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JULY, 2020
ARSON DEEMED CAUSE OF STRUCTURE FIRE IN BUFFALO
DANIEL GONSKA
Buffalo, NY - At 11:00 A.M. on May 28th, the Buffalo Fire Department (6th Battalion, 2nd Platoon) was dispatched to a reported house set on fire at 123 Ideal Street, in the Iron Island section of Buffalo. Additional information relayed to units responding indicated that the fire may have been set by a psych patient, possibly inside the home still.
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
THOMAS MARRA
Car Slams Into Delaware Plaza Entrance Sign in Delmar Elsmere, NY - A vehicle crashed into the entrance sign to Delaware Plaza in Delmar on Saturday, May 9th. The Elsmere Fire Department was dispatched to the Delaware Plaza, located at 180 Delaware Ave., at 2:45 P.M. for a car that had crashed into the entrance sign to the plaza. The driver of the car reportedly suffered a medical event which caused her to crash into the sign, according to Cmdr. Adam Hornick of the Bethlehem Police Department. Hornick says a witness stated that the car came from the drive-thru at the Key Bank located next to the sign. He says the driver had no recollection of the incident. "The crash caused significant damage to the vehicle and structural damage to the sign," Hornick said. The driver was transported by Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and Albany County Paramedics to Albany Medical Center Hospital with minor injuries.
Crews performing exterior operations after the roof became unstable.
DANIEL GONSKA
Arson Deemed Cause of Structure Fire in Iron Island Section of Buffalo Buffalo, NY - At 11:00 A.M. on May 28th, the Buffalo Fire Department (6th Battalion, 2nd Platoon) was dispatched to a reported house set on fire at 123 Ideal Street, in the Iron Island section of Buffalo. Additional information relayed to units responding indicated that the fire may have been set by a psych patient, possibly inside the home still. B-46 reported smoke
JUMP TO FILE #060720100 showing from Bailey Avenue. B-46 requested an extra pumper (E25) to deal with EMS. Engine 28 arrived first on scene reporting a cottage behind a house fully involved. Engine 28 stretched two lines to the structure. Com-
mand (B-56) reported heavy fire on the second floor and ordered the structure to be evacuated. Trucks 14 and 10 went to work opening up the roof. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson with the victim/suspect being transported to ECMC via AMR with burns. - DANIEL GONSKA
BOB MCCORMICK
MEDEVAC Launched for Motorcycle Accident in Cornwall Cornwall, NY - The Salisbury Mills FD was dispatched to a motorcycle accident off of Jackson Avenue on May 25th. Town of Cornwall Police and EMS were at the scene. EMS requested a MEDEVAC launched. Cornwall EMS, firefighters and police officers carried the injured subject to an awaiting Cornwall ambulance. A MEDEVAC from Hackensack landed in a field off of Route 94 and Jackson Avenue, which the subject was loaded into. The chopper then lifted off, enroute to Westchester Medical Center. Town of Cornwall Police are investigating the cause.
Crews extinguishing hotspots once the roof was opened.
DANIEL GONSKA
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 21 No. 7 - 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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JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Two-Alarm Fire Rips Through Two Buildings in Albany Albany, NY - On May 8th at 10:58 P.M., the city of Albany‘s fire dispatcher transmitted the alarm of fire for 7 Mohawk Avenue. The caller stated that the rear porch and the back of the house was on fire. Engines 1, 2 and 5, along with Rescue 2, Truck 2, Ladder 1, the Rescue Squad, Mohawk Ambulance, and Battalions 1 and 2 responded to the scene. Police officers from the city of Albany PD arrived on scene and noticed the back of the building was heavily involved and began to evacuate people from two nearby houses. Engine 2 arrived on scene and had a two-story balloon frame house with heavy fire showing in the rear of the building and fire beginning to extend into the neighboring structure. Engine 2 transmitted the Signal 30 for a working fire. Firefighters pulled around the opposite side of the street and connected to the nearby fire hydrant in the rear of the gentleman's club. Crews in the front of the structure pulled a hand line into the building as firefighters in the rear of the structure knocked down the fence and stretched a two-and-a-half inch hand line and began to knock down the heavily involved rear portion of the house. Firefighters that made entry into the structure conducted a quick primary search of the home and made sure that everyone was out safely. As firefighters extended the hose line up to the second floor they were met with heavy smoke and heat that was pushing down on them. As they pushed their way into the second floor, they learned that the fire that started in the rear of the building had spread to the rest of the house. Firefighters had a heavy smoke condition pushing from the roof of the main fire building, as well as 5 Mohawk Avenue. As crews worked below to at-
JUMP TO FILE #052920106 tempt to knock down the fire that was rapidly spreading throughout the two structures, Truck 2's firefighters went to the roof and began to vent the main fire building. Several different roof peaks and numerous extra layers of shingles made it difficult to vent the roof. When firefighters from Truck 2 popped the roof hatch, a large amount of black and brown thick smoke and heat pushed out of the vent hole, indicating heavy fire below them in the cockloft. Firefighters in the rear of the structure gained entry into the basement and knocked down the fire, but had heavy fire traveling throughout the first floor. As crews were working in the main fire building the secondary building began to chug heavy brown and black smoke from the eaves and vents on the roof of the building. Command requested all firefighters in that structure to evacuate the building and regroup out in front. As firefighters regrouped in front of the building and changed out their air bottles the heavy black and brown smoke quickly turned to fire pushing from the roof of the building and out into the second floor of the house. Firefighters immediately went into defensive operations with multiple two-and-a-half inch hand lines and master streams and began to get a handle on the fire. After about one hour firefighters re-entered the two fire buildings and began to conduct extensive overhaul. Fire Investigators arrived on scene and began to conduct their investigation into the cause of the fire. No firefighters were injured on scene. The fire is currently under investigation. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JC
Tupper Lake Makes Quick Work of Early Morning Blaze Tupper Lake, NY - Tupper Lake pagers woke up the volunteers of this small village at 2:47 A.M. on May 8th. Franklin County 911 had received numerous calls for a working fire on Lake Simond Road. Arriving units found the rear of a garage on fire and threatening a home close by. ETA 165 and Engine 163 deployed attack lines. While members began their initial attack, a 100-lb. propane tank vented, sending a super heated flame into some nearby trees, igniting them. The fire was knocked down and placed under control by Command. Franklin County Cause and Origin were requested to the scene. Piercefield VFD stood by the Tupper Lake Station and Tupper Lake EMS was on scene. The investigation is on-going. All units were back in service at 5:42 A.M.
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July, 2020
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1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Indiana: John Schoffstall, 41 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 26, 2020 Death Date: April 12, 2020 Fire Department: Terre Haute Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Firefighter John Schoffstall contracted COVID-19 from working with another firefighter who had subsequently tested positive for the virus.
Kentucky: John "Andy" Andrew Kuchar III, 43 Rank: Sergeant Incident Date: March 2, 2020 Death Date: April 16, 2020 Fire Department:Burlington Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Sergeant Andy Kuchar was injured on-duty while performing station duties on 03/02/2020. Since that time, he was off work as a result of the injury. Sergeant Kuchar recently underwent surgery for the injury and passed away at his residence on 04/16/2020. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined. Illinois: Mario Araujo, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 1, 2020 Death Date: April 7, 2020 Fire Department: Chicago Fire Department Initial Summary: While on official duty, Firefighter Mario Araujo contracted COVID-19 from exposure from a patient with a known case of COVID-19.
New Jersey: Israel Tolentino, Jr., 33 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: March 14, 2020 Death Date: March 31, 2020 Fire Department: Passaic Fire Department Initial Summary: On March 14, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Israel Tolentino, Jr., responded with his fire department to an ongoing gas rupture at a residence. All members, including Firefighter/EMT Tolentino, entered the surrounding structures, including multi-family dwellings and apartments, to check for gas seepage and levels. Three of the residences he entered had individuals with known cases of COVID-19. Firefighter/EMT Tolentino
subsequently became ill, was diagnosed with COVID19, and passed away on March 31, 2020.
Texas: Eduardo Ramirez, 43 Rank: Fire Suppression Technician Incident Date: April 21, 2020 Death Date: April 21, 2020 Fire Department: El Paso Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday evening, April 21, 2020, while performing department mandated physical fitness training, Fire Suppression Technician Eduardo Ramirez collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away. The cause of his death is under investigation. Maine: Harold "Eddie" Moore, Jr., 42 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: April 28, 2020 Death Date: April 28, 2020 Fire Department: Jackson Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday afternoon, April 28, 2020, Lieutenant Harold “Eddie” Moore, Jr., responded to a fire at a residence. Later in the evening, after arriving home, Lieutenant Moore suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away.
Illinois: Robert David Reisinger, 57 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: March 24, 2020 Death Date: April 29, 2020 Fire Department: River Grove Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Robert David Reisinger responded to a medical emergency on March 24, 2020. The patient had a known case of COVID-19. Firefighter/Paramedic Reisinger subsequently contracted the virus. He was quarantined at home and was scheduled to return to work on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Monday evening, April 27, 2020, he suffered a stroke and was immediately taken to the hospital. Upon arrival, hospital staff performed a COVID-19 test which came back positive. Firefighter/Paramedic Reisinger passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from the stroke that was attributed to COVID-19.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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Resident Burned and West Vanvecten St. Home Destroyed by Fire in Albany Albany, NY - On May 16th at 10:56 A.M., city of Albany’s fire and police dispatchers received multiple calls for a structure fire at 52 West VanVecten Street, with the attic of the building reportedly on fire. As Engine 9 and Truck 4 were responding to the scene, crews noticed a heavy column of JUMP TO FILE# smoke showing from 052920103 a few blocks away. Engine 9 arrived on scene and immediately declared the Signal 30 for a working structure fire, as they had heavy fire blowing out of the back of the structure and heavy smoke pushing from the second and third floors. Firefighters made entry into the front door of the structure and pulled a hand line to the second floor. Additional firefighters pulled a twoand-a-half inch hand line to the rear of the structure with a blitz fire. Firefighters pulled two-andthree-quarter inch hand lines up the rear stairs where they encountered heavy fire pushing down from the second floor and down the stairwell. As firefighters moved up the stairs they used a hand line to knock down the heavy fire. Crews on the outside of the structure began to use a blitz fire to hit the heavy fire in the attic area. As heavy smoke started to take over the second floor of the structure and the roof started to become unstable, Command asked the crews to start to back out, as the conditions were rapidly changing. As firefighters were attempting to drive back the heavy fire inside of the structure, flames from the attic pushed down onto firefighters on the second floor. Command then ordered everyone out of the building. As firefighters in the rear of the structure were backing out of the building a large portion of the roof came in on the second floor. Firefighters came down the back stairwell and exited the building safely. Firefighters repositioned outside of the structure and began a full defensive operation. Trucks 2 and 4 set up their master streams along with multiple firefighters in the rear of the structure utilizing a blitz fire and a hand line. As the truck companies began to knock down the heavy fire in the roof area, firefighters on the outside of the structure began to knock down visible fire on the backside of the structure, in the rear porch and in the eaves area. Crews continued exterior operations for about 20 minutes before switching back to interior operations. After all remaining hotspots were knocked down, firefighters conducted heavy overhaul on scene for over an hour. One person from the residence was taken to Albany Medical Center with burns. No firefighters were injured on scene and the fire is currently under investigation. .- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
The EMS Super– Human Response EMS ISSUE
CHELLE CORDERO
COVID-19 has kept our EMS system on its toes for months. Our EMTs and Paramedics (and hospital healthcare) have maintained excessively long hours, treated an almost non-stop line of patients, and many have seen more death than ever before (with the possible exception of military medics in combat zones). Our EMS responders have been superheroes determined to defeat the “Kryptonite” known as the Coronavirus. And sadly, some of the brave responders have fallen victim to this scourge. Being faced with so many POTENTIAL Coronavirus patients has forever changed EMS response — for one thing, it has instilled the terribly poignant knowledge that even our superheroes are vulnerable. The fear of COVID-19 has also complicated the typical call for help. Ambulance crews and hospital ERs are seeing more patients in advance stages when it comes to ailments from strokes, heart attacks, appendicitis and other medical emergencies. More and more patients, even nonCOVID, have tried to wait out other symptoms, treat themselves at home, and otherwise deny the need to go to the hospital. No one wanted to be in the hospital which is seen as breeding grounds for a virus which we are only just learning about… its traits, symptoms, which organs it affects, and so much more. And with the higher incidence of stroke in younger adults caused by blood thickening due to the Coronavirus, Paramedics and EMTs have had to treat not just one chief complaint, but two or even more. Overall medical personnel have noticed far less patients presenting with inflamed appendixes, infected gall bladders and bowel obstructions, and
more ominously, chest pains and stroke symptoms in both the ambulances and emergency rooms. Patients experiencing medical emergencies who tried to “wait it out” never realized the seriousness of the situation and when they finally did call 911 (or were driven to the hospital) they often had severe complications from the delay. The NYS Viral Pandemic Triage Protocol (20-06 Pandemic Triage) begins with directions to conduct an initial screening of the patient from no less than six feet away to ascertain if the patient has signs or symptoms of an Influenza-type illness. Based on findings, if the answer is no, providers are to use standard PPE and treat according to ALS/BLS guidelines. If the patient does exhibit any s/s of flu-like illness, providers need to don N-95 or surgical masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection before conducting a close patient assessment of vital signs, patient history and underlying medical conditions. Depending on the findings, the provider needs to make a decision if the patient meets the criteria for transport to the hospital or for treatment-in-place. If the patient argues about not being transported to the hospital then the provider needs to contact medical control for direction. It’s certainly a big change from simply transporting on (almost) every call and a huge responsibility for our providers to make these decisions. Especially with the country opening up and relaxing its aggressive mitigation practices, the knowledge that each patient can be POTENTIALLY carrying a deadly virus is nearly paralyzing; our EMS personnel will still answer those 911 calls hoping that patient families will not be saying goodbye at the door and hoping that the patients didn’t try to ignore their symptoms out of fear. And heaven forbid our country experience a “second wave”, our responders are tired, so many supplies have been depleted, and so many potential patients, with or without the virus, are still scared of going to the hospital.
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THOMAS MARRA
Vehicle Fire in Slingerlands Contained to Garage, Antique Car Destroyed Slingerlands, NY - Fire crews contained a vehicle fire within a garage and prevented it from spreading to the rest of the structure on Mother's Day afternoon, May 10th. Crews were dispatched to 22 Devonshire Drive in Slingerlands for reports of a car inside a garage that was on fire shortly after 3:00 P.M. The Slingerlands, Delmar and Elsmere Fire Departments responded along with the FAST Team, Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and Albany County Paramedics.
JUMP TO FILE #052320110 According to Chief Craig Sleurs of the Slingerlands Fire Department, arriving chiefs came across heavy smoke coming from a garage. A ladder truck from the Delmar Fire Department pulled up the driveway and was able to quickly extinguish the fire. Sleurs says there was some slight smoke damage in the other garages and into the house, but fire damage was contained to the one
garage. The car that was on fire was an antique 1928 LaSalle, Sleurs said. He says nobody was home at the time, but there was family that was there checking on the house and on the cars when the fire started. There were no injuries reported on the scene. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Bethlehem Police Department, and Sleurs says the fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time. - THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
An antique car was destroyed by a fire, but crews were able to contain the fire to the garage.
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Popular Restaurant for Firefighters Burns in Riga Riga, NY - On Wednesday, June 4th at about 11:35 P.M., a Monroe County Sheriff's Officer was on routine patrol when she noticed smoke emitting from a closed restaurant. She notified 911 as JUMP TO FILE# she completed a 060520100 360 drive-around and found smoke from the back door. The restaurant, Stone's Countryside Inn, sits on the outskirts of the village of Churchville. It has been family owned since 1978 and is a regular stop for almost every firefighter on scene. Companies from Churchville, Chili, Gates, Bergen and Spencerport reported to the scene to bring the fire under control in a short amount of time. The exterior of the building did not show much damage, but the interior is a total loss. It took some time to locate the seat of the fire, which was followed by extensive overhaul. One-of-a-kind photographs, drawings, and other memorabilia were salvaged for the owners. This fire was much more difficult than the average one when it comes to small town USA. The building is a one-story with a couple of small additions located on a state road. It is nearly impossible to go there on any evening and not know someone. The food is good and the service is perfect. Local photos adorned the walls and there was small, quaint seating available. It may have been cramped a little during busy times, but I believe everyone enjoyed it that way. When they rebuild, the 42 years of ambience and character will no longer greet you. I suspect it will be updated to be more modern. But what I learned was it's not the building itself that made this hometown eatery the place it was, but the people who were regulars, and the people who have moved away and came back for a visit, as well as the new folks in town that found its charm. Those firefighters that have experienced fires like this know first hand how somber it is at the scene. Those that have not, there is nothing that can prepare you for it. The fire was a total burn. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Monroe County Fire Bureau were on site conducting an origin and cause investigation. Monroe Ambulance treated and released three firefighters for minor injuries. Emergency Enclo-
sures was on hand to secure the building during this time of tension across the country. Companies were on scene for about three hours in total. There has been an outpouring of support for the Stone family from the surrounding community. This area of New York State has been in Phase II of re-opening from the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, June 11th, the restaurant was to begin adding outdoor seating in addition to the takeout and delivery services they had been offering. - JOHN SPAULDING
JOHN SPAULDING/@JOHNSPAULDING
The 'A' side of the structure with light smoke showing after the seat of the fire was found.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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.
Keep the kitchen cool!! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
It’s July and the last thing we want to do is turn on the oven, so let’s fire up those grills! When we are in the dead of summer, I try to use my grill as much as possible, whether at home or the firehouse. Most recipes that are ideal for cooking on the grill are fast cooking, making them perfect for those days that are just too hot to do anything. But instead of throwing a steak on and calling it a day, I try to keep it interesting and play with flavors, textures and techniques. Kabobs are ubiquitous with grilling but often fall short in the creativity department,
you know the ones I am talking about…protein, pepper, onion, repeat. But that is just way too boring for me, after all most kabobs sold pre-packed in the supermarket come exactly that way. Kabobs are the perfect vehicle for trying out new marinades and ingredients, so think outside the box! Kabobs require two things, the first being ingredient selection. Make sure to use proteins that cook fast like chicken, lean cuts of beef, lamb and even seafood. Chicken breast is great but I prefer boneless skinless thighs as they offer more flavor and are more forgiving when it comes to overcooking. They also take on marinades well. Beef can be tricky so I tend to use sirloin steak rather than something expensive like filet mignon. Pork tenderloin is fantastic because it cooks fast and the same goes for seafood, particularly shrimp. You must also think about
the other ingredients you will be using. Things like peppers, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant all work well because they do not need extensive cooking times. With the recipe here I use corn, something not often used on kabobs, but the key here is to “par-cook” it on the grill before skewering to make sure it cooks through. Besides ingredient selection, you also need to consider how you will cut your ingredients before putting them on the skewer, this ensures ingredients will cook through. Think about how fast each ingredient cooks and cut them accordingly. Leave quicker cooking ingredients bigger and slower cooking ingredients a little smaller. Kabobs are great for feeding crowds and this recipe for Mexican Shrimp and Corn Kabobs will certainly be a hit at your next BBQ! Stay safe, eat well!
MEXICAN SHRIMP AND CORN KABOBS Serves 4-6
Ingredients: A sign of the times...Washingtonville Fire Department personnel investigating a Carbon Monoxide alarm activation in a senior citizens complex wearing N-95 masks. No carbon monoxide was found. The cause of the incident was a defective CO alarm. GARY HEARN
For Kabobs: 1 lb. Shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 Ears of Fresh Corn 2 Limes, 1 sliced thin / 1 cut into wedges Handful of Fresh Cilantro, rough chopped EVOO Kosher Salt Fresh Cracked Pepper Chili Powder Skewers, if using wood soak for at least 30 minutes Procedure:
-Preheat grill to high.
-Grill the corn with husk on for about 10 minutes, turning frequently. Remove and let cool. When cool to the touch, peel husk and cut into 2” pieces.
VINNIE DOMINICK
Floor Cleaner Catches Fire at Warehouse in Newburgh
Newburgh, NY - Winona Lake Engine Co. and Orange Lake Engine Co. responded to C&A Warehouse on May 27th for a reported zamboni fire, which turned out to be a floor cleaner on fire. On arrival firefighters moved the cleaner outside by forklift and wet it down.
-To make the kabobs, alternate shrimp, lime slices and corn. Brush kabobs with olive oil, season with salt, pepper and chile powder. Oil the grill grates and grill the skewers for a few minutes per side, or until the shrimp just starts to turn pink. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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
The Tupper Lake NY Rescue Squad mourns the passing of AEMT Critical Care Technician (AEMT-CC) and Firefighter Jonathan 'Thunder' Damon on Thursday evening April 23, 2020. EMT Damon took his final call on Wednesday evening, April 22, at 11:25pm.
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Occupant Accidentally Starts Fire in Rochester Home
Rochester, NY - On Saturday, June 6th, the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched at 11:28 A.M. for the report of a house fire at 363 Roxborough Road. Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames showing from the second story and attic of a two-and-a-half story house. The occupant admitted using a lighter to look for something, which accidentally ignited some sheets. She then attempted to put the fire out herself before calling for help, allowing it to quickly spread. The blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes. There were no injuries reported.
Jon woke up Thursday morning (4/23/2020) with pain in his back and notified Malone dispatch that he needed help. Thunder was the duty tech on to cover the Village and Town of Tupper Lake at the time. Tupper Lake squad members transported Mr. Damon to AMC where he was then flown by North Country Life Flight to UVMC in Vermont Trauma Center where he underwent surgery for an Aorta Dissection. Jon unfortunately did not survive and died that evening. Jon was hired in November of 2014 and became a huge part of the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad's family. He was always there to lend a hand in teaching the members and encouraging some members into taking the course to become an EMT. He always had a smile and his joking ways kept things upbeat. He quickly became friends with all the members and his coworkers.
In the six years of his service, he touched the lives of so many people. Thunder was a true hero. Not only because of the countless lives he saved, but for the knowledge he passed on to aspiring EMTs. Josh Clement, one Tupper Lake EMT, posted on his Facebook page, “I've now walked beside a handful of people that are heroes and have shaped the Firefighter/EMT I am today. Jon Damon was on of them. Jon was one of the most kind hearted, most real person you would ever meet. Over the last three years I've ran probably up to 60 calls with Jon. He is the reason I become an EMT”. Damon was a member of multiple agencies besides Tupper Lake. He was a firefighter/AEMT for Brushton Volunteer Fire Department, AEMT-CC at Malone EMS, and
PROVIDED
Tupper Lake Rescue Squad AEMT/FF Jonathan 'Thunder' Damon.
AEMT-CC at Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, Moria Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Chateaugay Fire Department.
Burke Fire Department posted on their Facebook page: “Franklin County has lost an outstanding EMT way too soon. Heaven gained another angel last night. Thunder, as most people know him by, was a great asset to have on the back of any ambulance. Thunder really enjoyed working in the EMS field doing what he does best. Thunder would do anything for anyone, even if he didn't know them. Rest in peace brother, you will be greatly missed and we'll do our best to take over from here". Chateaugay Fire Company posted: “This is such a huge loss to the fire and EMS communities of Franklin County. Jonathan 'Thunder' Damon it
was such a pleasure to serve with you in the short time you were a member of the Chateaugay Fire Company. You were such a positive person. I’m glad I had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest In Peace brother. We’ll take it from here”. A procession of EMS, fire apparatus, police and countless personal vehicles was held on Saturday, April 25th to escort EMT/Firefighter Damon home.
Jon was born August 20, 1981. He was 38. He leaves behind his fiancé, Lindsey Legacy, his parents, a sister, Stephanie Fish, and a brother, Dave Damon. Tupper Lake Rescue Squad asks that you keep Damon, his family, friends and all his EMS/Firefighter brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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CLAIMS SERVICE... 1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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GARY HEARN
Washingtonville First Responders Honor Military
Washingtonville, NY - Due to the Coronavirus, this year's Memorial Day Parade and events in Washingtonville had to be canceled. However, the Washingtonville FD, Washingtonville PD and Blooming Grove Vol. Ambulance Corps still wanted to honor those that made the supreme sacrifice for our country. A display was set up and remained posted until sunset on May 25th to honor those brave men and women of the United States Military.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Large Storage Barn Destroyed by Fire in Lebanon Valley Lebanon Valley, NY - On May 23rd at 6:46 P.M., the Lebanon Valley Fire Department along with mutual aid from several fire departments from Columbia County, Rensselaer County, and the state of Massachusetts responded to 50 Cherry Lane for a reported barn fire, with another barn on the property starting to catch fire. As the first arriving chief was coming into the area, a large column of smoke was showing from about a half mile out from the scene. The first arriving chief had a large storage barn that was heavily involved and requested the tanker task force assignment to be transmitted, as they had a large driveway and a water source near the fire
JUMP TO FILE #052920102 scene not easily accessible. Firefighters from Lebanon Valley, Canaan, Red Rock, East Chatham, Tsatsawassa, and the Richmond Fire Department all responded to the scene. The first arriving engine on scene deployed their LDH from the main road to the fire scene, laying about 2500feet of four-inch supply line. Firefighters on the main roadway quickly established a water supply at a nearby pond less than 500-feet away from Cherry Lane. Crews deployed multiple hand lines on scene and began to knock
down the remaining heavy fire conditions after the barn had already collapsed. Due to heavy wind conditions, some hot embers landed in another barn that had collapsed which created a minor fire. Firefighters used a handline on the remaining hot spots and were able to bring the fire under control quickly. Crews switched over to using class A foam and began to hit any remaining hot spots. After about one hour and 20 minutes on scene firefighters stopped conducting overhaul and began to pick up and return to service. No firefighters were injured on scene and the fire has been ruled an accident. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RUSH FIRE DEPARTMENT
MVA with Overturn and Entrapment in Rush
Honeoye Falls, NY - At 7:57 P.M. on May 19th, Rush Fire, Rescue & Ambulance along with HF Mendon ALS ambulance were dispatched to the Honeoye Falls Number 6 Rd. and Works Rd. for an MVA involving a vehicle smoking with people trapped. Rush Asst. Chief 5C28 Sean Brown was on location at 8:02 P.M. confirming a person trapped with no fire. Rescue 588 and Ambulance 589 crews extricated the patient from the vehicle on its side at 8:13 P.M. Pumper 583's crew stood by with a charged line. Pumper 584 blocked the road using its flood lights and Rescue 588 used their light tower to light up the scene. Pumper 582's crew stood by. A total of 22 Rush firefighters, EMTs and officers responded. There were three patients with non-life-threatening injuries; two were transported by Rush and Honeoye Falls-Mendon ALS, and one refused transport. Monroe Co. sheriffs are investigating.
CHUCK LOWE
The 2003 Ford Expedition that was operated as New City Patrol 9 was recently sold to Princeton, Massachusetts. It has been placed into service by that town as Car 25. This is the second former NCFD vehicle to be acquired by this agency.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
GUY ZAMPATORI JR
GUY ZAMPATORI JR
Vacant House Fire in Rochester
Rochester, NY - Firefighters responded to Hollenbeck Street on May 14th for a reported house on fire. Once at the scene, crews encountered heavy flames showing from a vacant house. The house's roof collapsed, making the fire harder to put out. This was an exterior attack only. No injuries reported, and the fire was under control within an hour.
ACTION SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
GARY HEARN
Washingtonville FD Brush 578 & Tanker 577 responded to Maybrook for a shed/brush fire on May 19th.
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New York Rescues (3) VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
New York Rescues (3) 5 DVD Set By Advanced Print & Video Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street Hudson, MA -01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire.police.ems.com Price: $69.95
This is the third disk of the set of five and features Rescue 3, which covers the Bronx and three battalions in Manhattan. Like the other two previously reviewed, it is 60 minutes in length and starts off with the same introduction sung by Fontana Bass. A second brief presentation follows, featuring fires of the past. At this point the viewer may think that he or she has the wrong disk, but low and behold it eventually gets to Rescue 3 footage. Unlike the first two disks where a member of the company introduces himself and orients the viewer about the responsibilities of the rescue unit, this disk does not have a formal introduction.
You will see fires and collapses that the company responded to during 1998 and 1999, and see a training session on the search cam which is a long instrument used to be inserted within a collapse area to search for life and other conditions. Also is a tour of the inventory of the collapse unit, which is the second section of Rescue 3 which is a tractor-drawn vehicle. One of the collapses is in lower Manhattan involving a parking garage in which some 50 cars were destroyed. Heavy equipment was brought in to retrieve the cars and each had to be searched for possible casualties or fatalities. A second collapse of the building under repairs is featured. There is an explanation about the symbols on vacant buildings for instance and what each signifies to the Fire Department regarding entry or non-entry. The fire scenes include a multi-storied brick dwelling which appears to be vacant and has heavy fire through the roof but nothing showing on the lower floors. Other fires include a commercial business which actually burned twice within two months, an auto repair shop and other major fires. Radio transmissions can be heard and there is a brief announcement of when the incident was, where it was and what is involved. The next disk will feature Rescue Company 4.
EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Watercraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Seventh Ave. House Fire Lights Up the Night Sky in Watervliet Watervliet, NY - On May 13th at 10:38 P.M., the city of Watervliet‘s Fire Department along with mutual aid from the city of Cohoes, Green Island, the Watervliet Arsenal, and the city of Troy Fire Department were dispatched for a reported heavily involved structure fire at 401 7th Avenue. The dispatcher notified responding units that he was taking multiple calls on the fire. The first arriving police unit on scene had heavy fire pushing from the front porch area of the building and in the rear of the home. As the first arriving engine was coming down the street, they had heavy fire visible in the night sky. The engine company stopped at the end of the
JUMP TO FILE #052920104 street and laid in from the nearest hydrant to establish a water supply. The commanding officer on scene declared the Signal 30 and requested the second-alarm. Firefighters immediately deployed multiple hand lines into the building and began to knock down the fire. As firefighters forced entry into the home they discovered that the fire from the porch had spread into the roof area above them. As crews began to pull the ceilings inside of the house, firefighters on the outside of the building put a ladder to the roof to conduct ventilation.
As a firefighter walked across the roof, his roof hook immediately pierced through the roof and a portion of it in front of him gave way. Command had the firefighter immediately get off the roof for safety reasons. As additional firefighters arrived on scene, crews began to knock down all remaining visible fire. Crews conducted extensive overhaul on scene for one hour. No firefighters were injured while battling the fire and no one was home at the time of the incident. The fire is currently under investigation by the Watervliet Police Department. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BOB MCCORMICK
Newburgh, NY - On May 7th, Newburgh FD received a call from the US Coast Guard reporting a 22-foot boat in distress between the Newburgh Beacon Bridge and Plum Point. Newburgh FD located the vessel, which was stuck after its motor stopped. Newburgh FD Marine One pulled it up river to the Newburgh landing.
Tupper Lake Engine 163 at a working structure fire.
JC
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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Structure Fire Totals Two-Family Home in Niagara Falls Niagara Falls, NY - At around 5:30 P.M. on May 18th, Niagara Falls Fire crews resonded to a structure fire at 1541/1545 Pierce Ave. Niagara Falls Fire Chief Joe JUMP TO FILE# Pedulla said that 051820132 upon arrival crews found heavy smoke throughout the first and second floors, and located heavy fire on the first floor in the rear. The first initial crew made entry into the structure and at that time the fire had started to spread up the stairwell into the second floor and eventually through the roof. Due to the conditions, all firefighters evacuated the building and began defensive operations. Chief Pedulla says the dwelling is occupied, but that the resident was not home at the time of the fire. There were no injuries, and the cause is under investigation. .- LARRY KENSINGER
LARRY KENSINGER/NC NEWS SERVICE
Storm King Engine Company #2 We would like to thank the Cornwall Central School District, Village of Cornwall Police, DPW Water and all of the 100 businesses that sponsored our event. Also the residents of Cornwall as well as all over the County of Orange for the great support.
BOB MCCORMICK
Multiple Departments Respond to Hotel Fire in Newburgh
Newburgh, NY - On June 9th, Winona Lake FD was dispatched to the Ramada Inn on Route 300 in Newburgh for a reported room on fire. Requested to the scene were Orange Lake FD with a full response, Cronomer Valley FD-Engine, Newburgh FD-FAST TEAM, Vails Gate FD-Ladder, Good Will FD-Engine, Coldenham FD-Ladder, Engine to stand by in quarters and Middle Hope FD-Engine was on stand by in quarters. On arrival crews found a mattress on fire in a room. The fire was quickly knocked down with hand lines. Firefighters overhauled the room and set up exhaust fans for ventilation. Town of Newburgh EMS, Mobile Life ALS, Town of Newburgh Police and Deputy Orange County Coordinator 3613 were all at the scene. The fire under investigation.
This years fair is canceled.
Next Years Fair Dates Will Be:
July 21 - 24, 2021 Please Stay Safe! 233 Hudson Street Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 845-534-2841
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July, 2020
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Fast Moving Blaze Fully Engulfs Salisbury Mills Home Cornwall, NY - At 12:14 A.M. on May 16th, Washingtonville Fire Department Truck 579 was dispatched on a secondalarm assignment to Salisbury Mills for a house on Wyngate Drive, in the Town of JUMP TO FILE# 051820121 Cornwall. Upon arrival, due to the magnitude of fire on arrival, the crew of Truck 579 was directed to stretch a second handline from a Salisbury Mills Engine. Tanker 577 was special called to supply water. The crews of Truck 579 and Tanker 577 assisted with overhaul. .- GARY HEARN
GARY HEARN
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
PAgE 21
July, 2020
No COVID-19 Cases at The Firemen’s Home to Date Hudson, NY - These are challenging times in nursing home long term care facilities across the state. Protecting our most vulnerable population requires the team work of all our staff and departments. To this date there have been “0 COVID-19” cases or any suspected cases in our member population at The Firemen’s Home, where currently 73 members reside. Social distancing and unit restrictions takes an ongoing effort by all to prevent the spread of COVID to our members or families who are adapting as best as they can. To meet the needs of our members and families, we offer many outlets through social media including phone calls, Face Time, Skype, and Window chats, which are helping provide that comfort to both member and families during this time. Activities staff is getting our members outside to enjoy fresh air off the units when the weather is nice and doing small gathering’s up on each unit to spend extra time with the members to keep up with the normalcy of a typical day at the home.
JUMP TO FILE #061220100 Life is about family and taking care of those we love. At the Firemen’s Home our wonderful staff treats our members as part of a larger family, the Firefighters of the State of New York. Whether male or female, firefighter, spouse of firefighter, or Ladies Auxiliary member, the Firemen’s Home offers quality healthcare by our dedicated workers, in an environment designed for those who served their communities so willingly. Now facing the COVID-19 pandemic we strive to keep our members safe in every way possible through ongoing teamwork and innovative ways to make life as normal as possible through these difficult times. We all will get through this together and that is the motto at the Firemen’s Home that is being preached to the members to keep them as positive as can be. - MATTHEW PLEW
The FASNY Firemen’s Home is located in Hudson, NY.
BACKSTOP
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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
City of Newburgh Firefighters Hold Memorial Service
Newburgh, NY - On May 25th, City of Newburgh FirefightersIAFF Local 589 held their Memorial Day service on DuBois Street, in front of the Firefighters Monument. City of Newburgh Fire Department Chaplain Deacon Peter Haight led the members in prayers. The names of the members that lost their lives while serving the department were read aloud. Members stood at attention and saluted while the Orange County Firefighters Bag Pipes played Amazing Grace.
KEN SNYDER
This 2000 Spartan/Saulsbury 1750/1000 is run by the Columbian Engine Company No.1 of Spring Valley, NY.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters Save Family Heirlooms from Two-Alarm Barn Fire in Valley Falls Valley Falls, NY - On May 12th at 4:59 P.M., the Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety‘s dispatch center took multiple phone calls for a reported barn fire at 17 Bell Road in the Hoosic Valley Fire District. The caller also stated that there was an apartment above the barn, and everyone was out of the building. Multiple fire chiefs called in while en route to the scene. The battalion one coordinator quickly arrived and had heavy fire showing from a two-story barn that had been converted into an apartment with a workshop below. Heavy fire was reported on the 'Bravo' side of the building, pushing from the oil tank room. Hoosic Valley’s chief arrived on scene, took command and declared the Signal 30. A secondalarm was transmitted, bringing Melrose, Pleasantdale, Schaghticoke, Speigletown, Johnsonville, Buskirk, Valley Falls, Raymertown, and Hoosick Valley ambulance to the scene. Engine 19-1 and Engine-Tanker 18-6 arrived on scene and deployed multiple hand lines to the front and rear of the building. Firefighters pulled a single hand line to the second floor apartment where firefighters were met with heavy fire pushing from the doorway. Crews began to make an aggressive push in to the heavily involved second floor, driving back the heavy fire. As firefighters were making the interior push, the driver of 18-6 deployed his deck gun in to the roof of the barn, knocking down a large amount of the fire that was
JUMP TO FILE #052920105 running the roof line. As firefighters were starting to get a handle on the fire, both apparatus ran out of water on scene. Command requested the Schaghticoke Fire Department to relocate to the pond down at the end of Master Street and begin to fill tankers. As additional units arrived on scene, firefighters quickly set up a fill site on Bell Road and tankers began to offload their water as quickly as they could. With over 40 firefighters on scene and a water supply established, crews began to quickly knock down the heavy fire conditions remaining on the second floor. Firefighters started to pull down the boards on the 'Bravo' side of the barn, as it had a large amount of hidden voids that were still on fire. The residents asked that the firefighters try to locate some precious family heirlooms that were irreplaceable on the second floor. Several firefighters quickly began to search the heavily damaged bedrooms and were successfully able to find the family's precious heirlooms along with extremely important documents. Crews were able to bring the fire under control in about 45 minutes. The fire is currently under investigation. No firefighters were injured on scene. The barn suffered significant damage throughout from the fire. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
THOMAS MARRA
A helicopter landed in a parking lot at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School on Monday, May 18th. The Ravena Fire Department was dispatched at 5:40 P.M. to set up a landing zone for an inbound helicopter at the RCS High School. Coxsackie Ambulance, using an ambulance from Greenville, arrived with paramedics onboard to transfer the patient with a laceration to the head. A corrections officer accompanied the patient onboard the ambulance and in the helicopter.
RICHARD BILLINGS
This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1993
LONGISLAND WWW.1RBN.COM
NEWS
JULY, 2020
TWO FIREFIGHTERS INJURED BATTLING HOUSE FIRE IN KINGS PARK
Kings Park, NY - The Kings Park Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 35 Woodfield Avenue on Tuesday evening, May 5th.
MADDY CASILLO
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Additional news from
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Firefighters work to secure a vehicle after a 3-vehicle crash on Beacon St. in Shirley, May 16th.
Three-Vehicle Crash in Shirley Sends One to Hospital Shirley, NY – On May 16th at 1:50 P.M., the Mastic Beach Fire Department and Ambulance Company were activated for an MVA on Beacon Street, between Amarr Drive and The Green. Assistant Chiefs Fred Loiacono and Jeff McGown arrived on scene to find a crash involving three vehicles, one of which was still in the middle of the roadway and blocking traffic. Rescue Truck 5-13-4 was requested to come into the scene and bring speedy dry as well as the Go Jacks so that they could move the vehicle out of the roadway. On arrival members of Rescue 4 immediately began to clean up
JUMP TO FILE #052320101 the debris and fluids from the ground and secure all three vehicles. Mastic Beach Ambulance was on scene and at least one person was taken to Long Island Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The road was closed by SCPD and Mastic Beach FD Fire Police while firefighters and EMS operated. Once the vehicles were towed away the road was immediately reopened. - JOHN WALTHERS
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Vehicle Bursts Into Flames in Front of Shirley Home Shirley, NY – On Sunday, May 15th at 12:38 P.M., the Mastic Beach FD was activated for a report of a vehicle fire on Appel Drive in Shirley, off the Margin Drive East. Captain Grego [513-50] was first to arrive on scene within moments. Grego advised Chief of Department Tom Montreuil that he had an involved auto. At that time Montreuil requested a reactivation of the alarm as he was arriving on scene. Chief Montreuil took command on arrival. First due Engine 5-13-8 was quickly put on the road. On arrival members immediately stretched a line to make a fast attack. The fire was quickly knocked down and the vehicle was secured. No injuries were reported.
FLASHBACK If you have photos you would like to see in our “FLASHBACK” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
BRADLEY FOWLER/FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY
Patchogue, NY - On Friday, May 15th, the 106th Rescue Wing did a Flyover for hospitals throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties to honor the nurses and doctors that are on the front lines fighting COVID-19.
West Webster Fire Department Pumper 124 from Monroe County, New York at Mastic Beach Fire Department Head Quarters pictured with High Water Rescue 12 after Super Storm Sandy in 2012.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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LONG ISLAND
Two Firefighters Injured Battling House Fire in Kings Park Kings Park, NY - The Kings Park Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 35 Woodfield Avenue on Tuesday evening, May 5th. Firefighters ar- JUMP TO FILE# rived to find a heav- 052620108 ily involved two-story private dwelling, and a working fire was transmitted. Multiple mutual aid departments were called to the scene. The fire took about two hours to bring under control. Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, and are expected to be ok. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - MADDY CASILLO
MADDY CASILLO
MADDY CASILLO
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LONG ISLAND
Basement Fire Does Significant Damage to Brentwood Home Brentwood, NY - The Brentwood Fire Department was activated for a reported structure fire at 32 Voorhis Drive on Wednesday morning, May 6th. JUMP TO FILE# Chief Kelly [3- 050820106 2-31] arrived with smoke showing and transmitted a working fire [13/35] after fire was discovered in the basement, bringing in mutual aid from surrounding departments. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control without incident, and the cause is under investigation. - EVAN ROLLA
EVAN ROLLA - ROLLA'S IMAGES
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
Scores of First Responders Help Honor Young Man Who Lost Battle with COVID-19 Shirley, NY - On Monday evening, May 11th, dozens of Fire and EMS vehicles with their members joined about 200 community members to honor young PJ Fusaro, a 26-year-old from Shirley who recently passed away from COVID-19. Fire trucks and ambulances lined William Floyd Parkway from Tragalgar Dr. to the Smith Point Bridge as cars packed the Smith Point Beach parking lot, preparing for their journey to the Fusaro home on Tipton Dr. East in Shirley. Firefighters, EMS personnel, and chiefs escorted the cars, some displaying memorial messages as bag pipes played while driving past the home of PJ's family. PJ's family and friends stood outside and looked on. PJ passed away at a local hospital on Sunday, May 3rd.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Mastic Beach FD Chief Tom Montreuil swinging into action at a recent car fire.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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LONG ISLAND
Fire Cooks Mastic Beach Home Mastic Beach, NY – On Sunday, May 3rd at about 5:42 A.M., the Mastic Beach FD and EMS were activated for a report of a house fire on Elm Road East, between Woodland Drive and Washington Drive. JUMP TO FILE# Assistant Chief 051320114 Jeff McGown [513-32] was the first en route, followed a short time later by Chiefs Montreuil and Loiacono. Dispatch had advised the chiefs that the caller was reporting an occupant possibly trapped in the basement. On arrival McGown found smoke and flames showing and advised Dispatch to reactivate for a working fire. A request was also put out for mutual aid from Mastic and Brookhaven Fire Departments to the scene and for a stand-by crew from Center Moriches. On arrival Chief of Department Tom Montreuil [5-13-30] took command. It was confirmed that the occupants had all got out of the home and no one was trapped. The crew first due unit 513-2 immediately stretched lines and established a water supply. Mastic Beach members, with assistance from the mutual aid departments, went to work making a quick attack and knocked down the fire. Shirley Ambulance was also on scene to assist with rehab along with Mastic Beach Ambulance. The scene was later turned over to Brookhaven Fire Marshals and Suffolk County PD Arson to investigate. - JOHN WALTHERS
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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
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Brookhaven FD Rescue truck 3 in action at a recent vehicle crash.
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
LONG ISLAND DEC Seeks Public Assistance to Combat Recent Outbreak of Pine Barrens Forest Fires Following the occurrence of five forest fires on Federal, State, Suffolk County and private lands since mid-April, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers are working with Suffolk County, Brookhaven, and Riverhead fire marshals and Brookhaven National Lab firefighters to deploy new technologies to investigate the potential source/s of these incidents. State and local officials are asking anyone with knowledge of these fires to contact DEC’s Office of Public Protection at (518) 408-5858 or the Suffolk County, Brookhaven, or Riverhead fire marshal’s offices.
JUMP TO FILE #051520125 Besides damaging habitat, uncontrolled fires have the potential to impact nearby residences and pose a risk to volunteer firefighters. In total the five fires have burned approximately 167 acres in Long Island’s Pine Barrens region. For more information on preventing wildfires, please visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/5 8519.html . - BILL FONDA
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.
Manorville Firefighters fill up the brush truck.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Manorville FD Handles Brush Fire in Familiar Spot Manorville, NY – On Sunday, May 3rd at about 4:42 P.M., the Manorville Fire Department was activated for a brush fire on North Street, near Wading River Road. On arrival Chief Lindberg advised units to stage at the church on Wading River Road while he and his assistant chiefs worked to get a better location. A short time later Lindberg had located the fire
JUMP TO FILE #051820127 and requested units to come down North Street near where they had responded to some previous fires. Engine 9 responded along with two GI’s. The GI's were sent into the wooded area and made an aggres-
sive attack. Due to this aggressive attack they were able to prevent the fire from spreading out of control and kept it to about an acre and a half. This area has had several fires from mid-April to mid-May, which the Forest Service and NYS DEC are currently investigating. - JOHN WALTHERS
WORKING FACES SHANE SHIFFLETT
Elmont Fire Department (Nassau County) Ladder 2 on display.
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
The Medford Ambulance Rehab Bus is equipped to handle multiple victims that need oxygen for smoke inhalation, and can also be used for other minor injuries as needed. The unit was placed into service in 2017.
Mastic Beach FD Assistant Chief Jeff McGown on scene of a working fire.
JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
July, 2020
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
FDNY 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
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Fast-Moving Three-Alarm Blaze Hits Harlem
STEVE WHITE
NYS Assemblyman Michael Cusick recently donated hand sanitzer to Richmond Engine Company 1. Pictured are Chief Steve White and the Assemblyman on May 18, 2020.
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
Harlem, NY - A spectacular fast-moving fire gutted a clothing store in the middle of Harlem on May 17th. Even with the ”COVID-19 Stay at Home” orders, West 125th St. was busy in the early evening when Manhattan Dispatch sent units to 162 W. 125th St. Flames were venting out of the second and third floors of a furniture store at the corner of Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. An additional engine and truck, followed quickly by a second-alarm at 7:42 P.M. Heavy fire broke through the roof, sending a
JUMP TO FILE #052620106 column of black smoke skyward that could easily be seen from as far as Jersey City and beyond. At 7:54 P.M., Division 3 transmitted a third-alarm due to the heavy volume of fire and exposure issues. All members were withdrawn due to collapse potential of the building and a HVAC unit that was starting to lean. Two tower ladders were put into operation in front of the building and a third
operated from Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. over the Exposure 4 building. Handlines were also working from the roofs of Exposures 2 and 4. There was no extension to any exposure and by 8:15 P.M. the fire was starting to darken down. Companies continued to make progress until the fire was able to be placed under control. Relief companies continued to be rotated in for several hours. No serious injuries were reported. - BILL TOMPKINS
TONY GRECO
Longtime Firefighter Keith Nicolellio (center) poses with FDNY Ladder 30 members during his last tour. FF Nicolellio recently retired after 40 years of dedicated service with the FDNY.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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July, 2020
FDNY 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.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
FDNY Tower Ladder 14, a 2013 Seagrave/100’ Aerialscope, operates in front of the fire building at a 3rd-alarm on W. 125th St. in Harlem on May 17th.
STEVE WHITE
“Humble Heroes of New York”
The "Humble Heroes of New York" is an organization started by FDNY members and friends who visit hospitals and neighborhoods dressed as super heroes. The organization is supported by the BINI Fund, founded in honor of Carl Bini from Rescue 5, who died on 9/11. The "super heroes" visited Richmondtown, Staten Island to lift the spirits of families at a safe social distance on May 13th.
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
FDNY Ladder 30, a 2013 Ferrara 100’ rear-mount, provides access to the roof of the exposure building at a Manhattan 3rd-alarm on 5-17-20.
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STEVE WHITE
To honor all first responders, Jet Blue flew three jets over NYC on May 7th, representing the NYPD, FDNY and NYC with the "I Luv NY" logo. The plane representing the NYC Fire Department had the logo emblazoned on it's tail. Pictured is the FDNY plane flying over the Verrazano Bridge.
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July, 2020
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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