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NEWS
SEPTEMBER, 2015
BROOKHAVEN TWO CAR MVA
HAROLD JACOBS
Shirley, NY - On July 20, 2015, the Brookhaven Fire Department and shirley EMS were toned out for an MVA with an overturn at the corner of County Route 80 and Camp Upton Road. Shirley EMS and Brookhaven Chief Thomas arrived to find a two car MVA with a small cargo van on it’s roof.
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
JEFF BRESSLER
DOUG HAVILAND
Drowning in Long Beach Two men from Brooklyn entered the surf at Long Beach at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 1st. Lifeguards were going off duty at around the same time and beach goers were advised to get out of the ocean and warned of rip currents. Various reports indicated that the victims chose to go into the water despite the cautions. Both men became distressed in the surf and quick acting off duty person-
JUMP TO FILE #080415127 nel rescued one. An extensive search ensued for the second man. Long Beach Fire sounded a multi-alarm status for search and rescue for the missing swimmer. Mutual aid arrived from Atlantic Beach, Freeport, Island Park and Nassau County. At least two helicopters were in the air above
the scene, including Nassau aviation unit. The Coast Guard was also requested. After about an hour in the surf the missing man was rescued. CPR was performed as he was moved to an awaiting ambulance. He later succumbed to his injuries at South Nassau Community Hospital. - DOUG HAVILAND
Smithtown Fire Department answers numerous downed wire calls On August 4, 2015, the Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for the first of many downed power lines at 5:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4th. The alarms were the result of a quick moving powerful storm that moved through the Smithtown area. As of 8:43 a.m., eight calls were dispatched for wires in addition to a CO activation and a mutual aid to a structure fire in St. James.
Mastic battles a working structure fire Mastic, NY. On July 15, 2015, the Mastic Fire Department was toned out for a reported house fire at 136 Patchogue Avenue. Mastic Fire Department’s engine arrived on the scene to find that they had a working fire in a two story house. Brookhaven, Mastic, and Center Moriches Fire Departments were each requested for mutual aid assistance. Firefighters went right to work to find that they had fire on the first and second floors. Firefighters stretched a couple of one and three quarter inch hand lines and started to battle the blaze. Ridge Fire Department was requested to standby at Mastic’s fire house.
Firefighters regroup outside.
HAROLD L JACOBS
JUMP TO FILE #080415127 While Mastic was battling the fire, they were dispatched to another alarm, which Ridge took in. Manorville Fire Department was also requested for an engine to standby at Mastic’s main house. Firefighters worked very hard and it was not a easy battle in the very hot temperatures. EMS set up a rehab area for firefighters due to the heat. There were no known injuries reported at the time of the blaze. The Brookhaven fire marshal was requested to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. - HAROLD JACOBS
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September, 2015
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
ADVERTISER
Your workout can be “A Day At The Beach”
INDEX
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Long Island Mega Show
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Safety & Environmental
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Safety First Divers
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Task Force Tips
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Waterway
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FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
HAROLD JACOBS
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HAROLD JACOBS
Brookhaven responds to two car MVA with overturn
Shirley, NY. On July 20, 2015, the Brookhaven Fire Department and shirley EMS were toned out for an MVA with an overturn at the corner of County Route 80 and Camp Upton Road. Shirley EMS and Brookhaven Chief Thomas arrived to find a two car MVA with a small cargo van on it’s roof. EMS personnel went right to work to remove the person from the overtured van. The patient was packaged and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Firefightes arrived on the scene to check the vehicles for any fluids leaking. After the investigation, firefighters were released from the scene. SCPD remained on the scene until the van was uprighted. The cause of the MVA is under investigation.
With Fall right around the corner, a “Day at the Beach” may be just what your workout plan needs. In many areas of the country, September is an awesome time to be at the Beach. It’s often less crowded, less humid, somewhat cooler and perhaps ideal for a Beach Workout. Here on Long Island, I lead clients through a Beach workout once a week. We workout through the Summer, but in the evening the Sun isn’t quite as strong. There is usually a terrific breeze coming off the water, which keeps things cooler and the pesky mosquitoes away. There are many ways to grab a Beach Workout. Here’s what we do… Often, we forego the use of equipment. This leg workout gets us mobile and uses more of the beach. We start closer to the water, where the sand is firm, yet not too too wet. (Some wear water shoes or go barefoot for this one). Each segment proceeds along the shore line, is 45 seconds in duration, then turns to head back in the opposite direction for the next segment. First we walk. Your basic walk will do, preferably slightly brisk. Next, it’s up on tip toes to get those calves involved. Then, we break into an easy jog or brisker walk. The next three segments keep us in place for 45 second sets (each) of squats, lunges and side leg lifts (switching legs about ½ way through). Then, we take it from the top – walk, tip toe, jog, squat, lunge, side leg lift, until we have gone through the entire circuit three times. Theo, it’s up to softer sand. The softer sand is a bit more challenging when it comes to both intensity and balance. This circuit is the opposite of the first. It starts with travelling lunges, followed by travelling squats (standing sideways – step the right leg out to the side into a 90 degree squat - stand up bringing the left leg in - - - after 45 seconds we repeat stepping out with the left and that has us moving back in the opposite direction). Then, it’s jog in place, jumping jacks, and simulated rope jumping. Exercising control and caution to avoid kicking up the sand is an added challenge of the routine. All segments are 45 seconds in duration, and once again we go through the full circuit 3 times. Some days after completing both circuits a total of three times, we venture into the adjoining park for some bench push-up, dips and crunches to round things out.
Nonetheless, we are always sure to round out these workouts by fitting any missed exercises/muscle groups into our other workouts during the week. There are times when a full body workout is in order. For that we usually go with a medicine ball and or elastic band workout. Sometimes, we use mats and include lying exercises like chest press, crunches and side leg lifts. More often, we minimize contact with the sand and do this circuit standing. We include: bent-over rows, squats, shoulder presses, lunges, bicep curls, side leg lifts, triceps overhead extensions, and heel raises. We do 45 seconds to one minute of each exercise and repeat the circuit three times. Throughout the month, we often trade our Med balls and bands for dumbbells. In those instances, we usually do a combo of seated, lying and standing exercises. We are sure to have the towels or mats for this one. Here’s my favorite: chest press, side lying leg lifts, seated (often referred to as Russian) twists, seated shoulder presses, squats, one arm rows, lunges, bicep concentration curls, heel raises, triceps kickbacks, crunches. There are days we do them in that order for 60 seconds each in circuit form. On hotter days or when we are looking for a change we slow the pace, forgo the circuit and go with three consecutive sets of each exercise before moving on to the next exercise. When using this straight set format, we usually begin with upper (chest press, one arm row, shoulder press, curl, kickback), move on to legs (squat, lunge, side leg lift, heel raise) and finish with abs (seated twist, crunch) Regardless of the workout, we choose, we always park a bit away from the workout site and use the six minute walk there as our warm-up. That walk also serves as the cool-down on the way back to our cars where we end with five minutes of stretching. If these workouts don't peak your interest, create your own. You can always keep it simple with a beach walk or jog. Remember all exercises are not suitable for all individuals. Be sure to have your physician’s approval before beginning any exercise program. Just a quick note, yes, unless it’s a private beach you may draw a few glances from beach goers. The one thing we have learned is that the “lookie Lou’s” are really only giving you that look because you are doing what they should be: taking care of your Health and Wellness and enjoying it! Your workout can be “a Day At The Beach”. Enjoy!
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September, 2015
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Working fire in Mastic
Mastic, Suffolk County, NY. On July 15, 2015, the Mastic Fire Department was toned out for a house fire at 136 Patchogue Ave. Mastic units arrived on the scene to find that they had a working fire. Firefighters were met with fire on the first and second floors of the house. Firefighters from all companies made a quick knock down. It was not easy job for them with the hot weather. The house was severely damaged and the cause of the fire is under investigation by Brookhaven town fire marshals. Mastic Beach, Brookhaven, and Center Moriches Fire Departments were toned out for additional help. Ridge Fire Department stood by at Mastic headquarters and took in another alarm. Manorville was requested to stand by at Mastic's main fire house.
Chief Fire Marshall Scott Tusa, Rockville Centre Fire Chief John Hennig, Chair of Nassau County Fire Commissioners James Mezey, County Executive Ed Mangano, Lynbrook Fire Department ExChief Steve Grogan, Nassau County Director of Veteran’s Services Ralph Esposito, Great Neck Commissioner James E. Neubert, Vice-Chair of Nassau County Fire Commissioners Denis Collins, and West Hempstead Battalion Chairman Tony Pluto. KATIE GRILLI-ROBLES
Veteran pin presented to Nassau County firefighters Mineola, NY. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano (4th left) proudly presented the first Volunteer Firefighter/United States Veteran Pin to Ex-Captain Steve Grogan (center) of the Lynbrook Fire Department and Nassau County Operation Wounded Warrior.
JUMP TO FILE #071415118 The newly designed pin will be presented to those local volunteer firefighters, who served in both the United States Armed Forces and Nassau County’s vol-
unteer fire service. This pin is to be worn on their department-issued uniform to symbolize their heroic and noble acts in the United States Armed Forces. - KATIE GRILLI-ROBLES
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
JEFF BRESSLER
HAROLD JACOBS
Two vehicle MVA involves pole and wires down
Mastic, NY. On the evening of Thursday, July 30th, the Mastic Fire Department with Mastic EMS were toned out for an MVA with a pole and wires down at Mastic Road and Market Street. Arriving units found a car and minivan involved in the accident. Injuries were unknown. Firefighters checked both vehicles for fluid leaks and hazards. The road remained closed until the pole was repaired.
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JEFF BRESSLER
Blaze destroys Smithtown home The Smithtown Fire Department was toned out for a structural fire with possible occupants inside at the location of 44 Marquette Drive at 2:10 a.m. on Sunday, August 9th. Upon arrival, the call was upgraded to a fully involved structural fire. Three occupants were assisted out of the house before units arrived. The occupants were taken by Smithtown and Kings Park Fire Department ambulances to the Stony Brook University Medical Center with their conditions unknown at this time.
JUMP TO FILE #071513129 Two and a half inch hose lines were deployed around the structure to fight the blaze. The fire was also attacked from above by Ladder Company 7. Lines were also used to attack a fire that was starting to spread at an adjacent house. The fire was quickly extinguished to that structure with significant damage to the siding. One Smithtown firefighter was injured and transported to
Stony Brook University Medical Center with a minor injury. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. On scene were Smithtown Chiefs 4-2-30 (Murphy), 4-2-32 (Fitzpatrick) 4-2-33 (Diecidue), Engines 4-2-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-5, Ladder 4-2-7, Ambulance 4-2-61, 4-262, Fire Police 4-2-10. Mutual aid was provided by St. Jame, Nesconset, Hauppauge, Kings Park, and Nissequogue Fire Departments. - JEFF BRESSLER
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
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September, 2015
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Huntington Manor Department parade
Huntington Station, NY. The Huntington Manor Fire Department held their annual parade and fireworks.There were many fire departments and ambulances from all over Suffolk and some from Nassau counties. The children had fun at the fair, which is where the parade ended. The evening ended with a wonderful fireworks display. The Huntington Manor Fire Department worked very hard to ensure a good time was had by all.
MARK OSHINSKY
Motorcycle MVA in Dix Hills
Dix Hills, NY. On July 27, 2015, the Dix Hills Fire Department responded to an accident where a motorcycle hit the rear of a car. The motorcycle and the driver ended up under the car. Members of the Dix Hills Fire Department fully immobilized the driver and transported him to a local hospital for treatment. They also removed the motorcycle from under the car and put speedy dry on the road because the motorcycle was leaking.
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
September, 2015
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Vehicle News
BOB VACCARO
BOB VACCARO
BOB VACCARO
The North Bellmore Fire Department recevied this Spar- The Nesconset Fire Department placed into service a The Halesite Fire Department took delivery of a 2015 tan/ERV heavy rescue. The unit features a 30kw Harri- 2015 Pierce Impel. The unit features a 2000gpm pump, Spartan/ERV Rescue 1 Heavy Rescue. The unit features son Hydraulic Generator with a Will-Burt Light Mast. 750 tank and a low hose bed, a 35 kw generator.
The Manhassett-Lakeville Fire Department runs with this The Locust Valley Fire Department took delivery of two 2014 Ford/Yankee Coach ALS ambulance. Pierce Arrow XT's. Pictured is Engine Company 2's unit. It has a 2000gpm pump with a 750 water tank. RUSSELL CURLEY
BOB VACCARO
If your department has a new vehicle you would like to see featured in Vehicle News, send a well lit photo with text to news@1strespondernews.com
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
Strength in Unity EMS ISSUES Chelle Cordero
In recent months, newspaper headlines were filled with news about a group of workers fighting for a wage increase to help meet today’s rising costs — other groups began to complain via social media about their own low wages; one of these groups was EMS workers. Unfortunately, many of the EMS complaints compared the first responder job and value of their job to the work and the necessity of the other. Instead of focusing on how to improve their own lot, several of the EMS comments complained about the inequity that enabled the organized first group to get promised periodic increases in the hourly wage. Finally a voice of reason from within EMS, “at least they organized... how about instead of [complaining], people take the time to organize, figure out what they did right and make it happen... become part of the solution and not the problem.” It is time for the nation’s Emergency Medical First Responders to have a say about their salaries, benefits, safety, and things that affect not only them, but the patients they care for as well. There are multiple organizations in the United States which present themselves individually as registered labor union, professional EMS association or labor alliance to support legislation and organize EMS to improve salaries and benefits. Unions are fighting for more than just pay, insurance and vacation for the workers; they are also looking to improve conditions such as equipment and long hours which can have a direct effect on patient safety. Currently only a small percentage of career EMTs and paramedics are represented by any organized union or alliance and like most other industries, company administrators are often op-
posed to such organization. There is "Strength in Unity," but divisiveness among our own EMS family acts as a deterrent to organized efforts. Aside from complaining about other professions getting pay hikes, career EMS blames vollies, agencies compete against other agencies, private companies get lambasted by municipal EMS, and the blame-game just keeps going… sometimes even within individual squads. As many EMS workers have found, without massive numbers, small groups or individual members, who have tried to rally for organization and unions have suddenly found themselves “targeted” by administrators for questionable job performance and other neverbefore-complaints about skills, work ethics and more. Unfortunately, even some organizations promoting organized job security wind up criticizing each other. Everyone, no matter what his/her job or career is, is entitled to earn a living wage, be able to support a family, be entitled to paid sick leave, covered for injuries on the job and not fear repercussions because they need time to recover, take care of family members, need medical or psychiatric interventions, pay their bills, and be respected. A recent Huff Post article (April 2015) collectively calls “People who work in service occupations, including health care support staff, food preparation workers, and personal care attendants, are… some of the lowestpaid jobs.” Instead of knocking fast-food workers and other low-paid workers for managing to organize and better their wages, use them as an example. If we don’t respect and support ourselves, gaining job support will be a tough sell to corporate administrators and the public.
Additional EMS columns by Chelle Cordero can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
M-LFD Ex-Captain Preston Hicks Sr. celebrates 50 years of dedication Ex-Captain Preston “Lett” Hicks Sr. joined ManhassetLakeville Fire Department Company #3 on April 9th, 1965, when he was just eighteen years old. Preston joined the fire department following in the JUMP TO FILE# footsteps of his 071115100 older brother Neil, who was already a member of Company #3, as well as his cousins Wayne and Kenneth Paradise, who were members of Company #2. Preston went on to proudly serve Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #3 as Lieutenant from 1986 through 1990 and as Captain from 1990 through 1992. Preston has also been a life-long member of the ManhassetLakeville Fire Department Minute Men Competitive Drill Team. As a new member, Preston was very motivated and an active volunteer firefighter. “I loved jumping on the fire trucks and responding to alarms” said Preston; and not much has changed over the past fifty years. Preston’s dedication to the community and fire department is very visible as he continues to respond to fire and rescue incidents on a daily basis. Earlier this year, the Manhasset American Legion Post 304 presented Preston with their “Firefighter of the Year” Award in recognition of his fifty years of dedication and service. Keeping up with the tradition of the Hicks family, Preston’s eldest son, Preston Hicks Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Company #3 at the age of eighteen. He remained a member for many years until he moved to Westbury, where he is now serving as a Lieutenant. When asked what his favorite part of being in the fire department was, Preston replied with “I love all the friendships I have made throughout my fifty years and seeing the faces of people I have met throughout my time. Everywhere I go I see familiar faces because of the fire department.” The Manhasset-Lakeville Commissioners, Chiefs, Line Officers and Members of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department would like to thank Preston Hicks Sr. for his fifty years of service and look forward to the years ahead.
Ex-Captain Preston "Lett" Hicks Sr. of Company #3 is celebrating his 50th year of service with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department. LEE GENSER
- KIRK CANDAN
ROSE PETAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Ex-Captain Preston "Lett" Hicks Sr. with his brother Ex-Chief Neil Hicks at the M-LFD Department Installation Dinner in April 2015.
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
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Navigate or Die! The Importance of Land Navigation Skills for First Responders
MUTUAL AID GORDON WREN
Earlier this year, one of our local fire departments was dispatched to a possible structure fire. When the fire chief signed in service, the dispatcher advised him that they received several calls reporting heavy smoke coming from what they had listed as a one-family home. When the chief got on the scene, he reported a working fire on the second floor and in the attic. He ordered the first line through the front door, utilizing the interior stairwell to get to the upper levels. As the first crew went through the front door, they found that the rooms that would normally be set up and furnished as a living room, dining room, etc., had been changed to a rooming house with multiple locked individual rooms. The same applied to the basement, second floor and attic. So instead of an occupancy consisting of a typical family unit, the firefighters faced an unusually heavy occupancy load of over two dozen people and needed to force every locked door, except for the shared kitchen and bathrooms. Our county has seen a tremendous proliferation of these illegal conversions, where absentee landlords charge $500 per month on average per single room. There are no leases, and many former one-family homes bring in well over $100,000 per year in cash. The problem with these scenarios is that many times when you look at these buildings from the street, they do not look much different from when they were legally occupied for one or two families. However, if one looks closely, there are usually signs indicating
September, 2015
illegal conversions such as air conditioning units installed in the windows of attics, basements, garages, etc., multiple satellite dishes or cable hook-ups, entrance doors to basements where garage doors used to be, numerous vehicles parked in driveways and front lawns, several garbage pails, usually overflowing, curtains in the windows of normally non-habitable space, and numerous young men hanging out outside, particularly during the warm weather. Our local volunteer fire departments have started reaching out to civic groups, working with residents to ferret out these illegal conversions. Residents are taught what to look for and frequently will talk to other residents who are living in legal buildings located near the illegally occupied buildings. These law-biding residents are usually angry about the conditions in their neighborhood and will give valuable information regarding the illegal use and frequently the name and contact information for the illegal landlord. We then show them how to report the possible violations to the proper authorities. Unfortunately, we have found in some communities, there is an appalling lack of enforcement, with almost no fines or penalties levied. With little or no deterrent, the absentee slum landlords are purchasing legal buildings and converting them as just described at a frenetic pace, placing the occupants and our firefighters in extreme danger. In next month's column, I will explain how our county government has taken strong action to provide the needed deterrent.
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.
HAROLD JACOBS
Mastic’s engine working at the scene of a working structure fire
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Land Navigation, or Orienteering, is an essential individual skill and valuable training tool for first responders and supervisors. After a disaster strikes, once familiar terrain may be unrecognizable and difficult to traverse by vehicle or on foot. In many situations, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) may not function leaving Responders dependent on use of map and compass to navigate, orient and provide locations for rescue efforts. Learning to use a map and compass teaches valuable skills and can save lives. For supervisors, land navigation is itself a valuable training event and can easily incorporate other tasks at low cost and with minimum time to set up. My career in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret and my volunteer emergency service experience in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) have proven the worth of solid land navigation skills without the use of technology. As a small unit leader in elite units of the 82d Airborne Division and Special Forces, I learned a lot about myself and honed my leadership skills using land navigation during training exercises and combat operations. Land navigation also provides a tremendous assessment opportunity for supervisors of candidates and trainees. U.S. Army Special Forces uses land navigation as a valuable source of information on candidates during the infamous Assessment and Selection program. I had the honor of supervising this program to screen Army officers and noncommissioned officers trying
out for the Green Berets. The ability to navigate on foot over extended distances without a GPS was a vital aspect of our assessment process. Easily done in all types of terrain and weather conditions, land navigation is a high impact, low cost training event. Conducted by itself or with additional training tasks incorporated, land navigation develops individual and leader skills and is a valuable assessment venue for trainees and candidates of your First Responder team. I love land navigation! Some people know it as "orienteering". By either name, it basically means the skill of moving from point to point using a map and compass. In my quest to become a Green Beret, land navigation taught me valuable lessons in trusting my equipment, confidence in decision-making, control of fear and panic, and when leading others - leadership. That's right, learning to navigate with a map and compass is a leader development opportunity. Invaluable Self Development Orienteering with a map and compass is a perfect training event for people performing various roles in emergency services. Individuals in search and rescue, law enforcement and disaster relief will benefit greatly from developing orientation skills. My training in the U. S. Army Ranger School and later in Special Forces required me to hone skills at traveling alone on foot for long distances over varied terrain in all weather conditions, day and night. Nothing compares to facing a challenge alone to assess your decision-making, attention to detail, judgment, motivation, and control of fear. Part of leader development is knowing your strengths and weakness and orienteering alone will help you do a self-assessment. Essential Leader Development
You, as the leader, set the example and make decisions for your team. If lives are at stake, you want to make navigation decisions with confidence and teach those skills to your subordinates. During training, making decisions on route selection, search areas, and teaching team members navigation skills are great leader development opportunities. High Impact Training Land navigation provides a great amount of training on a wide variety of topics in a short amount of time. The training is simple to set up, low cost, and affords the incorporation of many other training tasks. For example, in a multiple point course each point can have a station set up so a person navigates to a point then performs a mission related task before moving to the next point. Even setting up the course can be a training event. GPS Is Not Your Friend – The Case for Map and Compass Skills Sadly, the ability to navigate with a map and compass is quickly becoming a lost art as technology makes us complacent. Even though all it takes is thick cloud cover or dead batteries and your GPS is not going to work. Keep in mind, after a disaster your own neighborhood may not be recognizable think post tornado, hurricane, massive snowfall, or bomb-blast. Unfortunately, all of us from first responders to the military are heavily relying on GPS for navigation. Next time you are planning training incorporate land navigation. Individual and collective tasks can be trained at low cost with high impact results. The ability to navigate with a map and compass could save your life and the lives of those you under your command. - DAVID P. FITCHITT
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
GREAT NECK "ALERTS" AND MANHASSET-LAKEVILLE ANTIQUE FIRE MUSTER Photos by Russell Curley
Northport Fire Department's 1948 Mack pumper during the bracket pumping
Middle Island Fire Department's 1924 Ahrens Fox pumper
New Hyde Park Fire Department's 1940 Ward LaFrance
Sound Beach Fire Department's 1970 Mack CF pumper and 1939 Diamond T
Freeport Fire Department's 1906 Nott Steamer
Brookside Engine Company from Uniondale Fire Department's 1924 Larabee
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
September, 2015
PAGE 13
FACES
To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com,
RUSSELL CURLEY
The East Farmingdale Fire Department won the Overall Best of Show Trophy at the June 20th Antique Fire Muster.
The first of three triage/treatment areas.
FRANK SMIMMO
RUSSELL CURLEY
Members of the Sound Beach Fire Department held their trophy for 1st Place in their class.
Pre-Event orientation for EMS Agencies.
FRANK SMIMMO
Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance organizes Incident Management for FOLD Festival
CHRIS BRENNER
Westhampton Fire Department Firefighter Lewis Scott with Southampton Fire Department Chief Michael Kampf and Firefighter Jeremy McMahon at a working fire in Southampton on July 25th.
On August 4th and 5th, the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RVAC) took the lead as Agency in Charge of EMS Command for the FOLD Music Festival that was held at the Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, NY. The two day event was anticipated to draw up to 10,000 attendees and featured top name artists which included Beck, Pharrell Williams, Keith Urban, Duran Duran and Chaka Khan. At least 12 area EMS agencies volunteered to assist with coverage for the event in addition to local police. EMS incident management was spearheaded by RVAC and the Suffolk County Dept of EMS.
JUMP TO FILE #080615128 There were three triage/treatment areas set up in key separate geographic areas. There were up to three onsite medical doctors to offer onsite medical control services. Command and staging areas were established onsite and nearby areas offsite were established for a Medivac landing zone and a separate area for offsite MCI staging (if needed). Each participating agency was given a hard copy of an Emergency Medical Action Plan (EMAP) in advance of the Event in an effort to
make everyone aware of the incident command structure. Additionally, an orientation was provided by Robert Delagi, Suffolk County Director of EMS and Public Health Emergency Preparedness. The event ended at approximately midnight on August 5th and was generally viewed as a success. Glitches are bound to occur when events such as these are organized, but it serves as a learning experience and teaches the participating agencies how to work together and get to know one another in the event of an unplanned incident. -FRANK SMIMMO
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September, 2015
Firefighting Air Tankers VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
Firefighting Air Tankers by Firestorm Video Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-5228528 e-mail: support@fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $24.95 (DVD) This is a 60 minute DVD of air tanker operations at California natural cover fires. Model fixed wing, propeller driven planes are featured that are either operated by CAL FIRE of the California Division of Forestry or of private aircraft con-
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tracted to the U.S. Forest Service. Some models include the Cal Fire S2T air tanker and the Neptune Aviation System P2V and P2V5 all of which were anti-submarine warplanes once used the by Navy and then converted to air tanker status. The Lockheed P3 Orion is another aircraft, this one was formerly used for sub surveillance and presently operated by the Aero Union Corporation. The Canadair CL 215 and 415 are also featured. These are built as air tankers and have the capability of refilling with water in flying mode such as a lake. The 10 Tanker Air carrier which is a MacDonald Douglas DC-10 can hold 12,000 gallon of retardant. During the rundown of these aforementioned aircraft, you can see them operating at or near fires either directly dropping retardant on the fires or in proximity to them to slow its advance and giving the ground troops an edge when they go in for the extinguishment. Verbal air traffic between the planes and the ground can be heard, however later on in the video there is a section narrated by a retired member of the USFS who details the strategies and tactics of air tanker operations as you see them working and this provides and educational segment of the video. This narration takes up a good portion of the video. There is also a bonus section which features vintage aircraft now retired that is working at a 1999 fire and how they get prepared to go to duty from the Paso Robles, CA Air Attack Base. This DVD was chosen to provide a little different type of firefighting separate from that in urban areas. I also want to credit with videographer with a job well done!
CHRIS BARNES
6th annual Fire Island education event Fire Island Pines, NY. On Tuesday, July 28, Community Ambulance Company of Sayville hosted their 6th annual Fire Island education event at the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association Whyte Hall. Mr. Robert Delagi from Suffolk County EMS lectured the group on “Firefighter Rehab and Medical
JUMP TO FILE #080415111 Monitoring.” Over 155 providers from 46 various public safety agencies throughout Long Island and Queens were given instruction on how to better provide medical aid on fire scenes.
Community Ambulance Company, Sayville Ferry, Fire Island Pines Fire Department, South Shore Community Org, Southside Hospital, SC EMS and the Pines Pantry donated either food, equipment or services to make this event a continued success. - CHRIS BARNES
Mangano commends Vincent Cashman for over 50 years of service to Nassau County Garden City, NY. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano (3rd left) presented a citation to Garden City Fire Department Ex-Chief Vincent Cashman in celebration of his 59 years of service to residents. JUMP TO FILE# Attending the 071415119 celebration (left to right) were New York State Senator Kemp Hannon, Hempstead Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino, County Executive Ed Mangano, Vincent and Judy Cashman, and Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin. “Mr. Cashman joined the Garden City Fire Company in 1958 where he rose up through the ranks as a Captain, Third Assistant Chief and Chief of Department,” said County Executive Mangano. “As a Firematic officer he served as a 2nd and 1st Lieu-
tenant, Junior Captain, Senior Captain, 2nd Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and finally Chief of the Department in 1996. “Ex-Chief Cashman, you have
been an influential member of the Nassau County Fire Commission for 50 years, and on behalf of the 1.3 million residents of Nassau County I thank you for your
KATIE GRILLI-ROBLES
decades of service, dedication, bravery and leadership.” - KATIE GRILLI-ROBLES
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
September, 2015
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI