A search was made and the homeowner was found to have died in the fire.

Melville was aided by the Dix Hills, East Farmingdale and Plainview Fire Departments. The Huntington Community First Aid Squad assisted as well as the Melville and the Town of Huntington Fire Marshals and the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad.

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March, 2014

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March, 2014

1ST Responder Newspaper - LI

Two dogs perish in Bellmore blaze

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 15 No. 3 - 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.

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

Bellmore Fire Department was toned out on January 27, 2014 to 510 Shore Road for a reported house fire.

North Bellmore was alerted for a truck due to Bellmore’s being out of service.

Bellmore's assistant chief arrived to smoke showing at the residence.

A minute later, he transmitted a Signal 10 for a working fire. Fire was not showing, but it was somewhere within the middle of the house-not showing itself as of yet.

Wantagh was called for their

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FAST. Merrick was alerted for an additional engine and manpower.

Unfortunately, two dogs perished in the blaze. No serious injuries were reported at the scene to firefighters or civilians.

The cause and the origin are under investigation.

- BILL KELLY

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

Working structure for Southampton

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.

No one covers Long Island like 1st Responder News does!

CHRIS BRENNER

The Southampton Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 11:31 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28th on Powell Avenue in Southampton village.

The ffirst unit on scene reported heavy smoke from the rear of the building. Dispatch retoned it as a working structure fire.

An interior team was requested and entered through the kitchen and found the fire in the living room.

They were able to knock the fire down and crews were requested to assist with overhaul.

Southampton Village Volun-

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teer Ambulance was requested to the scene for two occupants of the residence.

A male subject refused transport and a female occupant was transported to Southampton Hospital with unknown injuries.

The Southampton village fire marshals office is investigating the fires cause. Chief Dennis Roy was in charge of the scene.

- CHRIS BRENNER

CHRIS BRENNER

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

March, 2014

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March, 2014

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MUTUAL AID GORDON WREN

I recently heard a local mayor criticizing the village fire department, accusing numerous firefighters for standing idly by while a building burned.

I did a little checking regarding the mayor’s concerns; I had responded and worked the fire in question.

The mayor’s fire department was dispatched to a working structure fire in a garden apartment complex on a hot, humid, summer day.

The incident commander/volunteer fire chief responded to the scene and found an advanced fire involving several apartments in a complex that had been built with extremely poor access for fire apparatus with one access road blocked off by a metal cyclone fence that firefighters had to use saws on to allow apparatus access, which caused a delay getting apparatus to the rear of the complex.

Despite these problems, his firefighters initiated a plan to cut off the fire’s horizontal travel in order to save numerous apartments.

Once the plan was implemented, the chief decided to call in additional ladders, pumpers, rescues and manpower to stage in a shopping center parking lot approximately two blocks from the scene.

This is a smart move when there is a strong likelihood that additional equipment and manpower may be needed.

As the mayor and at least one of the village trustees were driving to the fire scene, they apparently observed the numerous fire apparatus and firefighters in the nearby parking lot with the burning building and large column of black smoke in the background.

The mayor was apparently outraged that these firefighters were standing around watching the fire burn.

Upon arrival at the fire, the mayor then observed the firefighters on the FAST Team (Firefighter Assist Team) standing by in front of the burning building, a dozen firefighters assembled at the manpower staging area and several additional firefighters at rehab, sitting on the grass with wet towels on their necks drinking water; and commented, “Why are these firefighters not putting out the fire?”

Apparently the mayor made these critical comments repeatedly in different forums.

Now it is one thing to be criticized when you screw up.

It is really frustrating and wrong to be criticized when everything is done right.

This fire was managed extremely well.

The fire chief, his officers and firefighters did a magnificent job in cutting off and controlling this fire in a complex that should have never been approved with the poor access for the fire department and lack of maintenance.

The mayor jumping to the conclusion that these firefighters were goofing off while residents’ homes were consumed by flames was just flat out wrong.

This scenario is a classic example of people making judgments when they know little or nothing about firefighting.

I have found it annoying to listen to individuals standing on the sidewalk being critical at emergency scenes.

However, to have the head of the local governmental jurisdiction spreading inaccurate information is really inexcusable and unacceptable.

Not only did the firefighters not receive the justifiable accolades that they should have for a job well done, they received unwarranted criticism.

KATIE GRILLI-ROBLES

Mangano celebrates with East Williston firefighters East Williston, NY. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined members of the East Williston community in a ceremony celebrating the dedication of the newly opened fire truck garage.

This dedication also celebrated the restoration and return of the original 1929 Maxim Pumper Fire Truck #815.

The 1929 truck had been sold after 26 years of service to the

JUMP TO FILE #120513113

community and was rediscovered upstate near the Canadian border in 1981.

Auto enthusiasts Robert Kentner and Ellyn Okvist, along with past and present members of the East Williston Fire Department restored the truck at no cost to the county.

Pictured above with the County Executive are Congressman Steve Israel, Legislator Richard Nicolello, Mayor David E. Tanner, Jon Sanneman, Chief of Department Daniel Cramblitt, Fire Commissioner Thomas Delaporte, and Trustees Richard Abbott, William Behan, Thomas Devaney, Nick Siciliano, Thomas Mohrman, and Chris Siciliano.

- Katie Grilli-robles

Additional columns from Gordon Wren and all of our columnists can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com

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“Grantguys” www.jskpublicsafety.com Phone: 516-835-8651 • Email: jskinc@verizon.net

MARK OSHINSKY

Electrical fire in multiple homes in Dix Hills Dix Hills, NY. on January 4,2014, the Dix Hills Fire Department was called to a house fire and found that a cesspool truck that was working at the home had hit the box on the power line. there were two houses on fire and the electric was out in many other homes. While Dix Hills fought the fires, many other departments were called in and did a house to house search to see if there were any more fires or if anyone was hurt. there was nothing else found. the fires in the two houses were quickly put out. the other departments on scene included Deer Park, Melville, Greenlawn, Huntington Manor, Hauppauge, east Northport, North babylon, and Commack First aid squad.

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March, 2014

PagE 7

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March, 2014

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PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our Patches feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

CHRIS BRENNER

Southampton Fire Department responds to a MVA with wires on car The Southampton Fire Department was called out at 4:05 p.m. to the report of a motor vehicle accident on Tuckahoe Road in front of Stonybrook University Southampton campus.

Initial reports came in as a vehicle versus a pole with live wires on top of the vehicle.

Upon the chiefs arrival, it was determined that the subject was

JUMP TO FILE #011714104

able to get out of his vehicle on his own.

Southampton Volunteer Ambulance transported the male to Southampton Hospital with nonlife threatening injuries.

Fire Police shut the road down

for approximately one and a half hours. The scene was turned over to the Stonybrook University Police for the investigation.

The power was out for an extended amount of time in the area so LIPA could raise the pole.

Chief Dennis Roy was in charge of the scene.

- CHRIS BRENNER

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BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

Heavy rescue on border of East Meadow and North Bellmore On the evening of Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 9:10 p.m., the Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department notified his dispatcher of a one car motor vehicle accident at the intersection of North Jerusalem Rd. and Bellmore Ave. Chief Griffin requested a forthwith response from the department, due to the fact that the car had sustained heavy damage when it struck a utility pole and a large tree, and that there was a passenger trapped inside with major trauma.

The East Meadow Fire Department responded with Engine 2 (612) heavy rescue (616) and Ambulances 615 and 6115.

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After a prolonged extraction, with two Hurst tools in operation and a line stretched for precautionary measures, the patient was removed from the vehicle and transported to Nassau University Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries.

The North Bellmore Fire Department under the direction of Chief of Department Mark Collins also responded to the alarm due to the fact that the call was on the border of both dis-

tricts. North Bellmore Ambulance 652 transported the patient to the hospital.

Both departments worked very well together to ensure that the job went as smooth as possible. The operations were handled by Asst.

Chiefs Salvesen, Kane, and McGee (East Meadow) and Asst.

Chiefs Marshall, Rut and Domiano while command functions were handled by Chief Griffin and Collins. Nassau County ESU sent two trucks to the scene. Multiple police units were also on the scene.

- BILL KELLY

POLICEANDFIRESURPLUS.COM

Bayville Fire Dept Fire Company No 1

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

March, 2014

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March, 2014

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BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

CHRIS BRENNER

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

CHRIS BRENNER

Burst water pipes in Southampton

Christmas Eve fire for North Bellmore

The Southampton Fire Department was called out to the report of water pouring from the front door of a residence on Herrick Road in Southampton on January 8th. Crews arrived on scene and had to force entry to the front door so they could shut the electric off, since the water was pouring through the meter. Crews were on scene for about 30 minutes. Chief Dennis Roy was in charge of the scene.

On December 24, 2013 at approximately 7:30 p.m., North Bellmore Fire Department was toned out for a fire on Bellmore Road. Command arrived to find a possible oil burner fire, but upgraded the assignment to a Signal 10 a few minutes later, upon finding a basement fire. Bellmore arrived as mutual aid with East Meadow for their FAST. North Merrick and Merrick stood by. As it was Christmas Eve and Santa already arrived at the home, firefighters were seen recovering gifts from the inside of the home for the family members. Snow was falling at the time and the spirit of the season truly showed once again through these firefighters.

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

March, 2014

PagE 11

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

Blaze strikes Freeport home On January 23, 2014, the Freeport Fire Department responded to a call from a neighbor for a house on Noon Place at approximately 3:51 p.m. Assistant Chief William Walsh arrived on scene and reported visible fire through the windows of the second floor.

No one was home at the time of the fire, but firefighters did find two

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cats within the home. They were handed over to EMS personnel at the scene.

Merrick was called for an additional truck to work the scene. North Merrick arrived at the FAST team.

An Oceanside engine and Baldwin truck were called to Freeport headquarters to attend to further alarms in the district.

No injuries were reported at the scene. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by local officials.

- BILL KELLY

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

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March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

Big Wheels EMS ISSUES CHELLE CORDERO

MARK OSHINSKY

Get your personal copy of

The LI Edition Name:______________________ Telephone:___________________

House fire in Melville Melville, NY. On January 9, 2014, four people escaped a house fire unharmed early Thursday in Melville, but frigid conditions made fighting the blaze more challenging as the water was being shot from the hoses froze very quickly.

The Melville Fire Department with the help from Dix Hills, Huntington Manor, East Farmingadle and Plainview Fire Depart-

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ments under the command of Chief Michael McKeefrey with 2nd Chief Paul Mahler and 3rd Asst. Chief Chris Nolan on scene.

In -0 conditions they fought the blaze till all the fire was out.

- MARK OSHINSKY

Address:____________________ City: ______________________ State:_____ Zip: _____________ __ $36 for one year subscription __ $60 for two year subscription

Payment method __ Check __ Money Order __ Charge card Card # _____________________

Tones sound for a medical emergency and your highly trained crew prepares to respond. Dispatch relays the information they have about the patient, but unless there are severe weather conditions or road closures there are no warnings about hazards on the road.

Getting to the scene and transport to the hospital (and even returning to base) may be fraught with danger.

“Motor vehicle crashes involving ambulances used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) pose serious risk to both the crew and the patients,” from the NFPA Analysis of Ambulance Crash Data.

The Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) was revised for ambulances in 1995; ambulance crashes are still considered to be the number one cause of provider deaths and injuries.

Various methods are used to collect accident data in the hopes that areas of weakness can be pinpointed and improved.

At this time each state oversees its own collection of data and data sharing is not always a given.

Per Part 800.21 of NYCRR, every NYS ambulance or ALSFR service must have and enforce a written policy which describes the authorized practices for driving EMS response vehicles by their members or employees; the policy should be in accordance with NYS-EMS Ambulance Accident Prevention Seminar, DOT EVOC, National Safety Council, programs provided by Insurance Carrier, etc.

Also every NYS EMS agency shall have a notification policy in the event of an accident or crash; this shall be consistent with Part 800.21(p).

The NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (V&T) authorizes privileges that ambulance and other emergency vehicle drivers may use dur-

ing an emergency operation regarding traffic signals, speed, lane usage and direction – however the driver is NOT protected from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others.

In addition to formal driver training programs, agencies can help to ensure safe(r) and reliable response with mandated vehicle and equipment checks at the start of every shift.

For the purposes of time, in the event a call goes out just after shift change, the checklist should be broken into two parts similar to a rapid patient assessment and a more thorough assessment as soon as time permits.

The initial vehicle check should include checking tires, lights, sirens, oil (check with the engine cool and off), brakes, and fuel; the rest should include all vehicle fluids, belts and hoses, windshield wipers, voltage, shore line, emergency road flares, exterior vehicle inspection, interior cleanliness, etc.

For the rapid medical equipment, check O2 tanks, patient cot, first in call bag, OB kit, AED, suction, an overview of BLS supplies, and airway; a complete assessment of all medical supplies (as per Part 800) including quantity and dating should be done before every shift or at immediate return to base if a call goes out early.

Emergency operations include dispatch to the scene of a medical emergency and emergency transport of a patient to a hospital; returning to base is considered NON-emergency.

During a non-emergency operation, the EMS response vehicle should be driven in a safe manner and is not authorized to use any emergency vehicle privileges as provided for in the V & T Law. Operating a vehicle in emergency mode is one of the most dangerous activities that an EMS provider is routinely involved in.

Careful consideration must always be given for the lives and safety of the driver, the crew, the patient and for the safety of every other person that the vehicle will encounter during the call. (Bureau of EMS Policy Statement 00-13)

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Additional columns from MARK OSHINSKY

Car fire on the Northern State Melville, NY. In November, a car fire on the Northern State Parkway brought out the Melville Fire Department. Upon arrival, they found a fully involved car. With an aggressive attack, the fire was quickly extinguished.

Chelle Cordero and all of our columnists can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com

March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

PagE 13

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Brookhaven handles a garbage truck fire On January 13, 2014, the Brookhaven Fire Department was toned out for a truck fire just west of Exit 57 on Route 27. The Brookhaven chief arrived on the scene and found smoke coming from the truck. The first due engine made a fast knock down. Fire police closed one lane down for the safety of the firefighters. The cause of the fire was unknown.

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PAGE 14

March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

MARK OSHINSKY

One car accident in Melville

MARK OSHINSKY

Melville, NY. On January 13, 2014, the Melville Fire Department responded to a one car accident where the car ended up on a hill in between the South Service Road and the Long Island Expressway. The car was hanging on the top of the hill with the expressway side at least a forty foot drop.

Melville Fire Rescue evaluated the driver and he was said not to have been hurt.

Detroit, Box Alarm VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky

Detroit, Box Alarm by Providence Fire Videos Available from: FSP Books & Videos Dept. C67,188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 017491330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $18.00 (DVD) This video is 65 minutes long.

When I think of Detroit, I think of the Tigers, the Lions, the Red Wings, the Pistons and the flames.

The first four are sports teams, but the last is simply “fires�, many fires!

This video has many fires. In fact, these 14 fires with the exception of two occurred over a three day period. One is in Detroit, and all but one are box alarms. One is a second alarm.

It is assumed that the one, out of town fire in neighboring Highland Park was probably a general alarm as this is a small fire department. In this fire at a four story apartment building, the tower overheats and has to be shut down.

So, if you figure that the average Detroit firefighter dons his turnouts after roll call and waits

for the calls to come in, it may not be that far from the truth!

Of the incidents, I believe I remember two church fires, and there are two garage fires one of which has live wires sparking.

Firefighters cautiously spray water while truckees await the power company to complete shutting off the electric at the pole.

One house fire was caused by a car running into it after the driver had been shot. Both were fully involved. Neighbors removed the driver and firefighters and EMS are seen wheeling him to an ambulance.

Nine of the fires occur in either one and a half or two and a half story vacant dwellings, most fully involved.

In fact, the last incident sees the DFD return later to the same scene which involved two vacant dwellings. Guess the arsonists used accelerants after the structures were drowned with water.

The normal operation was handlines, ladderpipes in some cases, a tower stream, etc.

Truckmen performed ventilation from roof ladders and all in all the DFD impresses me as an aggressive firefighting force even with the workload and the fact that many structures are vacant!

I also see that their apparatus seem to be in decent shape as many of these pumpers are older, but they are not beat up like you would expect in larger cities.

There is plenty of action here for the viewer.

MARK OSHINSKY

MARK OSHINSKY

Melville Fire Department holds annual Installation Dinner Melville,February,2014 The Melville Fire Department held their dinner at Villa Lombardi's. The new Chief of Department is Michael McKeefrey,First Asst. Jason Bernfeld, Second Ass.Paul Mahler,Third Asst. Chris Nolan. There were special awards given to certain members for outstanding service.The enjoyed a night of dinner and dancing and a great time was had by all.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON

Miller Place Fire Department operates a 2010 Seagrave Marauder II 1500/750.

RUSSELL CURLEY

North Patchogue's 1964 Mack C Model 1000 gpm pumper found a new life with Union Grove Fire Department in Alabama

“If it aint Broke don’t fix it”: Tweak it – with a 5 minute change FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

Two months into the New Year and you and your fitness routine are hangin’ in there.

Chances are you’ve made some progress. You are certainly feeling better. stronger, leaner, more alert, more overall energy. Good For you!

We’ve talked repeatedly about the benefits of periodic changes to your regime. Change is good. The variety helps keep you motivated and keeps those results coming.

But what about the flip side of that: “If it aint broke don’t fix it”? Uggh! That’s a good point.

Your workouts are working, you are enjoying them (come on – you know you are!) and it’s a little scary to make changes when all seems right in your “Fitness World”.

Here’s a compromise that has worked for many of my “creature of habit” clients in the past.

Chances are it will work for you too!

Keep the major components of your existing routine. You can generally keep the exercises – the format but with one small “five minute change”.

Finish the cardio portion of your workout with high intensity interval training (short intervals of higher than usual intensity, followed by lower intensity rest periods).

For example, when you reach the last five minutes of a treadmill workout sprint for 20 sec-

onds then walk for 40 seconds.

Repeat this sequence five times then proceed to your usual cool down.

You have more than likely heard of the benefits of high intensity interval training (HIIT).

We’ve discussed it briefly in the past.

Simply said, the science behind it has exercisers burning more calories and more fat (both during and after exercise) with HIIT than with traditional steady state cardio exercise.

The science is there, yet many exercisers are skeptical and unwilling to make the break from their traditional routines.

My clients incorporating the change began with 20/40 second (work/active rest) intervals and progressed to 30/30 intervals after a month or so. Many have increased the bouts to include the last ten minutes of the workout.

Some have limited steady state workouts to once a week and still others have ditched the steady state workouts altogether.

All of these clients are healthy individuals with no medical restrictions.

Are HIIT workouts for you?

Check with your physician first, of course and as always choose intensity levels that match your age and current fitness level and medical history.

This may be just the five minute change you are looking for.

I have seen it work wonders.

Here’s a chance for you to test it for yourself. Let me know what your findings are.

Again, be sure to have the approval of your physician before beginning any exercise program.

FRANK ROBINSON

The Port Royal Friendship Fire Company in Pennsylvania operates a 1991 International/Pierce 1000/500. The rig once saw service at the Coram Fire Department on Long Island.

FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Future First Responders” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

Alexander Godoy, son of Jose Godoy at the Oyster Bay Fire Department Co. 1.

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March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

PAgE 17

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1st Responder Newspaper - LI

PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our Patches feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

HAROLD JACOBS

The door needed to be completely removed to access the patient.

Brookhaven handles MVA during snowstorm Shirley, NY. On the snowy morning of February 3, 2014, Brookhaven Fire Department and Shirley EMS were toned out for an MVA at Pine Top Drive and southbound William Floyd Parkway.

The arriving units found an MVA with one car through a fence

JUMP TO FILE #020414104

ending up in a backyard. Shirley EMS transported one person to the local hospital.

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- HAROLD JACOBS

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March, 2014

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SHOTS FROM AROUND THe STATe To see your shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

A very cold East Meadow Chief Walter Griffin at a recent fire.

MARK OSHINSKY

Captain Carolyn Schuler giving Michael McMullen the Rescue Member of the Year Award in Melville

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

Merrick's Second Assistant Chief Tommy Gies

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March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

First responder turns to Heroes Mortgage Program for help When he was in the process of purchasing his home, Ray Viera Jr. started the mortgage process with one lender, before hearing about the Heroes Mortgage Program. Good thing as the first lender was not quite able to get the job done.

Viera switched over to the Heroes Mortgage Program because of the great mortgage rate and impressive customer service he was provided with.

According to Viera, the Heroes Mortgage Program saved him about 0.75 percent on his mortgage rate.

That equals several thousands of dollars in savings over the course of his loan.

“I will be “I was referring the impressed,” Heroes said Mortgage Viera, a 13-year Program to veteran people ... with the Passaic I have alot of County confidence in Sheriff’s them.”

Department. “I - Ray Viera, Jr. will be referring the Heroes Mortgage Program to people I work with. As a matter of fact, I already am. I have a lot of confidence in them.

During the course of my mortgage, issues arose with the property that might have dismantled the entire process.

Thanks to the Heroes Program they were able to figure out a solution in time for my closing.

They were just so helpful and made everything so much easier.”

Viera is the latest member of the emergency services community to take advantage of the innovative Heroes Mortgage Program. The popular program is dedicated to serving the mortgage needs of the firefighter, police, rescue and EMS community, providing discounted fees, first-rate customer service and low interest rates not available to the general public.

“To find out about the Heroes Mortgage Program was a blessing for me,” Viera said. “To save that money, was great, and everyone there was great.

They took any questions I had, and immediately answered them. It helped me so much.”

1st Responder and Sun Home Loans teamed up to create the Sun National Bank Heroes Mortgage Program. To participate in the program, firefighters, police officers, rescue

and EMS personnel must verify their active or retired status within the emergency services community. The program is open to both paid and volunteer members and provides the kind of first-rate customer service these brave men and women deserve.

“We were as excited as Mr. Viera when we found out how

much money our rate would save him,” said Steve Testa, an executive vice president with Sun National Bank. “To think outside the box and help These Men and Woman are what we do best, and we will always do our best to provide clients with the best rates we can provide because we know how hard these men and

women work for their money.

We know the kind of sacrifices they make every day. The Heroes Mortgage Program will continue to pride itself on our strong customer service and highly-competitive rates.”

To receive more information about the program and its benefits, contact Steven Testa at stesta@sunnb.com or call

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Heroes Realty Heroes Realty specializes in representing members of the emergency services community during the course of their real estate transaction. Our experienced team prides themselves on providing you with the best opportunities and value possible. Whether you are purchasing a new home, selling your home, renting or buying a vacation property, or buying an investment property, our mission is to exceed your expectations. Heroes Realty performs at the highest levels of accountability, integrity, ethics and service period.

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Heroes Credit Repair Program The Heroes Credit Repair program is an initiative jointly sponsored by 1st Responder Newspaper and Continental Credit to offer credit repair services to members of the emergency services community. An industry pioneer, Continental Credit believes credit

to be unique to each and every client and will work with you to develop a custom plan to help turn around your financial situation.

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1st Responder Newspaper - LI

March, 2014

Page 23

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March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

How’s your driving Part III- driving emergencies STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

When driving your own vehicle or emergency apparatus, you should always be observing the road ahead and surrounding areas looking for hazards as they may turn into emergencies. You look for the hazards in order to have time to plan a way out of any emergency.

When you see a hazard, think about the emergencies that could develop and figure out what you would do. Be prepared to take action based on your plans, it will keep you from panicking.

When you drive at night, drivers can't see hazards as quickly as in daylight, so they have less time to respond. Drivers caught by surprise are less able to avoid a crash.

The problems of night driving involve the driver, the roadway, and the vehicle. Drive slower when lighting is poor or confusing.

Drive slowly enough to be sure you can stop in the distance you can see ahead.

The New York State Drivers and Chauffeurs Manuals cover numerous driving emergencies and one of the subjects covered relates to the best practices to use when driving in rain, fog, or snow.

Experienced drivers know that even just a thin coating of rain, snow or ice makes roads slippery.

And wet leaves can be especially slippery and hazardous.

You can improve your driving safety by slowing down under these conditions and by increasing your following distance. Be extra careful on curves, turns and expressway ramps.

In heavy rain, your vehicle's tires may begin to actually ride on the water lying on top of the road pavement. This "hydroplaning" can cause complete loss of traction and steering control. Hydroplaning usually occurs at higher speeds, but it also can occur if your vehicle's tires are tread worn or improperly inflated.

When there is heavy rain, it is almost always wise to drive more slowly. If your vehicle begins losing traction, slow down even more. Good tires with deep tread help prevent hydroplaning.

Rain, fog, or snow makes it harder to see out through your vehicle's windshield, and difficult for other drivers to see you. New

York State law requires you to turn on your vehicle's headlights whenever the weather conditions would ordinarily require the use of windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet, and other precipitation.

"Daytime running lights" do not qualify as headlights. If your windshield wipers cause streaks or smears, the blades must be replaced.

High headlight beams reflect off rain, fog and falling snow.

This makes it even harder for you to see where you are going. For better visibility during these weather conditions, keep your vehicle's headlights on low beam.

Reduce your speed. Signal your turns further ahead of time than usual to give other drivers and roadway users increased warning.

Brake early when slowing behind another vehicle or coming to an intersection stop.

Some vehicles have front fog lights, or front and rear fog lights, for use when heavy fog or similar hazardous weather conditions seriously restrict the driver's visibility.

In New York State, all fog lights must be properly installed and of a type approved by the Commissioner of DMV. Front fog lights may be amber or white in color. Rear fog lights must be red and may be larger than the vehicle's regular taillights - they are intended to give advanced warning of your vehicle's presence to the drivers behind you.

When visibility improves, you should switch off your vehicle's rear fog lights to reduce the glare that might affect other drivers.

The manuals also cover additional types of emergencies one may encounter when driving and what to do in those situations.

Those types of emergencies include tire blowout, loss of a wheel, steering failure and brake failure, headlight failure, stuck gas pedal, and running off the pavement. In addition, stalling on railroad tracks, vehicle approaching head on, blocked vision, fire, and going into water.

The NY State Driver’s Manual and Commercial Drivers’ Manual is being used as a reference for much of the information provided in this article and I highly recommend that you locate a copy and review all it has to offer. The link to both manuals is through the NYS Motor Vehicle website.

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

RUSSELL CURLEY

Levittown Fire Department's 1950 Pirsch 1000 gpm (Engine 7) pumper. It is the only known Peter Pirsch pumper remaining on Long Island

RUSSELL CURLEY

Patchogue Fire Department's 1936 Mack AB Model 750 gpm pumper

Read previous columns from Henry Campbell and the rest of our staff at www.1RBN.com

FRANK ROBINSON

Manhasset- Lakeville Fire Department own this 1948 Ward La France 1000/500.

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

March, 2014

PAgE 25

BILL FONDA

Volunteer firefighters from the Eastport Fire Department negotiate a forested driving course on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation property in Ridge last October. The Brush Truck course was created by the academy in order to allow volunteer firefighters the opportunity to practice their driving skills before a wildland fire erupts.

New York Wildfire Academy announces brush truck training program for volunteers The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (Academy) will hold its second ever Brush Truck Training Course for the Volunteer Fire Service this March.

The brush truck course, which will be taught by a combination of local and national instructors, is based on a national training program, but has been specifically adapted to the unique situations found in Long Island’s fire-prone Pine Barrens region.

“The volunteer fire service on Long Island has for years courageously battled some of New York State’s most historic wildfires,” Central Pine Barrens Commission Executive Director John W. Pavacic said.

“The response of the volunteer fire service to the Sunrise Fire in 1995 and Crescent Bow Fire in April 2012 are just a few examples of their willingness and effectiveness in battling these historic fires.

By offering this training the Academy hopes to add a few more tools to the arsenal needed to battle these devastating blazes.”

The Brush Truck Training Course will consist of two days of classroom training on March 15 and 16, 2014.

On the following weekend volunteer firefighters will spend approximately three hours on either March 22 or 23 maneuvering brush trucks through forested and sandy areas.

BILL FONDA

Volunteer firefighters from Eastport, Flanders, Lakeland, North Babylon, Orient and Westhampton Beach departments participated in the New York Wildfire and Incident Managment Academy's first ever brush truck course in October 2013.

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

JUMP TO FILE #020414112

The academy is holding this course in late March in order to better prepare volunteer firefighters for the wildland firefighting season on Long Island which reaches its peak in April.

During the 2013 New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, the academy debuted this course which attracted volunteer firefighters from the Eastport, Flanders, Lakeland, North Babylon, Orient and Westhampton Beach volunteer fire departments.

Training will be conducted at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank and on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation property in Ridge.

There will be a $20 training materials fee per firefighter.

Brush trucks only need to be driven to this class on the designated driving day.

For more information on these or other courses offered please go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/education-/73.html. Class registrations must be received by the close of business on Friday, March 7, 2014.

If you have any questions about the Brush Truck Training Course Academy, you may E-Mail the Academy at NYWIMA@pb.state.ny.us or call directly at (631) 769-1556.

- BILL FONDA

RUSSELL CURLEY

North Merrick Fire Department's 1990 FMC 1500 gpm pumper, Renegade Engine #2

RUSSELL CURLEY

North Merrick Fire Department's 2011 Spartan/EVI 1750 gpm pumper, Renegade Engine #2

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March, 2014

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

PROVIDED

FRANK ROBINSON

Coram Fire Department operates a 2011 Spartan/Crimson 1500/500/103' Quint.

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.

PROVIDED

Firefighter injured during collapse at Freeport fire RUSSELL CURLEY

At 3:15 p.m. on January 7, 2014, the Freeport Fire Department was notified for a report of a house fire on Long Beach and Maxon Avenues.

Upon arrival of Ladder 218, they reported a working house fire.

Ladder 218’s Lt. Andy Peralta was advised that an occupant, who was trapped on the second floor. Lt Peralta and Firefighter Tom Stevens forced entry into the house.

Firefighter William Schecher entered the house and located the victim on the second floor of the smoke and heat-filled home. He removed the victim to awaiting EMS personnel, who transported him to the hospital.

Firefighters were faced with a basement fire that was communicating to the rest of the house through the walls.

The frigid single digit temperature coupled with a very challenging fire gave Freeport's bravest a very difficult scenario.

Numerous hose lines had to be

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

deployed. In conjunction with that, firefighters had to open the walls and ceilings.

They were forced to fight through layers of sheetrock and plaster to expose and extinguish the fast moving fire.

While fire suppression efforts were being executed, Lt Darren Eberhart was operating on the second floor when suddenly the ceiling collapsed on top of him.

Ex Capt Steve Kistela and Firefighter Colin Ahrens realized what happened and assisted Lt Eberhart to a second floor window. He was placed on a one story set back in the rear of the house.

Firefighters from North Merrick, Baldwin, Oceanside and Freeport packaged the injured firefighter into a stokes basket and removed him from the roof.

Extra care had to be rendered to

make sure they did not further injure the firefighter, who was suffering from neck and back injuries.

They were also faced with a difficult task as they were operating under heavy smoke and icing conditions.

“We are happy to report that both the firefighter and the occupant of the home were released from the hospital later that night.”

102 Freeport firefighters operated at the fire with assistance from neighboring communities.

Mutual aid came from North Merrick (FAST team), Oceanside with an extra truck to go to work, Baldwin, Roosevelt, and Point Lookout with an ambulance.

Oceanside, Merrick, and Rockville Centre stoodby at Freeport fire headquarters.

Mayor Robert T. Kennedy responded to the scene to offer assistance and was joined by other village officials.

- BILL KELLY

South Farmingdale's 2011 Spartan/EVI 1500 gpm pumper in action at a basement fire on Vernon Street in Farmingdale

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

North Bellmore Ladder 657 in action at a Bellmore house fire

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

March, 2014

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March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

Is the media working for your department?

Recently, I was involved in a discussion with a fire official from another department and a reporter.

The fire official was explaining to the reporter how the media did not cover events in the local JUMP TO FILE# area and don’t get 012414110 the story facts right.

The reporter was telling him how understaffed they are and cannot physically be at all events, adding that his news organization welcomes emails with facts about the event.

The fire official’s response was “then I’m doing your job.”

As the Public Information Officer (PIO) for my fire company, I understood both points of view.

You cannot change how the media works, but your department can help change how your department presents news to the media.

If the media is in the dark about the happenings in your department, don’t curse the darkness, enlighten them. In today’s world, the media is under so many different types of pressures, especially financially. Just ask any newspaper that is struggling to stay alive. It is difficult to cover all the events in their coverage area, get all the facts of the story from multiple sources, and all under a deadline.

For purposes of discussion, consider these questions. First, whether you are a volunteer or paid department, do you have an assigned PIO? If you don’t, you need to ask yourself why not?

What is your department doing to get your message out to the media? Does your department dislike dealing with the media by not returning a phone inquiry or, while at the scene, tell the reporters the chief is busy and can’t talk? Or do you reach out to the media only when your department needs to campaign for money from the public for a new engine or other big expenditures?

Having a PIO will help the department with recruitment, retention, funding, community support, public education with fire prevention, and justification of resources. Having a person assigned to deal with the media saves time and eliminates headaches for your department.

The media will know who they need to contact for facts about recent calls, events or department issues. The chief and other department members will not have to worry about being contacted by reporters and can go about their normal jobs. Reporters have told me that they do not like to bother the chief who is busy at the scene, but they still need the information for their story.

A PIO can give the media the time and the facts about the call.

You may say that the PIO is doing the media’s job and ask why do it? Remember whoever

releases the story controls the story. If your department doesn’t release information, the media will go to someone else such as the police, other agencies or people at the scene.

Do you think they will tell the fire department’s side of the story? I think not.

Developing that relationship with the media in the good times may pay off if anything negative develops in your department. For example, let’s say one of your members is arrested and it affects your department. Being pro-active and knowing what and how to conduct yourself with the media will make your department look professional and might instill more public confidence in your department.

Having developed a relationship with the media doesn’t guarantee your department will be treated any better during bad times, but it can only help. Don’t disappear or hide the bad news from the media. They will find out about it. Be as transparent and honest as possible.

The fire service does not offer training for PIOs, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency management agencies do. That is because the PIO’s role is the same for any agency whether you are a fire, police, EMS, local, city, or state agency.

The facts of the story will be different from the different agencies, but how you tell the story will be the same.

The first level of training is the PIO Awareness Course (G289) offered online. This course takes an hour or two to complete and is available to anyone. I highly recommend this course to all officers and chiefs for their own education and to better understand the role of a PIO. The course will orient participants to the function and the role of the PIO in the public safety and emergency management environment. The next four levels are classroom training.

So where do you begin? The first step is always the hardest: finding someone to be a PIO. A desirable quality in a good PIO is someone who has a good working relationship and knowledge of your organization. They also need to be aggressive in compiling the information and to become a trusted strategist and advisor to your fire department leadership.

There will be a learning curve with your department and the new PIO, until both fully understand the workings and actions of a PIO. Having a source for the media to contact can reap rewards with story ideas or with fire prevention for your department. A few times in the past and on slow news days, the media phones me about the call before I’m out of my driveway responding to it. Other times, I just do not have a story for them. In one instance, a reported brush fire was in reality a

PROVIDED

Kevin Barry is a PIO for the Rombout Fire Company and the Town of Fishkill Emergency Preparedness Committee.

family roasting marshmallows around a fire pit. There are still times that a fire call is not printed or reported because there was another more interesting story to report on. Remember, your story is competing against others for valuable newspaper or airtime. You have a better chance of getting your story told when you have the information the media needs.

Follow along with me on a typical fire call as a PIO. My fire district has an interstate and a major state highway running through it and when there is an accident on one of them, there are major traffic delays, particularly at commuter time. Within ten minutes of arriving on the scene, I am briefed by the chief and take a few photos.

With the chief’s approval, I post the information about the accident on the fire company’s Face-

book and Twitter pages. Then I phone the local radio, TV and daily newspaper with the story. It takes less than five minutes to tell the story.

Many times, my fire company is still at the scene, but the story is on the airwaves or posted on the internet, helping people detour away from the scene. Without a PIO, the media is calling the firehouse, but no one answers because everyone is at the scene. After the call, the chief may return phone calls with the information if he or she is not late for work or busy. It may not have been a big story, only a few paragraphs long, but it is a missed opportunity for your department.

With a little training and practice, a PIO can develop a professional relationship with the media, but the key is being there for them and always with the correct infor-

mation.

Firefighters gain experience from drills and actual calls. The same is true for a PIO. We do this so we all can be our best when the big one comes along.

Remember, telling your department’s story on the information highway is a two-way street.

You and the media each have a job to do. Treat the media with respect and provide them with the accurate information. You will learn that over time such a proactive strategy will reap rewards.

Kevin Barry is a PIO for the Rombout Fire Company and the Town of Fishkill Emergency Preparedness Committee. He is an AdvancePIO and a member of the National Information Officer Association.

- KEVIN BARRY

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.

RUSSELL CURLEY

Farmingdale's 2010 Pierce/Quantum, 1500 gpm squad pumper in action at a basement fire on Vernon Street in Farmingdale

March, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

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March, 2014

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FACES OF LONG ISLAND’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your photos in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.,

RUSSELL CURLEY

Members of Farmingdale (924) squad pumper at the Vernon Street fire on December 28, 2013.

MARK OSHINSKY

Melville Firefighter of the Year, Matthew Papson

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

Baldwin Truck 1 at a recent house fire in Freeport

BILLKELLY.SMUGMUG.COM

North Bellmore Truck 2's captain and lieutenant

North Merrick crew at a recent house fire in Merrick

MARK OSHINSKY

Captain Kaplan giving Linda McDonough Company 2 Member of the Year in Melville

1st Responder Newspaper - LI

March, 2014

Page 31

1 HARRY D'ONOFRIO

Structure fire in West Sayville On February 3rd at 6:16 p.m., the West Sayville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in a residence on Bohemia Parkway.

Upon arrival, the chief's reported visible fire blowing out the first floor ex- JUMP TO FILE # tending to the sec- 021214112 ond floor of the occupied residence.

All occupants of the house were already out and able to escape the flames.

Two family members were however transported to local hospitals for evaluation for non-life threatening injuries.

West Sayville Engine 8 was first due to the scene with Engine 1 right on their tail.

Under the direction of Lt. Brian D'Onofrio and Lt. John Helmuth, both crews advanced a handline to the lower floor to the seat of the fire.

Rescue 3 and Ladder 5 soon followed laddering the building and conducting secondary searches.

One dog and two cats were removed from the building. CPR was attempted on the dog by West Sayville Ex-Chief Rich Doucet and members of the Sayville Community Ambulance Company to no avail.

The alarm was declared under control at 7:03 p.m. by Chief Robert Doucet and all apparatus was back in service at 8:15p.m.

Mutual aid was received by the Bohemia, Sayville and Bayport Fire Departments.

The fire is under investigation by the SCPD and is not considered suspicious at this time.

-HARRY D'ONOFRIO

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