Volume 2, Edition 14 - September 2013
ROOSEVELT
16 Depratments Battle Commercial Job
Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography Fire Department along with multiple mutual aid departments battled this fully involved auto repair shop that spread to several other buildings on August 28th (Full Coverage page 16)
FD RANT NEWS Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness – Pages 3-7 FREEPORT Stays Busy with Multiple Jobs – Pages 14 & 28 BAY SHORE Weekend Work Results in Good Stop – Page 20 COLD SPRING HARBOR One Transported After House Fire – Page 33 INWOOD Heavy Fire Showing at Daytime Job – Page 66
Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
Page 3 Page 5 Pages 6-7
Editorial Breast Cancer Awareness “ My Name is Laurie...” By Laurie Pica-Cole
Pages 8 & 72 Faces of the Fire Service Pages 10-11 Distant Learning By Chief Jim McNamara
Pages 24-25
Owner/Editor/Publisher Jeff DiLavore
Associate Editor Brian Welliver Associate Editor- Parade and Drill Kim Versheck Graphic Editor Holly Luscher Copy Editor Dave Cook
Common Scense By Mike Capoziello
Pages 42-43 Page 50
Centerfold Breast Cancer Awareness By Alicia DiLavore
Pages 54-57
Radio Room
Social Media Consultant Mary Beth SteensonKraese
By Phil Lichtenberger
Pages 58-59 Pages 62-63 Page 76-79
Contributing Authors
East Northport 911 Ceremony Apparatus of the Fire Service Training From the Front Line
Phil Lichtenberger Jim McNamara Robert Senn Joe Laino Mike Capoziello Pete Silver Duane Welliver Tim Ivers Jeff O’Toole
By LT. Jason Rigoli & LT. Ron Corsale
Pages 88-89 Page 90-91
Sponsor Page About the Authors
Long Island FD Rant News Northport, N.Y. 11768 Phone: 631.766.3287 Email: FDRantNews@verizon.net
Correspondents
Mark Bellew Ken Bradbury Chris Colletti Lauren Cronemeyer Eric Devine Eric Dobrini Lauren Foschino Robert Garofalo Paul Krussmann Tom Lambui Kevin Madigan Ralph Moniello Brian Olsen Chris Sabella Ron Schankin Andrew Tetreault Matt Thomas Kim Versheck John Walthers Cameron Wilken Pat Welliver
Submit Stories and/or Photos to: FDRantNews@verizon.net Be sure to send contact information including name, phone number and email address.
All news articles, photographs, images, illustrations, audio clips, video clips, trademarks, designs, graphics, logos, icons, images, user interfaces, visual interfaces and computer code (“Content”) contained in FD Rant News is either owned or used under license by Sophan Publishing, LLC with ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Content contained in this publication is protected by United States Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without prior permission of Sophan Publishing, LLC or the owner of that Content.
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FD Rant News LONG ISLAND, NY
The #1 Publication for the Long Island Fire Service with the MOST and the BEST Coverage FD RANT NEWS GOES PINK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Many of you may be noticing a different look to the FD Rant News this month. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month we have “gone pink” to honor those who have been and continue to be affected by this deadly disease. It is hard to find someone, especially here on Long Island, who has not a family member or loved one or friend affected by breast cancer. We decided that we would do our part to support an organization that provides support and assistance to victims and their loved ones. That is why we chose CancerCare whose mission states that they are the “…leading national organization committed to improving lives by providing professional services to help people manage the emotional and financial challenges of cancer.” CancerCare assists victims and their families in every aspect of their fight against breast cancer including counseling, financial support, support groups and community programs. Please check out this page to learn more: http://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis/breast_cancer We encourage anyone who knows someone who is currently battling breast cancer to visit their page to find out how they can help. This organization can only help if they know you need it. People struggling with testing, diagnosis, treatment and recovery have a lot on their minds. Family members and friends can visit the page and find out more information that can be shared with their friend or loved one. The smallest assistance can make a tremendous difference to a victim or a family going through difficult times. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. 100% of the net proceeds of our T-Shirt sale are being donated directly to CancerCare. As of our publishing date, we have sold over 100 shirts with multiple orders coming in everyday. We are asking all of you to please do your part and make a purchase of the “Real Firefighters Wear Pink” T-shirts by clicking here: https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Long-Island-FD-Rant-News/237467 759667174?sk=app_190322544333196 PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, ALLOW A FEW SECONDS FOR THE PAGE TO LOAD. If you are not able to access the online store, then you can send us your order along with your mailing address to FDRantNews@verizon.net. We are also asking everyone who purchases a shirt to post a photo of yourself [and friends] to our Faceebook page. We are creating a gallery there of all the photos we receive. All of us here at FD Rant News would like to thank all of our loyal supporters for lending their assistance to this cause that is so near and dear to us all. In closing I would like to tell my lifelong friend, my “sister” Laurie Pica-Cole, that I love her very much and that she is truly an inspiration, a role model and a hero in my eyes. Jeff DiLavore – Publisher FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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“My Name is Laurie…” by Laurie Pica-Cole
My name is Laurie and at 37 I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and this is my story... I was working as a waitress (ha sounds like the beginning to a song I know) after having my 3rd son and felt a pain under my arm. I continued my shift until midnight then went home; business as usual. I woke the next morning to get my 5 year old son on the bus, my 3 year old son to pre-school, and my 1 year old still in his crib when I felt a lump. I called my Gyno (who I loved to pieces) and she suggested I come see her that morning. I figured it shouldn’t take that long so I took my sons and off we went. After a few minutes my doctor said, “I would like you to go for a mammogram, NOW. I will call ahead and go right over.” Still thinking nothing, I went with sons in tow, and promised them a special treat after this was all over. Well, after 4 hours at the radiology office (since the machine BROKE DOWN 3x’) I began to wonder if this was not such a good sign!! And that my friends started the roller coaster ride of events which would change my life forever!!! The date was September 28, 2007, I was called and told I must see a breast surgeon right away. I kept this a secret from my family while I waited 2 weeks for an appointment, but all the signs were flashing “YOU GOT IT!!” With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month everything was PINK, signs, signs, everywhere are signs (there is that music again!). I finally got an appointment with the top breast surgeon on Long Island Dr. Derisi. Still not yet told that I had breast cancer, I sat with my records in my hand for 2 ½ hours to see him (well worth the wait) and started to read my blood work. That’s when I turned to my husband and said, “You know this is going to be a long journey right?” At 10 p.m. in the doctors office I heard the words “You have stage II cancer and will need Chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation ASAP” I looked at my husband and asked, “Well, when can we start?” The next 2 weeks were filled with finding the perfect team to battle this nonsense, health insurance nightmares, oh and yes, I still had those kids to raise, but we got it done and I began my treatments at LIJ Monter Cancer Center with the best oncologist Dr. Shipira my new BFF. 3 months of chemotherapy, hair loss, several nanny’s that came and went (those kids again!!) we managed to get over the first hurdle. Next the Mastectomy.Since I wasn’t fond of being part of the IBTC, God did not bless me with the breast I wanted, I said “TAKE THEM BOTH. I want the chance to make the set I really want!” With that was my double mastectomy, and the start of reconstruction. Sohappy to be here in this world still I searched for yet the next doctor; the plastic surgeon who would be my creator. Dr. Silberman who was the best no nonsense doctor I ever met began his part of my puzzle. After months of preparing my palette for the “new ta-ta’s”, I had 3 months of radiation 5 days a week for the whole summer. I should have been in the park, at the beach, enjoying my kids but the bigger picture here was getting well enough to enjoy my kids grow up.
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Back to the operating room for my bigger and better model [wink, wink]. Yes they were nice but they began to shrink! “What!? Am I back in the IBTC?” No, I was blessed with an infection from radiation and had to have my implants removed. I allowed my body to rest for about 6 months, before yet another surgery. By my 7th surgery, (none of which were these amazing doctor’s faults) I had a Tram-Flap surgery. This was tunneling my stomach muscles through my chest cavity and attaching them for better blood supply. The best part comes next, they made breasts out of my stomach!!! Thank god I bulked up when I heard about that. So now my stomach was relocated up north, and POOF my new breasts were born!!! The point of this whole story is this, I am now 44 Years old, I have a wonderful husband, 3 great, loving son’s which are now 12, 10, and 8, and so many memories to share. I laughed, I cried, and I won!!!! Without the help of my loving friends and family I may not be here today to tell my story. I have met such wonderful people along my journey. I have inspired new friends who unfortunately had to go through similar diagnoses, but I am here to say....I AM A SURVIOR!!! I write this to tell you it was not always such an easy road. However with a positive attitude and the willingness to fight you too can beat this. Cancer Care was also a huge part of easing my burden when I needed support. They helped me pay my bills when my husband could not work so he could care for me and my kids, they had me come and pick a FREE wig which was donated to them, and countless other services they offer helped in the recovery process!! My very dear childhood friend who has given me the power to share my story with you Jeff DiLavore, and MarybethSteensonKraese whose countless hours and hard work to get those awesome pink t-shirts out to everyone I love you all and thank you for being able to say “My name is Laurie and I am a Breast Cancer Survivor.” Publisher’s Note: Having known Laurie for nearly 40 years, I can tell you that in my life I have never met someone so dynamic, so upbeat and so courageous. A dedicated and loving mother, wife and teacher, Laurie took this devastating diagnosis, grabbed it by the throat and said, “Screw you, you’re not gonna beat me.” She proceeded down a long road filled with ups and downs; all the time maintaining a positive attitude. Her support system was tremendous as well. Her husband Kenny was always by her side helping her through the toughest times. She also had friends and family members who stood by her, helped her with child care, and day-to-day chores that most of us take for granted. Even with all of that help, she still needed the help of an outside agency in order to make ends meet and also to acquire some of the services that were needed. CancerCare was that organization. They were there for her for much of her fight and provided assistance when it was needed most. It was based on Laurie’s stories and her recommendations that we help to support this wonderful organization. Today, I am happy to still have my friend and I am proud to be part of a team that is helping this most worthy organization.– Jeff DiLavore
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FACES OF THE FIRE SERVICE Firefighters from Selden FD operating at a recent MVA.
Photo by Chris Sabella
Commack member on the roof of a recent commercial structure fire
Photo by Jeff DiLavore.
Farmingville firefighters using using a thermal imaging camera at a reported electrical fire.
Ex Chief, current commissioner and 34 year member of Huntinton Manor Fire Department Dane Martin after a working fire. Photo by Ron Schankin
Photo by Chris Sabella FF Pete Rossi of Kings Park operates the O Cutters at a recent MVA with entrapment Setauket E-9 & L-1 Crew at CO Emergency
Photo by Jeff DiLavore
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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DISTANT LEARNING by Chief Jim McNamara
“Take the M….” Back in the 1980’s the Motels had a hit single Take the “L” out of Lover and it’sOver. That could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on if you were the taker or the takee… But what the hell do I mean take the “M”? Basically your old friend the MSDS is now just SDS. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? As a responder it is a very good thing. OSHA has revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align more closely with the United Nations’ Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals or GHS. The agency is providing US companies four years to make the transition. What will be different is that the Safety Data Sheets will now follow a uniformed layout. As a responder you could find the current MSDS to be one page to multiple pages. Standing on site scanning through the information was a pain in the ass because all the sheets were laid out the way the manufacturer decided to lay them out. Import information could be lost in the jumble and could be the first thing listed or the fifteenth thing listed. According to OSHA, the GHS rule will affect more than 5 million workplaces and 40 million workers. Primarily the GHS rule will affect: • •
Employers that are chemical manufacturers, importers and distributers Employers where employees use, handle, or store chemicals
The three key requirments for all new chemical labels are: 1. 2. 3.
Text in English – Each hazardous chemical label, tag or marking must be displayed prominently, and text must be English. Other languages may be included, if appropriate, but can’t be substituted for English. Product Identifier – The label, tag or marking must include a “product identifier”. The product identifier is the name or number that enables the user to identify the chemical. The identifier must allow cross- reference to be made among the list of hazardous chemicals required in the written hazard communication program, the label, and the safety data sheet (SDS). Signal Word, Pictogram, Hazard Statement, Precautionary Statement and Contact Information – The signal word is to indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard; such as the more severe word “danger” or less severe word “warning”; Hazard statement(s) of a chemical, including the degree of hazard, where appropriate; Pictograms(s) that may include a symbol and other graphic elements intended
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to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical on a white background within a red diamond square; Precautionary statement(s) that describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical, or improper storage or handling; Supplier identification with the name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party. Important Dates December 1, 2013 All employers that use, handle, or store chemicals must train their employees about the new chemical labels and safety data sheets or SDSs. June 1, 2015 Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributers must comply with all requirments of the GHS rule, except compliance with label requirements. December 1, 2015 Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributers must include the GHS compliant label on all shipments of chemical containers. (Signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement) June 1, 2016 All employers that use, handle, or store chemicals must update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards. What we need to do Let’s start training our people now. I don’t think there is a fire station or ems station that doesn’t have chemicals in it. A good place to start is to get our own houses in order for the coming changes. Why is this a good thing? OSHA believes that the new standard, when fully implemented, will save an estimated 43 deaths each year and result in an estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for US businesses. We hope that the new standard helps protect stupid people from themselves. If they don’t read the label at least we can hope they look at the pictures! Responder wise, the new layout will be easier to navigate. It also will tell us what to do or more importantly what not to do! Brothers and Sisters the train is leaving the station soon. We can choose to be on it or left behind on the platform. Either way it is leaving with or without us. Now would be a good time to reserve your seat. About the Author - 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.
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LEVITTOWN Gas Main Break
Story, Photo and Video by Paul Krussmann On the afternoon of august 26th, the Levittown fire department was called to the scene of a gas leak after a construction crew had struck a main at the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Hemlet Road. As the first due Chief arrived on scene, he requested national grid forthwith for a large gas main that had been struck and was leaking. Moments later, crews arrived on scene and stretched two 1 ž� handlines to help disperse the vapors. National grid arrived on scene within 30 minutes. Hempstead Turnpike was shut down from Wantagh Avenue to Gardiners Avenue for about an hour and all units were back in service within two hours.
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MEDFORD
Rollover MVA on Bridge Story and Photos by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography
On the night of Monday, August 26th, just after 9 pm, a three car collision on southbound County Road 83 on the overpass to the Long Island Expressway sent three people to the hospital. Medford Fire and Medford Ambulance responded for a reported overturn with possible subjects trapped. As two of Medford’s Chiefs arrived on scene, they advised of a jeep that had roller over at least one or more times and two other cars involved. It was soon determined that all occupants had removed themselves from their respective vehicles. Upon arrival, Medford Ambulance Company began stabilizing all patients and Medford firefighters secured all vehicles. Both north and southbound County Road 83 were closed for about 45 minutes.
RONKONKOMA
Vehicle Makes Own Gate
Story and Photo by Cameron Wilken The Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a minor motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Express Drive North and Avenue A with minor PI on August 27 at approximately 14:10 hours. As a result of the collision, the driver of the SUV drove through a fence, hitting a tree in the backyard of a nearby house. 1st Assistant Chief Jon Santoli [5-24-31] was the Chief in Charge of the scene. Ronkonkoma First Responder [5-2480] was on scene along with Ambulance 5-2416, Rescue 5-24-8 and 3rd Assistant Chief Kevin Murray [5-24-33]. EMS transported one patient to Stonybrook University hospital with minor injuries.
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WESTBURY
Truck Fire on the LIE
Story and Photos by Mark Bellew
On August 26, Moments before 9pm, Nassau County dispatch received multiple calls for a truck fire on the westbound side of I-495 between exits 39 and 40. Nassau County Highway Patrol, Old Westbury Police, and the Westbury Fire Department were all dispatched to the scene. First arriving units reported they had an active fire involving a FedEx Tractor-trailer. Upon the arrival of Westbury Squad 967, its crew immediately went to work to extinguish the blaze. It was initially thought to be an exterior fire but upon further inspection there was a significant fire condition inside the trailer itself. The highway remained closed as crews worked for quite some time to sift through the contents to ensure the fire was extinguished.
Click Here for More Photos of Westbury’s Truck Fire
PORT JEFFERSON MVA
Story and Photo by Andrew Tetreault On the late afternoon of Wednesday, August 28, the Port Jefferson Fire Department & Port Jefferson Ambulance Corp were called to a motor vehicle accident with injuries and multiple vehicles involved. The location was 75 North Country Road, in front of John T. Mather Memorial Hospital. Upon arrival of Suffolk County Police Department, it was determined that Fire & EMS units were required at the scene. Shortly after notification to Suffolk County Police Department, Port Jefferson Fire Department & Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance responded. Under the command of Port Jefferson Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Dave Williams [5A-1-31], firefighters secured all vehicles involved while EMS personnel from Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance Corp rendered care to the injured victims. Suffolk County Police Department along with Port Jeff Fire Police units restricted traffic flow in the east and westbound lanes of North Country Road. All victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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FREEPORT
No Luck for Recovering Superstorm Sandy House Story and Photos by Fred Kopf
In the early morning hours of August 28th, 2013 at 0324 hours, dispatcher 31 of the Nassau County Fire Communications Center alerted the Freeport Fire Department to a report of smoke in the area and a possible house fire in the vicinity of Guy Lombardo Avenue and Van Buren Street in South Freeport. First responding units were advised that Fire Com was receiving multiple calls now reporting a “Sandy” damaged vacant house on fire in that area. Members who live in the area located the fire and reported that the location was 790 Guy Lombardo Avenue and that the department was responding to a working house fire. First due units transmitted a signal 10 for fire in the rear of the first floor with heavy smoke pushing from the second floor of a two and a half, irregular shaped, peaked roof, vacant, wood frame private dwelling. The home, which had been damaged during Superstorm Sandy, was undergoing renovations and many structural modifications had been made to the dwelling creating voids that allowed fire and smoke to easily spread to other areas of the dwelling. Several lines were stretched and put into operation on both floors and on the roof to extinguish the fire. After almost an hour of opening up walls and ceilings, all visible fire was knocked down and the fire was declared under control. Mutual aid from Baldwin and Oceanside operated at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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ROOSEVELT
Hits Three Alarms on Working Fire Wednesday Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
Minutes after noon on August 28th, the Roosevelt Fire Department was alerted to a reported garage fire at 154 Babylon Turnpike between East Fulton and Frederick Avenues. Nassau County Police First Precinct officers were among the first to arrive on scene. These police officers immediately advised of a working fire and requested a forthwith response from the fire department. Moments later, Roosevelt Ladder 735 and Engine 737 were the first companies to arrive on scene. Engine 737 stretched at least two lines to start fighting the confirmed working fire. Due to the time of day, manpower was low and the request for mutual aid began. As the operation went on, the fire load increased and eventually consumed two residential garages behind the original fire building. A surrounding exposure and an auto body shop on the number four side would soon succumb to the intense heat and smoke. At its peak, the daytime fire reached a third alarm equivalent bringing in various units from across the County. Among the units on scene were Elmont [acting] Ladder 708, Freeport Engine 211, Merrick Engine 643, North Merrick Ladder 673, North Bellmore Ladder 657, Hempstead Ladder 2, Uniondale Engine 752, East Meadow Ladder 617, West Hempstead Engine 767, an engine from Oceanside and Hempstead Engine One. Baldwin sent an engine, Ladder 206 and Ambulance 2010A to the scene as well. Also part of the mutual aid plan was South Hempstead, Rockville Centre, Bellmore, and Bellmore Merrick EMS among others. Later into the operation, Nassau County Fire Communications rolled their field com unit to the scene to assist. About two hours into the operation, the main body of fire was knocked down but pockets still remained inside the original fire building. Firefighters had difficulty accessing these pockets because of prior collapses. The decision was made to bring in a pay loader and raze the building to hit the remaining spots of fire. It took hitting the fire from all sides and several firefighters to contain the blaze. The last units left the scene around 20:00 hours in the evening. The cause of the fire remained under investigation but it was apparent that fuels inside the building helped feed the fire. All fire department units were under the command of Roosevelt’s Chief of Department [7300].
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Click Here for More Photos of Roosevelt’s Building Fire
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FREEPORT
MVA with Overturn
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography At 12:50 hours on August 29th, the Freeport Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with overturn on the Meadowbrook State Parkway. Responding units were advised that the accident was in the southbound lanes and north of Merrick Road. Upon arrival, the location was revised to the off ramp to eastbound Sunrise Highway on the southbound side of the parkway. The accident involved at least two autos with one of them overturned. The driver was not pinned and was able to self-extricate. No one was injured as the driver of the overturned auto refused medical attention on the scene. On scene of the Thursday afternoon accident was Engines 211 and 216 along with Rescue 2172 and Ambulance 219. NCPD ESU Units 2421 and 2424 were also on location. ESU 2421 up righted the vehicle. All fire department units were under the command of Freeport Third Assistant Chief VanCott [2103]. Once the vehicles were secured, the scene was left in the hands of New York State Police and All County Towing.
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e t . s . o f s d e n n 4 . f e e .
BRENTWOOD
Handles Entrapment on the Southern State Parkway Story, Photo and Video by Brian Welliver - FD Rant News
On the afternoon of August 30th, the Brentwood Fire Department along with Brentwood Legion Ambulance responded to a report of an MVA with possible Entrapment on the westbound Southern State Pkwy just east of Bayshore Road. Suffolk County Police Narcotics Unit passing by pulled up on scene and confirmed the entrapment and requested a rush on rescue as well as SCPD Emergency Services (ES) unit. Brentwood Fire Department arrived on scene with two Engines [3-2-3 & 3-2-5] along with their Heavy Rescue [3-2-18] to extricate the driver who was trapped in the car. Crews put their tools to work and removed both the driver’s and rear driver’s side doors along with the ‘B-Post’ to access the patient. Once the patient was extricated, Brentwood Legion Ambulance crews from ambulances 3-25-18 & 3-25-19 stabilized the patient and removed them from the vehicle. Crews then transported the patient to a local hospital for evaluation. During the operation, SCPD ES responded with two units [ES3 & ES4]. Crews were able to extricate the patient within about 10 minutes and all units were put back in service within about 40 minutes.
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BAY SHORE
Units Roll up to Work
Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury On Sunday, September 1st, the Bay Shore Fire Department was activated for a Signal 13, residential structure fire at 26 Brook Street. The working fire was transmitted by 1st Assistant Chief John Ippolito [3-1-31]. He instructed the first engine to pick up the hydrant on the way in. The residence was a two story private dwelling with an apartment where the garage was and this is where the main body of fire originated. Islip FD, West Islip FD and Brentwood FD were activated for mutual aid with Islip as the acting FAST Truck. Original reports stated one victim to be unaccounted for but that turned out as negative. Extensive overhaul was needed after the two attack lines contained the blaze. All units were released 90 minutes from the start of the alarm with no known injuries to fire personnel. The Bay Shore- Brightwaters Ambulance squad also was standing by at the scene.
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DEER PARK
Heavy Rescue Requested Story and Photo by Ken Bradbury
On Sunday, September 1st, at 2124 hours, the Deer Park Fire Department was activated for an MVA – Heavy Rescue at the intersection of Commack Rd. & Nichols Rd. Larry Bradbury [1-4-31] and Phil Scarfi [1-4-33] were the responding Chiefs. Upon arriving at the scene, 1-4-31 observed that he had five victims with a possible sixth and the passenger door of one of the vehicles needed to be popped. The three Deer Park ambulances and one ambulance from Dix Hills were needed to transport the victims and extrication was provided by the crew from Engine 1-4-6.
Click Here for More Photos of Deer Park’s MVA
HEMPSTEAD Labor Day Overturn
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan On the afternoon of September 2nd [Labor Day], the Hempstead Fire Department was alerted to a motor vehicle accident with overturn. Responding units were given the familiar location of Long Beach Road and Weir Street. Upon arrival, units were met with a two vehicle accident with one auto being overturned. Fortunately, there was no entrapment on the scene and three people were transported to area hospitals. None of the injuries were believed to be serious and the aided were transported by the Hempstead Fire Department and North Shore LIJ. On scene from Hempstead were Ladder 2, Engine 2, Rescue 84, and Ambulance 85A. Once the aided were transported, firefighters secured the autos. The scene was left in the hands of Click Here for More Photos of Hempstead’s MVA the towing company and Hempstead Police.
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Phone: 631-505-3778 E-mail: FRSTraining@aol.com FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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DEER PARK
Second of Back to Back MVA’s leads to a Fiery Situation Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury
On Sunday, September 1st, at 2204 hours, while all 3 ambulances from the Deer Park Fire Department were transporting patients to the hospital from a previous MVA, the department was notified of a second MVA on West 5th Street. Dispatch was advised to request a Mutual aid from North Babylon and Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance. John Giammarino [1-4-30], Larry Bradbury [14-31]) and Phil Scarfi [1-4-33] had all arrived on scene simultaneously and quickly observed that a sedan had T-boned an SUV and the SUV had caught fire. It was later learned the two occupants of the sedan were involved in a police pursuit of speeds in excess of 100 mph. The driver sustained numerous injuries after striking the SUV a tree. The fire in the SUV extended to the fuel lines and a foam operation was needed to extinguish. The victim in the SUV sustained numerous injuries as well but none deemed life threatening. Both occupants of the sedan were arrested for numerous charges, mainly for operating a stolen vehicle.
Click Here for More Photos of Deer Park’s MVA with Car Fire
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COMMON SENSE [AND OTHER STUFF] by Mike Capoziello
“THOUGHTS ON MUTUAL AID and THE WAY OUT-OF-TOWNERS” Mutual aid is always a hot topic of discussion. Chief McNamara touched on some thoughts on this a few months back in his column, but I’m not going to discuss mutual aid for working fires. That mutual aid is almost always pre-planned. You may disagree with some of the departments responding but in almost all cases when the IC transmits the worker it sets in motion a recognized pre-planned series of events by all the departments involved. I’m going to touch on mutual aid in the form of non-emergency standbys. Coverage for dinners, funerals, parades etc. Some of these agreements are hammered out over a few “tins” while Chiefs network themselves at various social functions. Many times promises were made as an individual is rising through the ranks of their respective departments. “If I’m ever da’ Chief I’ll get yous’ guys in here don’t worry!” Most Chiefs will tell you it goes down like this a lot...if they are being honest. Everyone wants to do a standby in a foreign land but there are a few guidelines Chiefs need to think about before they hammer out an “agreement” for East Quogue to come to Elmont.
Elmont, Bellerose Terrace, and Amityville standing by in Point Lookout - Lido after Hurricane Sandy
An obvious consideration is making sure there are companies standing by who know your area. Common sense right? I have nothing against a few special guest stars or “way out-of-towners” being part of the standby crews as long as at least half the other companies are your regular supporting cast of neighbors who know your district well. Chiefs have to remember you are responsible to the residents of your district at all times. Having a bunch of units from 2 counties away bookin’ around your town not knowing where the heck they are going is irresponsible and a huge mistake that can prove to be deadly. This should especially be the case when choosing ambulance standby companies. Every second counts, right? Don’t we argue this point? If you really believe this then don’t overlook this fact when picking your standby companies for dinners and parades. Speaking of these events every department has a handful of guys who don’t want anything to do with this sort of stuff. To each their own, it’s all good. Instead of making the firehouse off limits to them during these time periods maybe you can utilize them in roles that could help the standby units. Have them ride “scout” position with some of the way out-of-towners, this way if the rigs do get lost there is someone on the rig that can help them find their way.
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The next consideration is making sure the “way out-of-towners” are compatible with your operations/ district as well as the other companies that will be standing by. Make sure threads are compatible. National Standard, NY Corp, FDNY? Nothing like forgetting about this little key fact and later finding out your first due engine cant hook up to the tower ladder standing by as well as the other engines. Make sure adaptors are available to whoever may need them and work this stuff out beforehand. The next consideration is making sure the “way out-of-towners” are compatible with your operations/district as well as the other companies that will be standing by. Make sure threads are compatible. National Standard, NY Corp, FDNY? Nothing like forgetting about this little key fact and later finding out your first due engine cant hook up to the tower ladder standing by as well as the other engines. Make sure adaptors are available to whoever may need them and work this stuff out beforehand. Southampton, Bohemia,and Central Islip standing by in Kings Park during their 100 Anniversary celebration
Can they communicate with your dispatcher as well as each other? Make sure they have the capabilities to transmit on your radio frequency. If not how many portable radios can you give them? Can you supply every member of the standby crew with one? Again work this stuff out beforehand. Does your district have any “special” considerations? Bridges with weight limits? Low clearance bridges? Nothing like inviting your new “BFCF”, Best Fire Chief Friend’s, brand new monster tower ladder only to find out not only does it not fit in your firehouse, but it doesn’t fit under any of the bridges in town or the parkway you cover. How about “target” buildings? 6 story apartment buildings, mega malls, property with homes 100’s of feet from a hydrant. Are the companies coming in familiar with these operations? Will there be delays in getting water on a fire because they are unfamiliar with these buildings or operations at these types of buildings? If you’re a Chief you have to keep this in mind when picking standby companies. One last thing I’m not a fan of having a standby department’s manpower use your department’s rigs. It may be easy for the chauffeur of the rig to adapt and drive the “same type of rig” but there is no way you are going to learn where everything is on the rig and grab what you need in a timely fashion by doing a quick walk around the rig. You’re used to your own “stuff”. Ever work a fire in someone else’s gear? It’s just not the same. Not to mention if there is an accident with the rig. What official training had the person gone through with your departments rig? “Oh he drove it around the block for 5 minutes before hand, and oh yeah he has the same type of truck only in yellow in his department.” Stuff to think about. As always be safe and keep em’ rolling! About the Author - Mike Capoziello is a 28 year member of Hook and Ladder Company #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 Stressteam for the past 11 years and is a liaison for the team to the Nassau County Fire Commission.
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COPIAGUE
Suspicious Vehicle Fire
Story and Photo by Chris Colletti – LNBN In the early morning hours of September 3rd, around 5:15am, the Suffolk Police and Babylon Central took a call for a reported vehicle fire in front of 16 Earl Place off Wilson Ave. 2nd Assistant Chief Charlie Fitch [1-3-32] arrived on scene and advised Engine 1-3-10 of the Eagle Engine Company there was an engine compartment fire in a Nissan Maxima. Firefighters stretched a 1 ¾’’ hand line and a booster line to contain and quickly knock down the fire. Suffolk Police 1st Precinct units remained on scene for a pending arson investigation as the fire was deemed suspicious in nature. All FD units operating on scene were up within 20 minutes of the alarm.
Click Here for More Photos of Copiague FD Vehicle Fire
ISLIP
Cherry Picker Takes a Spill Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury
On Tuesday, September 3rd, the Islip FD was activated for a Signal 23 MVA with possible overturn. 2nd Assistant Chief Billy Moon [34-32] was the first Chief on the scene and he advised negative overturn and negative MVA but he encountered a flat bed tractor trailer with a large machine tipping over. Upon arrival, 1st Assistant Chief Carmine Paolicelli [3-4-31] assumed command and the Islip units remained on the scene until the machine was up-righted.
Click Here for More Photos of Islip’s MVA
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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KINGS PARK
Mid Afternoon Head On Pins One on Route 25A Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News
In the mid-afternoon on September 4th, the Kings Park Fire Department responded to a two car MVA with entrapment at the intersection of Lawrence Road and East Main Street [Route 25A]. Additional information was given as a possible unconscious victim in one of the cars. Upon arrival of First Responder unit 4-1-80, he notified Smithtown Communications [4-2-0] that the patient was pinned but not unconscious. Assistant Chief Dan Guilfoil [4-1-31] arrived on scene to direct the operation. Heavy Rescue 4-1-9 arrived and the crew quickly went to work to free the driver by removing the driver’s side door. Due to the force of the collision it was necessary to use Rams to roll the dashboard forward as well. Multiple tools were used during the extrication and the patient was removed from the vehicle in just under 25 minutes. The crew of Ambulance 4-1-63 treated the patient and transported him to Stony Brook University Medical Center. The driver of the other vehicle was also treated at the scene and transported to St Catherine’s Hospital.
Click Here for More Photos of Kings Park’s Head On MVA
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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FREEPORT
Busy Week Continues with another Worker Story and Photos by Fred Kopf
A busy week of fire duty for the Freeport Fire Department continued as the department was called up on to battle a working house fire early Tuesday morning, September 3rd, 2013. This was the second house fire the department was called out to fight since August 28th as well as a mutual aid response for the Roosevelt Fire Department to assist extinguishing a three alarm building fire. At approximately 0145 hours, Fire Com dispatcher 31 alerted the department to a report of a house fire at 26 Graffing Place in the north east section of the village. He advised the responding chiefs that a person walking past the house had called to report a vacant house on fire. Moments later, engine 216 arrived first due from their quarters located just a few blocks from the location and transmitted a signal 10 for a working house fire. As companies arrived, they were confronted with a large, three story, balloon frame, peaked roof, 25x75, wood frame private dwelling with fire located on the second floor in the rear and extending into the attic. Several lines were stretched and put into operation on the first and second floor as well as the attic to knock down the fire. An additional line was stretched to the exposure four side to protect a neighboring private dwelling and extinguish fire on the outside of the house. Mutual aid from Baldwin and North Merrick responded to the scene to operate while companies from Oceanside, Point Lookout Lido and Baldwin covered Freeport’s district. All visible fire was knocked down quickly and members would spend the next two hours opening up and overhauling to complete final extinguishment. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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OCEANSIDE
Cashing in on Scrap Metal Pile
Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
Click Here for More Photos of Oceanside’s Scrap Metal Yard Fire
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
At 16:08 hours, on the afternoon of September 3rd, the Oceanside Fire Department was alerted to a reported propane tank fire at 460 Brown Court [Cousins Metal off of Hampton Road]. Prior to arrival, responding units were met with heavy smoke in the area of the scrap yard. Upon arrival, units found fire throughout a large pile of scrap metal to the rear of the location. Chief Klein immediately requested a FAST to the scene along with an extra ladder. Island Park Ladder 223 was designated the FAST for the operation and Long Beach Ladder 2372 was the extra tower ladder on scene. Oceanside Engine 246 was the first engine company on scene and put their deck gun to use along with a two and a half inch hand line. Oceanside Ladder 244 hit the fire from above with a master stream. The Long Beach ladder set up alongside the fire but was not utilized. Also notified to respond to the scene was Nassau County HazMat due to the various contents that were exposed to fire. Despite the heavy smoke and fire, firefighters made a quick knockdown of the main body of fire. Heavy duty equipment belonging to the yard was utilized to help overhaul the fire. Workers stated they were cutting the scrap pile when they struck something igniting the fire. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Rockville Centre sent one engine, one ladder, and one ambulance to stand by for Oceanside during the operation. Baldwin also sent one stand by ambulance. All fire department units were under the command of Oceanside Chief of Department Kevin Klein [241].
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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SETAUKET CO Emergency
Story and Photo by Andrew Tetreault
On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 3rd, the Setauket Fire Department received a call of a reported residential structure fire at 30 Emily Way in the Setauket Meadows complex. Upon arrival of Ladder 2 and Setauket 1st Assistant Chief Thomas Makarius [5A-2-31] crews encountered a moderate smoke condition within the residence. Upon further investigation, it was determined the car in the garage had overheated. While entering the front door of the residence, Setauket FD personnel had carbon monoxide readings of approximately 130-160. While proceeding through the entire house, CO meter readings reached as high as 400 PPM. Due to the dangerous high CO readings, Chief Makarius advised Setauket Dispatch [5A-2-0] to notify the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal’s office to respond to the scene. Crews immediately began to ventilate the residence by opening windows in an attempt to bring down readings of the dangerously high colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Minor CO readings were also encountered in adjourning residences but quickly eliminated. EMS crews evaluated the residents for possible carbon monoxide poisoning with the RAD-57 CO-Oximetry meter. All residents refused medical attention. It took approximately 1 hour for the scene to be deemed safe and placed under control.
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COLD SPRING HARBOR
Youth Transported after House Catches Fire Story and Photo by Mark Bellew – All Hands Fire Photos Additional Photos by Ron Schankin
Shortly after 8:30pm on September 4th, Suffolk County 911 received a call from a woman stating there was a fire in a second floor bedroom of a house at which she was babysitting. The house was located at 37 Green Meadow Lane, Cold Spring Harbor. The police were dispatched, followed shortly by the Fire Department. Upon the arrival of the first responding units, smoke could be seen coming from the eaves of the house. Not long after, the Signal 35 [Working Fire] was transmitted. The fire was contained to the second floor bedroom/roof area of the home and was quickly extinguished. One juvenile was transported to Huntington Hospital for evaluation of minor burns to the hand. The Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Huntington Manor & Halesite Fire Departments as well as the Suffolk County Police and a Town of Huntington Fire Marshal.
Click Here for More Photos of Cold Spring Harbor’s House Fire
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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HOLBROOK
Car Slams into Building
Story and Photo by Rob Garofalo – ESA Photography The Holbrook FD responded to this MVA car vs. building on Wednesday, September 4th, at approximately 1844hrs. The driver of the Ford Explorer apparently lost control of the vehicle slamming into the front of the occupied Martial Arts Studio. The accident happened in the Holbrook Commons Shopping Center on Patchogue-Holbrook Road. Under the command of Chief of Department Cliff Pendl [3-15-30], members from Rescue 7 as well as Engines 2, 4, 5 and 6 helped to secure the scene and vehicle. Members from EMS Units 16 and 18 tended to one injured female that was inside the building as well as the female driver of the Explorer. The injured store occupant was transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital by EMS 16 with unspecified injuries. The driver was treated at the scene. The Town of Islip Fire Marshal as well as the Building Inspector responded to the scene to assess the structure. Miraculously, nobody else was injured as this is a busy shopping center and the martial arts studio had approximately 30 children inside receiving instruction.
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SELDEN
“Can You Hear Me Now?!”
Story and Photo by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography On Wednesday, September 4th, just before 2 pm, the driver and passenger of an SUV crashed into a store front between a 7-11 and AT&T on Blue Point Rd. in Selden. Firefighters from Selden, under direction of Lt. Dave Diaz of Dixon Engine 3, secured the car and scene while other personnel tended to the patients. Two firefighters entered the building to assess the damage. Lt. Diaz called for both town fire marshals and building inspector to respond and closed both stores until they could be further inspected. Firefighters remained on scene for about 45mins before taking up. Both patients were transported by Selden ambulance to University hospital for treatment.
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RONKONKOMA Motorcyclist Down
Story and Photo by Cameron Wilken Additional Photo by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography
On September 4th at approximately 23:00 hours, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded for a Motorcycle MVA with an unconscious patient. This incident took place at the intersection of Foster Road and Portion Road. Ronkonkoma First Responder [5-24-80] was on scene first and confirmed an unconscious male patient. Ambulance 5-24-2 was en-route and arrived on scene within minutes. The crew stabilized the patient and transported to Stonybrook University Hospital.
WANTAGH
Car Crash Sends Vehicle through Store Front Story, Photo and Video by Paul Krussmann
Click Here for More Photos of Wantagh’s MVA FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
On September 5th, Nassau county police were called to a report of a two car motor vehicle accident with a car possibly into a building at 3595 Merrick Rd in Seaford. The Wantagh Fire Department and NCPD ESU Units were also notified to respond. When the first NCPD units arrived on scene, they confirmed they had a 2 car motor vehicle accident with a car into the front of a building. Wantagh Assistant Chief Joe Gross [6903] arrived on scene and requested that Heavy Rescue unit [6914] & Engine [693] respond to check the stability of the building. Two patients were transported to area hospitals for evaluation by the Wantagh F.D. [6917] and an NCPD Ambulance. The building was found to be structurally sound and the automobile was removed from the store front.
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SELDEN
Multiple Vehicle MVA
Story and Photos by Cameron Wilken On September 4th, at approximately 23:30 hours, the Selden Fire Department was activated for a multiple vehicle MVA at the very busy intersection of Middle Country Road and Patchogue Mt. Sinai Rd. Chief Joseph Leavens [5-25-30] was first on scene and reported a 5 car MVA with negative pin. 2 people were aided with minor injuries and a 3rd ambulance was requested to the scene. 31, 32, 4, 12 and 5 were all on scene.
HOLBROOK Tool goes to Work
Story and Photos by Cameron Wilken The Holbrook FD was activated for a Heavy Rescue on September 5th at approximately 21:00 hours at the intersection of Patchogue Holbrook Road and Furrows Road. 3-15-30 was the Chief in charge and he immediately requested the tools to be put to work. The crew quickly went to work using the tools off of Rescue 7 to free the patient. Ambulance 16 and 18 were on scene along with First Responder 81, 6, and 5.
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SEAFORD
Car Smashes into Home Story and Photo by Paul Krussmann
On September 5th, Nassau County Police and the Seaford Fire Department were called for a car that had driven into the front of a house at 3856 Oxford Ln. NCPD ESU Units were also notified to respond. When Chief of Department Domenick Bova arrived on scene, he told Wantagh’s dispatch (690) that a fire department response was not necessary and NCPD 2390 would handle the aided. NCPD ESU 2423 removed the car from the house and no structural damage was reported.
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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COMMACK
Fire Suppression Holds Body Shop Fire in Check Story and Photo by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News
Click Here for More Photos of Commack’s Body Shop Fire
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
At around 11:00 am on Friday September 6, 2013, the Commack Fire Department was dispatched for a building fire at Russo Brothers Auto Collision at 4019 Jericho Turnpike just west of Larkfield Road. Initial information was an automatic alarm but 2-11-0 [Commack Dispatch] alerted first responding Chief Andrew Babajko [2-1131] that he received a call stating there was a fire in the paint booth. Upon arrival of 2-11-40 he alerted Chief Babajko there was in fact a fire inside the paint booth that was being held in check by the fire suppression system. Engine 2-11-12 was 1st due and stretched a handline to handle hot spots while Engine 2-11-3 took the hydrant on Jericho Turnpike in front of the building. Ladder 2-11-14 and Tower Ladder 2-11-1 took the exposure 2 and exposure 1 sides of the building. Crews were on scene for approximately 1 hour as they checked for extension and overhauled. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Huntington Town Fire Marshal. East Northport supplied a RIT and Smithtown sent an engine to standby at Commack’s HQ.
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BRENTWOOD
Wet Down Two New Engines Story by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photos by Robert Garofalo and Paul Krussmann
On Saturday August 24th, the members of Brentwood Central Engine Company #5 christened their two new engines with a wet down at their quarters. The two Pierce Engines 3-2-5 and 3-2-15 were blessed by a priest and then were ceremoniously struck with bottles of champagne before they took a bath under a curtain of water.
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE
Violent Crash leads to Extrication Story and Photo by Fred Kopf
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HOLTSVILLE Pedestrian vs. Auto
Story and Photo by Robert Garofalo – ESA Photography
Three people suffered serious but nonlife threatening injuries, including one person who had to be extricated from their vehicle by hydraulic rescue tools after being involved in a violent collision that left one vehicle on its side at the intersection of Merrick Road and Long Beach Road. At approximately 4:20PM on Friday, September 6th, the Rockville Centre Fire Department and Police Department were directed to the intersection of Merrick Road and Long Beach Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving an overturned auto and injuries. Companies arrived at the location and found a two vehicle accident involving a sedan and a pickup truck that was resting on its side. Further size up revealed that members would have to use hydraulic rescue tools to allow for patient removal of one of the victims in the sedan. Members from Floodlight Company 446 put their tool into operation and removed the passenger side door to allow patient access and removal. All three victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries. Rockville Centre Police are investigating the cause of the accident which left the busy intersection closed for over an hour.
The Holtsville FD responded to the scene of this pedestrian auto accident on Sunday September 8th at approximately 1140hrs. The accident happened on the LIE North Service Road just east of Waverly Avenue. Under the command of Chief Mike Escue [511-32], members from EMS Unit 16 tended to the adult male victim. He was transported to Stony Brook University Medical center with unspecified injuries. Also on scene assisting were Rescues 4 and 12 and Fire Police 9.
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Click Here for More Photos of Holtsville’s MVA
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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SHIRLEY MVA Handled
Story and Photo by John Walthers
At about 7:30 pm on Sunday September 8th, the Mastic FD was toned out for a fuel Spill at the scene of an MVA. The location of the incident was Southbound William Floyd Parkway at Camp Upton Rd. Upon arrival, the Chief advised command that Brookhaven FD members were also on scene helping. After further investigation, the Chief concluded he did not have a fuel spill but did need the cars involved in the MVA to be secured. Medcom was also advised one of the vehicles was occupied by an EMS member. Multiple EMS agencies arrived on scene within minutes to evaluate the patients. 2 patients were transported to the hospital from the one vehicle. The EMS member also had minor injuries, we wish him a speedy recovery.
ROOSEVELT
Right Place, Right Time
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
Click Here for More Photos of Roosevelt’s House Fire
While responding to an automatic alarm at Roosevelt High School, an Assistant Chief of the Roosevelt Fire Department came across smoke emanating from an East Clinton Avenue home. Upon investigating the smoke condition, the Chief found fire exposing itself from the rear of the home in the two, three corner. He immediately notified fire com of the working fire. Responding units were given the location of 290 East Clinton Avenue off of Denton Place. Roosevelt Quint 734 put one line into operation to extinguish the fire. Roosevelt Ladder 735 was the first truck company on scene while North Merrick Ladder 673 responded as the FAST for the operation. Despite heavy fire in the room of the home, firefighters were able to make a quick knockdown of the Tuesday morning fire. Also on the scene were North Merrick Ambulance 679, Uniondale Ladder 7544 and Engine 752, and Hempstead Ladder 2. Standing by for Roosevelt during the operation was West Hempstead Engine 767, Merrick Engine 641 and one Merrick ambulance, Baldwin Engine 203 and Ladder 207. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. All fire department units were under the command of Roosevelt Assistant Chief Riddick.
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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MASSAPEQUA One Pinned in MVA
Story, Photo and Video by Paul Krussmann
On September 9th, the Massapequa Fire Department was called for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment at the intersection of Nassau St. and Bay Drive. When 1st Assistant Chief Gerard Keuchler [6301] arrived on scene, he confirmed he had a two car MVA with one person pinned. Massapequa Squad 8 [633] quickly put multiple tools to work as NCPD Emergency Service Units 2424 and 2421 arrived and assisted in the operation. Crews extricated the trapped driver in about 10 minutes. Drivers of both vehicles were transported to the Nassau County Medical Center for further evaluation by Massapequa and NCPD ambulances.
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FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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HOLTSVILLE
Female Cut Free after 5 Car Accident
Story and Photos by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography
Late night on September 11, 2013, firefighters from Holtsville were activated for a reported 5 car and 1 motorcycle accident on Nicholls Road in Holtsville. SCPD arrived first to find one woman trapped in an SUV and the rider of the motorcycle was missing. The Holtsville Chief immediately ordered 2 doors to be taken on the SUV while other firefighters secured the other four cars and tended to 2 other patients. Using cutters and spreaders, firefighters were able to free the woman and package her for transport with serious injuries to Stonybrook trauma center at University Hospital. Two other people were also transported with non-life-threating injuries. SCPD k9 units responded to the scene to check the wooded area for the operator of the motorcycle who apparently fled the scene on foot.
BROOKHAVEN FD & SHIRLEY EMS Spring into Action on Friday The 13th Story and Photo by John Walthers
In the early afternoon hours of September 13th, at around 2PM, the Suffolk County 9-1-1 Center received a call for an MVA on Revilo Ave. near Norwood Dr. Dispatch immediately activated both Brookhaven FD and Shirley Community Ambulance to respond to the scene. Brookhaven Rescue 3 and Engine 4 both responded to the scene. On arrival, they advised of negative entrapment. Only the vehicles would need attention as they needed to be secured. The patients were evaluated and no serious injuries were reported.
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FARMINGVILLE Structure Fire
Story and Photo by Rob Garofalo – ESA Photography
The Farmingville FD responded to this residential structure fire on Saturday, September 14th at approximately 1530hrs. The fire at the home located on Drury Court off of Morris Avenue was quickly contained to the exposure 2 side exterior with minimal extension to the interior. Chief of Department Ralph Gloria [5-18-30] had first due Engine 3 stretch a handline to the front door while members of Truck 7 checked for extension. The Holtsville FD responded to the scene for RIT along with Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Bob Smith [5-0-4]. The Medford FD was on standby at Farmingville headquarters for the duration of the alarm. No injuries were reported.
Click Here for More Photos of Farmingville’s Structure Fire
HOLBROOK Jeep Burns
ESA http://esaphotos.smugmug.com
Story and Photo by Rob Garofalo – ESA Photography The Holbrook FD responded to this vehicle fire on Saturday, September 14th, at approximately 1825hrs. The Jeep caught fire in the southbound lanes of CR97 just south of Furrows Road. Under the command of Chief of Department Cliff Pendl [3-15-30], members from Engine 5 stretched a handline and made quick work of the fire. Members from Fire Police assisted the SCPD in traffic control for the duration of the operation. No injuries were reported.
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BREAST CANCER Facts: Screening Saves Lives Research by Hannah DiLavore Story by Alica DiLavore, RN, MBA
One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes; one woman will die from breast cancer every 13 minutes. These are staggering numbers! Every October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer occur each year in the United States. Everyday should be Breast Cancer Awareness Day! The most proven and significant risk factors for getting breast cancer are being female and getting older. What can we do to catch breast cancer early? Women should perform self breast exams and report any unusual changes in their breast to their healthcare provider. It is important to remember that breast tissue changes during the menstrual cycle and normal breast tissue can be slightly lumpy. Any unusual discharge from nipples should be reported to the healthcare provider as well. Another important fact is 80 to 90 percent of breast cancers in women without symptoms in the U.S. will be detected by mammography. Mammography is very important screening and diagnostic tool. Diagnostic mammography involves taking more pictures than screening mammography. Self breast exam should not be a substitute for screening mammography. http:// www.komenpugetsound.org/understanding-breast-cancer/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-fast-facts.html When is the appropriate time to start mammography screening? The National Cancer Institute recommends women over 40 years old have a screening mammography performed every 1 to 2 years. If there is a family history of breast cancer, there is a blood test that can be performed to look for a gene that increases the risk of breast cancer. The test is called BRCA1 or BRCA2. Many insurance companies, state and local health care programs cover the cost of screening mammography. If you are underinsured or have no insurance, contact information for local programs is available on the CDC website or by calling 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636). Information about free or low-cost mammography screening programs is also available from NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422– 6237) and from local hospitals, health departments, women’s centers, or other community groups. Both digital and conventional mammography is performed using x-rays. The digital image can be manipulated electronically to enhance and magnify the image whereas the conventional methods do not provide the same option. A digital image is also easily stored for comparison to future images. Digital images provide the following advantages ·
Health care providers can share image files electronically, making long-distance consultations between radiologists and breast surgeons easier.
·
Subtle differences between normal and abnormal tissues may be more easily noted.
·
Fewer follow-up procedures may be needed.
·
Fewer repeat images may be needed, reducing the exposure to radiation. http://www.cancer.gov/ cancertopics/factsheet/detection/mammograms
To all of the women 40 and older or any women with a family history of breast cancer reading this article please make the time to have your screening mammography performed. Talk openly with your healthcare professional about early detection and self breast exams. If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford a mammography there are resources available. Early detection means early treatment. Early treatment translates to longer life.
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FD RANT NEWS GOES PINK TO HELP PROMOTE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the FD Rant News is going PINK to help raise awareness and funds for CancerCare - a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs -- including counseling, education, financial assistance and practical help -- are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge. Founded in 1944, CancerCare provided individual help to more than 100,000 people last year, and had more than one million visits to its websites. CancerCare is a 501(c)3 organization. Their Tax ID # is: 13-1825919. 100% of the net proceeds will be donated directly to: CancerCare Shirts are $15 each Orders can be placed through Facebook by clicking the link here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Long-Island-FD-RantNews/237467759667174?sk=app_190322544333196 OR Email your order to: FDRantNews@verizon.net Make Checks Payable to: Sophan Publishing, LLC
This fund raising effort would not be possible without the HUGE support of Dan and Laurie Iglesias at Eighth Street Designs who donated several hundred shirts as well as their services and also did a beautiful job on the design and printing of our shirts.
We are also proud to have The Heather Pendergast Fund as one of our supporters
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PATCHOGUE
MIDDLE ISLAND takes home the Gold at 1st Annual Brush Truck Competition Story and Photos by John Walthers
On Saturday, September 14th, the Patchogue Fire Department hosted its 1st annual brush truck competition at Fireman’s Park in Ridge and FD Rant News was glad to be a part of it. 12 Departments competed in the competition which included 5 events. The events included an in the woods competition on the Pine Barrens trail, a truck rescue, a relay and more. Departments were able to compete in the events from approximately 9:45 am until about 2:30 pm. After the events were over, County Legislator Rob Calarco and Members of the Patchogue FD thanked all the departments and spectators for coming out and making the event a huge success. They then presented the trophies to the winning teams.
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The Winners in each event were: Woods competition - 1st place was Medford Team #2, 2nd and 3rd Place were both teams from Middle Island. Truck Rescue - 1st place was Farmingville, 2nd was Middle Island team #1 and 3rd was Southampton. Head Hunter - 1st place went to Farmingville with 2nd & 3rd going to Middle Island teams. Midnight alarm winners were Middle Island (1st), Southampton (2nd) and Orient & Miller Place (3rd) Relay winners were Holbrook (1st), Farmingville (2nd) and Medford (3rd) With the Top 3 teams Overall being Middle Island Team #2 , Farmingville and Middle Island #1. A great time was had by all departments and Patchogue Fire Department hopes to make this an annual event going forward.
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The Radio Room
By Phil Lichtenberger – Monitor Long Island
Building your Monitoring Post “RF Connectors” Is there anything more frustrating than getting a new radio home, finding a spot for it on your desk, locating power, and only to discover your coaxial cable has the wrong connector on it? Then, after rummaging through your junk drawer, you discover you are missing that adapter so you can match your coax connector to your new radio’s connector. Why do different radios have different connectors? Is this just some cruel joke played on us by the engineers who design these radios? Believe it or not, there is more physics at work here than conspiracy theories. The birds and the bees of connectors Each connector has two ends. There are male ends, and female ends. I don’t think I need to walk through sex Ed to describe which end is which. For most connectors, you simply describe what you need as “SMA Male”, or “BNC Female”. However, don’t say that to a PL-259 connector. Those are PL-259 for male and OS239 for female. Common Coaxial Connectors There are many different types of coaxial connectors on the market, and each one has their own strengths and weaknesses. I will try and draw examples for each of the most common connector so you can understand why there are many variations on the market. •
BNC Connector
The BNC Connector (Bayonet Neill–Concelman)[1] is probably one of the most common connectors you will find. These connectors were made to be used on small diameter coax. The male end of the connector has a groove that slides over two studs on the female part of the connector and lock into place with just a quarter of a turn. BNC connectors can be found on a variety of test equipment, radio gear, and even on old computer networks. BNC connectors are usable upto around 2GHz. •
SMA Connector
Much like the BNC connector, the SMA connector is designed for coax with a small diameter. These connectors are classified as a sub-miniature connector. The SMA is designed to work from DC or 0MHz – 18GHz [2]. SMA connectors screw together and hold a tight bond. One item to note, there are Reverse Polarity SMA connectors on the market as well. Those are called RP-SMA. The center conductor designates the gender of the connector, not the location of the threads. On a standard SMA connector, the threads are located inside the connector on a male adapter. On the RP-SMA, the female connector has the threads on the inside.
Male RP-SMA Connector. Note threads are on the outside of the connector (photo: Wikipedia)
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
Male SMA Connector. Note threads are on the inside of the connector (photo: Wikipedia)
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•
PL-259 / OS-239 Connectors
The PL-259 Coax Connector is the male counterpart of the OS-239 connector. The PL-259 is sometimes called a UHF connector. But, this connector typically does not perform well above 150Mhz, but is an excellent performer on HF and VHF Bands. The UHF on this connector name came in the 1940’s from when frequencies above 30MHz were considered Ultra High Frequencies (UHF). This connector is very common in Amateur Radio use because they are very easy to solder onto coax. Reduction rings allow this connector to also be used on thinner coax. One surprising fact about the PL-259 connector is that it is really a shielded banana plug.[3] You can take a typical banana plug and insert it into an OS-239 connector and make an unshielded RF connection. One variation of the PL-259 connector is the “Mini-UHF” connector found on many Motorola Radios. •
N Connector
The N Connector is an improvement on the PL-259 design. The most recent designs of this type of connector are usable up through 18GHz [4]. These connectors are common in Amateur Radio and are commonly located on antenna systems. N Connectors come in two different sizes. There is the common 50ohm connector, and there is also a 75ohm version. You cannot mix and match female and male connectors with different impedance matches. The center conductors for each version are slightly different diameters. One interesting note, you can take a take the male end of an N connector and fit it onto a female end of a BNC Connector.
•
PL-259 Connector (photo: Wikipedia)
N Male Connector (photo: Wikipedia)
NMO
NMO Mounts are also known as “New Motorola Mount” connections. These mounts are most commonly found in vehicle installations, either as a “through body” type of mount, or on a bracket. These connections are very sturdy and have a high wind load rating.
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•
F Connector
The most common RF connector in the home is the F Connector. F Connectors are primarily used in TV Connections. There are plenty of RF Connectors out there that we did not cover in this article. The point was to bring to light the most common connectors used in today’s home monitoring station. If you would like to see a more complete list of RF Connectors, take a look at the Wikipedia article on the subject here: http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/RF_connector If you have any question about the contents in this column, or have suggestions for future articles, please feel free to contact me at w2lie@w2lie.net Until next month, 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 and twitter http://twitter.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
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EAST NORTHPORT
September 11, 2001 Ceremony Honors All Victims Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore
The East Northport Fire Department held a September 11, 2001 Memorial Service at their fire headquarters on Wednesday September 11th. The ceremony was attended by several of the 2nd Division fire departments. An arch with an American flag was set up between the East Northport and Northport Fire Departments. After the playing of the National Anthem, Chief Joe Ervin [2-10-30] made opening remarks and thanked everyone for attending. Chaplain William Bootz was the emcee for the ceremony that included numerous volunteers read the names of those who were murdered on that day and the sounding of the sirens at the times of the collapse of both the North and the South towers of the World Trade Center. The ceremony continued with Engine 2-10-1 proceeding past the people in attendance with a large board attached to the side with all of the names of the victims who were killed on September 11, 2001. Wreaths were placed around the ceremonial steel from the World Trade Center that is in front of East Northport’s main entrance. After a moment of silence there was a 21 gun salute followed by the playing of Taps by Stan Wertheimer of the Centerport Fire Department and Amazing Grace by the Northport Pipe Band. Ceremonial white doves were then released before Assistant Chaplain Brian Hinton made closing remarks and America the Beautiful was performed by the Northport High School Tights. After the Closing Prayer by Chaplain Bootz, the Suffolk County Police did a fly over with one of their helicopters. ALWAYS REMEMBER. Link to Gallery: http://fdrantnews.smugmug.com/Category/East-Northport-Fire-Department/September11th-Ceremony-91113
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HEMPSTEAD
Dry Spell Comes to an End with Worker on Cornwall Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
Click Here for More Photos of Hemptstead’s House Fire
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
Hempstead police were the first dispatched to a reported house fire in the early morning hours of September 14th at the address of 13 Truro Lane; however, when the fire department was dispatched to the same alarm they were provided the address of 17 Cornwall Lane. Upon arrival, first responders found the fire to be at the Cornwall Lane address. Those first on scene were met with fire outside the three and four sides of the home. The fire began on the exterior of the private dwelling and extended inside. Hempstead Engine 2 was the first engine company on scene and stretched two lines while Engine 1 stretched two lines upon their arrival. Hempstead Truck 1 was the first truck company on scene while West Hempstead responded as the FAST with Ladder 765. Hempstead command requested an additional ladder to the scene and Uniondale soon arrived with Ladder 754 to meet this request. Standing by for Hempstead during the operation were units from Baldwin and Franklin Square. South Hempstead Engine 741 was redirected to the scene during the fire along with an ambulance from Mineola VAC. In total, four lines were stretched and operated and searches were negative. The cause of the fire remained under investigation although officials were already considering the blaze suspicious in nature. All fire units were under the command of Hempstead Chief of Department Clark [80].
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APPARATUS OF THE FIRE SERVICE Brentwood’s Engine 3-2-4 at a recent MVA
5-19-12 at the Brush Competition 09.14
Photo by John Walthers
Photo by Brian Welliver Holbrook Engine 4 at a recent MVA on Broadway Ave
Commack Engine 2-11-12 operates at a recent commercial structure fire.
- Wilken. Photo by Jeff DiLavore Freeport’s Tiller 218 operating at a recent house fire .
Eagle Engine 1-3-10 operating on scene of a vehicle fire on Earl Ave on Sept 3rd
Photo by Fred Kopf
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APPARATUS OF THE FIRE SERVICE GreenLawn FireDepartment Parade on 8-29-13
GreenLawn FireDepartment Parade on 8-29-13
Holbrook Engine 4 at a recent MVA on Broadway Ave
Holbrook’s Rescue 7 at a recent MVA with Heavy Rescue
Photo by Cameron Wilken
Photo by Cameron Wilken
North Merrick Engine 1 on scene of a Recent Rockin’ House Fire
Photo by Fred Kopf
Wading River Ladder On scene of a call on Labor Day
Photo by John Walthers
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ROOSEVELT
Stays Busy with Saturday Afternoon Basement Fire Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
On the afternoon of September 14th, the Roosevelt Fire Department was dispatched to a reported basement fire at 20 Royal Court in the dead end off of Pennsylvania Avenue. When Roosevelt’s Assistant Chief arrived on scene he instructed his first due engine to pick up a hydrant [soon after the working fire was transmitted]. Roosevelt Quint 734 was among the first units to arrive on scene and picked up the hydrant. One line went into operation to fight the Saturday afternoon fire. North Merrick Ladder 673 responded as the FAST and all other mutual aid was disregarded once a quick knockdown of the fire was made. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Despite firefighter’s best efforts, one canine perished in the fire. This fire made for Roosevelt’s third fire in two and a half weeks.
Click Here for More Photos of Roosevelt’s Basement Fire
HOLTSVILLE
ESA http://esaphotos.smugmug.com
Cobra in the Woods
Story and Photo by Rob Garofalo – ESA Photography The Holtsville FD responded to this single vehicle MVA on Sunday, September 15th, at approximately 1915hrs.The accident occurred in the westbound lanes of the LIE just east of Exit 62 Nichols Road when the Mustang Cobra left the road for unknown reasons striking a light pole and tree before coming to rest in a wooded area along the right shoulder. Under the command of Chief of Department Joe Castiglione 5-11-30, members from Rescue 4 and Engine 5 secured the vehicle and scene. Members from EMS Unit 17 evaluated the driver and passenger which sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. Also on scene was Fire Police 9 assisting the SCPD Highway Patrol Units in closing the right lane.
Click Here for More Photos of Holtsville’s Car Into Woods FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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HOLBROOK Overturned
Story and Photos by Cameron Wilken
On Wednesday, September 18, at approximately 4pm, the Holbrook Fire Department was activated for a Motor Vehicle Accident with an overturn on Northbound Nicolls road and Greenbelt Parkway. Chief Cliff Pendl [3-15-30] was in charge and Engine 5 was first due along with Holbrook’s first responder. Shortly after, Rescue 7 and Engine 4 arrived to assist with patient care and securing the vehicle. The vehicle was completely overturned but all patients were able to self-extricate. Holbrook Ambulance transported 1 patient to Stonybrook Hospital with minor injuries.
MEDFORD
Key Retrieval Leaves One Man Drained Story and Photo by Cameron Wilken
At 2:19 am on September 19th, the Medford Fire Department along with Medford Ambulance was activated for a Confined Space Rescue for a man stuck in a storm drain at the Sam’s Club Supermarket on Horseblock Road. First Assistant Chief William Hart [5-14-31] was the first Chief on scene, confirming a man stuck about 20 feet down the sewer. Medford ladder 5-14-5 was on scene along with Engine 12, Engine 13, Engine 3, and Rescue 15. Chief William Wyche [5-14-30] later arrived on scene and assumed command. The patient was conscious and alert and under the direction of Chief Wyche, members from Ladder 7 were able to place a 24-foot extension ladder down the hole for the patient to climb up. SCPD stated that the man dropped his keys in the storm drain where he removed the drain and fell down the hole. Thankfully, the patient was stable and signed RMA paperwork. All units returned to headquarters shortly after.
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INWOOD
Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
Click Here for More Photos of Inwood’s House Fire
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
At 13:22 hours on the afternoon of September 19th, the Inwood Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at 17 Mervin Street between Morris and Bayview Avenues. At the time the call went out, both the Inwood and Lawrence-Cedarhurst ladders were out of service. Upon arrival, Inwood’s Second Assistant Chief [3102] was met with fire showing from two bedrooms in the 3/4 corner of the home on the second floor. The signal ten [working fire] was immediately transmitted and the request for mutual aid began. Inwood Rescue 318 arrived quickly on scene and assumed the truck company duties but ladders were still needed to the scene. Hewlett Ladder 303 was the first ladder on scene followed by Woodmere Ladder 352. Members of both ladder companies saw work during the operation and so a new ladder was needed. Long Beach Ladder 2372 responded to the scene and became the FAST. The daytime fire soon began to burn into an exposure on the number four side of the original fire building. Truck company members were assigned to the exposure building to ensure all fire was out. Two lines stretched and operated with at least one line off of first due Inwood Engine 311. Also on scene were Lawrence-Cedarhurst Engine 322 and Rescue 324. Upon arrival, the Chief requested an ambulance to the scene forthwith and it was later stated this was for a minor injury to a civilian. Standing by for Inwood during the operation was Valley Stream Engine 342 and Ladder 345. Within thirty-five minutes the scene was declared under control [signal 12 transmitted]. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
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FREEPORT
Two Generations of Accord Collide
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography On the afternoon of September 20th, Freeport Tiller 218 came across a motor vehicle accident on Mill Road. At 12:06 hours the department toned out for the accident which crossed at Hanse Avenue. Engine 216, along with Ambulance 219, responded to the scene. One person was transported from the scene by a County Ambulance to an area hospital. Firefighters secured the vehicles and left the scene in the hands of Freeport Police. All fire department units were under the command of First Assistant Chief Walsh [2101].
HUNTINGTON MANOR Hot Car in Driveway
Story and Photo by Ron Schankin On the afternoon of Sunday, September 22nd, the Huntington Manor Fire Department was toned out for a car fire at 24 East 10th Street. With numerous calls coming in, the Manor dispatcher notified Chief Fred Steenson Jr. [2-4-30] of a working car fire at the location. Arriving at the scene, Chief Steenson confirmed the working fire of a vehicle in the driveway of a private dwelling with flames impinging the house. First due Engine 2-4-5 was ordered to stretch their 1 ¾” trash line and made quick work of the fire. Lucky for the homeowner, his house was made of bricks and there was no damage to the dwelling. S.C.P.D. arson squad was notified to determine the cause of the blaze.
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COMMACK
Car vs. Building Damages National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Story and photos by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News
On a sunny Tuesday morning, September 24th, 2013, the Commack Fire Department received an automatic fire alarm at 74 Hauppauge Road between Commack Road and Larkfield Road for the Suffolk Y JCC. A member who had been on scene alerted 2-11-0 [Commack Dispatch] that a car had struck the building and requested the alarm be re-transmitted to have Heavy Rescue 2-11-9 and TRT Unit 2-11-7 respond. Under the direction of Captain Bobby Wilkens [2-11-54], units reported that a car struck the building breaching a wall and stopping in a hallway of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame wing. The driver of the vehicle was already out of the vehicle and was treated by Commack VAC at the scene. Commack’s Fire Inspector [2-11-40] was also on scene to assess the damage and the Town of Huntington Building Department was requested to respond as well. Units were on scene for just under 40 minutes.
Click Here for More Photos of Commack’s Car vs. Building The #1 Source For News About Long Island's Fire Service
FD Rant News Long Island, NY
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HOLBROOK 2 Car MVA
Story and Photo by Cameron Wilken The Holbrook Fire Department responded to a 2 car Motor Vehicle Accident at the intersection of Broadway Ave and Westbridge Drive on September 20th at approximately 8pm. 3-1580 [First Responder] was first on scene where he requested 2 ambulances and an Engine. Both Patients were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
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SELDEN
Sideswipe Sends Two to Hospital Story and Photos by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography SCPD and Selden volunteers responded to a two car accident on Route 25, just west of Boyle rd. in Selden on the afternoon of Sunday, September 22nd. The drivers of both cars were injured after one car sideswiped a second car while waiting at a light. Both drivers selfextricated and were transported to a local hospital while firefighters secured both cars.
HEMPSTEAD
Third Fire in Ten Days Breaks the Silence Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan - K2M Photography
Click Here for More Photos of Hempstead’s Apartment Fire
On the afternoon of September 24th, the Hempstead Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire at 65 Martin Luther King Drive off of South Franklin Street. Upon arrival, first units were met with smoke showing and Chief Clark [80] immediately transmitted the working fire. Hempstead Hose 2 was the first engine company to arrive on scene and made a quick knockdown of the fire despite a heavy smoke condition. Hempstead Ladder 2 had the rear of the u-shaped building where the fire apartment was while Truck 1 remained on the fire block. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the original fire apartment on the first floor. West Hempstead responded to the scene with Ladder 765 as the FAST. Standing by for Hempstead during the operation were units from Baldwin, Uniondale, and South Hempstead. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. This was the second working fire inside the building within a few months’ time. All fire department units were under the command of Hempstead Chief of Department Scott Clark [80].
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Holtsville Wrecked
Story and Photo by Robert Garofalo
The Holtsville FD responded to this two car MVA with overturn and entrapment o Monday September 23rd at 2010hrs. The wreck occurred on the LIE South Service Road at CR97 and sent the BMW onto its roof. Under the command of Chief of Department Joe Castiglione [5-11-30], members from Rescue 4 and Engine 5 worked to secure both vehicles and assist SCPD ESU 1 officers in a door pop of the KIA. Members from EMS Units 16 and 17 treated, packaged and transported both drivers to Stony Brook University Medical Center. Fire Police 9 assisted the SCPD with traffic control. The injuries to both drivers were considered non-life threatening.
Click Here for More Photos of Holtsville’s MVA
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FACES OF THE FIRE SERVICE Firefighter from Wading River at a recent building fire on Labor Day
PJFD 2nd Assistant Chief Charlie Russo @ Recent MVA
Terryville Co. 3 Firefighters operate @ MVA on 8-27-13 @ Route 112 & Route 347
Photo by John Walthers
Freeport Kevin Madigan of engine 214 and from fd rant at recent House Fire at 790 Guy Lombardo Avenue 8-30-13-20
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MALVERNE
Pole Stops Single Car MVA
Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography On the afternoon of September 24th, the Malverne Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with possible pin. Responding units were given the location of South Franklin and Hendrickson Avenues. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a one vehicle with negative entrapment. There was one person inside the vehicle who was able to self-extricate. They were transported to an area hospital by Nassau County Police (NCPD) Ambulance. Malverne firefighters helped to secure the auto and were quickly released. NCPD ESU 2423 was assigned to the accident but quickly took up as well.
BALDWIN
Quickly Knocks Down Basement Fire
Photo and Story by Kevin Madigan - K2M Photography
Click Here for Baldwin’s Basement Fire
FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
At 12:20 hours on the afternoon of September 25th, the Baldwin Fire Department was dispatched to 16 Rockwin Road off of Demott Avenue for a reported basement fire. Baldwin Engine 203 was the first engine to arrive on scene and immediately picked up a hydrant. The engine company went on to stretch and operate two lines inside the home. It was later stated that a couch in the basement of the home had caught fire sending smoke throughout the residence. Baldwin Ladder 207 was the first truck company to arrive on scene and took to the front of the home. Firefighters were able to make a quick knockdown of the afternoon fire under the direction of Baldwin Chief of Department Brancato [205]. No signals were transmitted for the fire and the marshal was requested for a routine response.
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NESCONSET
5 Year Old Girl Saves Mom with Heroic Phone Call Story and Photo by Jeff DiLavore
On Wednesday September 25th a press conference was held at Nesconset Fire Department headquarters to recognize the efforts of several people involved in saving the life of a Ronkonkoma woman. Five-yearold Jillian Given was staying at her grandparents’ house with her mom to babysit for their dogs while they were away on vacation. At around 6:30 in the morning on Monday September 16th Jillian was trying to talk with her mom, Elisabeth, but her mom would not respond to her. Jillian knew her mom was a diabetic and had been taught to call 911 if her mom was ever in this condition. She picked up the phone, dialed 911 and was connected with Suffolk PD operator Joan Duboski, who spoke with Jillian while she connected the call to Smithtown Fire Communications [4-2-0] where Emergency ServicesDispatcher James Hudson [Dispatcher #37] talked to Jillian and asked her to tell him about her mom’s condition. Even though Jillian did not know her mom’s age [because she never told her] she calmly relayed to Dispatcher Hudson that her mom was breathing but was not talking. She also told him that her mom was a diabetic. Meanwhile, the Nesconset Fire Department was alerted to respond with an ambulance to the scene. Assistant Chief John Martins [4-4-33] responded along with EMT-CC Matt O’Reilly. As they were responding Hudson was telling Jillian to out the three dogs outside and allow the police officers into the home. After struggling with both tasks, Suffolk County Police officers made entry into the home and Martins and O’Reilly arrived on scene shortly thereafter where they began to administer aid to Elisabeth Given. It was determined that her blood sugar was dangerously low so they quickly established an IV and administered an amp of D50W. Within minutes, Elisabeth was alert and awake. She later refused transport to the hospital at that time but did follow up in the ER later in the day. It is clear that without the heroic efforts of Jillian to make the call, and without the professional conduct of Dispatchers Duboski and Hudson, along with the quick response of the SCPD and Nesconset members Asst. Chief Martins and EMT-CC O’Reilly, that the outcome of this situation could have been much worse. All of us here at FD Rant News tip our cap to ALL of those involved with this wonderful story.
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FD RANT NEWS GOES PINK TO HELP PROMOTE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the FD Rant News is going PINK to help raise awareness and funds for CancerCare - a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs -- including counseling, education, financial assistance and practical help -- are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge. Founded in 1944, CancerCare provided individual help to more than 100,000 people last year, and had more than one million visits to its websites. CancerCare is a 501(c)3 organization. Their Tax ID # is: 13-1825919. 100% of the net proceeds will be donated directly to: CancerCare Shirts are $15 each Orders can be placed through Facebook by clicking the link here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Long-Island-FD-RantNews/237467759667174?sk=app_190322544333196 OR Email your order to: FDRantNews@verizon.net Make Checks Payable to: Sophan Publishing, LLC
This fund raising effort would not be possible without the HUGE support of Dan and Laurie Iglesias at Eighth Street Designs who donated several hundred shirts as well as their services and also did a beautiful job on the design and printing of our shirts.
We are also proud to have The Heather Pendergast Fund as one of our supporters
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TRAINING FROM THE FRONT LINE By Lt. Jayson Rigoli and FF Ron Corsale
Specialty “Unbreakable” Window Systems Part 1 On July 23, 2011, a punishing heat wave with high humidity continued its hold over New York City. Manhattan Box 1051 was transmitted at 0046 hours for a fire on the 4th floor of a 14-story luxury high-rise multiple dwelling located at 815 Park Avenue on the Upper East Side. While Battalion 10 units were responding, the Manhattan dispatcher was notified that Engines 44 and 22 would be delayed to the Box because they were responding from Manhattan’s west side. Engine 39 arrived first due with Ladder 16. Sizing up the building from the street, members could smell the distinct odor of an apartment fire but there were no indications of smoke or fire emanating from the building. Upon entering the lobby, building personnel stated that there was a fire on the fourth floor and an occupant said there were two people still in the apartment. Ladder 16’s chauffeur did a size up of the perimeter of the building and transmitted that nothing was showing from the exterior except a possible slight haze on the East 75th street side. Units proceeded to the 4th floor via the service stairwell. All doors were tightly shut and no smoke was pushing from around the door jambs. After checking all four doors on the floor, Ladder 16 was able to determine that the fire apartment was 4A and transmitted a 10-77 to Battalion 10. Engine 39 and Engine 44 initiated a standpipe stretch as Ladder 16 forced entry into the tightly secured apartment. Aware of the large size and complex layouts of the apartments on Park Avenue, Ladder 16’s inside team, assisted by Engine 39’s Officer, tried to determine the best location and fastest way to stretch a line to the seat of the fire. While searching for the fire and evaluating conditions in the apartment, the Officer of Engine 39 found a female victim in respiratory arrest lying face down. A 10-45 was transmitted to Battalion 10 and the victim was removed. During the removal, Ladder 16 discovered a heavy fire condition in the bedroom rapidly extending into the living room. Engine 39 advanced the hose line and began extinguishment of the fire under punishing conditions. While the hose team was putting water on the fire, Ladder 16 members were attempting to vent the apartment windows by conventional methods. After repeatedly striking the windows with their tools, Ladder 16 members realized they were dealing with specialty windows. At the same time, Tower Ladder 13’s OVM, working from the bucket, was trying to vent the windows from the exterior with the same results. Their tools were bouncing off the windows and creating spider web type cracks without actually breaking through, similar to when a car’s windshield is struck with a rock. In addition to this lack of window ventilation, the heat and humidity had created a reverse stack effect in the building, further hindering the release of heat and smoke from the fire apartment. Ladder 16’s Aerial Ladder was eventually used to push the entire window and frame into the apartment to ventilate after the fire was extinguished. Ladder 13’s OVM, with help from their inside team, finally managed to remove the window on the Park Ave side of the building by tearing it away from the framework. Remarkably the glass was still intact. Unfortunately, a second 10-45 was found in the bathroom of the fire room after the fire was knocked down. This victim had succumbed to injuries resulting from severe conditions in the apartment. (Photo 1)
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During events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and detonation of explosive devices, one of the main mechanisms of injury is flying glass resulting from shattered windows. In response to such natural and man-made disasters, many facilities within New York City are taking advantage of new specialty window systems designed to protect occupants from projectile glass fragments that may result from blast, ballistic, or hurricane hazards. While these new windows offer greater safety for civilian occupants they present tactical and operational challenges to unsuspecting FDNY members because they are harder to break, and can withstand excessive force. Hurricane Effects Hurricanes deliver high force winds that subject buildings in their path to significant pressure. A 200-mile per hour wind can generate 1 pound per square inch (psi) of pressure on building surfaces. Window systems fail between 0.25 and 1 psi. In addition to the high pressures excreted, the turbulent and shifting nature of hurricane winds tend to turn everyday objects and debris into projectiles which can strike buildings and cause window breakage. Hurricane windows are designed to resist the high pressure winds and breakage from flying objects. They are rated to withstand the impact of either small or large “Missile” like objects. Resistance to “Missile” like objects is determined using the following test criteria • Large missile glass is designed and tested to withstand the pressure of a 9-pound 2x4 piece of lumber traveling at 50 feet per second (34 MPH). Windows that meet these criteria are typically found on the lower 30 feet of a building. (Photo 2) • Small missile glass is designed and tested to withstand the pressure of 10 steel ball bearings, weighing 2-gram, fired at the window at 80 feet per second (50MPH). Windows that meet these criteria are typically found above the 30foot level of a building. In addition to the “Missile” test, the glass is subjected to pressures that simulate winds of up to 200 miles per hour. If the window does not develop a hole larger than 1/16 inch by 5 inches in the inner layer of glass, the window is approved as a hurricane window. Ballistic windows Ballistic resistant windows are designed to resist bullets. They are most often used in high-security areas, such as federal courthouses, embassies, etc. However, window companies are also marketing ballistic windows to home owners in response to a perceived protection need for their family. Ballistic resistant windows generally contain all glass laminates or a combination of polycarbonate or Lexan material, as well as layers of glass. The combination of thick polycarbonate and glass layers makes ballistic resistant windows difficult for firefighters to break. Blast resistant windows Explosions produce a shock wave that consists of highly compressed air traveling outward from the source at high velocities, on the order of 3,000 ft/sec. These blast loads are generally very short in duration with very high pressures. As is well-known, actual bombing events have posed hazardous situations to buildings with ordinary windows. In response to such events, programs have been established to assess and evaluate explosive properties, identify structural vulnerabilities, and improve resistance to building attacks. Retrofits using blastresistant glass serve the dual purpose of protecting occupants from glass fragments generated in a bombing, while providing protection during high-wind conditions, and keeping out sound. (Photo 3)
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Installation of these windows meets the following objectives: • The primary objective is to reduce the risk posed by flying glass and debris being propelled, as window systems fail under blast loads. Blast resistant windows reduce the risk of severe injuries from these events. • A secondary goal is to reduce property damage. Blast resistant windows are generally made of very thick layers of laminated glass or laminate glass polycarbonate systems. Like hurricane and ballistic resistant windows, they also can be difficult for firefighters to break. Soundproof windows Sound proof windows are also “unbreakable” specialty windows. They are made of the same laminate material as hurricane windows and pose the same difficulty to firefighters having to break or cut them. Interestingly, occupants of building don’t need to have their windows replaced to get the luxury of sound proofing. There are many window companies in and around New York City selling a secondary window that is installed behind an existing window. This double type window may cause problems to unexpecting firefighters trying to enter or exit through them. (Photo 4) LEXAN windows LEXAN is used to replace glass in high vandalism areas in New York City. LEXAN is a polycarbonate glazing which has an impact resistance 250 times greater than safety glass. It is approved for installation in New York City schools for windows installed up to 75 feet in height. In some buildings, LEXAN windows are installed in the cellar and on first and second floors for security purposes. LEXAN windows are very difficult to ventilate since they cannot be broken by the use of conventional forcible entry tools. They can also be found in older telephone company buildings. (T.B. FIRES 4) Security window screens On October 17, 2011, members of the Boston Fire Department were operating at a 6th alarm fire that destroyed a large three story U-shaped apartment complex in the Roxbury section of Boston. On arrival, the first due companies were met with heavy fire conditions on the first floor and heavy smoke conditions could be seen on floors two and three. Occupants were trapped on the fire floor and the floors above. Security window screens hampered rescue efforts. Multiple strikes were attempted with axes to try to break these windows, but as illustrated in Photo 5, their effort was unsuccessful. Fortunately, by the conclusion of the operation, members of the Boston Fire Department were able to rescue 15 people from certain death. Security window screens may be used in HUD buildings but can be found in any type of structure. Theses screens are used to keep children from falling out and vandals from breaking in. The screens provide home security while still permitting ventilation. The security screens are made of steel rather than fiberglass or aluminum and can be coated to resemble regular insect screening. The tougher material resists knives and the weight of a person trying to force entry. The steel mesh is sandwiched inside a frame that is bolted together tightly so the mesh panel cannot be pulled out. Security screens are different from the removable insect screens in that they are permanently mounted. These screens are hinged on one side with a latch to facilitate emergency exit in case of fire or other emergency.
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Security Window Typing System The International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) has classified security windows into three basic types based on the tools and effort required for firefighters to exit or enter the windows. (Photo 6) • Type I Type I is usually thinner glazing which only requires hand tools. These windows generally take 10 to 60 seconds to clear. Firefighters usually do not see much of a difference between these windows and typical non-specialty window systems. • Type II Type II windows are more difficult to clear than Type I windows and may include laminated panes. Hand tools or power tools may be used. It may take 1 to 3 minutes to clear the window. Hurricane resistant windows usually fall into this category. Some of the thicker laminated panes of glass (which are hurricane resistant windows) border between Type II and Type III. • Type III Type III windows are challenging. Only power tools are effective. It may take 3 to 5 minutes or more to clear the window. Time to clear this type of window is highly dependent on the tool that you choose. Lessons Learned & Recommendations • For buildings under construction, FDNY units should contact the building contractor, owner, or architect to find out what types of windows are being installed. This information should be entered into the CIDS program. • Any member on the scene that becomes aware of security windows must inform the IC & all members operating on the fire ground. • If a fire area in a building is known or suspected to contain security windows, the IC should call for additional resources to address the possible delay in venting, locating fire, and fire extinguishment. • Emergency escape through these intact security windows should not be considered a viable option for occupants and FDNY members. • Alternate means of ventilation and emergency exit must be found when security windows cannot be breached. • Evaluation and determination of the presence of the specialty windows are very difficult during emergency size-up at the scene of an operation. Prior knowledge, through building familiarization on BISP, is paramount. • Currently there are no plans to label windows by classification. • Due to the airtight nature of these windows, there may be an increased potential for flashover, back draft or a smoke explosion. • Firefighters may encounter these types of windows in any structure in any part of New York City References: Diamond Plate-CTDP FireGuard “Specialty Window Systems” Training Bulletin Fires- 4 Lexan Authors: Lt Jayson Rigoli FF Ron Corsale Authors Contact info: Ron Corsale (631) 445-8380 Jayson Rigoli (212) 570-4239
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NORTH MERRICK
Bad Roofing Work Sparks Second Alarm Photos and Story by Kevin Madigan Additional Photos by Fred Kopf
On the afternoon of September 24th, the North Merrick Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke in the basement at 1715 Sutton Lane off of Meadowbrook Road. While responding, North Merrick First Assistant Chief James Rogers [6701] reported smoke showing while still a distance away. Upon arriving on the scene, the Chief immediately transmitted the Signal Ten [Working Fire]. This transmission was soon followed by a second alarm due to the heavy fire load in the two story private dwelling. North Merrick Engine 672 was the first engine to arrive on scene after picking up a hydrant on Meadowbrook Road. East Meadow Ladder 617, designated the original FAST, had the front of the home and was immediately put to work. Freeport responded to the scene with Tiller 218 and was put to work along with members of Roosevelt who brought a ladder to the fire. While these truck companies operated, North Bellmore came on scene with Ladder 657 and became the latest FAST. North Bellmore also sent one ambulance joined by Merrick Engine 641 and Bellmore Engine 601. Several handlines were put into operation to fight the fire but it took the master stream of Ladder 617 to hit the main body of fire. The fire grew so intense during the operation that a collapse occurred on the second floor. This collapse led to all members being pulled out of the home [Signal Forty-One] and an aggressive exterior attack was put into place. When the ceiling and roof gave way, one member was struck by the debris and was burned. The member was transported to an area hospital with burns to the neck and ears and later released. Just over one hour into the operation, a signal twelve [Under Control] was transmitted. Early signs pointed towards construction work being done by roofers that caused the fire. In later speaking with a news crew, a home owner stated that a worker asked to check the circuit breaker in the basement of the home. Upon making entry to the basement, the duo was met with a smoke condition. Despite several occupants being home at the time the fire started, everyone made it out safely. Standing by for North Merrick during the operation were units from Wantagh and Levittown among others. The cause remains under investigation and all fire department units were under the command of North Merrick’s First Assistant Chief Rogers [6701].
Click Here for More Photos of North Merrick’s House Fire
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Photo By Fred Kopf
Photo By Fred Kopf
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BRENTWOOD
One Car Overturned in Single Car Accident Photo and Stories by Ken Bradbury
On Wednesday, September 25th, at 650 PM, the Brentwood Fire Department was activated for a reported MVA with entrapment at the intersections of Peck Ave. and Candlewood Rd. Assistant Chiefs Mike Derbyshire [3-2-32] and John Boyle [3-2-33] both responded as well as 3-2-18, 3-2-12, and 3-26. Chief Boyle was first on the scene and found the victims had self-extricated themselves. It was only one vehicle involved but it was overturned and had taken down a telephone pole. Fortunately, only one occupant was transported by Brentwood VAC and all units where back in service within twenty minutes.
Click Here for More Photos of Brentwood’s Overturned MVA
RONKONKOMA Car Burns
Photo and story by Rob Garofalo The Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to this car fire on Wednesday, September 25th, at approximately 1920hrs in the Waldbaum’s Shopping Center on Union Avenue off of Main Street. Under the command of Chief Jon Santoli [5-24-31], members from first due Engine 12 made quick work of the engine compartment fire. Also on scene assisting was Engine 5 and EMS. No injuries were reported.
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Click Here for More Photos of Ronkonkoma’s Car Fire FD Rants News - Volume 2 Edition 14 - September 2013
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FD Rant News is a monthly 100% digital publication that delivers news and information about the fire service of Long Island to our subscribers and also uses multiple social media outlets [Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn] to promote our publication and our advertisers. We have over 24 correspondents covering emergency scenes and 10 authors who contribute educational articles each month. We have seen a 25% increase in subscribers in the last 6 months alone. Digital advertising has rapidly become the most effective way to reach consumers who choose to get their news and information online vs. in print media. Our format offers our readers speed and convenience in accessing your company’s products and services. With a single click, potential customers are linked directly to your company’s website. You choose the destination. We offer packages that include three banner ads strategically placed throughout our emergency scene coverage. In addition, we pool all of our advertisers on the last page of every edition for further convenience to our readers. So, you actually get four banner ads for the price of three. We also offer one-half and full page ads that allow you to bring more information to the readers about your company’s product line. CONTACT US today to find out about our advertising packages. Here are some of the highlights of our publication: • Currently we are serving over 4000 thousand of subscribers • We are rapidly becoming the number one source for news about the Long Island fire service. • Digital media and Internet marketing /advertising have rapidly replaced print advertising as the leading way to deliver your message to potential customers. Here are a few points to consider before you spend another advertising dollar for your company: • The cost to advertise with FD Rant News is up to 75% LESS than ads placed in similar print media publications. • Our advertising model is superior to newspaper ads since your potential customers are just a click away from your company’s website and contact information. • We are able to place multiple banner ads throughout our publication rather than in just one static location in print media. Each one is a direct link to your choice of websites or webpages. Multiple ads in a single edition help to “brand” your company and increases attention of the readers. • One-Half Page and Full Page ads get your message across to our audience while providing maximum exposure to your brand. • We offer graphic design services to assist you in creating the best possible banner ads for your company. FD Rant News offers many different subscription packages for all types of advertisers. Please CONTACT US today to discuss our pricing and availability of premium locations for our next issue.
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FARMINGVILLE
Mercedes Re-arranges Store
Story and Photos by Rob Garofalo – ESA Photography The Farmingville FD responded to this MVA, car vs. building, on Wednesday, September 25th, at 1007 hrs. The location was at the J & S Gift Shop on Portion Road. The driver of the Mercedes Benz apparently hit the accelerator instead of the brake, jumping the curb and crashing through the storefront, ending up about 25 feet inside. Under the command of Chief Al Licata [518-31], members from Rescue 8 secured the vehicle and assessed the building while EMS members evaluated the driver and his passenger. Both the driver and passenger were treated at the scene. Also on scene were the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal and the Building Inspector.
Click Here for More Photos of Farmingville’s Car Into Building
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SMITHTOWN
Crossover Accident Injures Two
Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News
On Wednesday, September 25th, a car travelling eastbound on Middle Country Road just passed Terry Road in Smithtown crossed over into oncoming traffic and crashed through a brick wall before hitting another automobile parked in the parking lot in front of 317 Middle Country Road. That vehicle was unoccupied. Assistant Chief Mike Landrigan [4-2-32] arrived on scene and advised 4-2-0 that he needed two ambulances and that no one was pinned. The elderly male driver of the vehicle and his elderly female passenger were able to get out of the vehicle on their own and were treated on the scene by EMS personnel from the Smithtown Fire Department. Both patients were transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center with undisclosed injuries in Ambulances 4-2-61 and 4-2-62. The cause of the accident was being investigated by Suffolk Police. The crew from Engine 4-2-4 secured the vehicle and units were up within 30 minutes.
Click Here for More Photos of Smithtown’s MVA
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COMMACK
Crews Make Quick Work of Morning Basement Fire Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News
On the morning of Thursday, September 26, at around 0735 hours, the Commack Fire Department, already out on a propane gas leak on the north side of town was advised by 2-11-0 [dispatch] of a basement fire at 23 August Crescent which is located on the south side of the district. With no chiefs on the road, 2-11-40 arrived on scene and advised Captain Bobby Wilkens [2-11-54] of smoke showing and a working basement fire at that location. A working fire [13/35] was transmitted and mutual aid requested. Engine 2-11-13 pulled up 1st due and stretched a 1 ¾” handline and advanced on the fire. Engine 2-11-4, who was already on the road for the gas leak, arrived as the 2nd due engine and took the hydrant and fed the 1st due engine. Crews worked quickly to knockdown the heavy fire in the basement with minimal extension to the 1st floor. In all, 2 lines were stretched and operated. Brentwood sent a RIT to the scene and East Northport sent an engine to standby at Commack’s HQ. Commack VAC was on scene with a medical command post. No injuries were reported and the cause was under investigation.
Click Here for More Photos of Commack’s House Fire
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SUPPORT OU 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.
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UR SPONSORS
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Jeff DiLavore is a past Chief of the Lakeview Fire Department [1999-2000], a Registered Nurse and
a former E MT-CC. He is also the owner of Nassau FD Rant and Suffolk FD Rant 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 De-
partment, 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 a t the Nassau County Fire Service Academy where he taught Technical Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Haz Mat, WMD a nd numerous other classes. Chief McNamara is currently the Adjunct Instructor for Distant Learning for the N assau FD.
Phil Lichtenberger is the owner of Monitor Long Island, Inc. which owns W2LIE.net, LongIsland-
FirePhotos.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.
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 s erves 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 C ommittee for 6 years. He is also the Owner of CPR PLUS LLC. Joe can be reached atcprplusllc@gmail.com.
Mike Capoziello 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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Duane Welliver is a 25 year member and former Fire Captain of the East Farmingdale Fire Depart-
ment. He currently serves as the Technical Rescue Captain and a Training Officer for the Department. He is a N.Y.S. Certified Fire Instructor II. Also has 10 years experience as a full time Instructor with the New York City Police Department. He can be reached at 631.505.3778 or via email at: FRSTraining@aol.com.
Jeff O’Toole joined the Fire Service in 1977, belonging to four different Nassau Departments. Pres-
ently a firefighter/ EMT-CC in Bethpage Engine & Ladder Co. 4, and an Assistant Decon Team Leader. He is active with the Hazmat/WMD Committee of the Nassau County Fire Commission. You can contact him at nchazmat@optonline.net.
Tim Ivers has been a Police Officer for 30 years. He has been with the NCPD Emergency Service Unit since 1995. P rior to working in the NCPD he was a Police Officer with the NYPD. He is a past member of the Levittown Fire Dept. In addition to the usual training and certifications necessary for the police department, he is a Haz-Mat Technician as well as a WMD Technician. He holds a NYS Certification in Vehicle Extrication and is trained and certified as a Hurst Extrication Tool instructor. Tim can be reached at: ESU2422@gmail.com
Lieutenant Jason J. Rigoli is a 14 year veteran of the FDNY assigned to Ladder 16 of Manhat-
tan. Prior assignments include Engine 275 and Ladder 55 as a firefighter. He holds an Associate degree in Management from SUNY at Farmingdale and an Associate degree in Applied Sciences from the Culinary Institute of America.
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