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SEPTEMBER, 2018
BLAZE DESTROYS HOME, KILLS TWO PETS IN NEW BALTIMORE
THOMAS MARRA
New Baltimore, NY - Around 1:45 A.M. on Monday, August 6th, New Baltimore Fire was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 175 Roberts Hill Road. Coeymans Hollow Fire was dispatched for their FAST and arriving New Baltimore units confirmed a fully-involved house fire. - See full story on page 16
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Heavily Involved Fire Destroys Home in Rock City Falls Rock City Falls, NY - On Friday, July 13th, the Rock City Falls F.D. responded to 938 MacArthur Drive for a reported structure fire. The first arriving unit on scene had a heavily involved two-story woodframe house with JUMP TO FILE# type five construc- 081618102 tion. F i r e fi g h t e r s from Ballston Spa, the City of Saratoga Springs, and Eagle Matt Lee quickly arrived on scene. Crews pulled a blitz fire and began to knock down the heavy fire from the outside of the structure. After the heavy fire conditions were knocked, firefighters made entry into the structure and conducted an aggressive interior attack, knocking down the remainder of the fire. There were no injuries reported, but the home was a total loss. Crews remained on scene for a few hours conducting heavy overhaul of the structure. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
ADVERTISER INDEX Company
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Armor Tuff Floors
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Black Lake
CA Reed Epoxy Floors Campbell Supply Co. CET Manufacturing
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Lyft Driver Slams into Tree in New Baltimore
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Finley Fire Equipment
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Orange County Firefighters Museum & Fire Safety Education Center's Fire Prevention Educator of the Year
FDIC
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CORPORATE INFORMATION
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New York edition - Vol. 19 No. 9 - 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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Orange County, NY - Autavis “Tave” Graham, Assistant Chief with the Cornwall Fire Department, has been named the Orange County Firefighters Museum & Fire Education Center’s 2018 Fire Prevention Educator of the Year. Assistant Chief Graham has been involved in firefighting for 33 years, joining Cornwall’s Highland Engine Co. #1 as a probationary member at the age of 16. Tave has held many firematic ranks beginning as a firefighter, 2nd lieutenant for 5 years, 1st lieutenant for 4 years, Captain for 5 years and Assistant Chief for 8 years. Tave will be honored at our annual Gala on Sunday, September 16th from 3 to 5 pm at Winding Hills Golf Course in Montgomery. Assistant Chief Graham joins Lisa Marie Nunez, Winona Lake Engine Co. #2 (2017), Paul Harrington, Cronomer Valley Fire Department (2016), James E. Ferguson, Montgomery Fire Department (2015), Frederick “Mike” Hoffman, Goshen Fire Department (2014), Chad Quackenbush, Warwick Fire Department (2013), Barbara Gasperetti, Coldenham Fire Department (2012), and Amy Conner Kosturik, Good Will Fire Department (2011). “Assistant Chief Graham has been instrumental in delivering fire safety and prevention education to the residents of the Cornwall area. I have seen instances in public where a young child has recognized Tave as the safety instructor from school. He is always quick to question them on what
New Baltimore, NY - Shortly before 9:30 P.M. on Friday, July 27th, New Baltimore Fire and Ravena Rescue were called to 1014 River Road in New Baltimore for a car that crashed into a tree. The accident occurred when the driver of the car went to answer their phone and drove off the road, narrowly missing a telephone pole before crashing into the tree. The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital by Ravena Rescue with a possible collarbone injury.
JUMP TO FILE #081018107 they learned and quiz them on safety topics. The officers and members of the Cornwall Fire Department congratulate Assistant Chief Graham for receiving this award,” said Chief Pat Hines. We hope you will join us on Sunday, September 16th when we honor Assistant Chief Tave Graham. If you would like to purchase a ticket, be a sponsor, or make a donation (monetary, gift certificate or services) please call (845) 457-9666 or email OCFMNY@gmail.com. All are welcome, tickets are $20 per person. - MARYBETH MAJESTIC
BOB MCCORMICK
MVA with Rollover and Injuries on I84 in Newburgh
Newburgh, NY - The Good-Will and Middlehope Fire Departments responded to an MVA with rollover on I84 westbound, in the area of Mile Marker 38, on August 2nd. Town of Newburgh EMS transported one subject to St. Luke's Hospital. Firefighters spread speedy dry on fluids on the roadway and swept away parts of the vehicle that were scattered on the road. State Police had one lane opened until the scene was clear. State Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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September, 2018
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
North Carolina: Richard L. Sales, 52 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: April 8, 2018 Death Date: April 8, 2018 Fire Department: Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Richard L. Sales was killed in a single vehicle crash while traveling on fire department business. According to initial reports, Sales was on I-40 Eastbound when he struck barriers in the middle of the road, lost control of his vehicle, and went down an embankment onto roadways below before coming to a stop. The cause of the wreck is still under investigation, but the local news reported it was the same area where a motorcyclist and the driver of a semi-trailer died in separate wrecks on March 31, 2018.
New York: M. Kent Stillwagon, 52 Rank: Firefighter-Paramedic Incident Date: April 16, 2018 Death Date: April 17, 2018 Fire Department: Greenlawn Fire Department Initial Summary: Shortly after responding to numerous calls on the evening of Monday, April 16, 2018, Firefighter-Paramedic M. Kent Stillwagon was found just after midnight at his residence in cardiac arrest. His fellow volunteers and friends from the Greenlawn Fire Department responded and tried valiantly to resuscitate him, but after being transported to Huntington hospital and an extended resuscitation attempt by hospital staff, FirefighterParamedic Stillwagon passed away.
Georgia: Gregory Jackson, 50 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 14, 2018 Death Date: April 19, 2018 Fire Department: Fort Benning Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Gregory Jackson became ill at the end of his shift on April 14, 2018. He was transported to a local hospital where he
passed away on April 19, 2018. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
Georgia: Adam Taylor, 30 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 30, 2018 Death Date: March 30, 2018 Fire Department: Decatur County Fire Rescue Initial Summary: Late in the evening of his scheduled shift and after conducting search and rescue drills in full protective gear including SCBA, Firefighter Adam Taylor began to complain of chest pains he related to a muscle pull. Shortly after leaving work to go home because of the pain, he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced deceased upon arrival at a local hospital. Virginia: Herbert Tyler "Butch" Wilcox, 77 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 18, 2018 Death Date: April 19, 2018 Fire Department: Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Wilcox responded to two fire calls on April 18, 2018, one at 1300hrs and a brush fire at 1605hrs. After returning from the brush fire, Wilcox complained of neck and back pain. He went to a local MediCenter where he was examined and then sent home. At approximately 0730hrs the next morning, Firefighter Wilcox's wife tried to wake him but found him unresponsive and immediately called 911. Emergency responders arrived on scene and began CPR, but after 30 minutes of resuscitation efforts, Firefighter Wilcox was pronounced deceased at his residence. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be determined.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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September, 2018
Driver Flown to Westchester Following MVA in Maybrook Maybrook, NY - On Saturday, July 21st, the Washingtonville Fire Department was requested by the Maybrook Fire Department to respond to a motor vehicle collision involving an extrication on Little Britain Road. Rescue 581 went responding. Rescue Engine JUMP TO FILE# 580 was special 072318118 called to the scene for additional manpower and extrication equipment (due to the heat it was necessary to rotate crews). Campbell Hall and Montgomery Fire Departments operated at the scene as well. There were two injuries, with one refusing medical attention. New Windsor EMS Paramedics and the Life Net Medevac crew treated the second patient at the scene who was then transported by helicopter to Westchester County Medical Center. The New Windsor Police Department conducted the accident investigation. Washingtonville F.D. Fire Police assisted the Maybrook Fire Department Fire Police with traffic control. - GARY HEARN
GARY HEARN
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.
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
House Fire in Rochester Quickly Knocked
Rochester, NY - At approximately 4:00 P.M. on Friday, July 27th, Rochester firefighters responded to the report of a house fire at 33 Winchester Street. Fire units arrived on location and found a working fire on the first-floor of a large two-and-a-half story home. The blaze was brought under control after about 20 minutes, and there were no injuries reported. The displaced occupants were being assisted by the Red Cross.
FRANK ROBINSON
North Queensbury Vol. Fire Company operates this 1994 Volvo/Saulsbury Heavy Rescue.
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
FRANK ROBINSON
The impact of the crash sent one car into a tree and the other into the road.
STEPHEN M. WALLACE
South Wilson Calls in Mutual Aid for MVA with Multiple Injuries FRANK ROBINSON
Wilson, NY - South Wilson Vol. Fire Company responded to the report of a two-car MVA at 425 and Chestnut Road around 5:20 P.M. on July 31st. This location is under 30 seconds from their hall. The first Chief on scene found one car off the road, crashed into a tree, and another with massive front and side damage. Wilson volunteers had already been called out for the mutual aid agreement. The injuries appeared to be trauma related for all four persons involved in the crash, with some on the ground and some still in the vehi-
JUMP TO FILE #073118119 cles. Mercy Flight was requested, but due to the changing weather they were unable to respond. The chief wasted no time and called in Miller Hose ALS, Ransomville Ambulance, and Cambria for standby. Upper Mountain paramedics were also called in to meet the first ambulance heading to ECMC trauma center by ground. Niagara County sheriff
deputies went through purses looking for IDs and started to gather information for their report. Fire Police from both companies immediately shut down the main routes of 425 and Chestnut, providing protection to the responders working on the scene. Hoses were pulled off first-in engines for protection in case of a fluid leak. Quality care was provided to the victims at the scene and they were all secured before their trip to the trauma center. - STEPHEN WALLACE
BUDDY SHOTS
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
83rd Annual Ulster County Volunteer Firefighters Association Parade Town of Ulster, NY - The 83rd Annual Ulster County Volunteer Firefighters Association Parade kicked off on Saturday, July 28th, with over 41 fire departments from throughout Ulster County participating. The parade is held in a different Ulster County community each year. The host department this year was Ulster Hose Fire Co. #5.
Last month, children and staff at "Tots-N-Us", a nursery school day care center in the Town of Newburgh, showed their appreciation for Winona Lake firefighters by baking them some delicious cookies as a thank you for everything they do. VINNIE DOMINICK
September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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93rd Annual Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention Held in Germantown Germantown, NY - The Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association 93rd Annual Convention, hosted by Germantown Hose Company #1, was held on July 27th and 28th. The parade is JUMP TO FILE# held in a different 081618105 Columbia County community each year, and this was the first time in 40 years that Germantown was the host. The two-day event included a parade, awards ceremony, and apparatus judging. The award ceremony was held at Palatine Park where each of the award winners was given a plaque by Columbia County Volunteer Firefighter Association President Laura Foster and Columbia County Deputy Fire Coordinator Joseph Loeffler. Over 30 fire departments from throughout Columbia County came out to participate in the parade. The parade line up was as follows: Escort Division: -Germantown VFW Honor Guard -CCVFA Officers -Germantown Hose Co. #1 -Town of Germantown -Stockport Vol. Fire Co. #1 -Chatham FD -FASNY -Columbia County Coordinators 1st Division: -Columbia County Sherriff Honor Guard -Valatie FD -North Chatham FD -Philmont Fire Co. #1 -Ancram Fire Co. -Mellenville Fire Co. -Palmer Engine & Hose Co. -East Chatham Fire Co. -Hillsdale Fire Co. -Stuyvesant Falls Fire Co. 2nd Division: -New York State Police Honor Guard -Greenport FD -Taghkanic Fire Co. #1 -Stuyvesant Fire Co. #1 -Tri-Village Fire Co. -Red Knights Chapter 29 -Ghent Fire Co. #1 -Greenville Fire Co. -Athens Fire Co. -Lebanon Valley Protective Association 3rd Divison: -Boy Scout Troop #122 Color Guard -Canaan Protective Fire Co. -Milan FD -Craryville Fire Co. -98.5 The Cat Radio -Copake FD -AB Shaw Fire Co. -Clermont Fire Co. -Hudson FD 4th Division: -Pine Plains Hose Co. #1 -Niverville FD -Freehold Fire Co. -DM Hamilton, Coxsackie -Tivoli Fire Co. -Stottville Fire Co. -Red Rock Fire Co. -Red Hook Fire Co. -West Ghent Fire Co. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
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September, 2018
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
Ralph M. Lauber, Sr., of Olivebridge, formerly of the Town of Newburgh, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 14, 2018. He was 87. Son of the late A. Raymond and Catherine (McIntyre) Lauber, he was born in Newburgh on Feb. 12, 1931. Ralph was a retired Fire Safety Engineer with IBM, Fishkill, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a life member of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department and life member of the American Legion Post #1420. Ralph was also a member of the Notchmen and was a fire instructor for the state of New York. He was an avid skier
and hunter. Ralph was a dedicated volunteer throughout his entire life. In addition to his wife of 62 years, Betty Ann McMillen, Ralph is survived by a daughter, Catherine Tarallo and her husband Tullio of Olivebridge; one sister, Roxie Benedict of the Town Newburgh; three grandchildren, Dayna Cosh, Sarah Taylor, and Joseph Tarallo; and three great-grandchildren, Meghan Cosh, Mia Cosh, and Decklin G. Taylor. He was predeceased by a son Ralph M. Lauber, Jr., and one sister, Elizabeth Ludlow. - PROVIDED
BOB MCCORMICK
TODD BENDER
Hughsonville F.D. Holds Wet Down for New Rig Wappingers Falls, NY - The Hughsonville FD, known as "The Fighting 45", is a volunteer department protecting a nine-square-mile district in Dutchess County with the help of their new Spartan 103' straight stick quint. To welcome the rig (call sign 45-46) to the district, the department held a wet down on July 28th at their Wappingers Falls facility. Many local departments and one from New Jersey traveled to Hughsonville to welcome the rig that was purchased from Campbell Supply. New Hamburg, New Hackensack, Chelsea and Glenham from Dutchess County were joined by Cronomer Valley and Mechanicstown from Orange County, and a rig from Parsippany, New Jersey to celebrate. Due to the number of surrounding departments participating,
JUMP TO FILE #073018106 Coldenham FD in Orange County sent E-204 and a crew to cover Hughsonville's district during the festivities that were described as a "work hard, play hard" event by Company President William Beale. The quint replaces a 1988 95' mid-mount Sutphen that had been previously owned by the Hicksville FD. That truck had been refurbished and run hard by Hughsonville for seven years before being replaced by the new Spartan. According to Hughsonville Chief Tyler Pettit, the new rig cost a little over one million dollars and has been outfitted with new equipment, including a Hurst combo tool and Milwaukee power tools. Chief Pettit recalled attending
wet downs as a Young Explorer and had great times attending what he calls "adult water fights". He also touted the event as a morale booster for the active department by saying "it brings the department together as a whole". He referred to the day's well-attended event as a "great day for not only the HFD, but neighboring departments and their families as well". The wet down had a special DJ for the event. Hughsonville Firefighter Alex Lorenzini, who graduated USMC Boot Camp a few days earlier, was playing music before shipping out to defend our nation on July 30th. 1st Responder Newspaper would like to take this opportunity to thank the young Marine for his service and wish him well in his duties. - TODD BENDER
BOB MCCORMICK
BOB MCCORMICK
TODD BENDER
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September, 2018
PAGE 11
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
VINNIE DOMINICK
Good-Will F.D. Celebrates Completion of Newly Built Station with Open House
This tattoo was sent in by Parker Griffith from Georgia. When asked what inspired him to get it, he had this to say: "It was fall of 2008 and I decided to take the challenge of completing the Georgia Smoke Diver program, one of the toughest programs in the nation. There are only about 1,000 people who have completed the program since 1978 when it first started. I trained for a year at 40-years-old and made it. If you go to the website (www.georgiasmokediver.com), you can read all about what it means to accomplish this feat. I got back home and wanted a reminder of the hard work and satisfaction I got from this class, so Midnight Iguana in Athens, Georgia drew the tattoo up and I had it done. The bulldog is "Uga", the official mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. I live near there and I'm a huge dog fan. If you pass the challenge, you get a lifetime number; mine is 696, given to me as I came through the last obstacle. FIDO is a military acronym that stands for 'Forget It, Drive On'. The program is a week of hell, but will change the attitude of a good fireman to one of a great fireman. This class doesn't make a great fireman, it makes a good fireman better."
Newburgh, NY - Good-Will Fire Department, located on South Plank Road in Newburgh, held an open house on Saturday, July 28th to celebrate their newly built firehouse. Plans to build the new firehouse began in December of 2015 when fire district residents approved the construction of a new $4 million station by a 67-2 vote. Plans called for a 9,655square-foot first floor and a 1,789 square-foot mezzanine that would be the reverse of a current station,
JUMP TO FILE #081718106 which has a huge social hall and lots of firefighting space. New features in the station include four bays that replaced three cramped bays that were not high enough to accommodate modern trucks. Separate men’s and women’s bathrooms replaced the single, unisex toilet that shared the same space with the air compres-
sor. Lockers replaced the clothing racks that were holding turnout gear, and the new firehouse has showers. Newburgh Fire Pipes & Drums were on hand, along with fellow firefighters, friends and family to take part in the long-awaited celebration. Members also participated in a traditional 'pushing-in' ceremony to commemorate their new station. - BOB ROOT
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
BOB ROOT
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Fully Involved Fire Destroys Garage in Lakeville Lakeville, NY - At 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 12th, Town of Livonia Fire Departments (Lakeville, Livonia and Hemlock), along with East Avon as the FAST, were dispatched for the report of smoke coming from a JUMP TO FILE# garage at 5902 Big 081418108 Tree Road in Lakeville. Livonia Car 25 arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire. The blaze was brought under control in about 20 minutes, with crews remaining on scene for about three hours for final extinguishment and overhaul. A payloader from the Town of Livonia Highway Department was requested to the scene to assist with removing a vehicle from the garage, and for an emergency demolition of the unsafe structure. There were no injuries reported. Also assisting at the scene were Livonia EMS, Livingston County Emergency Management, and the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. - JEFFREY ARNOLD
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
GARY HEARN
Two-Alarm Fire Damages Kiryas Joel Dwelling Monroe, NY - At 5:44 P.M. on August 17th, the Washingtonville Fire Department was requested to respond as the FAST on a second-alarm for a fire in a three-story multiple dwelling in the Village of Kiryas Joel. The fire was on the third-floor and had extended into the attic. Upon arrival the crew of Rescue 581 was split, to stand-by as the FAST and to put up portable ladders as a secondary means of egress for firefighters operating on the third-floor.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Home in Albany Albany, NY - The City of Albany Fire Department responded to First and Swan Streets on July 25th for multiple calls reporting a house fire. The first arriving engine on scene had heavy fire throughout a two-story woodframe house. There were no immediate exposure issues on either side of the home, and a Signal 30 was declared. Firefighters stretched a oneand-three-quarter inch hand line into the building and began to knock down the fire, but due to a hydrant issue, firefighters on scene temporarily lost water pressure. The next arriving engine and truck companies were able to quickly establish another hydrant at the
JUMP TO FILE #081618104 end of the street. Firefighters were able to conduct an aggressive interior attack and bring the fire under control in less than 20 minutes. The home was severely damaged by the fire and considered a total loss. Crews on scene conducted heavy overhaul for about one hour. No injuries were reported, and the fire is currently under investigation by the Albany Fire Department. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
September, 2018
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Mobile Life Support Services Announces Poughkeepsie Emergency Response Station New Windsor, NY (July 31, 2018) - Mobile Life Support Services, the largest emergency medical provider in the Hudson Valley, recently announced the opening of a new emergency response station in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Station 24 will be Mobile Life’s third station in the Town of Poughkeepsie and will be located in the southeastern portion known as Red Oaks Mill. It is expected to open on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. Mobile Life already has two other stations in the Town of Poughkeepsie, one in the northeastern corner of the Arlington Fire District and one further south in the New Hamburg Fire District. Mobile Life recently built and opened Station 26 in the City of Poughkeepsie in June of 2017, which is home to seven crews. Four 24-hour shifts and three additional day shifts ensure adequate resources are available, should emergency issues arise during the busiest time of day. “Opening this station enables Mobile Life Support to enhance its coverage and its service,” said Mobile Life President and CEO Scott Woebse. “We hope to reduce our response times, allowing us to expedite emergency medical care and better serve the Town of
JUMP TO FILE #073118108 Poughkeepsie.” The Mobile Life ambulance fleet is composed of more than 60 vehicles, which are dispersed throughout the Hudson Valley, including Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester counties. The company serves as the designated 911-EMS Agency for more than a dozen municipalities, including Newburgh, Middletown, Kingston and Poughkeepsie, and provides emergent and nonemergent ambulance transportation services to most of the 14 hospitals in its service region. Mobile Life is dedicated to maintaining exceptional response times and continually introduces innovative technology that allows its medical professionals to provide the best service and care to the communities they serve. Every Mobile Life emergency response unit is equipped with GPS tracking and Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVL) that feed data into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to ensure that the closest available unit is dispatched to the call location. - FOCUS MEDIA, INC.
BOB MCCORMICK
One Person Transported from MVA on I-84 in Newburgh
Newburgh, NY - The Winona Lake FD was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on I-84 westbound at the 7B ramp on July 23rd. New York State and Town of Newburgh Police responded to the scene. One subject was transported to Saint Luke's Hospital by Town of Newburgh EMS. Good-Will FD was called to respond with a pumper when the vehicle caught fire after the subject was removed. New York State Police are investigating the cause.
THOMAS MARRA
Early-Morning Blaze Destroys Home, Kills Two Pets in New Baltimore New Baltimore, NY - Around 1:45 A.M. on Monday, August 6th, New Baltimore Fire was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 175 Roberts Hill Road. Coeymans Hollow Fire was dis- JUMP TO FILE# patched for their 081818108 FAST and arriving New Baltimore units confirmed a fully-involved house fire. Coeymans Hollow and Coeymans Fire were then requested for a tanker and an engine to the scene. Other companies handling the call included MedwayGrapeville, Coxsackie Hose #3, Coxsackie Village and Ravena, as well as Earlton Fire on standby for New Baltimore and Selkirk Fire on standby for Ravena and Coeymans. Four adults and three children were home at the time of the fire, but were all able to make it out. One homeowner was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation and minor burns after attempting to rescue some pets trapped in the fire. One dog was able to escape, but two other pets were not able to make it out. The fire was knocked down fairly quickly but took a little over one hour for full containment, according to Chief Wallace. The Greene County Fire Investigation Team also responded to the scene. The cause of the fire is believed to be from an electrical issue. - THOMAS MARRA
THOMAS MARRA
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Governor Cuomo Announces Completion of First-in-the-Nation SwiftWater Flood Rescue Center in Mohawk Valley Oriskany, NY - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced training would begin in July at the newly completed Swift Water Flood Training Center dedicated solely to training New York State's first responders. Located at the JUMP TO FILE# Division of Home- 071718100 land Security and Emergency Services' State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, Oneida County, this state-of-the-art facility is the only training center of its kind dedicated to training the state's fire, law enforcement, and EMS responders on the technical skills necessary to perform water rescues in controlled conditions. "The completion of this advanced training center is a major step forward in our efforts to ensure first responders across the state are equipped with the expertise needed to protect New York's communities," Governor Cuomo said. "As we prepare for the uncertainties of extreme weather, this unique facility will help provide the best training possible to keep New Yorkers safe." This unique training facility occupies approximately seven acres of State Preparedness Training Center property in Oriskany and includes a three-acre pond, a concrete swift water channel, and an urban flood simulator to allow rescue personnel to train in flooded streets and buildings. The facility will support training in the various techniques and procedures necessary to undertake these rescue operations, including shore-based rescue, "Go" rescues where rescue personnel enter the water or swim to complete the operation, aerial rescue operations, and emergency boat maneuvers. These training features combined will make the facility a first of its kind training venue dedicated solely for training first responders. DHSES and the Office of General Services partnered in the development of this facility. The project, which was competitively bid, cost $9 million and created approximately 100 construction jobs in the Mohawk Valley region. There are over 100,000 firefighters in 1,800 departments and 66,500 police officers in 580 departments across New York that can use this facility to perform rescue operations in swift water or flooding scenarios, including: motorists stranded or trapped by rising flood waters; individuals trapped in swift water conditions; and individuals trapped inside, or on the roof of a flooded building. This is the latest milestone in a multi-year, $42 million capital improvement to the State Preparedness Training Center located in
Oriskany, Oneida County. The State is committed to having the best trained first responders in the nation and the continued investment in this training facility as well as capital improvements slated for the New York State Academy of Fire Science located in Montour Falls reflects this commitment to the safety and security of those who live, work, and visit New York State. Flooding can occur during any season of the year and is the largest natural threat to homes, families and businesses in New York State. As witnessed during Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and Superstorm Sandy, floods can be widespread, effecting large geographic portions of the population, and can cause cascading impacts to our infrastructure such as wide spread power outages and fuel shortages, and can devastate the state's economy. As recently as this past winter and early spring, over 50 ice jams caused flooding issues on rivers and streams across the state which resulted in damage to nearby homes and businesses, and caused residents in the Fort Covington community located in the North Country, to be rescued or evacuated by New York Task Force 2, the State's Urban Search and Rescue Team operated by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. According to the National Weather Service, on average, floods cause eight billion dollars in damages and 89 fatalities annually. To date, New York State has received more FEMA - Major Disaster Declarations than all but three states, with 73 declarations since 1953 and the majority related to flooding. Although risk will never be completely eliminated, New York has made major strides in reducing
risk and enhancing resilience to the effects of flooding throughout the state. The use of this new water rescue facility at the State Preparedness Training Center will be one more innovative method to train our emergency response teams to safety execute rescues in controlled conditions, and will greatly enhance the abilities of our state and local first responders to keep New Yorkers safe. First responders can register to receive swift water and flood rescue training, as well as view other training opportunities, by visiting the State Preparedness Training Center's calendar. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger L. Parrino, Sr. said, "Preparing our first responders to assess a situation and respond quickly to life threatening emergencies involving swift moving water is a critical skill needed for flooding events. This new, one of a kind facility will be a valuable addition to the State Preparedness Training Center and will allow our fire, law enforcement and EMS students from across the state to gain the expertise to keep their communities safe." Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, "Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has faced a number of weather-related emergencies across the State and has made it a priority to continue to improve the training opportunities and skills of our vital first responders. I am proud that the OGS Design and Construction team had a role in creating this facility, which is providing critical hands-on training to those who help keep us safe during emergency situations." Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Governor Cuomo rec-
ognizes that first responders have a better chance of saving lives when they are well trained, prepared and experienced, and this state-of-the-art training facility will improve the ability of our Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers to swiftly respond to emergency situations across the state.� State Fire Administrator Francis Nerney said, "Scheduling courses for the ideal conditions for training on natural bodies of water is often difficult. With this facility up and running, we have ideal conditions for more months of the year, which means more first responders can take this type of specialized training back to their departments and ultimately help safeguard the communities they serve." Firemen's Association of the State of New York President Ken Pienkowski said, "New York's firefighters are being called upon to perform ever-more complex and intricate rescues. Swift water rescue requires highly specialized training, and this new facility will help ensure that rescuers are able to practice these lifesaving skills in a controlled setting. This will benefit both first responders and potential victims. FASNY thanks Governor Cuomo and NYS Fire Administrator Nerney for their dedication to the safety of all New Yorkers and for making this facility a reality." New York State Association of Fire Chiefs Executive Director & CEO Jerry DeLuca said, "Due to natural and manmade conditions, the fire services in New York State is being called upon more frequently to conduct swift water rescues across the state. This new training facility will allow firefighters and emergency personnel from throughout
New York to be thoroughly, properly and safely trained to deal with these hazardous conditions. Training will no longer be dependent on finding a creek or river with proper conditions for training. I commend Governor Cuomo and NYS Fire Administrator Nerney for the foresight to develop this state-of-the-art training facility." Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, "We are pleased that the New York State Preparedness Training Center continues to grow. This latest expansion will help to provide first responders with essential training and skills when it comes to dealing with waterrelated situations and rescues and will further enhance the key role the center plays in the security and safety of our state." Assembly Member Anthony Brindisi said, "The completion of this state-of-the-art training facility will improve our ability to ensure that first responders in every region of this state have the experience and knowledge they need for an emergency situation. With increased incidents of extreme weather and flooding, it is necessary that we invest in the safety and security of New York, and I applaud the Governor's efforts to ensure these dedicated men and women receive proper training to keep our residents safe." Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, "This addition to the State Preparedness Training Center brings additional first responders from across the state to the region to enhance their training and skills. This will result in additional business to the region and will equip our responders to better protect the public against the dangers associated with flooding." NYS DHSES
- NYS DHSES
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
GARY HEARN
Campbell Hall House Fire Quickly Knocked
Campbell Hall, NY - At 8:20 P.M. on July 31st, while out on drill, the Washingtonville F.D. FAST was requested to respond to the scene of a house fire in Campbell Hall. Rescue Engine 580 responded. The fire was on the second-floor of a splitlevel private dwelling. Half of the 580 crew forced entry to the dwelling for Campbell Hall's first-due engine crew, conducted searches and opened up on the second-floor. The other half of 580's crew acted as the FAST. Truck 579 was dispatched on the second-alarm. The crew of Truck 579 assisted with overhaul. The driver of Rescue Engine 580 supplied Campbell Hall's engine with tank water.
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
East Avon Barn Destroyed by Heavy Fire East Avon, NY - On Sunday, August 12th around 3:45 A.M., firefighters from East Avon, Lima, Honeoye Falls, Avon, Caledonia, Lakeville and Livonia responded to a fully involved barn fire in the area of 5537 Avon - East Avon Road.
JUMP TO FILE #081418107 Units arrived on location with a small barn/garage type structure fully involved and spreading to two sheds, as well as threatening
nearby homes and a propane tank. The blaze was quickly brought under control. The barn of origin was a total loss while the sheds sustained some fire damage. - JEFFREY ARNOLD
ACTION SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shots� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
THOMAS MARRA
Car Versus Tree in Delmar Delmar, NY - Delmar Fire, Slingerlands Fire and Delmar-Bethlehem EMS were called to the area of 1277 Feura Bush Road in front of Owens Corning shortly before 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 29th, for a car that had crashed into a tree. The driver of the vehicle was able to get out on their own with only some minor injuries.
WILLIAM MURRAY
New Paltz, NY - The New Paltz Fire Department was dispatched to a working car fire on the NYS Thruway on August 2nd. The fire was quickly extinguished and there were no injuries.
DRILLS/TRAINING
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To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Recent drills held around the capital region.
COLDENHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
Melrose F.D. car fire drill.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Maybrook and Coldenham Crews Operate Tractor-Trailer Accident on I-84
Montgomery, NY - At approximately 8:39 P.M. on July 23rd, members of the Maybrook FD and Coldenham FD were dispatched to the area of Interstate 84 west, at the Exit 5 off-ramp, for a tractor-trailer accident. Upon arrival, crews were met with a tractor-trailer rolled over on its side and down an embankment. Crews were able to assist the driver out of the tractor and provided medical treatment to the patient. Crews mitigated any hazards from the tractor as well as trailer, and the scene was turned over to the New York State Police.
Joint car rescue drill held in Stuyvesant Falls.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
FACES OF NEW YORK’S EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Shaker Road F.D. at Colonie municipality training.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Representatives of Orange County Fire Services, Buckeye Terminals, and Captain of the barge, "Edwin Poling". On June 30th, a tour was given by Buckeye Terminal to point out areas of concern should an emergency response take place on the Hudson River. (L to R): Charlie Piper (Orange County Deputy Fire Coordinator, Battalion 3), Rob Streib (Buckeye Terminals), Ben Moll (Captain of the barge, "Edwin Poling"), Scott Corkery (Chief of the Middlehope F.D.), Tony Kurtz (Orange County Deputy Fire Coordinator, Special Operations), and Mike Mattausch (Orange County Deputy Fire Coordinator, Battalion 4).
PROVIDED
2018 Emergency Preparedness Spring Camporee.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Vehicle News
THOMAS MARRA
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
THOMAS MARRA
On Saturday, July 21st, the Mountain View F.D. in the Town of Brunswick celebrated the arrival of their new Engine 21-1 with an old fashioned wet-down. The new engine is replacing a 35-year-old piece of apparatus, and will offer firefighters state-of-the-art technology to help improve the fire protection of their community. Congratulations to the Mountain View F.D. on their brand new engine!
THOMAS MARRA
62nd Annual Glenmont Fireman’s Fair a Success Glenmont, NY - The 62nd Annual Glenmont Fireman's Fair, held at Selkirk Fire Station #2 in Glenmont, came to a close for the year on Saturday, July 21st. Once again there were plenty of rides, games and food for people to enjoy. The MacBoston 18 Truck was also at the fair on Saturday selling their 2018 T-shirt. The truck is a traveling memorial honoring fallen NYS firefighters. Proceeds from the T-shirt sales go to main-
JUMP TO FILE #072218105 tenance of the truck. The Annual Fireman's Fair is a staple in the community, and the Selkirk Fire Department loves to see everyone come together and have a great time with friends and family.
- THOMAS MARRA
JOHN COCKERILL
The Scarsdale Fire Dept., located in Westchester County, recently took delivery of a 2017 Seagrave Marauder II–131” Stainless Steel Cab, Stainless steel Body with ROM doors, designated as E54. Features include Cummins L9 450HP, Waterous CSU 1500-GPM single stage pump, UPF poly 500-gallon tank, 174.5” wheelbase, 58” hosebed height, front and rear Meritor disk brakes, Telma focal mount retarder, FRC Spectra scene lighting, Whelen Warning lighting, FRC PumpBoss and flowmeters, 18” front bumper, and Pac Track tool board mounting throughout.
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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.
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
Ionia Vol. Fire Company Dedicates New Firehouse
BOB MCCORMICK
The patch of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department, located in Orange County, NY.
Ionia, NY - On Saturday, July 28th, members of the Ionia Volunteer Fire Co. were joined by neighboring fire departments, community members and politicians to celebrate the dedication of their new firehouse. The dedication comes three years to the day that the original fire station was destroyed in a early morning blaze. Fire Chief Lynn Parrish expects that the new facility should serve the community for the next 50 to 100 years.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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Medevac Needed at Motorcycle Accident in Washingtonville Washingtonville, NY - At 9:51 P.M. on August 16th, the Washingtonville Fire Department was alerted for a motorcycle accident on Barnes Road. W a s h i n g - JUMP TO FILE# tonville F.D. per- 081718104 sonnel assisted Blooming Grove VAC with patient treatment and packaging, and established a landing zone for a medevac helicopter. The victim was transported by medevac helicopter to Westchester County Medical Center. The accident is being investigated by Blooming Grove P.D. Washingtonville P.D. assisted at the scene, and the Washingtonville F.D. Fire Police assisted with traffic control. - GARY HEARN
GARY HEARN
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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Structure Fires 2017 VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
Structure Fires 2017 By Alan Simmons Productions 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: $12.95 (DVD) This is a 44 minute program covering two fires in the City of Los Angeles and one in Burbank, California. The first is a Greater Alarm Fire in Sun Valley which involved a one-story commercial structure occupied by the Universal Iron Door Company. There is heavy fire inside challenging handlines. These outside lines attempt to gain advancement supported by a ladder pipe. The fire makes it through the roof and is eventually knocked down. Crews are then seen mopping up during final extinguishment. There is a nice mixture of different brands of apparatus which responded. The second fire is a residential
structure fire in the Highland Park section. It is a frame building with fire through the roof. The building is partly obscured by trees on the property. Outside handlines operate here also. It appears that they still use wooden truss ground ladders, no doubt in an attempt to avoid electrical hazards. The Burbank fire is a secondalarm that involves a private house. Size up is difficult because the house appears to be one-and-ahalf stories, but it is attached to another similar type structure which is two stories. I could not determine if this was two attached buildings to one large building, but either way the fire communicates to both. White smoke is showing when the camera gets there and flame eventually shows through the roof, particularly after the “truckies” ventilate with saws and hooks, and later worsens. Handlines are then stretched to the roof and operated on the flames. Apparently crews could not make the ground floor entry, as it was too far for them to revert to this tactic. It certainly appears to be a stubborn, intense fire. At one point it seems that there are more firefighters on the roof than on the ground! It gave the firefighters "a run for their money", and I could sympathize with their frustrations!
THOMAS MARRA
Car Crashes into Woods Off Route 9W in Ravena
Ravena, NY - Ravena Fire, Ravena Rescue and DelmarBethlehem EMS were called to an MVA during the morning hours of Sunday, July 22nd, in the area of Route 9W and Fuller Road in Ravena. There were three total occupants in the vehicle, all of which were transported to the hospital by Ravena Rescue and Delmar-Bethlehem EMS. The vehicle was heading north on 9W when it left the roadway and crashed. It appears as if the driver was speeding and was most likely attempting to avoid being pulled over by police at the time of the crash.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Schodack Crews Make Quick Work of Two-Alarm House Fire & Rescue Two Dogs Castleton-On-Hudson, NY On August 3rd just after 11:00 A.M., the Schodack Valley Fire Department, along with Schodack Landing, South Schodack, Nassau, Castleton and East JUMP TO FILE# Greenbush, re- 081618106 sponded to 1402 Maple Hill Road for multiple calls reporting heavy smoke coming from the roof of the building. Battalion 4–1 arrived on scene, declared the Signal 30 and requested a second-alarm as he had a working structure fire with heavy smoke pushing from the rear of the building, as well as a heavy fire condition inside the building. Tanker 34-9 was the first arriving apparatus on scene and took the driveway. Firefighters quickly pulled a single hand line into the building and began to knock down the heavily involved kitchen fire. As other units arrived on scene, firefighters made their way inside the structure to conduct a primary search and discovered two dogs. The dogs were rescued from the burning home with no injuries. While checking for extension, crews found a fire condition that had extended into the attic and roof area. Firefighters conducted an aggressive interior attack in the attic area and quickly knocked down the remaining fire. The fire was brought under control in less than 15 minutes from the initial dispatch. Due to the hot temperatures and humidity, firefighters alternated inside the structure during overhaul. Over 60 firefighters operated
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
on scene during the second-alarm fire. There were no injuries reported and the two dogs that were rescued are in good health. The home sustained substantial damage
from the fire. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
JEFFREY ARNOLD/@FIREPHOTO25
BOB MCCORMICK
Car Catches Fire After Crashing in New Windsor
New Windsor, NY - The New Windsor Fire Dept. was dispatched to an MVA on Route 9W/northbound and Union Avenue on July 27th. One vehicle involved caught fire and was quickly extinguished after firefighters arrived. The New Windsor Police Dept. was on scene and blocked traffic in the northbound lane while crews worked. Firefighters spread speedy dry on the roadway. New Windsor EMS also responded and evaluated all occupants involved in the accident. The New Windsor Police Dept. is investigating the cause.
Multi-Vehicle Crash with Entrapment in Henrietta
Henrietta, NY - On Saturday, August 4th, Henrietta firefighters and CHS Ambulance responded to a multi-vehicle accident with a person trapped, in the area of Mighty Taco on Jefferson Road. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office also assisted at the scene.
BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
THOMAS MARRA
Driver Entrapped After Car Crashes into Pole
Hughsonville FD Firefighters Ryan Van Ness and Alex Lorenzini were entertaining the crowd with a great music selection at Hughsonville's wet down on July 28th. Lorenzini, pictured on the right, had recently graduated from the USMC Boot Camp and was celebrating a weekend at home before shipping out on July 30th to protect our great nation. TODD BENDER
New Scotland, NY - New Salem Fire, with assistance from Albany County Sheriff Ambulance, Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and Slingerlands Fire for heavy rescue, responded to a single-car crash with entrapment at the intersection of Route 85 and New Salem South Road around 3:45 P.M. on Wednesday, July 25th. The driver was believed to have a concussion, but was able to feel and move their legs. The vehicle is believed to have been speeding when the driver spun and hit the pole.
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RICHARD BILLINGS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
ON THE LITER SIDE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Cronomer Valley FD Assistant Chief Jorge Resto masked up to participate in the Hughsonville Wet Down of 45-46 on July 28th.
TODD BENDER
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Firestorms Chaplain’s Corner
Pastor Fernando Villicana
Once again we find ourselves praying for our Firefighters along with the numerous evacuees driven from their homes due to a series of wildfires which have plagued our state. Wildfires can ignite quickly, without warning, and do maximum damage in a short period of time. What do you do when your world is on fire? What if you knew that everything you owned would be burned up completely in a matter of minutes and you would be able to save little, if anything? I stood next to a family who had just lost everything in one of these wildfires. The thing the mother lamented more than anything else was the loss of the family pictures. She described the fire as something that had taken all her memories away. After praying together we all agreed that although personal possessions are important to them, the fact that the entire family stood together unharmed was more important than anything else they may have lost in the fire. Yes, these fires have the capacity to rob us of certain things, but we are told to count our blessings too. This helps us gain a healthy perspective. Fires can be devastating but there are other ways that our lives go up in flames. You experience a painful divorce. You are notified that you will no longer have a job. A child, a spouse or a parent is diagnosed with a terminal illness. You go through a financial crisis. You are betrayed by a friend or loved one. Your health deteriorates. You fail at something important. Your life is reduced to ashes. What do you do? I am assuming that you understand that I am coming from the perspective that the only way to get through these fiery trials is to know God and have him in your life. That is the given from which everything else I am saying comes. Those of us who have gone through these trials cannot imagine what it would be like to have to go through them without Him. God never leaves us nor forsakes us during difficult times, and gives us the antidote for the pain suffered through at the many setbacks in life. Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal." Yes, there will be storms in the forecast for us. Storms are inevitable. But we also have the
DEPARTMENT PROFILES
confident assurance that the Lord will shelter us in the storms. He will not always use the same methods to protect us, but He will do so. At times He will allow the firestorms to pass by on each side while we are protected in the palm of His hand. At other times He will permit us to go through some firestorms. I think He does this to show how true believers should react when our world is turned upside down. Do you want peace in the midst of your firestorm? Place your trust in the Lord and do not allow the fire to shake your faith. Praise the Lord that He is greater than any firestorm we will encounter!
If you have photos you would like to see in our Department Profiles feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
The Lake George Fire Department operates out of this four-bay station on Ottawa Street in Warren County.
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FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If you have photos you would like to see in our Firefighter Profiles feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a globally rare ecosystem that is located in the heart of the capital district in upstate New York. It has over 18 miles of trails that thousands of people use from all over the country every year. It's home to the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly, which feeds on plants that are found in the preserve. There's over 3,200-acres of land that needs to be maintained and controlled, which a group of well-trained wildland firefighters, led by Burn Boss Tyler Briggs, is in charge of. The job of these firefighters is to find areas of the pine bush and light prescribed burns to help Mother Nature flourish from underneath. Fire is a natural part of both forest and grassland ecology, and controlled fire can be a tool for foresters. Hazard reduction or controlled burning is conducted during the cooler months to reduce fuel buildup and decrease the likelihood of more serious fires during the summer months.
The animals in the preserve will move area to area as the burns are happening. Tyler Briggs is a veteran burn boss who has deployed multiple times out to the western parts of the US as well as Texas for large-scale wildfires, and he knows how these fires can behave. You would think this might be an easy job for these firefight-
ers, but after spending some time with these crews, it's far more difficult than what I thought. The weather is a major factor, as they have to plan everything around Mother Nature. First, the burn boss scouts out the areas that are overgrown, or have a lot of fallen pine needles or leaves. After checking the area, the burn boss has to check the weather for any storms, wind, humidity, and/or any other changes of conditions that could happen, as these all play major factors in the controlled burn. After everything is at 100%, the team meets and conducts a safety briefing and discusses what's planned for that day. After the meeting, the firefighters get geared up in nomex wildland suits that are designed to protect them while they work around the heavy fire and smoke, and they also slow ticks from getting on the body. The preserve firefighters have multiple ATVs and small brush trucks that are used to control the wildfires. The apparatus have small amounts of water on board, but have the capability of filling from ponds and streams inside the preserve. The firefighters carry hand tools, leaf blowers and chainsaws to help them control fire and take down trees that have burned. The crew hikes a quarter mile to get into the preserve. There, you can look around and see
other areas that have had controlled burns that are now rapidly flourishing. Once the crew arrives at the area, they immediately start to set up. The burn boss pulls a lighter from his pocket and reaches down to light a single leaf. Fire then begins to rapidly spread across the preserve floor. As one area burns, the wildland firefighters use drop torches to light areas ahead of the alreadyburning fire. This allows them to be able to control the burn. When fire reaches the alreadyburned area, it dies down and will normally go out. As we moved deeper into the area of the control burn, the larger amounts of dead trees, leaves and pine needles caused the fire in some areas to be over 10feet tall. The large column of smoke from these burns normally can be seen from up to 50 miles away on clear days.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
After the burn has been completed, firefighters go through the area and check for burning logs and any remaining fire. The firefighters will then drop grass seeds and plant trees that are from the preserve to allow for the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly to gain habitat.
The Wildland Firefighters of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve work very hard to help Mother Nature flourish while keeping the preserve maintained for visitors.
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
- JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Route 9W in New Baltimore New Baltimore, NY - Around 9:45 P.M. on Wednesday, August 15th, New Baltimore Fire and Rescue was called to the area of 13156 Route 9W after a motorcycle was struck by two vehi- JUMP TO FILE# cles. 081918103 A pickup truck failed to yield while turning, causing the motorcycle to hit the back of the truck. Another vehicle was not far behind and the operator of the motorcycle was struck again. EMS did the best they could to provide CPR, however, the patient was pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic was redirected during the incident, as Route 9W was closed in both directions in the area for hours. Crews were on scene for hours following the crash for accident reconstruction. - THOMAS MARRA
A motorcyclist was killed in New Baltimore after a crash involving two other vehicles.
THOMAS MARRA
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
PAGE 37
eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes
For many Americans, funding the down payment necessary to realize a dream of home ownership simply is not possible; and squirreling away the dollars to do so on a limited budget could mean several years of renting and waiting to buy a house. In some cases, first responders and other community service employees have trouble affording homes in the areas where they work. With a purchase as big as buying a home, a little help can go a long way. The Advantage Program, introduced to the Heroes Mortgage platform by eLEND, helps hometown heroes like police officers, volunteer and paid firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators purchase a home within the community where they work, even in high-cost areas. The unique down payment assistance program was specifically designed for those who make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as first time home buyers. “The Heroes Mortgage platform helps connect members of the emergency services community with lenders that are specifically interested in working with them,” said Joseph P. Belsito, publisher of 1st Responder Newspaper. “The Advantage Program created by eLEND is exactly what makes the Heroes Mortgage Pro-
“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform. It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”
- BILL PACKER Executive Vice President eLEND
gram a valuable resource for heroes in our community looking for home financing.” Grant provides help to homebuyers Many buyers wait patiently on the sidelines, saving money and watching interest rates rise. Unlike many other home buying assistance programs, eLEND’s Advantage Program provides a grant for the down pay-
ment. These resources can immediately build a borrower’s buying power, helping them act on a purchase more quickly for either that first home, or a move-up home as the family has grown and needs more space. Qualified buyers can receive grants up to 2% of the purchase price, minimizing the
down payment dollars needed at closing. The grant is “forgivable” so it doesn’t have to be paid back, and there are no resale or borrower repayment restrictions. In the state of Wisconsin, appraisal cost (up to $700) is credited back at closing. This program is not yet available in Hawaii or Washington. To qualify, a borrower need only meet one of the following very flexible requirements: a current, retired, volunteer or professional first responder (police officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, etc.), educator, medical personnel, civil servant or military personnel, or a first-time homebuyer or meet certain income requirements. “We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform,” said Bill Packer, executive vice president of eLEND, a division of American Financial Resources, Inc. “It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.” For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.
For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.
PAGE 38
September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
Here We Come to Save the Day… EMS ISSUE
CHELLE CORDERO
But who is there to save us? First Responders are generally very good at putting on brave faces. We answer the call for help when someone is at their worst, in pain and scared, and we let our patients know that they are in good hands and that we will do everything we possibly can for them. But inside, we’re just as terrified as our patients except we won’t admit to that, not to ourselves, not to our coworkers, and certainly not to our patients. If we are lucky we get to deliver our patients to capable hands at the hospital (and don’t let them fool you, those doctors and nurses are also scared). Sometimes we watch as tragedy unfolds before us when we are the ones shouldering the responsibility. It takes a toll. EMTs, Paramedics, First Responders in general, and even the afore mentioned medical professionals in the hospitals have a high rate of depression, substance abuse, PTSD, and suicide — it’s a human reaction to seeing trauma and tragedy, it’s the frustration at trying your damnedest and still not getting the result you want. And while not all calls are tragic (thankfully), there are those calls that stay with a provider, calls that haunt, and calls that make us second guess our every decision. In 2014 a few Washington State based EMS professionals talked about some fellow responders who committed suicide; there seemed to be a high rate within the EMS community. No one was really talking about it and that didn’t help others who were reluctant to admit to their demons. They started a project called the "Code Green Campaign" to shine light on this frightening statistic, to allow others to know they were not alone or weak for feeling despair, and to help encourage anyone who needed to seek mental health sup-
port. Since each state may have different plans in place, such as Workman’s Comp and license preservation (to not permanently lose one’s livelihood while getting help), there is more than just ego that can prevent someone from asking for help. While there have been Critical Incident Stress Debriefing teams available for First Responders for decades, it hasn’t always been utilized. Some supervisors, even if they are sensitive to their crews’ emotions and exposure to trauma, are not aware of the full potential impact of each call. There are also times when even a minor incident can stir up post-traumatic-stressdisorder and this may go undetected even while the individual suffers. And so often, especially in group CISD discussions, everyone seems to be wearing a figurative brave mask, and in the end, few actually benefit from the counseling. The mission of the Code Green Campaign is to “bring awareness to the high rates of mental health issues in first responders and reduce them. Eliminate the stigma that prevents people from admitting these issues and asking for help. Educate first responders on self and peer care and to advocate for systemic change in how mental health issues are addressed by first responder agencies". It is important for every EMT, Paramedic and all First Responders to accept that he or she is a human being with very real reactions to the things they deal with every day; it is crucial to receive peer support as well. And most importantly, if help is needed, it is OKAY to ask and receive mental health support. The Code Green Campaign website has a comprehensive list of national resources as well as state-by-state; there are also some Canadian and International resources included as well. Go to the website at http://codegreencampaign.org/resources/ Take care of yourselves, and take care of your brothers and sisters.
GARY HEARN
Two-Alarm Fire Damages New Windsor Home
New Windsor, NY - At 5:14 A.M. on July 22nd, the Washingtonville F.D. was requested to respond to the scene on the second-alarm as the FAST for a house fire on Walsh Avenue in the New Windsor Fire District. Upon arrival, the Incident Commander (Chief of the New Windsor Fire Department), had the crew of 581 split, with four members acting as the FAST and the other four members of the crew assigned to operate in the fire building for relief purposes. Once the fire was under control, the additional FAST firefighters were put to work assisting with overhaul.
BRIAN S. BERKEY
Working Garage Fire in Adams
Adams, NY - At 11:07 P.M. on August 13th, Adams FD, along with Lorraine and Adams Center Fire Departments as automatic mutual aid, were dispatched to a reported garage fire at 2 Phelps Street. Adams Asst. Chief Rob Simpson reported a working fire and requested a second-alarm due to the close proximity of a house. The second-alarm added Mannsville Manor FD and South Jefferson Ambulance to the incident. Adams arrived very quickly with two engines, a truck and a rescue, as the location is right around the corner of their station. Crews made an excellent hit and had the fire under control in less than 10 minutes, without any damage to the adjacent house. When other departments arrived, they assisted with overhaul.
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FATAL ACCIDENT WITH EJECTION IN HAGERMAN
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hagerman, NY - Just after midnight on July 20th, a male operating a Dodge Challenger was driving north on Sills Road when the vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree, ejecting him from the car out of the side window. - See full story in Long Island section page 4
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SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Head-On Crash in Centereach Leads to DWI Arrest
Centereach, NY - A two-car head-on collision on July 27th just after 10:00 P.M. left four people injured and one driver under arrest. All four occupants of the first car, including two children, were transported to the hospital by Centereach Fire Department's ambulance. The driver of the second car had no injuries, but was given several field sobriety tests which led to their arrest shortly after.
Flames shoot from the roof of this home in Mastic Beach.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Morning Blaze Strikes Home in Mastic Beach Mastic Beach, NY - On Tuesday, August 7th around 5:14 A.M., the Mastic Beach Fire Department was activated for a report of a house fire on Knapp Road, off Magnolia Drive. First Assistant Chief Tom Montreuil (5-13-31) was the first unit on the road. On arrival, Montreuil found flames coming through the roof from the attic. The chief requested that County reactivate for a working fire and requested mutual aid to be activated. First-due Unit 5-13-2 arrived on scene and the crew stretched a
JUMP TO FILE #081118100 line from the tanker to begin putting water on the fire. Additional units arrived a short time later with crews going to work assisting in putting water on the fire to darken it down. Firefighters from Mastic were able to enter the structure a short time later, and while searching, found a fish tank with a lizard inside. They were able to successfully evacuate the reptile, which was still alive. The
scene was placed under control at around 5:45 A.M. In addition to the FD units that were on scene from Mastic and Brookhaven, EMS assets from Mastic Beach, Mastic and Shirley were also on scene to assist the firefighters and provide any necessary rehab support. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. - JOHN WALTHERS
MEMORIES
If you have photos for our Memories feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
CONNOR JACOBS
Bicyclist in Mastic Critically Injured in Two-Car MVA Mastic, NY - At approximately 11:02 A.M. on July 24th, Mastic Ambulance Company was toned out to an MVA at Mastic Road and Robinwood Street. On arrival, 5-37-20 had a twocar MVA involving a bicyclist; 5-37-30 radioed back to their ambulance saying they had one person in critical condition and requested a helicopter to respond. The Mastic Fire Department was toned out to set up a landing zone at Fireman’s Field. Unit 5-12-10 responded to the landing zone and the bicyclist was airlifted to the hospital. The accident is under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department and crime scene unit.
PHOTO COLLECTION BY RUSSELL CURLEY
Nassau County, NY - Pictured are Elmont Fire Department's very rare Mack fire trucks: left/front is their 1957 Mack "B" model heavy rescue; behind the heavy rescue is their 1959 Mack "C" model midmount aerial; and on the right is their 1952 Mack "L" model.
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
September, 2018
PAGE 3
Swimmer in Distress Sparks Massive Rescue Effort at Smith Point Beach Smith Point Park, NY - On Saturday, July 28th, Suffolk County Emergency dispatchers took a call around 8:00 P.M. for a swimmer in distress at the Smith Point Beach. Resources were immediately directed to the JUMP TO FILE# scene from Suffolk 073018100 Police and Parks Rangers, Mastic Beach FD & EMS, and several neighboring mutual aid departments were activated as well. Additional information provided by the caller stated the person was last seen 500-yards offshore from the pavilion, and may have gone under the water. Despite severe rip currents, multiple police officers and fire department water rescue members went into the water in an effort to locate the distressed swimmer. A Suffolk Police helicopter was sent to the scene and dropped floatation devices and a rope. The subject was successfully located and members of the Mastic Beach FD assisted in pulling the victim to shore. When found, the subject was not conscious. Members of Mastic Beach, Shirley and East Moriches Ambulance were mobilized onshore and began CPR immediately. A flight medic arrived at the scene from the helicopter, however the patient was declared not stable enough to be flown. Crews transported the patient by ground to Long Island Community Hospital. According to a police spokesperson, despite the efforts of first responders and doctors, the 53-year-old male swimmer (from Manorville), was pronounced dead at the hospital.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Rescuers work onshore and in the water while a police helicopter aids in the search for a swimmer who went under at Smith Point Park, July 28th.
- JOHN WALTHERS
Rescuers bring the swimmer to shore.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
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September, 2018
1St Responder Newspaper - LI
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SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Fatal Accident with Ejection in Hagerman
Hagerman, NY - Just after midnight on July 20th, a male operating a Dodge Challenger was driving north on Sills Road when the vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree, ejecting him from the car out of the side window. Firefighters secured the vehicle upon their arrival. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
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.
Additional news from Long Island can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
Steve Klein, 1st Vice President, FASNY, stands with the Hicksville FD Juniors as he presents them with the 2018 Youth Group of the Year Award. KEVIN IMM
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Car Flips Four Times in Holtsville, Three People Injured Holtsville, NY - On July 17th around 8:30 P.M., two cars collided, sending one car flipping through the air before landing on its wheels in a lawn on County Road 83. A second car spun several times before landing on a different lawn. Three people were injured and transported by Medford Ambulance to a local hospital.
Hicksville Junior Firefighters Honored with Statewide Recognition Hicksville, NY - The Hicksville Fire Department Juniors have been named the 2018 Youth Group of the Year by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). The award was presented in a special ceremony at the Hicksville Fire Department headquarters on Sunday, July 8th, by FASNY 1st Vice President Steven Klein and other FASNY officials. This honor is bestowed once per year upon a single youth group in New York State by FASNY’s committee on Youth in the Fire Service in recognition of the recipient’s dedication to both fire safety and community service. The Hicksville Fire Department Juniors are a strong example as for why youth programs are so important. The Juniors are extremely dedicated to both community service and to enriching the fire service, as evidenced by the ties they have forged with other local fire department youth programs. “Youth groups and explorer programs are an extremely important part of the fire service,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “The Hicksville Fire Department Juniors are an outstanding example of fire service youth groups and embodies the qualities inherent to the fire service. They should be proud to receive this award and serve as a model for similar programs across the State of New York. They are an admirable recipient of this year’s ‘Youth Group of the Year’ award.” At the time of nomination, this youth program had 23 members between the ages of 14-18. The leadership team conducts monthly meetings and schedules weekly Sunday morning drills with various companies with the Hicksville Fire Department. The Juniors train
JUMP TO FILE #071218102 in skills using SCBA such as reduced profiles, FAST operations, search operations, mayday procedures, forced entry, hand lines, ground ladders, tower ladders and Stokes operations. The Hicksville Junior firefighters have a long tradition of proceeding to serve with distinction in the fire service. In 1971, the Hicksville Fire Department officers and members saw an opportunity to begin a youth program in which the community’s youth would be mentored by the department’s firefighters to become future servants to the community. The alumni of this group include a Chief of the Department, three fire commissioners, and numerous fire officers. “We continue to witness the success of this youth program as these Junior members enter our department as probationary members and excel in our in-house probationary classes as well as at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy,” said William B. Blazo, Commissioner, Hicksville Fire District, and Junior Advisor. “The Hicksville Fire Department Junior Program has positively impacted the youth of our community as our current Hicksville Fire Department membership boasts one past Junior as a Chief, three past Juniors as Commissioners and five past members serving as Company officers. The group is the pinnacle in the field of recruitment and retention, and their eagerness to train prompts the various department companies to get out and train with them – a win-win for all!” - FASNY
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
September, 2018
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JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Driver Pummels Bush with Car in Mastic Beach Mastic Beach, NY - On the morning of August 5th just after 12:00 A.M., Suffolk Fire Rescue received a call for a crash involving a vehicle versus tree on Chanel Drive, near Flower Road. FireCOM activated the Mastic Beach FD and Ambulance assets to respond. Mastic Beach FD's 2nd Assistant Chief was first to arrive on the scene and advised dispatch to hold all units on the ramp while he investigated. The vehicle had actually run over a bush, and when EMS arrived on scene, the driver was conscious and talking to them. He was taken to a local hospital by ambulance for treatment. The police remained on scene to investigate further.
Middle Island F.D. members march in their 70th anniversary parade.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Middle Island Fire Department Celebrates 70 Years of Service Middle Island, NY - On Saturday, July 28th, the Middle Island Fire Department celebrated 70 years of protection and service to their community. To commemorate the event, a parade was held down Middle Country Road from Birchwood Park Drive to Artist Lake near their carnival. The parade was led by Middle Island, the hosts of the event. Other
JUMP TO FILE #080118113 neighboring fire departments joined in the celebration as well by parading their members and trucks, including multiple antique trucks from Bellport and Yaphank. Community groups also joined along the parade route. A few hun-
dred people lined the parade route and even more joined in the festivities at the carnival over the four-day event, despite some nights being soggy. Congratulations to the Middle Island F.D. on 70 years of service, and many more to come! - JOHN WALTHERS
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Vehicle Rollover with Injuries in Medford Medford, NY - A late afternoon rollover in Medford injured one person in a one-car accident on Sunday, July 29th. The car was traveling westbound on the Service Road of the Long Island Expressway when it left the roadway and flipped twice before landing on its wheels in a dirt construction area. Medford firefighters secured the car while Medford Ambulance personnel transported the driver for unknown injuries.
A member of Riverhead F.D. gives us the thumbs up.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
PAGE 7
September, 2018
Babylon Village FD marching band and members.
RUSSELL CURLEY
HAROLD L. JACOBS
Firefighters use the Jaws of Life to free an occupant trapped in the vehicle.
Three-Vehicle Crash with Entrapment in Shirley Lindenhurst FD's 1995 Grumman/Firecat 95-foot tower ladder. RUSSELL CURLEY
Shirley, NY - On the night of August 7th, Brookhaven FD was toned out to respond to Yaphank FD for a working house fire. While enroute to the call, Brookhaven's fire chief came up on an MVA and found that he had someone trapped. The chief radioed back to FireCOM to tone out his department for the MVA with heavy rescue.
JUMP TO FILE #080718120 Within seconds, Brookhaven's heavy rescue truck and engine were on the scene. Firefighters went right to work with the Jaws of Life and cutters to free the trapped occupant. Shirley, Mastic and South County
EMS were all on the scene. After the occupant was freed, EMS personnel took over and transported them to a local hospital. The road was closed until all vehicles were removed from the roadway. Traffic lights had not been working due to storms that moved through the area. - HAROLD JACOBS
ALL IN THE FAMILY Babylon FD's 1929 American LaFrance top-mount 500-GPM pumper. RUSSELL CURLEY
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.
Central Islip FD's 2011 Pierce 1500-GPM pumper.
RUSSELL CURLEY
Copiague F.D. Celebrates 90th Anniversary Suffolk County, NY - The Copiague F.D. celebrated their 90th Anniversary with a parade held on July 14th.
Selden FD ex-Chief Michael Matteo (left) and his son, Firefighter/EMT Michael Matteo, Jr., worked together at the scene of a recent MVA in Selden. SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - LI
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Driver Arrested After Crash and Overturn in Selden Selden, NY - On August 1st just after 10:00 P.M., a driver crashed into a parked car in front of 19 Oakmont Avenue in Selden, flipping the vehicle onto its roof. The driver was pulled out of the car by a neighbor who heard the crash. A SCPD patrol officer gave the subject several field sobriety tests and then arrested the male driver for DWI.
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Pictured is Bellport F.D. Hose Company No. 1's 1943 Chevy/Buffalo 500/175 antique truck. The unit was purchased from a government surplus and is seen at many Long Island Parades. It's pictured here at Middle Island F.D.'s Anniversary parade, held on July 28th.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Hagerman Jr. Gamblers, the NYS Junior Champs for 2018, pose for a photo with their trophies.
2018 NYS Junior Firefighters Championship Drill Held in Hagerman Hagerman, NY - The Hagerman Fire Department hosted the biggest race of the junior firefighter’s drill season on Sunday, July 29th. Junior Firefighters from across Long Island came JUMP TO FILE# out to compete in 081118101 the NYS Junior Firefighters Championship Drill to determine who would be considered the best-of-the-best for 2018. The Juniors participated in many events involving ladders, hoses and other such items. This year's drill was held at the Hagerman Fire Department, however the event is held at different locations each year. The team that showed the most dominance in the drill (which is judged by Suffolk County Drill Team officials), was the Junior Gamblers from Hagerman, who in turn won the title of NYS Champions for the second year in a row. The top five teams overall were as follows: 1-Hagerman with 31 points 2-Bayshore with 23 points 3-Lindenhurst with 22 points 4-West Sayville with 19 points 5-Central Islip with 15 points - JOHN WALTHERS
The West Sayville Jr. Flying Dutchmen compete in the Cart Ladder event.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
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September, 2018
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
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.
Ridge F.D. brought out their gator for emergency services if needed as part of the parade route for Middle Island's 70th Anniversary celebration on July 28th.
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Firefighters hook the winch up to the vehicle to upright it.
JOHN WALTHERS - SUFFOLK FIRE PHOTOS
Driver Uninjured After Vehicle Overturns in Brookhaven Brookhaven, NY - On the morning of Wednesday, July 25th at about 12:43 A.M., the Brookhaven Fire Department was activated for a report of a motor vehicle crash with overturn on River Road, north of Beatrice Drive. On arrival, Chief Giuseppe Loiacono advised that he had a single vehicle overturned, but no entrapment.
JUMP TO FILE #072818109 Heavy clean up was needed, so the crew from the engine and the rescue responded to the scene to complete clean up. The driver of the vehicle was given a field sobriety test by police on scene and it was deter-
mined that he was not impaired. He was released to EMS, where he refused medical attention. Firefighters used a winch on the rescue to upright the vehicle and then removed it from the middle of the road. All units were back in service about 35 minutes later. - JOHN WALTHERS
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Coram F.D. Ladder 1 was first-due at a fully involved auto fire in July.
FLASHBACK If you have photos you would like to see in our “FLASHBACK” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
SABELLA/ON SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
Two Injured After Car Leaves Road and Hits Tree in Selden
PHOTO COLLECTION BY RUSSELL CURLEY
On December 28th, 1959, the Valley Stream Fire Department fought a fire at the Medical Arts building on Rockaway Avenue. Pictured is Valley Stream's 1955 Mack "B" model operating at the fire.
Selden, NY - On the afternoon of Saturday, July 28th, a driver and passenger were injured after their car left the roadway and hit a tree head-on. The tree they hit was the only one within a half mile of any other trees in the area. The car was secured and both occupants were transported by Selden firefighters.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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FDNY
Staten Island Gets Its First-Ever Squad Company Staten Island, NY - On Friday, July 27th, Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin, along with FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and Council Member Joe Borelli, announced the location of FDNY’s eighth Squad Company and the firstever Squad unit for JUMP TO FILE# Staten Island. 073018101 A Squad Company specializes in several different areas and encompasses the tasks of engines, ladders, and rescues. These Companies are specially trained in handling hazardous materials and technical rescues. This new Squad Company will carry specialized equipment and have the ability to respond to various emergencies, such as fires, high angle rescues, building collapses, confined space rescues, transportation accidents, and hazardous material emergencies. - FDNY
STEVE WHITE
STEVE WHITE
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September, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
FDNY FIREFIGHTER PROFILES
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief, Joseph Pfeifer, recently retired from the NYC Fire Department after 37 years of service this July.
Chief Pfeifer ran the command post inside the North Tower on September 11, 2001. Because of his experiences on September
11th, he became the founding director as Chief of Counter-terrorism and Emergency Preparedness. After retiring, he plans to teach at Columbia and Harvard Universities.
- STEVE WHITE
STEVE WHITE
Unattended Kids Cause Two-Alarm Structure Fire in Staten Island
Staten Island, NY - At 4:50 P.M. on August 7th, firefighters were dispatched on 2-2 Box 0936 to 67 Morningstar Road for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a two-story private dwelling with fire on the second-floor and in the attic. The fire was placed under control at 5:30 P.M. FDNY fire marshals investigated the incident and stated that it was caused by unattended children who were playing with fire.
MEMORIES
STEVE WHITE
ACTION SHOTS
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
If you have photos you would like to see in our Action Shots feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
STEVE WHITE
A water main break shooting 30-feet into the air flooded East Raleigh Ave. in Staten Island on July 12th. Pictured is an officer from Ladder 78 surveying the scene.
RUSSELL CURLEY
Pictured is FDNY Engine 10's 1981 Mack CF lime green pumper with the yellow flap that I photographed back in 1984. Across from 10 Engine/10 Ladder was where the South Tower once stood.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NY
September, 2018
PAGE 43
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