1st Responder New York March Edition by Belsito Communications Inc.

The New York Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $36/YEAR

WWW.1RBN.COM

MARCH, 2021

FIREFIGHTERS CHASE STUBBORN FIRE IN EAST BERNE HOME

THOMAS MARRA

Sales • Parts • Service

Visit us at www.campbellsupply.com - See our Ad on Back Cover

Join our Team of Dispatchers Paging with a Rewards Program! Visit our website to ﬁll out an application.

www.1rwn.com

PAGE 2

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

STEPHEN M WALLACE BOB MCCORMICK

Fatal Vehicle Verses Pedestrian Accident in Newburgh Newburgh, NY - Good Will FD responded to reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian at 60 Route 17K on January 15th. New York State Police, Town of Newburgh EMS and Town of Newburgh Police were at the scene. The subject was transported to Montefiore/St. Luke's Hospital where they were pronounced deceased. New York State Police reconstruction team responded and Town of Newburgh Police assisted with reconstructing the scene. An investigation by the New York State Police is ongoing.

The first engine from Brockport arrived on scene to find a working fire.

Brockport FD Handles Working Junkyard Fire in Holly Holly, NY - On January 27th, the Brockport Fire Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Department rolled up to a large construction shed fire at the entrance to a junkyard in Holly, just west of Redman Road in Monroe County. The deputies quickly checked to make sure that no people were in danger or trapped, and one deputy used his vehicle to block off a portion of Route 104. Cars still tried to get around the vehicle, even as emergency equipment tried to make it up to the building. Fire Police were on scene at Route 104 and Redman and diverted all traffic, preventing anymore road hazards. The fire appeared to have started in the rear corner and flames

JUMP TO FILE #012721111

were visible through the back roof when deputies pulled up. Fire Chiefs arrived on scene in a number of vehicles and all knew exactly what their job was. Two did a quick 360 as the fire ripped through the roof and then blew out through the front, sending flames skyward. The first truck in from Brockport FD laid a hand line to the road side front of the building for the initial attack. One Chief took another line to knock down the fire in the rear of the building that was getting close to a number of vehicles parked close to the burning building.

One of the Chiefs muscled in another line so it could be used to hit the fire from the east side, providing a surround-and-drown scenario. The bucket truck arrived along with more firefighters and the flames were quickly knocked down, keeping them away from the multiple vehicles along with piles of material that could have quickly turned this into a roaring junkyard fire. Triage and Rehab was set up by the fire command vehicle. The fire was out within an hour and traffic was again flowing on Route 104 in just under 90 minutes. No injuries were reported during the initial attack. - STEPHEN WALLACE

THOMAS MARRA

Snow Drift Results in Rollover Crash in Feura Bush Feura Bush, NY - A snow drift caused a rollover crash in Feura Bush on Friday, January 29th. The Selkirk FD was dispatched with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and the Bethlehem PD for a reported rollover accident at 7:53 A.M. The incident occurred in the area of 117 Old Quarry Road. During the frigid morning, with wind chills well below zero, the driver hit a snow drift which resulted in the rollover, according to Cmdr. James Rexford of Bethlehem Police. The driver of the car was the only occupant and was able to kick out the windshield to free himself from the vehicle, according to Rexford. He was transported to Albany Medical Center with minor injuries from kicking out the windshield.

STEPHEN M WALLACE

The ﬁrst hand line made quick work on the spreading ﬁre.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

ADVERTISER INDEX Company

Page

All Hands Fire Equipment

Campbell Supply Co.

1,36

Churchville Fire Equip

FIRE 2021

Fire Districts of NY

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25 JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Firehouse Apparatus

Firehouse Expo

Garrison Fire Rescue

Herb Fire Equipment

Jerome Fire Equipment

LaFrance Equipment

Mid Atlantic Rescue

Myers Fire

North Eastern Rescue

Specialty Vehicles

Sutphen

Vander Molen Fire App

VCI

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 3 - 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.

PUBLICATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the “space available” and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

“Pippy” the Dog Rescued After Falling Into Kinderhook Nature Preserve Ravine East Nassau, NY - On February 1st at 10:34 A.M., the Tsatsawassa Fire Department’s chief requested his department to be dispatched with mutual aid from the Nassau Fire Department for their Argo for a dog rescue in the Kinderhook Creek Nature Preserve. The chief quickly arrived on scene and made his way to the backside of the preserve where he discovered Pippy’s loving owner, and Pippy down at the bottom of a 40-foot ravine after slipping and falling on some ice. The fire chief notified all incoming apparatus to stage at the entrance to the preserve. A nearby neighbor with an ATV offered assistance to the fire department to help get rescue equipment into the preserve. The Nassau Fire Department arrived on scene with their Argo, loaded it up and made their way into the preserve where the dog and its owner were. Pippy and her owner were in good spirts on arrival. Both fire departments worked together to get the dog up the icy ravine and into the Argo. Firefighters worked for over 30 minutes conducting the rescue. Crews loaded the injured dog into the Argo with its owner and quickly made their way out of the preserve. Pippy, who was wagging her tail after firefighters rescued her, was covered up and kept warm during transport and then loaded into the owner's van and brought to the Latham Emergency Veterinary Clinic. Firefighters packed up their Argo and equip-

JUMP TO FILE #020521104

ment and went back in to service a short time later. Pippy is currently home with her loving family and suffered only minor injuries from the fall, including two broken front paws. The Argo that was used to rescue Pippy was purchased with a grant in the Summer of 2019 by the Town Highway Department of Nassau and the Nassau Fire Department and is utilized by the Tsatsawassa and Hoags Corners Fire Departments. All of the members are cross trained in utilizing the Argo for rescues, covering the nearly 50-square-miles of rural community with possibly the largest number of preserves in the entire capital region. Firefighters have made numerous rescues already with this well utilized piece of equipment. The Argo is a shared resource that benefits all of the surrounding communities, visitors to the beautiful trails and nature preserves that surround these communities, and taxpayers. Firefighters would like to remind everyone that the nature preserve has hidden ice under the snow and everyone should use extreme caution while hiking. Always hike with a friend or family member, make sure someone knows where you are going, and carry a fully charged cellphone with you. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

Two-Alarm Commercial Building Fire in Rochester Rochester, NY - On Tuesday, February 2nd at 6:09 P.M., Rochester firefighters responded to an automatic alarm at 190 Murray Street. Upon arrival, units reported heavy smoke showing from a large, three-story commercial building. Upon further investigation, the fire was located in a machine shop in the rear of the structure. While attempting to extinguish the fire, chemical reaction involving metal shavings occurred, causing an explosion. At that point a second-alarm was struck, along with a hazardous materials assignment to the scene. The blaze was brought under control in about an hour. There were no injuries reported.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

March, 2021

1 Ardmore Street • New Windsor, NY 12553 845-534-7500 • (Fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@Belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR

Lindsey Palmer (Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• CIRCULATION MANAGER

Michelle Rosa (Michelle@1stResponder.com) ••• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Joe Belsito (Joe@1stRespondernews.com)

••• DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@1stResponder.com)

EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS ••• Rick Billings (Cartoon) Chelle Cordero (EMS) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS ••• David Abell • Jeffrey Arnold • John Bechtold • Jeffrey Belschwinder • Todd Bender • Brian Berkey • David Burns • Mike Carey • Michael Contaxis • Jeff Crianza • Russell Curley • Vinnie Dominick • Bob Faugh • John Greco • Nicholas Griswold • Rick Grosvent • Paul Harrington • Gary Hearn • Connor Jacobs • Harold Jacobs • Ron Jeffers • Bob Krajicek • Chuck Lowe • MaryBeth Majestic • Zachary Maricle • Tom Marra • Bob McCormick • Randy Montour • William Murray • Charlie Piper • David Ragusa • John Rieth • Frank Robinson • Evan Rolla • Bob Root • Chris Sabella • Ken Snyder • John Spaulding • Bill Tompkins • Chris Tompkins • Bob Vaccaro • Gary Vanvoorhis • Stephen Wallace • John Walthers • Eugene Weber Jr. • Steve White • Guy Zampatori Jr.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all submissions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

845-534-7500 ext. 212 • (fax) 845-534-0055 News@1stResponderNews.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION If you would like information about how advertising in 1st Responder News can benefit your company call our advertising hotline at:

845-534-7500 ext. 211 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Advertising@1stResponderNews.com

CIRCULATION INFORMATION 1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. If you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $36 per year.

845-534-7500 ext. 220 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Circulation@1stResponderNews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team A division of: will work with you on your advertisement free of charge. Additionally, we offer a complete marketing department for all of your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices. As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scanning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce this highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@Belsito.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty Mississippi: Joseph "Joe" Gallo, 34 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 17, 2020 Death Date: November 17, 2020 Fire Department: Blissfield Township Fire Department Initial Summary: While responding with the Blissfield Fire Department to a barn fire, Captain Joseph Gallo was driving a Chevy Impala with emergency lights activated. As he drove on a gravel portion of the road, he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled and Captain Gallo was ejected. He was transported to the Toledo Hospital where, after all attempts at resuscitation were exhausted, Captain Gallo was pronounced deceased from injuries sustained. He was a Paid-on-Call Captain with the Blissfield Township Fire Department and a Part-time Firefighter/EMT with the Madison Township Fire Department.

with a known case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized on November 12, 2020 and passed away from the virus on November 21, 2020.

Mississippi: Michael Buitendorp, 40 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 18, 2020 Death Date: November 18, 2020 Fire Department: Grant Township Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at approximately 2100hrs., Firefighter Michael Buitendorp, driving a fire department tender, was responding to the scene of a camper fire in Otto Township when he lost consciousness. The firefighter who was with him was able to stop the fire apparatus and call for help. Grant Township firefighters and EMS personnel immediately performed life-saving measures. Firefighter Buitendorp was then transported to the Mercy Health Lakeshore Hospital where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The cause of his death is under investigation.

Washington: Alan Dean Basso, 59 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 27, 2020 Death Date: November 27, 2020 Fire Department: Cowlitz County Fire District 5 Initial Summary: On the morning of Friday, November 27, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Alan Basso responded to two medical emergency calls, the last one dispatched at 0848hrs. Later that day, at 1355hrs, Basso was driving in the downtown area of Kalama when his vehicle collided with several parked vehicles. He was unconscious and not breathing, suffering a cardiac arrest. Citizen CPR was immediately initiated by a nearby off-duty Portland firefighter, 911 was summonsed, and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 resources arrived on-scene. Immediate advance life support measures were administered, and Basso was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Johns Medical Center where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased.

Missouri: Robert "Bobby" Joseph Rocha, 59 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 23, 2020 Death Date: November 21, 2020 Fire Department: Kansas City, MO Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty, Captain Robert “Bobby” Rocha contracted COVID-19 from a patient

Indiana: Robert Cree, 72 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 22, 2020 Death Date: November 22, 2020 Fire Department: Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: At 1900hrs on Sunday, November 22, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Robert Cree responded to a medical emergency at a residence. Upon returning home, at approximately 2010hrs, Firefighter/EMT Cree collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Crews arrived at his home and immediately performed CPR. Despite all efforts, he could not be resuscitated and passed away.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 7

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.

Port Jervis, NY - Now in its 174th year of emergency service, Port Jervis Fire Department continues to operate as an all-volunteer department with generations of families faithfully stepping up to serve. One family of firefighters – the Dunn Family – has provided five consecutive generations of service, beginning shortly after the founding of its company of choice in October of 1877.

Stories specific to the two current Dunn firefighters, Henry III and his son Keegan, follow.

The first generation of PJFD Dunn firefighters was Emmulis (E.R.) Dunn, who joined in 1879, two years after the formation of Port Jervis Hose Co. No. 4 in 1877. Hose Co. 4 was later renamed Howard Wheat Engine Company No. 4, following the death of longtime company member/25-year PJFD Chief Howard Wheat. The first group photo taken of the now nearly century-and-a-half year old Engine 4 membership shows E.R. Dunn standing next to the company’s then hose cart apparatus.

After high school, Dunn graduated from the New York State Police Academy, became a New York State trooper, and worked in multiple positions with NYSP until his retirement. Prior to that he served as a police ofﬁcer with the Port Jervis Police Department and as an engineer on the railroad.

The second generation of PJFD Dunn firefighters were three of E.R.’s sons, who also joined Engine 4. They were firefighters Bert Dunn (1897), Henry Dunn (1898), and Clarence Dunn (1902). The third generation Dunn firefighter was Henry Dunn’s son Harold Marvin Dunn, Sr. who joined Engine 4 at age 18 in 1928. Harold went on to become an apparatus driver and captain of the company. The fourth generation of Engine 4 firefighters are Harold M. Dunn, Sr.’s two sons. Henry III joined in 1966 and Harold (Marvin) M. Dunn, Jr. shortly after his brother. Both Henry and Marvin became apparatus drivers and line officers in their company. Harold, Jr., a past First Lieutenant, moved from the area and is no longer a member. Henry III, a Past Captain in the company, continues to serve as an active volunteer fireman. This year, 2021, Henry III will have served 55-years as a PJFD firefighter with Howard Wheat Engine Co. No. 4. The fifth generation of Dunn Family firefighters is Keegan T. Dunn, son of Henry Dunn III. Keegan joined Howard Wheat Engine Co. No 4 as a junior firefighter at age 16, in 2012, and went on to become a certified firefighter at 18. He continues to serve as a firefighter in his current Maryland community, and whenever he returns home to his Port Jervis hometown.

Henry H. Dunn III Henry H. Dunn III was born in Port Jervis, NY on January 15, 1948. He graduated from Port Jervis High School in 1966, the same year he became a PJFD ﬁreﬁghter, at age 18.

While still in his teens, Dunn also joined the United States Army, completed a three-year military term with the military police and as a military dog handler in Vietnam, where he volunteered for and completed a second tour of duty. As a firefighter, Dunn said it seemed only natural for him to follow his family’s line of service and he was proud to serve alongside his father, and then with his son. Among his proudest moments in the fire service was when his own son Keegan, then 18, was elected 2nd Lt. in their company, Engine 4. “While driving to different fire calls, this enabled Keegan to sit next to me in the officer’s front seat,” Dunn said. Now in his 55th year of firefighting service, in which he was also a member of the dive team and is a fire police officer, Dunn recalls among his toughest responses the devastating building collapse at Pike and Hammond Streets in the 1970’s. This tragic event claimed both property and lives. It was recalled by Dunn as a particularly long and stressful day for all emergency responders. As a firefighter, Dunn said he and other emergency responders are rewarded with the knowledge that they are helping others when they need it the most. “Being in public service is a way to give back to your community,” Dunn said. “Volunteers save many communities a tax increase by not having to pay for fire related services, and PJFD is one of only a few cities in New York State that has an all-volunteer fire department.”

Would he recommend others to become a volunteer firefighter? “If you show an interest, do it!” he said. Keegan T. Dunn Keegan T. Dunn grew up accompanying his father Henry H. Dunn III to the firehouse where generations of Dunn Family members had served in his company before him. It was these roots and being constantly around the firehouse that Keegan said motivated him to join as soon as he was old enough to become a junior firefighter at 16 and a fireman at 18. “I can remember sitting down as a child with my father and looking at pictures of his father and my grandfathers in Engine 4 when they responded to calls utilizing horses and hose carts,” Keegan recalled. “Knowing that I follow this long line of firefighting history in my family that I’m continuing to this day is very empowering and moving, and to think we continue on that legacy is very important to not only me but my family.” Keegan currently lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he also serves in his career as a police officer. He continues to volunteer as a firefighter whenever he is in his hometown of Port Jervis and there is a call, and as a volunteer fireman with Berwyn Heights Fire Department in Maryland.

SHARON E. SIEGEL

Henry H. Dunn III and son Keegan Dunn, pictured before Keegan was old enough to be a junior and then official firefighter himself, continue to serve today as fourth and fifth generation Dunn Family firefighters.

After high school, Keegan completed college at Onondaga County Community College in Syracuse, New York. He earned a degree in Fire Science, but entered a career in law enforcement after moving to Maryland. When off duty as a police officer, he remains an active firefighting volunteer in his Maryland community. “As a firefighter, what I hope to accomplish is just being there for someone on their worst day and hopefully making a difference for the better,” Dunn said. His advice for anyone thinking of becoming a firefighter? “If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in firefighting, do research and be willing to dedicate time to the department,” Keegan said. “In return you will make lifelong friends and make a huge difference in the community.”

- SHARON SIEGEL

PROVIDED

Harold M. (Marvin) Dunn, Jr. and Henry H. Dunn III, fourth generation Dunn Family firefighters with Port Jervis FD and Howard Wheat Engine Co. No. 4, became apparatus drivers and line officers in their company. Marvin has moved out of the Port Jervis area, but Henry is in his 55th year of active firefighting service this year.

PAGE 8

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

BOB MCCORMICK

NYSAFC

Pictured (L to R): NYSAFC Education Coordinator Sue Revoir, Marshall & Sterling Vice President & Branch Manager Christopher Harris, NYSAFC CEO Bruce Heberer and Director Timothy Boel, and Marshall & Sterling Sales Executive Linda Flanagan.

BOB MCCORMICK

Apartment Fire with Burn Victim in New Windsor New Windsor, NY - The New Windsor FD responded to a structure fire at 56 Kenwood Drive on January 29th. New Windsor Police arrived and confirmed an active fire. New Windsor Command requested the City of Newburgh, Vails Gate, Cornwall, and Cornwall-on-Hudson Fire Departments to the scene. Good Will FD was requested to set up the landing zone for a Medevac. Firefighters used hand lines to contain the fire and ground ladders to remove one subject who was then transported by New Windsor EMS to the landing zone. Life Net airlifted the occupant who suffered burn injuries to Westchester Medical Center. The fire is under investigation at this time.

NYSAFC Awarded Grant from Marshall & Sterling Insurance to Refurbish Mobile Flashover Training Unit Used to Train Fireﬁghters Throughout New York State On January 13, 2021, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) received a $25,000 grant from Marshall & Sterling Insurance that will be used to repair the association’s mobile flashover training simulator and service other training props that are utilized to conduct Regional Hands-On Training programs for firefighters across New York state. With this grant, NYSAFC will be able to enhance the practical skills programs it delivers at the local level, providing essential training to fire personnel in all regions of the state. Vice President & Branch Manager Christopher Harris and Sales Executive Linda Flanagan of Marshall & Sterling made the trip to NYSAFC headquarters for the presentation. Marshall & Sterling is a firm believer in giving back to the community and supporting not-for-profits that share the same vision and passion for training. Harris said, “The dollars Marshall & Sterling provided the association will go a long way in training and educating the fire service, and will most definitely help the firefighters you train in saving hearts and homes in the local communities they serve.” Flanagan added, “I know that this

JUMP TO FILE #012121102

contribution will be meaningful and will make a difference in your training statewide. This is part of our commitment to the fire service and we are glad to be a part of it. We know training is everything, including the confidence it brings to a firefighter.” NYSAFC has been conducting hands-on training at its Annual Conference & FIRE Expo since 1999, led by some of the nation’s leading instructors. To reach more firefighters year-round and to bring critical live fire training to all areas of New York, the Regional Hands-On Training – “Flashover” program was introduced in 2012. This intense training allows students to experience fire development from the incipient stage to flashover, helping them learn to identify the warning signs of an impending flashover event. NYSAFC’s training programs expanded in recent years to include “Fire Behavior On the Inside” and “Beyond the Basics,” all using the association’s mobile training unit for fireground simulations. Thousands of students have participated in Regional

Hands-On Training programs at more than 100 locations. “We are so grateful to Marshall & Sterling for this generous support of NYSAFC and our mission to provide education for the current and future leaders of the fire service. Our programs offer a unique opportunity to sharpen allimportant skills. With this muchneeded overhaul of our equipment, we’ll be able to bring crucial training to fire departments for years to come,” said NYSAFC President Lee Shurtleff. NYSAFC CEO Bruce Heberer noted, “This tremendous assistance from Marshall & Sterling has come at such an important yet challenging time for our organization. Over the past year, our flashover unit has been in constant use, traveling from downstate to western New York to the North Country and all the regions in between. The need for fire service training never stops, and this grant will help us keep the flashover unit operational, benefitting fire departments and communities across the state.” Learn more about NYSAFC training at www.nysfirechiefs.com. - NYSAFC

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

The Lessons of 2020 EMS ISSUE CHELLE CORDERO

This past year has been a lesson in survival and existence. COVID had forced many previously in-person events to cancel or be rescheduled to a more accommodating time. Somethings cannot be cancelled or delayed though… Emergency Medical Services has to be there whenever a call for help goes out; they cannot wait for a more convenient moment. First responders need training, especially newcomers to the field, and with health emergencies like COVID, even seasoned professionals need updates. Reduced class sizes do not allow for the full-scale education that is necessary to keep providing the best pre-hospital care necessary. Online, virtual learning opportunities have popped up throughout our country. New York State also made use of online learning in its many forms. The 2020 NYSVARA Pulse Check virtual conference (ZOOM) was labeled a tremendous success and more than doubled the previous year’s participation. NYSVARA is already planning on a hybrid conference in 2021 with both limited in-person attendance (dependent on the State’s occupancy rules) and a virtual component. Teresa A. Hamilton, the NYSVARA Vice President and Pulse Check Committee Chair, believes online learning has been invaluable, saying “Online learning has been a huge success for EMS personnel. It allows those members of EMS who are forced to work multiple hours at multiple agencies to make ends meet, an opportunity to learn while at their place of employment on whatever down time they may have.” There is also the advantage of sharing learning with their partners. She also added, “Although we NEED the in-person surroundings we need that more for the social bonding and sharing ‘war’ stories and the virtual aspect allows for learning on our own pace.” “I do ultimately feel that online learning has benefitted EMS, both new and old, mostly due to easier access to content,” said Jason D. Haag, CCEMT-P, CIC, CAC, CADS, of Finger Lakes REMSCO. Haag also sits on the NYS Emergency Medical Services Council. “The downfall here is skills. There is only so much demonstration and/or observation you can do virtually. I do see virtual learning, at least in a hybrid model, remaining post-COVID. We have been able to demon-

strate that didactic portions of classes can easily and effectively be delivered in this way with far better outreach to students than traditional brick-and-mortar classes. I do believe this will be beneficial for providers in rural areas. I feel that virtual training is extremely useful for the delivery of didactic material, however, I do feel that in-person training and evaluation has to take place for practical skills.” From the instructor’s standpoint there are both good and bad expectations about virtual learning. The lack of interaction with students, depending on the method of presentation, may leave the speaker unsure that his lessons are being understood. An instructor

PAGE 9

IN SERVICE

also must hope that his students are disciplined enough to actually be paying attention and not just logged on at an unmanned computer or playing video games on another window. Depending on the audience (class) size and the platform being used, an interactive online setting may be more productive and allow for real-time questions and answers. Hopefully as COVID and gathering restrictions ease up, more classes will allow for hybrid learning. This would both let busy and distant students learn and maintain certifications, while still providing actual hands-on learning for both new students and skill practice.

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

Cornwall Fire Department Highland Engine Co. No.1 operates this 2014 Pierce Velocity 2000/500/105' Quint.

Proud To Support Our Heroic Customers! Demers: ’21 Ford T-1 4X4 MXP150 Unit#F21P-2627

Braun: Coming Soon!

’20 Ford T-1 4X4 MXP150 Unit#F20P-2626

Unit#’s 8603-04

’20 Mercedes AWD Sprinter Unit#M20-2872

Crestline:

’21 Ford T-3 MX164 Unit#F21C-2649

(2) ’21 Ford CCL 150 T-3’s

Used:

Unit#’s F21C-20182 &

’12 Demers Sprinter ’16 Demers Chevy Remount ’09 Ford PL Custom T-3 ’09 Braun Ford T-1 Raider ’15 Chevy Remount

(2) ’21 Ford Chief XL’s

F21C-20214

Check out our used website at: UsedAmbulances.com! For a complete listing of our available units with full videos check out:

www.nervinc.com • Call: 1-800-553-6094 to set up your demo!

PAGE 10

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Power Line Comes Down on Steel Bridge in Adams and Ignites Natural Gas Line Adams, NY - At 2:30 A.M. on Sunday, January 17th, the Adams Fire Department was dispatched to an outdoor fire under the South Park St. bridge in the Village of Adams. The bridge is a two span steel truss bridge that carries South Park St. over the North Branch of Sandy Creek. A National Grid natural gas main is fastened to the East side of the lower truss structure. The 911 caller indicated that there was a gas line in the area of the fire and the power was out. Heavy snow was falling with high winds. Chief Brian Berkey was first to arrive on the scene and found that a National Grid primary power line had come down on the steel truss of the bridge, causing a lot of arcing and energizing the entire bridge. He also noticed an open flame under the bridge adjacent to the gas main and requested National Grid to respond with both electric and gas crews. County Highway was also notified of the situation. Assistant Chief Allen Mullin responded to the north side of the bridge with a crew on Engine 1-42. Assistant Chief Rob Simpson responded to the south side of the bridge with a crew on Engine 1-41 along with Rescue 1-6-1. Crews confirmed that the fire appeared to be coming from a leak in the gas main and secured the area. National Grid advised command that an area North and South of the bridge should be evacuated as a precaution until the actual status of the gas main could be determined. Crews from both engines and the rescue began going house to house to evacuate residents. Chief Berkey moved his command post to the Adams Fire Station three blocks away and began preparations to open the station as a shelter. The Adams Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was requested to respond to the station to operate the shelter. The shelter was set up in the station meeting room and evacuees were kept separated from responders. Electric crews isolated the

JUMP TO FILE #012821106

area of the bridge and restored power to the remainder of the village within a couple of hours and stood by for gas crews before repairing the lone on the bridge. National Grid responded with several natural gas crews and equipment, as well as numerous service vans which began to check the entire area for any additional gas leaks. Two serious leaks along with several more minor leaks were discovered, which were likely caused by electricity flowing through tracer wires along buried gas lines. Chief Berkey and Mayor Philip Chatterton met with Supervisors from National Grid. Since shutting off the gas main would cause just under 200 customers to lose service in the winter and repairing the damaged gas main would likely take several weeks, it was decided the best course of action was to install a temporary gas line across the bridge deck to serve the area until the damaged main could be repaired. Leaking gas from the damaged main was allowed to burn to consume the leaking gas. Safety crews were positioned at key gas valves in the village in case gas needed to shut off quickly. The Jefferson County Highway Department brought concrete barriers to the scene to close the bridge until the damaged gas main repairs were complete. An engine company remained on standby with crews rotated hourly until the temporary line was completed and the fire extinguished at 4:26 P.M. The fire department returned to full service at 5:25 P.M. National Grid gas and service crews worked through the night and well into the next day repairing and searching for any additional leaks.

South Park St. in Adams

JOSEPH SIMPSON

- SUBMITTED BY BRIAN BERKEY, WRITTEN BY JOSEPH SIMPSON

Visit 1st Responder News on the web at

www.1RBN.com

JOSEPH SIMPSON

Adams Engine 1-4-1

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

BOB MCCORMICK

THOMAS MARRA

Numerous fire departments in Albany County assisted in firefighting efforts.

Fireﬁghters Chase Stubborn Fire in East Berne Home

BOB MCCORMICK

Two-Alarm Structure Fire in Cornwall-on-Hudson Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY - The Cornwall-on-Hudson FD responded to a reported structure fire at 247 Hudson Street on January 25th. Mutual Aid that was requested to the scene included Cornwall FD, Vails Gate FD as the FAST, and City of Newburgh FD. The New Windsor FD was on stand by for Cornwall-on Hudson. Two lines were stretched and the bulk of the fire was knocked down in 30 minutes. Town of Cornwall Police directed traffic during the incident. Cornwall EMS responded to the scene and Central Hudson was called. Once overhaul operations began Mutual Aid was released from the scene.

East Berne, NY - Flames ripped through a home in East Berne on Sunday, January 10th, leading firefighters on a long and difficult fire fight. The Berne/East Berne Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported structure fire with smoke and flames coming from a bedroom at 370 Long Road just after 4:00 P.M. Units enroute to the scene notified dispatch that they could see heavy smoke in the area and requested mutual aid departments to start to the scene. District Chief Jason Smith of the Berne Fire District was first to arrive on the scene and said it went from a fire in the bedroom to heavy fire conditions within the four minutes it took him to arrive at the scene. "It came in as flames and smoke showing from a bedroom," said Smith. "I got here and the whole front half of the building had flames blowing out every window, through the porch and through the roof." Crews were told it was going to be defensive operations only, meaning no crews were allowed to go inside the structure. "I wasn't going to send anybody in," he said. "It was that bad of a fire when we got here." Firefighters faced extreme difficulties in battling this blaze. Water supply was an issue at the scene, so once firefighters got a portion of the fire knocked down they would run low on water and the fire would begin to grow again. A water supply was established and tankers were brought in from surrounding agencies to shuttle water to the scene. Freezing temperatures also posed prob-

JUMP TO FILE #011621103

lems and created icy surfaces in the roadway and on the fireground. The layout and design of the structure kept firefighters busy as they battled the fire for several hours. "This is a very old house," Smith said. "The ceiling is shiplap on one side of the trusses with shingles on the opposite side and we're just chasing the flames through the channels between the trusses." He added that there was no attic space to get water into. Agencies on the scene and on standby included Berne/East Berne, Onesquethaw, New Salem, Westerlo, Knox, Altamont, Coeymans Hollow, Delmar, Gallupville and Rensselaerville Fire Departments. Also on scene was Helderberg Ambulance, Albany County Paramedics and Albany County

Sheriff's Department. Smith said he believes there were three people that lived in the home, as well as a dog that made it out of the structure during the fire and found safe. He is unsure if there were any other pets. The Red Cross was contacted and has been assisting the displaced family following the fire. After speaking with police, Chief Smith said he can confirm that the fire is not suspicious in nature. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Smith says investigators are leaning towards an electrical issue or a discarded cigarette to be the cause of the blaze. The house is reported to be a total loss. Crews remained on scene until late in the night. There were no injuries reported at the scene. - THOMAS MARRA

THOMAS MARRA

Fireﬁghters from numerous departments spent hours chasing a stubborn ﬁre throughout an East Berne home on 1/10/21.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

March, 2021

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

Walter H. Schneider, age 91 of Wallkill, NY and formerly of Coldenham, NY passed away on January 14, 2021 at Garnet Health Medical Center, Middletown, NY. The son of the late George Karl and Louise M. Renner Schneider, he was born on August 23, 1929 in Middletown, NY. Walt proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army during Korea. He worked as an electrician and technician for Central Hudson Gas & Electric in Poughkeepsie, NY. Walt was Past-President and Life Member of the Coldenham Fire Co., Member and Past-Commander of the Montgomery American Legion Post 521, Past-International President of the United Commercial Travelers, Member of the Wallkill Masonic Lodge No. 627, Past-Trustee of the Coldenham Cemetery Association, and Past-President of the Orange

County Veterans Coalition. He will be dearly missed. Survivors include his loving wife, Colleen R. Schneider at home; son, Gary W. Schneider (Kathy) of Queensbury, NY; daughters, Debra S. Alwell (Kevin) of Wallkill, NY, JoAnne S. Walz (Brian) of Wallkill, NY; brother, Rudy Schneider of Tupper Lake, NY; sisters, Helen Coates of Warwick, NY, Louise Perna (Carmen) of Dunnellon, FL; grandchildren, Beth Anne, Kimberly, Heather, Garrett and Sydney; great-grandchildren, Isabel and Adalynn; nieces and nephews. Walt was predeceased by his brother, Kurt Schneider. Memorial contributions may be made in Walt’s memory to the Coldenham Fire Co. Benevolent Association or Trinity Lutheran Church. - PROVIDED

PROVIDED

BOB MCCORMICK

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Albany Crews Waste No Time Bringing Fully Involved House Fire Under Control Albany, NY - On January 28th at 1:19 A.M., City of Albany Fire Department's Engines 1, 7, 9, 2 and 10, along with Trucks 1 and 3, Rescue 1, the rescue squad, and battalion one were dispatched for an alarm of fire at 113 Sherman Street. The dispatcher stated that they were taking multiple calls on the fire, and the house was fully involved. Engine 1 arrived on scene and immediately transmitted the Signal 30, as they had heavy fire pushing from all three floors. The battalion chief arrived on scene, assumed command and notified the dispatcher that they had heavy fire on all three floors and exposure issues on the 'Bravo' and 'Delta' sides of the structure. As Engine 1's crew immediately deployed a two-and-a-half inch hand line down the block and to the front door of the house, Truck 3 and Engine 2 took the next street over and set up the truck company for aerial operations to the rear portion of the roof. Firefighters from Engine 1 walked up to the front door of the house and with a swift pull from their Halligan bar, removed the fully involved front door of the house and threw it into the street.

JUMP TO FILE #020521105

Engine 7 arrived on scene, established a water supply at the end of the street and began to supply Engine 1 with water. Truck 2 set up in the middle of the intersection and immediately went to the roof to start to vent the structure. Engine 1’s crew went inside the structure and heavy fire pushed over their heads as they started to drive the fire back. Command was able to confirm that all of the occupants inside of the structure were evacuated and safe. Firefighters evacuated the building on the 'Delta' side of the structure as it was beginning to catch fire and dark yellow and brown smoke started to push from the cockloft area. Firefighters, EMS, and police on scene carried the individuals from the house up the street to an ambulance to keep them warm as they all were not wearing shoes. As firefighters made their way up the stairs to the second floor they were able to quickly knock down a large amount of the heavy fire. Crews on the exterior of the structure began to cool down the

front of the structure with a oneand-three-quarter inch hand line. Firefighters made entry to the exposure structure and began to pull ceilings on the second floor to gain access to the fire that had spread from the adjacent structure. As crews knocked down all of the heavy fire inside of the main fire building, crews in the rear of the building made entry and began to assist the interior crews in pulling ceilings and conducting overhaul. Truck 2's crew was able to successfully vent the building and check the roof of the exposure building. Firefighters successfully knocked down all of the heavy fire within 20 minutes of arriving on scene. Command placed the fire under control in 45 minutes. The building inspector for the city of Albany, Fire Investigators, National Grid, water department and code enforcement were all requested to the scene. Fire Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire at this time. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was contacted for all of the displaced occupants. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Postponed Charity Hockey Event Is There Meaning Continues Mission Off Ice

to the Madness? Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

Well, we find ourselves well into a new year - 2021. Looking back at 2020 we can only hope that this year will be far less challenging and that things will return to what we have always called “normal.” We have faced civil unrest, economic challenges, political confusion and continue coping with a global pandemic. How do we grow through what we go through? The answer - a healthy perspective, focus and faith. Is there meaning to the madness? I would say YES. Philippians 1:12 (GN) I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. v18 It does not matter! I am happy about it whether from wrong or right motives. and I will continue to be happy. The background of the story today is that Paul for the last four years has been miserable in circumstances. He just spent two years in prison in for a trumped up charge. Then - on a ship to go to Rome to appear before Nero (notorious for his cruelty to Christians) he's shipwrecked, stranded on an island, bitten by a poisonous snake, continues on to Rome, spends another two years in prison awaiting trial to be executed. During this two year period in Rome he is chained to a guard for 24 hours a day. At this point, most people in our society would wonder if life was worth living. Yet in spite of all of these situations, Paul says in "And I will continue to be happy” (Philippians 1:18). What’s Paul's secret? How does he stay positive

in prison, triumphant over troubles and delight in difficulties? How does Paul stay so happy, positive, joyful in spite of the fact that things went wrong in his life? Paul gives us on major reason for joyful living in spite of adverse circumstances The number one reason - a healthy perspective. The truth is, every one of us has been adversity affected by the recent crisis. But the way you look at that problem is much more important than the problem itself. Your perspective makes the all the difference in the world. v12 “I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me (negatively) have really helped the progress of the gospel.” In other words: I can see the best even in the worst. I can see God at work in the problems and when things don't go my way. If you don't choose your priorities, you'll go around putting out one fire after another, living your life simply from problem to problem and not choosing what's most important. Listen to what Paul said: “It doesn’t matter! I am happy about it, and I will continue to be happy. Was Paul insane? Delirious? No! Paul said he had to set his priorities, his values, not let problems steal his joy. Have a perspective to live from and a priority to live by. Know what is important, and like my wife often tells me - “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Here is the best priority anyone could ever live by: Proverbs 3:6 (LB)"In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Is there meaning to the madness? Yes, as long as you put God first (a priority to live by).

Read more articles from all of our columnists online! www.1rbn.com

Binghamton, NY - As has been the case with many things in 2020 and 2021, Covid-19 has again postponed the annual Battle of the Bravest Charity UMP TO FILE# Hockey Game in J012221103 Binghamton, NY. Since 2014, friends from the Binghamton Fire Department Hockey Team and the Broome County Firefighters Hockey Team have come together in March for a game of camaraderie and charity to raise funds and awareness for The Retired Professional Fire Fighter Cancer Fund Inc., with 100% of all proceeds from the event donated to the cancer fund, a non-profit 501(C)3 organization committed to raising funds for cancer research programs. With no clear indication of when the event will be able to resume, it remains the mission of all those involved to continue to raise awareness and funds that will go directly to finding a cure for cancer. The Battle of the Bravest will return to the ice in the future, but there is still a daily need for funds that are allocated to established cancer research programs that impact a variety of cancer types, many of which disproportionately effect Fire Fighters. To learn more about The Retired Professional Fire Fighters

JACKIE MCMANUS

The Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game takes place annually at the Ice House Sports Complex in Binghamton, NY. Firefighters come together to raise funds and awareness for The Retired Professional Firefighters Cancer Fund Inc. Visit www.letsfirecancer.org to donate and learn more.

Cancer Fund Inc. and to donate, please visit, www.letsfirecancer.org. To take part in the Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game when it re-

turns, follow us on Facebook, "Battle of the Bravest Charity Hockey Game Community". - J MURPHY

OLD AND NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old and New” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON

Pocatello Fire Department in Orange County, NY ran a 1987 Mack CF 75' Aerialscope that is being replaced by a 1998 Sutphen 100' Tower Ladder.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Polar Plunge Supports Port Jervis Water Operations Team Port Jervis, NY - More than 100 supporters plunged into the 32-degree Delaware River in January in support of Port Jervis Fire Department’s 2nd annual Polar Plunge. The event, hosted at West End Beach in Port Jervis, was a fundraiser held for PJFD’s Water Operations JUMP TO FILE# Team. PJFD divers 012321108 were stationed midriver to keep watch as participants submerged to varying depths and lengths of time in the bone-chilling, swiftly moving river. Many participants made a return visit for the event, repeating last year’s first time PJ Polar Plunge. Some entered the water completing their personal challenge multiple times. Those who participated said they enjoyed the accomplishment as a personal feat, but mainly wanted to show support for the responders who help their community so generously as volunteers throughout each year. Chip Estenes, a repeat participant, applied a temporary mustache and wore a vintage style suit into the water for the event. He said he is always glad to support the efforts of Port’s all-volunteer fire department and appreciates their skillful responses and protection of the region they serve. To help keep people warm, organizers constructed multiple fire pits spaced along the beach for individual groups and families to enjoy within socially distanced ongoing pandemic guidelines. Masks were worn whenever anyone was not with the group they arrived with. The January 16th event was chaired by PJFD Water Operations Team 1st Lt./4th Ward Councilman Tim Simmons and by Port Jervis Recreation Director John Faggione. Both Simmons and Faggione expressed their gratitude for the support of so many in making the event an even bigger success than last year’s first time Polar Plunge. “We were encouraged by the number of people who were willing to come out and do something for us, as well as being able to turn a corner and get out and do something outside and close to normal again,” Simmons said. “Everyone took turns by the fire and sort of policed themselves in keeping everything running smoothly and within the pandemic guidelines. It went very smoothly and I think everyone really enjoyed it.” Simmons said next year’s Polar Plunge will take place midJanuary, 2022, with the actual date to be posted in the near future. The organizers hope even more will enjoy taking a Polar Plunge next year. - SHARON SIEGEL

SHARON E. SIEGEL

Swimmer Parveen Sangha of Greenwood Lake pictured with Port Jervis Water Operation Team divers Dana Presto, Justin Brewster, Mike Aumick, and Tim Simmons, submerges in cold waters daily as part of a cold therapy routine for health.

SHARON E. SIEGEL

A large number of volunteer emergency personnel, including this group of Port Jervis FD ﬁreﬁghters, were on hand to assist with PJFD’s 2nd annual Polar Plunge at West End Beach.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

The Unknowns VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky

The Unknowns A Documentary Film About America’s Most Sacred Shrine 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: $20.00 (DVD) This DVD is approximately 84 minutes in length. It details the background of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Fort Myers, Virginia. It is a well organized story about the military volunteers who guard this tomb seven days a week and 365 days a year, regardless of weather. It takes you through the history of the shrine and the painstaking and rigorous training these men and

women are put through who desire to be a part of this guard. Like any other strict training it is a process of elimination which is determined either by the candidates (as they go through their ordeal) or the trainers (when a candidate does not meet the requirements during the training). This video goes through step by step training, routines and behind the scenes such as crew quarters while on duty, reporting, inspections and a vast array of all aspects of guarding the Unknowns. It is precision the likes of which you’ve probably never seen. It’s comforting to know that there are still humans around that are so disciplined. They are also deeply dedicated to their country and to those who gave their lives to defend it. To each who meets the qualiﬁcations a badge is presented and stays with that person even after he or she leaves the assignment. However it is pointed out that it can also be revoked at any time if there is reason to believe that the holder is not keeping up to what is expected of them either on or off duty. In short, it is a documentary that is certainly educating and enlightening!

DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

THOMAS MARRA

An ice water rescue drill was conducted in Coeymans Hollow on Sunday, January 17th. The Coeymans Hollow FD hosted the drill with the Ravena FD at Lawson's Lake in Coeymans Hollow. Members spent part of their Sunday morning teaching new members and strengthening their skills for ice water rescues in the area.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 21

WE ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! At VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists, quality, honesty, safety & integrity are our priorities to satisfying each customer’s needs. Our Sales consultants work diligently with each customer to provide excellent service from inquiry to delivery. From conducting an initial consultation, to mapping out a plan for apparatus replacement, to ambulance production and delivery; we are here to help guide you through the process to make sure your ambulance purchase is amazing. We are committed to assisting

PITTSTON, PA

our customers long after the sale with warranty repairs, collision and body repairs, graphics & painting, equipment installations, parts, remounts, and of course, routine maintenance! We are closer than you think with full-service centers located in Berlin & South Plainﬁeld, New Jersey; Pittston, Pennsylvania; and Holbrook, New York, and if you can't make to one of our locations, we offer mobile services as well! We are never more than a phone call away. Give VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists a call at 1-800-394-2162 or feel free to stop in at any of our locations to see why we are HOLBROOK, NY

truly a one-stop shop for everything ambulance related.

Four Full-Service Locations to Serve You! 43 Jefferson Avenue Berlin, NJ 08009 3560 Kennedy Road South Plainﬁeld, NJ 07080 920 Lincoln Avenue Holbrook, NY 11741 20 Freeport Road Pittston, PA 18640

CORPORATE LOCATION BERLIN, NJ

MOBILE SERVICES

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ

VCI BODY SHOP BERLIN, NJ

www.vciambulances.com Follow Us!

Committed to providing the best emergency vehicles with the best service to our customers.

PAGE 22

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

House Fire in Pittsford Quickly Contained Pittsford, NY - On Friday, January 29th at 3:30 P.M., Pittsford firefighters were dispatched for multiple calls reporting a house fire at 20 Courtenay Circle. Units arrived on JUMP TO FILE# location with a 013021101 working fire in a split-level home. All occupants were accounted for and there were no injuries reported. The blaze was brought under control in about 30 minutes. Brighton F.D. responded to the scene as the RIC, and East Rochester provided a fill-in company. -JEFFREY ARNOLD

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

JOHN SMITH

Structure Fire for Jamestown Jamestown, NY - At 12:14 P.M. on January 24th, the Jamestown Fire Department was dispatched to 114 King Street for a reported structure fire. At 12:16 P.M., Car 1 went on scene and reported flames showing from the rear of the structure and requested an off-shift crew of 15+1 to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. WILLIAM MARSHALL

This patch belongs to the Roosevelt Fire District Rescue Squad, located in Hyde Park, NY. The squad has been around since the mid 1950's. They operate 1 BLS Ambulance and a BLS Flag Car, covering about 1650 calls a year.

THOMAS MARRA

Rollover Crash in Coeymans Hollow Coeymans Hollow, NY - Emergency crews were dispatched to a report of a rollover crash in Coeymans Hollow on Saturday, January 23rd. The Coeymans Hollow Fire Department was dispatched with Ravena Rescue, Albany County Sheriff's Ambulance, Albany County Paramedics, Coeymans Police and the Albany County Sheriff's Department for a rollover in the area of 8 Starr Road, near Route 143, around 8:45 P.M. There were two occupants in the vehicle. Both occupants were transported to the hospital by Ravena Rescue and Albany County Sheriff's Ambulance, with a paramedic on board for one patient. The vehicle was towed and crews quickly returned to service to get warmed up from the frigid temperatures. The sheriff's department later reported that neither occupant suffered injuries.

Rick Billings

LONG ISLAND NEWS

This section is exclusively dedicated to coverage of Long Island emergency services PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

WWW.1RBN.COM

MARCH, 2021

HORRIFIC FIVE-CAR WRECK CLAIMS ONE LIFE IN CENTEREACH

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Centereach, NY - At approximately 5:30 P.M. on January 30th, firefighters and the SCPD were notified of a five-car crash at the Middle Country Road and Nicolls Road overpass, with possible entrapment. - See full story on Page 29

JOIN OUR TEAM OF DISPATCHERS! Paging with a Rewards Program! Visit our website to ﬁll out an application. “Where the news gets its news!”

www.1rwn.com SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 33

PAGE 28

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

LONG ISLAND ADVERTISER

INDEX A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

Firematic

33 CONNOR JACOBS

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 3 - 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.

845-534-7500• (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@belsito.com

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Fire Through the Roof on Arrival in Hauppauge Hauppauge, NY - Firefighters were activated for a reported structure fire at 195 Lincoln Blvd. on January 27th. The first chief to arrive on scene found flames shooting through the roof and reactivated for a working fire. Mutual aid was requested from Smithtown and Nesconset Fire Departments. Arriving firefighters were hampered, as the house was located in the woods and all three lines needed to be strected through the woods, as well as a two-and-a-half inch line. The fire was placed under control about 45 minutes in, and no injuries were reported.

High Winds Cause Tree to Fall and Severely Damage Home in Brookhaven Brookhaven, NY - On the afternoon of January 29th, the Brookhaven Fire Department was activated for a report of a tree falling onto a house on River Road, off Dawn Drive. Engine 5-3-2 was first to arrive on scene. On arrival the crew from Engine 2 went to work under the command of Lieutenant John Hodge sizing up the scene. They found that a large tree had struck the home, causing serious damage, and it also had taken power lines down as well. They were joined a short time later by a crew from Engine 5-3-8 under the command of Captain Darrow. Firefighters used the hot stick and determined that the power

JUMP TO FILE #013121108

line was still live. They also investigated the home and found that all occupants had made it out safely without any injuries. Firefighters secured the scene while PSEG was notified for the downed wires. A Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal was also requested to respond to the scene due to the severity of the building damage. Fire Police were on scene to assist with traffic control. All units were back in service in about 30 minutes. - CONNOR JACOBS

Additional news from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Teenager Killed After Crash on L.I.E. in Yaphank Yaphank, NY - On Monday afternoon, January 25th at 2:20 P.M., the 18-year-old passenger in a Jeep Liberty was killed after the Jeep and a second car collided on the L.I.E. eastbound, between 66-67. The impact of the collision caused the Jeep to crash through the guardrail and flip down 30-feet to the service road below. At least two people were ejected from the front and back passenger seat. Yaphank firefighters worked on the 18-year-old, who was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later. Three other subjects were also injured and were transported, one by aviation, with non-lifethreatening injuries.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Small Plane Crashes Behind Abandoned Building in Plainview Plainview, NY - On Sunday afternoon, January 10th at about 1:05 P.M., multiple fire and police units from Nassau and Suffolk responded to a reported plane down at 150 Winding Rd. The pilot radioed that he lost power and both engines as he was attempting to reach Republic Airport, about seven miles away. The plane went down and was unable to be located for several minutes before being found behind an abandoned factory. The pilot was removed from the crash on the side of a hill and rushed to a local hospital for treatment. FAA was responding for an investigation. The pilot was the only one on board.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 29

LONG ISLAND

Horriﬁc Five-Car Wreck Claims One Life in Centereach Centereach, NY - At approximately 5:30 P.M. on January 30th, firefighters and the SCPD were notified of a five-car crash at the Middle Country Road and Nicolls Road overpass, with possible entrapment. SCPD and Centereach fire chiefs arrived to find a JUMP TO FILE# horrific accident 013021108 and immediately called for a heavy rescue unit from Selden FD, along with SCPD EMS and multiple ambulances. Paramedics advised that one person in the black SUV was trapped by the car into the driver's compartment and had no pulse. The subject was pronounced deceased on scene. SCPD arrested one subject at the scene for unknown charges. Mutual aid from Selden and Farmingville responded to the scene for a rescue truck and ambulances for the remaining injured occupants. Middle Country Road was closed in all directions for hours during the incident. - CHRIS SABELLA SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Read more news from around Long Island online! 1rbn.com SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

PAGE 30

March, 2021

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

Fireﬁghters from multiple departments battled this house ﬁre in Mastic, 1/21/21.

Mastic Firefighters Respond to Another Fire on Reservation Mastic, NY – On Thursday, January 21st at about 9:18 P.M., the Mastic Fire Department was activated for a report of a structure fire on Poospatuck Lane, off of Abby Lane in the reservation. Assistant Chief Gene Martucci [5-12-31] advised Fire-Com that he was enroute, and Fire-Com advised that they were taking multiple calls, at least two of which reporting a residential fire. Assistant Chief Martucci radioed back to his members on fireground that he needed the first due engine on the road ASAP due to multiple calls being received.

JUMP TO FILE #012321109

On arrival, Martucci radioed back to Fire-Com that he had a working fire and wanted them to start his mutual aid plan. The first due engine hit the hydrant, which was a long stretch dropping the supply line. Engines arrived on scene, lines were stretched and a quick attack was made on the fire, which appeared to have started on the exterior in the rear and spread up to the attic area. Mutual aid came into the scene

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Suffolk Deputy Fire Coordinator Ed Johnston on scene at a house ﬁre in Mastic.

from Mastic Beach and Center Moriches, with a request for Manorville FD to stand by. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down firefighters from Mastic and Mastic Beach worked together on the roof to hit the remaining pockets in the attic, as well as cutting a hole in the roof with the saw. Firefighters operated on scene for a little over an hour. EMS rehab support was provided by Mastic and Shirley Ambulance companies. - JOHN WALTHERS

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Medical Services” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Fireﬁghter Ryan Peters at a recent working ﬁre.

BRADLEY FOWLER / FIRE GUY PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach Vol. Ambulance Company Ambulance 17 (5-39-17), First Responder 80 (5-39-80), and Second Assistant Chief 32 (5-39-32), on scene of an EMS alarm during Nor’easter 2021.

Mastic Asst. Chief Gene Martucci was in command at a ﬁre on Poospatuck Ln., 1/21/21.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 31

LONG ISLAND VEHICLE NEWS

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Car Slams into Pole in Mastic Mastic, NY – On Tuesday, January 26th at about 8:15 P.M., Mastic Ambulance Company and Mastic Fire Department were called to Overlook Dr. and Pawnee Ave. for a vehicle crash. On arrival Fire Chief Rudy Sunderman found a singlevehicle MVA. The vehicle had struck a pole, and there was no entrapment. Engine 5-12-3 and Rescue 5-12-10 continued into the scene and were directed to secure the vehicle and assist with cleanup. Suffolk County Police did an interview with the driver while trying to determine the cause of the crash. Mastic Ambulance was also on scene and treated the driver of the vehicle. All units were back in service relatively quickly.

JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

The Brookhaven Fire Department recently took delivery of this new 2020 Chevorlet Silverado chief's truck for their 2nd assistant chief. Designation is 5-3-32.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021 JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Coram Fireﬁghters Make Quick Stop Coram, NY - Just after 8:00 P.M. on Friday night, January 22nd, Coram firefighters were activated for a reported structure fire at 21 Winfield Davis Drive. The chief arrived to find a fire pit fire too close to the house, which had spread to the rear wall of the home and was quickly advancing up to a second-story window. Firefighters quickly brought a hand line around back, knocking down all visible fire and began opening the walls to check for extension.

The Stony Brook Fire Department recently took delivery of this new Ladder truck, designated 5A-316. It's a Spartan 105' rear-mount aerial ladder with a Hale pump and 480-gallon tank.

If your department has a new vehicle you would like featured in “Vehicle News,” send a nicely posed and lit photo with text to news@1strespondernews.com

PAGE 32

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

LONG ISLAND

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Fireﬁghters battled this small brush ﬁre on 1/31/21 on Dawn Dr. in Shirley. CONNOR JACOBS

Mastic Fireﬁghters Handle Teen Falls Through Ice in North Patchogue Small Brush Fire North Patchogue FD units at the scene of the ice rescue.

Shirley, NY - On Saturday, January 30th at about 11:40 A.M., the Mastic FD was alerted to a report of smoke in the area of Dawn Drive. Additional details came in to County advising of a brush ﬁre at that location, and a general alarm was activated by Fire-Com. Chiefs Rudy Sunderman [5-1230] and Gene Martucci [5-12-31] quickly responded, as did Lieutenant Rudy Sunderman [5-12-70]. On arrival they found a small ﬁre just off the roadway on Dawn Dr., between Grand Ave. and Pinelawn Rd. The department's mini pumper 5-12-5 responded out of the substation and Engine 5-12-3 responded

JUMP TO FILE #013121109

in from headquarters to the scene. On arrival the crew from Unit 5 immediately stretched a line and began to hit the ﬂames as well as the surrounding brush. Engine 512-3 sent their crew up with a booster line and assisted 5’s crew. The ﬁre was quickly knocked down and further spread to the woods was prevented. Crews were placed back in to service a short time later. - JOHN WALTHERS

North Patchogue, NY - On Sunday, January 31st at about 3:25 P.M., Suffolk Fire Rescue dispatched the North Patchogue FD to a reported ice rescue in Canaan Lake, near 805 Old North Ocean Ave., for a kid that fell through the ice and was in the water up to his neck. Suffolk County Police 5th Precinct ofﬁcers were also dispatched to the scene, as was the

JUMP TO FILE #020321107

Hagerman FD for their hovercraft. North Patchogue FD responded with multiple chiefs, at least one engine, a rescue truck and two ambulances. Upon arrival, they conﬁrmed that the subject was out of the water and canceled the Hagerman FD.

The 17-year-old male had been in the water for about ﬁve minutes and was able to get himself out with the help of his friends. The Pathogue Fire Department ambulance transported the teen to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue for evaluation. - CONNOR JACOBS

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Fireﬁghting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

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

FRANKIE VERDERAME JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Manorville Fire Dept. Engine 7 (5-16-7) on scene of a reported kitchen ﬁre.

Mastic Probationary Fireﬁghter Jennifer Lian on scene of a recent working ﬁre.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 33

PAGE 34

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

FDNY 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

How do you make healthy pancakes taste good? Add bacon! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

Pancakes are a firehouse breakfast staple. Often cooked on a cast iron pan or griddle that outdates even the most senior members, these flapjacks feed many for cheap. Which is probably why they are so popular for fundraising as well. In firehouses all across the country, “pancake breakfasts” help raise funds for departments in need. They also appeal to us on a more personal note as well. Sunday morning with the family, cup of joe and a stack of pancakes evoke memories of a simpler time.

Or maybe it was the trip to the local IHOP you remember most. The point is, food has a way of engraining itself into our memories and more often than not it is the food we grew up eating. My dad loves a good pancake and now more than ever, enjoys cooking them for my daughter. And believe it or not, this food has been around a lot longer than you and I. Some evidence dates it back to the Stone Age! And in more “recent” times, Thomas Jefferson was a huge fan of the flapjack, even sending a recipe back to his hometown from the White House. So now that we have established the fact that pancakes are not only delicious and hold a sentimental place in our hearts, lets also admit now that they are definitely not the healthiest of foods for us to eat on a regular basis. But

how on earth can we make this somewhat healthy AND delicious at the same time? Well first let’s start with the actual pancake itself. Instead of using your standard All-Purpose flour, this recipe uses almond flour, which is great for the glutenfree and gluten-intolerant folks out there. We also use bananas, not just for flavor, but to add moisture and sweetness as well since almond flour tends to be a little “drier” than conventional flours. And whenever we need to make something taste better, what do we add? BACON!!! If you haven’t tried pancakes topped with real maple syrup and bacon, you are seriously missing out! There is no better combination of flavors than sweet and savory. Stay safe, eat well!

BACON-BANANA-ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKES Makes approximately 8 - 6” Pancakes Ingredients:

FDNY

The Department is mourning the loss of Firefighter Joseph A. Ferrugia, 61, from COVID-19. Firefighter Ferrugia was a 30year veteran of the Department, joining the FDNY in October, 1990, assigned to Ladder Company 142 in Queens. Twice in his outstanding career he was cited for bravery. Most recently, he was assigned to the Rebreather Unit, as part of the Department’s Special Operations Command, where he served in a critical support role training members and responding to incidents where Firefighters would take part in extended emergency operations underground and in tunnels. “Firefighter Ferrugia is the thirteenth member of the Depart-

ment to die due to COVID-19,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “This horrific illness has taken far too many lives, and now it has killed a man who bravely served New Yorkers for three decades. He ran toward danger his entire career, searching for those trapped by flames and doing all he could to save them. Our entire Department mourns his loss.” He was a World Trade Center first responder and a senior Firefighter whose actions saved the lives of others and made his fellow members safer. He is the first active FDNY Firefighter to die due to COVID-19. A resident of Long Island, he is survived by his three adult children and five siblings.

Visit us on web

www.1rbn.com

4 Ripe Bananas 4 Eggs 1 Cup Almond Flour 1 tsp Baking Powder ¼ Cup Maple Syrup Pinch of Salt 4 Slices of Cooked Bacon, crumbled Cooking Spray or Butter for pan Procedure: -Separate the egg yolk from the whites by carefully cracking them in to a large bowl. Using your hands gently scoop out the yolks and place in a medium bowl. -Using a whisk, whip the egg whites until fluffy, set aside. -Combine the maple syrup and bananas in the same bowl as the egg yolk. Mash bananas and stir to incorporate. Add the almond flour, baking powder and salt to the bowl. Stir to combine thoroughly. -Carefully fold in the egg whites to the batter with a rubber spatula.

AJ FUSCO

through. -Ladle the batter into a greased preheated non-stick pan, cast iron or griddle over medium heat. Sprinkle each pancake with some crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Cook pancakes untouched until the bottom starts to brown and you see bubbles forming, about 2-3 minutes. Very carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until fully cooked

-Garnish with more crumbled bacon! (Note: These pancakes are very tender and delicate compared to traditional so they may need a little extra cooking time and gentle handling!)

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

March, 2021

PAGE 35

PAGE 36

March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Proudly Serving Eastern Half of NY, Eastern PA, & NJ

CONGRATULATIONS Monroe Fire Department in Monroe, NY on their recent Spartan/EVI Heavy Rescue Order Features Include: • Spartan Gladiator LFD • Emergency Vehicles Inc Walk Around Rescue Body • 8 Man Cab • Cummins X12 500hp • Allison 4000EVS • Whelen LED Warning Lights • FRC LED Scene Lights • Wilburt LED 120v Light Tower • Cummins Onan PTO Generator • Roof Top Storage Compartments • Roof Top Ground Ladder Storage • Roof Top Access Ladder • Custom Air Bag Storage Module • Speedy-dry Storage Module • Tool Air Reels • Electrical Reels

We service ANY and ALL Makes and Models!

2040 State Rte 208 Montgomery, NY 12549 Phone: (845) 565-7700 • Fax: (845) 427-0825