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

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MAY, 2021

WOMAN DIES IN CALEDONIA HOUSE FIRE

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

CALEDONIA, NY - On Saturday, March 20th at 7:27 P.M., the Caledonia, Mumford and Scottsville Fire Departments, along with East Avon (FAST), were dispatched to the report of a house fire with a person trapped at 4306 Caledonia-Avon Road in the town of Caledonia. - See full story on page 22

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May, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

One Person Killed in Fatal Tractor-Trailer MVA on NYS Thruway NEWBURGH, NY - Orange Lake and Winona Lake Fire Departments responded to reports of a serious MVA with entrapment on the NYS Thruway southbound at mile marker 59.8 on April 6th around 3:30 P.M. that in- JUMP TO FILE# volved two tractor- 040721100 trailers and an SUV. The driver of one of the tractortrailers involved, 64-year-old Michael Guerra of Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation determined that Guerra was traveling southbound when he crashed into the back of the other tractor-trailer, which then struck a Ford Explorer. The occupants of the second tractor-trailer and Ford Explorer were uninjured. HazMat teams from Orange County and West Point were called to the scene, along with Orange County Deputy Coordinators 36-1-10-13-15-200. Good Will FD was on stand by at Winona Lake, while Coldenham was standing by at Orange Lake quarters. New York State Police are investigating the accident. - BOB MCCORMICK BOB MCCORMICK

BOB MCCORMICK

GUY ZAMPATORI JR

House Fire with Entrapment in Rochester ROCHESTER, NY - Rochester Firefighters responded early Friday morning, March 25th, to Finch St. for a house on fire with reports of people trapped. Engine 3 went on location with smoke and flames showing from the front of a two-story house. Engine 3 further reported a female on the front roof. The female was removed by ground ladder and transported to the hospital. One other person suffered from smoke inhalation. The fire was under control within 20 minutes.

Crews Respond to Porch Fire in Newburgh NEWBURGH, NY - Cronomer Valley FD responded to a reported structure fire at 37 Fostertown Road on March 22nd. Cronomer Valley arrived on scene and found the porch of the structure on fire, and immediately requested the Middlehope and Good-Will Fire Departments to respond. Firefighters stretched one line and extinguished the fire. They then took the porch apart to check for extension. Deputy Orange County Fire Coordinator 36-16 was also at the scene.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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GREENFIELD, NY - On March 13th, all Greenfield companies were toned out for what was originally reported as a garage fire at 1117 North Creek Road. Upon arrival, Greenfield's chief declared a fully involved garage, car and house fire, and asked for a FAST out of the city of Saratoga and two tankers from Corinth FD to respond. The Red Cross was called to the scene to help out the family who was effected by the blaze. Rock City Falls and Wilton were put on standby for Greenfield to cover their district as they continued to battle the fire from inside and out. Cause and origin was called to the scene to investigate the fire.

Spring Valley Fireﬁghter Jared Lloyd was killed while battling a ﬁre at an assisted living home on March 23rd. North Eastern Rescue

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 5 - 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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Fire at Assisted Living Home Claims Life of Spring Valley Firefighter SPRING VALLEY, NY - On March 23rd at 12:57 A.M., multiple fire departments were dispatched to 65 Lafayette Street at the Evergreen Home for adults. The chief on scene immediately transmitted multiple alarms for a working structure fire with dozens of people trapped. Fire departments from Spring Valley, Monsey, Nanuet, New City, Thiells, Orangeburg, Suffern, Nyack, South Spring Valley, Pearl River, Tallman, West Nyack, Piermont, Central Nyack, Sloatsburg, Valley Cottage, Stony Point, Congers, Sparkill, and Mahwah New Jersey all responded to the scene to help remove the trapped elderly individuals from the assisted living facility. The fire grew rapidly and quickly spread throughout the facility. As it was spreading, Spring Valley Firefighter Jared Lloyd was still searching the third floor of the nursing facility when he became lost. The fire overwhelmed the entire building and caused multiple floors to collapse. Command was

JUMP TO FILE #032421104

notified after the collapse that there was still a missing firefighter unaccounted for. Firefighters searched the fire ground for the missing firefighter, but could not find him. The fire was brought under control after close to 14 hours of fire fighting efforts by 26 departments. Firefighters searched for hours by hand through the rubble of the building for their missing brother and finally located him. Unfortunately, he had made the ultimate sacrifice. At this time we would like to give our thoughts and prayers to all of the Fire Departments in Rockland County, the Spring Valley Fire Department and the family and friends of Firefighter Jared Lloyd. Rest in Peace brother. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life”. God bless you and your family. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

BOB MCCORMICK

Driver Medevaced from OneCar Rollover Near Montgomery MONTGOMERY, NY - On April 2nd, Coldenham FD responded to a one-vehicle rollover on 747 Drive and exit ramp 33 eastbound onto 747. Firefighters extricated one subject from the vehicle. Town of Newburgh EMS requested a Medevac to the scene. Coldenham FD set up a landing zone on 747 just south of I-84. The subject was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center with unknown injuries. Town of Newburgh Police assisted New York State Police at the scene. State Police are investigating the cause.

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Oklahoma: Andrew "Andy" P. Davis, 45 Rank: Major Incident Date: December 9, 2020 Death Date: December 24, 2020 Fire Department: Oklahoma City Fire Department Initial Summary: On December 9, 2020, Major Andrew “Andy” P. Davis contracted COVID-19 while providing emergency medical care to a patient who had tested positive for the virus. Major Davis passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020. West Virginia: Logan Young, 30 Rank: Senior Airman/Firefighter Incident Date: December 27, 2020 Death Date: December 27, 2020 Fire Department: 167th Air Lift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, December 27, 2020, at approximately 0200hrs, Senior Airman/Firefighter Logan Young, responded to a mutual aid call, to a barn fire in Kearneysville, West Virginia. Senior Airman/Firefighter Young was killed while battling the blaze when a beam fell on him. The cause of the fire has been determined as arson and is under investigation.

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Maryland: Bryan "Hammy" P. Hamilton, 42 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: December 14, 2020 Death Date: January 1, 2021 Fire Department: Naval District of Washington Fire and Emergency Services Initial Summary: Firefighter/EMT Bryan “Hammy” P. Hamilton contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. On Friday, January 1, 2021, he passed away at the University of Maryland, Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland, from complications of the virus.

California: George A. Roque, 57 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 2, 2020 Death Date: January 1, 2021 Fire Department: Los Angeles City Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain George A. Roque contracted COVID-19 while on-duty from a patient with a known case of the virus.

North Carolina: Darrell Woodard, 66 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 3, 2020 Death Date: December 29, 2020 Fire Department: Savannah Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Thursday, December 3, 2020, Chief Darrell Woodard responded to a call for a smell of smoke in a building. All four firefighters, including Chief Woodard, that responded to this incident, tested positive for COVID-19. Chief Woodard passed away from the virus on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

Michigan: Roland Brooks, 82 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 28, 2020 Death Date: December 20, 2020 Fire Department: Grant Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Chief Roland Brooks contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday, December 5, 2020 and passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Tennessee: John Howell Clift, 64 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 21, 2020 Death Date: January 2, 2021 Fire Department: Rural Metro Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter John Howell Clift contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. He was hospitalized in early December and passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021.

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Pennsylvania: Stephen Sunday, 28 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 20, 2020 Death Date: December 29, 2020 Fire Department: City of Scranton Bureau of Fire Initial Summary: Firefighter Stephen Sunday contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. He passed away from the virus on December 29, 2020.

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A bowl full of ﬂavor… FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

JOHN SMITH

Multi-Occupant Residence Damaged by Fire in Jamestown JAMESTOWN, NY - At approximately 6:40 A.M. on March 23rd, Jamestown Fire was dispatched to 703 Washington Street, on the corner with West Seventh Street, for a reported structure fire. Car 1 went on scene at 6:42 A.M. and reported fire on the first floor porch. Firefighters quickly searched the multi-story residence, which had smoke showing from many of its windows. There were no early reports of any injuries. Celoron volunteer firefighters responded to the city with their ambulance for standby at the scene. An off-shift of 15+1 was called. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

One of my favorite things to cook and eat are “bowls”, which you may see on menus all over these days. Typically made with grains and topped with proteins and vegetables, they have become more popular in recent years with the explosion in health conscious eaters. The beauty of them is that they are not only usually healthy, but also convenient at that. With our seemingly never ending busy schedules, the “bowl” is the perfect “on the go” meal. There are no rules when it comes to these, so use your imagination, whatever you have in the fridge and get cre-

ative. Lamb is a protein that I don’t eat often but when I do, I like to use assertive flavors because lamb can stand up to it. The most popular cuts are certainly chops and leg, but ground lamb is extremely versatile as well. Many supermarkets carry it, although it may take some searching for. It makes a great burger, but in this case cooks up perfectly for this Curry-spiced Lamb Bowl with Sweet Potato. Cooking the meat until it just starts to brown and then breaking it up with a spoon helps keep some texture, getting little crispy bits which we all love. And like I said earlier about assertive flavor, you can’t get more assertive than curry. The big misconception is that curry is one type of stew or sauce, when in fact it is neither. The term has so many meanings it’s almost meaningless! Different cuisines use various ingredients in their

curry, depending on if the curry is in paste, powder or sauce form. Most easily accessible in most supermarkets is the powder, where it is usually found in the “International” aisle. A typical curry powder has turmeric, which lends a yellow color, chile powder, ground ginger and coriander, black pepper and cumin. All of these flavors pair really well with lamb, so it’s perfect for this dish. The addition of the Garlic-Lemon Yogurt adds some extra fat to the lean lamb and the acidity of the pickled onions cuts through the lamb’s richness. It’s a well balanced meal with the addition of sweet potato, which adds fiber and a touch of sweetness, to counter the heat of the curry. If you are not afraid of flavor, definitely give this one a shot! And if lamb isn’t your thing, substitute with ground pork or even chicken.

CURRY-SPICED LAMB WITH SWEET POTATO, GARLICLEMON YOGURT AND PICKLED RED ONION Serves 2-4 Ingredients: 1lb. Ground Lamb 2 tsp. Curry Powder Salt, to taste 2 Cups Kale, chopped 1 Clove Garlic, chopped 2 Sweet Potato, halved Optional:Chili Powder and Fresh Herbs for garnish (Cilantro, dill and/or parsley) EVOO Yogurt: ½ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt 1 Clove Garlic 1 Lemon Salt, to taste EVOO Pickled Onions: 1/2 Red Onion, thin sliced 1.5 Cups White Vinegar 2 tsp. Salt ¼ Cup Sugar

-For the onions: place the sliced onions in a small bowl. Put the vinegar in a small pot over medium-high heat. When it starts to simmer, add the salt and sugar, stir to dissolve. Pour the vinegar over the onions and set aside to cool.

-For the sweet potato: place a steamer basket or colander in a large pot. Add water until it reaches 1 inch below the bottom of the basket. Put the sweet potatoes in the steamer basket and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium and allow the potatoes to steam until you can insert a paring knife without resistance, about 20 minutes.

-In the same pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of EVOO. When the oil is shimmering add the ground lamb and press down with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, untouched or until the lamb starts to brown. Sprinkle it with curry powder and a pinch of salt. Break up the lamb with the spatula and add the kale back to the pan. Sauté until lamb is just cooked through, another minute or 2.

-For the yogurt: combine the yogurt, juice of lemon and microplaned/minced garlic in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and drizzle of EVOO, stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

-For the lamb: Heat a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of EVOO. Stir in the garlic and kale, sauté for a couple of minutes until the kale is wilted. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

-Assemble the bowl: spoon the yogurt in the bowl, set the sweet potato on top and sprinkle with salt. Top with the lamb and pickled onions. Garnish with chili powder and herbs.

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

Procedure:

Rochester Fireﬁghters Respond to Fire On U of R Campus ROCHESTER, NY - On Monday, April 5th at 6:32 P.M., Rochester firefighters responded to the report of a structure fire at 975 Hill Court Circle, Kendrick House on the University of Rochester campus. U of R Public Safety reported smoke on the third and fourth floors of the four-story dormitory building. The blaze was found to be in a trash compactor in the basement. Firefighters charged the building's standpipe system and the fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. There were no injuries reported.

AJ FUSCO

May, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

Garage Fire Quickly Extinguished in Elsmere ELSMERE, NY - Fire crews were dispatched for a report of a fire in the garage of an Elsmere home on Thursday, March 18th. Elsmere and Delmar Fire Departments were called to 20 Brookview Ave. at 3:30 P.M. for an JUMP TO FILE# active fire in the 033121109 garage of the home. Arriving crews were able to quickly put water on the flames in the garage. Selkirk and Slingerlands Fire Departments were both immediately requested for one engine each to respond to the scene. The main body of fire was in the garage and there was slight extension into the house, according to Assistant Chief Frank Wickham of Elsmere Fire. As crews were checking for extension they noticed heavy fire in the basement, but were able to quickly knock the fire down. There was one car in the garage at the time of the fire, which was a total loss. Due to the location of the fire in the garage, crews were faced with hazards. “Anytime you’re working around a car, whether it’s a fire or an accident, there’s many hazards,” says Wickham. “In this particular case you’ve got a car on fire inside a structure, so that adds to the dynamics.” “The other thing of concern with any kind of car fire is the bumpers,” Wickham said. “They’re usually under the possibility of actually causing an explosion with the sensors and the gas-filled pistons within the bumpers.” He says there was also a point during the call where fuel was running down the driveway from the garage and towards the firefighters, but that situation was quickly handled. North Bethlehem Fire responded to the scene to provide rehab for firefighters, and Selkirk Fire brought their air truck to replenish the supply of air bottles used on the scene. McKownville Fire brought an engine to standby at the Slingerlands Firehouse and Coeymans Fire also relocated one engine to standby at Selkirk Fire Station #2. Delmar-Bethlehem EMS responded with two ambulances to standby at the scene with Albany County Paramedics. “It really impressed me today,” said Wickham. “We had a lot of firefighters here today really, really quickly.” Wickham says one person lives at the home and was returning home when he discovered the fire in the garage. There were no injuries reported on the scene. The fire investigation team from the Bethlehem P.D. was requested to determine a possible cause of the fire. Police say the fire appears to be accidental and started in the garage. - THOMAS MARRA

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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.

THOMAS MARRA FRANK ROBINSON

Many firefighters responded to an active garage fire in the Elsmere Fire District on March 18th.

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May, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

THOMAS MARRA

Wood Shed in Delmar Becomes Engulfed in Flames During Gusty Winds DELMAR, NY - A spark led to an entire wood shed becoming fully-engulfed in flames during gusting winds on Sunday night, March 14th. The Delmar and Slingerlands Fire Departments were dispatched to 304 Meads Lane for a report of a wood shed that was fully-involved in flames around 7:20 P.M. Members of the Elsmere and Selkirk Fire Departments responded with FAST team members in the event that the fire spread to the nearby house. “Fortunately, the wind was blowing away from the house and towards an open field,” said Chief Dan Ryan of Delmar Fire. There wasn’t much of a chance for it leading to a large brush fire because the field was mostly down to dirt because of the cattle, according to Ryan. He says the wood shed was nearly completely filled with tightly-stacked wood at the time of

JUMP TO FILE #031521124 JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

the fire. The homeowner was able to assist firefighters in moving the wood piles so that fire crews could continue wetting the burning wood. It took approximately 30 minutes for crews to have the fire knocked down to the point where they were hitting hot spots in the wood piles. Since this road has no fire hydrants, Onesquethaw Fire was dispatched as mutual aid to supply water to fire crews on the scene. The owner of the home believes the fire started from a spark in the wood stove, according to Ryan. There were no injuries reported at the scene. - THOMAS MARRA

Albany Fireﬁghters Safely Evacuate Residents from Apartment Building Fire ALBANY, NY - On April 5th at 9:38 P.M., the City of Albany's Fire Department was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 574 Central Avenue. The caller reported smoke coming from the front of the building. The battalion chief arrived on scene and had fire showing from the front of the building and declared the Signal 30 for a working structure fire. The battalion chief noticed the building had not yet been evacuated and quickly sprung into action. Truck 3 and Engine 7 arrived on scene within minutes and quickly went to work. Truck 3 immediately set up to go to the roof on the 'Delta' side of the structure

JUMP TO FILE #040821102

while Truck 2 set up in the front of the building. Firefighters from the rescue squad arrived on scene and assisted with evacuating the building. Firefighters from Engine 7 quickly knocked down the fire in the front of the building. Firefighters inside of the structure made sure everyone was out safely and began to check for extension inside the walls of the apartment on the second floor. Crews quickly cleared all of the floors and only had fire on the exterior portion of the second floor of the building.

The fire was brought under control in less than 15 minutes. Fire investigators arrived on scene and began to conduct an investigation into what caused the fire. No firefighters were injured on scene and all of the residents made it out safely. Crews remained on scene for about 45 minutes before going back in service. Due to the swift response from the Albany Fire Department, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading and causing substantial damage to the building. The fire is under investigation at this time. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

BOB MCCORMICK

Pellet Stove Causes Smoke Condition in Plattekill Home WALLKILL, NY - Plattekill FD responded to smoke inside a residence at 1 Crystal Road in Wallkill on March 21st. Plattekill Command requested Coldenham FD FAST and Cronomer Valley FD to the scene. Firefighters entered the residence and smelled something burning. As they investigated they discovered ashes inside a pellet stove that was causing smoke. Firefighters took the ashes outside and extinguished them. Deputy Orange County Fire Coordinator 3613 was also at the scene. JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

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VEHICLE NEWS

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 Slingerlands Fire Department recently lost one of their own, causing a great loss for the fire service in the Capitol Region. Past Chief Walter “Bill” Eck, Jr. of the Slingerlands Fire Department shocked the community with his sudden passing.

CHUCK LOWE

Dikeman Engine & Hose, located in Goshen, has placed a 2020 Pierce Enforcer in to service as Engine 932. This apparatus carries 1000-gallons of water, 20 of foam and is rated to pump at 1750-GPM.

“Our world has been turned upside down,” said a Facebook post from Captain Jason Tice. “He was one of the strongest, most caring, bighearted person you could know.” Aside from his roles with Slingerlands Fire, Eck was also very active in other aspects of the fire service in the area. One of those roles was the 2nd vice president of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association. “Bill leaves a void that cannot be filled,” President Michael Karashay of the HVVFA said in a statement. “His positions can be filled but his dedication, drive and enthusiasm for the fire service cannot.” Eck was also a trustee with the FASNY Firemen’s Home lo-

cated in Hudson and also participated in events with the Greene County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. In addition, Eck was a longtime vice chairman of the Conference Committee for the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and was dedicated to ensuring the safety of guests at the Annual Conference & FIRE Expo for many years. A wake was held on Wednesday, March 24th, and a funeral on Wednesday, March 25th, both at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar.

patcher Brian Sleurs set off the tones and siren for Slingerlands Fire and secured Shield 014. The procession then travelled to the Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont, where family, friends and fire department family all said their final goodbyes. “Billy is a great father, brother, grandfather and just an overall great friend to everyone that he has ever come in contact with or met,” said Chief Craig Sleurs of Slingerlands Fire. “I know personally that I’ll miss Billy and all the talks that we used to have.”

Instead of the traditional hearse, Eck received an escort from his brothers and sisters from Slingerlands Fire on the back of the antique fire apparatus to the church. The procession travelled through Slingerlands where numerous fire agencies were lined along New Scotland Road with the American Flag hanging from two ladder trucks over the roadway for the procession to go underneath.

Agencies that were present include Slingerlands, Elsmere, Delmar, Selkirk, North Bethlehem, Coeymans, Coeymans Hollow, Onesquethaw, New Salem, Guilderland Center, McKownville, Berne, West Sand Lake, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Westmere, Fort Hunter and many other fire departments, as well as Bethlehem Police and DelmarBethlehem EMS.

A “last call” ceremony was held at the Slingerlands Firehouse where retired dis-

“We will miss you Chief,” Tice said. “We’ll take it from here. RIP.”

FRANK ROBINSON

Richﬁeld Springs Fire Department now operates this 2020 Freightliner/Toyne 1250/2000.

THOMAS MARRA

A 'Last Call' was held during the funeral procession for Past Chief Walter "Bill" Eck, Jr. of the Slingerlands Fire Department.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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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

The Elsmere FD conducted a car ﬁre drill on Tuesday, March 30th. This was the ﬁrst in-person drill the department has had since the start of the pandemic. Members who have been fully vaccinated are allowed to start attending in-person drills. Crews conducted three burns on the car for members to train and to give newer members a more hands-on experience.

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Late Afternoon Fire in Haverstraw

THOMAS MARRA

The New Baltimore FD held an extrication drill on Monday, March 8th. The drill simulated a rollover crash with a vehicle on its side. Fireﬁghters ﬁrst worked to stabilize the vehicle and then went over ways to safely remove a patient from the car. Hydraulic tools were used to cut the roof from the car and methods were discussed on handling a patient to load them on a backboard.

THOMAS MARRA

An ice water rescue drill was held in Guilderland on Saturday, March 6th. The Slingerlands and Guilderland Center FDs held the drill on a pond at the Western Turnpike Golf Course in Guilderland, with a few members from Elsmere Fire also in attendance. Members drilled all morning, learning and practicing different ice water rescue techniques using various methods and equipment. Two holes were cut in the ice to allow two groups of different scenarios to drill at the same time. There are many bodies of water, both large and small, that many ﬁre departments cover and drills like this help prepare members for situations in which members of the public may ﬁnd themselves in.

HAVERSTRAW, NY - Firefighters battled a fire that damaged two homes and caused minor damage to a third late Friday afternoon, March 19th. The Haverstraw JUMP TO FILE# FD was dispatched 031921112 just before 4:00 P.M. for a reported structure fire at 80 West Street. Dispatch advised that they were receiving multiple calls reporting a fire. The first arriving chief advised that he had smoke showing and requested a FAST from West Haverstraw. Upon further investigation, Command advised that he had heavy fire in the rear with extension to the 'Delta' exposure and transmitted a Signal 12 working fire. An additional engine from Stony Point was requested to the scene as Haverstraw units laid in and stretched multiple lines to both structures. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack on both homes and were able to knock down the fire within an hour. Crews remained on scene opening up and checking for any further extension. Additional mutual aid from Congers and New City assisted on scene. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. - CHRIS TOMPKINS

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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Two Alarms Called for Gym Fire in Boght Hills Elementary School in Colonie COLONIE, NY - On April 1st at 6:37 A.M., the Boght Fire Company, with the Verdoy and Latham Fire Departments, and Colonie Emergency Medical Services, were dispatched for a reported smoke condition inside of Boght Hills Elementary School. The dispatcher notified all responding fire units that a police officer just arrived on scene and had heavy smoke showing from the school. Verdoy Safety Car 11 arrived on scene and immediately transmitted the re-dispatch for a working structure fire. With heavy, thick smoke pushing from the building, Verdoy Safety 11 requested the transmission of the second-alarm. Safety 11, along with the school's maintenance staff who were also volunteer firefighters, were attempting to locate the seat of the fire and discovered a well involved fire in the gym area. The second-alarm brought in the Colonie Village Fire Co. for their FAST team, Shaker Road FD, Maplewood FD, West Crescent FD, Halfmoon FD, Northside FD for a standby, Fuller Road FD, West Albany FD, and Colonie Fire Services to the scene. Engines 400 and 419 arrived on scene and immediately deployed multiple hand lines into the building. As firefighters made their way into the school, they encountered a heavy smoke condition in the hallways. As they made entry into the gym they discovered a well involved stage fire, with heavy fire licking the ceiling. With heavy smoke banking down to the floor and heavy heat pushing firefighters down to the floor, crews opened up the hand line and began to knock down the heavy fire condition.

JUMP TO FILE #040821104

The heavy fire was knocked down within 10 minutes of arrival, but firefighters still had a large amount of heat and smoke inside the gym. With heavy smoke still pushing from the school and the fear of extension into another part of the building, command requested three additional truck companies to the scene. Truck 11 deployed their stick to the front of the building and firefighters began to conduct vertical ventilation. West Crescent's ladder truck quickly arrived on scene and firefighters took up a position on the 'Alpha'/'Delta' side of the structure and immediately deployed to the roof. Firefighters from the West Crescent FD ladder truck used a rotary saw and cut a large vent cap off of one of the HVAC units, allowing a large amount of smoke to exit. As firefighters inside the building confirmed they had a large portion of the fire knocked down they called for horizontal ventilation of the gym windows. Firefighters used a rotary saw to break the windows on the top of the gym due to the windows being hurricane proof. The rotary quickly cut through each window, allowing the large amount of trapped smoke and steam to exit the gym. Firefighters from the mutual aid companies arrived on scene and deployed three additional hand lines into the building to assist with overhauling the large fire area. Crews began to conduct overhaul of the stage area and roof area inside of the gym that had been heavily involved. Firefighters on the roof cut a vent hole in

JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

the roof of the gym to allow all of the remaining super heated and toxic gases to escape from the building. Firefighters began to conduct heavy overhaul inside of the structure and command was able to successfully place the fire under control in less than 45 minutes. Firefighters successfully conducted a primary and a secondary search of the structure and made sure no one was left inside of the building. They remained on scene

for a large portion of the morning into the early afternoon hours. Over 60 firefighters responded to the incident. Fire investigators arrived on scene and began to look into what caused the fire. School officials notified all of the parents that had children attending the school that there was a fire and school had been canceled. After conducting overhaul in the fire area for quite sometime, firefighters believed they extin-

guished all of the remaining hotspots, but unfortunately they were called back in the late evening hours as they had a small fire under the stage that was hidden. Crews conducted heavy overhaul again of the fire area, making sure there were no remaining hot spots. No firefighters were injured battling the fire, and the fire is under investigation at this time. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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STAYING FIT Part 1 Prioritizing Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

We all know how important exercise is for a healthy body. Anytime I visit the doctor I pretty much get the same advise - eat well and exercise regularly. I knew that before my appointment but…we already know the right things to do! The problem is we either lack the discipline or have a hard time finding time for these things that are important. Today in our society there are more time-saving devices than any other time in the history of mankind. Yet we still don't seem to have enough time. We're always in a hurry. It’s like the pilot in World War II flying over the Pacific, he radioed back, "I have absolutely no idea where I'm going. I'm lost. But I'm making record time." Have you ever felt that way? Busyness and productivity can be two completely separate things. Sometimes we need to just slow down a bit and get divine direction. Our spiritual health is just as (or more) important than our physical health. In order to stay fit you have to make selections and choices in life. It’s called time management! The Bible has this to say

about time management. Ephesians 5:15,16 (Phillips trans.) "Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days." Well, first we need to make a mental note of the things that matter most in life - that’s prioritizing. Is God in the center of your choices. Are you spiritually fit. 1 Timothy 4;7 (Phillips) says: “Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” How do we do that? The best way to start getting spiritually fit is to include God in your daily life. After all, He is our creator and knows exactly the way in which we should go. The Bible is the best source of direction - do you read it? Prayer is the best way to communicate with God - do you talk to Him? The goal is to be fit - body, soul and spirit. It’s not rocket science, it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s line up our priorities and stay fit. Start off by praying: Lord, I know I can’t save time, stretch time or add time to my life, I just have to manage it. Help me Lord to make good use of the time that you have given me. I want to be physically and spiritually fit so I can complete the mission you have given me. I ask you to come into my heart and lead me through life Amen. Thank you for taking the time to read through this message.

THOMAS MARRA

Car Gets Ran Off the Road in Glenmont GLENMONT, NY - A vehicle was run off the road in Glenmont on Sunday evening, March 14th, leaving its occupants leaning on the side of the roadway. The Bethlehem Police Department received a call around 5:50 P.M. for a vehicle off the road on Glenmont Road, just in from River Road in Glenmont. Upon the arrival of police, a 2019 Kia Sorrento was found leaning off the roadway, according to a statement from Bethlehem Police. “Through investigation it was discovered that an unknown make/model vehicle was heading east on Glenmont Road and did cross the double-yellow line into the westbound lane that the Kia was traveling in,” according to the police report.

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Police say the operator of the Kia made an evasive maneuver to avoid a collision with the other vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and come to a rest leaning on the side of the road. Due to the unstable vehicle with the occupants still inside, the Selkirk Fire Department was dispatched at 6:15 P.M. to assist in removing the occupants from the vehicle. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle from the passenger side to prevent it from rolling down the hill. Chains were then attached to the driver side of the vehicle and connected to Rescue 29-46 in order to further prevent the vehicle

from moving. “It was just precautionary,” said Assistant Chief Phil Peters of Selkirk Fire. “If we tried to take the occupants out, the vehicle could have slid or actually overturned.” Firefighters assisted in helping the two occupants out of the vehicle once it was stable for them to exit. The vehicle was then brought back up to the road by Roberts Towing. Glenmont Road was closed during the incident and traffic was diverted to Anders Lane. There were no injuries reported and no tickets have been issued. - THOMAS MARRA

Read more columns on our website! www.1rbn.com

BOB MCCORMICK

Two-Alarm Structure Fire in Middle Hope MIDDLE HOPE, NY - The Middle Hope FD responded to a reported structure fire at 5151 State Route 9W on March 19th. Command arrived on scene and requested a second-alarm sounded, bringing in City of Newburgh as the FAST, GoodWill, and Cronomer Valley FDs. Orange Lake and Winona Lake FDs were on stand by in quarters, while the New Windsor FD stood by in Goodwill FD quarters. Firefighters stretched three hand lines and extinguished fire found inside the building. Additional manpower checked for any extension and started overhauling the building. Route 9W was closed northbound at Fostertown Road and southbound by Old Balmville Road during the incident. Orange County Coordinator 36-1, Deputies 36-5-36-13-36-15 and Town of Newburgh EMS were also at the scene. Central Hudson was called for a power cut, and Town of Newburgh Building Inspectors were also requested to respond.

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JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

Three-Alarm Apartment Building Fire in Perinton PERINTON, NY - On Thursday, April 1st at 1:06 P.M., Bushnell's Basin, Fairport and Egypt Fire Departments responded to the report of a structure fire at 31 Falcon Lane West in Perinton. Units arrived on location and found heavy smoke showing from a multi-unit, two-story apartment building. The blaze went to three alarms, bringing in mutual aid from Monroe, Ontario and Wayne Counties to the scene and on stand-by. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

3-alarm apartment building ﬁre on Falcon Lane West in Perinton.

THOMAS MARRA

Two-Car Crash Closes South Bethlehem Intersection SOUTH BETHLEHEM, NY - A two-car crash shut down an intersection in South Bethlehem on Monday, March 8th. The Selkirk Fire Department responded with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Paramedics and Bethlehem Police for a reported two-car crash on Bridge Street at the intersection with Old Quarry Road around 8:20 P.M. After an investigation it was determined that a 2013 Toyota Camry heading south on Old Quarry Road entered the intersection with Bridge Street, when the driver struck a 2010 Hummer that was headed west on Bridge Street, according to a statement from Sgt. Michael Whiteley of Bethlehem Police. The collision caused both vehicles to exit the roadway and come to a stop in a wooded area on the Starr Road side of the intersection. The Camry struck a telephone pole and the Hummer came to a stop in the wooded area, according to the statement from police. Selkirk Fire and Bethlehem Po-

JUMP TO FILE #031121107

lice completely shut down the fourway intersection while crews were working on the scene and while the police department was observing tire tracks to investigate the crash. The telephone pole did not receive major damage, but a ﬁber-optic box for the phone cables located next to the pole was destroyed on impact, according to Chief Joe Michaniw of Selkirk Fire. National Grid and Verizon were notiﬁed to further assess the damages and make the proper repairs. The driver of the Camry was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, as well as a child in the backseat who was transported with the driver for evaluation. The driver of the Hummer was not injured. The driver of the Camry was issued a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign. - THOMAS MARRA

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Risky Business EMS ISSUE CHELLE CORDERO

Emergency Medical Services, like all their emergency response brethren, tend to run towards danger to do what they can to help others, or sometimes each other. Whether a crew’s response is to a medical emergency where there may be the risk of infection, or a trauma such as a car accident where they are in a roadway rendering aid, they face risk. EMTs, Paramedics and all who respond to an emergency dispatch will transverse snow-covered roads, enter homes where they may not know who (or what) is inside, will exert themselves carrying patients and equipment, and even deal with volatile and sometimes dangerous angry outbursts from a patient or family member. While Line of Duty Deaths in EMS have a lower rate than firefighting, it can and does happen. Agencies need to be prepared to notify the families and survivors of the member, deal with the media and public, help with funeral planning, provide emotional support to those who are grieving and help obtain whatever financial assistance possible. Informing the next of kin BEFORE the media releases the name and possibly gruesome details is a priority and needs to be done IN PERSON by a supervisor or agency officer; ask your agency chaplain to attend if possible. If the next of kin is out-of-town, it is advisable to contact a local EMS agency and ask for their assistance in making the notification so that the news doesn’t travel faster than your compassion. An agency PIO (public information officer) should be assigned to disseminate information to the media

to help reduce speculation and rumors. All other members and local agencies should be notified of the LODD by dispatch. No matter what traditions your agency normally adheres to, the family’s personal preferences and religious requirements take priority when it comes to funeral planning, but your agency should indeed show respect for both the deceased and the family by being present (unless specifically asked not to be). Don’t offer support unless you, and your agency, plan to follow through and rather than say “Let me know if you need something” actually offer specific help. Beyond emotional support and presence, many families will need financial assistance with burial expenses, normal household bills and even future funds to help support growing children. Even though the deceased is no longer there, always remember to invite the family to agency functions, even if they decide not to attend. Financial help is almost always needed, but it is wise to check with the family before attempting to publicly solicit funds; if everyone is okay with fundraising, check with the bank for their advice as to type of account and how to collect donated funds. Other financial sources may be available depending on your location, your agency resources (such as LOSAP programs) and government funding. Volunteer EMS providers may be eligible for benefits under the Federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program and/or the N.Y.S. Volunteer Ambulance Workers' Benefit Law (VAWBL). A capable member of your agency should be assigned to assist the family in applying to these sources. A very helpful online resource to help guide your agency through Line of Duty Deaths and assisting the survivors can be found at https://bit.ly/3dqxd3n.

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

THOMAS MARRA

Delmar Firefighter Drew Anderson pictured after fighting a recent wood shed fire.

JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25

Fatal apartment house ﬁre in Caledonia, Livingston County.

Woman Dies in Caledonia House Fire CALEDONIA, NY - On Saturday, March 20th at 7:27 P.M., the Caledonia, Mumford and Scottsville Fire Departments, along with East Avon (FAST), were dispatched to the report of a house fire with a person trapped at 4306 Caledonia-Avon Road in the town of Caledonia. Officers from Caledonia and Avon Police Departments, along with Livingston County Sheriff's deputies, arrived on the scene and found heavy fire conditions in the rear of a large two-and-a-half story

JUMP TO FILE #032221108

multiple dwelling. Law enforcement officers tried unsuccessfully to reach a 21-yearold woman who was trapped on the second floor. Firefighters were later able to remove her from the structure, but she was unfortunately pronounced dead a short time later. All of the buildings' other occupants were able to safely evacuate.

Multiple fire departments from Livingston, Monroe and Genesee Counties responded as mutual aid and worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. Two firefighters and two sheriff's deputies were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Livingston County Emergency Management.

Rick Billings

- JEFFREY ARNOLD

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2021

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Two-Alarm Fire Does Signiﬁcant Damage to Newburgh Home NEWBURGH, NY - Orange Lake FD responded to a structure fire during the early morning hours of April 4th at 115 Meadow Hill Road. As Orange Lake units pulled up, flames were shooting out of the JUMP TO FILE# roof area. Orange 040521101 Lake Command requested a secondalarm, bringing in the City of Newburgh for their FAST, Winona Lake and Air National Guard Fire Departments to the scene. Firefighters used hand lines to knock the bulk of the fire down and then attacked the front porch area. The fire was contained inside the residence. Town of Newburgh Police and EMS were at the scene. Central Hudson was called for a power cut. The Town of Newburgh Fire inspector and Deputy Orange County Fire Coordinator 36-13 were also called to the scene. The fire is currently under investigation. - BOB MCCORMICK

BOB MCCORMICK

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2021

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ELDERLY WOMAN NARROWLY ESCAPES MORNING BLAZE IN TERRYVILLE

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

TERRYVILLE, NY - At 6:40 A.M. on March 29th, the Terryville FD was alerted to a reported house fire at 12 Nadine Lane. SCPD was first to arrive and advised for a rush on firefighters. The first chief on scene reported a fully engulfed two-story wood dwelling, and confirmed that the homeowner was out and accounted for. - See full story on Page 30

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 22 No. 5 - 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.

Announcing Long Island’s First Fire, Rescue & EMS Summer Expo Welcome to Long Island’s First FIRE, RESCUE, & EMS SUMMER EXPO. This monumental event will be held on Saturday, June 12th and Sunday, June 13th, 10am – 4pm. The event will be held at Hofstra University, in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, located at 100 Fulton Ave., Hempstead NY, 11550. The event will feature hundreds of exhibitors, offering all the latest and most innovative products, services, and up-to-date equipment needed to be more in alignment with today’s needs. On

JUMP TO FILE #040821106

display will be trucks, ambulances, turnout gear, all the best and up-to-date equipment and vehicles, to make this EXPO a huge success. Be a part of this new and exciting event! Tickets will be on sale at the door, or check with your Department for pre-registration information. - SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 3

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.

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

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Female Killed in Ronkonkoma After Car Rolls Over Her RONKONKOMA, NY - Just before 12:30 P.M. on Thursday afternoon, April 1st, Lakeland firefighters were dispatched to 96 Hawthorne Avenue after a car accidentally rolled over a female, trapping her underneath. Lakeland firefighters used air bags to lift the car off the female, who was pronounced dead at the scene. SCPD 4th squad is investigating the incident, which appears to be accidental at this time. All fire units took up about 30 minutes later.

Additional news JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

from

Assistant Chief Citarella of Hagerman stands in the doorway directing members at a recent structure ﬁre.

Long Island

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Explosion Rocks Melville

can be found on our website at FRANKIE VERDERAME

www.1rbn.com

Nesconset Fire Dept. Chief 30 (4-4-30) on scene of a conﬁrmed working ﬁre.

MELVILLE, NY - On Tuesday afternoon, March 24th, a loud explosion and reports of a large column of smoke on Spagnoli Road was being called into 9-1-1 as a plane crash. The first unit on scene was quick to advise that it was not a plane, but a 15,000-gallon tank of liquid asphalt that had exploded. The explosion caught a nearby truck on fire and was endangering other tanks to also explode. Melville firefighters were joined by several other departments, and after containing the fire with sand and water, they were able to switch to tower ladder operations until all fire was extinguished. No injuries were reported.

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LONG ISLAND

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Fireﬁghters battle a smoking cigarette trailer ﬁre.

Cigarettes in Mastic Get Smoked...Literally Motorcyclist Gets Hit by Car in Shirley

CONNOR JACOBS

MASTIC, NY - On the morning of Saturday, March 27th at about 11:50 A.M., the Mastic FD was activated to respond for a report of a structure fire at the Smokers Outlet on Squaw Lane in the Poospatuck Reservation. Lieutenant Rudy Sunderman [5-12-70] was first to arrive on scene and advised Assistant Chief Gene Martucci [5-12-31] that he had smoke showing from some Casone trailers on the side of the building. Sunderman asked for the first due unit 5-12-1 to stretch a line to the trailers. Engines 5-12-1, 5-12-2 and 512-3 all responded to the scene. On arrival the line was stretched from unit one and firefighters gained access to the first trailer/storage unit. They quickly went to work dousing the inside of the trailer, which was filled with

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burning cigarettes. Assistant Chief Martucci then ordered them to gain entry to the second trailer, which they needed to use a saw to cut the lock on to get in to. After gaining access it was determined that the contents of the second trailer/storage unit were not on fire. Firefighters did overhaul removing the smoking cigarettes from the first trailer and ensured that there were no hot spots. The scene was brought under control in less than 40 minutes. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Fire Marshal's Office.

SHIRLEY, NY - At approximately 5:03 P.M. on Tuesday, March 16th, the Mastic Beach FD and Mastic Beach Vol. Ambulance Co. were activated for a reported MVA involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Havenwood Drive East and Neighborhood Road. The first chief on the road, 1st Assistant Chief Jeff McGown, arrived on the scene and confirmed a car versus motorcycle. He advised the first incoming unit (Rescue 5-134) to bring their crew up with

JUMP TO FILE #031621111

brooms, shovels and speedy dry, and to help EMS get the patient on the stretcher and into the ambulance. The second arriving truck (Unit 5-13-8) was advised by command to block the road off while crews went to work with ﬁre police. The Mastic Beach Ambulance Co. asked MedCom to 24 Mastic Volunteer Ambulance Co. for one additional

ambulance to the scene for another patient. Both ambulances transported the two injured people to Long Island Community Hospital. The condition of the motorcyclist was unknown. All units were back in service 30 minutes after being activated. The scene was handed over to the Suffolk County 7th Precinct for investigation. - CONNOR JACOBS

The Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Massapequa Fire District is currently accepting applications for the position of:

- JOHN WALTHERS

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

FULL TIME FIREHOUSE MAINTAINER Duties shall range from providing reports to administrative Supervisor on work completed. Movement of furniture, supplies and preparation of meeting rooms for meetings training, and drills for personnel. Repair, Maintenance, and operation of District radio and communications system. General maintenance and cleaning of fire equipment and apparatus. General maintenance of District buildings and grounds. General repair work on district buildings such as general repair and maintenance of mechanical system, plumbing, system and electrical, ETC.

To begin the application process, qualified persons must send their resume, including qualifications and job experience to:

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach EMS Assistant Chief TJ Falah was in charge of EMS members at a MVA at Havenwood Dr. and Neighborhood Rd., March 16th.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY North Massapequa Fire District District Secretary Nicholas T. Paolucci 960 Hicksville Road • Seaford, New York 11783 Phone - 516-579-0900 Ex-1516 • Fax - 516-735-5077 E-Mail - nick387@nmfd-660.com An Equal Opportunity Employer We will not accept any resume after April 30th 2021

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

LONG ISLAND

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Elderly Woman Narrowly Escapes Morning Blaze in Terryville TERRYVILLE, NY - At 6:40 A.M. on March 29th, the Terryville FD was alerted to a reported house fire at 12 Nadine Lane. SCPD was first to arrive and advised for a rush on firefighters. The first chief on scene reported a fully engulfed twostory wood dwelling, and confirmed that the homeowner was out and accounted for. First due engines hit hydrants and opened up with deck guns to control the blaze. Mutual aid requests went out for multiple area departments to assist with the blaze. The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes, and there were no reported injuries.

FRANKIE VERDERAME

Flames Consume House in Nesconset NESCONSET, NY - On Saturday, March 27th at 2:31 P.M., the Nesconset FD received multiple calls for a house that was engulfed in flames at 199 Brown’s Road. When Nesconset’s Chief arrived on scene he confirmed that the whole front of the house was engulfed in flames and requested the following departments to the scene: Centereach FD for RIT,

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Ronkonkoma FD for one engine, St. James FD for one engine, Lakeland FD for the Rescue truck, SmithTown FD for one engine, and Hauppauge FD for one engine. It took firefighters 25 minutes

to knock all visible fire down. Nesconset’s Chief in command had all units start conducting overhaul and the scene was declared under control 20 minutes later. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - FRANKIE VERDERAME

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic Beach FD Arrives to Find Side of House Ablaze MASTIC BEACH, NY - On the morning of Wednesday, March 24th after 11:00 A.M., the Mastic Beach FD and Mastic Beach Ambulance Company were dispatched to a reported house fire on Cranberry Dr., between Elm Road West and Forest Road West. On arrival, Assistant Chief McGown {5-13-31} found flames coming from the side of the home. He assisted the first due crews in stretching lines to the side of the home, and requested mutual aid to the scene. County activated Mastic FD for an engine to the scene and Center Moriches also responded, as well as the RIT team. The fire was knocked down in a relatively

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short amount of time from when first due units got on scene, however there appeared to be extensive overhaul needed. No injuries were reported, however both Mastic Beach Ambulance and Shirley Ambulance were on scene to provide rehab and other support services as needed. The scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal's Office. - JOHN WALTHERS

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Shed Fire Spreads to Three Yards in Ronkonkoma RONKONKOMA, NY - Just after 11:00 A.M. on March 16th, multiple calls were coming in to the 9-1-1 center reporting a structure fire in the vicinity of 40 Ralph Street. With a column of black smoke visible from a few towns away, the first chief on the road knew it was going to be an active fire, and on arrival, had a fully engulfed shed with extension to three backyards, and a PVC fence burning behind the residence. One homeowner was attacking the fire with a green line while his pet turkey watched on only yards away from the fire. Ronkonkoma was assisted by Farmingville, Holbrook, Nesconset and Holtsville, and the fire was quickly put out. The turkey was not injured.

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LONG ISLAND

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Afternoon Work on the Last Day of Winter in Selden SELDEN, NY - At approximately 2:00 P.M. on Friday afternoon, March 19th, firefighters from Selden were activated for a reported structure fire at a residence on Conklin Avenue in Selden. First in units arrived and confirmed a working fire involving the front of the home with extension to the attic and interior rooms. Daytime mutual aid response was activated, which brought several departments to the scene. Crews stretched multiple handlines and extended Truck 2 to the roof for venting. Firefighters made entry and were able to quickly knock down all visible flame. They then went to work on controlling the flames hidden in the attic.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

JUMP TO FILE #032021102

Rescuers from Mastic Beach FD, Mastic Beach Ambulance and Suffolk Police 7th Precinct work together to remove a patient after a serious crash in Shirley.

Firefighters made an early search of the residence, finding nobody within as it was reported to the officer in charge. Crews remained on scene for a secondary search and overhaul. SCPD arson squad and Brookhaven fire marshals responded to the scene to investigate the fire. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid departments included Centereach, Coram, Farmingville, Terryville, Setauket, Holtsville and Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance. The fire was under control about 40 minutes into the fire. - CHRIS SABELLA

One Person Killed in Head-On Crash in Shirley SHIRLEY, NY - On the evening of March 4th, the Mastic Beach FD and Ambulance companies were activated for a report of a vehicle crash on Havenwood Drive, off Neighborhood Road. Assistant Chief Jeff McGown and Chief Fred Loiacono of Mastic Beach FD went enroute to the scene and on arrival, Chief McGown and Mastic Beach EMS Chief TJ Falah conﬁrmed they had one patient

JUMP TO FILE #031721102

trapped in the vehicle. A rush was requested on an engine to respond with tools. Under the command of Chief Loiacono, firefighters and ambulance members worked quickly alongside police officers on scene to remove the female victim. The victim was in traumatic

arrest upon removal and CPR was immediately performed. The ambulance quickly transported the female to Long Island Community Hospital, however despite all efforts, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. The scene was turned over to SCPD for investigation. - JOHN WALTHERS

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

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Aggressive Interior Attack Makes for Quick Stop in Ronkonkoma RONKONKOMA, NY - A mid-morning fire in a private dwelling brought multiple departments to 5 Fulton Street on March 31st. The first due unit was presented with flames showing from the structure with a heavy smoke condition. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack while the truck was opening the roof, making a quick knock down possible. There was no reports of injuries and the fire was under control a short time later.

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Mastic FD Probationary Fireﬁghters and sisters, Mayra & Jenni Cabrera, at a recent ﬁre.

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May, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

LONG ISLAND

JOHN WALTHERS- SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS

Hagerman Fireﬁghters Dispatched to Early Morning Structure Fire PATCHOGUE, NY - On Tuesday, March 16th at about 12:17 A.M., the Hagerman Fire Department was activated for a report of a structure fire on Amsterdam Ave., between Hampton and Louise. Mutual aid was activated from Bellport for one engine to respond to the scene, as per the mutual aid plan. On arrival, Chief of Department Nicole Pannhurst [5-10-30] found heavy fire from the side of the home and mutual aid was also requested from North Patchogue FD to the scene. Responding units were advised as per Hagerman 30 to use caution due to low hanging power lines at the scene. First due units hit the hydrant and began to stretch lines to make an attack. Firefighters also secured the scene and tapped off access to the prop-

JUMP TO FILE #031621112

erty near the downed power line. Firefighters battled the fire during frigid temps in the 20's and were able to make a relatively quick knock down, preventing the fire from engulfing the entire home. The scene was placed under control at about 12:52 A.M. Firefighters had some extensive overhaul to complete and were wetting hot spots for a little while later. Medford FD stood by at Hagerman's HQ for any additional alarms. All units went back into service by about 2:00 A.M., and the scene was turned over to the Brookhaven Fire Marshal.

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Woman and Daughter in Lakeland Injured After Crashing Car Into Neighbor's Home LAKELAND, NY - A Ronkonkoma woman and her daughter were injured on Tuesday, March 23rd, after she pulled out of her driveway and crashed into her neighbor's home, Suffolk police said. The mother, with her six-yearold daughter in the back seat, pulled out of her driveway at 15 Seusing Boulevard shortly before 5:00 P.M. when her 2006 Honda Odyssey trav-

JUMP TO FILE #032321109

eled across the street and onto the front lawn of her neighbor's property, striking a home at 9 Seusing Boulevard, authorities said. The 29-year-old driver was taken by Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital where she was being

treated for non-life-threatening injuries, ofﬁcers from the 4th Precinct said. The child was taken by Lakeland Fire Department ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was being treated for minor injuries. The house was vacant at the time of the crash, ofﬁcials said. - CHRIS SABELLA

- JOHN WALTHERS

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.

FRANKIE VERDERAME

Car Versus House with Injuries in Centereach

SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY 2021

Selden Brothers taking heat and smoke up on the roof of a recent afternoon working ﬁre.

CENTEREACH, NY - On Sunday, March 14th at 7:24 P.M., the Centereach Fire Department was activated for a car versus house at 15 Marta Road. When Chief 31 (5-5-31) arrived on scene he confirmed that a car hit a house and requested one ambulance to the scene. Rescue 14 (5-514), Engine 9 (5-5-9), and Ladder 5 (5-5-5) responded to the scene to make sure the house was stable and to prevent a collapse. One patient was brought to the hospital with minor injuries. All units were on scene for 35-40 minutes after the initial 9-1-1 call before returning back to their stations.

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FDNY Fireﬁghters Face Tense Moments at Queens Fourth-Alarm QUEENS, NY - A collapse and an electrical service line falling on a rig both posed problems at a Queens multiple-alarm fire that gutted a taxpayer and injured several firefighters on April JUMP TO FILE# 3rd. Engine 304 was 040521102 first due to 111-50 Springfield Blvd. at 2:23 A.M. A “1075” was transmitted for a fire in a taxpayer consisting of four businesses. Within two minutes an “all hands” with an extra 1 and 1, followed by a second-alarm was transmitted. Trucks went to the roof to open up as lines were stretched. Members were stretching a line to the rear when a section of the roof collapsed, trapping two members beneath a 20’X20’ section of the roof with flames nearby. A “Mayday” was called and companies along with the FAST team worked to locate and remove the trapped members. A third-alarm was called. Both firefighters were reported to have received serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to the hospital. All members were withdrawn and operations went defensive. Five Tower Ladders were put into operation along with several handlines and multiversals. At one point the electrical service line arced and fell on to Tower Ladder 127. Members in the bucket were removed until the power could be secured. A collapse zone was established as flames consumed the businesses. Minor injuries to one additional member was reported. There was no extension to any exposures. A fourth-alarm was sounded for relief purposes. The fire was placed “probably will hold” at 5:00 A.M.

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- BILL TOMPKINS

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

May, 2021

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FDNY

Skirball Fire VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky

Skirball Fire December, 2017 By Firestorm HD Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $12.95 (DVD) This DVD is approximately 31 minutes in length. It involves a wildland fire in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles City that destroyed six houses, damaged 12 others and destroyed 422 acres on

the slopes of the Sepulveda Pass. It was one of many wildland fires in Southern California during the month of December. It involves much activity of both fixed wing and rotary aircraft from a number of agencies, dropping water and chemical to combat these fires. Engine companies are seen stretching hoselines and advancing streams at brush and into houses that have been evacuated and are being destroyed. Many nice houses and other property, such as automobiles, fell victim to this horrible and fast-moving fire propelled by the Santa Ana winds. In one instance a deck gun is deployed from an elevated position down onto brush that is actively burning. Thankfully, some of these areas had hydrants or the deck gun operation would not have been possible. It is not a long DVD, but it's packed full of heavy engagement of firefighting forces.

VEHICLE NEWS

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.

RON JEFFERS

FDNY's 44th Battalion, in Brooklyn, has been assigned a new Chevy 2500 HP model (GM20005).

RON JEFFERS

FDNY Engine Co. 15 (SP10013) turns out from its "Fort Pitt" quarters to answer an alarm in March.

RON JEFFERS

FDNY Satellite 3 (PS19003) is one-of-six new Peterbilt/Ferrara models placed into service.

RON JEFFERS

FDNY Engine Co. 332 (SP09007) turns out for an alarm from their East New York, Brooklyn quarters, on April 3rd.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY

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