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JOHN SMITH CELORON, NY - At about 5:30 A.M. on October 24th, the Celoron Fire Department was dispatched to 620 Fairmount for a reported structure fire at a motel in West Ellicott. The motel opened in 1955. ■
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
THOMAS MARRA
Medway-Grapeville FD Wetdown for New Tanker The Medway-Grapeville Fire Department in Greene County re cently took delivery of a brand new tanker to their fleet with a wetdown ceremony on Sunday, September 24th. The 2022 Kenworth tanker replaces the old Tanker 19-2, a 1994 Freightliner tanker. A wetdown ceremony was held for the new truck on their community day with assistance from the Greenville, New Baltimore, Earlton, Ravena, Coeymans Hollow and Westerlo fire departments.
JEFFREY RELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY A young child uses a fire hose to knock down a fake fire prop.
Fuller Road Fire Department Hosts Annual Fire Prevention Day Open House ALBANY, NY - In October, the Fuller Road Fire Department held their annual fire prevention open house at their station. The fire department welcomed into the fire station the Albany County Sheriffs Department, Colonie Emergency Medical Services, and Colonie Po lice Department. The event at tracted numerous members of the community in the Fuller Road Fire District and featured numerous pieces of fire safety materials, col oring books for kids, cool fire safety giveaways, and presenta-
TO file #102923118
19 £ » tions on how to properly extinguish a cooking fire. Kids also got to use a fire hose that allowed them to extinguish a fake house fire which was a big hit. Families also got to meet the Al bany County Sheriffs Depart ment's K-9 Officer that was excited to meet everyone. The fire depart ment set up all of their apparatus in the rear of the building, including
their brand new 2023 Rosenbauer Avenger. The fire department also had applications out and informa tion on their explore program for younger members of the commu nity who are interested in joining the fire department and also, they had applications for anyone in the community over the age of 18 looking to join. The Fire Depart ment is looking forward to next year‘s fire prevention and will be releasing the date as it gets closer. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
0 0 0 MCCORMICK
One Transported from Two-Car MVA in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Newburgh FD responded to a two-vehicle MVA on Fullerton Ave. and Bush Ave. on November 7th. Firefighters assisted with one injured party and secured both vehicles from hazards. Mobile Life ALS transported one subject to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. City of New burgh Police were on scene, and New York State Police and Orange County Sheriffs directed traffic around the scene of the accident. One subject was allegedly arrested and taken into police custody. JEFFREY RELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
PAGE 3
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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This bill, which has already been passed by the NYS Senate and the NYS Assembly, “authorizes pay ments to nonparticipating or nonpre ferred providers of ambulance services licensed imder article 30 of the public health law.” At the time of this article’s writing, this bill is now waiting for New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign into legisla tion. While the main premise of this bill is to ensure that insurance-cov ered costs be paid directly to the am bulance company that facilitated the transport and care of a patient, there are many who oppose the bill’s in ception. Insurance companies are generally opposed to the bill saying that it would harm the network of preferred providers as well as po tentially raising costs for EMS trans port. The NY business council also objects stating “legislation will lead to higher prices for ambulatory serv ices and negatively impact employ ers and consumers with increased health plan costs”. As one CEO of a NY-based am bulance corps said, “Unless ambu lance providers have contracts as preferred providers with an insur ance company, the insurer sends the reimbursement check directly to the patient. The patient of course is ex pected to pay the ambulance provider, but frequently they would simply cash the check, leaving the ambulance provider to undergo col lection actions. When signed into law by the governor this will truly help ambulance services with finan-
cial stability.” For anyone who has been on the billing side of any ambulance corps in NYS, this bill would help to pay some of the cost of operations, trans port of patients, and necessary sup plies used en route to the ER. All too often, when the ambulance service is NOT part of the insurance com pany’s preferred provider list, any re imbursement for transport goes to the patient. Unfortunately, several pa tients forget to forward these pay ments to the respective ambulance company, sometimes it gets lost among all of the other medical paper work the patient receives, and a few choose not to forward the money at all. In any case the ambulance com pany fails to receive reimbursement for the service provided, payments which would help cover the cost of truck maintenance, patient supplies, and staff. Many NY-based ambulance corps have suffered from the rising cost of keeping their ambulances on the road, including fuel, vehicle in surance, and patient supplies, as well as suffering a serious loss in person nel over the past few years. NYSVARA has also issued a plea to the Governor to sign and pass this bill saying, “that fair and direct insurance reimbursement for EMS calls is para mount to financial stability and con tinued availability of ambulance services to serve our patients and communities. Volunteer EMS re sponders report to shifts around the clock and are at the ready to assist the ill and injured. Signing this legisla tion into law will help ambulance squads by increasing the percentage of the payment intended for ambu lance service that actually gets to the ambulance squad.” More than one NYS EMS agency has contemplated, or already decided, to close operations due to lack of funding and a volunteer/workforce shortage — leaving wide areas where there is no EMS response for the local commu nity. Let’s hope that the Governor hears our pleas and signs this bill into law as soon as possible.
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PROVIDED 1st Responder News correspondent Vinnie Dominick with his nephew, Ethan, during fire prevention week.
BOB MCCORMICK
Vehicle Vs. Pole in City of Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Newburgh FD responded to a vehicle into a pole at South Street and Liberty Street on November 2nd. City of Newburgh Police were at the scene. Mobile Life ALS transported the driver to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. Fire fighters checked the vehicle for hazards and stood by until the water department arrived for a fire hydrant that was struck and laying in the roadway. The City of Newburgh Po lice Dept, is investigating the cause.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
PAGE 5
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PAGE 6
December, 2023
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West Virginia: James "Spot” Cleary, Jr., 19 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 11, 2023 Death Date: July 11, 2023 Fire Department: Bramwell Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, father and son, Firefighter James Cleary, Sr. and Firefighter James "Spot” Cleary, Jr., were out on the department owned ATV examining previous accident scenes. While they were out of the vehicle, on foot, the ATV began to roll towards them. They attempted to stop it but it dragged them over a hill and then rolled multiple times. Both firefighters were transported to local hospitals. Firefighter James "Spot” Cleary, Jr. passed away from the injuries he sustained in the accident. Firefighter James Cleary, Sr., has been discharged from the hospital.
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Tennessee: Jeffrey Norman, 51 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: July 18, 2023 Death Date: July 19,2023 Fire Department: Memphis Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, members of the Memphis Fire Department responded to a residen tial fire. While fighting the fire, 4 firefighters became trapped. The firefighters were rescued and immediately transported to the hospital. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Lieutenant Jeffrey Norman passed away from the injuries he sustained in the fire. The other 3 firefighters remain in the hospital.
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Alabama: Jordan Melton, 28 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 12, 2023 Death Date: July 17,2023 Fire Department: Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service Initial Summary: On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Sta tion 9 in the Norwood neighborhood of Birmingham, Firefighter Jordan Melton and Firefighter Jamal Jones were near the bay doors when they were shot by an as sailant in the chest and legs. On Monday, July 17, 2023, Firefighter Jordan Melton succumbed to his injuries. Firefighter Jamal Jones remains in stable condition. Po lice are searching for suspects, and this is an ongoing in vestigation.
Texas: Evan Curtis Brown, 18 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 9, 2023 Death Date: July 30, 2023 Fire Department: Honey Grove Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, July 9, 2023, Fire fighter Evan Curtis Brown and another firefighter were responding to a motor vehicle crash in Fire fighter Brown's personal vehicle, when they hit a cow in the road. The vehicle rolled, ejecting Firefighter Brown and causing severe injuries. Firefighter Brown was rushed to the hospital where he remained in the intensive care unit at the Medical City Hospital in Plano, Texas until his passing on Sunday, July 30, 2023. The other firefighter suffered less serious in juries. California: Josh Bischof, 46 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: August 6, 2023 Death Date: August 6, 2023 Fire Department: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Initial Summary: On Sunday, August 6, 2023, two fire fighting helicopters, a Sikorsky S-64E and a Bell 407, collided in Cabazon, California, while battling the Broadway Wildland Fire, a vegetation fire sparked by a nearby structure fire. While the Sikorsky S-64E helicop ter was able to land safely, the Bell 407 crashed. All three occupants of this helicopter, Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Captain Timothy "Tim” Rodriguez, and Con tract Pilot Tony Sousa were killed. The National Trans portation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
PAGE 7
City of Troy’s Fire Chief Retires After 34 Years of Service TROY, NY - On November 3rd, at the city of Troy's Fire De partment Central Station, Chief Eric McMahon retired after 34years of dedicated service to the city of Troy and all of the taxpay ers. Chief McMahon joined the city of Troy Fire Depart ment on September 18, 1989, after com ing out of the Ma rine Corps. Chief McMahon took his spot on the infamous Engine 5 for a short period of time out of central station before moving over to the rescue squad, where he spent six years on the job handling numerous calls. In the Fall of October 1995, McMa hon took his first promotion to lieu tenant and moved to the city's medic rigs where he spent eight years on the job providing emer gency medical care to the taxpayers of the city of Troy. During Chief McMahon1s time as a lieutenant, days after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Chief McMahon would deploy to New York City to assist in opera tions with the FDNY. Chief McMahon would spend the next eight years on the medic rig as a lieutenant before moving to Engine 2 and back to the rescue squad where he was promoted to Captain on November 19, 2003. Chief McMahon would serve on the City of Troy’s busiest piece of apparatus, the rescue squad, for over seven years. After seven years as a captain. Chief McMahon would make his move to the battal ion chief spot on July 24, 2010, and quickly would move up to the deputy chief spot on July 11,2011. Chief McMahon would spend the next five years of his career as deputy chief of the department, overseeing daily operations and handling numerous incidents throughout the city of Troy. Chief McMahon took the Assistant Chief position of the department on July 11, 2016, and would move to the head chief of the department on March 8, 2019. As the chief of the department. Chief McMahon was in charge of 131 members of the department in a city of over 50,000 people. The department handles over 15,000 calls a year, including over 100 working structure fires a year. When Chief McMahon arrived on scene of a working fire he always had a calm composure on the radio no matter how bad the situation was going. Chief McMahon was al ways thinking ahead and trying to get ahead of the situation presented in front of him. Chief McMahon was the fireman's fireman, and was known as a working chief and for not being afraid to get his hands dirty working on a fire scene. At numerous fire scenes or incidents, you would not see him standing in front of his vehicle or in front of the building, you would see him in the doorway of the working fire talking to his men inside of the building or
on the side of the building where crews are working on the secondfloor. Chief McMahon, no matter what the conditions, was there for his firefighters. One of the most memorable fires Chief McMahon was at was the 2nd Avenue fire of 2023 on one of the coldest days of the year where temperatures hovered around -37°F and firefighters were battling a multiple-alarm fire with multiple dwellings involved. Dur ing this operation. Chief McMahon had his BDU pants frozen to his boots from the water, his coat frozen solid and his helmet, and he was still moving around the fire scene non-stop that day. The Chief was in charge of some of the city's biggest fires in their most recent history, including the 3rd Alarm Morrison Avenue apartment com plex fire, 2nd Alarm 490 2nd Av enue fire, 2nd Alarm Spring Avenue fire. Checkerboard laundromat fire on fifth Avenue, and many many more. Most recently. Chief McMahon was involved in hiring the second largest group of firefighters on Sep tember 1, 2023. Chief McMahon welcomed 17 new firefighters to the job and would be part of the firstever recruit class that would be taught in Rensselaer County at the new municipal training center. Dur ing this ceremony. Chief McMahon was recognized for his heroic ac tions on August 23, 2023, where there was a woman in distress in the river and without hesitation Chief McMahon leaped into the river to rescue her. Chief McMahon was recognized by Mayor Patrick Mad den of the city of Troy with a letter of commendation. At Chief McMa hon’s walkout ceremony, over 200 citizens, firefighters from all over the capital region, politicians, and most importantly family members of the chief were all present to see him do his final walkout at 2 PM of the Troy Fire station. At 2:00 P.M., the ceremony kicked off and the mayor of the city of Troy took front and center of the engine bay surrounded by numer ous high-ranking state fire officials, fire chiefs from all over the capital region and members of the entire Troy Fire Department. As Chief McMahon walked out the door into the engine bay, he stepped in front of all of his firefighters and looked around and thanked everyone for coming out on this day. The Chief stated, "I am com pletely humbled by this and it’s a little bit overwhelming, I feel kind of undeserving of all this attention to be totally honest with you. The guys that are down on the street that make us look good every single day and the accolades truly belong to them the guys that mentored me, the department that was left to me was just an absolute fantastic de partment and I’m just so apprecia tive of everybody and everything that’s ever been done for me. The administration, the city council, but I gotta be honest with you for the last 10 years, I have been a staff
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Chief McMahon with his family after the walk out.
chief maybe it’s even longer than that, maybe 15 years my wife and I have had to drive in separate vehi cles in case a call came in every night, getting woke up by like either a phone call or box tones going off, or me rushing out of the house at night. The fact that she stayed and helped me through the whole entire thing I can’t thank my wife enough.” At that moment the entire room erupted in a large applause. Chief McMahon stated, "To the firefighters and to the recruit fire fighters that are staying here please the only thing I can say is be safe, be safe, be safe, it is such a tremen dous weight asking these firefight ers and you know fire officers to run into burning buildings, it’s a truly a tremendous amount of stress, so the
fire officers keep the firefighter safe, to the firefighters please keep your officers in line, and everybody that came here today thank you so much. At that moment Chief McMahon's wife joined him in the center of the room and walked out with him of the engine bays of a massive round of applause. After the Chief cleared the bay doors firefighters that were lined up were dismissed and the chief shook hands and hugged nu merous guests outside of the fire house. After the Chief got outside, his entire family met up with him and took a large group photo. For over an hour, the chief saw his close friends and fellow firefighters. The chief and his family invited all of their guests over to Ryan’s week in
the city of Troy for the after party. Upstairs before the walkout cere mony, the chiefs loyal secretaries Amanda and Amber set up the small party and cake for the event. Nu merous members of the department wished the chief a long, happy, and healthy retirement. Chief McMahon will be missed by the members of the department and everyone that he worked next to. The chief plans to spend more time with his family, go on vacation, and enjoy his retire ment. The chief reiterated that he wanted to thank all of the firefight ers, his mentors, and everyone that has supported him throughout his career.r. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Chief McMahon walking out of the fire house for the last time with his wife by his side.
PAGE 8
December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
A Fire Story ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
A Fire Story By Brian Fies Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www. fire-police-ems. com Price: $24.99 This is a hard cover book measuring seven-inches by nineinches, with 146 pages. It is about a series of wildfires that burned in northern California in October of 2017. The author lost his house to one of the fires and within those fires, 44 people lost their lives. The book is dedicated in memory of those souls. What makes this book different is that it is written from the victim’s experience and point of view. In addition, the au thor is a cartoonist, so he took to his drawing book, pencils and markers in order to tell others about the heartbreak, frustrations and a positive side of not only his recovery, but of those told by other families affected in their own words. Days after he put to gether a firsthand account in a twenty-page online cartoon with this book’s title. It soon went viral and news outlets picked up the story, including CNN, the Wash ington Post, Entertainment Weekly and Mother Jones, as well as local newspapers and TV sta tions to name a few. Ironically, empathy from agencies such as
utility companies, FEMA and other agencies was not to be had. It got to be that if the person you were talking to did not experience your tragedy, they simply just fol lowed a protocol with little sympa thy in order to do their job. So, there are several chapters which start with a page or so of text and the rest in cartoons. Cartoons are meant to be funny, but these for the most part are not. They do however illustrate the horror and recovery which were the by-prod ucts of losing your house and home. Many of the details include the life histories of these families, especially the mementos and heir looms lost forever. It is a good ex ample of helping us to see the receiving side of tragedy. When I was first on the job, like most rookies I couldn’t wait to go to a fire and if a fire didn’t come, I was disappointed. It was like what we did and we expected to go to fires and emergencies. But as time passed, I started to empathize with the people who lost their homes or suffered from fire damage. I was horror stricken about how I would feel if it was my house. So, from that time on I simply responded to fires as they came, but did not hope for one if they did not. The book is an easy read as far as time is concerned, but also a means of education and an example of how indifferent this world can operate. Another thing to take away is to be prepared. If you live in a suburb, rural area or any place that could have a potential threat of disaster where evacuation would be needed, make a list of personal items, important records and what ever is vital to you and your family and keep it handy. Many of the families started doing these things, but with very little time when their homes were being threatened.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Early-M orning R ollover T raffic A ccident in W a te rvlie t WATERVLIET, NY - On Octo ber 29th, the City of Watervliet Fire Department and Police Department were dispatched to the area of 145 16th Street for a reported traffic ac cident. The caller reported that the car had flipped over and hit the porch of a house. On arrival, fire fighters had a vehicle on its side and all of its occupants had already ex ited the vehicle. Police units quickly
Jump to file #102923116
3# arrived on scene and shut down the roadway around the incident. Fire fighters checked the vehicle for fluid leaks and made sure that there was no one still inside. Firefighters remained on scene while the tow truck operator re
moved the vehicle and placed it on the flatbed. The roadway opened a short time later. No injuries were re ported. The building only suffered minor damage to the stairs. The Fire Department went back in service a short time later. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
IN SERVICE I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to se e in o u r In S erv ice featu re, p lea se u p lo ad th em on o u r w e b site w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN ew s.c o m o r em a il th em to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m .
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FRANK ROBINSON Pawling Fire District in Dutchess County operates a 2014 Ferrara 1250/300/30 as unit 54-51.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
PAGE 9
Early-Morning Warehouse Fire on Main Street in Troy TROY, NY - On October 13th around 4:35 A.M., the Rensselaer County Emergency Communica tion Center took a call for a re ported unknown type building on fire in the area of 8000 Main Street in the city of Troy. The dispatcher transmitted the alarm of fire for box 6324, bringing Engines 6, 3 and 4, Trucks 2 and 1, the rescue squad. Medic 4, and the battalion chief to the scene. The caller reported the building to be on fire and could see it from the highway across the river in Watervliet from 787. En gine 6 notified the dispatcher while they were en route to the scene that they had a heavy col umn of smoke visible in the morning sky. On arrival. Engine 6 immediately transmitted the Signal 30 as they had a heavy fire condition in a large abandoned 300' x 50' warehouse with no ex posure issues. Engine 6 had Engine 3 lay in from the fire hydrant in front of the Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety building. Command had Truck 2 set up and get ready to go into master stream. Com mand deemed the building unsafe for firefighters to enter. Firefight ers conducted a walk-around of the building to check and see if any individuals who may have been inside of the structure were still around. Firefighters grabbed a hand line and began to knock down the visible fire that was spreading to the brush on the ex terior portion of the structure. As all of the large diameter hose was being charged, the Troy Police Department shut down the road way. Firefighters went into mas ter stream operations, knocking down a significant amount of the heavy fire condition within min utes. Command had firefighters de ploy a two-and-a-half-inch hand line down to the other portion of the building and to knock down any of the fire that had spread. Firefighters remained on scene utilizing master stream operations for an extended period of time. While firefighters were operating on scene, command put back into service multiple units, as they were not being utilized on scene. No injuries were reported, and the fire was most likely caused by a campfire started by individuals seeking shelter in the vacant building. Firefighters went back into service later that morning.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Troy Firefighters in master stream operations to knock down the heavy fire.
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Troy Firefighters knocking down part of the roof fire with a hand line.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Heavy fire pushing from the doorway.
PAGE 10
December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Early-Morning Structure Fire Destroys Motel in Celoron CELORON, NY - At about 5:30 A.M. on October 24th, the Celoron Fire Department was dis patched to 620 Fairmount for a re ported structure fire at a motel in West Ellicott. The motel opened in 1955. Car 321 went on scene and re ported a working a structure fire and requested a secondalarm. Flames could be seen shooting from the roof on the east side almost two hours later. Celoron Fire Chief Jamison
Justham said more than a dozen occupants of the motel were able to make it to safety as flames spread from one section of the motel to the other side. Chief Justham said two residents were transported to UPMC Chautauqua for evaluation while one fire fighter also received treatment. Fire companies from Jamestown, Lakewood, Panama, Ashville, Fluvanna, Frewsburg, Busti, Falconer and Kiantone as sisted Celoron at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. -JOHN SMITH
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1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Wynantskill FD members after giving a tour of 42-7.
North Greenbush Community Safety Day
BOB MCCORMICK
MVA with Rollover and Entrapment on Lakeside Rd. in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Orange Lake FD responded to a rollover with entrapment on Monday, November 6th. Town of New burgh Police and EMS were at the scene. Four victims were transported to Montefiore-St. Luke's Hospital. Firefighters ex tricated the subjects from the vehicle. Lakeside Road was closed during the incident. Town of Newburgh Police inves tigated the cause.
NORTH GREENBUSH, NY On October 7th in the town of North Greenbush at the town hall the Wynantskill FD, Defreestville FD, North Greenbush Ambulance, North Greenbush PD, NYS Police, Rensselaer County Sheriffs Of fice, Rensselaer County Depart ment of Mental Health, North Greenbush Library, Children Start Center, Rensselaer County Search & Rescue Team, and many more came out to a great day of family fun, fire safety education, and pub lic safety education. The event, which was open to the public, is a hit every year. Every year, rain or shine, the event happens around the same date and a large number of resi dents come out with their families to enjoy a day of good times. The event planning starts earlier in the year and is developed and made possible by the dedication of Bon nie Pangburn and Len Johnson,
TD FILE #102923118
aS i ^ members of the Wynantskill Fire Department. Bonnie's goal for the event is for the community to come out and meet our first re sponders and learn what they do, see the apparatus, and be able to give the community the knowledge about what resources are available to them. Items for the families in cluded coloring books, informa tional packets on Fire Safety, children’s IDs, and much more. During the event, the Rensse laer County surgeon rescue team set up out in front of the venue door and had numerous blood hounds available to be pet and for the public to meet. The search team also discussed with the public what they do and the types of op erations they have ran and assisted in. Normally for the community
day the New York State Police brings out their helicopter to the event, which is a major hit, but un fortunately this year due to weather they were unable to fly. Instead, this year they had their ATVs, motorcycles, and their seatbelt simulator. The Rensselaer County Sheriffs Office had their child safety ID program available to any parent looking to have one made for their little ones. The event also featured Harlee’s heroes who helps raise funds to donate items to local police departments, fire departments and EMS agen cies. Harlee is one of North Greenbush’s young heroes. The event was a true success, as it is normally every year. The event planner plans to have a big ger community safety day and to incorporate other town businesses in the event. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
Read more news from around New York online! www.1rbn.com JEFFREY RELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Defreestville FF Clemenzi learning about child safety.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
PAGE 13
February 2-4,2024 Nassau Coliseum I Uniondale, NY Three days of e x h ib it s and e d u c a t io n on Long Island for fire/EMS personnel of all ranks. T ic k e t s : $ 2 5 p e r p e r s o n /d a y ! Hosted by and to benefit Islip Town Fire/EMS Museum Educational Center & NYSAFC w w w .n y s fir e c h ie fs .c o m
PAGE 14
December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
DRIIIS/TRAINING To s e e y o u r D rills in th e n e w sp a p e r u p lo ad th em on o u r w e b site w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r em ail th em to L in d sey @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m
JEFFREY DELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Center Brunswick & Brunswick No.1 firefighters working to get the driver out of the tractor-trailer. VINNIE DOMINICK Winona Lake Engine Company held a hot drill on 11/7.
VINNIE DOMINICK On October 17th, a joint drill was hosted by Good Will F.D. at the Orange County fire center, along with Winona Lake Engine Com pany and Orange Lake Fire Department and the Town of Newburgh medical center.
Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to lindsey@1 strespondernews. com
Center Brunswick Fire Co. Conducts Morning Extrication on Route 278 BRUNSWICK, NY - During the early morning hours of Octo ber 9th, the New York State Police barracks on Route 278 in the Town of Brunswick notified the dis patcher that they just had a rollover tractor-trailer acci dent involving a dump truck in the area of their station and requested the fire department to be dispatched to the scene. State police arrived on scene and evaluated that the driver of the vehicle who was trapped inside with injuries. The Rensselaer County Emergency Communication Center dispatched the Center Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company, along with Mo hawk Ambulance Service. The first arriving rescue com pany on scene immediately made their way over to the cab and fire fighters developed the plan to cut the windshield out of the tractortrailer and extricate the driver from the vehicle. Command re quested the Brunswick No. 1 Fire Company to the scene for assis tance and the Eagle Mills Fire De partment to the scene for traffic control. The fire department de ployed a single hand line to the front of the vehicle in case of a fire. Command conducted a walkaround of the scene and deter mined that there were only a few hazards, including fuel and other fluids from the vehicle that had spilled, and the smallest hazard was gravel that had spilled out of the rear of the dump trailer. Fire fighters requested a windshield cutter and began to cut the wind shield out of the vehicle. Mohawk Ambulance Service set up a stretcher in front of the
JEFFREY OELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Center Brunswick & Brunswick No.1 firefighters cutting the driver out of the tractor-trailer.
rolled over tractor-trailer and fire fighters were able to successfully extricate the driver to the outside of the cab. Mohawk Ambulance Serv ice transported the driver to a nearby hospital. The fire depart ment remained on scene for an ex tended period of time while the tow truck companies up-righted the ve
hicle. The road remained closed for an extended period of time. The driver only had minor injuries from the incident. The New York State Police commercial inspection unit arrived on scene to investigate the incident. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING I f you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Brunswick No.1 Firefighter Isabel Beaver
BOB MCCORMICK
Working Vehicle Fire in Grocery Store Parking Lot NEWBURGH, NY - Winona Lake FD responded to a reported vehicle fire at Stop & Shop parking lot on November 6th. Firefighters arrived and found a working vehicle fire. Hand lines were used to extinguish the fire. Town of Newburgh Police were at the scene and secured the area around the vehicle from motorists driving. Orange Lake FD responded with an engine.
Heavy Fire Pushing from the SecondFloor on Arrival in W atervliet WATERVLIET, NY - On Sep tember 23 rd in the late evening hours, the city of Watervliet’s Fire Department along with mutual aid from the city of Co hoes Fire Depart ment, Green Island Fire Department, and the Watervliet Arsenal Fire De partment were dis patched to the area of Ninth Avenue and 24th Street for multiple calls for a reported structure fire. The first arriving police unit on scene im mediately notified the dispatcher that he had a well-involved struc ture fire with heavy fire on the second-floor, and it was unknown if all of the occupants were out of the structure. The officer immedi ately made entry to the first-floor of the house and made sure every one was out and made his way to the second-floor where he kicked in the door and yelled in as the room was quickly filling with heavy smoke. The first arriving engine on scene immediately transmitted the Signal 30 for a working structure fire. Firefighters deployed a oneand-three-quarter-inch hand line up the back stairwell where fire fighters were met with heavy fire pushing down on them. Firefight ers quickly made entry to the structure and began to make an aggressive interior attack pushing back the fire. As firefighters con tinued to make an aggressive inte rior attack, additional units quickly began to arrive on scene. Firefighters quickly connected to the nearby fire hydrant, establish ing a water supply as they still had a heavy fire condition on the sec ond-floor of the structure. As fire fighters from the truck company made their way to the roof, they discovered that the roof had nu merous soft spots in it and it was not safe for firefighters to operate on it. Firefighters utilized the bucket of the ladder truck and began to vent the roof. Firefighters inside of the structure deployed another hand line to the second-floor and began to extinguish all of the remaining visible fire. Police on the outside of the structure began to assist one of the fire victims that was over come from the incident. The chief of the Watervliet fire department arrived on scene and took over command. A recall for the Co hoes, Green Island, and Watervliet Arsenal fire department was made
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Fire pushing from the attic area of the building while firefighters are inside the building.
for additional manpower to their stations. With numerous other calls going on in the city of Watervliet, it was difficult to get an ambulance to the scene. During the interior op erations, one of the hand lines be came severely damaged and firefighters shut down the hand line and quickly exchanged the length of hose out with another length. Firefighters on scene began to conduct overhaul inside of the structure in order to gain access to the attic area where there was fire still visible from the exterior por tion of the structure. Firefighters on scene requested an ambulance for the one individual outside of the building. Firefighters on the sec ond-floor conducted a primary search of the building and did not come up with any human victims. Firefighters on the second-floor did discover the family's dog, which
unfortunately did not survive. Fire fighters on the second-floor contin ued to conduct overhaul for an extended period of time. Command requested national grid to the scene to cut the power and gas to the building and requested the New York State Office of Fire Preven tion and Control fire investigation team to the scene. Firefighters remained on scene until the early hours of the morn ing. The Watervliet Police Depart ment deemed the fire suspicious in nature and has not released any up dates on the fire and the investiga tion. One person was transported to the hospital from the scene and was listed in stable condition at the time of the fire. No firefighter injuries were reported. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Second-Alarm Fire Suspect Arrested and Released on Appearance Ticket in Troy TROY, NY - On September 24th at 6:11P.M., the City of Troy’s Fire Depart ment was dis patched to 3rd Avenue and 106th Street for multiple calls for a reported structure fire. The callers reported the back of the building was on fire. En gines 1, 4 and 2, Trucks 1 and 2, Medic 4, the res cue squad, and the battalion chief all responded to the scene. While units were responding to the scene. Engine 1 had a heavy col umn of smoke showing from a few streets away. Due to Engine 2 being on a medical call, they were not available for the call and Engine 6 was dispatched from the south end of the city of Troy to take its place. Troy police arrived on scene and notified the Rensselaer County Emergency Communica tion Center the address was 292 3rd Avenue, and all of the occu pants of the home were out of the structure. The battalion chief transmitted the Signal 30 for a working structure fire while en route to the scene. Engine 1 ar rived on scene with Truck 1 and immediately transmitted the Sig nal 30 and notified the dispatcher that they had heavy fire showing from the rear of the building and heavy smoke pushing from the roof. Engine 4 hit the hydrant at 106th and 3rd Avenue and laid into the scene, establishing the water supply for Engine 1 and the truck company. Truck 2 came in around the block and began to set up behind Truck 1. Firefighters from Truck 1 set up the rig and immediately put the ladder into the air and made their way to the roof. While doing so, they pushed right through the center of a tree to gain access to the roof. Firefighters immediately made entry to the structure in the front of the building and con ducted a primary search and noti fied command that the house was clear. Firefighters made entry with a hand line to the secondfloor and began to make a push inside of the structure while an other firefighter took a two-anda-half-inch hand line to the rear of the building and began to knock down the fire in the rear, as it was heavily involved. As fire fighters were working, members of the truck company began to vent the roof. As they cut through the center of the roof, thick heavy black turbulent smoke began to push from the vent hole and heavy fire began to push from the rear of the structure's roofline. As firefighters were making a push up the back stairs, they were forced to stop as the stairs were
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Heavy fire blows through the roof of 292 3rd Ave. as the truck companies are working.
unstable and beginning to fall apart from the heavy fire load. With heavy fire pushing from the roof and an exposure issue on the 'Delta' side of the structure, com mand transmitted the secondalarm, bringing Engine 3, City of Cohoes Fire Department and Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department to the scene. Firefighters on the roof of the building attempted to make addi tional vent holes as they had heavy black turbulent smoke pushing from the front cockloft vent and eaves of the structure. Firefighters on the second-floor had significant issues gaining access to the cockloft area as tin ceilings pre sented an extreme challenge to firefighters to break through them. As firefighters continued to work inside of the structure, the heavy black smoke in the rear of the house turned into a heavy fire con dition from the middle of the roof. As firefighters were working on scene, the engine operator began to experience issues with the water supply and notified command that they needed to find another water source. Firefighters quickly made their way down Third Avenue and
established a water supply from 2nd Avenue from another water main. As firefighters continued to work to gain access to the cockloft area and crews began to make a large hole in the bedrooms on the second-floor, they were able to re veal a small portion of the cockloft and discovered they had heavy fire traveling throughout. Firefighters on the secondfloor notified command that they had fire pushing again from the outside of the building and in the kitchen area by the staircase. Com mand notified those units to use extreme caution as the rear stair case and porch of the building were burned out. Troy, Cohoes and Watervliet Arsenal firefighters continued to work throughout the structure to attempt to continue to make progress inside of the struc ture, but as heavy fire continued to push from the roof of the structure and conditions continued to de cline, command made the decision to pull all of the firefighters from the building and to utilize the two truck companies with master stream operations. Command re quested the dispatcher to transmit the evacuation tones on scene.
Firefighters from the truck com pany made their way back to the buckets of the rigs and crews set up above the building and on the 'Delta' side of the building. Firefighters made their way out the front of the structure and all crews were accounted for. Fire fighters removed all of the ladders from the side of the building in order to prevent damage from the master streams operations. Both truck companies opened up their master streams and began to knock down the heavy fire condition in the cockloft. Firefighters contin ued to utilize master stream oper ations for an extended period of time. After command deemed it safe for firefighters to enter the structure, crews made entry to the second-floor and continued to pull down the tin ceilings, and as they were doing so a portion of the ceil ing shifted and a large chandelier came down on the crews working inside. As firefighters made a large enough hole, they utilized an attic ladder and knocked down a signif icant amount of the remaining fire. Firefighters continued to work on overhauling the severely damaged home. Firefighters remained on
scene for an extended period of time. No injuries were reported. Numerous neighbors reported seeing the occupant of the home coming into the house with two large gas cans just before the fire and exhibiting erratic behavior. One neighbor stated that there was an incident at that location a few days prior that required the Police Department response. Troy police officers on scene were notified of the suspicious behavior and began to conduct an investigation into the reports. After determining that the fire was suspicious, police contin ued their investigation and were able to determine that the owner of the house, Blaise C. Lanni, ignited the fire. Officers took Lanni to Samaritan Flospital for a medical evaluation and once he was dis charged, he was placed under ar rest and charged with arson in the third degree. The house was a total loss, and no injuries were reported. Blaise Lanni was arrested and re leased on an appearance ticket with a future court date in the city of Troy’s court. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Firefighters knocking down the heavy fire in the rear of the house.
Heavy Smoke & Fire on Arrival with One Dog Rescued by Firefighters BOB MCCORMICK
BOB MCCORMICK
Fire Prevention at Meadow H ill Elementary School NEWBURGH, NY - Winona Lake Fire Dept, visited Meadow Hill Elementary School during Fire Prevention week.
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On October 13th at 2:44 P.M., the Speigletown Fire Department, Center Brunswick Fire Company, Brunswick No.l Fire Company, Pleasantdale Fire Department, Raymertown Fire Department and Mohawk Ambulance Service were dispatched to Weaver Avenue at the dead end of the road for a re ported structure fire. The caller re ported smoke coming from the house and the smoke alarms going off. Speigletown Car 1 called en route to the scene and the dis patcher notified them that they were taking multiple calls on the structure fire and command re transmitted the box as a working fire. Mohawk Ambulance Service 6417 arrived on scene and notified the dispatcher that they had a twostory, wood-frame structure with heavy smoke pushing from the roof, with a report of a dog trapped in the home. Truck 4 arrived on scene and immediately notified the dis patcher that they had a working structure fire on scene and trans mitted the Signal 30. Firefighters had heavy fire pushing through the roof of the building in the rear of the structure and a heavy smoke condition pushing from the eaves. Firefighters on scene deployed a hand line over the fence and fire fighters made their way to the rear of the structure where they had heavy fire blowing out the back portion of the structure. Engine 35-7, Engine 26-8 and Engine 7-6 pulled right behind Truck 4 and crews made their way to the front door of the structure and forced entry. Firefighters quickly located and rescued the trapped dog inside of the house, bringing it outside to safety. Firefighters set the dog down with the owner and made their way back inside with another hand line right behind them and began to go to work knocking down the heavy fire condition. Firefighters tossed a ladder to
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*4 3P the front of the building and made their way to the roof and began to vent the structure. Additional fire fighters in the rear of the structure vented the rear windows to allow the superheated toxic gas and smoke to exit the structure. Fire fighters in the rear of the building aggressively knocked down the heavy fire condition and water blew through the roof of the struc ture. Firefighters confirmed to command that the house was searched, and no other victims were found inside of the building. Firefighters grabbed some NY hooks and began to conduct over haul. State police checked on the dog inside of the vehicle, making sure it was okay while firefighters were working on location hot spots. Command requested na tional grid, town of Brunswick code enforcement and fire investi gators to the scene. Firefighters continued to con duct extensive overhaul in the rear portion of the building and venti lation throughout the structure. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period of time. Fire investigators arrived on scene and began to conduct their investiga tion into what caused the fire. The house had substantial damage throughout from the fire and smoke, and unfortunately the resi dent could not return to the home. Three firefighters are credited with the rescue of the dog as follows: Captain Eric Manning of the Cen ter Brunswick Fire Company, Fire fighter Austin Glasser of the Pittstown Fire Department, and Lieutenant Joshua Coon-Rustin of the Speigletown Fire Department. Firefighters went back into service later that evening. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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JOHN SMITH
Trailer Fire for Jamestown JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Mohawk Ambulance senior members John Large & Edward Guerin.
JAMESTOWN, NY - On November 4th, the Jamestown Fire Department was dispatched to a trailer fire on Monroe Ave.
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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PAGE 26
December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Cohoes Firefighters Make Swift Work of Heavy Fire Condition on McElwain Ave. COHOES, NY - On Novem ber 3rd, the City of Cohoes Fire Department along with the Green Island Fire Department, Watervliet Fire Department and the Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department, responded to 43 McElwain Av enue for multiple calls for a re ported structure fire. As the first due truck company from the City of Cohoes was making the turn out of central station, police unit 603 reported they had a working structure fire with possible entrap ment inside of the building. As the truck company was coming down Broadway, they had a thick heavy black column of smoke visible. The first truck company arrived on scene and immediately notified the dispatcher that they had a Sig nal 30 with heavy fire showing in the front of the structure, and po lice were able to confirm every one was out of the structure. Firefighters from the truck company immediately deployed a one-and-three-quarter-inch hand line to the front of the building. Command on scene requested a recall of firefighters from the City of Watervliet, Cohoes and Green Island. Firefighters immediately went to work making an aggres sive push and knocking down the heavy fire condition on the front porch and made entry to the struc ture where they discovered they had fire inside of the walls. Fire fighters continued to work to knock down the heavy fire condi tion on the front porch and began to pull apart the walls on the firstfloor. Firefighters on the secondfloor had a heavy smoke condition coming from the walls and began to pull apart the wall in the front of the building. When firefighters used a thermal imaging camera and noticed a large amount of heat coming from the walls, crews de ployed another hand line to the second-floor. Firefighters on the second-floor vented the front win dows of the structure to allow for the trapped smoke and toxic gases to escape. As firefighters were working in the hallway, they discovered that they had fire running the wall in the front portion of the structure near the main doorway. Firefight ers began to pull the ceilings in
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that area and soak down the outer portion of the siding on the 'Bravo' side of the structure. After a short period of pulling apart the walls and hitting hotspots, firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control. As firefighters were working on the second-floor and first-floor of the structure, addi tional firefighters conducted over haul on the porch and the side of the building. Firefighters utilized a hand line and cooled down one portion of the neighbor's house that had damaged siding from the heavy fire condition. Police on scene began to con duct their investigation into the fire. One person on scene was evaluated by EMS. Firefighters on scene continued to conduct exten sive overhaul to the badly dam aged home until the late afternoon hours. No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation at this time, and no cause has been released. Firefighters went back into service just after 6:00 P.M. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Visit us on the web! www.1rbn.com JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY Firefighters working together to hit hot spots and overhaul the front porch area.
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URL PHOTO SOUTH FARMINGDALE, NY - At approximately 12:25 A.M. on Tuesday, September 5th, the South Farmingdale Fire Department and a dual-response engine from the Farmingdale Fire Department were alerted for reports of a house on fire on Motor Avenue. Upon the arrival of the 1st Asst. Chief McFarlane [9702], he transmitted a Signal 10 for a shed fire in the rear. - See full story on Page 28
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 24 No. 12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communicahons, 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, clas sified, or legal ad or for ty pographi cal errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omit ted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.
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JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Firefighters Handle Daytime Fire in M astic Beach MASTIC BEACH, NY - On Thursday, November 2nd at about 4:12 P.M., the Mastic Beach Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Washington Ave., off Drury Ln. Suffolk Fire Rescue dispatchers advised that they had reports of an ac tive kitchen fire at the location. The first arriving chief re quested that the working fire be transmitted, bringing in mutual aid from Mastic and Center Moriches to the scene. Firefighters from the first due units were able to get a quick knock down on the fire. No injuries were reported, though Mastic Beach Ambulance was on scene standing by in case they were needed. The scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal for further investigation.
APPARATUS IN ACTION Additional
South Farmingdale Shed Fire SOUTH FARMINGDALE, NY - At approximately 12:25 A.M. on Tuesday, September 5th, the South Farmingdale Fire D e partment and a dual-response en gine from the Farmingdale Fire Department were alerted for re ports of a house on fire on Motor Avenue. Upon the arrival of the 1st Asst. Chief McFarlane [9702], he transmitted a Signal 10 for a shed fire in the rear. Due to the fire, there were many exposure issues, including two houses and another shed. Once Engine 923 arrived on the scene, they secured a water source and started a fire attack. A total of two hand lines were oper ated to knock down and wet down the shed and exposures. Mutual aid to the scene in cluded the Village of Farmingdale Fire Department for an Engine
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3P [E923], the Bethpage Fire Depart ment for an Engine [E905], and a Ladder [TL903], the East Farm ingdale Fire Co. for an Engine [El-5-1], the North Massapequa Fire Department for a Ladder [L661], and the Massapequa Fire Department for the F.A.S.T [L636], Stand-by units included the Amityville Fire Department for an Engine [E l-1-3], the Seaford Fire Department for a Ladder [L683], and the Plainview Fire Department for an ambu lance. Units operated under the command of the Chief of the South Farmingdale Fire Depart ment Mackie [9701], - MICHAEL SERRELL
I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r A p p a ra tu s in A c tio n f e a tu re p le a s e u p lo a d th e m on o u r w e b s ite w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m .
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r W h e re a re th e y N o w ? f e a tu re p le a s e u p lo a d th e m
from
o n o u r w e b s ite w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m .
Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS Brookhaven FD Rescue 3 in action during a recent vehicle extri cation training demonstration. FRANK RORINSON Stottville Fire Company operates a 1993 Sutphen 1500/400/70'. The unit once saw serice at Southold, LI Fire Department.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
PAGE 29
LONG ISLAND] Suffolk County Fire Academy Hosts “ Women in the Fire Service” Day YAPHANK, NY - On Satur day, October 21st, the Suffolk County Fire Academy hosted the first-ever Women in the Fire Serv ice Seminar Day at the Yaphank Facility. The day was jam-packed full with speakers, as well as hands-on training geared toward those women in the fire service on Long Island. About 55 firefighters from Suffolk and Nassau, as well as one from Brooklyn, were greeted by Suffolk County Fire Academy Executive Director Rudy Sunderman and Deputy Di rector Scott Davonski to start the morning. They were joined by Suffolk Fire Rescue Commis sioner Patrick Beckley and Suffolk Fire Academy Instructor Christine Manzi, who is an Ex-Chief and was the first-ever female chief in the West Babylon Fire Depart ment. Manzi, along with help from other staff at the academy, took the reins so to speak in putting to gether the day's events. After the morning opening greetings FDNY (Fire Department of New York), Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons gave an eye-opening keynote address to the crowded room. Fitzsimmons, who is an over 20-year veteran of the FDNY, spoke about her per sonal struggles prior to getting on to the fire service. She also spoke about the challenges and struggles she faced getting into the depart ment, as well as through her time serving on the front lines, as well as through various leadership roles; but her speech was not just about struggles, it also addressed how her "always say yes" attitude helped bring many rewards to her during the fire service and her rise through the ranks to becoming only the second-ever female bat talion chief in the FDNY. She still serves today and continues to work to advance her career. The firefighter cancer support network gave very in-depth info about cancer in the fire service. They spoke about how to take ac tion against cancer and the impor tance of screenings, as well as ways to prevent against cancer as fire personnel. This was followed by Retired FDNY Chief Thomas Richardson, who also addressed the room of fire personnel on pri vate dwelling fires. Fie did not do this to minimize any other types of fires, but the main reason for his focus on this is that it's a type of fire that many of these women re spond to in their home depart ment's areas, and he used this discussion to teach about various tactics and functions of both the engine and truck companies at these types of calls. The morning culminated with a panel discus sion called “Don’t be afraid to take the risk”. This spoke of the chal lenges faced by women in the fire
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i t aP ! ^ Service. This was led by an all-fe male panel from the local fire serv ice in Suffolk County, including Ex-Chief Manzi, current Chief of the Gorden Fleights Fire Depart ment Chief Rivers, and various other local female ex-chiefs and fire personnel were also present for this discussion that was given to only the women that were present. After lunch, the firefighters on hand participated in various handson exercises that they signed up for, including vehicle extrication, SCBAMAZE (Mask Confidence), Forcible Entry and EMS on the fire ground. Each of these items holds a large importance in the fire serv ice and are valuable skills that fire fighters need. The hands-on training keeps skills sharp and pre pares them for what they need to do day in and day out as fire per sonnel. The final hands-on evolu tion was a live burn, which all members were invited to partici pate in. The firefighters were paired up with people from other departments and tasked with vari ous functions from incident com mand to engine and truck companies. The SCFA Class A
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS FDNY Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons gives the keynote at Suffolk County "Women in the Fire Service" day. She is an over 20-year veteran of the FDNY and was the second-ever female battalion chief.
(residential) building was used for this and instructors were on-hand to supervise and if needed, step in if any safety concerns arose. The
live burn was a huge success. South Country Ambulance stood by during the hands-on portion. A great and motivational day
was had by all that attended the event! -JOHN WALTHERS
» fii § i
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Female firefighters/fire service personnel from across Suffolk County and a few from other parts of Long Island/NY came out recently for the first-ever "Women in the Fire Service" day at Suffolk Fire Academy.
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLAND WORKING FACES I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r “ W o rk in g F a c e s ” fea tu re , p le a s e u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b site , w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m
JAM ES MCNAMARA
Golden Anniversary for West Sayville’s Bravest BRADLEY FOWLER / FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY Holbrook Fire Department Probationary Firefighter Jack Goldberg during a recent vehicle extrication demonstration.
2023 marks the Golden Anniversary for three of West Sayville's Bravest. Ex-Chief Joseph Mandanici, Ex-Captain Gary Leigh-Manuell and Ex-Captain Ricky Leigh-Manuell were recently rec ognized for reaching this prestigious milestone. Pictured are West Sayville's Chiefs with the 50-year members.
ANTIQUE APPARATUS I f y o u h a v e p h o to s fo r A n tiq u e A p p a ra tu s p lea se u p lo ad them o n o u r w ebsite, w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r e m ail them to L in d sey @ lstR e sp o n d erN ew s.c o m
JOHH WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Vehicle Takes Down Pole in Shirley SHIRLEY, NY - On the evening of Friday, October 6th, the Brookhaven Fire Department and Shirley Ambulance were ac tivated for a report of a motor vehicle crash on Mastic Blvd. West, near Doresett PI. On arrival, the first due officer advised they had an MVA Involving a vehicle and a motorcycle with a pole and wires down. Firefighters went to work quickly to se cure the scene while EMS went to work evaluating for any in juries. The road was closed for an extended period of time while PSEG was called in to replace the pole and repair the wires as needed. No further information was available.
FRANK RUBINSUN Brookhaven Fire Department used to run this 1957 Studebaker/H&H floodlight unit.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
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LONG ISLANlP DRILLS/TRAINING
DRILLS/TRAINING
T o s e e y o u r D rills in th e n e w s p a p e r u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b s ite w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r D rills fe a tu re , p le a s e u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b s ite w w w . 1s tR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m .
The Fire Service Teaching Model
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS YAPHANK, NY - On Wednesday, November 1st, the Suffolk County Fire Academy held field training drills with some fire departments from Suffolk County. The following departments drilled at the academy, helping to keep up their skills for real life emergencies: The Orient FD came out to the academy to train on various gas emergencies, which included classroom and field training. The Ridge FD did a Rapid Intervention Drill. The Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is deployed to rescue lost or trapped members at a fire scene. The Brookhaven and Mastic FDs held a joint drill on Tax payer fires. The two departments are routinely mutual aided to one another for working fires, and so training together helps them to coordinate and operate together on these scenes better.
LITTLE RIG GUYS I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r L ittle B ig G u y s f e a tu re p le a s e u p lo a d th e m o n o u r
The fire service is likely one of the most hands-on professions in the world and for good reason. There are A LOT of moving parts, gadgets and equipment that have to be combined, used and broken down on any given call. Does this mean that there is no intellect involved? Of course not. In fact, firefighting is also one of the most intellectual professions as well in the sense that you have to think and make decisions quickly. There are two types of lessons the fire service uses - psychomotor, cognitive and then a performance evalua tion although most drills center on the former especially during the spring and summer months where getting to a training facil ity is necessary and optimal. This chapter will only discuss the psychomotor or hands-on teaching model. There are five steps in the psychomotor teach ing model in accordance with the NYS Principles of Instruction course. Accordingly, other states and even more local de partments may have variations of this method but for the most part the basic structure is intact. The first two parts can be collec tively grouped as the “I do” or in structor does section. More specifically:
w e b s ite w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m .
A. The instructor performs the skill at normal speed in accor dance with any applicable objec tives. 1. The instructor verbally in
troduces the skill. 2. Then without explanation or further comment the instructor will perform the skill. 3. This is simply a demonstra tion. 4. An example would be don ning gear where the instructor will don turnout gear in accor dance with the objectives/SOPs. B. The Instructor performs the skill slowly. 1. The instructor will explain each step while performing the skill. 2. The student will simply ob serve. The next two steps can be col lectively grouped as “We do” or both the instructor and student combine on performing the skill although the roles for each switch. More specifically: C. The instructor performs the skill for a third time. 1. The student explains each step as the instructor performs the skill. D. The student performs the skill slowly and explains each step. 1. The instructor supervises the student. 2. Emphasis by the instructor on correct methodology. 3. Any errors are quickly cor rected by the instructor. 4. Instructor also coaches and praises any correct actions.
The last step is performed by the student only and is referred to as the “You do” meaning the stu dent. More specifically: E. Student practices to mastery. 1. Ready for evaluation There are several reasons the fire service uses this kind of model. First and as mentioned is that it is used for psychomotor skills and the fire service has plenty of hands-on training where this type of lesson is key to learning the profession. Sec ondly, it is easy to use and un derstand. This method can be used not only during company drills where officers and instruc tors are teaching the necessary skills to firefighters but also for instructors to show the next gen eration of officers and instruc tors how to train the trainer. Lastly, and arguably the most important is that this method compels an interaction between the instructor and firefighter. It passes the torch so to speak, disseminating vital training and information down from one gen eration to the next. Now there is an interaction that also serves other functions within a given department such as fostering a positive working environment and sowing the seeds of trust; a concept that cannot be under stated in the fire service.
Read more articles from a ll of our colum nists online! RRADLEY FOWLER / FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY Bayport Fire Department Water Rescue 23 (3-14-23) is a 2006 Ford F550/Marion Walk-in Rescue.
www.1RBN.com
- JOSEPH CEA
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLA
M erry C hristm as Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
During this time of year, we think about colder weather, holding parties, taking Santa out to meet children, decorations, family gath erings, and alarms in the middle of our celebrations. No matter the sea son the alarms will be there. Some one has walked away from the food, so their meal may now be dif ferent. There may actually be a cat stuck in the tree. I have never got a call for Santa stuff in a chimney. When we were children, we looked toward our special time. We might have had challenges sleeping through the night because we were waiting to hear the hooves of the reindeer from Santa's sleigh. When we woke up, we would race to the tree to see it completely decorated with the train going around the base of the tree, among the presents that were place under the tree from Santa and we wanted to rip the presents open. As we got older, our roles changed. We may collect presents for children or families that are less fortunate. We may help to serve the homeless or those in hospitals. We may help our lonely neighbors, or we may even play Santa as we visit children. We even take extra care of those effected by fires and the com munity takes care of us on fires. When I was first on the depart ment, I got a chance to spend Christmas with my father. We spent most of the day fighting a house fire, where the occupant perished before the first unit rolled up. It was eight degrees out. Our gear was get ting frozen. The hoses had to be kept open a little so that the hose would not be frozen solid. We had to go to the exhaust for the truck to thaw out our gloves. The surprise that we received was that the neigh bors, who were watching through their windows, felt compelled to share their breakfast with us. For a while, I would just look at presents or watch the traditional
movies, like Miracle on 34th Street, or Santa Claus is Coming to Town or something like that. We would usu ally get hung up about the guy who brought us toys and stuff but were we thinking about what happened. Did we remember the present that the world received so long ago? Do we even read the history of how Jesus, Emanuel (God is with us), came to be with us and die for our sins? Do we remember the true rea son for CHRISTmas? Has society decided to look at an overweight man who lives at the North Pole (not Alaska) with a bunch of elves (is that politically correct?)? How many people actually listen to the story? There are people who only go to church on Easter and Christmas. I know. I have seen it so many times. The parents are more concerned about the running around that to truly listen and understand that we had Jesus come and live among us just so that He can be tortured for all our wrongdoings. How many people actually un derstand how much God loves them? If you were Jesus, would you have been here to try to try to teach about love BUT know that you would be the last sacrifice that would ever have to be made for everyone’s sins. No more did anyone have to sacri fice any animals or anything so that we can be forgiven. When was the last time that you have had a conver sation with your Creator and con fessed to Him all the things that you did that was not above board or questionable? Have you thanked God every day for everything you have, including the breath in your lungs? Have you thanked God for your children? Asked for healing for your sick relative? I thank God for my family, both that I was born into and with which I have served. If you have not yet, unwrap the opportunity that God has given to you, to know Him and how much He loves each one of you. He is waiting for you, the one reading this column right now. God bless us, everyone.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@ 1stResponderN ews .com.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS Mastic Fire Department Heavy Rescue Truck 5-12-10 is a 2012 Spartan/Marion. This rig has on board extrication equipment, as well as Scott packs and a light tower for operating at scenes at night.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS Mastic FD 5-12-8 is one of the department's marine incident response units. It is a 1989 GMC Salsbury Rescue truck with cold and ice rescue suits and other water and ice rescue equipment. This unit pre viously served in Farmingdale, NY.
Merry CHRISTmas! Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
www.1rbn.com JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS West Babylon Ladder 1-9-4 is a Pierce Ascendant 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower assigned to Rendezvous Truck Co 4.
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
PAGE 33
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tOO' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
In the market for a mid- or rear-mounted tower? Take a look at the new Pierce® Ascendant® 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower! Reaching heights of 100' vertically and 93' horizontally, the Ascendant 100' Aerial Tower packages a 5-section heavy-duty steel tower onto a vehicle with a low overall height of 10'8" and length of only 41'3" with a rear overhang of a rear-mount that minimizes tail-swing, it offers superior maneuverability and greater visibility. The Ascendant 100' Aerial Tower is available on a variety of custom chassis and body styles to meet your department's needs. Its integrated ground pads eliminate time spent throwing ground pads, so setup is streamlined and faster than any other aerial on the market. Configured as shown with a rear axle rating of only 48,000 lb, it outperforms with a 1,000 lb tip load capacity, up to 20-degree below grade operation, and a below grade 50-degree scrub area. All of this is accomplished at a mere 20' set-back from the building.
J k y X S O E I'J iD /U 'J T
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Four Alarms Struck for Early-Morning Fire at Bronx Taxpayer BRONX, NY - At 3:48 A.M. on October 10th, Bronx dispatch sent units on a phone alarm for smoke in the lobby of a OMD at 3150 Rochambeau Ave. Battalion 27 arrived at 3:56 A.M. and re ported a smoke condition, but it was originating on the next block on Bainbridge Ave. Ladder 56 arrived first at 3109 to 3117 Bainbridge Ave., a one-story 100' x 100' commercial building containing seven businesses, with heavy smoke showing. A second-alarm was transmitted at 4:02 A.M. as smoke was showing from multi ple stores Division 7 transmitted a third-alarm with an additional two tower ladders at 4:17 A.M. All members were withdrawn shortly after as heavy fire broke through the roof. Tower Ladders 31 and 51 were put into operation in front of the structure, as well as several multiversals. Tower Lad der 33 operated from a rear park ing lot off of a side street. A hand line was worked from a walkway of the OMD in the rear. By 6:00 A.M., four tower ladders were in operation. Six lines were stretched and working still hitting visible fire. The fire remained doubtful will hold. The fire began to darken down and a fourth-alarm was sounded for relief at 6:39 A.M. Five of the seven businesses sus tained fire damage, with the other two suffering smoke issues. The exposure 4 building, a one-story CVS Pharmacy, also had smoke throughout the store and cockloft. The Board of Health was sum moned due to several of the busi nesses being food establishments. No serious injuries were re ported. -BILL TOMPKINS
BILLTOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPH0T0S.COM
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
December, 2023
PAGE 35
BURNS/@FD4D
Citi Bike All-Hands Fire in Brooklyn BROOKLYN, NY - FDNY firefighters responded to a fire at a Citi Bike storage facility at 134 Morgan Ave. late Thursday evening, November 9th. Fast response by the FDNY quickly contained the all-hands fire.
PATCH OF THE MONTH I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld like to se e in o u r “ P a tch o f th e M o n th ’ fea tu re p lea se u p lo ad th em on o u r w e b site , w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r em ail th em to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m .
DAVID BURNS/@FD4D
Pollard family and officials.
Street Naming Ceremony Held in Honor of FF Steven H. Pollard, Ladder 170 BROOKLYN, NY - On Sun day, October 22nd, FDNY mem bers and their families attended a street naming ceremony in honor of Firefighter Steven H. Pollard, Ladder 170. Firefighter Steven H. Pollard of Ladder Company 170 in Brook lyn was a one-and-a-half-year vet eran of the FDNY who died from critical injuries sustained while operating at a motor vehicle acci dent on the Mill Basin Bridge in
Jump to file #102223111
« 30 Brooklyn on Sunday, January 6, 2019. “At approximately 10 PM. on Sunday, January 6, Firefighter Pollard responded along with his fellow Firefighters from Ladder Company 170 to a report of a motor vehicle accident with in juries on an elevated portion of the
westbound Belt Parkway, just east of Flatbush Avenue. As they were operating and proceeding to help the injured motorists at that acci dent, Firefighter Pollard slipped through a gap in the roadway and fell approximately 52-feet to the ground below. Firefighter Pollard was appointed as a Firefighter in June of 2017 and assigned to Lad der Company 170 in Brooklyn." - DAVID BURNS
EUGENE WEBERJR.
This patch belongs to FDNY Engine 54/Ladder 4/Battalion 9, located in New York County, NY.
DAVID BURNS/@FD4D
FF Steven H. Pollard in whose memory East 35th Street was renamed.
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December, 2023
1st Responder Newspaper - NY
Supply Company
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE
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c im p b e ll S u p p ly 's H o lid a y F ire T r u c k C o n te s t! Calling all fire departm ents to showcase your decked-out holiday fire trucks and have a chance to win with Cam pbell Supply! Share a photo of your festively decorated fire truck on Facebook during the contest for a chance to WIN a free PM from Cam pbell Supply.
SCAN ME!
Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for more details and updates on when the contest will launch. Don't miss your chance to participate and spread the holiday cheer with your com m unity heroes!
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E M A IL : F I R E I N F O @ C A M P B E L L S U P P L Y .C O M