FD RANT NEWS Long Island, New YorkVolume 2, Edition 1January – 2013
LEVITTOWN FULLY INVOLVED
Photo by Ralph Moniello – RAM Fire Photos th
This was the scene in Levittown on January 9 [Full Story on Page 18]
East Meadow Taxpayer Job – Page 10 Cold SpringHarbor Makes Fast Stop – Page 26 Freeport House Fire Near the Water – Page 40 Copiague Daytime Work – Page 47 Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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FD Rant News Long Island, New York The #1 digital publication for the Long Island Fire Service covering the NEWS you want to hear about.
It is hard to believe that a full year has passed since the FD Rant News made its debut. Well, here we are one year later and we have already become one of the leaders in reporting about the fire service here on Long Island. One year ago today the FD Rant News arrived on the scene as the newest publication for the Long Island Fire Service. Fast forward to today and we can now say that we are the #1 digital publication of the Long Island Fire Service and we have also become one of the leading overall fire department publications as well. We owe our success to our team of dedicated correspondents and writers as well as the newest members of our production team. Considering that we started with a small group of fire scene buffs who shared apassion for covering the fire service with a camera and sharing the fruits of their labor with the rest of the firefighting community. As happens when anyone develops a new concept or idea, there will be detractors and there will be supporters. I am happy to say that I had many more supporters than I did critics. When I say supporters, I mean people who took a leap of faith to join the team I was building. These were guys [and also a few gals] who did not know me, nor did they know what I was trying to build. What they did know was that they had met someone who was as passionate about the fire service as they were and we all knew that we could work together to create something bigger and better than all of us had been used to in the past. The dedication of all of the correspondents, coupled with hard work, sprinkle in technology and then , just for the hell of it, try telling us we would n’t amount to anything. That was a recipe for success. In spite of the critics, and some downright ridiculous edicts issued by others in the business, we have not only survived our first year, we have thrived in the process. There is an old saying in business that goes like this: “The hardest step to take is the first one…” Well, we not only took our first step, we have actually sprinted right to the front of the line. Going forward, the FD Rant News will stay true to our founding principles: “cooperation, not competition” and “do the right thing”. Why not? It’s worked so far. As we continue to grow, I am happy to announce that a few more correspondents have joined our team. Welcome aboard to Ken Bradbury from the southwest Suffolk area and Ron Schankin from the northwest Suffolk area. We would also like to thank the following people for their submissions this month: Harold Jacobs, Mike Gunther, Michael Scotti, Andrew Tetreault, and, as always, the tag team duo from Manhasset-Lakeville- Lee Genser and Kirk Candan. We would also like to remind all of our readers that if you would like to join our team as a regular correspondent you can contact us as FDRantNews@verizon.net or call us at 631.766.3287 for more information. You can read more about our correspondent policies on page 48. Finally, we would like to invite all of you to visit our booth at the 2013 LI Fire and Rescue EMS Mega Show at the Nassau Coliseum on Saturday February 24th and Sunday February 25th. We will have several of our team members in attendance throughout the weekend. There will be several video and slideshow displays running at our booth and there will be giveaways of FD Rant News merchandise as well. We hope that you will stop by and say hello. Be safe. All submissions or inquiries can be sent to FDRantNews@verizon.net
Jeff DiLavore – Owner/Publisher Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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FD Rant News – January, 2013 Volume 2 - Edition 1 Cover Photo by Ralph Moniello – RAM Fire Photos
2 – Editorial 4 – Faces of the Fire Service 7 – Distant Learning by James McNamara
19 – Photo Contest Results 21 – Radio Room by Phil Lichtenberger
Owner/Editor/Publisher
Correspondents
Jeff DiLavore
Ken Bradbury Chris Colletti Lauren Cronemeyer Eric Devine Eric Dobrini Lauren Foschino Robert Garofalo Paul Krussmann Kevin Madigan Ralph Moniello Brian Olsen Chris Sabella Ron Schankin Joe Sperber Nick Stein Tom Steinwall Matt Thomas Kim Versheck Pat Welliver
29 – Common Sense by Mike Capoziello
37 – Tricks of the Trade
Associate Editor Brian Welliver
by Joe Laino
49 - Hooks-n-Ladders by Tom Rinelli
52 - About the Authors 54 - Advertising 55 - Sponsor Page
Social Media Director Bernadette Franc
Contributing Authors Phil Lichtenberger Jim McNamara Robert Senn Tom Rinelli Joe Laino Mike Capoziello Pete Silver
Long Island FD Rant News
Submit Stories and/or Photos to:
Northport, N.Y. 11768 Phone: 631.766.3287 Email: FDRantNews@verizon.net
FDRantNews@verizon.net Be sure to send contact information including name, phone number and email
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
We put the N-E-W back into news. We run stories that are days or weeks old; NOT months old. We are fresh and new; not old and stale. LIFD Rant News-You’re #1 source for news about the Long Island Fire Service.
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FACES OF THE FIRE SERVICE Selden FD Captain Donald Fitzgerald of Dixon Engine Company 3 in Selden
Members of Medford FD at a recent MVA
Photo by Robert Garofalo
Ladies of Centereach Fire Department Ronkonkoma crew after a recent automatic alarm
Photo by Robert Garofalo
Smithtown Chief Tim Murphy [4-2-32], Hauppauge Chief Ray Germaine [3-8-30], and Smithtown Chief John Hansen [4-2-30] at a fire in Hauppauge
Manhasset-Lakeville Crew after Working in Greak Neck
Photo by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photo by Lee Genser
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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FACES OF THE FIRE SERVICE Huntington Ex-Chief and current Huntington Manor member as well as Town of Huntington Coordinator Bruce Smith works at a recent fire
Suffolk County Fire Coordinators Ron Magagna[5-0-2] and Bob Smith [5-0-4] in North Patchogue
Photo by Robert Garofalo Photo by Ron Schankin
Hauppauge Engine 3-8-1 Crew after a fire
Chief, we need a bigger firehouse…. Setauket’s Ladder on standby in Port Jefferson during a recent fire demonstrates that size DOES matter
Photo by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photo by Chris Sabella
Terryville Crew on scene in Port Jefferson
“Fuego” talks about why digital advertising is better than print
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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2013LongIslandFire,RescueandEMSMegaShow
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Distant Learning by Chief James McNamara
The Shortest E.M.S. Article Ever! Yes, that’s right; you read my name and EMS in the same sentence. Many people who know me well have just clutched their chest, looked skyward, and started yelling “Lizbeth it’s the big one!” OK the older people got that reference. The younger members of the RANT will just have to look for episodes of Sanford and Son on their ipad thingy… While volunteers, we are every bit professional responders. We all have dedicated folks that make it their business to master their craft and provide the absolute best care available to our patients. One thing that is sometimes over looked is the care that we provide to the family members of that patient. A person that means the world to them is need of emergency care but they also need to be cared for as well. In the state of Arizona, on numerous roadways, you will see crosses on the side of the road. I have passed them many times and never given much thought to them other than it being the scene of an accident. In my career I have responded to numerous MVAs, some good, some real bad, but I was always focused on the job at hand and never thought about everything or everyone involved in the incident. Recently I had traveled down to one of my sites in Casa Grande. It was there that I passed a cross on the side of the road. What made this cross different than the dozens of crosses that I probably pass every day was the fact that there was a young woman and two small children at the cross. They were leaving flowers at the cross. I don’t know if this was the wife and children of the deceased but it put a human element to a stationary object. If these were the children they would never see their Dad, Grandparent, Aunt or Uncle again. As responders we need an emotional separation from the incident that allows us to do our job to the best of our ability. If you become too involved you will grow wounds and carry scars that will never heal. The one thing we must always strive to remember though is the people who are attached to our patient and show them the utmost respect. They are going through a life crisis and we need to remember that. Now I know most of us are already doing the right thing out there. But the next time that one of our young trauma junkies is talking about how good the call was because of the amount of physical damage, especially in front of the family members, give them an old fashioned “Gibbs Slap” and tell them it was from me. Jim McNamara (Jimmy Mac) is a 25 year member and Ex-Chief of the North Bellmore Fire Department, served as the Department’s th
Training Coordinator, and is a founding member of both North Bellmore’s and the 6 Battalion Technical Rescue Team. Jimmy worked for the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office for 14 years spending the last 12 as a Specialist on the Hazardous Material Response nd
Team. He also spent 9 years as a 2 Deputy Chief Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy where he taught Technical Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Haz Mat, WMD and numerous other classes. Chief McNamara is currently the Adjunct Instructor for Distant Learning for the Nassau FD RANT.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 1 Edition 12 – December, 2012
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MOUNT SINAI Ends Year with MVA and Ejection Story and Photo by Chris Sabella – On Scene Photography Just before 6pm on a snowy Saturday night December 29,2012 the Mount Sinai Fire Department responded to a reported car accident with ejection on County Road 83 at Canal Road in Mount Sinai.A subject in the rear seat was ejected out the rear door and was found a few feet from the car, in the snow. Firefighters checked the wooded area around the scene for any other possible subjects who might have been injured. Both the driver and ejected passenger were transported in stable condition to a local hospital by Port Jefferson Ambulance and a second ambulance from Coram Fire Department. All units were able to get out of the snow after about 30 minutes. Click Here for More Photos of Mount Sinai’s MVA from On Scene Photography
CENTRAL ISLIP Smoky House Fire Story and Photos by Pat Welliver On December 31, at 18:23 hours, The Central Islip F.D. Volunteers were activated for a house fire at 31 Miller Ave. Upon the arrival of 3-7-31 he reactivated the alarm as a signal 35 and advised 3-7-0 of a garage fire that had extended to the 1st and 2nd floors of the structure. The fire was under control within an hour. Mutual aid was received from Lakeland F.D. for RIT and Hauppauge F.D.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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Ski Chalet Burns in FARMINGVILLE Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo
On Monday December 31st at approximately 0355hrs, the Farmingville FD was toned out for a commercial structure fire at the “old ski chalet” at the Town of Brookhaven Bald Hill Complex off South Bicycle Path. With Assistant Chiefs Ralph Gloria [5-18-31] and Dave Smith [5-18-33] responding, dispatch advised of reports that smoke and flames were visible. Upon their arrival at the complex a working fire was confirmed for a commercial structure fire in the unoccupied ski chalet. Chief Gloria established command and had first due Engine Company 2 being supplied by a nearby hydrant immediately stretch the primary attack line to the exposure 1 side to access the fire area. Members from second due Engine Company 3 assisted and also stretched a backup line. Members from Truck 7 as well as Rescue 8 began vent, entry and search operations while also venting the roof directly over the fire area. Mutual aid was requested from the Holtsville FD for RIT as well as the Selden and Medford fire departments for additional manpower. The Ronkonkoma FD was on standby at Farmingville’s headquarters with one engine and ambulance for the duration of the alarm. Also on scene was Suffolk County Fire Coordinators Bob Smith and Ron Magagna as well as the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshals. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Click Here for More Photos of Farmingville FD’s Working Fire
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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EAST MEADOW Starts New Year with Taxpayer Job Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan - K2M Photography Additional Photos by Paul Krussmann - LNBN
The first call of the New Year for the East Meadow Fire Department was a reported building fire across from the County Medical Center around 20:30 hours. Nassau County Police who received multiple calls reporting smoke in the area and from a building confirmed smoke in the building upon their arrival. When East Meadow’s 2nd Assistant Chief [6102] arrived on scene, he immediately transmitted a signal 98 [smoke showing] for the row of stores. Not even minutes went by after this transmission that a signal 10 [working fire] was transmitted. North Bellmore was requested to the scene as the FAS Team and responded with Ladder 658. Upon their arrival, North Bellmore was put to work and North Merrick Ladder 673 replaced them as the FAS Team. Firefighters on scene were faced with freezing temperatures, a strong wind, and burning primary wires that were hindering operations. At various times throughout the operation, fire was visible through the roof of the three stores. The combination of the wind, icing, and fire load eventually led to the decision to pull all firefighters off of the roof. Due to the amount of fire and the need to replace exhausted firefighters, North Merrick Truck Company was put to work shortly after their arrival. When North Merrick was put to work, command requested two additional truck companies to the scene. Levittown Ladder 621 and Bellmore Ladder 606 responded to the scene. Wantagh who was originally requested to standby for East Meadow instead responded to the scene and became the next FAS Team. The fire was placed under control about ninety minutes into the operation. Four lines were stretched, with at least two in operation, to fight the fire. East Meadow Engine 612 was the first engine company on scene while East Meadow Ladder 617 was the first ladder. Standing by for East Meadow was a Westbury Ladder, Hicksville Engine, and a Wantagh Ambulance. North Bellmore also sent Engine 655 to the scene to assist.
Click Here for More Photos from K2M Photography
Click Here for More Photos from Late Night Buff Network
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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ROOSEVELT Roof Goes Ablaze
Workers on the roof of a Washington Place commercial Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan - K2M Photography building were believed to have been the cause of a fire on the afternoon of January 4th. Just before 3:00pm, Nassau County Police began receiving calls reporting flames coming from the roof of the building. Upon their arrival, police began evacuating workers from the roof and requested the fire department to step up their response. Roosevelt Quint 734 was the first fire department unit on scene along with North Merrick Chief James Allen [6700]. Chief Allen advised Fire Com that this was not a house as originally dispatched, but rather a commercial building. One line was immediately stretched off of the Quint and brought to the roof where the main body of fire was concentrated. The one line was able to hold the fire which consumed an air conditioning unit and the tar around it. Extension into the building was minimal. Aside from Quint 734 and Ladder 735, also on scene was Merrick Engine 641 [Empire Hose Co. 3], North Merrick Heavy Rescue 678 [the FAST team who saw working during operations], and Hempstead Truck One. The main body of fire was knocked down within fifteen minutes and all fire department units were under the command of Roosevelt’s First Assistant Chief Hansen [7301]. Click Here for More Photos of Roosevelt’s Building Fire
SELDEN Chiefs Respond to 1st Alarm of 2013 Story and Photos by Chris Sabella – On Scene Photography
Chief Michael Matteo[5-25-31]
SELDEN Fire Department’s two brand new chiefs respond to the first general alarm on January1, 2013 at 117 Adirondack Drive for a reported basement fire. All four Chiefs responded and 1 engine to an apparent damper problem and all units took up without incident. Welcome to Assistant Chief Michael Matteo [5-25-31] and the newest baby Chief Chief Dave Panebianco[5-25-33] Dave Panebianco [5-25-33]. Good Luck Gentleman!
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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Vacant Burns in CENTEREACH Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo
The Centereach FD responded to this vacant house fire Thursday January 3rd around 2100hrs. The home located behind several businesses on Middle Country Road just east of Horse Block Road was fully involved upon the department’s arrival. Under the command of Chief of Department Steve Corvaia [5-5-30], members from first due Engine 9 dropped a 5” supply line from a distant hydrant and immediately placed the primary attack line into operation. Second due Engine 2 stretched the second handline and assisted with darkening down the fire. Members from Rescue 4 and 14 as well Engine 12 assisted with final extinguishment and overhaul. EMS Units 15 and 17 were also on scene with EMS 15 acting as the Rehab Unit. Mutual aid to the scene came from the Selden, Farmingville and Ronkonkoma fire departments. Fire Police handled traffic control and secured the scene for the duration of the alarm. Also on scene were Suffolk County Fire Coordinators and the SCPD Arson Squad. No injuries were reported. Click Here for More Photos of Centereach’s Vacant House Fire
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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SMITHTOWN Head On with Overturn and Entrapment Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News
During the evening rush hour on January 4, 2012 Smithtown Fire Communications [4-2-0] dispatched the Smithtown Fire Department to a reported MVA at the intersection of Route 25A and St. Nicholas Avenue. Additional information given to Chief Steven Sisino [4-2-31] en-route was that the Suffolk PD was on scene confirming an overturned vehicle with the driver trapped. Chief Tim Murphy [4-232] arrived on scene and confirmed the pin. Rescue 4-2-9 arrived on scene and their crew began to stabilize the vehicle while Hurst Tools were put to work to remove the remove and extricate the victim. Meanwhile, EMS crews were treating two other victims who were in the other auto. EMS Responders 4-2-81 and 82, along with the crews of Ambulances 4-2-61 and 62 packaged the injured and transported them to St. Catherine of Siena Hospital with nonlife threatening injuries. Engine 4-2-4 and Fire Police 4-2-10 were also on scene. Suffolk County PD ESU personnel were on scene to assist with the extrication and all units were secured within 45 minutes. Click Here for More Photos of Smithtown’s Overturn MVA
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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HEMPSTEAD Responds To Apartment Fire Story and Photo by Lauren Foschino – You’re My Focus Photography On January6,2013 the Hempstead Fire Department responded to a report of an apartment fire on Villa court in the apartment complex. Upon arrival, a working fire was transmitted. The owner of the apartment suffered from smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital. There was a small fire in the kitchen that was extinguished quickly. The fire marshal was requested for an investigation. Click Here for More Photos of Hempstead’s Apartment fire
Wrecked in FARMINGVILLE Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo Additional Photos by Chris Sabella
The Farmingville FD responded to this two car MVA Monday morning January 7th at approximately 0850hrs. The accident occurred at the intersection of Horseblock Road and Blue Point Road leaving both drivers injured. Under the command of Chief Dave Smith [5-18-32], members from Rescue 8 and Engine 3 secured the vehicles while EMS members tended to the drivers. Mutual aid was requested from the Holtsville FD for an ambulance and Fire Police. Both patients were transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center with unspecified injuries. Click Here for More Photos of Farmingville’s MVA
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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HUNTINGTON MANOR Grabs Daytime Work Story and Photos by Ron Schankin On January 7, 2013 at 0907 hours, the Huntington Manor Fire Department emergency lines lit up early on that Monday morning for a structure fire in the vicinity of East 17th Street and Meadowbrook Drive in Huntington Station. 1st Assistant Chief Frank McQuade [24-31] confirmed a working fire at 91 East 17th Street. 3rd Assistant Chief Jon Hoffman [2-4-33] led interior operations where an aggressive attack was made and the fire was quickly knocked down. There were no occupants home at the time of the fire; however, a family dog perished in the blaze. Huntington Manor was assisted at the scene by Greenlawn Fire Department with a FAST and Huntington Community First Aid Squad. Huntington Fire Department stood by at Manor's Headquarters. All units were released by 10:40 AM. The Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Suffolk County Police Arson Squad are investigating the cause of the fire. Click Here for More Photos of Huntington Manor’s House Fire
BAYPORT Responds to “Paci-FIRE” Fire Call Story and Photos by Chris Sabella – On Scene Photography On Tuesday afternoon a report of smoke showing at 117 Kensington Avenue in Bayport sent the day time mutual response activations into motion. Engines from Blue point and a tower ladder from Sayville responded for what turns out to be a pacifier fire in the kitchen. First engine was met with some smoke and a burning rubber smell. After further investigation numerous burnt pacifiers were found in a pot on the stove after new mom forgot she was sterilizing them and all the water burned away which sent a smoke activation to the alarm company. Bayport vent the home and released all units after bout ten minutes.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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LEVITTOWN House Fire Starts Busy Night Story and Photos by Eric Dobrini - Edobs Photography On January 8, 2013, Levittown was toned out for a house fire on 26 Rolling Lane at 1746 hrs. First due units were advised about a heavy smoke condition inside the house. Engine 622 picked up the hydrant which fire was found in an upstairs bedroom. The working fire was transmitted at 1753 hours as per command 6201. Standby units were staged at Levittown Headquarters while Wantagh’s 6912 was the FAST. With two lines in operation, the fire was quickly knocked down and the fire was brought under control at 1810 hrs.
SELDEN Chain Reaction MVA Story and Photos by Chris Sabella – On Scene Photography On Tuesday night Selden Fire Department responded to a multivehicle MVA on County Road 83. Five people were evaluated for minor injuries. Units were on scene for approximately 45 minutes.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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LEVITTOWN Fully Involved Early Morning Fire Story and Photo by Ralph Moniello Additional Photos by Paul Krussmann
Photo by Ralph Moniello – RAM Fire Photos On January 9th, 2013 at 0503 A.M. Levittown signed on the air with multiple calls for a house fire next to 44 Griddle Lane. Within minutes 6201 was on scene transmitting a Signal 10 for a house fully involved and all occupants out. Wantagh was requested as the FAST unit and all Levittown units were toned out to respond. Within 10 minutes at scene a floor collapse was transmitted and all units were mandated to perform exterior operations only. In all 4 lines were in operation and 1 tower ladder was set up for a surround and drown. An East Meadow engine, North Bellmore ladder and Wantagh ambulance were standing by if needed. With the amount of fire in a short period of time all units did a great job and all occupants escaped with no harm.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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2012 FD Rant Photo Contest Results In January, we held a photo contest on the Nassau and Suffolk FD Rant Forums with six categories. The photographers who submitted photos had to be contributors to either the FD Rant News or the Nassau or Suffolk FD Rant Forums. The following are the winners by category. The 1st place photo in each category is shown. The top photos are featured in our 1st Annual 2013-2014 FD Rant News Calendar. Look for your ordering information on the next page.
BEST FIREGROUND PHOTO 1st – MINUTOLI 2nd – MAZZA 3rd – MONIELLO
BEST FIREGROUND GROUP PHOTO 1st – MADIGAN 2nd – MAZZA 3rd – VERSHECK
BEST MISCELLANEOUS PHOTO 1st – GAROFALO 2nd – MADIGAN 3rd – MAZZA
BEST NON-FIREGROUND GROUP PHOTO 1st – MADIGAN 2nd – CRONEMEYER 3rd – COLLETTI
BEST MVA PHOTO 1st – MONIELLO 2nd – MAZZA 3rd – MINUTOLI
BEST PARADE & DRILL PHOTO 1st – CRONEMEYER 2nd – MADIGAN 3rd – VERSHECK/COLLETTI
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 1 Edition 12 – December, 2012
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The Radio Room by Phil Lichtenberger – w2lie.net
Building your Monitoring Post It’s winter time and the mercury is below the freezing mark, wind chills are near zero, and it might be snowing outside. The morning commute is a miserable and cold start to your work day, with a frozen seat, cold steering wheel, and frost on the windows that won’t go away unless you get out into the cold and scrape it off. This is the point where you will entertain going out of your way and pay a little bit more for full serve gas so you don’t turn into an icicle while the gallons slowly pour into your tank as the dollars quickly exit your pocket to pay. Yes it’s winter and it sucks! It is the perfect time of year to think about adding a new antenna to your house, planning your coax upgrades, or think about what needs to be updated and changed in your shack. It is time to start planning for those outdoor projects or to start cleaning that desk and planning an indoor project instead. Now is the time to plan. Over the next few months, I plan on going over most of the common components that you can buy to make up a great monitoring post. The items we will cover may not be suitable for every single monitoring station, but it is up to you to pick and choose what you will need and what you can skip.
The Scanner Antenna Destroyed on my roof that was destroyed in bad weather. The top elements have snapped from the main boom and are now hanging up-sidedown
Through the years of operating my websites, I find the same questions resurface from time to time, and these are all questions that anyone interested in radios may have. In most radio terms, FM means Frequency Modulation. While to others, it stands for Flipping Magic! (Or your favorite expletive instead). I’m going to attempt turn the latter into the former. Over the next few months, I invite you to e-mail your radio monitoring questions to me at w2lie@w2lie.net.
Some of the topics we will cover and go into some theory and details about are: •
•
Antennas o Designs (Omni Direction, Yagi (directional)) o Resonate Frequency o Beam width Coax o RG6, LMR400 o Connectors Used o Water Proofing
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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Station Grounding o Lighting Arrestors Why, Where, How • Multicouplers o Uses o Differences between Active and Passive Multicouplers o And why these are better than “T”s and Cable Splitters • Pre Amplifiers o Placement & Use • Power Supplies o Types o Volts and Amps • Backup Power Options • SWL o Short Wave Listening By the time we are done with this series of articles, you should have all the resources needed to plan the perfect radio monitoring post, or make changes to your existing setup. Now that you have the layout of the next several months for this column, I remind you to submit any questions you may have on each topic. Questions should be submitted to me early in the month so I can make sure I can add your answers into the next month’s column. Next month we’ll kick off the series with some antenna theory and designs and specific uses. Until Then, remember you can follow my updates on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/w2lie.netand keep up to date on some of my projects on Instagram at http://instagram.com/w2lie 73 (Best Regards) Phil / w2lie The Long Island FD Rant News/W2LIE.net Log Book brings you the latest scanning updates for Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the surrounding areas. This monthly column focuses on radio and communication issues as they relate to emergency services agencies. The column contains tidbits of information for all types of users from novice to professionals. All questions can be submitted to the email address below and I will address them in the subsequent issues. About the author— Phil Lichtenberger is the owner of Monitor Long Island, Inc. which owns W2LIE.net,LongIslandFirePhotos.com and manages several other sites. Phil has been a licensed Amateur Radio operator since 1994 and has been listening to scanner and short-wave for 20 years. Phil also writes a quarterly column for the Scanner Digest Newsletter Do you have any scanner related questions, tips or ideas for this column? Please submit them to: w2lie@w2lie.net
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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MEDFORD Rollover and Wreck Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo The Medford FD along with Medford Ambulance we’re toned out for this two car MVA with overturn Thursday January 10th around 1025hrs. The wreck occurred at the intersection of Express Drive South and Old Medford Avenue sending the Ford Explorer onto its side and the Buick sedan into a nearby driveway. Under the command of Chief Frank Rivera [5-1431], members from Rescue 15 and Engine 12 secured the vehicles while members from Medford Ambulance tended to both drivers. Once treated and packaged, both drivers were transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in Ambulances 18 and 19. Fire Police handled traffic control while SCPD ESU officers righted the Explorer. Click Here for More Photos of Medford’s Rollover MVA
Victim Critical in BOHEMIA Apartment Fire Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo
Bohemia FD was toned out for this apartment fire Friday January 11th at 0535hrs at the “Fairfield Sunrise Gardens” on Middleton Road off of West Gate Drive. With Chief of Department Richard Andersen [312-30] and Assistant Chief Sterling Haynes [3-12-32] arriving quickly on scene, neighbors alerted them of an elderly female occupant that was unaccounted for. Chief’s Andersen and Haynes immediately made entry to the fire apartment in an attempt to locate the occupant but were driven back by high heat and heavy smoke. Unable to locate the female victim, Chief Andersen had members from first due Truck 6 split their team to search and place the primary attack line into operation. The Truck 6 search team located the elderly female occupant along with a deceased cat in a back bedroom. Once the victim was removed to safety members began CPR and handed patient care off to Sayville Community Ambulance. Members from Sayville Community Ambulance transported the female to Southside Hospital in cardiac arrest. The Bohemia FD was assisted at the scene by the West Sayville FD for RIT and the Sayville FD for an engine. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Click Here for More Photos of Bohemia’s Apartment Fire Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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DEER PARK Two for the Price of One Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury Additional Photo by David Clark On January 11, 2013 at 15:30 hours the Deer Park Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire at 154 West 21stStreet off Park Ave. Chief Larry Bradbury [1-4-31] was the first chief on the road and was alerted that two structures may be involved. Chief Bradbury arrived thirty seconds later and was greeted with two houses engulfed in flames. A working fire was transmitted and Chief John Giammarino [1-4-30] had arrived on the scene and had assumed command. To add to the situation the primary electric line had detached and was charged on the ground. North Babylon, Wyandanch, West Islip and Dix Hills were mutual aided along with Wyandanch Wheatley Heights Ambulance. There were no injuries and all units were in service in approximately 90 minutes with the garage and its contents (one Car) and the side of the house next door charred.
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Fully Involved in LAKELAND
Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo-ESA Photography Additional Photo by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News
Photo By Rob Garofalo
Photo By Rob Garofalo
The Lakeland FD was toned out for this residential structure fire Friday January 11th at approximately 0720hrs on Fir Grove Road off of Port Avenue. With Chief Joe Trzepizur [3-13-31] on scene a working fire was
promptly transmitted for heavy Photo By Rob Garofalo fire out the exposure 1 and 3 sides first and second floors. With all occupants safely out of the home efforts were focused on knocking down the raging fire. Members from first due Engine 4 dropped a 5” supply line and stretched the primary attack line while second due Engine 5 members stretched a second line from Engine 4. Mutual aid to the scene was requested from Central Islip FD for RIT and Hauppauge and Ronkonkoma fire Photo By Jeff DiLavore departments for additional manpower. Subsequently, three handlines were placed into operation and an extensive overhaul ensued. Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Scott Schrader [3-0-2] was also on scene assisting Chief Trzepizur. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SCPD Arson Squad. No injuries were reported. Click Here for More Photos of Lakeland’s House Fire
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COLD SPRING HARBOR Makes Push on House Fire Story by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photos by Mike Gunther On the foggy and warm night of January 12, 2013 at approximately 2340 hours the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 16 Cold Port Drive near East Gate Drive. Initial reports given to Chief of Department Chris Ingwersen [2-130] were that there were possible occupants trapped in the home. Upon arrival on scene, Chief Ingwersen observed heavy fire showing from the second floor and transmitted a working fire. He then had the first due Engine 2-1-1 pick up the hydrant which was right next door to the fire building. The crew quickly stretched a 1-3/4” handline and began to attack the fire. Cold Spring Harbor Ladder 2-1-3 had the front of the building and Engine 2-1-2 was the second due engine whose crew stretched the 2ndhandline. All occupants in the home were out and accounted for except for one family pet. By now, Assistant Chiefs Bob Hahn [2-1-31] and Dan Froehlic [2-1-32] were on scene. Chief Ingwersen then requested mutual aid to the scene from the Syosset Fire Department [who happened to be out on a call in their own district; which was not far from this scene]. Syosset responded with 2 Engines and a Ladder to the scene while Huntington and Oyster Bay Atlantic Steamers each sent an engine to the scene. The Halesite Fire Department provided standby coverage at Cold spring Harbor’s headquarters. The fire was quickly knocked by the first in companies making an aggressive push as per Chief Ingwersen. Sadly, a family cat that was located in the home could not be resuscitated. The second floor of the home sustained heavy fire damage. There were no injuries reported and all units were secure from the scene within 2 hours. Town of Huntington Fire Marshal Terry McNally and Fire Coordinator Pete Gunther were on scene as well. The cause of the fire is under investigation but is not deemed to be suspicious.
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MILLER PLACE Heavily Involved House Fire Story and Photos by Michael Scotti On Saturday night January 12, 2013 the Miller Place Fire Department repsonded to a report of a house fire at 25 Griffin Court with a cross street of Ravine Road at approximately 1910 hours. Chief Kyle Markott [5A-9-30]was first on scene and transmitted the working fire [13/35] and directedcrews to go to work on the well involved fire.Assistant Chief Rich Schlude [5A-9-32] was also on scene. First due Engine 5A-9-7 had 3 hadlines stretched to the building as Ladder 5A-9-4 used their ladder pipe from above. Mutual aid units were requested to the scene from Mount Sinai for an Engine, Rocky Point Tower Ladder, Sound Beach for an Engine and Terryville for a RIT. Middle Island provided standby coverage at Miller Place’s quarters. It was determined later that no one was home at the time of the fire which is under investigation by the Brookhaven Fire Marshal and Suffolk PD Arson Squad. One family pet was found deceased in the master bedroom. All units took up from the scene within 3 ½ hours.
ELMONT Makes Quick Work of House Fire Story submitted by David Ragusa, EFD Photo Unit Photo courtesy of EFD Chiefs Office On January 17, 2013 at approximately 11:00 AM the Elmont Fire Department responded to a report of an electrical fire in a house on Tudor Crescent near Cromer Road. First arriving units found smoke and fire coming from a second floor window near the 1-2 corner of the dwelling. Assistant Chief Domenic Francavilla [7011] transmitted the "signal 10" [working fire]. Units under the command of Chief of the Department Angelo Chilelli [7010] were able to extinguish the fire without incident. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to the scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. There were no reported injuries.
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“Grant-Guys” is NY’S largest fire-grant writer representing volunteer and combination fire departments in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. We represent over 100 fire departments and ambulance in corps. in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. We write four basic grant applications: Assistance to Firefighter Grant Application (AFGP), SAFER (Staffing and Adequate Emergency Response), Fire Prevention and Safety (FPS), and NYS DEC. We identify, write, submit and track your AFGP applications from start to finish. As our grants are all submitted on-line, it doesn’t matter where you are located. We communicate through phone, Skype, and e-mails completely. In addition, we will work with, and train your grant-committee to get it up and running and self-sufficient. Twice annually, we conduct our highly successful “grant-camp” where we review and explain all of the grants we prepare, and discuss changes to up-coming grants. Upon award, we complete all related federal or state paperwork until you are fully closed and paid. We also assist in all press relations and in obtaining letters of support from elected officials. Our firm is 100% volunteer firefighter owned and operated.
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COMMON SENSE (AND OTHER STUFF) by Mike Capoziello
BROADCASTING SENSITIVE MESSAGES (Part 3) The last part of this topic we will touch on centers around some old phrases I’m sure most of us have all heard before. Namely “What goes on here, stays here” and “Keep it in house”. I’m amazed at how many times I hear “stuff” on the radio that should not be broadcast; “stuff” that should be kept in house, if at all possible. I understand the “old” days when we needed to use the radio to make almost every notification to other units or the dispatcher. Back then that was the only way, in fact many of us can remember the days of looking for a pay phone to make a phone call! However in today’s day and age I would venture to say that almost every Chief has a cell phone paid for by their district or department. Additionally, every member probably has a cell phone or smart phone. With this in mind it’s never been easier to keep this “stuff” in house and off the air. For example, do we need to transmit minor accidents with fire department rigs over the radio? I’m not talking about units responding to alarms who are involved in accidents, that scenario is an urgent emergency situation. I’m talking about non emergencies. For instance when a rig backs into the firehouse and clips the side of the building or rips a compartment door off, a unit out on chauffeurs training and knocks off a side view mirror, and so on. “990, 992 can you have a Chief and commissioner come by station 2 we just took out the bay door”! We have all heard transmissions like this. Let’s use the technology that’s available to us all and apply it to the situation at hand. Encourage everyone in your department to use their cell phones to contact whoever needs to be notified in situations like this. I would encourage officers to call my cell phone direct and tell me of an incident of this nature, to avoid broadcasting it over the air. After receiving a call like this I would hang up, call 911 myself for PD if needed, ask for a car to “meet the fire Chief” at such and such location, then get on a Nextel or Black Berry message group and direct connect or text the other Chiefs and Commissioners of what was going on. Call the dispatcher by phone if a record needed to be made in the system, and the notifications were done. Nice and easy. No one else in the department, let alone the County and scanner listening public knew what was happening. How many of us listening to the scanner has heard something like…“Firecom, can you have any Chief or Commissioner signal 11 Headquarters forthwith” and say to ourselves, “Oh boy what happened now”. Firecom (or any dispatch agency) will make a few attempts to get a Chief on the radio, then more times than not tone out this message. People are now texting each other making phone calls, posting on the “rant”, once again trying to be the first to break the big news! Again, try using today’s technology and keep it off the air. If you’re a Chief, and you have a separate phone and number through your department, then every officer, and I will go as far to say every one of your members should have your phone number to call you if needed…at any time. Of course the chain of command should be followed, but you should be available no matter what day or time it is, that responsibility comes with putting your hand up and getting your fire SUV.
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I’ve heard all sorts of excuses as to why cell phones are not utilized more, “We didn’t have time to call”, “We have our own frequency…that’s what it’s for”, “It’s the dispatcher’s job”, “It needs to be put over the radio for insurance purposes”. Please, that’s all nonsense. Now I’m sure some of you are thinking what’s the big deal? The big deal is to try and get the members of your unit, your department to react with a decision making process that always has the best interest of the department in mind. Set the bar high. Have pride in every phase of being a firefighter on and off the fire ground, keeping negative events in house as much as possible. The bottom line in all of the topics we have spoken about the past few months can be summed up in four words. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Teach and practice this crucial self-discipline to your members. Until next time be safe all. Mike Cappoziello is a 28 year member of Hook and Ladder Co.#2 and former Chief [2011-12] of the Elmont FD. He serves as a Department Training Officer, Public Information Officer and Historian. He has 20 plus years experience as a houseman and dispatcher in various Nassau County departments and is currently a Supervising dispatcher with Nassau County Firecom, training officer for the Fieldcom unit-Member of the Nassau County fire service Critical Incident Stress team for the past 11 years and is a liaison for the team to the Nassau County Fire Commission.
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HOLBROOK and FARMINGVILLE Heavy Rescue Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo and Chris Sabella
The Holbrook FD responded to this MVA with overturn and entrapment Tuesday January 15th at approximately 1205hrs. The accident occurred in the northbound lanes of CR 97 north of Patchogue-Holbrook Road. Under the command of Chief of Department Cliff Pendl [3-15-30], members from Rescue 7 and Engines 4 and 5 immediately went to work on stabilizing the Honda Pilot while EMS members tended to the injured motorist. Once the vehicle was stabilized, members immediately placed the “Hurst Tool” into operation to remove the roof. SCPD Emergency Service Unit 6 was also on scene and worked simultaneously with their “Hurst Tool” to assist in the roof removal. The Farmingville FD responded in and assisted with Rescue 8 and EMS Unit 17 from an unfounded MVA in there district which turned out to be one in the same. Once the driver was extricated, he was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center by EMS Unit 18. His injuries were considered non-life threatening. Fire Police assisted the SCPD in closing the road until the scene was cleared.
Click Here for More Photos of Holbrook’s MVA
Click Here for More Photos of Holbrook’s MVA
Photos from Emergency Scene Action Photos
Photos from On Scene Photography
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Quick Stop in NORTH PATCHOGUE Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo
The North Patchogue FD responded to this house fire Thursday January 17th at approximately 1815hrs. The initial reports were for a bedroom fire in the two story ranch style home on Cayuga Road. Upon arrival of first units it was confirmed for a fire in the second floor bedroom with fire venting out the exposure 4 side window, all occupants were safely evacuated. Under the command of Chief Dan Doscher [5-17-31], members from first due Engine 4 being supplied from a nearby hydrant immediately stretched the primary attack line through the front door to the seat of the fire. Second due Engine 3 immediately stretched a backup line to the front door while additional members checked for extension into the attic. The Hagerman FD was requested to the scene for its Tower Ladder. With the fire knocked down and no extension, the alarm was quickly placed under control. The Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal responded to the scene. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Click Here for More Photos of North Patchogue’s House Fire
BELLMORE Quick Midday Knockdown Story and Photos by Paul Krussmann– LNBN On Saturday January 19, 2013, the Bellmore Fire Department received an alarm for an outside rubbish fire at the address of 3159 Lee Place. When Assistant Chief 600-01 went 22 [on scene] he transmitted a working fire [signal 10]. A fire on the outside of the home was quickly extending into the garage area and up to the 2nd floor bedroom. The fire was quickly contained to small area of the house. 2 lines were stretched and one put into operation while the truckies opened up. Mutual aid was received from Wantagh for an engine, North Merrick for an ambulance to stand by at Bellmore headquarters. Merrick was called to the scene for the FAST. All units were up within one hour.
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GREENLAWN Handles Heavy Fire and Cold Night Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Additional Photos by Nick D’Amico, Chris D’Amico and Jason Polacek
Friday night January 18, 2013 at approximately 2240 hours, the Greenlawn Fire Department responded to the vicinity of Sinclair Drive and Manor Road for a report of a house fire. With temperatures well below freezing, Chief Scott Waryold [2-7-30] and Assistant Chief Mike Zeis [2-7-32] arrived on scene and a working fire was transmitted. Heavy fire was showing from the attached garage area of the home located at 65 Sinclair Drive. First due Engine 2-7-7 picked up the hydrant that was next door to the fire building and while the crew was hooking up, the order was given to use the deck gun and tank water to darken down the well advanced fire. Engine 2-7-8 pulled up at almost Photo by Jason Polacek the same time. Together, the first two engine crews stretched attack lines and began to make an aggressive push on the fire. Chief Waryold requested a RIT from Huntington Manor and East Northport to the scene. The cause of the fire was undetermined and the Huntington Fire Marshal and Suffolk County Arson were notified for the investigation. Centerport and Dix Hills provided standby coverage at Greenlawn’s quarters. There were no reported injuries and units were on scene for approximately 2 hours. Photo by Jeff DiLavore
Click Here for More Photos of Greenlawn’s House Fire
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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GREAT NECK VIGILANT Gets a Little Help FromMANHASSET-LAKEVILLE Story by Kirk Candan Photos by Lee Genser
Great Neck Alert Fire Co. Ladder 826 operates in the rear of the fire building. Saturday, January 19th, 2013 at 12:23pm, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company 4 was called mutual aid to the Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company who was operating at a reported structure fire on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck Plaza. Tower Ladder 8744 arrived on the scene within minutes and was immediately put to work as the first-due ladder company. Members quickly located fire within the walls and ceiling of the second and third floor rear apartments in the three-story mixed occupancy building. Two hose lines were stretched and operated off of Great Neck Vigilant Engine 8314 to extinguish the fire. A great deal of overhaul took place on both floors before the fire was placed under control. A total of four apartments were affected by the fire. The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department also sent Heavy Rescue 8730 (F.A.S.T.) and Ambulance 8768 to the scene, as well as provided stand-by coverage at the Great Neck Vigilant firehouse with Engine 8740 and Ladder 8743. The Great Neck Alert Fire Company sent Engine 825 and Ladder 826 to the scene, and the East Williston Fire Department sent Ladder 813 to the scene. All Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department units were operating under the command of Deputy Chief Farrone [8705]and the scene’s Incident Commander was Great Neck Vigilant Chief of Department Jacobs [838]. All units were released from the scene within one and half hours. Click Here for More Photos of Great Neck’s Building Fire Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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MANORVILLE Quick Work on House Fire Story by Matt Thomas Photos by Harold Jacobs Sunday January 20, 2013 shortly after 1400 hours, the Manorville FD was activated for a reported structure fire at 521 Moriches Middle Island Rd with a cross of Dayton Ave. All 3 Chiefs were on road within a matter of seconds and Dispatch advised them that a Suffolk PD unit was on scene stating there was smoke pushing from the house along with visible flames. Chief Elio Zapparrata[5-16-30] immediately requested a reactivation for a working fire and mutual aid from East Moriches for a RIT, Center Moriches for an Engine and Ridge with an Engine to standby. All three Chief's arrived on scene simultaneously with 5-16-30 assuming command; Assistant Chief Howie Snow [5-16-31] handled operations and Assistant Chief Sal Amato [5-16-32] handling interior operations. First unit on scene Quint 5-16-6 was met with a long driveway and heavy black smoke pushing from the front door. They sent in a search team while the other members pulled a 1 3/4" line to the front door. The fire was found to be in the living room walls and extending into the ceiling only feet from the entrance. Engine 5-16-3 was right behind 5-16-6 and they stretched a 3" supply line from the bottom of the driveway to supply 5-16-6 and pulled a backup line to the door. The first hose team had the main body of fire knocked down within a couple of minutes. Additional manpower provided outside venting and additional searches of the house all came up negative. Crews were up within 2 hours of activation. Manorville also responded with Engine 7, Tanker 9, Tower Ladder 4, Engine 8 and all three Fire Police Vehicles.
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Tricks of the Trade by Joe Laino
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION: WE CAN GET ‘EM, HOW COME WE CAN’T KEEP ‘EM? Several years ago, I attended a seminar that focused on the problems facing the volunteer fire/EMS sector regarding finding, training and keeping volunteers. The seminar addressed the concerns facing departments as it became clear that the Long Island we live on today is not the Long Island of our grandparents’ generation; nor is it even the Long Island of our parents’ generation. It has become painfully clear to me that the vast majority of Long Islanders have to work more than one job to make ends meet. Years ago, if you knew someone that had to work more then one job there was a sense of pity for them. Nowadays, if you work just one job, you’re blessed. This economic shift has taken its toll on the volunteer ranks. With more and more of us needing to work longer hours to get by, it means that there’s less time to train, retrain and stay abreast of the ever increasing demands placed upon us. How many times have we heard, “I just don’t have time to go to training this week”? You’ve likely said that yourself. The problem is, if we don’t keep up on our training, there could be serious or even fatal consequences. On top of the mandatory training, we require our members to make ‘x’ percent each month. What happens if a good member, someone who can really contribute to our cause, doesn’t’ have the time to make ‘x’ percent each month? Usually we show them the door. With that said, it has become the job of every department training officer to figure out unique and creative ways to keep the membership engaged without drowning them in training requirements. A while back, a department had this prospective member who was a pediatric neurosurgeon and an active EMT who just wanted to help out his community. It seems that this doctor didn’t have the time to make the company drills, department meetings, department trainings, dinners, clean-ups, parades, stand-bys, etc. After a few months, he was called into the company captain’s office and told that he either needs to step it up or he’d need to resign. He resigned right there. What does it say about the state of the volunteer service that we can show someone the door because they can’t commit 10, 20, 30 hours a week to the cause?? It’s time that we address these issues and come up with some creative ideas and discover different ways of keeping our members engaged. We’re all aware that the need for training will never go away. Each department is going to have to adapt to different ways of accomplishing the goal of keeping our volunteers. It may mean some big changes in how we think. One thing is for sure, and that is, change is inevitable. We’ll either need to accept it or be steam-rolled by it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joe Laino, EMT-CC, CIC, is a 26 year EMS veteran. He’s been an active EMS provider in the Nassau, Suffolk and NYC regions. He is an Ex-Chief and Lifetime Member of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Joe has been on staff at the Nassau County EMS Academy since 1999, where he is currently a First Deputy Chief Instructor and a Regional Faculty Certified Instructor Coordinator. Joe also served on the Nassau REMSCO for nine years; in that time he chaired the EMS Systems Committee for 6 years. He is also the Owner of CPR PLUS LLC. Joe can be reached at cprplusllc@gmail.com
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RIVERHEAD Wind Driven Inferno Story by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photos by John Mazzucca
At approximately 1620 hours on Sunday January 20, 2012 the Riverhead Fire Department responded to a fully involved house fire on Twomey Avenue near Deep Hole Road. Mutual aid brought Flanders to the scene with a Rapid Intervention Team, Wading River and Jamesport each sent an engine to the scene and Eastport stood by at Riverhead’s quarters. Prior to the fire department arrival, the occupants of the home were able to escape as were several pets. They were treated at the scene by Riverhead VAC and transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of undisclosed injuries. Multiple handlines were put into operation to attack the well advanced fire. Riverhead ladder 6-2-5 responded and took the front of the fire building and after establishing a water supply, began operating their ladder pipe to knock down the fire as well. Riverhead Chief Tony White [6-2-30] said strong winds hampered the effort and caused the fire to take off. The Riverhead Town Fire Marshal and Suffolk County Arson Squad were on scene to investigate the cause of the blaze. This was the second working fire for Riverhead in less than 24 hours.
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Frigid Weather, Quick Knockdown in PORT JEFFERESON Story and Photos by Chris Sabella and Andrew Tetreault On Wednesday January 23, 2013 the Port Jefferson Fire Department responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 408 Main Street in the village. Upon arrival of Assistant Chief Dave Williams [5A-1-31] a 13/35 [working fire] was transmitted. The first floor of the commercial strip contained a florist and real estate agency with apartments above. Surrounding businesses and apartments were evacuated as a precaution. Upon arrival of the 1st due Port Jefferson Engine, the crew entered the building and encountered flames while in the process of pulling ceilings. A 1-3/4” line was put in action and extinguished the fire which originated in the basement and ran up a common wall to the second floor. Chief Williams immediately requested mutual aid to the scene from Terryville for a Ladder [5A-4-4], Mount Sinai for an Engine and Rescue and Setauket to standby at Port Jefferson HQ's with 1 engine. Quick action on behalf of the first crew prevented this from becoming a much more complex fire. No injuries were reported to either occupants or firefighters at the scene. Approximately 25-30 firefighters assisted in the firefighting operation. Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance Corp stood by as EMS at scene. "I had full confidence in my firefighters in the rapid extinguishment of this fire" said PJFD Assistant Chief Williams. The Port Jefferson Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. Crews also had to contend with temperatures that were well below freezing during the alarm. Photo by Andrew Tetreault
SELDEN Bundles Up at MVA Story and Photos by Chris Sabella On Tuesday January 22, 2013 with temperatures well below 20 degrees the Selden Fire Department responded to a three car motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Dare Road and Old Town Road. Selden Assistant Chiefs [5-25-31] and [5-25-32] were first on scene and requested Rescue 5-25-13 for speedy dry and to secure a vehicle that had gone off the roadway. One patient was transported by Selden Fire Department ambulance with minor injuries.
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FREEPORT Goes To Work Near the Water Story and Photos by Nick Stein
At around 9:30am on Wednesday January 23, 2013, the Freeport Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 432 Roosevelt Avenue near Adams. The two story house was fully involved on arrival and the gas main to the house was feeding the blaze. The house also backed up to a canal. Baldwin was requested for a FAST and an Engine to standby at Freeport’s quarters along with North Merrick’s Ladder [which was later moved up to the scene as the new FAST] and Point Lookout-Lido’s Ambulance. Oceanside sent an Engine to the scene and also a Ladder to standby. Rockville Centre sent Unit 446 to the scene for rehab Companies from Baldwin, Oceanside, and North Merrick assisted at the scene. There were a total of 5 handlines stretched and in operation. The fire was brought under control in an hour and no injuries were reported. Click Here for More Photos of Freeport’s House Fire
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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MANHASSET-LAKEVILLE Extinguishes Garage Fire Story by Kirt Candan Photos by Lee Genser
On Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013 at 10:38PM Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Companies 3, 4, 5, and the Ambulance Unit were toned out for a “Signal 10” as per Chief of Department Pitzer [8704], who was on the scene of a working fire in a detached garage in the rear of 5 Nassau Road in Great Neck. Chief Pitzer advised dispatch that a vehicle fire in the rear of 5 Nassau Road had extended to the detached garage in the rear of 7 Nassau Road. Engine 8740 responded to the alarm within three minutes and quickly arrived on the scene. The crew stretched a 1” ¾ hose line to the garage and began knocking down all of the burning brush and rubbish in both rear yards, while the crew from Ladder 8743 gained access to the garage. All fire in the garage and the burning vehicle were extinguished and overhauled. A second hose line was stretched by the crew of Engine 8735, but not charged. Other units on the scene were Engine 8733, Heavy Rescue 8730, Tower Ladder 8744, Engine 8758, Ambulance 8768 and EMS Fly Car 8799. The Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company responded as a F.A.S.T. with Ladder 8312 and Chief Jacobs [838]. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office was notified for an immediate investigation, and all units were released from the scene within an hour and a half.
Big Fire, Cold Night in MASTIC Story by Jeff DiLavore Photo by Bernard A. Felder Jr. On the cold morning of January 24, 2013 the Mastic Fire Department responded to a fully involved house fire at 339 Old Montauk Highway near Louis Avenue. Early interior efforts were abandoned as the structural stability was compromised by the heavy fire in the balloon frame construction house. Brookhaven sent a RIT that was quickly put to work and filled by Mastic Beach, Center Moriches sent an Engine to the scene and Mastic Beach, East Moriches, Mastic VAC and Mastic Beach VAC also responded. Shirley EMS sent their rehab unit as well. The Suffolk County Arson Squad was notified for the investigation. Photo by Bernard A. Felder Jr.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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NORTH PATCHOGUE Continues Busy Month Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo
The North Patchogue FD was toned out for this residential structure fire Friday January 25th at approximately 1115hrs on Clio Place. The column of smoke which was visible from fire headquarters was quickly retransmitted as a working fire by Assistant Chief Dan Doscher [5-1731]. Under the command of Chief Doscher with Assistant Chief Tom Volpe [5-17-32] as the attack chief, members quickly went to work. First due Engine 3 promptly stretched the primary attack line to the entrance on the exposure 2 side to access the garage from the interior. With the main body of fire inside the garage members were able to make a quick attack from within while a second line was stretched and members from Truck 12 performed vent, entry and search operations. With all occupants safely evacuated and two lines in operation firefighters made quick work of the blaze. The Hagerman FD responded to the scene on automatic mutual aid while the Patchogue FD was on standby at North Patchogue headquarters. Also on scene assisting were Suffolk County Fire Coordinators Ron Magana 5-0-2 and Bob Smith 5-0-4. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Click Here for More Photos of North Patchogue’s House Fire
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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Maine Pipe Band Makes Donation to Long Islanders Story and Photo Submitted by Robert Hughes
Like many of our brother and sister firefighters and medics on the island, several members of the Nassau County Firefighter’s Pipes & Drums suffered significant losses due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The members of the Maine Public Safety Pipe & Drum Corps were looking to help. Recently, Vice President and Pipe Corporal Brian Young met with members of the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes & Drums to present a check. The donations came from the pockets of the Maine Corps members, Byrnes Irish Pub customers, and pub owner Joe Byrnes. Brian, a native Long Islander himself, was warmly welcomed by the Nassau County Pictured are Brian Young along with members of the Nassau County Firefighter’s Pipes & Drums Firefighter’s Pipes & Drums members who were so thankful that he would take the time and effort to help their band members. Said Brian; “We are honored to be able to help our fellow public safety/pipe band members and look forward to continued friendship with our brothers on Long Island. “ Several members of the Maine Public Safety Pipe & Drum Corps will be traveling to Long Island for the Nassau County Firefighter’s Pipes & Drums annual Irish Bash an February 16 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh. Please come out to support the band and say hello to our brothers from Maine. And if you’re planning a trip to Maine any time soon, make sure to stop in Byrnes Irish Pub. Visit them on the web at: http://byrnesirishpub.com/
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 1 Edition 12 – December, 2012
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BRENTWOOD Continues to Heat Up Story by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photos by Ken Bradbury
On Sunday evening January 27, 2013 the Brentwood Fire Department responded to 300 Wicks Road for a working residential fire. Chief of Department Tom Waldron [3-2-30] was incident commander with Engine 3-2-5 pulling up first due and stretching handlines to attack the fire. Mutual aid was requested from Hauppauge for a RIT, Commack sent Engine 2-11-13 and Ladder 2-11-1 and East Brentwood for an Engine to the scene. Due to the heavy fire load there was a partial collapse of the second floor. Crews performed extensive overhaul on the first and second floors. Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Don Miller [3-0-1] and Tom Kurlava [FC 47] were also on scene. West Islip stood by at Brentwood’s quarters and handled at least one other alarm. Units were on scene for just under 2 hours.
HAUPPAUGE Snuffs Out Chimney Fire Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News On Sunday January 27, 2013 at approximately 1350 hours the Hauppauge Fire Department responded to 426 Ridgefield Road for a report of a house fire. Chief of Department Ray Germain [3-8-30] and Assistant Chief Gene Oliver [3-8-32] arrived on scene and transmitted a working fire. Mutual aid was requested from Nesconset for a FAST and Smithtown for an Engine to the scene and Central Islip for a standby at Hauppauge’s main house. 1st due Engine 3-8-14 laid a hydrant line and stretched a 1 ¾” line to the lower level. Crews opened up the walls on and the fire was quickly extinguished. A line was used to apply water into the chimney to finish the job and finally a chimney flare was used to finish the job. A second line was stretched as a precaution. Units were on scene for about an hour.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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NORTH BABYLON Attic Fire Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury On January 27, 2013 at 1300 hours, the North Babylon Fire Company was activated for a Signal 13 [structure fire] at 13 Leeds Lane with a cross of Kenneth Street. Engine 1-8-3 was the first responding Engine and all North Babylon Chiefs responded. 1-8-33 was first on scene and reactivated for a working fire in the attic. Chief Thomas Jordan [1-8-30] assumed command of the operation with Mutual Aids from Deer Park, Wyandanch, and West Islip. Signal 4 was transmitted 12 minutes into the alarm and all units were returned @ 1400 hours.
Downed Line leads to Work in HUNTINGTON MANOR Story by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photos by Ron Schankin and Jeff DiLavore On Tuesday January 29, 2013 at approximately 1435 hours the Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to 16A Cottage Court for a report of a house fire. Asst. Chief Photo by Ron Schankin Frank McQuade [2-4-31] and Asst. Chief Jon Hoffmann [2-4-33] were on scene of a Photo by Ron Schankin working fire in a 2 story private dwelling that was set back off the main road by approximately 150 feet. First due Engine 2-4-3 picked up the hydrant located on Roxanne Court and dropped their feeder line all the way around the corner on to Cottage and up the long unpaved driveway. A 1 ¾” handline was stretched to attack the fire with a second line stretched as backup. Mutual aid was requested from Huntington for an Engine to the scene and Melville provided standby coverage. Huntington Community First Aid was on scene as well. Fire Coordinator Phil Tepe [FC 2-0-6] also was on scene assisting with the operation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Suffolk County Arson Squad and the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal. It was possibly caused by a downed power line to the home.
Photo by Jeff DiLavore
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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COPIAGUE Makes it Look Easy Story and Photos by Chris Colletti – LNBN In the early afternoon hours of January 29, 2013, Suffolk County Police and Babylon Central Fire Alarm were taking numerous calls for reports of a house fire at 298 28th Street in Copiague. Suffolk County 1st precinct officers were first to arrive on scene and advised of the working fire. Copiague Chief of Department Justin Holzwarth [1-3-30] established command in front of the home with Town of Babylon Fire Coordinator Craig Stadelman [1-0-3] and requested to re-tone the alarm for the working fire. Assistant Chiefs Daniel Campion [1-3-31] and Charles Fitch [1-3-32] handled the interior fire ground operations. Engine 1-3-7 was first due into the scene and ordered to hit the hydrant in front of the house upon their arrival. Two 1 3/4'' handlines were stretched, entering through the front door to the fire room on the 2nd floor in the exposure 2 and 3 corner of the private dwelling. Firefighters from Truck 1-3-4 arrived and placed ground ladders on the exposures and began roof operations and ventilation. With an aggressive attack by the firefighters, all visible fire was knocked down, overhaul was underway and placed under control within an hour. LIPA was also on scene to cut the electric service to the home. Mutual aid was requested to the scene from North Lindenhurst FD for RIT, Lindenhurst FD for 2 Engines and the truck company, along with North Amityville Fire Company for an ambulance. Click Here for More Photos of Copiague’s House Fire
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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Overturn in HOLBROOK Story and Photo by Robert Garofalo Additional Photos by Chris Sabella
The Holbrook FD was toned out for this single vehicle MVA with overturn Wednesday afternoon January 30th. The accident occurred in the northbound lanes of CR97 just south of Furrows Road. Under the command of Chief of Department Cliff Pendl [3-15-30], EMS members immediately tended to the injured motorist while other members secured the vehicle. Also on scene was the Holtsville FD responding to the same accident originally dispatched as in their district. The female motorist was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center with unspecified injuries. Click Here for More Photos of Holbrook’s MVA
Winds Snap Pole Closing Sunrise Highway in HOLBROOK Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo
Holbrook FD and SCPD responded to a report of wires down Thursday morning January 31st on Sunrise Highway. A LIPA pole snapped due to the high winds sending the transmission lines across all lanes of Sunrise Highway including the service roads in both directions. Under the command of Chief of Department Cliff Pendl [3-15-30], members immediately assisted the SCPD in closing all lanes from Veterans Highway to Nichols Road. Once LIPA confirmed power removal SCPD Emergency Service Unit officers dragged the power lines from the roadway while Holbrook firefighters cleared debris from the downed pole. With all lanes including the service roads cleared the road was reopened about an hour later. Fortunately no accidents or injuries were reported yet two trucks and two cars were damaged from the wires dropping onto the moving vehicles. Click Here for More Photos of Holbrook’s Pole Down
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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“Hooks ‘N Ladders” Stories and Photos by Tom Rinelli www.unyquefiretrucks.com
With the arrival of the new year, several departments await the arrival of new apparatus including Bethpage whose tandem axle walk-around heavy rescue has been completed by Ferrara while Lynbrook, Oyster Bay & East Farmingdale are to receive engines. Pierce is currently completing a tandem axle Velocity heavy rescue for Bellmore, engines for Hampton Bays & Commack and an Aerialscope remount on a Quantum chassis for North Babylon (the first of its’ kind in the United States). Spartan ERV is completing engines for Babylon, Manhasset-Lakeville Co#1 and Garden City Park as well as heavy rescues for both North Bellmore and New Hyde Park. In addition, East Northport has a Firematic B.R.A.T. brush truck on order.
This ‘N That
Everyone loves a tiller - the history of tractor drawn aerials (tillers) in Nassau County dates back to 1874 when the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co# 1 of the Freeport FD was organized and includes notable innovations such as the last steel aerial ladder produced prior to World War II rationing of raw metals (1937 Seagrave) and the first enclosed tillerman’s cab in the United States (1961 Seagrave - this cab was transferred to their 1981 American LaFrance and remains on display in the company’s firehouse to this day). Present day, there are only three tractor drawn (tillered) aerials in frontline operation with Nassau County departments - these include Glen Cove Ladder 5211 (1987 Seagrave), Elmont Ladder 708 (2003 Spartan/LTI, soon to be refurbished with a new Spartan tractor) & Freeport Ladder 218 (2004 Seagrave). During the past several decades, there have been a considerable number of departments that operated tillered aerials including Bethpage & Levittown (both with 1960’s era open cab Maxims), East Rockaway (1963 Mack “C”) , the Great Neck Alerts (1978 American LaFrance), Hempstead (1927 Ahrens Fox), Hewlett (1950 & 1977 American LaFrance), Manhasset-Lakeville Co# 2 (1980’s era Kenworth/Grumman/LTI - this rig featured a sleeper cab converted to a crew cab, the trailer is still in active reserve status in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina), Mineola (1971 Seagrave), Rockville Centre (1958 American LaFrance) and Woodmere (1970’s era Seagrave). Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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While not operated by any Nassau County departments, several volunteer FD’s on the East Coast operate tractor drawn aerial quints (affectionately known as “Quillers”) which feature a pump and small booster tank. Current users include the Empire H & L Co# 1 of the Nyack (NY) FD, Company# 4 of the Garfield (NJ) FD which is awaiting delivery of a new Crimson rig (watch for a forthcoming profile on my website) and the Gladwyne (PA) FC. For more information on these very “unyque” rigs, read my feature article “Quillers” @ www.unyquefiretrucks.com/Quillers.html
***Author’s Note: Following this edition, I will be taking a hiatus from writing my Hooks ‘N Ladders article. I will however continue to maintain & update my website (www.unyquefiretrucks.com) so please be sure to stay tuned for many more updates & feature articles presently being developed. As always, keep those invites coming to pix your department’s rigs!!** * About The Author Tom Rinelli is the webmaster & photographer for www.unyquefiretrucks.com, a popular website showcasing unique apparatus throughout the Northeast. A 26 year Three tillers at a charity football game in 2012 at Hofstra University – Photo by Kevin Madigan active veteran of the Long Island volunteer Fire & EMS brotherhood, he is a 2nd Lieutenant/Advanced EMT-Critical Care with Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance where his focus is on “real world” training of probationary members & newer technicians. Tom is also known to many in the fire service through his “real job” as the owner of Fire Rescue Outfitters, a fire and rescue equipment distributor serving Long Island since 1994. He can be reached via e-mail at firescueguy@me.com and welcomes any information about apparatus news, firematic events and invitations to photograph department’s rigs.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 2 Edition 1 – January, 2013
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About the Authors: Jeff DiLavore is a past Chief of the Lakeview Fire Department [1999-2000], a Registered Nurse and a former EMTCC. He is also the owner of NassauFDRant and SuffolkFDRant websites and the publisher and editor of Long Island FD Rant News. He can be reached at 631.766.3287 or via email at:FDRantNews@verizon.net
Jim McNamara (Jimmy Mac) is a 25 year member and Ex-Chief of the North Bellmore Fire Department, served as the Department’s Training Coordinator, and is a founding member of both North Bellmore’s and the 6th Battalion Technical Rescue Team. Jimmy worked for the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office for 14 years spending the last 12 as a Specialist on the Hazardous Material Response Team. He also spent 9 years as a 2nd Deputy Chief Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy where he taught Technical Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Haz Mat, WMD and numerous other classes. Chief McNamara is currently the Adjunct Instructor for Distant Learning for the Nassau FD RANT.
Bobby Senn joined the Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department in 1987 and the FDNY in 1994. His titles have included Firefighter, Probationary Firefighter Training Coordinator, Company and Department Training Instructor. He is a former 2nd Deputy Chief Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, an FDIC Instructor and he lectures to numerous colleges and Emergency Services Agencies around the country on a variety of subjects related to First Responders. He is the author of “Beyond Surviving” and has also been published in many periodicals related to Fire Service and Safety. To request a copy of “Beyond Surviving” or to submit questions or comments email Bobby at BobbySFDNY@optonline.net.
Phil Lichtenberger is the owner of Monitor Long Island, Inc. which owns W2LIE.net, LongIslandFirePhotos.com, and manages several other sites. Phil has been a licensed Amateur Radio operator since 1994 and has been listening to scanner and short-wave for 20 years. You can contact him at w2lie@w2lie.net
Tom Rinelli Webmaster & photographer for www.unyquefiretrucks.com, a popular website showcasing unique apparatus throughout the Northeast. A 25 year active veteran of the Long Island volunteer Fire & EMS brotherhood, he is a 2nd Lieutenant/Advanced EMT-Critical Care with Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance where his focus is on “real world” training of probationary members & newer technicians. Tom is also known to many in the fire service through his "real job" as the owner of Fire Rescue Outfitters, a fire and rescue equipment distributor serving Long Island since 1994. He can be reached via e-mail at firescueguy@me.com and welcomes any information about apparatus news, firematic events and invitations to photograph department’s rigs.
Joe Laino EMT-CC, CIC, is a 25 year EMS veteran.
He’s been an active EMS provider in the Nassau, Suffolk and NYC
regions. He is an Ex-Chief and Lifetime Member of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Since 1999, Joe has been on staff at the Nassau County EMS Academy and currently serves as 1st Deputy Chief Instructor. The recipient of numerous departmental , local and county awards, Joe has also served on the Nassau REMSCO for nine years; in that time he chaired the EMS Systems Committee for 6 years. He is also the Owner of CPR PLUS LLC. Joe can be reached at cprplusllc@gmail.com
Mike Cappoziello is a 28 year member of Hook and Ladder Co.#2 and former Chief [2011-12] of the Elmont FD. He serves as a Department Training Officer, Public Information Officer and Historian. He has 20 plus years experience as a houseman and dispatcher in various Nassau County departments and is currently a Supervising dispatcher with Nassau County Firecom, training officer for the Fieldcom unit-Member of the Nassau County fire service Critical Incident Stress team for the past 11 years and is a liaison for the team to the Nassau County Fire Commission.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 1 Edition 12 – December, 2012
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Through the Roof in BROOKHAVEN Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo The Brookhaven FD was toned out for this residential structure fire Tuesday January 15th at 1316hrs for a reported fire in the walls. The townhouses involved were in the “Atlantic Point” community on Orchid Circle off Alexan Boulevard. With the SCPD arriving first on scene a fire was confirmed and all occupants were safely evacuated. Under the command of Chief of Department Bruce Mazza [5-3-30] assisted by Assistant Chief Tom Connors [5-3-31], the alarm was re-transmitted with a mutual aid request. The fast moving fire was consuming the attic area and second floor of two townhouse units. First due Engine 2 being supplied from a nearby 5” line immediately placed several handlines into operation with additional arriving units to begin knocking down the fire. The Mastic FD Tower Ladder set up directly in front of the building and being supplied from Engine 2 placed their large caliber stream into operation. The Brookhaven FD was assisted at the scene by the Mastic FD for a Tower Ladder the Bellport and Yaphank fire departments for additional engines and the Hagerman FD for RIT. Also on scene for medical standby was South Country Ambulance. Suffolk County Fire Coordinators Ron Magagna and Bob Smith as well as the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal were also on scene. The Patchogue, North Patchogue and Medford fire departments handled standby assignments for the duration of the alarm. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no injuries were reported. Click Here For More Pictures of Brookheaven’s Building Fire
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Support Our Advertisers We hope you have enjoyed viewing Long Island FD Rant News. I would like to say thank you to all of our wonderful contributors and encourage all of you to visit their websites and also to contact our authors to discuss their articles. To show how our new model is better than any other fire news publication out there, each month we will be grouping all of our contributors together on this page, making it easier to locate and connect with all of the month’s contributors; authors and photographers.
Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 1 Edition 12 – December, 2012
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Long Island FD Rant News – Volume 1 Edition 12 – December, 2012
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