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FEBRUARY, 2021
FOUR ALARMS NEEDED FOR YONKERS TAXPAYER CONTAINING FOUR STORES
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Yonkers, NY - Approximately 85 Yonkers firefighters battled a blaze that consumed a taxpayer on January 12th. At 6:30 A.M., automatic alarms began to be received followed shortly by several phone calls reporting a fire at 671 Yonkers Ave., a one-story 100'x50' row of four stores containing a supermarket, cleaners, laundromat, and insurance store.
- See full story on page 14
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
BOB MCCORMICK
Fully Involved Garage Fire in City of Newburgh Newburgh, NY - The City of Newburgh FD responded to a fully involved garage fire at 97 Fullerton Ave., January 4th. Command requested a second-alarm to be sounded. Firefighters used two hand lines and hand tools to extinguish the fire. Cronomer Valley sent their ladder and Good Will sent their engine to stand by at the Public Safety Building during the incident. City of Newburgh Police blocked the area around the scene while firefighters worked. The City of Newburgh Fire Investigation Unit was called in to determine how the fire started.
THOMAS MARRA
Driver Flees from Crash, Charged with DWI in Coeymans Hollow Coeymans Hollow, NY - A driver has been arrested and charged with DWI after fleeing from a rollover crash that led to an extensive search by law enforcement on December 1, 2020. The Coeymans Hollow Fire Department was dispatched with Ravena Rescue, Albany County Paramedics, Coeymans Police and the Albany County Sheriff's Department for a one-car rollover just after 7:15 P.M. Arriving units located the unoccupied vehicle on its side on County Route 101 near Jarvis Road North. "Witnesses at the scene reported
JUMP TO FILE #122020113 a male in the vehicle that fled on foot into the woods prior to deputies' arrival," according to a statement from the Sheriff's Department. Officers searched on foot with the help of a K9 unit, as well as thermal imaging cameras via drone to search from above. After an extensive search and no results, crews cleared the scene. Shortly after clearing the scene, police and EMS were dispatched back to the scene after a neighbor in
the area called 911 and stated that they heard someone in the woods screaming for help. Crews arrived back to the scene and located the driver in the woods, who was transported to the hospital by the Ravena Rescue Squad with minor injuries. The driver was arrested on the scene prior to transport for signs of intoxication, according to the report. He refused to submit to chemical tests. The driver was charged with DWI and several other vehicle and traffic law infractions. - THOMAS MARRA
ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our “All In The Family” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Fatal House Fire in Avon Avon, NY - On December 30, 2020 at 8:27 P.M., East Avon, Avon, Lima and Caledonia Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported basement filling with smoke at 5024 Lake Road in Avon. Avon Police and Livingston County Sheriff's deputies arrived on location with heavy smoke showing and a person trapped in the basement. The Caledonia FAST team was put to work on fire suppression and the FAST team from Livonia was requested to the scene. The resident was removed from the home by firefighters, but unfortunately was pronounced dead a short time later. The blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes. Livingston County Fire Investigators believe that a faulty space heater was likely the cause.
GARY HEARN
The incoming Chief of the Washingtonville Fire Department, Brian Bates, 2nd from the right. To his right is his nephew, Junior Firefighter Derek Leiter. To the left is his father, Firefighter George Bates. Next to his father is his nephew, Russel Leiter.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
ADVERTISER INDEX Company
Page
Aire Deb Corp. Campbell Supply Co.
35 1,36
Churchville Fire Equip
19
FIRE 2021
17
Fire Districts of NY
13
Firehouse Apparatus
15
Garrison Fire Rescue
19
Jerome Fire Equipment
19
Kimtek
23
LaFrance Equipment
19
Marion Body
25
Mid Atlantic Rescue
5
North Eastern Rescue
9
Specialty Vehicles
11
VCI
21
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
GARY HEARN
Heavy Fire Damages Home in Kiryas Joel Monroe, NY - Washingtonville Rescue 581 responded as the FAST at 5:38 P.M. on December 12, 2020 to a house fire in Kiryas Joel. The crew of Rescue 581 was split. Half the crew was the FAST while the remainder of the crew was assigned to function as a truck. Engine 580 was also dispatched to establish a fill site and supply tankers. Tanker 577 was assigned to the incident to supply water. The Washingtonville Fire Police Unit was requested and responded to assist with traffic.
CORPORATE INFORMATION
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 2 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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BOB MCCORMICK
Car Flips on I-84 in Maybrook Maybrook, NY - Maybrook and Coldenham Fire Departments responded to a vehicle rollover at mile marker 31 I-84 westbound, 12/19/20. The occupants were out of the vehicle upon the arrival of first responders. New York State Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
Fatal Trailer Park Fire in Clifton Park on Christmas Day Clifton Park, NY - The Clifton Park FD, along with mutual aid from Halfmoon, Hillcrest and Boght, were dispatched to 430 Route 146, lot H, trailer 18 on 12/25/20 for multiple calls reporting a working structure fire with entrapment. While en route, Clifton Park’s fire chief received additional details from the dispatcher and immediately transmitted the second-alarm and requested a landing zone to be set up for a burn victim. Car 19 arrived on scene and had a well involved trailer fire with confirmed entrapment. Clifton Park EMS arrived and immediately began to administer advanced life support measures to a burn victim. Engine 191 arrived and deployed a hand line to the front door of the structure. With heavy black smoke pushing from every portion of the trailer, firefighters began to make an aggressive push inside. Additional crews arrived on scene and began to conduct a primary search of the trailer. As firefighters made their way to the rear, they discovered that the floor had burned out. Crews conducted an aggressive interior attack, knocking down all of the heavy fire. Additional firefighters cooled down one of the neighboring trailers, as heavy fire pushing from the rear of the building melted the siding. The next engine on scene immediately laid in from the nearest
JUMP TO FILE #011121113 fire hydrant, establishing the water supply. As firefighters brought the fire under control, the interior crew searching for and located the victim in the front of the trailer. Unfortunately, the victim had already passed. Command requested the Saratoga County fire investigators to the scene. Clifton Park’s EMS units arrived at the landing zone and transferred one person to the flight medic for transportation to the burn center. Firefighters on scene began to conduct heavy overhaul of the severely damaged trailer. Firefighters remained on scene for over three hours conducting overhaul, picking up equipment, and providing assistance to investigators as needed. Firefighters from neighboring companies provided zone coverage for departments on scene. The first burn victim was transported to the burn center for their injuries and was listed in stable condition. Later that evening, State Police identified the deceased victim as 73-year-old Dorothea Roberts of Halfmoon. Saratoga County fire investigators are currently investigating the cause of the fire. No firefighters on scene were injured. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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February, 2021
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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
Georgia: Keith Obrian Williams, 54 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 17, 2020 Death Date: October 17, 2020 Fire Department: Camilla Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Captain Keith Williams was found unresponsive by fellow firefighters at the Camilla Fire Department early on October 17, 2020. Life-saving efforts began immediately but were not successful. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.
Texas: Lemuel Bruce, 44 Rank: Arson Investigator Incident Date: October 16, 2020 Death Date: October 16, 2020 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: During the early morning hours of Friday, October 16, 2020, Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce and other members of the Arson Division, Houston Fire Department, tracked down a possible lead to arsons being set in the Houston area. When they arrived at the Timbergrove neighborhood, a suspect fatally shot Arson Investigator Bruce. The suspect was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Georgia: Harold Boone, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: September 17, 2020 Death Date: November 2, 2020 Fire Department: Monroe County Emergency Services Initial Summary: Firefighter Harold Boone, while onduty at the fire station, contracted COVID-19 from fellow firefighters who had subsequently tested positive for the virus. He passed away from the disease on November 2, 2020. Kansas: Johnny Ivison, Jr., 23 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 8, 2020 Death Date: November 8, 2020 Fire Department: Easton Township Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, November 8, 2020,
Firefighter Johnny Ivison, Jr., was responding to a call of a residential fire in Easton, Kansas, in his privately owned vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado Truck, when the vehicle went off the road. Firefighter Ivison attempted to correct his path, but overcorrected causing the truck to roll over numerous times, ejecting him from the vehicle. He died from the injuries sustained in the crash.
Indiana: Matthew D. Bennett, 49 Rank: Engineer Incident Date: November 13, 2020 Death Date: November 14, 2020 Fire Department: Indianapolis Fire Department Initial Summary: Engineer Matthew Bennett drove Engine 1 to a possible structural collapse after a car drove into a home. Upon his arrival and as crews began to work, Bennett complained to the EMS Duty Officer on scene that he was experiencing chest pains. The EMS Duty Officer escorted Bennett to an ambulance to be evaluated. Bennett was then transported to a hospital and immediately taken into surgery. Despite all efforts, however, Bennett passed away the following afternoon. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.
California: Sean D. Laffan, 42 Rank: Interim Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: November 16, 2020 Death Date: November 16, 2020 Fire Department: Oakland Fire Department Initial Summary: Interim Assistant Fire Chief Sean Laffan collapsed in an office of the Oakland Fire Department’s administrative building. Staff on-site began performing life-saving measures until Laffan was taken by ambulance to Summit Medical Center in Oakland. Later that evening, Laffan suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest and, despite all resuscitative efforts, passed away.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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MEMORIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Geneseo, NY - Geneseo Fire Department Past Chief Charles L. Parent, age 68, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at his residence.
Charlie rose to be Chief on three separate occasions from 1978-80, 1987-89 and 1995-98. Charlie was instrumental in mentoring numerous officers and members and took tremendous pride in the departments' service to the community. He was recognized as the face and leader of the department throughout Western New York. Charlie belonged to numerous fire organizations and associations. He is survived by his wife,
Debra Parent, daughters, April (John) Gianvittorio of MD, Nicky Wall Hildebrant of Geneseo, Christie (Michael) Annechino of Pittsford, beloved grandchildren, Stella Hildebrant, Jack and Ana Gianvittorio, Capri and Lennon Annechino, sister, Mary Ellen (Gary) Haff of Canandaigua, several nieces and nephews. A private funeral mass and burial was held at St. Mary's in Geneseo.
Memorials may be made to Geneseo Fire Department, History and Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 428, Geneseo, NY 14454.
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Suffern Home Burns Twice in One Week Suffern, NY - Suffern firefighters battled a well-involved house fire early Thursday morning, December 31, 2020, just days after they battled a fire at the same home a few days earlier. Firefighters were dispatched to 18 Boulevard around 5:30 A.M. for a reported house fire. Police arrived shortly after and advised that they had smoke and fire showing. Suffern's Chief arrived and confirmed the police reports, and requested a re-tone for a structure fire and a FAST Team to the scene. First reports stated that heavy
Geneseo F.D. Past Chief Charlie Parent
JUMP TO FILE #123120100 fire was showing from the 'Bravo'/'Charlie' side of the building and heavy smoke was pushing from the rest of the structure. On arrival, companies stretched multiple lines and set up for exterior operations as the fire quickly consumed the two-story home. A second-alarm was transmitted, bringing in mutual aid from Hillburn, Sloatsburg, Monsey, and Mahwah, NJ. At the height of the fire two ladder pipes and four ex-
terior handlines were in operation, knocking down the heavy fire within 15 minutes. Firefighters were able to bring the fire, which consumed all floors and burned off the roof, within an hour. No injuries were reported. The home caught fire around the same time Monday morning, December 28, 2020 causing damage to the first floor on the 'Charlie'/'Delta' side. The cause of both fires is under investigation. - CHRIS TOMPKINS
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Animal Cruelty Arrests Following Fire in Ravena
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Three-Alarm Fire in Rochester on Christmas Eve Rochester, NY - At 10:40 P.M. on Christmas Eve, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to City Blue Imaging at 68 Scio Street for the report of a structure fire. Fire units arrived on location with heavy smoke and flames showing from a large two-story commercial building. Due to rapidly deteriorating conditions, a defensive attack was ordered. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. One firefighter was treated for a minor injury. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
Middletown Monhagen Hose Co.1 operates this 2018 Spartan ERV 1500/500.
Ravena, NY - A Ravena couple has been arrested and charged with multiple animal cruelty charges following a fire department response to their residence on Monday, December 7, 2020. The Ravena and Coeymans Fire De- JUMP TO FILE# partments were 123120102 called to 2226 Route 9W in Ravena for a reported fire just after 5:00 A.M. Arriving units found a heavy smoke condition on the second floor of the structure. Crews entered the structure and discovered a chimney fire that had extended into the attic, according to Deputy Chief Kevin Phillips of the Ravena Fire Department. Crews pulled down ceilings to access the fire in the attic and extinguished most of the fire with fire extinguishers. Deputy Phillips said the fire was contained to the second floor bedroom and the attic space. The temperatures were very cold the morning of the fire which led to an icy surface on the ramp going to the front door of the structure. Phillips says no firefighters slipped on the ice and there were no injuries reported on the scene. Also on the scene were Ravena Rescue, Albany County Paramedics, Coeymans Police and the Albany County Sheriff's Department. After fire crews cleared the scene around 7:15 A.M., law enforcement made their way inside the residence where they discovered cases of animal cruelty. "The Sheriffs are part of the fire investigation team, so they discovered what was going on inside that house," Phillips said. According to a report from the Albany County Sheriff's Department, there were multiple dogs found in cages, with some cages containing two dogs inside. "Inside the home, investigators also discovered a strong odor of feces and urine emanating from the residence," according to the report. Nine dogs, one cat, two rabbits, four chickens, one duck, two bearded dragons and one tarantula were reported to have been seized from the property with various medical needs. The couple was arrested and charged with 15 counts of Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance and Cruelty to Animals. They were both released on appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Coeymans Court. - THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
Ravena FD FF Jack Morrow extinguishes contents from a chimney fire that led to the arrests of the homeowners on animal cruelty charges.
THOMAS MARRA
Ravena FD Chief Jeff D'ambrosio on the scene of a chimney fire that led to the arrests of the homeowners on animal cruelty charges.
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Triage and the Emotional Toll EMS ISSUE CHELLE CORDERO
In a field where members constantly ask themselves, “Could I have done more?”, the very idea of Triage is frightening and often overwhelming whether the individual is making the decision or merely acting on orders from another. It is a recipe for undeserved guilt and depression. Triage is a method of allocating help to those who stand a reasonable chance of survival when patients outnumber the resources. Sometimes this means, in very cold terms, turning away from (trying) to save a life in order to save one you can. Every EMT and Paramedic is taught how to assess and make decisions on who can be helped and who is facing almost certain death even with heroic life saving attempts. It’s a situation that no one ever really wants to face and many often do. When “Dave” took his first EMT class he sat there incredulous when after an intense question and answer period he was told, rather bluntly, by his instructor that he “tried to save a dead man (in cardiac arrest) and allowed a teen-age boy to die of hypovolemic shock (talking and lying in a pool of blood)”; in the scenario Dave was on his own and requested help was at least 20-minutes away. Even this fake scenario left Dave with a feeling of guilt for having made the wrong decision. It was also a lesson he learned and relied on the times he did face similar situations in his career. Major disasters, many multivehicle car accidents, large fire scenes and even pandemics often produce a large number of victims. When there aren’t enough providers and resoources to treat everyone hard choices have to be made. Medical care given to people who will die anyway can be considered to be care withdrawn from others who might have survived had they been treated In this current pandemic many healthcare systems (hospitals) and completely overwhelmed… not enough beds, not enough hands, and not enough respirators. Triage decisions and mandates have been made and handed down to the prehospital setting. In addition, protocols and pre-hospital patient care guidelines have changed nationwide. Whereas CPR was always initiated on patients without a pulse, now the recommendation is not to begin especially if there is any possibility that patient has Covid so that the virus will not be aerosolized. In some locations, hospitals are discouraging any transport of a patient who has coded because there aren’t enough
beds. Meanwhile media and grieving family members point fingers in frustration and grief at the EMS responders who, in their minds, did “nothing” to save their loved ones. For the EMT or Paramedic who always second-guesses themselves and is possibly angry at the system that STRONGLY recommended their decisions, this condemnation of their actions creates more guilt and depression. Even though they SHOULD know better, most pre-hospital providers see themselves as cloaked heroes riding to the rescue… and knowing someone died on your call is a hard pill to swallow. EMS providers are, after all, just vulnerable human beings trying their best. Many resort to unhealthy stress relievers to combat the depression and
guilt they feel, and sadly some have even taken their own lives. If you, or one of your colleagues are experiencing depression, emotional issues or are contemplating suicide, there is help. Your agency probably provides assistance, speak up, there is no shame. If you would rather not speak to your superiors or you don’t feel comfortable with the support you receive, go to mhanational.org/frontline to be screened and find resources and support. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 1-800-273TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or text MHA to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7. Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your patients.
PAGE 9
February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
FIREFIGHTER PROFILES
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
GUY ZAMPATORI JR
Port Jervis, NY - United States Air Force Firefighter Camrin Northrop grew up with encouraging words from his family, community members, and hometown firefighters as they observed his caring determination and energy directed toward making a positive difference. As a career firefighter, he continues to also serve as a volunteer firefighter in his NY hometown fire department and as a volunteer fireman near his SC base, never forgetting his roots and support that guided him in his earlier years. Born April 24, 1994, Northrop graduated as part of Port Jervis High School Class of 2012, then Community College of the Air Force/Fire Science, and went on to enlist in the Air Force.
GUY ZAMPATORI JR
Three-Alarm Residential Fire with Collapse in Rochester
Rochester, NY - Three Rochester firefighters were pulled from debris after a wall collapsed during a three-alarm fire in a vacant home on Sunday morning, December 27, 2020. Crews were battling the fire from the driveway when a wall of the vacant home collapsed, showering them with burning debris. Other firefighters rushed to their aid and removed them from the debris. This was an exterior attack only fire. All firefighters are okay and expected to make a full recovery.
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Northrop had always expressed an interest in firefighting. When tragedy struck his community, a fatal fire in which he lost three friends, deeply affecting many people, he knew then that he would join Port Jervis Fire Department as soon as he was eligible. Northrop became a junior firefighter at 16, in 2010.
Now 26, Northrop is an activeduty military firefighter, E6/Technical Sergeant in the Air Force. He served overseas in an undisclosed location as a firefighter for six months with the USAF, and has served for the past seven years as a firefighter at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. He is currently Assistant Chief for Operations (B-Shift).
“I have a team of 25 amazing firefighters that come to work and get the job done daily!,” Northrop said of fellow firefighters he works with in a job he loves. The base provides mutual aid to a very active fire department right out of the gate. Besides his career position as a firefighter, Northrop is also a lieutenant for the Sumter County Volunteer Fire Department, assigned to Cherryvale Station #1. As a firefighter, Northrop has experienced a wide range of emergency responses in his career, both as a military firefighter and as a PJFD volunteer firefighter in his New York hometown and SCFD in South
Camrin Northrop in military uniform while visiting his hometown volunteer fire company, Tri-States Hose Co. 6, for Port Jervis FD's annual Inspection Day Parade, 2014. SHARON E. SIEGEL
Carolina. These have included warehouse, structure, and other fires, medical assistance requiring CPR, ROSC and more, and accident and other emergency calls. “Every call I go on has meaning to me. Any call I respond to I try to make someone’s worst day a bit better. It may be just to give someone a shoulder to cry on, or bring a belonging that we saved from a fire to the family,” Northrop said. “Helping the community is what it is all about.” Northrop hopes to one day accomplish as a firefighter becoming chief of a fire department. He has specific goals in mind as he leads, including passing along the same encouragement and guidance shown to him on his life’s paths.
“I would work to take my team to the top, grow and lead them with professionalism, respect, and knowledge, make sure they have all the tools needed to do the job safely, and provide an environment that everyone would want to be part of,” Northrop said.
Outside of his work day, Northrop provides medical and fire response for a local dirt track near his base. He is also the director of the non-profit group ‘Running 4 Heroes’. This foundation was the idea of a 10year old boy with a strong interest in running, and in helping emergency responders, much the same as Northrop’s child-
hood path. 'Running 4 Heroes’ honors fallen heroes and supports first responders injured in the line of duty, as well as providing grants to injured responders. “We provide a grant to an injured First Responder every month,” Northrop advised. “If you know of an injured First Responder to nominate, or for more information, or to support this group, visit https://running4heroes.org. Northrop’s advice to anyone with an interest in becoming a firefighter?
“Whether you join a paid or volunteer department, hit the ground running and always look for ways to better yourself. Take classes not only to become certified, but to learn to do more things. Attend professional development classes and conferences, and network with others. Bring ideas to the table to better yourself and others around you,” Northrop advised. And while you’re at it, be sure to enjoy serving others in your daily life. “Do things with a smile and show compassion to the ones in need. Negativity is everywhere, and I challenge anyone to take the negatives in life and make them a positive,” Northrop added with the perpetual smile he has always been known for. “It will lower the stresses in life and make everyone feel better!”
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
BOB MCCORMICK
MVA with Entrapment and Medevac in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - Cronomer Valley FD responded to a MVA with one subject trapped inside a vehicle on December 28, 2020 on Route 300, south of Jeanne Drive. Firefighters used hand tools and the Jaws of Life to free the trapped driver. Town of Newburgh EMS requested a Medevac to land in the rear of Gardnertown School. Cronomer Valley set up the landing zone after the driver was freed by firefighters. The injured subject was transported to the landing zone by Town of Newburgh EMS and transferred to Life Net who then went en route to Westchester Medical Center. The subject from the other vehicle involved was transported to Montefiore/St. Luke's Hospital. Town of Newburgh Police are investigating the cause.
FIREFIGHTER PROFILE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
BOB MCCORMICK
After nearly 31 years of service, City of Newburgh Fire Chief Bill Horton walked out of fire headquarters for the last time on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. Members of the department stood at attention and saluted as the bagpipes played. Bill Horton turned around and saluted the members back as he thanked them for coming out on the cold day to say goodbye. He hugged and shook hands with the FD members before completing his last order, which was to get back inside where it's warm.
PROVIDED
Occupant Escapes House Fire in City of Beacon Beacon, NY - The City of Beacon Fire Department was notified by the Dutchess County 911 Center of a fire at 21 Ralph Street at 3:10 A.M. on January 6th. The house was a JUMP TO FILE# two-and-a-half story 010721105 wood-frame structure. The City of Beacon Fire Department’s first Company was on the scene within two minutes of dispatch. BFD command Car 2 arrived on the scene and reported a working fire. The fire was extending from the first-floor front room onto the porch. A second-alarm was requested. One hose line was advanced onto the porch and then into the first floor. The City of Beacon fire crews made a quick aggressive attack to bring the fire under control. The fire damage was confined to the first floor and the front porch. There was smoke damage throughout the structure. The Village of Fishkill and Castle Point fire crews did a search and ventilation of the second floor. The Glenham FD and Rombout Fire FD relocated to Beacon Fire Station 2 to cover the City. Central Hudson Gas and Electric were at the scene. The Central Hudson services were discovered to be disconnected years ago. The occupant was supplying services to his house with generators and propane heaters. County Car 13 and 17, and the Dutchess County Fire Investigation team were on the scene to
PROVIDED
assist. The City of Beacon Police and Building Department assisted at the scene. Beacon firefighters cleared the scene at 8:25 A.M. The Red Cross provided lodging and support to the sole occupant of the house, who was on the first floor and escaped the home without
injury. The fire cause was found to be from a propane space heater in the first-floor living room.
- GARY VANVOORHIS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Four Alarms Needed for Yonkers Taxpayer Containing Four Stores Yonkers, NY - Approximately 85 Yonkers firefighters battled a blaze that consumed a taxpayer on January 12th. At 6:30 A.M., automatic alarms began to be received followed shortly by several JUMP TO FILE# phone calls report- 011221101 ing a fire at 671 Yonkers Ave., a one-story 100'x50' row of four stores containing a supermarket, cleaners, laundromat, and insurance store. Heavy fire was showing from the rear as the first due units arrived minutes later. A second-alarm was transmitted as the flames quickly spread and soon vented out the front of the laundromat. A third-alarm was sounded as the cockloft became well involved. A collapse of the rear wall of the supermarket occurred and all operations went defensive. The only exposure on the 'D' side was threatened by heavy fire, but firefighters inside and on the roof were able to halt any extension. Four elevated master streams, three Stangs in the front, and multiple handlines in the front and rear held the fire to the original building. A fourth-alarm for manpower was requested, bringing mutual aid into Yonkers for coverage. Flames continued to consume the contents and collapsed the roof over several hours before the blaze could be placed under control. Due to the rapid spread of the fire it is being considered suspicious, but no cause has been determined yet. One firefighter received a minor injury, but was not transported to the hospital. Sixteen civilians were reported to have been on site at the time of the fire and all have been accounted for.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
- BILL TOMPKINS
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Two-Alarm Fire at Vacant Henrietta Motel Henrietta, NY - Around 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 13, 2020, Henrietta firefighters and CHS EMS responded to the report of a structure fire at the former Vista Heights Inn on West Henrietta Road. Units arrived on location and found a working fire on the building's second floor and roof. Command requested a second-alarm to be struck, bringing in mutual aid from the City of Rochester, Chili, Brighton and Scottsville. Monroe County Sheriff's deputies took two people into custody that were believed to have been squatting in the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Monroe County Fire Bureau.
BOB MCCORMICK
Fatal Car Versus Pedestrian Accident in Newburgh Under Investigation Newburgh, NY - Town of Newburgh Police are investigating a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident that resulted in the death of the pedestrian. The accident occurred on December 16, 2020 at approximately 6:00 P.M. in the parking lot of Restaurant Depot located at 1281 Route 300. A 50-year-old City of Newburgh man was killed when he was walking on the sidewalk and a vehicle
JUMP TO FILE #121720100 driven by a 55-year-old City of Newburgh man struck him. Preliminary investigation shows the vehicle was attempting to park in a spot, when it struck a parking curb and went onto the sidewalk. Winona Lake FD, Town of Newburgh Volunteer Ambulance
and Mobile Life assisted at the scene to transport the victim to Montefiore/St. Luke's Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the vehicle was also transported to the hospital where he was being treated. Investigation is continuing. - TOWN OF NEWBURGH PD
STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
BOB MCCORMICK
Vehicle Rollover on Route 32 in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - Cronomer Valley and Plattekill Fire Departments responded to reported vehicle rollover on Route 32, December 20, 2020. One subject was transported to Montefiore/St. Luke's Hospital by Mobile Life ALS. Firefighters checked for hazards and fluids on the roadway before clearing the scene. Town of Newburgh Police are investigating the cause.
Fort Montgomery Fire Department still runs this 1981 Sutphen 1500/500/63' Quint.
FRANK ROBINSON
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
GARY HEARN
Firefighter Injured at Monroe House Fire Monroe, NY - Washingtonville Fire Department Rescue 581 responded to a house fire in Monroe on the morning of December 11, 2020, and stood by at the scene as the FAST. Prior to the arrival of the FAST, a Firefighter sustained minor injuries when there was a partial collapse of the front wall.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephentown Home Destroyed by Stubborn Fire Stephentown, NY - On December 30, 2020 at 7:32 P.M., the Stephentown Fire Department along with mutual aid from Tsatsawassa, Averill Park and Hoags Corners Fire, were dispatched to 45 Brainard Road for a reported structure fire. The caller's mother reported the house is on fire. A Hoags Corners firefighter arrived on scene and notified the Dispatcher that the front porch of the house was on fire. The dispatcher notified all responding units that they had a confirmed working fire and notified incoming units that they were taking calls for an explosion from the house. Hoags Corners fire chief arrived on scene and declared a Signal 30. Command confirmed that everyone was out of the house and requested a re-tone for additional manpower to the scene. The first arriving en-
JUMP TO FILE #011121111 gine on scene pulled into the driveway and deployed their manpower to the front of the building. Firefighters pulled multiple one-andthree-quarter inch hand lines, including a two-and-a-half inch line, and began to knock down the fire in the front of the house. As crews were knocking down the fire they ran out of water. Additional tankers began to arrive on scene and supply water. While out of water the fire quickly spread into the roof area. As firefighters were attempting to knock down the fire they learned they had multiple roofs with void spaces, causing major issues for fire suppression efforts on scene. A tanker relay was established, but the water was coming
from 10 minutes away. As temperatures went below freezing the ground where firefighters were standing began to freeze, creating slip hazards. Firefighters struggled to gain access to the fire areas due to the heavy fire conditions inside of the house. An excavator was used to gain access to the house to knock down the fire inside of the roof. Crews remained on scene for over four hours conducting heavy overhaul. It was later determined that the explosion was a propane tank inside of the residence going off. Fire investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the fire. The house was a total loss. No firefighters were injured on scene while battling the fire. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
BOB MCCORMICK
Vehicle Rollover with Entrapment in Cornwall Cornwall, NY - Cornwall FD responded to a vehicle rollover with entrapment on Route 9W in the area of Old West Point Road in the northbound lane on December 12, 2020. Due to live wires arcing, extrication of the driver was suspended and Central Hudson was called to respond. Town of Cornwall Police had the northbound lane shut down during the incident. Town of Cornwall EMS was at the scene. Firefighters awaited Central Hudson's arrival to begin extrication. JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Young Heroes ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
Young Heroes By Paul Hashagen Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire.police.ems.com Price: $17.95
This is a soft cover book measuring 6" X 9" with 178 pages. It has five stories of fires in New York City in the horse-drawn days. These were real fires. The author was a firefighter in New York City having retired after 25 years of service, most of it being assigned to Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan. He has written several fantastic books, including the History of Rescue 1. All of his books are extremely interesting including this one. The chapters are named for young
civilians who were not themselves firefighters, but played vital roles in the fighting of these fires. Read the book to see how. Much of the stories detail super heroic efforts by the firefighters, who in comparison to today, worked with very limited resources when it came to technology alone. Daring rescues utilizing wooden aerial ladders and scaling ladders make for unbelievable accounts of heroism at its best. Most of the aerial ladders were 75-feet and the rescues to be made were from higher levels. Firefighters worked long hours with little time off. They also had to transmit calls for help by tapping a code on the street fire pull boxes. There were no masks or thermal imaging cameras to enhance operations. There were two points I learned about during the review of the book. One was the purpose of spiral staircases in the stations, and the second was the origin of the sliding pole. The last fire was of the Equitable Building in 1912, which is probably the longest of the stories and latest in the group. There is also much information to be gained by the reader after going over the author’s notes and acknowledgements. It is another one of Paul’s fantastic books and one I recommend.
GUY ZAMPATORI JR
Working Fire Damages Home in Rochester
Rochester, NY - Residents of a Rochester home are safe after flames tore through their home Sunday night, December 13, 2020. Crews responded to the scene on Ernst Street just after 6:00 P.M. for a reported house fire. When firefighters got there, they saw flames coming out of both the first and second floors, and then through the roof. This was an exterior attack until they got the fire knocked down and were able to go inside. The fire was put out after about an hour, but it did cause significant damage to the home. There were no injuries.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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February, 2021
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JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
House fire on Lyell Avenue in Rochester.
Rochester Firefighters Battle Blaze Next Door to Firehouse Rochester, NY - On Wednesday, January 13th at approximately 3:00 P.M., firefighters from Rochester Fire Department's Engine 5 firehouse were alerted to a fire at 458 Lyell Avenue, next door to the station. Crews found smoke and flames coming from a large twoand-a-half story duplex. There were initially reports of people trapped, but everyone in the structure was later accounted for. A total of eight people were home at the time of the fire, two
JUMP TO FILE #011421107 of which were injured after jumping out of second floor windows. They were transported to the hospital for treatment of burns and lower extremity injuries. The blaze was brought under control in about 40 minutes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. - JEFFREY ARNOLD
Additional news from New York can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
February, 2021
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Multiple Departments Respond to Second-Alarm Structure Fire in Walden Walden, NY - The Walden Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 118 Plains Road during the early morning hours of December 26, 2020. Walden Command arrived on the scene, confirmed a working structure JUMP TO FILE# fire, and requested a 122620100 second-alarm to be dispatched. Mutual Aid from the City of Newburgh, Coldenham, Air National Guard, Orange Lake, Plattekill and Montgomery Fire Departments responded to the scene. Montgomery's ladder truck was set up on the side of the fully involved building while Tankers waited on Plains Road. Hand lines were used to knock down the fire a short time later. Montgomery Town Police and EMS also responded to the scene. - BOB MCCORMICK
BOB MCCORMICK
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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Driver Ticketed Following T-Bone Crash in Glenmont Glenmont, NY - A driver was ticketed after a T-bone crash closed a portion of River Road in Glenmont on Friday, December 11, 2020. The Selkirk Fire Department, Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Paramedics and Bethlehem Police were dispatched for a report of a T-bone crash at Wemple Road just before 6:30 P.M. Upon arrival, crews located one car in the middle of River Road leaking fluids, and the other car off in a field with airbag deployment. The vehicle ended up approximately 20-yards off the road, either due to impact or the driver leaving the car in gear after exiting the vehicle, according to Sgt. Michael Whiteley of the Bethlehem Police Department. He says the driver could not provide them with the exact information. One vehicle was headed southbound on River Road and the
JUMP TO FILE #122020114 other was northbound on River Road, turning left onto Wemple Road into the path of the oncoming vehicle in the southbound lane, according to a statement from Cmdr. James Rexford of the Bethlehem Police Department. Rexford said the driver making the turn onto Wemple into traffic, and later ending up in the field, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver was later charged with failing to yield right-of-way. Fire crews secured the batteries to the vehicles and absorbed the leaking fluids. River Road was blocked off in the area while crews were on scene cleaning up the crash.
- THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
A driver was ticketed after turning into oncoming traffic, causing a T-bone collision in Glenmont.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
An Italian-American classic with a healthy twist! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
THOMAS MARRA
One person was ticketed following a three-car crash in Elsmere.
One Ticketed in ThreeCar Crash in Elsmere Elsmere, NY - One person was ticketed following a three-car crash in Elsmere on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The Elsmere Fire Department, along with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and the Bethlehem Police Department were dispatched around 6:35 P.M. for the reported collision. "Investigation revealed that a 2014 GMC was traveling north on Elsmere Avenue when it crossed the double yellow line into the southbound lane," according to a statement from Sgt. Whiteley of the Bethlehem Police Department. He says the GMC side-swiped a 2007 Honda and then struck a 2015 Volkswagen head-on. Both vehicles that were struck were traveling south on Elsmere Avenue near the Elsmere Avenue entrance to CVS.
JUMP TO FILE #122020110 All occupants were evaluated on the scene by Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and one occupant was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the GMC was ticketed for failure to keep right. The exact cause of the crash is still unsure, according to Whiteley, but it appears there may have been a medical event that the driver refused medical transport for. Elsmere Avenue was closed from Delaware Avenue to Herber Avenue until the vehicles were towed and crews cleared the scene. - THOMAS MARRA
Walk into any red sauce joint or pizzeria and you are sure to find Chicken Parm on the menu. This classic Italian-American creation, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, has its roots back in Italy where it was first made with eggplant. When Italian immigrants came to America, they brought their recipes but adjusted them to use the now cheaper meats such as veal, pork, beef and chicken. There are many theories as to why it is called Parmigiana, when in fact it is almost always made with mozzarella, but this is not an article long enough to dive into Italian food history. What we do know is what
makes a dish Chicken Parm. Breaded chicken cutlets are pan fried in olive oil until golden brown, covered in tomato sauce and then finished with mozzarella which melts and bubbles until brown in some spots. This is what I grew up eating on many Thursday nights at my grandmother's house, right next to my bowl of ziti and meatballs, another ItalianAmerican invention. I love chicken parm so much, I would often order it the next day when we went out to eat at the local Italian restaurants. In its classic iteration, it is just chicken, sauce and cheese, but many chefs and home cooks have put their own spin on it by turning them into “grilled cheese” or stuffing peppers with them. But for me, the classic approach is the best….but, unfortunately it’s not always the best for your waistline. When I wanted to rethink and reimagine this dish to make it healthier, the first thing that came to mind was the traditional method
of frying the cutlets. In the healthier version, we bake them instead which still allows us to get a crispy exterior without the extra fat and calories. Pre-baking the breadcrumbs also helps us get some color on them before they coat the chicken. And speaking of breadcrumbs, using the Japanese Panko variety also gives us more texture than traditional fine breadcrumbs. And while the traditional method for breading chicken is flour, egg and breadcrumbs, I wanted to change that up as well. So instead of eggs, this recipe uses plain Greek yogurt, which acts as a binder but also lowers the calories slightly and adds some protein. This recipe certainly does not beat the traditional chicken parm you are used to ordering, but if you need a healthier recipe to put into the rotation, this one is definitely worth giving a shot. All the familiar flavors without most of the guilt. Stay safe, eat well!
BAKED CHICKEN CUTLET PARM Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts 1 C Flour 1 C Plain Greek Yogurt 2 C Plain Panko Breadcrumbs 1 Tsp. Dried Oregano 28 oz. Whole Peeled Tomatoes, crushed by hand 2 Garlic Cloves, diced ½ Onion, diced ½ lb. Low-Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella 1 Bunch Fresh Basil, chiffonade (sliced thin) EVOO Salt and Pepper, to taste Procedure:
-Preheat oven to 375°
BOB MCCORMICK
Car Flips on Fostertown Road in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - Cronomer Valley and Middlehope Fire Departments responded to a MVA with rollover at 90 Fostertown Road on Christmas Day. The driver was out of the vehicle when firefighters arrived and refused medical treatment. Town of Newburgh Police and EMS were at the scene. Firefighters checked for hazards on the vehicle before clearing the scene. Town of Newburgh Police are investigating the cause.
-Place breadcrumbs on a sheet pan, toast for a few minutes until light golden brown. Remove, place in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper and oregano. Set aside.
-Slice chicken breast in half, creating two thin cutlets. Repeat with remaining breasts and set aside. In a large bowl place flour, season with salt, pepper and oregano, set aside. In another large bowl, put in yogurt and a pinch of salt, set aside. -Place a wire rack in the sheet pan previously used for
breadcrumbs.
-Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess, followed by the yogurt. Wipe off excess yogurt and place in breadcrumb mixture. Firmly press breadcrumbs into cutlet and place on sheet pan with the wire rack. Place chicken in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
-While the chicken bakes, heat EVOO in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and saute until translucent. Add
AJ FUSCO
garlic and sauté until golden brown. Carefully add the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer and continue to cook while the chicken bakes. Stir frequently so it does not burn. Taste and adjust seasoning. -When the chicken is cooked, remove from sheet pan along with rack. Ladle some tomato sauce onto bottom of sheet pan, add the chicken and top with more sauce. Top each piece with cheese and place under broiler or back in oven until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil.
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RESIDENTS & DOGS RESCUED AS FIRE RIPS THROUGH SELDEN HOME
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Selden, NY – On January 2nd around 4:55 P.M., Suffolk Police 6th Precinct officers and Selden Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a house fire on Abinet Ct. Upon arrival, a Suffolk Police officer found a camper and home well involved. They advised their dispatch of the situation so that info could be relayed to fire rescue. - See full story on Page 29
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 1 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for t y p o graphical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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MEMORIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Selden, NY - The chiefs, officers and members of Selden Fire Department regret to announce the passing of 71-year member (that's right, 71-year member ), Honorary Chief of the Department, ex-commissioner and a well respected firefighter in his day, Fred Korte. Fred, at the ripe old age of almost 92, was still an active member of the department until recent health issues stopped him from responding.
Fred has a long history in the ranks of the fire dept., starting when he joined in 1949 and a year later becoming the department captain in 1950. In 1960 he became the captain of Seaman Engine Company 2, and in 1961 he was 2nd Assistant Chief. Also in 1961, the chief left his rank to help fill a vacant commissioners spot. In 1963 he returned to the chief's office as the 1st Assistant Chief, and in 1964 he again was asked to fill another vacant spot of commissioner. Fred never reached the status of Chief of the Department because he put the overall department ahead of his ambition to be chief. Old newspaper articles show
that Fred did what it took for his neighbors, whether it be driving the rigs or being in the back of the ambulance. Fred was also a family man, having three children and a beautiful wife, Marietta, who died just 4 days before Fred.
Rumor has it that as a young boy he would race to the firehouse from his home 4 blocks away to watch the fire trucks respond and that's where it all began. Fred was also a captain of the Senior Active Company 6 in 1993 at the age of 64. In 2017, Fred was given the well deserved title of Honorary Chief of the Department, an honor he never thought would happen. It is with great sadness and great pride we bid you farewell. Thank you from all of us who were able to serve with you. Rest in peace Fred.
(To the younger members of my department, learn from the people like Fred and remember always those who set the ground work for what you have now. Gone but never forgotten!)
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Blowing Bedroom Fire in Terryville
Terryville, NY - A fire broke out in a bedroom at 81 Nostrand Ave. in Terryville on January 5th at 10:25 A.M. Fire was blowing out of a front bedroom window and extending to a second room. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire after an aggressive interior attack using a one-and-three-quarter inch line through the front door. The Chiefs activated daytime mutual aid from Selden and Setauket, along with Port Jefferson for an additional engine. Firefighters were able to rescue multiple cats from the dwelling.
news from
CONNOR JACOBS
Fatal Crash Leaves 2 Dead and 1 Hurt in Yaphank
Long Island can be found SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
on our website at www.1rbn.com
Honorary Chief of the Department, Fred Korte.
Upton, NY - At approximately 7:30 P.M. on January 2nd, police and fire personnel in Ridge responded to a crash on the William Floyd Parkway, near Yaphank Woods Blvd., where they were met with one vehicle overturned and at least one person trapped. According to Suffolk Police, at least one person had serious injuries and was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where they were later pronounced dead, and another person was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. One other person was transported to the same hospital for minor injuries. Crime scene investigators were called and a long stretch of the William Floyd Parkway was closed in both directions between Longwood Rd. and the Long Island Expressway for most of the night. All three vehicles were impounded for safety checks.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
PAGE 29
LONG ISLAND
Anxiety Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
Many of us do not think about what it is like to be anxious, but others can be frozen by anxiety. Some people cannot look at paper from a particular person because it makes them anxious, or cannot go through a certain intersection or part of town. There are some people who cannot bare to throw certain things out because of the anxiety and emotional attachment that they have assigned to an inanimate object. We may think of people who look like hoarders and we want to tell them to just throw it out. What we need to do is to come alongside them and see what the anxiety may be attached to and why. Many times we can work on small steps and keep the person's anxiety in check. The truth is that many people may face anxiety in their own way. I have seen others, that when they are anxious, are basically frozen. They cannot move forward, they are just there. I have
seen this with people who may be afraid of heights, or some people that may be afraid of fire or blood. Some people may want to just say "suck it up, buttercup", but that is not the right solution. How would the people saying it feel, if it was they who became frozen? Many times, if we take the time to talk with the people, we can help them through their block. True, that some people may need longer time to overcome their anxiety and they may need some professional assistance. Did you ever get anxious about a test? Interview? Freeze on a high dive? What is it that may make you anxious? How about the holidays or birthdays, when you have to see those relatives? You may try backing out of it by saying that you have other plans, just to get out of it. The Bible says to be anxious for nothing and in Matthew chapter 6, it states 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. These are definitely wise words and directions but it is our humanity that once it gets into the mix, that we do worry or become anxious. Please have time and understanding for the person that you may work with in a disaster, whatever the person identifies as a disaster. Some people are accustomed to working with disasters all the time, but once it is effecting them personally that they truly understand and may become more compassionate to the client. We can learn so much just by listening to the people that we meet. As a good friend of mine said, "God gave us two ears and one mouth. Maybe we need to listen twice the amount of time that we speak, after all, I think He knows what He is doing." Stay safe and listen to people. It will surprise you once you listen to other people's stories. Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
WOMEN IN EMERGENCY SERVICES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Women in Emergency Services” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Residents & Dogs Rescued as Fire Rips Through Selden Home Selden, NY – On January 2nd around 4:55 P.M., Suffolk Police 6th Precinct officers and Selden Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a house fire on Abinet Ct. Upon arrival, a Suffolk Police officer found a camper and home well involved. They advised their dispatch of the situation so that info could be relayed to fire rescue. The first arriving chief from Selden advised of the working fire (signal 13-35). Mutual aid was requested to the scene from neighboring departments of Farmingville, Centereach, Coram, Setauket and Terryville. Multiple lines were placed into operation while Selden also set up their new tower ladder to supply a master stream. The operation went on for an extended period due to the size of the fire. Selden FD Rescue members transported a police officer to Stony Brook Hospital. According to a police media release, the officer entered the home to evacuate the residents who were trying to
JUMP TO FILE #010321104 get their dogs out. The officer was able to guide the residents out, however, the officer suffered smoke inhalation and a dog bite according to the release. The one dog was successfully removed by Selden's 1st Assistant Chief K. Kostrna and Farmingville Firefighter Rich Picirello according to police officials, and was taken to an emergency vet for treatment. The dog was doing okay according to officials and should make a full recovery. The second dog was able to get out of the burning home on its own and was not injured. Firefighters were at the scene for about two hours. Medford Fire stood by at Selden’s HQ for other alarms during that time. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Brookhaven Fire Marshal's office. - JOHN WALTHERS
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Where are they now?” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Two of Selden's many female EMS providers at a Coram standby.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020
FRANK ROBINSON
Donaldson Fire Co. in PA now operates a 2006 KME 1750/500/30F that once served the Port Washington FD in Nassau County, NY.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLAND WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Suffolk County Police, Brookhaven FD and South Country Ambulance operated at this vehicle crash in Medford on Sunday, January 3rd. One driver was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
FRANKIE VERDERAME
Hauppauge FD's 1st Assistant Chief at a technical rescue.
Driver Dies in Medford Crash Medford, NY – On January 3rd at approximately 12:30 P.M., the Brookhaven Fire Department and South Country Ambulance were activated for a report of a motor vehicle crash with entrapment at County Road 101 and Station Road. On arrival, Brookhaven Chief 30 advised that they had one person trapped in a white Chevy, and a rescue truck was needed. The patient was able to be re-
JUMP TO FILE #010421131 moved from the Chevy through a passenger side door. He was taken to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the dark colored Mercedes, who according to a media release from Suffolk Police ran the red light, was
taken to the same hospital as was his passenger for non-life-threatening injuries. Both occupants of the Mercedes were arrested on charges not related to the traffic infraction/crash. Suffolk Police Major Case detectives were investigating. - JOHN WALTHERS
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.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Centereach FD Rescue Company 4 Firefighter Justin Lee at a house fire in Selden, January 2nd.
CONNOR JACOBS
Brookhaven Fire Department 2nd Assistant Chief Anthony Verni operating on the scene of a MVA.
Gordon Heights Fire Department Rescue 8 on the scene of a basement fire.
CONNOR JACOBS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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LONG ISLAND
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020
Fire Destroys Home and Displaces Residents in Coram
Coram, NY - At 4:46 A.M. on December 29, 2020, Selden firefighters were alerted to a reported house fire at 14 Linden St., off Old Town Rd. Firefighters arrived to a fully engulfed home. Selden Fire Chief Jonathan Eck was in charge, confirmed that all occupants were out, and started a mutual aid response from multiple departments. Crews were able to get the blaze under control, but not before the home was a total loss. Firefighters made entry into the house, but had to be pulled out after a partial roof collapse which prompted them to switch to an exterior operation. It's unknown if any pets (possible cats) were able to get out. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters put water on hot spots.
CONNOR JACOBS
House Catches Fire and Suffers Damage in Shirley Shirley, NY - At approximately 10:15 A.M. on January 7th, the Brookhaven FD along with Shirley Community Ambulance Co. were toned out for a reported residential structure fire on Victory Ave. First arriving Brookhaven 1st Assistant Chief Anthony Verni was advised by Fire-Com that there was reported flames showing from the side of the house. On arrival, Chief Verni radioed back to Fire-Com advising that he had a working fire and to start his 24 plan, which was the Mastic, Mastic Beach, Manorville, Yaphank, Center Moriches, and East
JUMP TO FILE #010721106 Moriches Fire Departments. The first due engine that was on the road was East Moriches Engine 4 and when they got on scene they immediately pulled two hand lines and went to work. The second due engine was Brookhaven Engine 8 and they hit the hydrant and hooked up the supply line to the first due engine. Firefighters went to work putting water on the fire and rescued at least three dogs and some other animals from the home. The Cen-
ter Moriches FD responded as the RIT while the Mastic and Yaphank FD's were requested for an engine. Firefighters were able to put a good stop on the fire before it spread any further. The Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal was requested to the scene as well as the Suffolk County Arson Squad to determine the cause of the fire. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control about 15 minutes after arriving on scene and were back in quarters within two hours. There were no reported injuries. - CONNOR JACOBS
BUDDY SHOT SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shot” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Multiple Families Left Homeless After New Year's Day Fire in Ronkonkoma Ronkonkoma, NY - Just after 10:40 A.M. on January 1st, Lakeland FD was alerted to a fire at 500 Peconic St., at The Heatherwood Apartments. First arriving units had at least two apartments involved and mutual aid responses went out for additional engines and ladders to the scene. The fast-moving fire quickly broke through the roof and was spreading to additional apartments, prompting more mutual aid to be called to the scene. Firefighters stretched multiple handlines and were battling the blaze for over one hour before all visible fire was knocked down. Extensive overhaul was then conducted. A total of four (possibly five) apartments were completely gutted, leaving multiple families homeless on New Year's Day.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Centereach FD Co 1. Capt. O'Niel, Co. 4 LT. Elsesser, and Co. 4 FF's Lee & C. Ptak after a recent mutual aid call to a working fire in Selden.
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LONG ISLAND
FRANKIE VERDERAME
Central Islip Crews Rescue Man Trapped in Storm Drain
Central Islip, NY - At approximately 1:11 P.M. on January 2nd, the Central Islip FD was activated for a man who fell into a storm drain on Medea Way. Central Islip's chief arrived and confirmed that a male was about 10-ft. down the storm drain. The chief made contact with him and then requested Hauppauge’s rescue truck and the Technical Rescue Team to the scene. Firefighters worked alongside Hauppauge Vol. Ambulance members and Suffolk Police ESU Officers to remove the subject from the storm drain. The patient suffered a head injury, a possible spinal injury, and a possible leg injury. He was taken to a local trauma center for treatment. All units were on scene for more than an hour before turning it over to Suffolk Police.
ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our “All In The Family” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Farmingville Firefighter Dan Coffey and his sister, Captain Amanda, after battling a fire on a recent mutual aid call.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020
Fatal Van Versus Pedestrian in Stony Brook Stony Brook, NY - On December 29, 2020, Setauket firefighters responded to a reported van versus pedestrian accident on Nicholls Road, by the hospital entrance. SCPD and firefighters arrived to find a male lying in the roadway. EMS responders checked the male for signs of life, but it was quickly determined that he had already succumbed to his injuries. SCPD 6th Squad detectives and crime scene investigators closed the roadway for an investigation into the incident.
Bob Long
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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FDNY BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FDNY VIA @FD4D
EMT Evelyn Ford, 58, recently passed away from COVID-19.
FDNY Mourning Loss of Veteran EMT STEVE WHITE
Firefighters from Richmond Engine 1 practiced social protocol by greeting residents from atop their engine. They rode their rig through Richmondtown on December 19, 2020.
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Rescue 1 in NYC ran this 1985 Mack-MC that was built by Salisbury Fire Apparatus.
CHUCK LOWE
The New York City Fire Department is mourning the loss of Emergency Medical Technician Evelyn Ford, 58, from COVID-19. EMT Ford was a 27-year veteran of EMS. As a member assigned to Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), she served as citywide dispatcher, coordinating emergency medical response to large scale emergencies including major fires and mass casualty incidents. “On the day we begin to vaccinate our EMS members from this deadly virus, it has once again taken one of our own. EMT Evelyn Ford is the twelfth member of the Department to die due to COVID19,” said Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “For nearly three decades, EMT Ford was a member of the busiest and best Emergency Med-
JUMP TO FILE #122320109 ical Service in the world. She was a professional medical provider who responded to help those in need on countless calls, and she was a calm voice during major emergencies ensuring New Yorkers received the urgent care they needed. Our entire Department mourns her loss.” A resident of Long Island, EMT Ford was a highly respected member of EMD and a mentor to hundreds of her fellow EMTs. She also served as an EMT in Station 31 in Brooklyn during her career. She is survived by her four children. - DAVID BURNS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
February, 2021
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February, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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