Volume 3, Edition 2 - February 2014
MASTIC BEACH Heavy Fire Greets Crew on Arrival
Photo by Tom Lambui
Mastic Beach members stretch the first line at a heavily involved house fire on February 10th. Full story on page 38.
FREEPORT - Rescues Multiple Pets at House Fire- Page 14 CENTRAL ISLIP - Water Supply Issues Hampers Operations - Page 24 YAPHANK - Mini Bus Blazes in Driveway - Page 29 DEER PARK - Occupants Injured, Pets Perish in Evening Blaze - Page 66 MASSAPEQUA - Fuel Truck Fire and Hazmat - Page 72
Owner/Editor/Publisher Jeff DiLavore
Page 2 Page 3 Pages 4-5 Pages 16 - 17
Table of Contents Editorial Faces of the Fire Service Talkin’ Fire Stuff
Associate Editor Dave Cook Associate Editor- Parade and Drill Kim Versheck Technical Editor Brian Welliver Graphic Editor Holly Luscher
By Mike Capoziello
Pages 48 - 49 Centerfold Pages 50 - 53 Radio Room
Social Media Consultant Mary Beth SteensonKraese
By Phil Lichtenberger
Pages 64 - 65 Apparatus of the Fire Service Pages 76 - 78 The Back of the Bus
Contributing Authors Phil Lichtenberger Jim McNamara Robert Senn Joe Laino Mike Capoziello Don Prince Pete Silver Duane Welliver Tim Ivers Jeff O’Toole
By Tom Cronogue
Pages 82-83 Page 84
Sponsors 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 Kevin Conn Lauren Cronemeyer Eric Devine Lauren Foschino Robert Garofalo Fred Kopf Paul Krussmann Tom Lambui Kevin Madigan Ralph Moniello Brian Olsen Dominic Orlando Chris Sabella Ron Schankin 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.
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FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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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 Winter just doesn’t seem to want to go away in 2014. Even though we got a brief reprise from the cold weather for a Spring-Like weekend in late February, the cold weather continued to be a factor in several major incidents this past month here on Long Island. We saw what type of problems the cold weather can cause when Central Islip had two separate fires where the hydrants they used at a fire were compromised which hindered each operation. It just re-affirms the importance of making sure secondary water resources are always secured at any incident because you never know when you’re going to lose water. After we went to final production for this edition, there were several major working fires that took place over the weekend of March 1st and 2nd. We will have full coverage of those incidents as well as dozens of others in next month’s edition. All of us here at FD Rant News would like to welcome yet another correspondent who will be providing coverage in Suffolk County. Kevin Conn is a firefighter in Mastic and will be covering scenes in southeast Suffolk. We would also like to welcome a salty veteran of the mean streets of Nassau and Suffolk County where he has spent more time in an ambulance than almost anyone else. Tom Cronogue will now become a regular contributor with his “Back of the Bus” articles. We would also like to congratulate Mark Bellew and CarolannHosey on their recent engagement. Mark has been a FD Rant News correspondent for over a year. All of us here wish you both a lifetime filled with happiness and joy. I was recently made aware that there is some thought that the FD Rant News is on its way to extinction. I would just like to let all of our loyal subscribers know that could not be more untrue. It seems there are some people out there [who never went down a hallway with a hoseline] who just love taking shots at us since we have become the #1 publication for the Long Island Fire Service while they continue to try to create problems for our correspondents as they work hard to get the coverage of fire and emergency scenes. I have always said that we have some of the best correspondents in the business. They are true professionals who respect the incident commanders on the scenes they cover and always operate with due regard to the proper authority[ies] who are in charge. Our correspondents don’t have fancy “official” titles but I wouldn’t trade them for anyone. Keep up the great work everyone.
You can view videos of several of the major incidents that have taken place over the past few months. As always, we would like to hear back from you. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at: FDRantNews@verizon.net or call us at 631.766.3287.
Ex-Chief Jeff DiLavore Publisher
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FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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FACES OF THE FIRE SERVICE Manhasset-Lakeville 1st due truck company at a recent attic fire in Lake Success
Members of Manhasset-Lakeville after a recent car fire
Photo by Lee Genser
Photo by Lee Genser
Members of Hempstead during overhaul at a recent building fire
captpain of wantagh 6911 at bellmore house fire on shore road
Members of ladder 657 maken entry into the house fire on shore rd
Photo by Fred Kopf.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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FACES OF THE FIRE SERVICE Brookhaven Chief Giuseppe Loiacono at Brookhaven Ice Drill
Holtsville members hook up the hydrant at a arecent house fire
Photo by Thomas J Lambui.
Members of Brookhaven on the scene of a recent fire in Mastic
FF Jim LoDuca and Lt. Joe Fagan of the Kings Park Fire Department on the scene of a recent MVA
Photo by Thomas J Lambui.
-Photo by Jeff DiLaovre
Manhasset-Lakeville Co#4 Capt. Mike Adams with Probationary FF Tim Bury & FF Anthony Dilluvio at a recent fire
Members of Brookhaven participate in a recent water rescue drill
Photo by Thomas J Lambui.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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MASTIC
Multi Agency Response to Pin Job Story and Photos by Kevin Conn
On January 15, 2014 at approximately 0737 hours Mastic Ambulance Company and Mastic Fire Department were activated for a Motor Vehicle Accident with a reported person trapped on Sunrise Service Road vicinity of Fulton Ave. Mastic Fire Department Assistant Chief Rudy Sunderman [5-12-31] upon arrival confirmed and advised Heavy Rescue 5-12-10 that a driver was entrapped in her SUV with a chain-link fence and trees up against the driver’s side door blocking access to that side of the vehicle. Mastic Ambulance crew started patient care of the driver and upon arrival of 5-12-10, the Hurst tools were put into place to remove the roof of the vehicle to gain quick access to the patient. The Fire and Ambulance crews then worked together to remove the female driver from the vehicle who was then transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries by Mastic Ambulance Company.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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LONG BEACH, ISLAND PARK, POINT LOOKOUT-LIDO, ATLANTIC BEACH Local Chiefs Honored by TD Bank Story and Photo by Zachary B. Grunther
On Wednesday evening January 15th, the Long Beach Fire Department along with Point Lookout-Lido, Island Park and Atlantic Beach Rescue were honored by TD Bank in Long Beach for their heroic actions performed during Super Storm Sandy. Pictured from Left to right: Chief Dan Wiener Point Lookout-Lido [2501], Chief James Walsh Point Lookout-Lido [2500], Chief Brian Guerin Point Lookout-Lido [2502], Chief Antonio Cueves Long Beach [231], Liz Le Sheur from TD Bank, Chief Anthony D'Esposito Island Park [221], Chief Ed Madden Island Park [221A], and [far right] Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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BRENTWOOD
Department Battles Their First Worker for the Year Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
http://www.k2mphotography.com/Firefighting/ Brentwood-Fire-Department-/37-Bradley-Street-1-25-14/
Around eight in the morning on January 25th, the Brentwood Fire Department was alerted to a reported structure fire at 37 Bradley Street between Marshall and Nimitz Avenues. The first units to arrive on scene were met with smoke showing from the residence leading to the transmission of the working fire [13/35] – Brentwood’s first in 2014. Two lines were stretched with one going into operation off of first due Engine 3-2-15. The main body of fire was in the basement of the home with extension to the first floor. Within a few minutes firefighters had all visible fire knocked down and the “opening up” process began. Islip and Bay Shore were notified as mutual aid units during the operation. All fire departments units were under the command of Brentwood Assistant Chief William Peterson [31].
YAPHANK
Vehicle into Woods
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui-FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Saturday, January 25th at approximately 19:00 hours, Yaphank’s Bravest responded to an alarm of an MVA, car into woods, after the woman driving this Hyundai lost control while turning from the east bound LIE exit 66 service road onto Rt. 101 north and ended up in the woods. Yaphank’s members had to cut through thick brush and woods to get to the vehicle where they stabilized the driver and removed her from the vehicle. She was transported to the hospital by Yaphank F.D. ambulance.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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MIDDLE ISLAND
Friends of Ira Marguiles Fundraiser Dinner
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui-FD Rant News/LiHotShots
Donations can be made to: Friends of Ira Marguiles Middle Island F.D. 31 Arnold Drive Middle Island, N.Y. 11953
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
On Saturday January 25th, The Middle Island F.D. hosted a dinner to raise funds and assist Ira Marguiles, an ALS provider with Middle Island F.D., Rocky Point F.D., Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corp., and a retired N.Y.C. Corrections Officer. Ira was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and has been unable to work and support his family. The dinner was attended by many of Long Island’s 1st responders and Ira’s friends and family at a cost of only $10/person which entitled you to a spaghetti dinner, salad, dessert, and a Chinese auction ticket. Additional Chinese auction tickets were available as well as a 50/50. Reportedly, a number of fundraising efforts are in the works to help Ira and his family with his medical bills and basic household expenses.
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MERRICK Officers Installed
Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
On the night of Saturday, January 18th, 2014 the Merrick Fire Department held its ninetieth installation dinner. The event was held at the Uniondale Marriott and saw the installation of new officers and the department secretary along with other recognitions throughout the night. These other recognitions included awarding members who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to save lives along with members who had reached the twenty-five year plateau. Of the officers installed, the most significant were the Assistant Chiefs along with the Chief of Department. With the new year Thomas Gies became the Merrick’s Second Assistant Chief [6402], Christopher Clement the First Assistant Chief [6401], and Paul Waterman as the Chief of Department for the Merrick Fire Department [6400]. Chief Michael Gargan was also honored for his tenure as Chief of Department during the prior year and helping to lead the department through Hurricane Sandy. Various dignitaries were present during the event to officially install and congratulate all those being recognized inside the Marriott Ballroom. K2M Photography would like to wish all the men and women of the Merrick Fire Department the best of luck over the next year and to make it a safe one. Members of six four zero thank you for your continued support.
http://www.k2mphotography.com/ Firefighting/Merrick-Fire-Department/ Merrick-Installation-1-18-14/
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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SELDEN
Special Needs Children Stuck on Hill, Brothers Lend a Hand
After a quick temperature drop on January 10, 2014, a school bus operator found her bussliding back down an icy Highview dr. in Selden just after 930 a.m., trapping the driver and two special needs children on the bus sideways on the hill on a sheet of glass for a roadway. The crew from 5-25-14, under the command of Capt. Diaz who formulated a quick rescue plan, was able to get the three people from the bus and place them in a heated fire truck at the bottom of the hill in their rescue truck.
MALVERNE
4th Battalion Holds Annual Burn Center Fundraiser Story and Photo by Dominic Orlando - South Nassau Fire Photo
On January 26th, the Malverne Fire Department hosted the 4th Battalion’s Annual Burn Center Fundraiser in an effort to raise the much needed funding for the Nassau County Burn Center. The fundraiser went off without a hitch with a large turn out from departments from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th battalions as well as many family and friends of the fire service. Lunch which was donated by area caterers as well as raffle prizes which were donated from local businesses. The donations helped make the fundraiser a complete success along with live music provided by East Rockaway Firefighter Joseph Chojnacki of Liberty Hose Co 1. with his band Switch. The event turned in to a great time for all that attended and an excellent fundraiser in support of the burn center. Outstanding job by the Malverne Fire Dept. as gracious hosts led by Chief of Dept. Scott Edwards (4300) and his 2 deputy chiefs Chief Scott Rung (4301) and Chief James Lang (4302) all in attendance.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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MANHASSET-LAKEVILLE Working Car Fire
Story by Kirk Candan Photos by Lee Genser On Thursday, January 26th, 2014, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Engines 8758 and 8740 extinguished a working vehicle fire in the parking lot of 2335 New Hyde Park Road. Deputy Chiefs Garrigan [8703], Candan [8704], Farrone [8705] and Chief Pisani [8702] were also on scene.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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EAST ROCKAWAY
Cadillac Luxury Lost in Freezing Waters
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
http://www.k2mphotography.com/ Firefighting/East-Rockaway-Fire-
VALLEY STREAM
A Nassau County police officer patrolling the East Rockaway area was flagged down by a group of civilians on the morning of January 26th for a report of a car into the water. As the officer arrived on scene at the end of Althouse Avenue, just off of Dock Street, he was met with a confirmed car into the water. Fortunately the driver of the vehicle, the only one inside the auto, was able to free himself from the auto and was on street level when the officer arrived. The East Rockaway Fire Department along with Nassau County ESU and Marine Bureau were notified of the incident. The driver was transported by East Rockaway Fire Department Ambulance 408 to an area hospital for treatment. Sometime later the vehicle, a late model Cadillac sedan, was removed from the water. Nassau County Police remained on scene until the vehicle was removed and the scene secured. The cause of the accident remained under investigation.
MVA w/ Ejection
Photos and Story by Dominic Orlando South Nassau Fire Photo After an already busy day for the Valley Stream Fire Dept., the evening of January 27 brought no break in the action. At around 9:45, the members of Valley Stream were alerted for a motor vehicle accident with ejection on West Merrick Rd with a request from NCPD on scene for a forthwith response for an ambulance. Upon arrival of NCPD, a female patient was discovered unconscious laying in the road way in dire need of medical attention. Nassau County Emergency Ambulance Bureau Ambulance 2365 arrived on scene and began treating the patient and preparing for the transport to Winthrop Hospital. Originally, aviation was requested but cancelled and the patient was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Of note, the injuries sustained as stated by the ambulance en route were a possible head injury which warranted the request for a trauma team upon arrival at the hospital. The patient later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Valley Stream Fire Dept. members remained on scene to assist in securing the accident scene for the detective squad to conduct an accident investigation into the details of the accident. A fast response at a critical time along with excellent interoperability led to a seamless transition from fire department personnel to EAB personnel for a speedy transport of the patient.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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FREEPORT
Cats Rescued in House Fire Story and Photos by Fred Kopf
Freeport House fire on January 23rd, 2014 at 14 Noon PlaceOne resident suffered smoke inhalation and several family cats were rescued after a fire broke out in a South Freeport home in freezing weather on Thursday afternoon January 23rd, 2014. At 3:50PM, the Freeport Fire Department was alerted to a report of a house fire at 14 Noon Place between South Bayview Avenue and Branch Avenue. First arriving units found a working fire on the second floor, exposure four side of a two story, peaked roof, wood frame occupied private dwelling. One line was stretched to the second floor and had most visible fire knocked down within minutes before it could extend beyond the original fire room. A second line was put into operation to extinguish burning debris that was being thrown out of the fire building during opening up & overhaul. Firefighters conducting primary searches found several family cats that were removed from the residence. Mutual aid from the North Merrick Fire Department for an additional truck, and a FAST Truck from the Merrick Fire Department were called into the scene along with an ambulance from the Baldwin Fire Department. The Baldwin bus transported the occupant of the home to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze which was fought in 18 degree weather with a wind chill of zero. No other injuries were reported. FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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TALKIN’ FIRE STUFF YOU’RE AN EX: NOW WHAT? By Mike Capoziello
PART 1 Your journey to this point is over. You’ve risen through the ranks and achieved a gold badge for life. Hopefully, along the way you have done the job to the best of your abilities and gained the respect of your fellow firefighters. You have your plaques and installation dinner mugs adorned with your name, your 8 x 10 glossy hanging in the Department hall along with all the others who have travelled this path. You also have priceless experiences and memories to take with you the rest of your life. If you’re an Ex-Captain, same thoughts only silver badge, no dinner mugs and less 8 x 10’s. To some, this is the turning point in your fire service career. EX status, Blue dot special, used to be, hasbeen. Now what? Unlike career Chiefs and Captains, a Long Island volunteer will have the opportunity to remain an active member of their department when their time in that particular rank comes to an end. This means once again preforming duties as a plain old firefighter, riding backwards on the rig once again. When this time arrives, you will have to decide whether to retire and ride off into the sunset with your badge or make the transition back into the rank and file, and return to where you came from. For some this is a tough thing to do. For some, it may be hard to realize that one day you are a “Boss”- a driving force of your company or department’s direction, running the show- and the next you are back to being a voice from the peanut gallery, watching the show. But all good things must come to an end, and what goes up must come down. From my years of witnessing this phenomenon firsthand as well as talking with fellow firefighters from all over the country at conventions, seminars and fire service web site forums, I have found that there are basically two roads from which to choose when you come to this fork in the road of your firefighting career. ROAD #1: THE “I CAN’T LET GO” ROAD This road is where certain individuals will sit back at the firehouse and forever tell tales of how it was done when they were the Chief or the Captain. They will be the malicious pot stirrer in the back of the room, making it hard for the new chiefs and officers to do their job, contributing nothing constructive to the well-being and growth of the company or department’s future. Maybe they will settle into a steady chauffeur’s role and observe from the pump panel or turntable, proclaiming to anyone who will listen how it’s all being done WRONG. FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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Some of these individuals will seek election as a fire commissioner in departments run by fire districts or will become wardens or trustees in village departments. These individuals will then try to run things from a commissioner’s or warden’s chair. Forgetting where they came from and many times doing what they criticized most when they were in the Officers seat. Namely “Those damn commissioners why don’t they let the Chiefs and Officers run the department!” Worse is when these individuals’ make decisions based on how things were when they were a Chief or Captain. In some cases 20 and 30 years ago! How many of you have heard comments like “When I was Chief we didn’t have that.” Or “When I was the Captain we didn’t need those things.” These important positions demand proactive and progressive thinking individuals PERIOD. These statements may sound a bit harsh but unfortunately this is a fact of life within the volunteer fire service, especially here on Long Island, where chiefs and officers rotate indefinitely. I would not be going out on a limb in predicting everyone reading this has probably known someone who fits this profile at one time or another. With all that said if you’re an EX, or about to become one, you most defiantly need to choose your road wisely. The road you choose may define your future and quite possibly your reputation within your department. What do you do? You can be like the individuals described above and refuse to let go and even rerun for your old position. Or you can accept the end of your specific term as being OVER and realize it’s time to focus on a new role for yourself within your department. Take a step back and ask yourself how can I help improve things? What needs to be done? When your term as Chief or Captain comes to an end, there almost always is a list of things, that for whatever reason, you did not have time to complete. Can those things be accomplished in your new role? Can you help the “new guy” in your former position accomplish them? There is always “stuff” to be done. Next time we will discuss the 2nd road to travel down. Be safe and keep’em rolling!
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.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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ISLAND PARK
Continuing to Move Forward after Sandy Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan
http://www.k2mphotography.com/Firefighting/Wetdowns/Island-Park-1-26-14/ On Sunday, January 26th, the Island Park Fire Department held a wet down ceremony inside Island Park Fire Headquarters for their new 2014 Ford Ambulance, designated 222 and mobile breathing air support unit designated 220C. These newest additions to the Island Park Fire Department replace equipment that was badly damaged, if not lost completely, as a result of Hurricane Sandy. 220C and 222 are the first major pieces of equipment to be replaced since the storm struck in October of 2012. Best of luck to the Island Park Fire Department with these new additions!
FREEPORT
Last Fare Collected for Taxi
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography At 18:09 hours on January 28th, the Freeport Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of South Long Beach Avenue and Rose Street. Engines 211 and 213 along with Ambulance 219 and fire police were assigned the run. Upon arriving on scene, units were met with a two vehicle accident with the two drivers both ambulatory. One passenger was transported from the scene to an area hospital by Nassau County prior to the fire department’s arrival. Of the two drivers, one refused medical attention while the other was evaluated by medical personnel. All fire department units were under the command of Freeport Assistant Chief Thomas Butler [2102].
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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BROOKHAVEN
Commercial Fire Displaces Residents
Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo – ESA Photography The Brookhaven FD responded to this commercial structure fire on Friday, January 31st at approximately 0230hrs. With several reports coming in from dispatch, it was clear they were going to work. Under the command of Chief Tom Connors [5-3-31] a working fire was promptly transmitted for visible fire on the 3 and 4 corner. With apartments above, members needed to aggressively attack the fire. First due Engine 2, being supplied with a 5� line, stretched the primary attack line to the seat of the fire while members from Truck 1 performed vent, entry and search operations. With all searches negative, efforts were directed to quickly getting ahead of the fire before it consumed the entire structure. Subsequently, two handlines were placed into operation with an extensive overhaul following. The Brookhaven FD was assisted at the scene by the Hagerman FD for RIT and the Bellport, Mastic and Yaphank fire departments as well as South Country Ambulance. Also on scene was Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Bob Smith [50-4]. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal as well as the SCPD Arson Squad. The American Red Cross was notified to assist with at least 7 residents that were displaced.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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BROOKHAVEN
Driver Walks out of Overturn
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Thursday January 30th, at approximately 22:10 hours, Brookhaven’s Bravest were banged out for a reported over turn on Montauk Highway, just west of Orient Ave. Upon arrival, firefighter’s discovered that a car had in fact struck a telephone pole and had overturned but the driver was able to selfextricate. B.F.D.’s members secured the vehicle and the scene while E.M.S. tended to the driver and transported her to a local hospital.
MASTIC
Afternoon Basement Job
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Friday January 31st, at approximately 13:30 hours, the Mastic F.D. was toned out for a reported basement fire at 175 Lexington Road in Shirley. A crew from Mastic Ambulance was first to arrive on the scene and advised incoming Mastic F.D. units that there was a heavy smoke condition emanating from the exposure four side entry door and that the occupants, who were home at the time, had evacuated with only minor smoke inhalation injuries. Upon arrival, the first due Mastic F.D. unit transmitted a 13/35 for a working basement fire and requested mutual aid from Brookhaven and Mastic Beach F.D.’s. Mastic and their mutual aid dept.’s made quick work of the smoky basement job and had the fire knocked down and under control in under a half hour.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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BELLMORE
Auto Alarm Turned Working Fire Photo and video by Paul Krussmann
http://lnbn.smugmug.com/BellmoreFD/ Bellmore-fD-House-fire-410-Sho/i-GqMmg9t
Around 9 am on Monday January 27, 2014, the Bellmore fire department was called for an automatic alarm at 410 shore road. When Engine 603 arrived on scene, they told 650 they had smoke showing. North Bellmore was mutual aided for ladder 657 due to ladder 606 being out of service. When Bellmore Chief 600-03 arrived on scene, he transmitted a signal 10 (Working Fire). The home owner advised the Chief that he had a wood burning stove in the rear of the house. When ladder 657 started doing their searches, they reported that they had fire in the rear of the house that started to extend to the second floor. Two lines off of 603 were put into operation; one to the rear and one through the front door. Wantagh ladder 6911 was called for the fast team. Bellmore command also called for standby units to stand by their main house. Seaford was called for a ladder, Wantagh for an engine and North Merrick for an ambulance. The fire was brought under control within the hour and command requested the fire marshal for a routine investigation.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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RONKONKOMA Unintended Off-Roading
Story and Photo by Robert Garofalo – ESA Photography The Ronkonkoma FD responded to this single vehicle MVA on the afternoon of Monday, January 27th at approximately 1330hrs. The accident occurred in the eastbound lanes of the LIE at Patchogue-Holbrook Road. The driver of the Toyota apparently lost control, first striking the concrete center divider and then crossing four lanes of traffic where she left the road, striking numerous small trees before coming to rest about 100’ in the woods. Under the command of 1st Assistant Chief Jon Santoli [524-31], members from Rescue 8 secured the vehicle while EMS personnel tended to the injured driver. The patient was transported http://esaphotos.smugmug.com/Ronkonkomato Stony Brook University Medical Center in FD/Ronkonkoma-FD-12714-1330hrs/36620908_ Ambulance 2. Fire Police assisted the SCPD with traffic control for the duration of the alarm.
BALDWIN
Punch Buggy Punched
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography On the night of January 29th, 2014 the Baldwin Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with reported overturn in front of 2091 Grand Avenue. Upon arriving on scene, firefighters were met with a confirmed overturn in which the driver was able to free herself prior to the responders’ arrival. The driver of the overturned auto was the only person involved as the other vehicles were parked. The driver of the Toyota sport utility vehicle was checked out by medical personnel on scene and it was unknown if she went on to be transported to the hospital. All fire department units were under the command of Baldwin Chief of Department Craig Yanantuono [205].
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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CENTRAL ISLIP
Mattress Fire Injures One and Destroys Home Story by Jeff Dilavore – FD Rant News Photos by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography
A fire at 43 Storey Avenue in Central Islip just after 11am on Tuesday morning January 28, 2014 started as a mattress fire and steadily grew into a large blaze, consuming much of the 2 story home. The resident’s attempt to remove the mattress was unsuccessful. Upon arrival, Fire Marshal Chris Pross [37-40] advised of smoke and fire showing and a 13/35 [working fire] was transmitted. Mutual aid for a RIT brought Brentwood to the scene and later Islip Terrace replaced them later on. Hauppauge sent an engine to the scene as well. Chief Kevin McAteer [3-7-30] was the Incident Commander and advised of heavy fire coming for the 1-2 side of the home. 1st due Engine 3-7-1 had problems securing a water supply when the first hydrant they attempted to use was damaged. The second hydrant was secured but during the operation became frozen. Meanwhile, the crew from Engine 3-7-1 stretched a 1 ¾ inch hand line to the front door to begin the attack. When the positive water supply was lost, Chief McAteer called for all members operating in the building to exit and an exterior attack was ordered. A third hydrant was secured and the MacArthur Crash Rescue tanker was requested to the scene. Assistant Chief Patrick Murphy [37-33] was directing operations in the rear of the building. Due to the heavy fire conditions and structural compromise, the Town of Islip building inspectors deemed the building uninhabitable. A total of seven departments were activated for this alarm. One firefighter was injured and transported to University hospital in Stony Brook by CI-Hauppauge VAC for minor injuries and later released. All units were released about 3 hours later. East Islip and Islip provided coverage with an engine each at Central Islip’s quarters.
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http://onscenephotography.
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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VALLEY STREAM Cardboard to House Fire
Story by Dominic Orlando - South Nassau Fire Photo Pictures Courtesy of Mike Colluci – VSFD
On January 28th, the Valley Stream Fire Dept. received an alarm for a report of a house fire on Cornwell Ave in Valley Stream. While members raced to their respective stations to mount apparatus and respond in, Chiefs on scene transmitted the working fire [Signal 10] upon arrival with heavy flames and smoke visible from the exterior of the home. The first due engine quickly sprung to action with an aggressive fire attack with other units arriving shortly after. For mutual aid the Malverne Fire Dept. responded with an additional ladder truck to the scene with Hewlett Fire Dept. providing the FAST. Additional units from Elmont, Lawrence Cedarhurst and Woodmere Fire Departments stood by at Valley Stream’s Headquarters. With a decent knock down and a job well done, the origin of the fire was determined to be cardboard left on a stove in the basement of the structure which quickly extended throughout the house. The Valley Stream Fire Department, as always, did an excellent job of fire control and with no injuries or incident. All involved were very professional and led to a safe yet aggressive operation with as little damage done to the house outside of the damage caused by the fire. The residents of Valley Stream are very fortunate to have a great and capable fire dept. and should rest easy knowing they are on the job.
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RIVERHEAD Car vs. Tree
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots Ambulance crews tend to victim of a car accident in Riverhead Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014.At approximately 21:00 hours on Wednesday, January 29th, the Riverhead P.D. and Riverhead Ambulance were notified of a car accident which occurred at 27 Dolphin Way in Riverhead. A woman was injured when the Subaru Forester she was in lost control while traveling southbound on Dolphin Way; narrowly missed striking a telephone pole, skidding across the front lawn of 27 Dolphin Way and eventually striking a large tree. Riverhead ambulance crews had to remove the woman from the vehicle and transport her to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment. The extents of her injuries were unknown at this time.
HUNTINGTON MANOR DWI Van Driver Crashes into House Story and Photos by Ron Schankin
On Saturday February 1st, at 2335 hours, the Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to a report of a car that hit a house with entrapment on West Hills Road and 8th Ave in Huntington Station. 2nd Assistant Chief Mike DePasquale [2-4-32] confirmed that a vehicle did strike the house; however, there was no pin. Manor firefighters secured the vehicle and the heavily damaged house and utilities. The driver of the van was transported to Huntington Hospital by Huntington Community First Aid Squad with nonlife threatening injuries. No one inside the house was injured. Suffolk County Police later arrested the driver at the hospital and charged him with D.W.I.
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YAPHANK Mini-bus Blaze
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots In the early morning hours of Thursday, January 20th at approximately 0100 hours, the Yaphank F.D. was notified and responded to reports of a school bus on fire in the driveway of a home which was threatening to extend to the structure at 23 Timber Trail Lane in Medford. Under the command of Chief Chris Austin [05-30-30], firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it could damage the dwelling.
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RIDGE
Ice rescue drill
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui-FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Feb. 1, 2014 at 09:30 hrs., a chilly Saturday morning, the Ridge F.D. members enjoyed a leisurely swim at an ice rescue drill/training session. Members prepped the drill site on Lake Panamoka by cutting out two large sections of ice using chain saws, then using pike poles to push the cut sections down and under the ice, out of the way. Ridge’s bravest then took turns as rescuer and victim (all wearing Viking water rescue suits), performing various rescue techniques to remove victim and rescuer alike from the frigid lake waters and transferring the victims to awaiting EMS crews for treatment. At the end of the training exercise the sections of ice were slid back into place to close up the holes helping the area to freeze quicker and prevent wayward pedestrians or skaters from falling in.
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EASTPORT Snowy Over Turn
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui-FD Rant News/LiHotShots A Chevrolet cargo-van lies in median on Route 51 in Eastport on Monday, February 3rd. The driver of this van was injured when he lost control while traveling on Route 51 south. The Suffolk County PD, Suffolk Sherriff’s units, East Moriches Volunteer Ambulance, and Eastport F.D. responded to the accident which occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. The male driver of the vehicle was transported by an East Moriches ambulance to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead with minor injuries. Eastport Chiefs William Weick [5-8-30] and Mike Tortorice [5-8-32] were on scene and in command.
MASTIC BEACH Neither Snow Nor Rain‌..
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui-FD Rant News/LiHotShots Two people were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Mastic Beach on Thursday, February 6th. Firefighters and EMS crews from Mastic Beach had to use the "Jaws of Life" to cut a postal worker out of the wreckage of their mail truck when it was struck by a male driving a Mitsubishi Galant. The accident occurred at approx. 10:50 a.m. when the driver of the Mitsubishi sedan lost control while traveling south bound on the William Floyd Parkway, between Brushwood Drive and Tallwood Road, and hit the postal truck whose driver was delivering mail. Both drivers were taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital. SCPD 7th Pct. officers are investigating.
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NORTH PATCHOGUE
Wrong Way Driver Causes Head-On Collision Story and Photo by Robert Garofalo – ESA Photography
The North Patchogue FD responded to this two car MVA on Tuesday, February 4th at approximately 2220hrs. The head-on collision happened on the eastbound service road of Sunrise Highway west of Route 112. The driver of the white VW was reportedly driving the wrong way when she collided with the black Toyota sedan. Under the command of Chief Tom Volpe [5-17-31], members from Engines 2 and 3 secured the vehicles while EMS personnel tended to a total of three patients. The three injured motorists were transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital with various injuries.
http://esaphotos.smugmug.com/North-PatchogueFD/North-Patchogue-FD-2414/36803534_
ISLAND PARK Manhole Troubles
Story and Photo by Dominic Orlando South Nassau Fire Photo
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
The Island Park Fire Dept. responded on February 6th to a manhole fire in front of Chase Bank, 212 North Long Beach Rd., and the second day in a row. This time smoke from the manhole pushed through the conduit under the ground and into the bank’s meter room where smoke proceeded to enter the rest of the bank. With a quick response by 2nd Assistant Chief Steven Ruscio [221B] and Engines 224 and 225, the situation was assessed and a request for PSE&G [Sig 27E] was made to Long Beach Fire Dispatch. Although this was a second occurrence of this incident, the members of the Island Park Fire Dept. responded fast and conducted themselves professionally in keeping within the highest traditions of the fire service.
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NORTH AMITYVILLE
Firefighters Battle Blaze and the Elements
Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
http://www.k2mphotography.com/Firefighting/North-Amityville-Fire-Company/69-Offaly-Street-2314/
At approximately 07:25 hours on the snow filled morning of February 3rd, the North Amityville Fire Company was first alerted to a reported structure fire at 69 Offaly Street, between Brandon and Columbia Avenues. Those first to arrive on the scene were met with heavy fire on the first floor of a private dwelling quickly extending up to the second floor. The working fire [13/35] was immediately transmitted and with this Amityville alerted to respond as the Rapid Intervention Team. South Farmingdale was also notified to respond to the scene with one engine and one ambulance. North Amityville Engine 1-7-1 was the first engine company on scene and put at least two lines into operation while Amityville Ladder 1-1-5 was the first truck company to arrive on scene. During the operation the stairs to the second floor become compromised due to the fire load and firefighters later had due to improvise using a portable ladder for access. Within approximately thirty minutes firefighters had the main body of fire knocked down. Mutual aid units on scene included South Farmingdale Engine 973 and Ambulance 976, Amityville Engine 1-1-4, Ladder 1-1-5 and Ambulance 1-1-11 along with East Farmingdale Engine 1-5-1. All fire department units were under the command of North Amityville’s Chief of Department Charlie Scudlo [1-7-30].
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NORTH PATCHOGUE MVA in Blizzard like Conditions
Story and Photo by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography On February 3rd, during a heavy snowfall, North Patchogue firefighters responded to a reported heavy rescue with one subject trapped on route 112 at Old Medford Road. In the blizzard like conditions, both drivers were transported to Brookhaven hospital for treatment.
RONKONKOMA Quick Work
Story and Photo by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography On February 6, 2014, just before night fall, the Ronkonkoma Fire Dept. responded to a working fire in the rear of an automotive garage on Ronkonkoma Ave., just south of the L.I.E. The first Chief to arrive had fire coming from a self-vented hole in the roof and quickly transmitted the working fire. Firefighters from Ronko made a quick interior attack knocking down the fire before any extensive damage could occur. The Ronkonkoma Fire Department was assisted by Lakeland fire department for R.I.T and all units packed up less than 1 hour after activation.
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FREEPORT
More Work for a Seemingly Busy Year Story and Photos by Fred Kopf
What has turned into a busy fire year so far for the Freeport Fire Department continued as members found themselves called out in frigid temperatures to battle a house fire on Parsons Avenue Monday February 10th, 2014. At 0857 hours the department was directed to respond to 74 Parsons Avenue between Frederick and Harrison for a reported house fire. Wide Awake Engine 216 arrived on scene moments later and transmitted a signal 10 for fire in the basement of a private dwelling. First Assistant Chief James Walsh arrived on scene and assumed command and gave a more complete picture to incoming units. He reported fire in the basement of a two story, 20x50, wood frame private dwelling with extension to the first floor. An aggressive push by the first due companies had the fire knocked down within minutes of putting the lines into operation. Members then were tasked with opening up and exposing hidden fire in the walls on the exposure three and four side of the dwelling. All searches proved negative and no injuries were reported. One local resident was arrested after he was found damaging a Freeport engine that had positioned itself on a hydrant and was blocking the resident’s car. The subject became violent and was placed under arrest by Freeport Police Officers. The Baldwin Fire Department supplied a FAST truck to the scene while units from Baldwin, North Merrick, Oceanside, Point Lookout Lido and Baldwin stood by at Freeport Fire headquarters.
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ROCKY POINT High Maintenance MVA
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots The Rocky Point F.D. responded to the scene of a two car accident in Rocky Point on Thursday, February 6th, 2014. A BMW and a Cadillac collided at the intersection of Rt. 25a and Brookhaven Dr. at approximately 13:15 hours, injuring both drivers, one seriously. The driver of the Cadillac refused medical attention at the scene but the driver of the BMW was transported by ambulance to the hospital with serious injuries.
RIDGE
Didn’t make it to Grandma’s House
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On February 7th, 2014, Firefighters from the Ridge Fire Department were called to extinguish a car fire in Strathmore Ridge Development. The SCPD and Ridge F.D. responded to this car fire at approximately 16:15 hours near Valley Forge Ct. in the Strathmore Ridge development. The car fire was about 200' deep into the woods behind the development. Firefighters had to pull about 300' of line uphill and through deep snow (yeah, yeah, both ways) to extinguish the fully involved vehicle. Chiefs Mike Gray and Shawn Davis were on scene and in command. The vehicle reportedly belonged to a maintenance man who was trimming and disposing of tree branches.
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HOLTSVILLE
Hard Hit Requires Heavy Rescue
Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo – ESA Photography The Holtville FD responded to this single vehicle collision with Heavy Rescue on Friday February 14th at approximately 1230hrs. The accident involving a work van happened in the southbound lanes of CR97 at the LIE. Under the command of Chief of Department Joe Castiglione [5-11-30], members from Rescue 4 and 12 placed several hydraulic tools into operation to free the injured male driver. Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Units 1 and 6 were also on scene assisting with the extrication. Holtsville’s First Responder and members from EMS 16 maintained patient contact and care throughout the extrication. Once extricated, the driver was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center with numerous injuries. Also on scene assisting with the road closure was Fire Police 9.
http://esaphotos.smugmug.com/HoltsvilleFD/Holtsville-FD-21414-1230hrs/37037657_ JbTC3s#!i=3075135291&k=X7HHWFr
BROOKHAVEN Ice Drill in Frigid Temps
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On the frigid morning (well, ya couldn’t have an ice drill if the temperatures are above freezing now, can you?) of Sunday, February 9th, the Brookhaven F.D. held an ice drill at the boat launch ramp of the Shirley Marina. Chief Giuseppe Loiacono ran the drill, running his members (all wearing Mustang survival suits and on safety lines) through the paces of the different procedures of extricating a victim who had fallen thru the ice. A few of the “victims” were realistically combative with their respective rescuers, making the recoveries difficult, albeit enjoyable to watch.
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MASTIC BEACH Afternoon Blaze
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Monday February 10th, 2014, at approximately 12:50 hours, the Mastic Beach F.D. was banged out for a reported house fire at 22 Pinewood Dr. with reports of smoke and flames visible through the trees. A 13/35 [working fire] was transmitted by the first arriving unit and mutual aid was requested from Mastic and Brookhaven fire departments. The fire was in an extremely advanced stage when units first arrived with flames visible, and auto exposing from all four exposures (blow torching out the 2nd floor exp. 2 and 4 windows). The fire had also vented through the roof. Mastic Beach’s Bravest made an aggressive interior attack, bringing the fire under control and saving the structure in under a half an hour. There were unconfirmed reports that a woman left a hair iron on a bed which then ignited. There were no reported injuries at this time.
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BLUE POINT Morning Work
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Tuesday, February 11th, at approximately 09:50 hours, the Blue Point F.D. was toned out for a reported house fire at 16 Kennedy Ave. with smoke coming from the windows. First arriving Blue Point units transmitted the 13/35 on arrival for a working fire. Mutual aid was provided by the Bayport and N. Patchogue fire dept.’s.
SELDEN 5 Car Crash
Story and Photos by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography
On Saturday morning, February 15th, just before 11 AM, at the intersection of Route 25 and Middle Country Road, 2 cars collided head on which caused 3 other cars to crash trying to avoid the original accident. Selden fire and rescue personnel secured all batteries and contained all fluids while ambulance personnel tended to the three injured people. Selden transported all three injured to local hospitals for treatment.
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MALVERNE
Early Morning Gasoline Mystery
Photos and Story by Dominic Orlando – South Nassau Fire Photo The wee hours of the morning are normally reserved for sleeping and dreaming, not so much the case for a motorist traveling through Malverne in the early morning hours of February 7th. The Malverne Fire Dept. was alerted for a report of a spill near the intersection of the Southern State Pkwy and Hempstead Ave where the driver of a silver Infinity sedan was found with an open gasoline spill. Upon arrival, 1st Asst. Chief Scott Rung [4302] discovered the car with a long stream of gasoline traveling away from the vehicle south on Hempstead Ave. With Engine 434 on scene and Heavy Rescue unit 438 on the road, a make shift dyke and dam operation was put into effect using speedy dry in an effort to contain the spill and prevent the gasoline’s spread into surrounding storm drains. Approximately 10-15 gallons of gasoline was released from what was assumed to be a ruptured gas tank on the underneath of the car. After speaking with the driver briefly, he stated that “while he did not know what he hit, he was certain that something was wrong from the strong odor of gasoline present and his gas gauge dropping rapidly.” In the end the spill was contained and mitigated with no further incident.
BALDWIN
Cadillac Creates Drive – Thru at Dunkin Donuts Story and Photo by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
At 15:52 hours on February 8th, the Baldwin Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a car versus building at 989 Atlantic Avenue [Dunkin Donuts], just off of Milburn Avenue. Upon arrival, first responders were met with a confirmed car versus building as a Cadillac sedan had fully entered the establishment. The driver of the vehicle, the only occupant inside the auto, was not trapped and along with one person inside Dunkin Donuts was treated by medical personnel on scene. On scene from the Baldwin Fire Department was Engines 202, 203, and 2033 along with [Tower] Ladder 206 and Ambulance 2010. All fire department units were under the command of Baldwin Second Deputy Chief Michael Jazylo [2052]. Nassau County Police also had ESU and their ambulance[s] on scene. The vehicle was able to be driven out of the coffee stop.
http://www.k2mphotography.com/ Firefighting/Baldwin-Fire-Department/989FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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ISLIP
Overturned
Story and Photo by Ken Bradbury – Deer Park Fire Photo On Monday, February 12th at 10:10 AM, the Islip Fire Department responded to a report of an MVA-overturn on the Southern State Parkway at Route 111. The first arriving Chief on the scene, 1st Assistant William Moon reported a confirmed overturned auto with one aided on the center median of the eastbound lanes. Chief Carmine Paolicelli assumed command and the vehicle was secured by the crew on HR 3-4-14. The driver was transported by Islip Exchange Ambulance to Southside Hospital. Engine 3-4-7 also responded.
http://deerparkfirephoto.smugmug. com/MVAs-1/021214Islip-MVASSP-
BRENTWOOD Shed Fire Extinguished
Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury – Deer Park Fire Photo/FD Rant News
http://deerparkfirephoto.smugmug.com/Fires/021614Brentwood-WF87-Walton-St On Sunday, February 16th, the Brentwood Fire Department was activated for a reported Structure Fire at 87 Walton Street with a cross of WashingtoWWn Avenue. 1st Assistant Chief Bill Petersen [3-2-31] was the first responding Chief and dispatch informed him of a reported shed fire to the rear of the IO. Also PD was on scene, confirming a working fire. Upon the Chief’s arrival, he order the first due Engine from Pines Company 2 to stretch a line to the rear of the structure. The shed was approximately 20 x 15 in size and exposure three (a vacant repair garage) was in danger of being compromised. Chiefs Javier Valentin [3-2-30] and John Boyle [32-33] were also in route with 30 assuming command on his arrival. A second line was stretched and the truck company needed for overhaul made short work of the incident. The Town of Islip Fire Marshall was requested too.
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HEMPSTEAD
Two Rescued from Apartment Fire Story and Photos by Fred Kopf
Two residents of a Hempstead apartment building were rescued from the balcony of their Jackson Street building after fire broke out in the bedroom of their apartment Monday afternoon February 10th, 2014. At approximately 4:00PM a Village of Hempstead Police Officer walking through the parking lot of their headquarters noticed black smoke start pouring from the second floor of 251 Jackson Street and immediately radioed in that he had a working fire and needed the fire department forthwith. Several Village Officials, who are also volunteer firefighters in the village left their Village Hall Offices across the street and ran to the fire building. Their they found fire blowing out of one window on the second floor of a six story, non fire proof occupied multiple dwelling with heavy smoke pushing from the doorway from the apartment onto the balcony. Two residents of the apartment, a father and son were hanging over the railing threatening to jump. Firefighters managed to convince the pair to wait for the arrival of a ladder and once the first Hempstead fire unit arrived on scene moments later the two were brought to the ground via the portable ladders. Interior crews found fire in the bedroom of one apartment on the second floor with heavy smoke throughout the apartment. Despite the long stretch from the street the line was rapidly moved into position and had the main body of fire extinguished within 15 minutes of the alarm and before it could extend out of the apartment or to the floor above. Due to the potential of fire spread and large life hazard numerous mutual aid departments were called into the scene. Companies from the Second, Fourth, Sixth and Seventh Battalions were either called into the fire scene or to stand by at Hempstead headquarters. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the blaze which appears to be electrical in nature and ignited a mattress in the front bedroom. In total eight residents of the building were transported as a precaution due to smoke inhalation. All operations were under the command of Hempstead Chief Scott Clark.
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MASTIC
Joint Effort with Guide Dog Foundation Cares for Puppies Story and Photos by Kevin Conn
On February 20, 2014 the Mastic Fire Department opened their doors to another group of volunteers. There were 45 volunteer puppy walkers with 25 puppies from the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation. The puppy walkers are persons or families that volunteer to take a puppy into their home and care for them, as well as train with the puppies under the guidance of the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation trainers a minimum of two times a month. The volunteers keep the puppies until they are about a year old, at which time the puppies return to the Foundation to start their formal training as a Guide Dog for the Blind. This partnership started a few years ago when Mastic Fire Fighter Michael Buckheit and his wife Eileen were puppy walkers themselves. On one of the training outings Mike and Eileen were talking with Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation staff who were trying to come up with suitable locations that would challenge the puppies. Mike immediately thought of the many surfaces with in and around the Mastic Fire Department Headquarters, and presented it to the Chiefs, Officers and District Commissioners for their approval to host a training outing at Fire Headquarters. This outing has become a regular outing which both organizations look forward to each time.
MEDFORD
Reported Structure Fire
Story and Photos by John Walthers – FD Rant News / Suffolk Fire Photos In the afternoon of February 23rd, members of the Medford Fire Department were activated to respond for a structure fire at the Medford Pastaria on Horseblock Road. Chief [5-14-31] was the first to arrive on location and advised he did have smoke on the inside of the building. A short time later, other units arrived, including the Chief of the Department [5-14-30] who took over as OIC. Ladder 5 arrived on scene a short time later and 2 members went on the roof to check for fire while other members went inside with the TIC to check the walls for fire. It was discovered that a faulty surge protector was the cause of the smoke condition. All units took up a short time later and the Brookhaven Fire Marshal was requested to respond.
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LAKEVIEW
Quick Stop at House Fire Story and Photos by Fred Kopf
On Tuesday February 11th, 2014, just after 7:30 AM, the Lakeview Fire Department was alerted to a report of a possible house fire with people trapped at 759 Hempstead Avenue near Nassau Blvd. Within minutes of alerting the department, a Nassau County Police Officer arrived on scene and advised he had smoke coming from the house and it looked like a working fire. Units arrived and found smoke coming from a two story, 40x40, peaked roof, cape style private dwelling. Members made entry and found fire on the first floor. An aggressive attack had the fire knocked down in short order before it could extend to the second floor. Fortunately all searches proved negative and nobody was home at the time of the fire. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze. Mutual aid from Malverne, Hempstead, West Hempstead, Elmont and Rockville Centre operated at the scene or stood by covering Lakeview’s district during the alarm.
YAPHANK
Handles Afternoon Head on Collision Story and Photo by Christopher Sabella On Scene Photography
On Friday afternoon, February 7, 2014, just after 4pm, firefighters from the Yaphank Fire Department responded to a reported head on collision on Yaphank Middle Island Road, in front of the Middle island country club. Yaphank firefighters were able to remove one driver and the other driver was able to free himself. Yaphank ambulance stabilized the driver and transported to Brookhaven hospital.
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HUNTINGTON MANOR Roof Removal Required at MVA Story and Photos by Ron Schankin
On Monday, February 10th at 1325 hours, the Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to a reported M.V.A. with entrapment on Oakwood Road and Rolling Hills Drive. Arriving first, 3rd Assistant Chief Jon Hoffmann [2-4-33] advised he had a single car accident with a confirmed pin. The crew from first due rescue 2-4-11 used the Jaws of Life to free the trapped driver who had hit a tree. The extrication took about 10 minutes and the seriously injured driver was transported to Huntington Hospital by Huntington Community First Aid Squad. The road was closed for several hours as Suffolk County Police investigated the accident. It was later determined that the driver had a medical emergency causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
SETAUKET
Partial Building Collapse
Story and Photo by Christopher Sabella – On Scene Photography On Monday, February 17th, the Setauket Fire Department was called to respond to a reported roof collapse at World gym at 384 Mark Tree Road. Responding units arrived on scene to find heavy melting snow that had slid of the roof, busting the brick supports holding up the façade. Setauket Chiefs decided to rope off a collapse zone around the building. Firefighters evacuated the building and requested both Brookhaven fire marshals and building inspectors who decided to close the building until further notice.
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WESTBURY
Several Cats Pulled from Burning Building
Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
http://www.k2mphotography.com/Firefighting/ Westbury-Fire-Department/361-Madison-
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
At 21:13 hours on February 14th, the Westbury Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire behind their Maple Avenue based headquarters. Those first to arrive on scene were met with smoke coming from the front door of 361 Madison Street and upon making entry into the home had visible fire in the walls. With these conditions present, the working fire was transmitted. Hicksville was notified to respond to the scene as the FAST and Ladder 931 was quickly present. East Meadow Ambulance 6144 was also on scene while Carle Place Engine 917 stood by for Westbury. Westbury Engine 966 was the first engine on scene and put one line into operation while Westbury Ladder 962 was the first truck company on scene. The main body of fire was inside of a kitchen area in the three, four corner on the first floor. The stove was believed to have been where the fire started although the official cause remained under investigation. The homeowner, a sixty-four year old female, was transported to an area hospital with smoke inhalation. Inside the home were upwards of twenty-five pets and during the operation several cats were pulled out by firefighters. The fire was quickly knocked down and the scene placed under control. The utility companies along with the building department and fire marshal were requested to the scene. All fire department units were under the command of Westbury Assistant Chief Bartunek [9602].
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MASS
Photo by
The Massapequa Fire Department operated at this we FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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SAPEQUA
y Kevin Madigan
ell involved oil delivery truck fire on Sunday February 16th FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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THE RADIO ROOM
By Phil Lichtenberger – Monitor Long Island, Inc. & W2LIE.net
Building your Monitoring Post Station Grounding
In this section of the Building your Monitoring Post series, we will briefly discuss grounding. Please
understand, this is not the most exciting topic to write about or read, but it is a very important topic none the less. This is one of the projects that can save your home, your equipment, or even your life, and it is one of the most overlooked steps when building a radio room, or upgrading an antenna system. There are ceratin locations where grounding must be done, and there are several ways to take care of grounding. This article is not going to dive into every single method to ground your station, and it won’t touch on some of the best ways to do it. The reason for this is I want to keep this very simple as to not scare anyone off of grounding their station. I want you to feel comfortable taking on this project so we will touch on the simplest grounding methods that can be completed in just a few hours. Grounding your equipment may not save your equipment from a direct lighting strike, but it might help your equipment from a nearby discharge or a surge coming in off of an A/C line. Grounding does give stray RF and Current a place to go and it will always go through the path of least resistance. Grounding Rods: The common point to every method of grounding we will touch on starts and ends with the Grounding Rod. Grounding rods have an outside copper skin that make a good conductor. The grounding rod is hammered into the ground, and in theory, grounds what you bond to it. You should hammer the grounding rod so that the deepest part of the rod is below the permafrost layer in their area. I normally sink 8’ - 10’ ground rods when grounding a station because those are the largest typical lengths you can find at the typical “orange” or “blue” home improvement stores. After sinking the ground rod, attach a grounding rod clamp to the top of the rod, and your ground strap that leads from the equipment being grounded
Photo: DIYAdvice.com
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Antenna Grounding: Different antennas have different grounding requirements. You should always consult the manual that came with your antenna to determine if the antenna needs to be directly grounded. If the antenna does not require grounding, you should still ground the antenna’s mast. To do so is a simple process. Run a grounding line from the antenna’s mast to the grounding rod. The grounding rod should be located as close to the antenna as possible, and the grounding line should be as straight of a run as possible. Use grounding clamps on the mast and the rod to connect the ground line. Water will react to coper and the result is the green coating called Copper Oxyde. Copper Oxyde is not conductive, and will cause the connection to fail. Be sure to coat the area with an Anti-oxydent while making the connection. If your antenna requires grounding, you should follow the directions included with your antenna. Coaxial Grounding: Coax grounding is about as simple as it comes. The grounding device uses your coaxial connectors to connect into the coax, and the grounding device makes the connection to ground. Some choose to put the grounding outside the house, while others choose to put the grounding inside structure. The one key specification to look at is the frequency range of the lighting arrestor. If grounding is done inside the house, you may decide to mount the lighting arrestor to a grounding plate, and then run the grounding plate to ground. If mounted on the outside of the structure, mount the lighting arrestor to a steady object, then run a grounding line to the ground rod. Be sure to weather proof the lighting arrestor so that no water can enter the device and cause a failure.
Polyphaser Lighting Arrestor
In Home Grounding: Grounding the equipment inside your radio room isn’t as easy as grounding the antenna or coax, but it might actually bring you the most noticable change in performance. Sometimes properly grounding your radios will improve sensitivity, and might actually curb some of the RF interference you might be picking up from nearby computers, routers, or other electrical devices. Run a ground line from your radio, computer, monitor, power supply to a common groundin bus.
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Most grounding busses are copper bars or copper pipes long enough to allow your equipment to be connected. The bus is then connected to the ground via a copper strap or wire. Here is where you have two options. You can always ground to a cold water pipe in your home, but never to the hot water pipe. Grounding to the cold water pipe will connect you to ground, but this is not the best way to do it. Running a line from your ground rod outside to the ground bus under your equipment is the best way to ground your equipment. Remember, you want the shortest path of least resistance to ground.
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.net and 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.
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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BELLPORT Bedroom Blaze
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui-FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Sunday February 16th, at approximately 17:15 hours, the Bellport F.D. was toned out for a reported structure fire at 847 Bellport Ave. The first arriving Bellport unit transmitted a 13/35 for a working fire that originated in a second floor rear bedroom with flames auto exposing out the exposure 3-4 sides. Bellport’s Bravest had the fire knocked down in about twenty minutes. Hagerman F.D. responded on mutual aid.
YAPHANK Over Easy
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Tuesday February 18th, the driver of this car stated that he hydroplaned just prior to overturning his car while traveling eastbound on Rt. 495 just east of exit 67 (Yaphank Ave.) at approx. 11:15 a.m. The Yaphank Fire Department was notified of the crash and turned out immediately. Fortunately, the male driver was able to extricate himself from his vehicle prior to the arrival of the SCPD Hgwy. Patrol and the Yaphank Fire Dept. He was transported to a local hospital by a Yaphank F.D. ambulance with minor injuries.
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MANHASSET-LAKEVILLE Odor of Smoke Leads to Attic Fire Story by Kirk Candan Photos by Lee Genser Website: www.mlfd.com
On Thursday, February 20th, at 8:21pm, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Companies 4 and 5 were dispatched to an interior odor of smoke on Tanners Road in the Village of Lake Success. Deputy Chief Candan [8704] was the first unit to respond and was advised while en route that Lake Success Police Department units on scene were reporting a working fire at the location. Deputy Chief Candan arrived on scene a few seconds later and reported that he had smoke showing out of the attic vent and eaves. He also added that all occupants were out of the house and requested the addition of Company #3, the Ambulance Unit and to start out the Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST).Engine 8758 was the first piece of apparatus to arrive on the scene. The Officer of Engine 8758 entered the house and reported that he had visible fire in the attic of the 1-1/2 story private dwelling. After receiving this report, Deputy Chief Candan transmitted the signal for a working house fire. The crew of Engine 8758 stretched a 1" 3/4 hose line, while the crew from Ladder 8743 began to access the attic’s crawl space and open up the ceiling from below. A second precautionary 1" 3/4 hose line was stretched by the crews of Squad 8759 and Engine 8756, but was not used. The crews from Engine 8735, Rescue 8730 and Tower Ladder 8744 checked for extension and performed searches, which were all negative. Deputy Chief Kiess [8701] was in command of interior operations. The New Hyde Park Fire Department responded as the FAST with Tower Ladder 175. The fire was placed under control by Deputy Chief Candan within thirty minutes and units began taking up within an hour. The Nassau County Fire Marshal's office was requested for an immediate investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
http://mlfd.smugmug.com/Working-Fires/2014-WorkingFires/February-20th-2014-14-Tanners-/i-sPH4TgQ
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HAGERMAN Daytime Work
Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo – ESA Photography The Hagerman FD responded to this residential structure fire on Friday, February 14th at 1050hrs. The fire was in a second floor bedroom of the two story home on Taylor Avenue off of Louise Avenue. Under the command of Captain Kenny Dean [5-10-50], a working fire was transmitted. First due Engine 1 connected to a nearby hydrant and stretched the primary attack line through the front door to the seat of the fire. Additional members conducted vent, entry and search operations while the fire was being knocked down. Mutual aid came from the North Patchogue, Bellport and Brookhaven fire departments as well as South Country Ambulance. The Patchogue FD handled standby at Hagerman’s headquarters for the duration of the alarm. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Town of Brookhaven fire Marshal. No injuries were reported.
http://esaphotos.smugmug. com/Hagerman-FD/Hagerman-
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FREEPORT
Multiple Alarm Taxpayer Fire Story and Photos by Fred Kopf
Three stores were heavily damaged and several other occupancies were also damaged after a smoky multiple alarm fire broke out in an East Merrick Road business on a frigid Monday morning, February 17th, 2014. At approximately 0620 hours, the Nassau County Fire Communications Center, Fire Com, alerted the Freeport Fire Department to a report of a building fire at 9 East Merrick Road between Henry St and South Main St. The owner of C & C appliance had arrived at his store to open up the business for the day when he found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the store when he opened the front door. Wide Awake Engine Company One, manning Engine 216, arrived first due and transmitted a signal 10 for a store fire on the first floor of a two story, 200x100, mixed occupancy consisting of stores on the first floor and offices and apartments on the second floor. Members stretched a two and a half inch line to the first store and advanced under a heavy smoke condition to attack fire in the rear of the store. As members of Excelsior Hook & Ladder Company One, manning ladder 218 and TR2172, arrived they began searching the original fire location. They initiated forcible entry and searches of the other two stores pushing smoke as well as completing other tasks on the floor above and the roof. After a further size up, it was found that all three stores were all part of the C & C Appliance store business. Firefighters from engines 211 and 214 stretched additional lines to each of the remaining two stores to attack fire that had spread to the rear of those occupancies. Due to the advanced fire and potential for it spreading, mutual aid was called into the scene. Truck Companies from Baldwin,
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North Merrick, Oceanside and Long Beach were brought into the scene along with Engine Companies from Baldwin, Island Park, Oceanside and Merrick to the scene along with ambulances from Point Lookout and the Bellmore Merrick Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Companies from Hempstead and Point Lookout Lido covered the Village during the alarm. The aggressive attack of the three hand lines and timely opening up by the truck companies held the fire to the first floor before it could extend to the second floor. All visible fire was knocked down in twenty five minutes and no injuries were reported. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.
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HOLBROOK
Extended Extrication with Two Injuries
Story and Photos by Cameron Wilken and Robert Garofalo
Photo by RobGarofalo On Tuesday February 18th at approximately 2230 hours, the Holbrook Fire Department responded for a motor vehicle accident with overturn and entrapment on southbound Nicolls Road between Furrows Road and Patchogue Holbrook Road. Under the command of Chief of Department Rich Stack [3-15-30], members from Rescue 7 and Engines 5 and 2 immediately placed several hydraulic tools into operation. Holbrook’s crew, along with the help of SCPD Emergency Service Unit 3 officers, removed the roof and all 4 doors as well as cutting away several branches to free the driver. Engine 5 was the first on scene with tools and a portable generator to begin cutting the car. Scene lights and additional tools came from Rescue 7. Members from EMS Units 16 and 18 as well as the First Responder maintained patient contact and care throughout the extrication. Once freed from the car the driver was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center with multiple injuries. The passenger that was able to self-extricate was evaluated at the scene by medical personnel. Extrication time took over thirty minutes to free the driver. Photo by RobGarofalo
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Photo by Cameron Wilken
Photo by Cameron Wilken
Photo by Cameron Wilken Click Here for More Photos of Holbrook’s MVA With Entrapment
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BROOKHAVEN
William Floyd Parkway Accident
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Wednesday February 19th, a two car accident occurred in Brookhaven at approximately 9:20 pm. The Brookhaven F.D. and SCPD 7th pct. officers responded to the in Brookhaven which occurred at the intersection of William Floyd Parkway and Beacon Street. The crash left at least 2 people injured who were transported to a local hospital by Shirley Volunteer Ambulances.
MASTIC BEACH Car vs. House
Story and photos by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Thursday February 20th, Mastic Beach firefighters were alerted to a report of a car that had struck a house in Mastic Beach at approximately 4:15. Mastic Beach’s Bravest responded to the south-east corner of Mastic Beach Rd. and Washington Ave. when a driver and passenger were injured after striking the house. The car was southbound on Mastic Beach Rd. when the driver reportedly said someone cut her off causing her to lose control. M.B.F.D.’s members, under the command of Chief Carlo Grover [5-13-31], stabilized the vehicle and inspected the dwelling while crews from Mastic Beach Ambulance tended to the victims. Both patients were taken to a local hospital by Mastic Beach Ambulance. SCPD 7th pct. officers and the buildings department were also on scene.
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APPARATUS OF THE FIRE SERVICE 02.07.14 MALVERNE HEAVY RESCUE 438 on Scene at a recent Gasoline Spill
Photo by Dominic Orlando.
Holbrook Engine 5 at a recent Heavy Rescue on Nicolls Road
Photo by Cameron Wilken
Manhasset-Lakeville Engine 8758 on the scene of a working car fire
Photo by Lee Genser.
02.22.14-Central Islip Heavy Rescues
Photo by Ken Bradbury
Amityville Engine 1-1-4 on the scene of a recent working fire in North Amityville working fire Baldwin Ladder 206 at the scene of a car versus building on February 8th Photo by Kevin Madigan
Photo by Kevin Madigan
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APPARATUS OF THE FIRE SERVICE Holbrook Rescue 7 at a recent Motor Vehicle accident
Photo by Cameron Wilken
NAFCO Engine 1-7-1 was the first due engine to a working fire on February 3rd
Massapequa units operate on the scene of an oil tank truck fire
Photo by Kevin Madigan
first due units at fire on shore rd ladder 657 and engine 606
Photo by Kevin Madigan
Holtsville Engine 5-11-6 on the scene of a recent house fire
Photo by Robert Garofalo
FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
Brookhaven Water Rescue Unit at a recent cold water rescue drill
Photo by Tom Lambui
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DEER PARK
Handles Working Basement Fire Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury
On Wednesday, February 19th at 23:33 hours, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to reports of a Structure Fire in the vicinity of Grand Blvd and West 20th Street. All four Deer Park Chiefs responded with 1st Assistant Chief Larry Bradbury [1-4-31] arriving first and transmitting the working fire. He reported heavy fire showing from the ž corner of the building. John Giammarino [1-4-30] assumed command at this time and North Babylon was requested for their Truck [1-8-6]. Wyandanch was to provide an Engine and West Islip responded with a Quint and an Ambulance. Engine 1-4-11 was the first due Engine making the push through the front door only to realize that the basement was now involved also. A second hand line was stretched to the exposure 2 basement entrance to contain the basement fire. The house sustained extensive damage and two occupants of the home where transported for smoke inhalation. Two cats where rescued but succumbed later that evening. Dix Hills also responded as a second RIT crew and Brentwood sent an Engine to stand by at Deer Park’s headquarters.
http://deerparkfirephoto.smugmug.com/Fires/021914Deer-Park-WFWest-20th-St
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HOLTSVILLE
Chimney Fire Knocked Down Story and Photos by Robert Garofalo
The Holtsville FD responded to this residential structure fire on Wednesday, February 19th, at approximately 1500hrs. The homeowner on 5th Avenue, off of Fairview Avenue, had been alerted by a neighbor that his chimney was on fire and called the fire department. First Chief on scene, 2nd Assistant Chief Neil Harris [5-1132], confirmed the fire in the chimney and had first due Engine 6 stretch the primary attack line to darken down the fire. Second due Engine 5 stretched a 5� supply line to Engine 6 and assisted with final extinguishment and overhaul. Once on scene, Chief of Department Joe Castiglione [5-11-30] assumed command and had North Patchogue FD Truck 12 respond in and operate on the roof assisting with the operation. Also on scene was the EMS First Responder and an Ambulance as well as Fire Police 9. Suffolk County Fire Coordinator Ron Magagna [5-0-2] also responded as did the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal. No injuries were reported and damage to the home was kept to a minimum.
http://esaphotos.smugmug.com/HoltsvilleFD/Holtsville-FD-21914-1500hrs/37143414 _5W8fW6#!i=3083842924&k=XbsBvSK
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KINGS PARK
Heavy Fog Results in Pin Job on 25A Story by Jeff DiLavore – FD Rant News Photos by Jim LoDuca – KPFD Photo Unit
On Friday February 21st, the Kings Park Fire Department was alerted for a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Rumford Road and St. Johnland Road [25A] shortly before 1500 hours. First unit on scene was Assistant Chief Tim Clark [4-1-33] who advised that one vehicle would need a “door pop” to extricate the victim. Assistant Chief John Gallo [4-1-32] and Chief Mark O’Brien [4-1-30] arrived on scene to direct operations. The crew from Heavy Rescue 4-1-9 put the cutters and spreaders to work to remove both drivers’ side doors while EMS personnel attended to the victim. A second victim in a vehicle approximately 150 feet away also treated by EMS but did not require extrication. Due to a rapid warm up and the heavy snow on the ground, the area was inundated with thick fog that was reduced visibility significantly and possibly led to the collision. Both patients were taken to St. Catherine of Sienne Hospital. All units were back in service within 35 minutes.
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http://fdrantnews.smugmug.com/Category/Kings-Park-FireDepartment/MVA-Rumford-Road-and-St/i-PgNVkPS
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CENTER MORICHES Van Takes Out Pole
Story and photo by T. J. Lambui - FD Rant News/LiHotShots On Saturday February 22nd, The Center Moriches F.D. and SCPD 7th pct. officers responded to the scene of a two car accident on the west bound Sunrise Highway service road north, just east of Wading River Road at approximately 7:00 a.m. The driver, who was alone, struck a telephone pole, snapping it in half, and was pinned in her car. C.M.F.D.’s Bravest, under command of Chief Ronald Primus [5-4-30] put their Hurst tool to work to extricate the driver from the vehicle. She was then transported to the hospital by ambulance.
WEST BABYLON
One Pinned in Afternoon Wreck
Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
http://www.k2mphotography.com/Firefighting/West-Babylon-Fire-Department/Straight-Path-andLittle-East/
On the afternoon of February 22nd, the West Babylon Fire Department was toned out for a reported heavy rescue at the intersection of Straight Path and Little East Neck Road. Those first to arrive on scene were met with a two vehicle accident and a confirmed pin. West Babylon Heavy Rescue 1-9-15 was quickly on scene with the tool in operation while West Babylon Engine 1-9-2 had one precautionary line standing by and ready. During the operation, firefighters were assisted in the extrication process by members of the Suffolk County Emergency Services Unit who were on scene with ES-6. After an extensive extrication, the front seat passenger was removed and was loaded onto an awaiting stretcher. The Saturday afternoon accident injured at least three people and ambulances from East Farmingdale and Wyandanch Wheatley Heights were also on the scene.
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FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
www.prestigemotorli.com Page 71
MASSAPEQUA
Heating Oil Truck Heats More than Bargained For Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan – K2M Photography
On the morning of February 16th the Massapequa Fire Department was dispatched to a reported truck fire in front of St. Rose of Lima Church. Multiple calls were being received by emergency dispatchers reporting the fire and upon the arrival of Massapequa Chief of Department Steve Daresta [6300], he was met with a fully involved tanker fire. With this confirmation and the conditions present, the alarm was quickly upgraded. Responding units were faced with a burning tanker with upwards of 3,000 gallons of home heating oil inside it. At least one tower ladder and multiple hand lines went into operation within minutes. To assist the Massapequa Fire Department, mutual aid units were called to the scene and to back fill their west and east end firehouses. Among the units on scene were North Massapequa Engine 663, Seaford Engine 681, and South Farmingdale Ladder 978 along with an engine. On scene from Wantagh were Engines 697 and 698, Squad One [6914], Wantagh Field Comm 4, and all six nine zero based hazmat resources. Among the units standing by for Massapequa during the operation were a truck from Levittown, South Farmingdale engine [redirected], Bethpage engine, Bellmore Engine 601, and Merrick Engine 643 among others.
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These are not all the mutual aid units that were notified and responded as much of the sixth battalion was involved along with ninth battalion and first division [Suffolk] units. Despite thousands of gallons of home heating burning so fiercely, all visible fire was knocked down within forty minutes. For precautionary measures upwards of fifteen homes and nearby houses of worship were evacuated. Any departments nearby with foam resources were requested to the scene. These units were also joined by Nassau County Hazmat, Fire Marshals, and members of the Office of Emergency Management. To assist in extinguishing the blaze a foam blanket was laid down to contain the burning fuel[s]. After the fire was knocked down the massive cleanup process began starting with a sander to the scene. The cause of the fire remained under investigation and luckily the driver escaped uninjured. No residences were damaged or civilians harmed. All fire department units were under the command of Massapequa Chief of Department Steve Daresta [6300].
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CENTRAL ISLIP
Structure Fire Handled Despite Bad Hydrant
Story and Photos by Ken Bradbury - FD Rant Correspondent On Saturday February 22nd at 930AM, the Central Islip Fire Department responded to a Structure Fire at 6 Whitmer Court off Johnson Avenue. 3-7-31, 32, and 33 responded with Chief Robert McGee [30] arriving first and observing heavy smoke coming from the structure. The first due Engine pulled in front and the second Engine was to bring in the hydrant on Johnson and Whitmer but they discovered the hydrant to be bad. They then stretched to the next hydrant more easterly which made for a very long stretch. The fire originated at the occupants computer and was quickly knocked down without incident. The bulk of the work would be to pick up the hose lay.
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HUNTINGTON MANOR
Tragic End to CO Emergency at Walt Whitman Mall Story and Photo by Ron Schankin
On the night of Saturday, February 23rd, Huntington Manor firefighters were called to Legal Sea Foods at the Walt Whitman Shops for an E.M.S. assist to force a door. Arriving on scene, 1st Assistant Chief Frank McQuade [2-4-31] and 3rd Assistant Jon Hoffmann [2-4-33] found members from Huntington Community First Aid Squad and Suffolk P.D. 2nd Pct. working on a victim who had fallen down a flight of stairs. At this time members from both agencies started feeling ill. As Chief Hoffmann entered the building, the C.O. meter attached to his radio activated. Chief Hoffmann notified Chief McQuade of his findings. As Chief Hoffmann geared and donned his air pack, members from first due Rescue 11 were also ordered to pack up. When Chief Hoffmann made his way to the basement of the restaurant his C.O. meter had a reading of over 1500 parts per million. Members of Rescue 11 assisted in removing a male found in the basement and Chief McQuade ordered Legal Seafood along with Panera Bread and The Cheesecake Factory evacuated until the source of the leak could be found. At this time many employees and patrons started complaining of C.O. poisoning symptoms. Ambulances from Huntington Community, Melville, Greenlawn, Dix Hills, Syosset and Plainview transported 27 people to multiple hospitals in Suffolk and Nassau for treatment; including, 3 Police officers and 4 members from the first due ambulance crew. Town of Huntington and Suffolk County Fire Coordinators were on scene and assisted in the operation. Despite best efforts from first responders one person was pronounced dead at Huntington Hospital. Suffolk County Police Homicide and Arson Squads were investigating the cause of the leak. On a side note, this incident shows you never know what you are responding to. Huntington Manor was called to force a door where the deceased victim was found. No one at that time had any idea that carbon monoxide was involved. This incident should serve as a reminder that C.O. is still and always will be the silent killer and can strike when least expected. Please remember to practice your S.O.P.’s with your department/agency and if a C.O. meter is not required to be donned at calls like these, perhaps this incident can open the door for a discussion about revision. Always better to be safe than sorry.
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THE BACK OF THE BUS Customer Service (On a Really Small Scale) By Tom Cronogue, J.S.G.
Hi. Name’s Tom.Been doing this for a while. Thought I’d take some time to write down some of the mistakes I’ve made and share them with you. We’ll sit around, talk, have a few laughs, quaff a root beer or two. Maybe, along the way I can learn from you and you can learn from me. One of the things I’ve noticed down through the past few decades is that we never really bothered to explain some really basic stuff to you. We kind of left out the whole “why are we here?” stuff. I don’t mean the whole Baltimore Catechism type of dogma. I mean stuff like “The Golden Hour”. On the face of it, sounds like getting your aided on the table in less than one episode of the Walking Dead is a really good idea. It is, but why? We never really explained why we do what we do, we just told you go do it. In the meantime, we left out some really basic facts. I think that in the beginning, it was because we didn’t really understand them, so how could we tell you? Sorry about that. In this space every month, my friends and I are going to try and make up for that. Hopefully, the folk on the Magic Moving Bed in the back of your high speed horizontal taxi will be better for it. Who do we work for in EMS? Who is our actual customer? “I don’t know,” you’re thinking, reading this with one hand while you hump the stair chair up that flight of basement steps with the other. Doesn’t work so well going uphill, does it? “My customer? You talking about this 300 pounder in a negligee that truly has seen better days waving her arms in the air, trying to wiggle through the straps while screaming at the top of her lungs that she can’t breathe and why aren’t you guys doing anything to help?” No. Not really. Matter of fact, why don’t you take a breather on the landing, tune her out and think about this for a minute. What are our goals and objectives in EMS. We’re certainly not in it for the money (especially the vollies…). Really cool clothes? Love those bulging thigh pockets. We say we’re here to serve the patient. That’s an absolute truth. The question I’m posing is not so much who, but how do we go about doing that. I know you’re reading this, but how many creatures are helping you? Your partner’s holding the flashlight on the magazine page for you and I’m sure the patient’s boyfriend is encouraging you to read faster, but that’s not who I’m talking about. Photons (no, not the torpedo type…) are striking your retina even as we commune through the printed word. The cells of your retina are converting those same photons into nerve impulses that travel along the cells of the optic nerves into the cells of your brain where the impulses are converted into, oh, heck, I don’t know what they’re converted into but they get turned into something that the rest of your brain cells recognize as the written word that the rest of your brain reads. Granted, most of the rest of your brain cells wish you were reading People, maybe even Good Housekeeping, anything but this. While your brain cells are arguing over your choice of reading materiels, what’s going on elsewhere? I mean besides Elsie’s left thigh slipping out from under the bottom strap. You might want to tighten that thing up? Anyhow, the cells in your alveolar sacs are passing carbon dioxide, heat and water vapor out to the basement while bringing oxygen (and some gases you really don’t want to think about...) on board and loading them up on the cells that make up your hemoglobin.
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The cells in your G.I. tract are busy turning your half of that large pie/half sausage into something your brain cells can actually use, like glucose, dumping it into the circulatory system where it can be mixed with all manner of nifty hormones and other stuff to be delivered to wherever it‘s got to go. Meantime, further downstream, similar cells are holding their nose with one hand while shoving the remains of that breakfast burrito toward the nearest exit. Your kidney cells are cleaning the passing fluids, getting rid of that rented beer…you get the idea. Neither you nor your patients are one creature. You are giant assemblies of little living things called cells. Your cells organize themselves into little work parties to get jobs done. These little work parties are called tissue. We slap groups of these tissues together into organs. The organs work together to form organ systems, and finally, all those systems gang up and create a you. Just like you, each one of these little creatures have wants, needs and desires. You want a Mercedes, your cells need oxygen. You need a big bowl of spaghetti with your Mama’s gravy, your cells need glucose. You’d love to find your car keys, your cells need insulin. Sometimes you get what you want. Sometimes, not so much. We’ve all heard some droning instructor mumbling on in the front of the room, clicking through slide 192 of 706, throwing out words like homeostasis and stuff like that. Big words make big egos. What exactly does something like homeostasis mean? Tell you what it means for us, your friendly neighborhood Death Fighters. It means that the glaring lack thereof is exactly why you left World Class Chocolate melting on the squad room table. Elsie’s a little bit short in the homeostasis department. Mr. Webster’s collection of nifty words defines it as “a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group”. Don’t you hate it when you have to look up the definition of the words in a definition? Equilibrium =’s balance. Hence that really cool drug Librium, for our friends the unbalanced. Another key word rattling around in that definition is interdependent. Balance relying on everybody working together. Sort of like the Flying Wallendas. It’s all smooth til a Wallenda has to sneeze. Suddenly, non-flying Wallendas. Life is truly a mystery. I know I’ve been mystified by mine for better than six decades now, but that’s a tale for another time. Fact is, though, that the processes that make life are simple mechanical ones; plumbing, electric, HVAC. All the hours of class work you’ve been subjected to come down to one simple truth: Air goes in and out, blood goes round and round...anything that messes with that is a bad thing. Fix the plumbing, fix the patient. Find the short, fix the patient. Get the air moving again, fix the patient. Everything we do in EMS is aimed at this little equation. Homeostasis is life. When we find ourselves in Not-So-Muchville, when homeostasis begins to slip bad things happen at the cellular level. If you’re a skin cell, no big deal. Skin is pretty much dead stuff anyhow. It’s falling off you while my voice is running through your mind. That trail of dead skin cells is how Canine finds the bad guys for you. We know from that EMT book that you’re using to balance the broken leg on the coffee table that during periods of hypoperfusion, the dermis can survive for extended periods of time ( hours or days) unperfused. That’s one of the reasons why, if Elsie was actually in trouble, she’d have that whole pale cool clammy thing going for her...her body would redirect the perfused blood
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away from an organ that does pretty well on its own anyhow and ship it to where she needs it. Now, if you’re a brain cell, hypoperfusion is the absolute pits. If you’re a brain cell, you get to those pits pretty quickly. It’s why Mental Status is the most important vital sign. The brain responds instantly to changes in glucose and oxygen levels, pressure changes, temperature changes etc. When we’ve talked about perfusion, we’ve talked about getting blood into the capillaries. That’s true, as far as it goes. Problem is, we didn’t go far enough. Take, for example, the respiratory cycle. We taught you that it starts outside the lips and ends in the alveolar sacs, those little bunch of grape things at the end of the bronchial tree. Not true. Fact is, it’s a cycle. It ends up back where it starts, outside your pouty little lips. We taught you that because we didn’t look far enough into our customer service issues. If we get the air as far as the alveolar sacs and no farther ( or if you’re a city cop, no further, Central...) we accomplish nothing. The alveolar sacs don’t need the air. The actual end user is that cell, rubbing up against a capillary on who knows where in some squishy piece of tissue someplace. Without that air, the cells begin to die, sometimes at an alarming rate. That’s what perfusion is, getting what the cell needs to the cell, no matter where it is. Ok, not true. That’s half perfusion. The other half is getting the waste products from cellular respiration out of the cell, and back to the organs and organ systems that have to process the waste (the lungs, kidneys and liver are some that leap to mind) and then back to the loading docks to do it again. If we remember who we serve, and where life actually takes place, we can do our job just a little bit better. If we do our job a little bit better, Elsie does her whole homeostasis gig a little bit better. If Elsie does her gig a little bit better, maybe next time, she walks up the stairs and your day gets a little bit better. If she doesn’t maybe next time, you’re trying to juggle her up these same stairs on a backboard and cursing the cheap jerk who wouldn’t buy you an Auto Pulse or a Lukas. Okay, I think I’ve given you enough of a headache for one night. We’ll pick this up again next time, play with it a little more and maybe come up with some strategies to make your life a better place to be. Anything you want to talk about, anything you want to tell me, you can get me at Ocrainaugh@aol. com In the meantime, stay low, stay frosty and stay safe. Everybody goes home. Peace, Obewan Chief Thomas Cronogue (ret.) served more than two decades as an officer in the WyandanchWheatley Heights Ambulance Corp, one of Long Island’s busiest. He began his career as a member of the Deer Park Fire Department in 1969. He served with West Babylon FD, Wyandanch Fire Co., Martin Luther King, Jr. Rescue Squad and WWHAC. Professionally, he is a retired Police Officer serving 29 Years with the Nassau County PD. He worked in the Seventh, Special Services Bureau (later ESB) and the C.I.C in the Fire Police Academy in NUMC. Following retirement, he worked for the DPFD, running their career EMS program as EMS Director. Talk to him at Ocrainaugh@AOL.com FD Rants News - Volume 3 Edition 2 - February 2014
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FACES OF THE FIRE SERVICE 3rd Assistant Chief and Rant Moderator Chris Nolan
Kings Park Assistant Chief Dan Guilfoil [4-1-31] on the scene of a recent MVA in Sunken Meadow State Park
Photo by Ron Schankin
Photo by Jim LoDuca KPFD Photo Unit.
Mastic Beach Ex-Chief McGown
Members of Medford on the scene of a recent building fire
Photo by Tom Lambui. Eastport Chief on the scene of a recent MVA Photo by Tom Lambui.
Photo by John Walthers.
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MERRICK
President’s Day MVA
Story and Photos by Zachary Grunther
Monday February 17, 2014 at approximately 1833 hours, the Merrick Fire Department responded to a 4 car motor vehicle accident with entrapment and ejection at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Hewlett Avenue. Within seconds, Chief of Department Paul Waterman [6400] of the Merrick Fire Department was on scene, confirming he did have one female patient ejected from the vehicle and one pinned in the car. Within 15 minutes the Merrick FD put the Hurst tool to work, extricated the one person pinned, and had all four patients all packaged up and transported to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow. The patient who was ejected was found in traumatic arrest underneath one of the vehicles, and the other three patients had neck and back injuries. Two members from the Bellmore Fire Department witnessed the incident take place, sprang into action, and notified the fire dispatcher and immediately made patient contact. All units were up within 35 minutes.
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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 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 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, LongIslandFirePhotos.com, a nd
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.
Dominic Orlando is a member of the East Rockaway Fire Department with experience in the fire service ranging from volunteer service in the states of North and South Carolina and here in New York. He has been involved in one way or another with the fire service since joining the junior fire department in 1997. He is a veteran of the US Marine Corps, spending 8 years on active duty and having completed 4 separate combat tours overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. He still remains active as a reservist with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines out of Garden City, N.Y. as their intelligence section chief.
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.
Duane Welliver is a 25 year member and former Fire Captain of the East Farmingdale Fire Department.
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. Presently a firefight-
er/ 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.
Prior 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
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