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AUGUST, 2016
200-YEAR-OLD FARM LOST TO FIRE
ZACHARY MARICLE
Pharsalia, NY - A family-run farm named “Balsam View Farm,” located in Pharsalia, was lost to a structure fire on May 25, 2016. Upon returning from a run to the garbage dump, the owner of the farm found her main milking parlor fully involved in flames. - See full story on page 35
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Washingtonville handles stubborn two-alarm fire At approximately 2:30 A.M. on June 12th , Washingtonville Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire at 1849 Route 208. Within minutes of being dispatched, Wa s h i n g t o n v i l l e Command reported smoke and fire visi- JUMP TO FILE# ble in the distance 061216107 and requested a 2ndalarm to be transmitted. Command arrived on scene and reported heavy fire showing from the rear of the first and second-floors of a 20X30 twostory private dwelling. The firstdue engine and ladder made an aggressive push with two lines to knock the bulk of the fire down. Crews were hampered though, with multiple layers of roof and voids found between the roof and walls throughout the building. Extensive overhaul was needed to extinguish these pockets, bringing a third line into operations and special calls above the second-alarm for relief crews. At 4:30 A.M., the fire was declared under control and units were picking up. Units operating on scene or stand-by consisted of: Washingtonville, Salisbury Mills, Goshen, Chester, Campbell Hall, Maybrook, Vails Gate, Coldenham, Montgomery, South Blooming Grove, Cornwall, 36-6, 36-15, 36101, 36-104, 36-109, Blooming Grove Ambulance and Blooming Grove PD. - THOMAS GODOY
Second-alarm strikes Washingtonville.
TOM GODOY
TOM GODOY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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August, 2016
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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 17 No. 8 - 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.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Henrietta Fire Chief James Comstock named NYSAFC 2016 “New York State Career Fire Chief of the Year” award recipient EAST SCHODACK, N.Y. -The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is pleased to announce the 2016 recipient of its “New York State Career Fire Chief of the Year Award,” as Chief James R. Comstock of the Henrietta Fire District. The award was presented during JUMP TO FILE# the General Session 070816115 of the NYSAFC 110th Annual Conference & FIRE 2016 Expo on June 16, 2016, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y. NYSAFC’s “Career Fire Chief of the Year Award” honoree is selected for demonstrating exemplary leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the fire service. Comstock is recognized for his commitment and service to his department, county, and members of the fire service throughout the state of New York. Comstock comes from a firefighting family, following in the footsteps of his father. He joined the Henrietta Fire District in 1976 as a volunteer firefighter and became a career employee of the Henrietta Fire District in 1984, serving as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief before being promoted to chief in 2006. During his 40 years of serv-
WALTER TOMASIK
L to R: Career Chief of the Year Award recipient James Comstock and NYSAFC 2015-2016 President Daniel Schwertfeger.
ice, Comstock was an instructor for the Monroe County Fire Bureau for 13 years, a New York state fire instructor for 10 years, and a specialty lecturer for the Monroe Community College Criminal Justice Training Center for 12 years. Comstock also serves as an incident commander and operations section chief with the Western New York Incident Management
Team. He also is part of the Monroe County Special Operations Leadership Team, an incident support team member, and a New York state EMT and code enforcement officer. A member of NYSAFC since 2004, Comstock served on the Paid Officers Committee from 2010-2015. He has also been active with the Career Fire Chiefs of
New York State and served as president of the organization from 2011-2015. Additionally, Comstock is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, IAFC Volunteer & Combination Officers Section, International Code Council, and National Fire Protection Association. - NYSAFC
Chief Joseph M. Fahd of the Cohoes Fire Department elected President of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs Chief Joseph M. Fahd Jr. of the Cohoes Fire Department was installed as president of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) during the 110th Annual Conference & FIRE 2016 Expo Installation Ceremony held on June 18, 2016, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y. He will serve a one-year term, leading the statewide organization. Fahd has served as chief of the Cohoes Fire Department since 2003. He is the second Cohoes fire chief to lead NYSAFC, following Chief Thomas C. Collin who served as president from 1918-1919. Fahd is a life member of the association, which he joined in 1978, and served on the EMS and Paid Chiefs Committees before being elected to its board of directors in 2006. In 2012, he was named “Career Fire Chief of the Year” by NYSAFC. Fahd’s fire service career began in 1966 with the Albany
WALTER TOMASIK
Chief Joseph M. Fahd of the Cohoes Fire Department Elected President of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.
Fire Department, where he served as lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief. He retired from the department after 35 years of dedicated service in 2002. Fahd has served in many capacities with various organizations related to the fire and emergency medical services. He currently serves as the chief deputy in the Office of the Albany County Fire Coordinator, a position he has held for over 20 years. Fahd is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and was recently elected the New York director for the Eastern Division IAFC (EDIAFC). He is also the eastern regional director of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers and a member of the Governor’s Fire Advisory Board of the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Fahd obtained an associate’s degree in fire science from Corning Community College and is a
graduate of the National Fire Academy, where he completed the Executive Fire Officer Program. He was awarded Chief Fire Officer designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is a not-for-profit organization with more than 10,000 members that has served career and volunteer fire chiefs, officers, and emergency services personnel throughout the state of New York since 1904. - NYSAFC
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
PAGE 5
SLVFD responds to fully involved house fire The sky at Transit and Strauss Road was dark with thick black smoke around 11:14 A.M. on June 17th when dozens of 911 calls started coming in, reporting a working garage fire attached to a house at 6106 Strauss Road, in the Town of Lockport. South Lockport Volunteers were toned out for the call JUMP TO FILE# and the New York 061716105 State Police raced to the scene to make sure all the residents got out. The Uniform State Police and undercover investigators from the State Police verified that everyone was out safe and then proceeded to secure the area, blocking off traffic and providing crowd control. South Lockport's Assistant Chief put Rapids on a stand-by as soon as he was en-route to the call. Once he was advised by radio that patrol was on scene reporting a working fire, Rapids was moved up to an engine response to the scene. At approximately 11:21 A.M., two assistant Chiefs from South Lockport were on scene and reporting nitrous tanks exploding in the garage. The fire had now engulfed the garage, the rear deck of the house and an SUV in the driveway, and was continuing to spread quickly. The alarms went out for multiple mutual aid, including Rapids Mutual Aid, the City of Lockport as an engine and Wrights Corners Fire. The fire spread to the north and southeast ends of the house, moving west to the center of the home. At 11:31 A.M., the City of Lockport Fire Engine-7 was the first truck on the scene, arriving within minutes of the call for mutual aid. The City of Lockport firefighters hit a hydrant and laid a five-inch feed line on the way in, making sure they would have a steady water supply. Engine-7 quickly pulled hand-lines to make an attack on the middle of the house and the garage. At approximately 11:40 A.M., Rapids' Volunteers rolled in with their engine and pulled lines to assist in the attack. At approximately 11:45 A.M., South Lockport's first engines rolled into the scene. Their aerial also arrived and was positioned by the front of the house to try and drown the fire from the air. By the time the lines were engaged, the fire had made its way all the way through the home, ripping out from the upper second-story window on the far west end and it had also vented through the roof in a number of locations. The garage had totally collapsed to the ground. Firefighters worked to stop the stubburn fire that had a major start on them before they were even notified of the call. It may be possible that the flammable gasses that had exploded at the start helped to feed the fire. All occupants made it out, but the house was a complete loss. At the time of the story there were no reported injuries. - STEPHEN WALLACE
Firefighters pulled lines and made an attack, trying to hold the fire until more equipment arrived.
On scene as the garage became engulfed.
STEPHEN M WALLACE
STEPHEN M WALLACE
PAGE 6
August, 2016
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Nebraska: Eric C. Speck Rank: Captain Incident Date: June 23, 2016 Death Date: June 27, 2016 Fire Department: Dakota City Fire Department Initial Summary: On June 23, 2016, Captain Speck complained of chest pains while on-scene of an emergency medical call. Afterward, he traveled to the hospital where it was found he had suffered a heart attack. Captain Speck succumbed to his injury on the morning of June 27, 2016, while in the hospital. Michigan: Andrew Russell Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: January 24, 2016 Death Date: Juky 2, 2016 Fire Department: Harrison Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Several days following surgery to replace a shoulder that was badly injured from a fall on ice while working an emergency medical call, Lieutenant Russell began to feel sick and asked his wife to call 911. Responders provided assistance to Lt. Russell and transported him to the hospital where he passed away from complications related to the surgery. Nevada: Jacob O’Malley Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 10, 2016 Fire Department: BLM Nevada State Office Initial Summary: While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Nevada: Will Hawkins Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 10, 2016 Fire Department: BLM Nevada State Office Initial Summary: While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash.
New Jersey: Richard N. Zadorozny Rank: Chief Engineer Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 11, 2016 Fire Department: Eatontown Engine, Truck, and Hose Co. #1 Initial Summary: Along with his fire department, Chief Engineer Zadorozny was dispatched for an odor of natural gas at a local apartment complex. Operating the first responding apparatus, Zadorozny and his crew arrived on scene to investigate the incident. The odor was eventually unfounded and the apparatus returned to quarters. Chief Engineer Zadorozny returned to his home for the evening and, a few hours later, suffered a medical event (likely cardiac). EMS responded to Zadorozny's home, but were unable to revive him. Zadorozny was pronounced dead a short time later.
August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 7
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PAGE 8
August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
TOM GODOY
Vails Gate battles wind driven second-alarm fire On June 12th at 7:30 P.M., the Vails Gate Fire Department was alerted to a reported structure fire at 1016 Forest Glen. Vails Gate Command was called on as responding, which at that time was one-minute after the initial tone out. Orange County 911 advised command that they received a number of calls on the incident. Vails Gate command, while enroute, relayed that he could see heavy smoke showing from the town, across Interstate 87. Vails Gate command, along with the first-due engine, arrived on scene to find a fully involved two-anda-half story private dwelling, with flames blowing nearly 30-feet out
JUMP TO FILE #061316135 of the front of the building. Command ordered all incoming engines to hit hydrants and lay-in. A 2nd-alarm was requested, bringing in a FAST team and stand-by companies. A defensive stance was ordered and three lines were quickly placed in operations, along with two ladders with master streams. Crews had to deal with high winds blowing 15-25MPH, fanning the blaze. Vails Gate crews managed to knock down the bulk of the fire within 35-minutes and extensive over-
haul was needed. Personnel was limited to inside of the building due to the high amount of damage done from the wind-driven fire. By 10 P.M., the scene was declared under control and all units were back in service. No injuries were reported. The home owners were home at the time of the fire, but everyone made it out safety. The building was a total loss. Units on scene and providing coverage included: Vails Gate FD, 3 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Rescue, Washingtonville F.A.S.T., New Windsor Stand-by, New Windsor EMS and New Windsor PD. - THOMAS GODOY
PROVIDED
Solvay FD holds fire prevention session for kids On Tuesday, May 17th, a kindergarten class of 80-students from Solvay Elementary School attended a fire prevention session at the Solvay Fire Department. The class got lessons on the most dangerous parts of a fire, what a firefighter looks like, and even got to see what it's like to be in a smoke filled room and how to get out safely. A huge thank you to the firefighters, the Solvay Fire Department and the OCVFA Fire Safety Trailer for their participation.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Wrights Corners handles high speed T-Bone Wrights Corners Fire and Rescue got toned out for a possible head-on with ejection at Sunset and Leete Road in the Town of Lockport on June 28th. This location was the scene of a severe, heavy entrapment of a 19year-old girl just JUMP TO FILE# two-years ago, 062816109 along with many other accidents, so Wrights Corners wasted no time in responding. Niagara County Sheriff Lt. Brian Harrer and two road deputies were on scene within minutes. The Deputies came on scene to find a high speed impact, Tbone car accident in the intersection. Two SUV’s were involved, including one that was crushed and stopped in the middle of the intersection, and the other that spun while traveling southwest, going off of the road and into a ditch. Senior Specialist Pump and Rescue Operator Robert “Jimmy” Smith, rolled the rescue engine and was advised while en-route that he would be responsible for setting up a road landing site for Mercy Flight, and would also be ground contact. First on scene Asst. Chief from Wrights Corners realized that there was no ejection, instead he found one male driver with shoulder pain, and a female patient with leg, chest and lumbar back pain. The patient was also complaining of difficulty breathing. It was decided to have Mercy Flight transport the female to the trauma center. Cambria Volunteers, with their Paramedic, rolled a second ambulance to handle the female driver in the other vehicle. Lt. B. Harrer had to multi-task, investigating the call and also doing the CSI photos as his deputies gathered information. Wrights Corner’s Trauma Specialist Fire Rescue Captain Z. Wodo oversaw all treatment, making sure quality care was provided to all. The female passenger was collared, back-boarded and provided primary care before being transported onto Mercy Flight's stretcher and loaded for her flight to ECMC in Buffalo. The male was transported by ground to the hospital with a shoulder injury. The female driver of the other vehicle was complaining of general body aches and was transported by Cambria. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the call.
STEPHEN M WALLACE
Senior Specialist Pump and Rescue Operator Robert “Jimmy” Smith clears the landing zone as Mercy Flight heads to ECMC.
- STEPHEN WALLACE
Members of Wrights Corners Trauma Response Team load the victim into the helicopter.
STEPHEN M WALLACE
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
PAGE 11
Lightning strike sparks Brunswick house fire During the late evening of Monday, May 30th, the Brunswick No.1 Fire Company was dispatched for a reported home struck by lightning on Lindsey Drive, in the town of Brunswick. Brunswick No.1's JUMP TO FILE# Car-3 arrived on 061016120 scene and did not have anything showing, and began investigated the home. Right behind the arriving chiefs was Engine 4-4 and Truck-4. Firefighters pulled a hand line into the home and discovered they had a working base-
ment fire. They then called for Speigletown, Mountain View for their FAST team and Center Brunswick Fire Company for mutual aid to the scene of the signal30 working fire. Firefighters had heavy fire in the basement of the home. Brunswick No.1 firefighters made quick work of the fire while under heavy fire conditions in the basement that caused minor damage to the home. No firefighters were injured on scene and the home only suffered minor damage due to the quick response of the fire department. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Firefighters from the Brunswick area picking up after a working basement fire.
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PAGE 12
August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
ALLISON O'DRISCOLL
PROVIDED
House fire on Clarke Street in Village of Monroe At 3:10 A.M. on June 21st, the Monroe Fire Department was alerted to a report of a house on fire at 56 Clarke St., in the village of Monroe. Village Police Patrol were on scene almost immediately and relayed to the fire department chiefs responding that there was an active fire on the front porch and first-floor of a two-story wood frame, single-family residence. First arriving Assistant Chief John Scherne requested a second-alarm,
JUMP TO FILE #062216107 which brought mutual aid from Woodbury and Washingtonville to the scene. Initial suppression efforts were hampered due to active power lines down along the roadway and in front of the house. The main body of fire was knocked down and the fire was placed under control at 3:50 A.M., with
extensive overhaul after. Also assisting at the scene or standing-by were South Blooming Grove, Chester and Tuxedo Fire Departments. Monroe EMS and Mobile Life Support provided medical stand-by and rehab, as well as the Orange County Fire Investigators and County Fire Coordinator's office. - DANIEL BENNET
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
ALLISON O'DRISCOLL
Wantagh-Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corps celebrates National EMS Week
In May, the Wantagh-Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corps celebrated National EMS Week with their 1st Annual EMS Week Fair. Children learned first aid at the Teddy Bear Clinic, how to call 9-1-1, and also became Junior EMTs in the First Aid Relay Race. The community received free "Vial of Life" kits and participated in hands-only CPR as well as Narcan demos.
STEPHEN M WALLACE
Crews from Wrights Corners load an injured lumberjack onto Mercy Flight and get ready for take off.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
PAGE 13
New York State Firefighters call for National Fire Cancer Registry VERONA, N.Y. – U.S. Representative Richard Hanna and firefighters from across New York state called on Congress to approve a National Firefighter Cancer Registry. They made the announcement on June 17, 2016, during the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) 110th Annual Conference & FIRE 2016 Expo in Verona, N.Y. Firefighters are exposed to a range of harmful toxins and research has indicated that there is a strong connection between firefighting and an increased risk for several major cancers such as testicular, stomach, multiple myeloma, and brain cancers. That’s why Hanna introduced H.R. 4625, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, which would establish a specialized national cancer registry to be managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The registry would improve collection capabilities and activities related to the nationwide monitoring of cancer incidence among all firefighters – career and volunteer. "Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to help our communities during times of emergency," Hanna said. "We need a broader understanding of the trends associated with why, how, and when our firefighters are contracting this life threatening disease. Establishing a national cancer registry is the first step to building a database where health experts can study the factors associated with cancer diagnoses in the firefighting community. It is my hope that through this
registry we can develop more sophisticated protocols and safeguards to prevent our men and women firefighters from being diagnosed with cancer." The idea for a cancer registry started in Oneida County at the Barneveld Fire Department. Rep. Hanna was speaking with Brian McQueen, board member of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), NYSAFC committee member, and past chief of the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department, when he said no such data exists. McQueen is also co-chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council Cancer Task Force. McQueen knew this because he is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2013, on Christmas Eve. Since that difficult day, McQueen and his family have had to tackle the trials and tribulations that go along with this prognosis with hopes that one day he would be cancer free. That’s why together with Barneveld Fire Chief Brian Palmer and Assistant Fire Chief Brian Healey, they founded Believe 271 – an organization that provides financial assistance to volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and members of ladies auxiliaries in Oneida and Herkimer counties who suffer from a life threatening illness, such as cancer. "For decades studies have shown a link between firefighting and increased risk for several major cancers," McQueen said. "As we have learned more about this issue two things have
JUMP TO FILE #063016103 become very clear. First, there are behaviors we need to change as firefighters to protect ourselves from the exposure to the 84,000 chemicals found in today’s fires. In addition to correcting these bad habits, we need to equip our fire houses with gear washers, dryers, ventilation systems, and personal protective gear to further protect them. Secondly, what we currently know about what causes firefighter cancer is just the ‘tip of the iceberg.’" NYSAFC 2015-2016 President and Fire Chief Dan Schwertfeger of the Floyd Volunteer Fire Department is also a cancer survivor and board member of Believe 271. "Research has shown that firefighters, both career and volunteer, are two times greater than the general public to be stricken with cancer," Schwertfeger said. "The need to address this important issue in the fire service is now. By enacting this Cancer Registry, we will be able to develop data that will address this epidemic in the fire service. I applaud Congressman Hanna for meeting this challenge and assisting the nation’s fire service." Support from Fire Groups: Representatives from the following organizations, along with fire service leaders from across New York state, stood with Rep. Hanna to call on Congress to pass this bill: • N e w York Association of Fire Chiefs
(NYSAFC) • Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) • Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY) • County Fire Coordinators’ Association of the State of New York • National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) • Believe 271 • Firefighter Cancer Support Network FASNY President Robert McConville said, "Today’s firefighters face conditions that are far more dangerous than those of just a few years ago. All firefighters, paid and volunteer, deserve the best protections and assistance available. Understanding the extent of cancer in the fire service is crucial to addressing this growing problem, and this is why the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act is so important. On behalf of the 105,000 volunteer firefighters in New York state, FASNY thanks Rep. Hanna for his leadership on this issue, and we urge Congress to pass this bill without delay." About the Bill: The national Cancer Registry would: • Store and consolidate epidemiological information submitted by healthcare professionals related to cancer incidence among firefighters. • Make anonymous data available to public health researchers to provide them with robust and comprehensive datasets to expand groundbreaking research. • Improve our understanding of cancer incidence as the registry grows, which could potentially lead to
the development of advanced safety protocols and safeguards. • I n crease collaboration between the CDC and epidemiologists, public health experts, clinicians, and firefighters through regular and consistent consultations to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of the registry. In addition to those listed above, the following groups support establishing a Firefighter Cancer Registry: • International Association of Fire Chiefs • International Association of Fire Fighters • Congressional Fire Services Institute • N a tional Fallen Firefighters Foundation • International Fire Service Training Association The Following Members of Congress from the New York Delegation Support the Bill: Rep. Chris Collins (NY-27), Rep. Joe Crowley (NY-14), Rep. Daniel Donovan (NY-11), Rep. Eliot L. Engel (NY-16), Rep. Christopher P. Gibson (NY-19), Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-26), Rep. Steve Israel (NY-3), Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Rep. Peter T. King (NY-2), Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Rep. Charles B. Rangel (NY-13), Rep. Kathleen M. Rice (NY-4), Rep. Jose Serrano (NY-15), Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY-25), Rep. Elise M. Stefanik (NY-21), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), and Rep. Lee M. Zeldin (NY-1). - NYSAFC
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Firefighters make quick work on house fire ENDICOTT, NY--On the afternoon of July 5th, around 4:20 P.M., Endicott Fire Department Platoon-1 responded to 314 Oak Hill in the Village for a reported house fire. Flames and smoke could be seen by the crew of Quint-25 blocks before the location. Upon arrival, JUMP TO FILE# crews under the com- 070716120 mand of Captain Eaton, encountered heavy fire from the windows on the second-floor in the front of the building. Captain Eaton immediately requested a second-alarm. Captain Eaton and his remaining three crew members made a quick knock down from the exterior, quickly followed up by a rapid interior attack, once more manpower arrived on scene. The fire was out within minutes and crews remained on the scene to overhaul the fire area. Endicott Fire off-duty personnel along with West Corners, Endwell, Union Center and Vestal Fire Departments responded to assist. Union Ambulance was on scene to provide cold water and wet towels for rehab from the high heat and humidity. NYSEG, EPD and Endicott Auxiliary Police also assisted at the scene. The occupants of the home escaped prior to EFD arrival. The cause of the fire has been listed as arson. No injuries were reported. - DAVID ABELL
D. HITT THROUGH THE SMOKE PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
PAGE 15
Hudson Firefighters respond to mutual aid brush fire On Sunday, June 26th, City of Hudson Firefighters were dispatched, as part of a Battalion-2 Mutual Aid request, to a brush fire located in the Town of Claverack. The fire consumed several hayfields at the Hillview Farm, lo- JUMP TO FILE# cated at 275 Stevers 070616100 Crossing Road, in the Town of Claverack. The farm lies within the jurisdiction of the Mellenville Fire Company. Under the direction of 2nd Assistant Chief Shawn Hoffmann, Engine-28 responded with a ten-man crew. Engine-28 was assigned to help extinguish several large round hay bales that were still burning in the fields. Crews tirelessly worked to pull apart the bales and douse them with water. Crews then worked along the wood line, mopping up hots spots. Crews returned to service several hours later. Mellenville Fire Chief Michael Layman reported that the fire started when a piece of farm equipment ignited and started a fire on a hay bale. - JUSTIN ELLIOTT
Hudson Firefighters stop for a photo in the scorched hay field.
TIM HUTCHINGS
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
NYSAFC 2016 Scholarship recipients named EAST SCHODACK, N.Y. – The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is pleased to announce that five scholarship awards will be presented through the association’s 2016 Scholarship Program. Scholarships are JUMP TO FILE# 063016104 awarded annually to NYSAFC Individual Members (Active, Associate, and Affiliate Members), or the spouses and children of these members who are pursuing academic advancement at the college level. The Anthony J. Messina Scholarship, presented in memory of Past President Andy Messina, is awarded to students pursuing an emergency services degree (fire science, EMS, or emergency management). The 2016 recipients are: • Kylie Cotugno (Defreestville Fire Department) – $500 • Jared Hanslmaier (New Berlin Fire Department) – $500 • Dylan Luckey (Short Track Fire Department) – $500 • Jessica Voorheis (West Crescent Fire District) – $500 The Ward A. & Janice R. Bohner Scholarship, presented in memory of NYSAFC’s longtime Executive Director Ward Bohner and his wife, Jan, is awarded to those pursuing a general course of study in any field. The 2016 recipient is: • Julia Rodgers (Thornwood Fire Department) – $500 This year’s scholarship recipients were recognized during the General Session of the NYSAFC 110th Annual Conference & FIRE 2016 Expo at the Turning Stone Resort. Awards are being presented to these students locally throughout the summer. NYSAFC extends special thanks to the Erie County Mutual Aid Organization, which for years has provided a generous donation to support the NYSAFC Scholarship Program fund.
(L to R): NYSAFC President 2016-2017 Joe Fahd, scholarship recipient Jessica Voorheis (West Crescent Fire District), and NYSAFC President 2015-2016 Dan Schwertfeger.
PROVIDED
- NYSAFC
Stay on top of the news. Visit 1st Responder on the Web at
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PROVIDED
(L to R): Assistant Chief Michael Russell, scholarship recipient Kylie Cotugno (Defreestville Fire Department), and NYSAFC President 2015-2016 Dan Schwertfeger.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
PAGE 17
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
BOB MCCORMICK
Alarm at Independent Living Home Newburgh, NY-Engines 1 and 3, along with Ladder 1 responded to an alarm at Washington Terrace on June 30th around 5:15 P.M. One apartment had a smell of smoke, so firefighters ventilated the apartment and stood-by until the odor was gone. Car-4 was command and no injuries were reported. Units cleared the scene by 5:45 P.M. to return in service.
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
BOB ROOT
Engines from Castle Point FD, Highland FD and West Point FD respond as mutual aid for the City of Newburgh FD at a structure fire on June 18th in Newburgh.
Watervlliet truck 1 at the scene of a three-alarm fire on Broadway June 18th
MIKE CAREY
Extensive overhaul on side D
DAVE HITT PHOTOGRAPHY
Electrical issues start multiple fires within house ENDICOTT, NY-- On the evening of June 6th, Endicott Fire Department Platoon-2 responded to 117 Odell Ave., for a reported fire in the wall. Upon arrival, Captain Paul Higgins and crew found fire inside one of the JUMP TO FILE# walls and also 061516103 found spot fires among walls and void spaces throughout the structure. Needing more manpower than his on-duty shift, Captain Higgins requested a second-alarm assignment. That assignment brought Endicott Fire off-duty personnel, West Corners FAST, Endwell, Union Center and Vestal Fire Departments. West Endicott FD stood-by at their station while Union Ambulance and the Fire Coordinator staff responded to the scene. Extensive, labor intensive overhaul had to be done to both the interior and exterior in order to reach all of the fire areas within the house. Upon further investigation, it was determined that an electrical issue had caused the whole house to become energized, causing electrical shorts to start fires throughout the house. The Endicott PD provided crowd and traffic control at the scene. NYSEG also responded to the scene to cut off power to the house. One firefighter was transported by ambulance to the hospital for heat related issues and was later released. - DAVID ABELL
JIM DELANEY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Massive warehouse fire in the City of Watervliet
JEFFREY ARNOLD
House fire in Cheektowaga On Monday, July 4th, Cheektowaga Firefighters battled a twoalarm house fire at 20 Verdun Place. A dog and three ferrets were rescued from the house. No residents were injured, but one firefighter was taken to the hospital for a cut on his hand. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the heat of the day in addition to water supply issues with a fire hydrant. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Cheektowaga Police.
BOB KRAJICEK
The Watervliet Fire Department in Albany responded for a reported structure fire at 329 Broadway on June 26th. The first arriving crews had heavy fire coming out of JUMP TO FILE# every window of a 062616100 200x200, two-story brick warehouse. Command immediately requested the second-alarm, sending the city of Troy, Green Island, Cohoes, Watervliet Arsenal and the city of Albany to the scene. The heavy column of smoke could be seen from up to 50-miles away. Firefighters took up a defensive measure, pulling multiple two-and-a-half inch hand lines and operated multiple master stream operations. The flames from the building reached about 50-feet in the air at one point. Dozens of explosions occurred inside of the building, a few rattling nearby homes from the noise. Police officers from the City of Watervliet helped evacuate residents around the warehouse as a precaution. As firefighters were making a defensive stance, the wall on the far end of the building collapsed out into the street, sending firefighters scrambling. Command requested the third-alarm shortly after the collapse and set up a larger collapse zone, moving all the engines on scene back and away from the building. With temperatures still in the upper 80's, firefighters also had to battle the heat. A rehab section was set up for firefighters in order to cool down and keep hydrated. Firefighters began to get the fire under control about two-hours after responding to the fire. Firefighters would remain on scene for most of the evening, as they conducted extensive overhaul. The building was a total loss and one neighboring structure also suffered damage. No firefighters or civilians were hurt during the incident and the fire is under investigation by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Watervliet Firefighters trying to get the massive warehouse blaze under control.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Rollover on Rte. 208 The New Paltz FD was dispatched on June 19th to a rollover on Rte. 208. The rear-end of the pickup truck was suspended off of the ground by the trailer's safety chains. Airbags allowed the removal of the chains and the truck cleared the immediate area to allow Erichsen's Recovery to roll the trailer upright. No injuries were reported. The fire department was assisted by the New Paltz Police and N.Y. State Troopers. JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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Once EMS, Always EMS EMS ISSUE
CHELLE CORDERO
Almost every EMS provider gets a mindset — and it NEVER leaves. Whether you are on duty or off, when things go down, you are right there to help. It is, after all, the “right” thing to do, but is it really the “RIGHT” thing? For paid (career) EMS, when you are on duty, there is a “Duty to Act," but depending on the state where you live and work, when you are OFF-duty, that duty-to-act may or may not apply. Volunteer EMS do not share the clean distinction of off-duty versus on-duty, and the duty-to-act rules in each state are not necessarily the same as career EMS. Then there is always the "Good Samaritan Law" which, although designed to encourage people-helping-people, has a convoluted definition. Is the off-duty and out-of-state EMS provider covered by the Good Samaritan Law if he stops to render much needed care in a non-reciprocal state? How about the non-affiliated, or lapsed (retired) EMT or Paramedic? What applies? “A Good Samaritan in legal terms refers to someone who renders aid in an emergency to an injured person on a voluntary basis,” (http://uslegal.com/). Although that generally mandates that there is NO duty-to-act, the person is not a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew, not EMS certified, does not harm the patient, and only administers care up to their level of training. It’s confusing. What applies if you are an out-of-state EMT who comes across the scene of a highway accident and there is no reciprocity. Do you render care based on your training, or only up to the level of first aid? In our litigious society, how much are you putting at risk? Is it safest, for you, to do what goes against your grain and just drive by? Think about this one...in your state (where you are recognized and certified for your skill and training), while off-duty, you stop at the scene of a roadside accident and another car sideswipes you, causing injuries or worse. What, if any, are the protections that will cover your medical bills, pay disability, or (G-d forbid), pay your dependent family an LODD death benefit. These answers vary depending on the state and its mutual aid agreements, whether you are an EMS volunteer or career, and if paid, whether your agency is private or publicly-operated. Some agencies have established policies which detail the company’s liability for your off-duty actions. Helping people is in our blood. We wouldn’t be working (or volunteering) in Emergency Medical
Services if we didn’t want to help people, so it is very difficult to pass a scene where people are hurt. Our moral responsibility may differ from our legal responsibility, and our liabilities may be far beyond what we can afford. We expose ourselves to
hazards every time we stop at an accident, or run to the aid of a stranger, but still, we want, we need to help. Know your local regulations and find out if your agency has any policy in place to protect you (and your family) from lawsuits, medical re-
covery, or even death. Some EMS providers carry personal liability insurance, but most don’t. In the long run, stopping and administering aid to an injured party while off-duty may be more your dedication and decision than any obligation, and
many of us will still answer the call. To paraphrase one of the early terms we are taught in EMS, know the facts and make an Informed Decision. Thank you for always being there.
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Second-alarm mansion fire in Shaker Road Fire District Colonie, NY---The Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Fuller Road, West Albany, Colonie Village Fire Company and the Latham Fire Department responded for a re- JUMP TO FILE# ported structure fire 061016117 at 6 Wood Plot Road. The call originally came in for a smoke investigation until additional calls came in for a working structure fire at that location, including one from the homeowner. Shaker Road Station-2 called out with a working fire from their firehouse, which is less than fiveblocks away. Car-73 and Car-28 were the first arriving units on scene and immediately transmitted the signal 30, with heavy fire showing from the home. The first engine arrived on scene and immediately pulled multiple twoand-a-half inch hand lines and blitz fires to the back of the home, where they had heavy fire and partial collapse. The smoke column could be seen for miles in the clear sky, over the town of Colonie. Command quickly issued a no-entry into the structure, as the home became fully involved. Multiple engines arrived on scene, including the town-wide duty crew. Firefighters had a tough battle on their hands, as the home was not small in size by any means. Firefighters pulled multiple hand lines as they arrived from additional engines. Crews mounted an aggressive exterior attack on the home, trying to bring the heavy fire under control, but due to not having ability to shut off the utilities to the home, the fire was able to take off again. As soon as National Grid shut off the utilities to the home, firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control. As soon as the safety officers and chiefs on scene declared it was safe to make entry, firefighters entered and conducted a heavy overhaul of the home. The home was a total loss. No firefighters or residents were injured and the fire is currently under investigation by the Town of Colonie's Fire Services. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
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Shaker Road Firefighters hitting the heavy fire from the roof.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
A Fuller Road Truax brother making entry on the second-floor.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
PAGE 23
Vehicle News
SHAWN BALL
Red Hook battles brush fire that extended into mobile home On June 13th, a report of a brush fire near a structure was dispatched, with 58-12 upgrading the alarm upon arrival after finding fire extending into the back wall of a mobile home. Crews quickly knocked the fire down and confirmed no further extension into structure. High winds and a large compost pile fueled the fast moving fire.
STEVE BRODY, SR.
Smithfield, NY-The Smithfield Vol. FD recently placed this 2016 RAM 5500, powered by a Cummins turbo 6.7 diesel four-wheel drive chassis into service as Rescue #315. The truck is equipped with Wil-Burt light tower, Warn multi-location winch.
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Home heavily damaged in Suffern
Just before 10 P.M. on June 11th, Suffern Firefighters were dispatched to 7 Bridge St., for a reported house fire. While en-route, Suffern Police arrived on scene and confirmed a working house fire with heavy fire showing from the secondfloor. Mutual aid was requested to the scene to assist firefighters with heavy fire conditions traveling across the attic of the large, two-and-a-half story frame. Multiple handlines were used to knock down the bulk of the fire, which took under one-hour to bring under control. Mutual aid from Tallman, Mahwah and Hillburn assisted at the fire. No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.
BOB ROOT
Car crashes head-on into tree
Marlboro, NY- On the morning of June 27th, departments responded to the report of a car into tree MVA on Route 9W in Marlboro. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a male driver pinned inside of a van after hitting a tree head-on. The victim had to be extricated from the vehicle and was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital. His injuries were unknown. On scene were the Marlboro FD, Middlehope FD, Town of Newburgh PD and Town of Newburgh Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
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PAGE 26
August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
SCENES FROM FIRE 2016 Photos by Sidewinder Photography
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
SCENES FROM FIRE 2016 Photos by Sidewinder Photography
August, 2016
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
IN SERVICE
If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
BOB MCCORMICK JUSTIN ELLIOTT
Hudson, NY- Water Rescue Truck 17-70, a 1989/90 Mack "Midliner"/Young/Marion. It was the former Mellenville Fire Company Rescue Truck and was purchased by the City of Hudson Fire Department in early 2015. It was refurbished by HFD members inhouse during the Winter of 2015. It's now used to store and transport equipment/members for the SCUBA and Ice Rescue Team.
Smoke showing on Montgomery Street
Newburgh, NY- On July 4th, the Newburgh FD was dispatched to a fire at 205 Montgomery Street. The caller stated that smoke was coming from under the porch. Engines 1 and 3, along with Ladder-1 responded. The City of Newburgh PD was at the scene and forced entry into the building to investigate. The owner of the residence was advised, and the FD was awaiting their arrival.
ON THE LITER SIDE
If you have photos you would like to see in our On The Liter Side feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Levittown, NY- Levittown Ladder-626
MARC ABRAMS
MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS
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JEFFREY ARNOLD
Lima, NY - On June 25th, the Lima Fire Department hosted a waterball tournament at the Lima Town Hall. Trophies were awarded with 1st Place going to Cohocton FD and 2nd Place to Lockwood FD.
"Damien Danis has been a correspondent for the NJ edition of 1st Responder Newspaper since our very first issue in 1993. He has been a member of the Saddle Brook Fire Department for 25-years, holding the positions of Chief Engineer, Lieutenant and Captain and currently holds the position of Engineer once again. He has been a member of three truck committees and was also Co-Chairman of the department's 100th Anniversary Parade. Damien said, “I have also had the honor of holding the position of President for the New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association for three terms.” RON JEFFERS
BOB KRAJICEK
Modena, NY- Modena FD hosted a wet-down for their new E-One Pumper on June 11th. New Paltz FD was also there to help celebrate.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
PAGE 29
Lumberjack trauma for Wrights Corners Fire Co. Lockport, NY- The Wrights Corners Specialized Off-Road Rescue Team, along with Assistant Chief J.J McKnight, Jeff Lee, Robert “Jimmy” Smith, Larry Stanton Sr., Larry Stanton II, Pam Pollow, Paul “Peaches” Patterson, Roxanne JUMP TO FILE# Davis, Eric Belser, 070716119 Jack Bridwell and Ed Elfert, ventured into a labyrinth of deep woods and poison ivy to handle a severe injury from a tree trauma on July 7th. The call came out around 10:30 A.M., reporting that a logger was down, with a possible fractured leg due to an accident while cutting a tree. The location was on Niagara Street, between Purdy and the rail road tracks. Assistant Chief J.J. McKnight was on scene in minutes and immediately realized that this was more than a simple injury or situation. He requested a TACH Channel and had Wrights Corners OffRoad Rescue Team and equipment
toned out to respond. The call for assistance was immediately answered. An ambulance was also en-route to the scene. A male lumberjack was high up in a tree, deep off-road, topping it out. He had tied off a giant limb to act as a counter balance when the rope snapped, causing the log to crush the distal portion of his right leg. Other members of the lumber jack team got the man down before Wrights Corners took over. Immediate immobilization and spinal cord precautions were taken. McKnight and his team checked the patient out and provided a secondary head-to-toe. No time was wasted to put in the call for Mercy Flight to launch and meet crews with the patient at the airport on Transit Road. The deep, dark shadows of the twisting vines and fallen trees could not stop the trained professionals from the Wrights Corners Fire Company from performing another difficult but successful rescue. - STEPHEN WALLACE
STEPHEN M WALLACE
The team, along with help from other lumberjacks, load the victim after climbing out of the deep woods.
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
BOB MCCORMICK
Beacon Engine Company: Best appearing fire unit, bloused uniform; 27-38 in line.
MIKE CAREY
BOB MCCORMICK
Medevac needed for motorcycle accident
Cornwall, NY- On July 4th, the Cornwall FD was dispatched to a motorcycle accident on State Route 9W. Cornwall EMS advised 911-Dispatch to launch a Medevac. Storm King Engine Company set up a landing zone at Storm King School, while Cornwall EMS transported the victim to Storm King. The medics from Medevac stabilized the victim before loading them into the helicopter, where they were then airlifted to Westchester Medical Center.
Kerhonkson Fire Company: Best appearing fire unit; bloused uniform, 20-26 in line.
MIKE CAREY
Buchanan Engine Company #1: Best appearing fire unit; bloused uniform, 8-19 in line.
MIKE CAREY
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HVVFA holds annual dress parade (Lake George, NY)-- Fire departments from Essex to Westchester Counties gathered in Lake George during the weekend of June 17th for the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association's 127th Annual Convention. On Saturday, June 18th, 120 departments took part in the HVVFA dress parade, where James Burns
JUMP TO FILE #062816102 served as Grand Marshal. The Tarrytown Fire Department produced the most firefighter marchers, with Shaker Road-Loudonville producing the most auxiliary marchers. Ossining took the award for best
overall fire unit. The Hardyston Township FD was also recognized for travelling 207-miles all the way from New Jersey to take part in the parade. Next year, the convention returns to Queensbury, NY where it will be hosted by the West Glens Falls Fire Department. - MIKE CAREY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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Hudson Dive Team responds to car in lake Athens, NY- On Thursday, June 30th, City of Hudson Firefighters were called on as mutual aid along with their dive team to the Town of Catskill in Greene County. At approximately 8 P.M., Hudson's Dive Team responded to the scene at the request of the West Athens Fire Department. West Athens was on scene of a vehicle that had run off the roadway, into Green Lake, and was submerged. The driver made it out before the vehicle submerged, however; it was unknown if the vehicle had any additional passengers or not. Under the lead- JUMP TO FILE# ership of Chief 070616101 James Schermerhorn, dive operations were set up along the shore where the vehicle entered the water. Divers from the City of Hudson as well as the Greene County Sheriff's Office and the Athens Fire Department, entered the water and soon located the vehicle. The vehicle was located in approximately 16-feet of water, with near zero visibility. Divers also reported descending below a thermocline and noted a much colder water temperature at the bottom. The vehicle was cleared and additional divers worked to rig the vehicle for removal by a local wrecker company. The vehicle was successfully removed from the lake by the wrecker company and units returned to service around 11 P.M. Divers and Tenders from the City of Hudson Fire Department, Athens Fire Department and the Greene County Sheriff's office all worked together to safely accomplish the task. This is not the first time the three agencies have worked together, as divers and tenders from each agency attended a Public Safety Dive class together this past May, in Hudson.
Support personnel stand-by along the shore as dive operations continue.
- JUSTIN ELLIOTT
Stay on top of the news. Visit 1st Responder on the web at www.1RBN.com Tenders direct a diver toward the submerged vehicle.
TIM HUTCHINGS
TIM HUTCHINGS
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Orphaned ducklings rescued by Smithtown FD Smithtown, NY- When worshipers left St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Smithtown on Sunday, June 26th, they began searching for the source of unfamiliar sounds. The sounds revealed the location of faint cries being made by orphaned ducklings, at the bottom of a storm drain. Parishioners quickly called the Smithtown Fire Department, in hopes of rescuing the young ducks. Arriving on scene, 2nd Assistant Chief Kevin Fitzpatrick quickly sent out a call for a crew to remove the grade from the storm drain and rescue the ducklings. Engine Company-4 arrived in quick order, carefully removing the
grade and went down to rescue the ducklings. With their rescue mission accomplished, the department called the Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation program to see if they would care for the ducklings. They quickly agreed, giving the orphans a new home. The combined efforts of the church-goers, Smithtown Fire Department personnel and the dedicated staff of Sweetbriar, made that summer's Sunday a special day in the lives of the ducklings. If you'd like to see the progress the ducklings are making, you can visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. - JEFF BRESSLER
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ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THE STATE 1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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SEAN HERMANCE
Philmont, NY- Livingston Fire District Chief giving commands while Battalion-2 responds to a brush fire in Philmont, NY.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Watervliet, NY- Chief on the hand line trying to cool the siding of the building at a house fire in Watervliet.
JEFFREY ARNOLD
Lakeville, NY- Livingston County Fire Coordinator Kevin Niedermaier gets a briefing from Livonia Fire Lt. Ben Woodruff at a Haz-Mat drill at Sweeteners Plus in Lakeville.
ZACHARY MARICLE
Pharsalia, NY- Firefighters assess the damage done after a structure fire destroyed a family-owned, 200-year-old farm in May.
ZACHARY MARICLE
Pharsalia, NY- Firefighters work a structure fire that destroyed a family-owned, 200-year-old farm in May.
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
FACES OF NEW YORK’S EMERGENCY SERVICES
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CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Hillburn, NY- Members of the Hillburn Fire Department providing mutual aid to Suffern for a 2nd-alarm house fire on June 10th.
Troy, NY- Mountain View Fire Chief Mason.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY ARNOLD
Lima, NY- Members of the Cohocton and Lockwood Fire Departments accept their trophies for a waterfall tournament held at the Lima Town Hall on June 25th.
Troy, NY- Troy Fire Department.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Troy, NY- Eagle Mills Fire Department Asst. Chief Jake Broderick.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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Family-owned, 200-year-old farm lost to fire Pharsalia, NY- A family-run farm named "Balsam View Farm," located in Pharsalia, was lost to a structure fire on May 25th. Upon returning from a run to the garbage dump, the owner of the farm found her main milking parlor fully involved in JUMP TO FILE# flames. Fire Officers 062816113 from surrounding departments arrived on scene and found the main barn fully involved in flames, with a primary concern for safety of the nearby residence of the farm's owners. Arriving crews made a primary attack on the residence to cool it down and then focused their attention on the burning barn. Crews from five neighboring departments were called to the scene to provide equipment and manpower to the fire. There were no civilian injuries but there was a loss of approximately 70 cows, which were put down on scene by farm hands. The Balsam View Farm has been a family-owned farm for over 200-years. - ZACHARY MARICLE
ZACHARY MARICLE
ZACHARY MARICLE
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
DRILLS/TRAINING
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
BOB LONG
August, 2016
PAGE 37
JEFFREY ARNOLD
Lakeville, NY- Lakeville and Livonia Fire Departments participated in a hazardous materials drill where Firefighters assisted with decontamination for the Livingston County Haz-Mat Team.
JEFFREY ARNOLD
Lakeville, NY- Lakeville and Livonia Fire Departments participated in a hazardous materials drill where Firefighters assisted with decontamination for the Livingston County Haz-Mat Team.
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Lakeville, NY- Lakeville and Livonia Fire Departments participated in a hazardous materials drill where Firefighters assisted with decontamination for the Livingston County Haz-Mat Team.
BOB ROOT
Marlboro, NY- On June 13th, the Marlboro Fire Department held a drill, using a trailer that was fully engulfed in flames.
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Ron Morin with his "EMERGENCY!" replica apparatus at an apparatus muster on Long Island in June.
RON JEFFERS
A paramedic’s gift to the EMS world JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Heavy black smoke pushes from the attic of the exposure building.
Two houses damaged in Watervliet secondalarm fire Watervliet, NY- The City of Watervliet responded to 220 6th Ave. for an alarm of fire on June 26th. The first arriving unit called for the signal 30 and had heavy fire showing from the main fire building, along with heavy smoke pushing from the eaves of the neighboring building. The Watervliet Arsenal, Green Island, and the City of Troy responded as mutual aid to assist with the blaze. Firefighters pulled multiple hand lines to knock down the heavy fire on the outside of the structure while crews went into the adjacent structure to get control of that fire before it could get worse. Firefighters were able to get the exposure building under control quickly and then focused on the main fire building. Firefighters used multiple
JUMP TO FILE #062616101 hand lines both inside and outside of the structure, in order to get the fire under control. Heavy black smoke and heat pushed from the back and front of the building and also out of the attic windows, which ignited shortly after. Firefighters used one-and-three-quarter inch hand lines from the front of the building and into the second-floor to quickly gain control of the heavily involved attic. No firefighters or residents were injured and the fire is under investigation by the Watervliet Police Department.
Wilton, Maine- Ron Morin now runs Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue Service vehicles on U.S. Route 2 East. A television show in the 1970's got him interested in emergency medical work. “I personally was inspired by the TV series 'Emergency!' to become a paramedic,” he said. In 1982, he was part of the first paramedic graduating class. Morin has now built a replica of Squad 51's apparatus that dominated the television show, racing around the streets of Los Angeles County. This was made possible by purchasing a 1971 Dodge from the Alna, Maine, Fire Department and an original paramedic rescue body in California. The Dodge was used by the A.F.D. as a brush fire unit. While searching for a utility body, Morin said he came across a 1983 vintage medic box on eBay that had been in
a shed for more than 15-years. Morin flew to California and dug the body out of the storage shed. It was loaded it onto a rental truck, and he drove back to Maine. He said the Dodge cab was in “immaculate condition,” with only 7,980 miles on the vehicle. The body, however, required some restoration work. Not to duplicate the LA County Fire Department lettering, Morin has “Lost Angel Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Paramedics” graphics added to the truck. He added, “Lost Angels are lost but not forgotten.” It took about six months to assemble the replica. Locating some equipment became quite a challenge. The “gutter mounts” for the Twinsonic light bar was one of the hardest to find. A Facebook friend was helpful for that find. Most of the equipment in the replica's compartments is from the 1970's and
was on ambulances that were owned in Morin's Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue business. A Pioneer “orange box” Telementry Unit was donated by some friends in New Jersey. He also has a telephone-style radio communications box similar to the one used in the TV show. The original Dodge for the series is located at the LA County Fire Museum. Morin is excited about his new adventure of showing off his masterpiece. The first showing was at the Fire House Grill in Auburn, Maine, in 2015. “Having given more than fortyyears in emergency medical services, I now have the ability to give back, by making the younger generation understand where us dinosaurs of EMS came from,” Morin said. - RON JEFFERS
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Visit us on the web!
www.1rbn.com
Ron Morin's pride and joy Lost Angels Squad 51.
RON JEFFERS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
August, 2016
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Norfolk Southern Safety/Hazmat Train comes to Cheektowaga Cheektowaga, NY- On June 21st, the Norfolk Southern Railroad brought down their safety/hazmat train to Cheektowaga, NY. Local first responders were able to spend the day learning what to do in the case of a serious train accident involving tank cars carrying hazardous materials. The worst was a 2013 derailment, involving a run-away-train that killed 47 people in LacMegantic, Quebec. The train was carrying crude oil and exploded on impact. There’s no question that the freight rail industry plays an essential role in delivering goods that people and companies depend on, including hazardous and highly flammable materials. Some Western New York first responders got a chance to see various types of tank cars and were provided an introductory course on the railroad. The emergency preparedness training was hosted by Norfolk Southern at it's railyard in Cheektowaga, N.Y. “99.997 percent of all hazardous materials moving on the rail network make it to their destination without a release due to an accident,” said Pidgeon. “Responding to a rail emergency is not like responding to other emergencies, just because those trains may have hazardous materials.” The Norfolk Southern Hazmat Safety Train includes a specially painted locomotive, two box-car classrooms and a series of educational hazardous material tank cars, designed to deliver hands-on training to emergency responders. A lot of these trains can hold
JUMP TO FILE #062116100 100 cars, 120 cars, even 150 cars. "That’s a lot of materials and goods," Pidgeon said. First responders were given an opportunity to ask questions about what kind of materials Norfolk Southern hauls and what protocols exist in the event of a train incident. Increased volumes of crude oil moving by rail has resulted in government involvement, requiring enhanced safety features for tank cars carrying ethanol and crude oil, as well as an aggressive schedule to replace or retrofit existing tank cars. Pidgeon said that the freight rail industry is constantly pushing for enhanced safety. Because they don’t own the tank cars and because they don’t own the product that’s inside of them, Norfolk Southern wants the safest possible tank car on their network that is going to be rolling and moving through communities like Buffalo, N.Y. U.S. railroads transport about two-million carloads of hazardous materials each year. According to the Association of American Railroads, rail hazmat accident rates in 2014 were down 95-percent since 1980, down 74-percent since 1990, and down 66-percent since 2000. Last year, Norfolk Southern provided training for nearly 4,800 emergency responders and others across 18 states.
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Hazardous materials incident in Town of Monroe Monroe, NY- At 8:53 P.M. on July 6th, the Kiryas Joel Fire Department took a direct call for a reported smoke investigation in the area of 94 Seven Springs Rd. Monroe Fire Department was immediately dispatched. Upon arrival of first units on the property, two 55-gallon drums were located. Upon a quick investigation, it was determined that both drums were leaking and emitting a vapor. Monroe FD immediately requested contact with the Orange County Hazardous Materials Team's
JUMP TO FILE #070716112 duty officer and quickly upgraded their response to the scene. Also requested to the scene to assist in mitigation was West Point FD with Hazmat technicians. It was soon determined that one drum was sodium borohydride and the other was nitric acid. Technicians from OC Hazmat and West Point worked quickly to contain the leak and prevent any fur-
ther damage to people or to the environment. The time between the initial call to placing the situation under control was approximately threeand-a-half hours. Also assisting at the scene was Kiryas Joel FD for fire police, Florida FD for decontamination, Office of the Fire Cordinator, NYSP, OC Sheriff's Office, Mobile Life, Monroe EMS, KJ Public Safety and the Department of Enviormental Conservation. - DANIEL BENNET
- JOHN SMITH
BOB MCCORMICK
Three car PI/AA on Thruway On top of a tank car on the safety/ hazmat train.
JOHN SMITH
Newburgh, NY- On July 4th, Winona Lake Engine Co. was dispatched to a three car PI/AA at mile-marker 62, southbound. One person was transported to St. Lukes Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh. The New York State Police investigated the accident while Winona Lake supplied manpower and speedy dry at the scene until tow trucks arrived.
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August, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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