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APRIL, 2021
FIREFIGHTERS RISK HEALTH WHEN EXPOSED TO AFFF FIREFIGHTING FOAM
PROVIDED
Firefighters work in a dangerous environment every single day. They knowingly risk their lives in service to others and their community as part of the job description. Their willingness to protect us in the face of unthinkable danger is part of what makes them heroes. Firefighters understand the risks of the flames and deteriorating buildings. They have seen their colleagues suffer burns, broken bones and the complications caused by smoke inhalation. - See full story on page 2
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April, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
BOB MCCORMICK
PROVIDED
Firefighters Risk Health when Exposed to AFFF Firefighting Foam
BOB MCCORMICK
Two-Alarm Fire Damages City of Newburgh Home Newburgh, NY - The City of Newburgh FD responded to a structure fire at 446 First Street on March 3rd. On arrival, crews found the front porch fully involved, with fire also inside the front room and flames coming through the windows. Command requested a second-alarm sounded, and the West Point and Air National Guard Fire Departments were requested to the scene. Firefighters stretched three lines to the front porch area, and used ground ladders and hand tools to extinguish the fire. City of Newburgh Police blocked the area around the scene while firefighters worked. Deputy Orange County Fire Coordinator 36-13 was also at the scene. Good-Will, Vails Gate and Coldenham Fire Departments stood by at the Public Safety Building during the incident.
Firefighters work in a dangerous environment every single day. They knowingly risk their lives in service to others and their community as part of the job description. Their willingness to protect us in the face of unthinkable danger is part of what makes them heroes. Firefighters understand the risks of the flames and deteriorating buildings. They have seen their colleagues suffer burns, broken bones and the complications caused by smoke inhalation. While we all know and acknowledge running into a burning building is dangerous, firefighters are often exposed to life-threatening hazards that are not as obvious. One of the most-deadly hidden dangers is not presented by the fire, but by one of the tools these brave men and women are provided to fight it. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant found on most fire trucks and at fire training facilities. It is a humanmade chemical designed to coat and suffocate a fire, depriving it of oxygen. While AFFF Foam may be an effective fire suppressant, it also may contain perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are part of a large family of dangerous man-made chemical
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compounds that are known carcinogens – meaning we know they can cause cancer. These substances can accumulate and remain in the human body for long periods of time. It is this long-term exposure that creates an increased risk of various deadly cancers, including pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. For men and women fighting fires, the harmful chemicals can be orally ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled. These dangers are now welldocumented. The U.S. Fire Administration now cautions that fire departments should replace older AFFF stocks with fluorine-free foam solutions. It advises handlers of these dangerous chemicals to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and a self-contained breathing apparatus. It also advises firefighters to shower within one hour after returning to the station or home, among other warnings. Despite these relatively new warnings and awareness, the manufacturers of AFFF have known of these dangers for years and know-
ingly exposed our nation’s firefighters to these cancer-causing substances - putting profits over the safety of our heroes. “If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to AFFF firefighter foam, you may have a claim against the manufacturers and should seek counsel,” Ms. Liakos of Bond Legal said. If you have been exposed to AFFF firefighter foam on the job and developed cancers or other side effects, contact Bond Legal to discuss your potential claim for justice and compensation at 866927-1261 or intake@bondlegalgroup.com. Cancers caused by PFAS Some potential cancers that are caused by PFAS chemicals in AFF: Bladder Breast Colon/Rectal Kidney Leukemia Lymphoma Liver Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Prostate Ovarian Testicular
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2021
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April, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
ADVERTISER INDEX Company
Page
All Hands Fire Equipment
7
Bond Legal
Campbell Supply Co.
25
1,36 THOMAS MARRA
Churchville Fire Equip
19
FIRE 2021
17
Fire Districts of NY
13
Firehouse Apparatus
15
Fire Rescue EMS Expo
A car slammed into a guardrail crash device on the New York State Thruway in New Baltimore on 2/21/21.
Car Slams Into Guardrail Crash Device in New Baltimore
3
Garrison Fire Rescue
19
Jerome Fire Equipment
19 JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Kimtek
12
LaFrance Equipment
19
Mid Atlantic Rescue
5
North Eastern Rescue
9
River Valley Radio
35
Specialty Vehicles
11
Sutphen
23
VCI
21
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Fatal Two-Alarm High Rise Fire in Rochester Rochester, NY - On Friday, February 19th at 6:48 P.M., Rochester firefighters were dispatched to a two-alarm structure fire at the Andrews Terrace Apartments at 125 Saint Paul Street. Responding units found smoke and flames in a 10th floor apartment. While conducting a search, firefighters discovered a deceased victim. The blaze was brought under control in about 30 minutes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “In Service” feature, please upload them on ourwebsite, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 4 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
New Baltimore, NY - A car crashed into a guardrail crash device on the New York State Thruway in New Baltimore on Sunday, February 21st. The New Baltimore Fire Department was dispatched with Ravena Rescue and Greene County Paramedics for a motor vehicle accident between mile marker 126 and 127 on the New York State Thruway just before 7:30 P.M. The driver of the vehicle and her three-year-old child sustained minor injuries in the crash. The car seat the child was in was improperly installed and front-facing in the vehicle. Assistant Chief Joe Firstiun says the vehicle struck what is called a "guardrail target," which, he says, is a spring-loaded target at the end of a guardrail designed to absorb the impact of a crash. Firefighter Sam Anderson of New Baltimore Fire also works on NYS DOT projects with a private company and said he installed some of these devices in Kingston, NY over the summer. He said the device works when a smaller section of box beam is installed inside a standardsized box beam and when a vehicle strikes the rail, the box beam splits, absorbing the majority of the impact. "I've seen them along the road for a long time and this is the first
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time I've seen one post-crash," Anderson said. The impact from the vehicle caused the guardrail to split and push back approximately 14-feet from its initial position, according to Firstiun. He said the system is very expensive to replace due to replacing the post and spring-loaded system, costing approximately $7,000 to fix. Firstiun said from the U-turn to the bridge in that area there have been at least seven accidents in the last five years, and that same guardrail has been struck numerous times. The right lane was blocked off while crews were on scene as the vehicle landed sideways across the Thruway with multiple vehicles almost striking it upon arrival of Assistant Chief Firstiun. There was also a fuel leak from the vehicle, which firefighters absorbed with Speedy Dry. The driver sustained facial injuries from striking the steering wheel and the child was reported to be uninjured. - THOMAS MARRA
STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still In Service” feature, please upload them on ourwebsite, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.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.
DYLAN BUSH
The Ticonderoga Fire District in Ticonderoga (Essex County), recently took delivery and put in to service this 2019 Spartan LTi 93’ Tower Ladder.
BRIAN DUDDY
This 1981 Mack CF 1500-GPM Engine still runs 1st due out of one of Tappan F.D.'s firehouses.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2021
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April, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
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EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all submissions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.
New York: Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., 67 Rank: Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President Incident Date: September 2, 2020 Death Date: September 2, 2020 Fire Department: Spring Brook Fire District #1 Initial Summary: On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President of the Spring Brook Fire District #1 Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., attended a mandatory meeting at the fire department to review and discuss new recruitment applications. He informed the 2nd Vice President that he was not feeling well, left the meeting, and returned home. He was found deceased from an apparent heart attack the next morning. Kentucky: Robert "Rob" Orkies, 55 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 9, 2020 Death Date: December 11, 2020 Fire Department: Zoneton Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Chief Robert “Rob” Orkies developed COVID-19 while on-duty from a fellow firefighter with a known case of the virus. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020.
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Illinois: Leo W. Werner, 67 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 9, 2020 Death Date: December 10, 2020 Fire Department: Scales Mound Fire Protection District Initial Summary: On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at approximately 2200hrs, Captain Leo W. Werner responded to a medical call at a residence. After returning home, he suffered an apparent heart attack and passed away shortly after midnight on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Texas: Randy Robinson, 64 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 15, 2020 Death Date: December 17, 2020 Fire Department: Fort Worth Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Captain Randy Robinson contracted COVID-19 at the fire station.
He passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from the virus. Wisconsin: David Jerald Tomlinson, 71 Rank: Firefighter/Fire Inspector Incident Date: November 11, 2020 Death Date: December 6, 2020 Fire Department: Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson contracted COVID-19 while performing fire inspections for the department. Alabama: Donald Downs, 69 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 17, 2020 Death Date: December 9, 2020 Fire Department: Saragossa Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On November 17, 2020, Firefighter Donald Downs, while attending mandatory training for the fire department, contracted COVID-19 from attendees at the exercise. He passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from the virus. Pennsylvania: Lee Witman, 88 Rank: Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Incident Date: December 6, 2020 Death Date: December 11, 2020 Fire Department: Colonial Park Fire Company Initial Summary: Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Lee Witman, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020, from the virus. Pennsylvania: Edward Hine, 79 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 13, 2020 Death Date: December 16, 2020 Fire Department: Colonial Park Fire Company Initial Summary: Firefighter Edward Hine, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from the virus.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
THOMAS MARRA
A car struck a pole following a two-car crash in Delmar on 2/9/21.
Car Strikes Pole in TwoCar Crash in Delmar
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Rochester firefighters battled a blaze in an auto repair shop on Lyell Ave., 2/20/21.
Delmar, NY - A two-car accident ended with a car striking a pole in Delmar on Tuesday evening, February 9th around 6:35 P.M. The Delmar and Slingerlands Fire Departments, along with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and Albany County Paramedics, were dispatched after a Bethlehem Police Supervisor came across the twocar crash on Delaware Avenue at the intersection of Adams Street. According to a police report, a 2017 Chevrolet sedan was headed eastbound on Delaware Avenue when a 2013 Hyundai sedan pulled out from Adams Street heading north and struck the other vehicle. Police say the crash resulted in the Chevrolet continuing
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east down Delaware Avenue, crossing the double-yellow line and striking a telephone pole. One driver was complaining of chest pain. Both drivers were then evaluated on the scene by Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and refused medical transport. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Delaware Avenue was closed from Adams Street to Kenwood Avenue while crews worked on the scene. Police say there were no tickets issued following the crash.
Auto Shop Heavily Damaged by Fire in Rochester Rochester, NY - On Saturday, February 20th at 3:23 P.M., the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched for a report of a building fire at Javier's Collision and Auto Repair, located at 41 Lyell Avenue. Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke coming from a onestory brick and block auto repair
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shop, that was connected to a twostory building. There were initially some issues with water supply, as one hydrant gate blew off the first hydrant and the second hydrant
was dead. The blaze was brought under control in about 45 minutes. All the shops' employees were able to safely evacuate the structure, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. - JEFFREY ARNOLD
- THOMAS MARRA
Vehicle News
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
The West Monroe Volunteer Fire Department has taken delivery of their brand new Sutphen Rescue Engine.
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2021
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SEPSIS – A Matter of Seconds EMS ISSUE CHELLE CORDERO
Recognizing and treating an unstable patient as quickly as possible, even pre-hospital, can make a huge difference in the outcome for that patient. Most EMTs are taught to treat for the worst-case scenario and if you believe there is ANY possibility of sepsis, those seconds can make a life-saving difference. An initial injury with a bacterial infection can easily progress into sepsis as the body’s immune system overreacts and can cause organ failure and/or cardiac collapse. Still, it may be difficult to differentiate sepsis from a simple infection. "Sepsis is caused when the body’s immune system becomes overactive in response to an infection, causing inflammation which can affect how well other tissues and organs work. When sepsis is recognized early, people can be quickly given the right treatment. However, the signs and symptoms of sepsis can vary and may be subtle which can lead to it being missed if it is not considered early on." - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines Sepsis presents itself in a myriad of ways, but the one consistency is HOW FAST it can progress (similar to the rapid progression of anaphylaxis and yet not as fast). By itself, untreated sepsis has an extremely high mortality rate and often the first medical attention a patient might get is in the field from responding EMS services. Recognizing sepsis, treating, transporting and alerting receiving hospitals are crucial steps to saving lives. Some of the signs/symptoms of sepsis can include: 1. Above normal temperature 2. Chills 3. Abnormal sweating 4. Elevated heart rate 5. Increased respiratory rate 6. Decreased output of urine 7. Dizziness or faintness 8. A change in mental state 9. A skin rash 10. Gastrointestinal issues 11. Changes in personality 12. Cold, clammy skin 13. Fatigue and weakness 14. Difficulty breathing There are three stages: Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, and Septic Shock. Under NYS-BLS guidelines, sepsis protocol is activated for an adult patient with all three of the following: 1. Suspected infection 2. Hypotension (systolic BP < 90 mmHg) OR altered mental status 3. And at least two of the fol-
lowing: • Heart rate > 90 • Respiratory rate > 20 or PaCO2 < 32 mmHg • Temperature > 100.4° F (38° C), if available During transport, advise the destination hospital that the patient has signs of sepsis/septic shock and obtain vital signs, including blood pressure, frequently. Sepsis/septic shock is a lifethreatening condition in children and must be recognized and treated as rapidly as possible. For pediatric patients with suspected infection who are abnormally hot or cold to touch, and/or have a fever over 100.4° F (38° C), or less
than 96.8° F (36° C) and high heart rate (age dependent) and/or high respiratory rate (age dependent) look for: • Vital sign criteria for defining sepsis:
• Blood pressures may be difficult to obtain in infants – assure the respiratory rate and pulse are measured accurately • Communication with the destination hospital is critical so that they can prepare to treat the child aggressively
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April, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
No one can resist the temptation of Buffalo Sauce! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
BOB MCCORMIK
You are sitting in your local watering hole, and a server walks by with a plate of Buffalo wings. The smell is intoxicating, and no it’s not the beer you are drinking. The combination of peppers, vinegar and butter create the perfect combination of heat, savory and sour. Your mouth starts to water and you cannot resist the temptation to order a dozen…or two. I am sure we have all been there. It is, to me, one of the best examples of flavors coming together to form the perfect sauce.
The roots of Buffalo sauce and in particular, the Buffalo wing, are rooted in myth and lore. The most popular, and arguably most true, is that they were born out of necessity in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY. A place which I have yet to visit, but will, hopefully, before I kick the bucket. Now at this point you are probably assuming this is a recipe for Buffalo wings. Unfortunately it is not, but it is however a recipe for something inspired by the almighty wing. There are times when I absolutely crave those familiar flavors but would rather not go through the trouble of deep frying in my home or firehouse. The smell of frying chicken, although good, can linger around a little longer than I like. It also creates a mess if you are not careful. Oil almost always manages to find its way to the kitchen
floor, stovetop and everything in between. And let’s be honest, it’s not the healthiest thing in the world. As you probably have figured out by now, I love taking unhealthy dishes and putting a healthier spin on them, while keeping them delicious. This is one of those recipes, Buffalo Chicken Burgers! In this recipe I use lettuce as a bun to lower the carbs, but feel free to use a traditional bun if you so please. There is also a bleu cheese yogurt sauce which, when compared to traditional bleu cheese dressing, adds extra protein and lowers the calories. This is a great recipe for the grill now that the weather is warming up. Hope you enjoy… and remember, stay safe, eat well!
BUFFALO CHICKEN BURGERS W/ BLEU CHEESE YOGURT SAUCE ON LETTUCE “BUNS” Makes 4 burgers Ingredients: Chicken Patties: 1 lb. Ground Chicken 1 Carrot, peeled/rough chopped 1 Celery Stalk, rough chopped ½ Yellow Onion, rough chopped 1 Egg ¼ Cup Buffalo Sauce 1 Cup Breadcrumbs Buffalo Sauce: 1 Cup Hot Sauce 3 Tbsp. Butter, cubed
BOB MCCORMIK
Garage Fire Damages Boat and Spreads to Home in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - The City of Newburgh Fire Department was dispatched to a garage fire at 1 Warden Circle on February 13th. Newburgh Command arrived on scene and requested a second-alarm after seeing flames and black smoke coming from the garage area, which had spread to the residence. The Air National Guard, West Point and Coldenham Fire Departments responded to the scene. City of Newburgh firefighters hit the hydrant off of Memorial Drive, but because it was frozen, additional units stretched hoses to other hydrants. Firefighters used hand lines and ground ladders to extinguish the fire. Central Hudson was called to the scene for a power cut. City of Newburgh Police blocked the entrance off West Street during the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Bleu Cheese Yogurt Sauce: 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt ½ Cup Crumbled Bleu Cheese 1 tsp. Worcestershire 1 tsp. Garlic Powder 1 tsp. Lemon Juice Salt/Pepper to taste 1 Head Boston Lettuce, leaves separated Optional: Chives for garnish Procedure: -For the buffalo sauce: Heat hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. When the sauce starts to simmer, add the butter and stir until combined. Set aside to cool. -For the bleu cheese sauce: Combine the yogurt, worcestershire, bleu cheese, garlic powder, lemon juice in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust sea-
AJ FUSCO
soning. -For the chicken burgers: Add the carrots, celery and onion to a food processor and buzz until minced (mince with a knife if needed). Sauté the carrot mixture in a sauté pan with a drizzle of EVOO and a pinch of salt until soft, 2-4 minutes. Set aside to cool. -In a large bowl, combine the cooled carrot mixture, egg and ¼ cup of the cooled Buffalo sauce. Stir until combined. Add the ground chicken, and mix with your hands just until combined. Add the bread crumb and mix in gently with your hands. Do not overwork
the mixture or it will toughen up the burgers. Form 4 equal sized burger patties, place on a sheet pan. IMPORTANT: refrigerate for 10-20 minutes to allow burgers to set up. -Heat up a cast iron pan, sauté pan or grill on medium heat. Add a drizzle of EVOO and cook burgers 4-5 minutes on one side without moving. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F. -Assemble burgers on lettuce “buns”, drizzle with Buffalo sauce, a dollop of Bleu cheese sauce and chives.
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JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Two Vehicles Burn in Henrietta Henrietta, NY - On Friday, February 26th at 8:30 P.M., Henrietta firefighters responded to the report of a vehicle fire in the parking lot of Lasertron at 1175 Marketplace Drive. Units arrived on scene and found two vehicles on fire. The blaze was quickly extinguished and there were no injuries reported.
BOB MCCORMICK
Two-Car Crash with Entrapment in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - The City of Newburgh FD responded to a twovehicle crash with rollover at Robinson Ave. and Ann St., February 14th. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate an individual that was pinned inside the taxi involved in the crash. After being freed, the individual was then transported to Montefiore/St. Luke's Hospital by Mobile Life ALS. Robinson Avenue was closed during the accident. City of Newburgh Police are investigating the cause.
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DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
An ice water dive training scenario was held at the Oakdale Park in Hudson on Sunday, January 31st. Members of the Hudson and Athens Fire Departments and Ulster County Sheriff's Department dive teams went through different ice water rescue scenarios. Sunday's scenario involved the recovery of a victim that fell through ice too weak to hold rescuers. In many cases, rescue crews will most likely come across a scenario presented in this training. When a victim falls through the ice, the ice surrounding the hole is most likely going to be too weak for rescuers to go to the same hole to recover the person without risking the rescuers falling through as well. In this training scenario, crews made their way to a more solid portion of the ice and members of the dive teams took turns diving in and navigating to the area of the weak ice where the subject was reported to be for the scenario. This training scenario prepares for the situation in which rescuers need to dive at a different point and dive underneath the ice to get to the victim. JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Roof Collapses on Firefighters While Battling House Fire in Stuyvesant
THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
Stuyvesant, NY - On February 20th, the Stuyvesant Falls FD, along with the Stuyvesant FD, Stottsville FD and city of Hudson FD for their FAST team, were dispatched for a reported structure fire at 12 Oak Leaf JUMP TO FILE# Drive. The caller re- 030821125 ported smoke pushing from the neighbor's roof. Stuyvesant Car 1 arrived on scene and had heavy smoke pushing from the house on the second floor. Command requested a second-alarm to be transmitted immediately, bringing in Stockport, Valatie, West Ghent, Kinderhook, Chatham, Niverville and Tri-Village to the scene. The first arriving engine deployed two hand lines and firefighters went to both the front and rear of the house. On arrival of the second engine, firefighters deployed a two-and-a-half inch hand line to back up the firefighters making entry to the house. As they made their way into the front door of the house, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the second floor and Command notified crews inside the structure that fire had just pushed through the roof on the 'Alpha' and 'Charlie' sides. As an aggressive interior attack was conducted, a large portion of the roof collapsed on firefighters inside the structure. The collapse sent large amounts of hot embers and burning debris onto the firefighters below. Crews were quickly pulled out of the structure as heavy fire and smoke began blowing through the roof. The two interior crews then began to knock down the fire from the front and back doors of the
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
house. As the fire was being brought under control interior operations command made the decision for crews to re-enter the structure and knock down the heavy fire in the attic area. Firefighters established a water supply with a steady stream of tankers coming from a nearby pond. The truck company arrived on scene and set up for aerial operations. Crews inside the fire building began to rotate out spent firefighters with fresh firefighters, as there were over 75 firefighters on scene from mutual aid departments. Crews learned that there were three cats still inside of the house and during their primary search, they were able to find one of the cats (alive), and brought it outside to
safety. During overhaul, another one of the cats was found hiding behind a bed (also still alive). The third cat was found in a different part of the house, but unfortunately did not survive. Firefighters were able to place the fire under control within 30 minutes of arriving on scene, but conducted extensive overhaul until the late hours of the evening. Columbia County Fire Investigators arrived and began to investigate the fire. The chief stated that the fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature. No firefighters were injured during the roof collapse. The home suffered heavy damage. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2021
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FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
In February, City of Newburgh Fire Department Assistant Chief Ed Petricek walked out to former and active members of the department, as well as other local fire department members and Deputy Fire Coordinators to give his final salute. As bagpipes played, the command was given attention and all members presented arms for the salute as Ed walked in between the two rows of people. We wish Ed the best of luck!
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
BOB MCCORMICK
Blocked Chimney Causes House Fire in Stuyvesant Stuyvesant, NY - On February 27th at 10:54 P.M., the Stuyvesant FD, along with mutual aid from Stuyvesant Falls, Valatie, KinderJUMP TO FILE #030821124
BOB MCCORMICK
THOMAS MARRA
Vehicle Rollover in New Scotland New Scotland, NY - The New Salem FD was dispatched for a one-car rollover on Tuesday, February 9th. A car was located off the road after it rolled over on Krumkill Road in the area of Hilton Road. Also responding were Albany County Sheriff's Ambulance and Paramedics, Albany County Sheriff's Department and New York State Police. The driver exited the vehicle on his own and reported no injuries.
hook, Niverville, Valatie Rescue Squad, and the city of Hudsons FD for the FAST team, were dispatched to 822 Eichybush Road for a reported chimney fire with possible extension into the structure. The first arriving chief on scene declared a working structure fire, with fire showing from the exterior of the structure and smoke coming from the attic. The first arriving engine on scene immediately deployed their crews to the front door with a one-and-three-quarter inch hand line. Firefighters had a smoke condition throughout the first and second floors of the house and began to pull apart the wall around the chimney area where they had a heavy heat signature on their thermal imaging cameras. Firefighters made their way to the attic area where they had only smoke and no fire. As crews opened up the wall they encountered a fire condition and immediately knocked it down. Firefighters then went to the second floor and found that the fire had traveled up the wall behind the chimney, which they knocked down quickly before it could spread further. As additional tankers and engines arrived on scene firefighters knocked down all remaining fire on the exterior portion of the house. As firefighters were checking for extension they emptied the fireplace and began to conduct overhaul, at which time they were still getting a significant amount of heat
from the chimney, indicating that they still had a fire inside. Firefighters were forced to pull down the chimney on the outside of the structure to stop any further fire spread. The homeowner retrieved a small excavator while firefighters attached chains to the chimney, and the chimney was pulled down onto the back lawn. As crews examined the pipe of the chimney, they found that there was significant blockage. Firefighters remained on scene until the early
hours of the morning while fire investigators worked to determine the cause of the fire, which was found to be from the the blocked chimney. No injuries were reported, but the home suffered moderate damage on the side where the chimney was. The fire department reminds all residents to get their chimneys inspected and cleaned yearly to prevent any type of fire from occurring. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
THOMAS MARRA
A rollover crash in Westerlo closed Route 32 on 2/22/21.
Rollover Crash Closes Route 32 Westerlo, NY - The Westerlo Fire Department was dispatched for a reported rollover accident with possibly two patients entrapped on Route 32, near Route 406 and Barnside Hills Road, on February 22nd. The Albany County Sheriff's Ambulance, Albany County Paramedics and Onesquethaw Ambulance were dispatched for the possible patients. It was discovered there was only one occupant in the vehicle and
Onesquethaw was cancelled. Assistant Chief Donnie Filkins reported that the driver was stuck upside down, with the seatbelt against the driver's neck. He said New York State Police Troopers arrived on the scene and pushed the driver upwards and unbuckled the seatbelt, freeing them from the vehicle. The driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. - THOMAS MARRA
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April, 2021
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Love, love, love Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
For the past 12 months, we have been going through some major events. We have started with the covid virus; that one event can be a challenge in itself. Add to it the demonstrations that we have had for various civil unrest. Add to that a very interesting and emotional presidential election. Also child, elder, domestic and other abuse has been on the rise, and so has been depression and suicide. Do you remember the old game with a camel? On a camel there were two bags and the object was to see how many straws that you can put into the bags and then the camel would finally break the back. Each one of us has our own packs, on our figurative backs. There is only so much that we can take and I have been seeing the kicking the dog scenario. Some people may be getting frustrated from being confined in the house or apartment, people’s employment may be in jeopardy or they may have challenges dealing with the new technology or procedures, each person has some of the common stress and some think that they are the only person going through their challenges. Well, people may be looking for an outlet, no matter what. The person may not know how to constructively release stress, so they may look for the figurative dog to kick. They may know or feel that the dog will not do or say anything back to them. As you have been seeing, we are going through so much together. People have been lashing out on one another, when they would never have even thought of it before. People are destroying things, when they would never have done anything like that in the times before this pandemic. I am pretty sure that most religions promote loving one another and helping one another. So how can we reduce a lot of the stuff that’s going on? How about putting yourself in the other people’s shoes? How about talking with the other person and not just shouting offensive things? How about showing concern for those hurting or looking for a voice? I still believe that people are good and the heart to care for one another is there. Many of us
would not do the work that we do or do outreach in the community, if we did not care for people. During the movie “Independence Day”, Judd Hirsh refers to John Lennon, from the Beatles, where John Lennon wrote the song “all you need is love”, and that John was a very smart man. If we loved one another, would we attack each other? Would we destroy property? Would we deface property? This is not expressions of love. How about coming together with respect and voice your opinions and listen to the other persons opinion? Wow, there is the difference. Many people want to voice their opinion PERIOD. They want to voice their opinion but nobody else in this world matters but them. I listen to many people who do not believe what I believe. They may not think the way that I do. I may not think the way that they do. We still get along. In the Bible, Jesus was asked what the greatest law was. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” I ask you to please look at those verses. It says “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Does anyone see any qualifiers? Does it state that they have to be the same color? Same religion? Same sexual orientation? From the same country? What other qualifiers do you want to put up? It says “Love your neighbor as yourself”, pretty simple to me. How many of you have spoken to strangers in your life? Everyone has. It is through talking with and getting to know strangers that we develop friendships and may get a spouse out of it or a best friend. I know that it sounds so simple but let me ask you, how easy is it for you to love your family? You may have that one person that is really difficult or gets on your nerves, but you are still there for them. So, try the same thing for someone who is not your relative. We can not only show love for someone in word but also as we talk with them. Someone I was speaking to express how they were talking to someone. I heard the words that they were using and I understand that they were frustrated, but I heard words that did not express love. Many of us will recognize parts of First Corinthians chapter 13, especially during wedding ceremonies:
"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." Let the phrase "if I do not have love, I am nothing" sit with you for a while. How many people actually have love, especially for those who are not within your inner circle? Do you show love to strangers or your enemies? Sure, it is easier to love people that look like us, talk like us, or have some of the same interests but do we love people who are not like us. Are we willing to love people who think differently than we do? Are we willing to love people of different occupations? Other religions? "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Love is kind. It does not dishonor others. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil. It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres. These phrases give us something to think about and also to measure our love by. How are we and society at loving, according to this teaching? Are you willing to forgive? Do you sit there with a book and keep track of how many times someone has messed up, according to your rules? This action only creates more bitterness. If you need something to keep track of, keep track of the good that people have done, what people do for you without asking, or when people give you a hug. We should not be watching to make sure that the scales are balanced. Do you think this might be where the phrase "I'll get even with you" comes from? Throw away the scales, the records or whatever and just care for people. I can never get even with all those who have showed me encouragement, kindness, caring, compassion, or brought me joy. I can only try to pay it forward and put all that into people that I experience each day. We never know what kind words or actions will do to a person's day. Please continue to show that you care for all. Also remember that you can raise someone up or tear them down with your tongue. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
THOMAS MARRA
Car Versus Pole in New Baltimore New Baltimore, NY - A car crashed into a pole on Route 9W in New Baltimore Friday evening, February 5th. The New Baltimore Fire Department was dispatched with Ravena Rescue and Greene County Paramedics for a motor vehicle accident. The incident occurred on Route 9W in front of the entrance to the NYS Thruway at 6:30 P.M. The call occurred during Pizza and Wing Night at the New Baltimore Firehouse, so members were on scene within minutes. The driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital with head and knee pain.
BOB MCCORMICK
Two Alarms Struck for Porch Fire in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - The City of Newburgh FD responded to a reported structure fire at 143 Wisner Ave. on February 6th around 4:30 A.M. Units arrived and found flames in the porch area and a second-alarm was sounded, bringing in the Air National Guard FD and Coldenham FD. Firefighters used hand lines and hand tools, and a ladder was set up on Wisner Ave. to access the roof. City of Newburgh Police and Mobile Life ALS also responded. The fire was quickly knocked down and firefighters began checking for extensions. Central Hudson and the City of Newburgh FD Fire Investigation unit were called to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Cronomer Valley FD and Good-Will FD were on stand by at the Public Safety Building.
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BOB MCCORMICK
Firefighters Extinguish Wood Pile Fire in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - Cronomer Valley FD responded to a structure fire at Cranberry Court on March 2nd. Command requested the Plattekill and Middlehope Fire Departments to the scene. Cronomer Valley stretched one line to a wood pile under a breezeway that had caught fire. Firefighters pulled wood from the pile and extinguished the fire. Deputy Orange County Fire Coordinator 36-13 was also at the scene.
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Clifton Park Homeowner’s Dogs Alert Fire Chief to His Location Clifton Park, NY - On February 14th at 9:30 A.M., the West Crescent FD, along with mutual aid from Clifton Park FD and Boght FD for their FAST team, were dispatched for a reported structure fire at 7 Manchester Drive. The caller reported a mattress fire in the bedroom. The first arriving chief had smoke showing from the structure and notified the dispatcher that he had a working structure fire. While approaching the front of the building, the chief noticed heavy black smoke stains on the front windows, and he could hear dogs barking in the back of the residence. The chief went around to the back and found two large dogs barking in a gated area with a rear sliding glass door and heavy smoke banking down to the floor. Command began to yell into the residence where the dogs were and made contact with the homeowner, who was inside of the home. After communicating with the homeowner, he was able to successfully get the individual out of the house. As the first arriving engine pulled up on scene, crews de-
JUMP TO FILE #030821126
ployed the large diameter hose around the fire hydrant and laid in. EMS arrived on scene, placed the homeowner in the back of the rig and began to administer oxygen for smoke inhalation. Firefighters removed the dogs from the home and tied them off to a tree near command. Firefighters pulled a one-andthree-quarter inch hand line to the front door of the house, where heavy black smoke was pushing from. Firefighters tossed the handline over the top of the gated off area in front of the house and had the pump operator charge the line. As crews made their way inside of the house they discovered hoarding conditions and immediately notified command. Heavy fire started to push down the hallway from the bedroom towards the firefighters. They immediately opened up their hand line, driving the fire back into the main fire room. The next arriving engine com-
pany deployed their manpower to the rear portion of the house and took out the side windows for horizontal ventilation. Firefighters made a push to the main fire room and quickly knocked down the fire. Crews then began to conduct overhaul and after completing primary and secondary searches, they confirmed that everyone had made it out of the house. County fire investigators were brought into the scene to conduct their investigation into the cause of the fire. Firefighters remained on scene for over an hour conducting overhaul. Town code enforcement was brought in to handle the hoarding condition inside the house. The Red Cross was brought in to assist the homeowner. The homeowner was treated and released by EMS. If it was not for the barking dogs in the rear of the residence, this could have turned into a different situation, as the dogs led the first arriving chief to where the homeowner was. No firefighters were injured while battling the fire. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Chimney Fire in Rochester Rochester, NY - On Friday, March 5th at 9:22 P.M., the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a chimney fire at 43 Menlo Place. Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke showing and declared a working fire. The occupant had started a fire in the fireplace that had not been used for a number of years. The fire burned down into the floor joists and up the wall studs. Fire crews made a quick knock down of the visible fire, but had to work hard to open up the floors and wall to complete extinguishment. Three cats were rescued by firefighters, and there were no injuries reported.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
April, 2021
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ACTION SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BOB MCCORMICK
Orange Lake FD Handles Vehicle Fire Newburgh, NY - Orange Lake FD and Town of Newburgh Police responded to a vehicle fire on Wesley Court on February 9th. Town of Newburgh Police arrived and radioed in that the vehicle was fully involved. Orange Lake Firefighters responded with one hand line and extinguished the fire. Town of Newburgh Police requested a tow to remove the vehicle. Town of Newburgh Police are investigating the cause.
BOB KRAJICEK
New Paltz Fire Dept. was holding their monthly meeting via Zoom back on 12/7/20 when they were dispatched to a barn fire on Springtown Rd. One barn was fully engulfed upon arrival, but another adjacent building was protected, with minimal damage. The buildings are outside the hydrant district, and mutual aid was provided by Tillson, Modena, and Highland Fire Departments. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters.
Two-Alarm Commercial Building Fire with Haz-Mat in Rochester Rochester, NY - On Thursday, February 11th at 2:25 P.M., Rochester firefighters were dispatched to a smoke detector activation in a commercial building at 460 Buffalo Road. Upon arrival, re- JUMP TO FILE# sponding units were 021221101 advised by employees that an explosion had occurred, and everyone was able to safely evacuate the structure. Due to the size of the building and the various chemicals used on the site, a second-alarm with a Haz-Mat response was called. Firefighters were briefly ordered to evacuate until an assessment of the materials involved could be made. It was later determined that a 55-gallon drum of an undisclosed material had failed, causing the explosion. The resulting fire was held in check by the building's sprinkler system. Firefighters remained on scene for about four hours to bring the situation under control. There were no injuries reported. - JEFFREY ARNOLD
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
A 2 alarm commercial building fire with Haz-Mat occurred on Buffalo Road in Rochester on 2/11/21.
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April, 2021
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The Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Massapequa Fire District is currently accepting applications for the position of:
PART TIME FIREHOUSE MAINTAINER Duties shall range from providing reports to administrative Supervisor on work completed. Movement of furniture, supplies and preparation of meeting rooms for meetings training, and drills for personnel. Repair, Maintenance, and operation of District radio and communications system. General maintenance and cleaning of fire equipment and apparatus. General maintenance of District buildings and grounds. General repair work on district buildings such as general repair and maintenance of mechanical system, plumbing, system and electrical, ETC. THOMAS MARRA
Chimney Fire Extends to Roof in Coxsackie Home Coxsackie, NY - Multiple fire departments responded to a possible structure fire in Coxsackie late Saturday night, February 13th. The Coxsackie Fire Department was dispatched to 29 Fairy Court around 9:45 P.M. for a possible structure fire called in by security in the Sleepy Hollow Development. Arriving Coxsackie fire chiefs stated that there was fire through the roof and notified dispatch to begin sending mutual aid departments. Athens Fire responded with their ladder truck, New Baltimore Fire responded for their FAST Team, Medway-Grapeville Fire responded with their rehab trailer, Earlton Fire responded with a tanker and interior firefighters. The Greenville and Coeymans Fire Departments were also placed
JUMP TO FILE #021421110
on standby in their stations to cover calls. An additional crew from New Baltimore Fire covered two alarm activation calls in Coxsackie fire district while crews were operating at the fire. Coxsackie firefighters made an interior attack and were able to contain the fire to the area of the chimney. As crews were extinguishing the fire, the chimney began collapsing and pieces of rock began falling to the ground below. The fire extended to the roof, but was contained to the area of the chimney. - THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
Visit us onlinefor more news around New York. www.1rbn.com
To begin the application process, qualified persons must send their resume, including qualifications and job experience to:
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY North Massapequa Fire District District Secretary Nicholas T. Paolucci 960 Hicksville Road • Seaford, New York 11783 Phone - 516-579-0900 Ex-1516 • Fax - 516-735-5077 E-Mail - nick387@nmfd-660.com An Equal Opportunity Employer We will not accept any resume after April 30th 2021
Bob Long
LONG ISLAND NEWS
This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1993
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APRIL, 2021
TWO WORKERS BURNED IN EXPLOSION AT GAS COMPANY IN BAYSHORE
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Bayshore, NY - On March 8th, Brentwood firefighters responded to an explosion with injuries at Amerigas gas company located on Corbin Street. Two workers were burned when a small explosion occurred while filling propane tanks just after 6:30 P.M. The first chief on scene was met with fire in the building and requested assistance from West Islip and Islip town hazmat. - See full story on Page 31
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INDEX A guide to finding great companies
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 4 - 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. Printed in Canada.
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Attic Fire Damages Home in Oakdale
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Oakdale, NY - On Sunday, January 31st, the West Sayville Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on Matthews Road in Oakdale. Chief of Department Jeff Houghtalen arrived on scene, transmitted a working fire and initiated command. 2nd Assistant Chief Patrick D'Onofrio arrived and established operations inside the structure, while 1st Assistant Chief Brian D'Onofrio took exterior operations. Engine 4 was the first due engine and quickly knocked down the fire, containing it to the attic and limiting damage to the rest of the house. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid was received by the Sayville, Bohemia, Bayport and East Islip Fire Departments, as well as the Sayville Ambulance Company.
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.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Additional news from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Quad Rider Dies After Crash in Ronkonkoma Ronkonkoma, NY - On February 26th at approximately 8:00 P.M., a woman was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Cruz westbound on Marconi Avenue when her vehicle was struck at the intersection of Lakeland Avenue by a northbound Honda 300EX quad. Lakeland firefighters responded and found a 21-yearold male in traumatic arrest from the crash. SCPD escorted the ambulance and the quad rider, who was from Bohemia, to Long Island Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His 19-year-old brother, also from Bohemia, was riding next to his brother but was able to avoid crashing his quad. SCPD 5th Squad and crime scene investigators are investigating the crash.
One Person Injured, One Dog Rescued from Afternoon Fire in Holtsville Holtsville, NY - On Monday afternoon, March 1st, the Holtsville FD was activated for a reported structure fire at 6 Diane Ct. Upon arrival smoke was showing from what looked to be the second floor and a mutual aid plan was activated for Ronkonkoma and Farmingville to respond to the scene. As units arrived a male covered in soot appeared and was immediately treated on scene with o2 by medical techs. Moments later firefighters escorted the family dog, also covered in soot, from the fire building and treated the dog with o2. The dog was then reunited with the homeowner before he left for the hospital. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack, quickly bringing the fire under control.
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LONG ISLAND
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal inspects the tractor-trailer carrying propane tanks after it flipped.
Tractor-Trailer Carrying Propane Tanks Flips in Shirley Shirley, NY - On Wednesday, February 10th, shortly before 5:50 P.M., Suffolk Police 7th Precinct officers were dispatched to an MVA involving an overturn near Paraco Gas on McGraw Street. The first officer on scene found a tractor-trailer carrying propane tanks flipped over a snow embankment on Oak Ave., off McGraw and eastbound Sunrise Highway Service Road. The driver was still inside and the officers reported that they were having trouble getting to him. Emergency Service Section was dispatched, along with the Mastic FD and Mastic Ambulance. Mastic Fire Chief Rudy Sunderman arrived and confirmed to responding units that he had an overturned tractortrailer with multiple propane tanks on board. The driver was able to be removed from the vehicle without
JUMP TO FILE #021021104
the need of hurst tools. Engine 2 was the first due engine, followed by Engine 3. Chief Sunderman advised them to pull in the parking lot of the nearby church and bring the crews up. Firefighters inspected the truck to make sure there were no major leaks and stood by at the scene until the wrecker arrived. The Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal also responded to the scene. No information on any injuries was available. Oak Ave. and the Sunrise Hwy. ramp to it were closed by police for the duration of the incident.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Grave Digger Killed While Digging Grave in Mount Sinai Mount Sinai, NY - A cemetery employee was killed early Thursday, February 25th, in Mount Sinai when the grave he was working in collapsed on him, Suffolk County Police said. Rodwin Allicock, 42, was working at the bottom of a more than seven-foot deep grave in Washington Memorial Park when the grave gave way on him at about 8:30 A.M., police said. His co-workers unsuccessfully tried to dig out Allicock, a resident of Coram. Police, firefighters and other emergency workers responded to a 911 call from the
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Canal Street cemetery, but Allicock was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Suffolk Medical Examiner's office. Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigating the death. Officers from the Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Section, as well as the county's
Fire Rescue coordinators and public works department, and firefighters from the Middle Island, Selden, Setauket and Hagerman Fire Departments responded. Police said the worker was "leveling out the bottom of a grave when the grave collapsed on him," trapping him under mounds of dirt. Firefighters from Brookhaven tech rescue team worked for hours to secure the hole by shoring up the sides to prevent further collapses and before any attempt of removing the male from the hole. - CHRIS SABELLA
- JOHN WALTHERS
BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos for This Old House please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
EX-CAPT. D RAGUSA EFD
Ex-Captain Carlos Hernandez and Firefighter Man AuYeung are pictured on the lawn of a residence after manning a line at a house fire on February 20th.
FRANK ROBINSON
The Saint James Fire Department on Long Island still operates out of this old house on Route 25A.
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LONG ISLAND WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
CONNOR JACOBS
Firefighters check for fuel leaks.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Mastic 2nd Lt. Rudy Sunderman stretches hose at a working fire 2/19/21.
CONNOR JACOBS
Center Moriches ex-Chief Ian Foley operating at an MVA with overturn.
Center Moriches FD Handles TwoCar MVA with Overturn Center Moriches, NY - At approximately 5:08 P.M. on Wednesday evening, February 24th, the Center Moriches FD and the Suffolk County 7th Precinct were toned out for a two-car MVA at the intersection of Brookfield Ave. and Frowein Road. The first chief on the road was 1st Assistant Chief Phil Masterson, who was advised by Captain Jay Koncelik that he was on scene with a two-car MVA, with one car upside down and one person still inside the car, but not pinned.
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Engine 1 (5-4-1), the first engine on the road, was ordered to come into the scene and bring their crew up to put speedy dry down on the fluid leak and also clean up debris that was in the roadway. Rescue 4 (5-4-4) was the second unit on the road and was ordered by command to bring the rig up and help block the road off. Units that were on scene were
1 Engine, 1 Rescue, 2 Ambulances, 1 Chief and 1 First Responder. Two people reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both patients were transported to nearby hospitals. Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Service Unit was requested to the scene to upright the car from the road. Units remained on scene until ESU arrived. All units were back in service in under an hour. - CONNOR JACOBS
The Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Massapequa Fire District is currently accepting applications for the position of:
FULL TIME FIREHOUSE MAINTAINER Duties shall range from providing reports to administrative Supervisor on work completed. Movement of furniture, supplies and preparation of meeting rooms for meetings training, and drills for personnel. Repair, Maintenance, and operation of District radio and communications system. General maintenance and cleaning of fire equipment and apparatus. General maintenance of District buildings and grounds. General repair work on district buildings such as general repair and maintenance of mechanical system, plumbing, system and electrical, ETC.
To begin the application process, qualified persons must send their resume, including qualifications and job experience to:
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Gordon Heights FD Captain Forrest operating at an MVA on Mill Rd., February 6th.
Visit 1st Responder on the Web at
www.1RBN.com
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY North Massapequa Fire District District Secretary Nicholas T. Paolucci 960 Hicksville Road • Seaford, New York 11783 Phone - 516-579-0900 Ex-1516 • Fax - 516-735-5077 E-Mail - nick387@nmfd-660.com An Equal Opportunity Employer We will not accept any resume after April 30th 2021
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April, 2021
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LONG ISLAND
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Medford FD Handles Roof Removal at MVA with Entrapment Medford, NY - On Saturday, February 13th at about 4:15 P.M., the Medford FD was activated for a report of a vehicle crash on Southaven Ave., with a report of entrapment. On arrival the first responding officer confirmed entrapment and would need to take the roof off the vehicle to remove the patient. Rescue 15 responded to the scene and the crew went to work removing the occupant from the vehicle. A quick extrication was completed. Medford Ambulance was on scene to provide patient care. All units were placed back in service in about 40 minutes.
OLD & NEW
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Two Workers Burned in Explosion at Gas Company in Bayshore Bayshore, NY - On March 8th, Brentwood firefighters responded to an explosion with injuries at Amerigas gas company located on Corbin Street. Two workers were burned when a small explosion occurred while filling propane tanks just after 6:30 P.M. The first chief on scene was met with fire in the building and requested assistance from West Islip and Islip town hazmat. The fire was brought under control in about one hour, but excess gas was still being burned off in a controlled burn. No further injuries were reported.
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Centereach FD Engine & Ladder Co.3 recently received their brand new Road Rescue Ambulance that will be serving the department for years to come helping to save lives.
NEW Ambulance 17 (5-5-17)
FRANKIE VERDERAME JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Mastic Firefighters Battle House Fire During Snowstorm
FRANKIE VERDERAME
OLD Ambulance 17
Shirley, NY- On Friday, February 19th at about 5:55 P.M., the Mastic FD was activated for a reported house fire on Grand Ave., off McGraw Street. Chief of the Department Rudy Sunderman was the first officer from the department on scene and reported a chimney fire that was extending to the structure. Sunderman was joined on scene by Assistant Chief Gene Martucci. The chief radioed back to Fire Rescue Dispatch to reactivate
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for a working fire and start mutual aid to the scene. On arrival members from the first due engine located the hydrant and began stretching lines to make an attack. They were joined on scene by crews from Brookhaven and Ridge Fire Departments. Members braved the frigid cold temps
and snow and made a quick attack, preventing the fire from consuming the home. A quite a bit of overhaul was needed at the scene. The occupants of the home were not injured. Mastic Ambulance was on scene for support. Upon completion of the assignment the scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal's Office. - JOHN WALTHERS
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April, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLAND
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Multiple Departments Battle Roasting Two Cars Severely Damaged Garage Fire in E. Patchogue CONNOR JACOBS
Firefighters and Police officers on the scene of the accident.
After Colliding in Medford Medford, NY - On the afternoon of February 6th at approximately 4:36 P.M., the Gordon Heights FD was toned out for a reported MVA with entrapment at Mill Road and Granny Road. Suffolk County 6th Precinct officers and the Suffolk County Emergency Services Unit were also notified of the crash. Gordon Heights FD responded with two ambulances, one Heavy Rescue Truck, fire police and a chief. On arrival the Gordon Heights chief had a two-car MVA and requested an additional ambulance with ALS from Middle Island FD. Firefighters and police officers
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worked together to get the occupants out of the cars safely. Personnel from both departments worked on treating the injured patients, who were then put into ambulances to be transported to a nearby hospital. According to Suffolk County Police, none of the injuries sustained were considered serious. The road was shut down for a period of time to investigate the cause of the accident. - CONNOR JACOBS
East Patchogue, NY - On Saturday, February 27th at about 12:08 P.M., the Hagerman FD was activated for a report of a structure fire on South Country Road. Bellport FD was also activated as auto mutual aid and South Country Ambulance to stand by. Hagerman 2nd Assistant Chief Corey Citarella [5-10-32] arrived on scene along with the South Country Ambulance 1st Responder [5-42-83]. Hagerman Chief Citarella advised his dispatch that he had a fully involved detached garage on the property at the location. The chief requested a reacti-
JUMP TO FILE #022821105
vation for a working fire. Crews from the first due engines secured a water supply from the hydrant by stretching a supply line and also began to stretch hand lines. Additional mutual aid was dispatched to the scene from Patchogue for an engine, and North Patchogue for the ladder. Medford was requested to stand by. Firefighters began working to make an aggressive attack, how-
ever reports from the deputy coordinators over the radio indicated that the structure had partially collapsed. A deck gun was put into operation by order of Assistant Chief Citarella to assist in soaking the remains of the fire building. No civilians or firefighters were injured at the scene. Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal FM 5-0-48 was also on scene. The scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate the cause of the fire. - JOHN WALTHERS
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos for Apparatus in Action please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
COMMAND VEHICLES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FRANK ROBINSON
The Port Jefferson Fire Department operates a Chevy Tahoe as their Chief's vehicle.
CONNOR JACOBS
Medford FD Rescue 15 operating at a heavy rescue MVA.
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April, 2021
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April, 2021
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FDNY
Malibu Burning ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
Malibu Burning The Real Story Behind L.A’s Devastating Wildfire By Robert Kerbeck Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $16.99 This is a soft cover book measuring 6" x 9", with 250 pages. It has 22 chapters plus a prologue and an epilogue. It is a great book about horrific stories and experiences! The thing that makes this book different than most books about fires is that the author, his family and his house survived this fire, the worst in L.A. history, and the chapters are about residents, businessmen and others and what their experiences were during this period, which started on November 8th of 2018. You will get a perception of what they endured and how the fire was handled by the firefighting agencies who battled it. You will read about horror, tragedy, heroism and perseverance. You will come
to know that not everyone who lives in the Malibu areas are wealthy people, in fact it is the opposite. You will read however how some celebrities, such as Nick Nolte, lost his house while he was filming a movie in Europe! You’ll read about the organization of Engine 271 and the story behind that. You will read about to what extreme homeowners will go to protect their property, especially when tall trees of types prone to fast burning surround them and how far embers can travel and spread flames. You will read about death and human interest stories, especially when it came to animals, both as pets and those running free. Just about all of these chapters cover these experiences compiled through interviews by the author who happens to be a writer. He himself put in countless hours trying to help others in all kinds of ways. There is one chapter where the fire department tries to address questions and complaints from displaced residents and people devastated by this fire. I cannot write enough about these stories in the limited space that I have, but each chapter tells a story that the reader will empathize with and there are no cookie cutter stories. When I was on the job I expected to go to fires and we took many as routine. But many times I did empathize and thought how devastated and depressed I would be if the fire I was at was my own home! Each chapter is separate in itself and this book is worth reading!
THOMAS MARRA
Fallen FDNY Firefighter Brought Back Home Fire departments across the Capital Region honored a fallen FDNY firefighter as he was brought back home from Lake George, NY, on Sunday, February 28th. Firefighter Carmine Barresi passed away following a snowmobile accident on Lake George on Thursday, February 25th. Fire Departments from across the area lined the overpasses of the Northway and New York State Thruway as a procession of New York State Police and FDNY vehicles transported Barresi back home. Barresi was a member of FDNY Engine Company 64 in the Bronx. Special thanks to the New Baltimore Fire Department for bringing a truck to the Route 144 overpass on short notice to be a part of the procession.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Vehicle News
RON JEFFERS
FRANK ROBINSON
FDNY Division 1 has been assigned this 2020 Chevrolet HT 2500 model.
The Fire Fighter fireboat once saw service covering NYC and served for 72 years. It was built in 1938 and could pump 20,000-gallons of water out of 9 monitors. It is now a museum docked in Greenport, a village on Long Island.
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April, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY