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VOLUME XLII, NO. 5

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JANUARY 2015

Turn to page 22 for the story. -Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Fire News Wishes Everyone a Happy and Safe New Year


Page 2, Fire News, January 2015

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Fire News, January 2015, Page 3

ies

In this issue... Fire at the Jon Thomas Inne A Brightwaters landmark burns just before it’s set to reopen from a previous fire.

See story page 16

New Home Goes in Syosset A fire in a home — not yet moved into – takes two hours to quell. See story page 24

Fatality at Northport Blaze A 64-year old woman dies at a structure fire in Northport. See story page 33

Dozens Sickened by Fumes in Hicksville A malfunctioning oil burner sickens dozens of staff and students at Hicksville High School. See story page 36

Delagi Honored by Cherry Grove Cherry Grove FD and EMS honor Chief Robert Delagi, Suffolk EMS Director.

See story page 64

Obituaries: North Lindenhurst ex-Chief Freis and Islip Terrace’s Capt. Guarnieri

See story page 77-78

A Service for Long Island Firefighters and EMS Heroes Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, JEB LADOUCEUR, Publisher Emeritus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tim Asbell, Bill Bennett, Chris Brenner, Kirk Candan, George Caracost, Wayne Carrington, Mike Cimino, Charles Cole, Joe Comprato, Ed Coppa, Bill D’Alessandro, Mike DesCalso, Jim Dunn, Larry Fox, Lou Gelabart, Martin Goffe, Myron Goldstein, Richard Gomez, Bryan Gosik, Carol Griffin, Brian Grogan, Steve Grogan, Daniel Gunther, Michael Gunther, Jeff Havlik, Jack Healy, Branden Heller, Michael Heller, Robert Holley, Andrew House, Linda Imbriale, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Joe LaPietra, Paul Llobell, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Andrew McShane, Brad Maier, Paul Mazza, Terry McCarrick, Mike McCarthy, Lou Minutoli, Ron Monteleone, Jim Mooney, Ilene Morris, Michael Murphy, Charles A. Murphy, Phil Orlando, Robert O'Rourk, Francis "Sid" Parkan, Kevin Parkan, Tom Pesce, Jackson Pokress, Myles Quinn, Christina Rahn, Leonard Rivera, Dave Rubin, Jerry Rudolph, Jim Rugen, Orlando Salcedo, Steve Schaefer, Alan Shields, Drew Silverman, Steve Silverman, Steve Smaldon, Tom Smyth Jr., Bob Sorenson, Joe Sperber, Rich Stark, Andrew Tetreault, Ed Tuffy, Joe Turner, Walker Turner, Alex VanSantvoord, Joe Virgilio, Joe Volpi, Dennis Whittam, Michael Wiwczar, John Wladyka Jr. COLUMNISTS: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Chief Billy Goldfeder, Bradley Pinsky, Roseann Mariani COPYRIGHT 2015, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

42 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 42nd year of publication. If you have any stories, photos and good memories from the past, please send them to LI@FireNews.com.


Page 4, Fire News, January 2015

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Icarus and Daedalus Must Work Together I am always honored when an ex-Chief pulls me aside and asks me to write about current problems in the fire service. Why would there be problems? I see members drilling together and fighting fires together. However, if you take a closer look, you might ask yourself: are young firefighters getting along with older firefighters? It seems that there is a difference in opinions between seasoned and unseasoned members on many topics that come up at the firehouse. So, I will try to bring light to a problem that has been around for thousands of years. Let me tell you about one of my favorite Greek myths, the story of Icarus and Daedalus. Icarus’ father Daedalus was a talented and remarkable Athenian craftsman who built the Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete to imprison the Minotaur. Minos ended up imprisoning Daedalus. You can read the myth yourself to find out why. In an effort to escape prison, Daedalus created two pairs of wings out of wax and feathers for himself and his son Icarus. Daedalus tried his wings first, but before taking off from the island, warned his son not to fly too close to the sun, or too close to the sea. Guess what? Icarus didn't listen, the wax melted, the feathers fell off and Icarus fell into the sea in the area which today bears his name, the Icarian Sea near Icaria, an island southwest of Samos. I always tell my daughters that you can learn two ways in life. You can experiment and suffer the hardships that come along with lack of experience, or you can listen to experience so that you do not make the mistakes I made in life. Over the years, I trained probationary firefighters. For their hands-on test, I asked them certain questions for which I expected the wrong answer. When I asked if they learned anything, they smiled and said, “of course.” I always laughed and said “I asked you those questions because I knew you would not know the answers. I, too, was once young. The half-dozen things I just asked you were things I screwed up on when I was a probie, too.” Like Icarus, we do not always heed warnings that are given to us. This attitude can be disastrous, especially around the firehouse. To quote Cameron Tucker (played by Eric Stonestreet) of the ABC sitcom, Modern Family, “There are dreamers and there are realists in this world. You’d think the dreamers would find the dreamers and the realists would find the realists, but more often than not the opposite is true. You see, the dreamers need the realists to keep them from soaring too close to the sun. And the realists, well without the dreamers, they might not ever get off the ground.” In the end, when we crawl down that totally dark and very hot hallway. I think you will soon learn that experience is something you want close to you when you have never done something. As an “experienced” old-timer, I have learned to listen to the future of the fire service and to respect change. In the end, positive change happens successfully when ideas are discussed around the coffee table or while playing Xbox 360 in the lounge. Hey, is anyone up for a game of Madden NFL 15? … Dennis

THANK YOU! 93,000 for the likes! (Let’s make it 100,000!)

BOHEMIA FIRE DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER DINNER

The Bohemia Fire Department is holding a spaghetti fundraiser for one of its own. Assistant Chief Michael Stankunis has been diagnosed with cancer and is in need of help from the Bohemia community. Come to the Bohemia Fire Department on Saturday, January 24, 2015. The cost is $10 per person. Dinner includes: a spaghetti dinner, salad, dessert, coffee/tea/soda. There will be three dinner seatings: 1700, 1800 and 1900. Contact Chief Richard Andersen at 631-9214908 or e-mail randersen@BohemiaFD.com; or Chief Sterling Haynes at 631-960-5977 or e-mail SHaynes@BohemiaFD.com.

ANNUAL SNOWBALL FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK

The Rotary Club of Smithtown-Sunrise and the Smithtown Fire Chiefs Organization 501-C 3 will hold their Annual Snowball Fundraiser honoring the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the Stony Brook Burn Center on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 1900 until midnight. The event will be held at Watermill Caterers on Route 347 in Smithtown. The dinner will feature a cocktail hour, appetizers, dinner, open bar and desserts, with music and dancing all evening. Tickets are $100 per person and 100 percent of the profits go to the honorees. Make check out to The Smithtown Fire Chiefs Organization and send to PO Box 225, Smithtown, NY 11787. Sponsorships are also available.

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR I COURSE FOR NAT'L CERT

The Suffolk County Fire Safety Educators will present a national certification course, given by the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services-OFPC. The course will be presented on February 27, 28 and March 1, 6, 7 and 8, 2015. The location of the course is yet to be determined, but it will take place in Suffolk County. Students must attend and pass all of the above listed classes in order to be considered for national certification, which will be given at the end of the course. The course fee is $275 per student. Please make checks out to the Suffolk County Fire Safety Educators Association (fire department/organization vouchers will be accepted for this course). For further information contact Bob Sutton at 631-484-0612, or e-mail fireprevention@centralislipfd.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE BROOKHAVEN CHIEFS COUNCIL

The Brookhaven Chiefs Council would like to wish all of our firematic organizations a very happy holiday season. May the New Year bring you health, happiness and good luck. - Scott A. Theobold, President


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 5

Dumpster, Trailer Burn in Hicksville

On October 10, 2014, the Hicksville Fire Department was alerted involved, and an office trailer hundreds of yards from the dumpster - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm for reports of a dumpster fire on West John Street. Arriving units also well involved. found a large dumpster deep inside a recycling plant property fully

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Page 6, Fire News, January 2015

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Vacant House Goes in Wyandanch

The Wyandanch Fire Company was activated for a house fire on Doe Street near Commonwealth Drive on November 13, 2014. Numerous calls were taken and first arriving units found a fully involved, boarded up, vacant house. First Assistant Chief Brown advised all units that it would be an exterior attack, as part of the

roof had already collapsed. Engines 1-10-1, 1-10-3 and Heavy Rescue 1-10-8 responded with crews stretching and operating three lines from 1-10-3. Deer Park, North Babylon and WyandanchWheatley Heights Ambulance Corps were also on the scene. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and BTFirePhoto.com


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 7

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Page 8, Fire News, January 2015

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Clothes Store Fire in Hempstead Fire broke out at a Levittown clothing store on Hempstead Turnpike on November 24, 2014. The blaze brought several departments to the scene and closed down Hempstead Turnpike in both directions. The store was heavily damaged and Nassau County Fire Marshals were on the scene to conduct their investigation. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com, and Harry Loud


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 9

Big Blaze in Roosevelt

On November 12, 2014, the Roosevelt Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Stevens Street. First arriving units encountered heavy fire showing from the first floor, which quickly spread to the second and had the house fully involved. Engine 737 and 732 stretched multiple lines into the house, but conditions deteriorated and all members were pulled and went to an exterior attack. It took about an hour to bring the fire under control with no reported

injuries. The occupants were home at the time and escaped the house safely. Mutual aid was provided by the North Merrick, North Bellmore, Uniondale and Hempstead while units from the Merrick and South Hempstead stood by at Roosevelt Headquarters. Chief of Department Fennell was in charge of the operation. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza


Page 10, Fire News, January 2015

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House Fire in Wyandanch

On November 28, 2014, the Wyandanch Fire Company was alerted for a house fire on South 30th Street. First Assistant Chief Brown arrived and had visible fire in the 1-2 corner bedroom on the first floor. Engine 1-10-1 was followed by Engine 1-10-3 and their crews

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stretched two handlines and had the fire extinguished in just a few minutes containing it to the one room. Crews from Heavy Rescues 1-10-7 and 1-10-8 opened up the ceiling to check for extension and searched the house. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza


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Stress and Overexertion Injuries As a Safety Officer we need to know what is causing our first responders injuries and death. As we look at all the risk and dangers, we have to read reports from the National Institute Of Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to name a couple. This will give us a good idea of causes and prevention. Many of us may think it is our vehicles, both emergency apparatus and our privately owned vehicles (POV) that are causing most of the deaths. Some would say it is building construction or lack of fire codes. How about our Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE) or Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)? Over the years these things have seen enormous improvements. SCBAs, which were not available 40 or 50 years ago, have seen tremendous improvements. POVs and building construction incidents have seen improvements, but in some cases have gotten worse. PPE has gotten better; i.e., hoods, bailout ropes, etc. However, the biggest number of injuries and death still remains to come from heart attacks caused by stress and overexertion. We have made great improvements in this area. At the writing of this Safety Tip, we have had 84 Line of Duty Deaths (LODD). Of the 84 LODDs, more than half were cardiac related. Let’s take a look at what we

know as of now for 2014. The ages ranged from 26- to 84-years old, seasoned first responders to new members. From chief officers to firefighters, from fire marshalls to

“Of the 84 LODDs, more than half were cardiac related.” paramedics. Very few are left out, very few are not vulnerable. Heart attack is our number one enemy. Not the the fire, building construction, PPE or apparatus, A lot has been done in this area, but we have only scratched the surface. According to Dodson (2007), “stress and overexertion continue to be the leading causes of first responder death and is a significant contributor to injuries. Fire fighters are the only professional athletes who need to work at peak performance without warming up. Few occupations stress the human body to the degree first responders experience in hostile, working fire environments. First responders are called upon to perform such physical feats anywhere and at a moment’s notice.” We are aware that the incident scene is not

a competition but there is usually a race against time. Most of the first responders also realize that many incidents, at any time, can require peak performance. A call can happen just before we eat, or after we workout, or after we eat a large meal, or maybe just when we get home from a late night out. Things that should be looked at at the scene by the safety officer are: ergonomics, the physical environment, and the task load. “Thermal stress is also important, both heat and cold. Fighting thermal stress can be accomplished through Accommodation, Rotation and Hydration,” according to Dodson (2007) Remember Chief Alan Brunacini’s assertion. “For 200 years we’ve been providing a service at the expense of those providing the service.” If we are truly dedicated to preventing injuries and death, we need to address the number one cause of first responder injuries: overexertion. The solution, Dodson says, for overexertion includes efforts to make sure firefighters can operate at peak performance. A solid function of the safety officer is to repeatedly make our brothers and sisters aware of the number of injuries and deaths caused by our biggest enemies: stress and overexertion. -Ex-Chief Jeff Bailes; President Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association. 631-495-6418;info@btsoa.org


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 13

House Fire in Islip

On November 19, 2014, the Islip Fire Department was responding to a rescue call on Union Avenue when Chief of Department Paolicelli was advised that numerous calls were being taken for a house fire five houses away. Chief Paolicelli arrived and transmitted a working fire as he had fire showing from exposure 2 on the second floor. Crews from Engine 3-4-2 and Ladder 3-4-5 stretched multiple lines and began searching, laddering and venting the house. All of the occupants escaped safely, and one dog was removed during searches and was not injured. Although the fire was quickly knocked down the house was heavily damaged. Mutual aid was provided to the scene by the Bay Shore, Islip Terrace, East Islip, and Islip Exchange and Bay ShoreBrightwaters Ambulance Corps. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza


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Gordon Hts. Knocks Out Blaze

On November 21, 2014, the Gordon Heights Fire Department was called to Hawkins Avenue in Medford for a reported fire in a private home. Upon arrival units had a working fire and notified surrounding departments to assist. Mutual aid from Medford, Coram, Middle Island and Yaphank were able to knock the fire down quickly and save the structure. - Fire News photos by AJ Ryan



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Fire at the Jon Thomas Inne On November 18, 2014, the Bay Shore Fire Department was alerted for a building fire at the Jon Thomas Inne on Howells Road in Brightwaters. First Assistant Chief Ippolito arrived and had heavy smoke pushing from the second floor of the building on the exposure 3 side. Engine 3-11 had three lines stretched and operating with Engine 3-1-3 picking up a hydrant and supplying 3-1-1. Ladder 3-1-4 took the front and Ladder 3-1-7, the rear. It took about 90 minutes to bring the fire under control with the building heavily damaged. Mutual aid was provided by West Islip, Brentwood, North Babylon and Islip Fire Department. Bay Shore-Brightwaters Ambulance was on scene with two ambulances and Brentwood Legion Ambulance also stood by with two. There were no reported injuries and the cause was under investigation. Chief of Department Butler was in charge of the operation. The restaurant was set to reopen for Thanksgiving after a fire on December 5, 2013, had heavily damaged part of the building. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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Warehouse Fire in Ronkonkoma

On November 11, 2014, the Lakeland Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on Raynor Avenue at the Belfor Property Restoration company. Units arrived to find a working fire in the warehouse of the building. Mutual aid was requested from Hauppague, Holbrook and Ronkonkoma. - Fire News photo by Dave Rubin

Hicksville Gas Fire

On November 15, 2014, the Hicksville Fire Department responded to a gas heating unit fire inside a warehouse on Cantiague Rock Road. The sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire but workers at the site were unable to shut off the gas. Firefighters secured the gas and sprinkler system and vented the building. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

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Garden City House Fire The Garden City Fire Department was called to a house fire on Meadow Street on the afternoon of November 23, 2014. The home presented a smoke condition on arrival and, after entry was made, a first floor kitchen fire was discovered. A working fire was transmitted which brought assistance from several area companies. The blaze was under control within 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com



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Restaurant Fire Draws a Crowd On December 1, 2014, Nassau County Fire Com took numerous calls for a building fire at the International Chinese Buffet on Stewart Avenue. First to arrive was Fire Prevention Officer 7550 who had visible fire from a distance coming from a roof vent. Next was Chief of Department Laurent who transmitted a working fire, with fire located in the kitchen of the buffet which was open and occupied at the time. The building also housed a gymnastic business and a dialysis center that was treating several patients at the time; all were evacuated safely. First-due Engine 7522 picked up a hydrant and stretched two lines to extinguish the fire. Multiple ladder trucks were called due to the size of building and the roof operation that might be needed. Uniondale Ladder 754, Westbury 962, Hempstead Ladder 2, North Bellmore Ladder 658 and West Hempstead Ladder 765 responded. Additional mutual aid was provided to the scene and for standby from the Westbury, East Meadow and Roosevelt Fire Departments. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza


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Collapse in N. Amityville Fire

On December 2, 2014, the North Amityville Fire Company was alerted for a house fire on 43rd Street at Warren Street. Suffolk County Police were on scene and advised of a fully involved second floor and that all occupants were out. Engine 1-7-1 picked up a hydrant and stretched multiple handlines along with the crews of North Lindenhurst Engines 1-11-1 and 1-11-3. A full department response was requested from North Lindenhurst and Ladder 1-114 took the front of the house and set up for a master stream operation. Due to deteriorating conditions and a partial collapse of the second floor on the 1-2 corner all members were pulled and an exterior attack was put in place. It took about an hour for the fire to be brought under control with one firefighter suffering minor injuries. Copiague was requested for RIT and the Amityville for an ambulance. North Amityville Third Assistant Chief B. Benloss and North Lindenhurst Chief of Department Baranowski were in charge of the scene. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza



Page 24, Fire News, January 2015

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Newly Purchased Home Burns in Syosset On November 26, 2014, the Syosset Fire Department took numerous calls for a house fire on Westgate Road in a gated community. First Assistant Chief Mianulli arrived first to find heavy fire on the second floor and through the roof of a twostory home. Engine 585 picked up a hydrant, while Ladder 582 took the front and set up for a master stream operation. Jericho Ladder 941 was also set up in front of the house. Engine 584 supplied both ladders. Second and Third Assistant Chiefs Share and Fasano handled the fire attack. Engine 587 picked up a third hydrant and supplied Oyster Bay Ladder 554 in case they were put into operation on the exposure 3 side. Hicks, Westbury and East Norwich were also on scene. It took about two hours to bring the fire under control with a major collapse of the center of the house. There was no one home at the time of the fire as the family had just bought the home and hadn’t moved in. Additional mutual aid was called to stand by for Syosset and was provided by the Bethpage, Plainview, Bayville, Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington Manor Fire Departments. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza



Page 26, Fire News, January 2015

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Quick Stop by Deer Park

An Islanders Memory Gone

On November 16, 2014, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to a car fire on West 9th Street off of Central Avenue. Upon arriving, the Safety Officer of 1-4-41 advised 1-4-30 Chief Larry Bradbury of a working car fire. The owner of the car said she had just arrived home and saw smoke and flames coming from under the hood. Deer Park made a quick stop of the fire. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com

Wantagh firefighters responded to a car fire on November 16, 2014, on the Route 135 Service Road and Jerusalem Avenue. They extinguished fire in a restored Cadillac, which had been used in one of the Stanley Cup parades for the New York Islanders back in the 80s. Needless to say the owner was quite upset. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Vans Burn in East Farmingdale

On November 17, 2014, the East Farmingdale Fire Company was alerted for a fire to the rear of All Island Irrigation on Central Avenue. Second Assistant Chief Joseph arrived and found two vans fully involved and a box truck starting to burn. Chief of Department Sherback arrived took command, and was followed by Engines 1-5-1, 1-5-2 and 1-5-3. The crews operated a handline to knock down the fire using foam. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza


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Quick Work at Bay Shore Blaze

In the early morning of October 23, 2014, the Bay Shore Fire Department was activated for a house fire on Bayway Avenue. First to arrive was Second Assistant Chief Kunzwho who found fire showing from the 1-2 exposure on the first floor. Chief of Department Butler and First Assistant Chief Ippolito arrived shortly after. The crew from first-due Engine 3-1-3 stretched and operated two lines to knock down the fire within 15 minutes, with minimal extension to the second floor. The crew from Ladder 3-14 went to the roof and vented as other members searched the home. One resident who had exited the house was transported to Southside Hospital by Bay Shore-Brightwaters Ambulance Corps. with smoke inhalation. West Islip RIT responded to the scene and Islip covered Bay Shore. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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Smoking Car Dealership

The Nesconset Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm for a structure fire on Middle Country Road onOctober 31, 2014. Upon arrival of 44-31 a smoke condition was discovered inside the building, which was under renovation and used as a service department for a local BMW dealer. Mutual aid was requested

from Saint James for an engine and ladder to the scene. After a search the source was traced to a ventilation return unit on the roof which was quickly extinguished and disconnected. All units were back in service in an hour. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 29

Copiague Car Fire, Suspicious

On November 19, 2014, the Copiague Fire Department was alerted for a car fire on Lake Drive. Chief of Department Holzwarth arrived to find a car fully involved in the street. Engines 1-3-5, 13-9 Heavy Rescue 1-3-3 Ambulance 1-3-27 and Utility Truck 1-3-6 responded. Both 1-3-5 and 1-3-9 stretched one line and used foam to extinguish the fire. The fire was considered suspicious and was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza


Page 30, Fire News, January 2015

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Thanksgiving Fire in Kings Park The Kings Park Fire Department responded to building fire on East Main Street on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014. Upon arrival of Chief Dan Guilfoil (41-30) heavy smoke and fire were showing from a delicatessen in a fourstore taxpayer. Mutual aid was requested from Smithtown, Commack, East Northport, Northport and Greenlawn. After an aggressive attack the main body of fire was quickly knocked down but firefighters had to be removed from the structure due to a collapse possibility. The businesses were closed at the time of the fire. - Fire News photo courtesy Kings Park FD

Speedy Work Saves Lynbrook House The Lynbrook Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on the afternoon of November 29, 2014. The blaze in the rear of the home was quickly extinguished by arriving engine companies. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 31

Vacant House Goes in Hempstead Several fire departments joined Hempstead firefighters to battle a fire in a vacant house early on November 29, 2014. Firefighters were called to the Grove Street address to find the home engulfed in flames. No serious injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Page 32, Fire News, January 2015

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Early Morning Blaze in Wantagh

Recently, Wantagh firefighters, already out on a call for an oil burner emergency, were sent to a delicatessen on Wantagh Avenue for a report of smoke. Arriving units found fire in the ceiling of the deli and the flooring of the second floor apartments. The building was laddered as two handlines were stretched. Trucks opened up and the fire was quickly knocked down. Additional ladders were requested and Seaford, Massapequa and North Massapequa responded. Relocating into Wantagh headquarters were North Massapequa, North Bellmore and Bellmore. - Fire News photos by Harry Loud and Paul Mazza


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 33

Malverne Dryer Fire The Malverne Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on December 6, 2014. Smoke was issuing from the basement windows and a dryer fire was discovered by arriving units. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fatality at Northport Blaze On December 5, 2014, Northport was activated for a reported structure fire on Theron Place. Bystanders reported a woman inside the house. Chief Joe Pansini, First Assistant Chief Brad Wine and Second Assistant Chief John Jacobsen attempted to search but were forced back. The first-due engine knocked down the fire. A 64-yearold woman was pronounced dead at the scene. One firefighter was transported to Huntington Hospital with minor injuries. - Fire News photo provided by Steve Silverman


Page 34, Fire News, January 2015

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Long Hose Run in Westbury Blaze

Westbury firefighters battled a working fire at Hicks Nursery on Jericho Turnpike on November 30, 2014. Stunned customers watched as a storage barn went up in flames on the west side of the property. Long hose stretches made the job challenging but the blaze was brought under control within 30 minutes. Nassau County Fire Marshals were on the scene. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com, Paul Mazza and Eddie Coppa


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 35


Page 36, Fire News, January 2015

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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND

Dozens Sickened by Fumes in Hicksville On October 24, 2014, the Hicksville Fire Department was alerted for an odor in the Hicksville High School. Arriving units found an oil burner problem had affected three classrooms, sickening over a dozen staff and students with CO who were transported to local hospitals. The rooms were vented and an additional 20 students were evaluated. Mutual aid ambulances came from the East Meadow, Bethpage, Westbury, Jericho and NCPD. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Gas Odor in Wantagh Wantagh firefighters and Haz-Mat technicians checked for gas leak in a series of meters and valves located behind the Cherrywood Shopping Center on November 23, 2014. PSEG was notified as techs soaped all fittings and metered the area. No leak was found and it was determined that a slight surge and blow-off caused the reported odor. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Bethpage Natural Gas Line Hit On November 21, 2014, the Bethpage fire dispatcher was notified of a ruptured pressurized gas line in front of the new Fire Station 5 on Union Avenue. A construction crew damaged the underground line. A fire district maintenance man quickly removed Engine 905 from the fire house, which then hooked up to a nearby hydrant and stretched a line as a precaution. Assistant Chief Frank DeBobes, the Incident Commander, called for National Grid and shut down traffic. Mutual aid from Levittown and Farmingdale responded along with the Nassau County Fire Marshal HazMat truck. Other mutual aid fire departments from Plainview, South Farmingdale and North Massapequa stood by at Bethpage. The flow of natural gas was shut down for about an hour later. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm, story courtesy John F. Fitzwilliam


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 37

Pedestrian Struck in Selden MVA

On November 12, 2014, the Selden Fire Department was called to the intersection of Middle Country Road and North Evergreen Drive after a male pedestrian stepped into the roadway and was struck by a westbound SUV driven by an elderly female. The victim was packaged and transported by Selden Ambulance with non life threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by AJ Ryan

CO Alarm in Malverne

Recently, Malverne Fire Department units responded to a CO alarm on Webster Street and Cornwell Avenue along with Malverne Police. - Fire News photo by Steve Takacs


Page 38, Fire News, January 2015

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Westbury MVA Injures 2 The Nassau County Police and East Meadow Fire Department responded to an MVA in front of the Bowling Green School on Stewart Avenue in Westbury on December 2, 2014. A car was broadsided by a pickup truck trapping the driver of the car. Firefighters and police using hydraulic tools extricated the driver. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow Fire Department and Nassau County Police ambulances suffering serious but non-life threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Commack Handles Difficult Extrication The Commack Fire Department and Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded to an MVA/heavy rescue involving an SUV and a cesspool truck on Veterans Memorial Highway and Harned Road on November 28, 2014. Commack firefighters removed the roof and several doors of the SUV. Heavy rescue crews utilized several hydraulic tools, and had the patient extricated within 40 minutes. The patient was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital by Suffolk Police Medevac. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman

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Fire News, January 2015, Page 39

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Page 42, Fire News, January 2015

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It’s That Time of Year Again On December 8, 2014, the Holtsville Fire Department was activated for an MVA on Nichols Road at the bridge over Portion Road which had iced over. The county was called for a sander to the scene. - Fire News photo by David Rubin

Overturn in Hempstead The Hempstead Fire Department responded to an MVA on the morning of December 5, 2014. The car involved lost control on a bend in the road on Jerusalem Avenue near Jean Avenue. After slamming into a utility pole, the vehicle overturned. The extent of injury to the driver was unknown. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 43

Valley Stream MVA The Valley Stream Fire Department was toned out for an MVA at Rockaway and E. Fairview Avenues. Units 341, 345 and 346 and Rescue 2 responded. - Fire News photo by Steve Takacs

Solo MVA in Malverne Malverne firefighters and police were on the scene on December 2, 2014, after a car left the roadway, sheared a utility pole at the base, then overturned on Franklin Avenue near Jean Court. Nassau County EMS tended to the injured driver. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Car into Kings Park Post Office

The Kings Park Fire Department and Suffolk County Police responded to an accident at the Kings Park Post Office on East Main Street, on December 4, 2014. A car operated by an elderly female lost control and crashed into the building causing damage. Kings Park FD ambulance transported the driver who suffered minor injuries to Saint Catherine’s Hospital. The Smithtown building department along with U.S. Post Office officials checked the structural integrity of the building. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber


Page 44, Fire News, January 2015

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Close Call in Elmont On November 30, 2014, an SUV traveling westbound on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont left the roadway, jumped the curb, and overturned into a nearby gas station. The Elmont Fire Department was on the scene and fortunately, the vehicle stopped short of impacting any of the fuel pumps. One person was injured and transported by Nassau County EMS to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

5 Injured in Amityville MVA The Amityville Fire Department was activated for an MVA with entrapment on Route 110 at Locust Avenue on November 30, 2014. Second Assistant Chief Greey arrived and confirmed the driver of one of the vehicles was trapped. The second vehicle continued down Route 110 and came to a stop on the lawn of a house after hitting a fence. The crew from Heavy Rescue 1-1-15 put multiple tools into operation for a full side removal and had the first driver extricated in about 20 minutes. A total of five people were injured in the crash and all were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital by Ambulances 1-111, 1-1-12 and North Amityville Ambulance 1-7-8. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 45

Pedestrian Hit in Front of Deer Park Firehouse On December 5, 2014, the Deer Park Fire Department Chief Phil Scarfi and Deer Park’s ambulance, Brentwood Legion’s Ambulance Corps and Suffolk County Police responded to a pedestrian/auto accident on Pineaire Drive in front of the Brentwood fire house. The pedestrian was having chest compressions done by the responding units and was transported to Southside Hospital in unknown condition. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com

Overturn in Franklin Square Neighbors on Madison Street in Franklin Square heard a loud crash on the evening of November 25, 2014, and discovered a car upside down in the narrow street outside their homes. The driver struck a parked car and the vehicle flipped onto its roof. Franklin Square firefighters and EMS personnel were on the scene, but not needed, as no one was seriously injured. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com


Page 46, Fire News, January 2015

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MVA and Fire in Lake Success On December 2, 2014, Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Companies 4, 5 and the Ambulance Unit were dispatched to Lakeville Road in Lake Success for a reported MVA with fire. Chief Farrone (8705), Deputy Chiefs Kiess (8701) and Candan (8704) all responded. Traffic was at a stand-still on Lakeville Road, which made it very difficult for responding apparatus to reach the scene. Squad 8759 arrived, followed by Engine 8740. Both stretched hoselines and extinguished the fire. Ambulances 8767 and 8769 and Ladder 8743 were also on the scene. Lakeville Road was shutdown in both directions for about 30 minutes. There were no reported injuries. - Fire News story by Kirk Candan; photo by Lee Genser

MVA in Deer Park On November 25, 2014, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to an MVA at the Sons of Italy on Deer Park Avenue. A driver suffered a seizure while driving south on Deer Park Avenue, crossed over the center divider through the northbound lanes, crashing through bushes, before hitting a parking lot fence. Deer Park EMS was able to aid the driver and transported him to the hospital. - Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 47

Hits a Lot, But No Injuries in MVA An SUV struck a fire hydrant, then two trees and a parked car, before coming to rest against a utility pole on N. Corona Avenue in Valley Stream on November 14, 2014. Valley Stream firefighters and EMS personnel were on the scene, but no one was seriously injured. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Setauket 3-Car MVA On November 28, 2014, Suffolk County Police Department and Setauket Fire Department were notified of a three-car MVA with an overturn at the intersection of Route 347 and Nicolls Road. Members of the fire department and Suffolk County Emergency Services section used hydraulic tools to remove the roof of one car. Two people were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. A third person was transported from a separate vehicle also to Stony Brook University Hospital. Two people were listed in critical condition at the time they were transported by EMS. - Fire News photo by Andrew Tetreault

High-Speed Crash in North Lindenhurst On November 22, 2014, the North Lindenhurst Fire Department responded to eastbound Sunrise Highway at North Wellwood Avenue for an MVA with reported entrapment. The car left the road at high speed and struck a utility pole sideways and sheared it off. The force of the collision had the pole into the passenger cabin about three feet, with the driver pinned. The crew from Engine 1-11-3 had a precautionary line stretched as the crew from Heavy Rescue 1-11-5 quickly extricated the driver. Once removed, the driver was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by Ambulance 1-11-7 with serious injuries. Sunrise Highway was closed for several hours while the cause of the accident was investigated by police. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

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Page 48, Fire News, January 2015

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Cab Crash in Brentwood

In the early morning hours of November 11, 2014, the Brentwood Fire Department was alerted for an MVA with a reported car into a building on Wicks Road. Engine 3-2-5 and Heavy Rescue 3-2-18 responded along with an ambulance from the Central IslipHauppauge Ambulance Corp. The driver of a taxi fell asleep at the wheel, went off the road and crashed through the front of the building doing substantial damage. The crew from 3-2-18 removed the passenger door to extricate the driver, who was then transported to the hospital with minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

MVA at LIRR Crossing

Hicksville firefighters responded to an MVA on November 13, 2014, on South Oyster Bay Road and the LIRR crossing. Three adults and a child were evaluated and crews secured the cars. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 49

If a Caddy Burns and Nobody Smells It ... On November 4, 2014, Plainview fire fighters were alerted for a reported car fire on Claremont Road by the Oyster Bay town dump in Old Bethpage. Arriving units were surprised to find a smoldering Cadillac that had burned undetected overnight in a desolate area of the dump. The Fire Marshal and NCPD units were called to investigate the incident and firefighters wet down the smoldering car. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Car Into House in Farmingville Early on November 23, 2014, the Farmingville Fire Department under the direction of Chief Ralph Gloria was called to a house on Campus Drive after a car drove through the front of the house stopping almost completely inside. Firefighters secured the house and the vehicle while Suffolk Police secured the driver; after a field sobriety test, he was charged with DWI. Luckily nobody was injured inside the home. - Fire News photo by AJ Ryan

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Page 50, Fire News, January 2015

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MVA in Bethpage On October 30, 2014, the Bethpage Fire Department and Nassau County Police units responded to an MVA with an SUV into a pole and tree. When units arrived the driver had already left the scene with his two children, ages one and three. After a lengthy search they were located and evaluated for any injuries. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Pickup vs. Payloader in Kings Park The Suffolk Police, Commack Volunteer Ambulance along with the Kings Park and Commack Fire Departments responded to a serious accident at the Town of Smithtown Sanitation Facility located on Old Northport Road in Kings Park on November 15, 2014. A pickup truck was at the facility to dump various items when it collided with a large pay loader. The lone male driver suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries. Commack Volunteer Ambulance transported the driver to an area hospital for further treatment. The driver of the pay loader was not injured. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 51

2 Injured in Plainview MVA On November 14, 2014, the Plainview Fire Department responded to a twocar MVA on Old Country Road and the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway. Two people were injured and taken to local hospitals. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Farmingville MVA and Fire In the evening hours of November 5, 2014, the Farmingville Fire Department was activated for an MVA at northbound Nicolls Road, north of Horseblock Road. Upon arrival, Chief Ralph Gloria, advised incoming units of a working car fire. The fire was quickly knocked down and the driver was transported to Stony Brook Hospital for his injuries. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Bad Pin in West Islip MVA

Just after midnight on November 15, 2014, the West Islip Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported entrapment at Union Boulevard and Beach Street. First arriving units found a pick up truck had driven into the rear of a stopped box truck heavily pinning the driver. With the accident only a block from fire headquarters, units were on scene quickly and worked on extricating the driver. Heavy Rescue 3-17-3 put six tools into operation to remove both driver side doors and B-post and lifted the dash on both sides of the vehicle to get the steering wheel off the drivers lap. It took about 25 minutes to extricate the injured driver who was then transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by Ambulance 3-1748. Engine 3-17-7 had a precautionary line stretched during the operation, Fire Police 3-17-10 handled traffic control and the crew from Quint 3-17-2 stood by on scene. Chief of Department Gemellaro was in charge of the operation. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza


Page 52, Fire News, January 2015

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MVA With Pin in Holbrook

On October 14, 2014, the Holbrook Fire Department was activated er was pinned with the vehicle into the woods. The victim was for an MVA with reported heavy rescue at the intersection of quickly extricated and transported to a local medical center via - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez Patchogue Holbrook Road and Springmeadow Drive. Chief 3-15-31 Holbrook Ambulance. was the first commanding officer on scene and confirmed one driv-

Motorcycle Crash in Ronkonkoma In the early morning hours of November 8, 2014, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Expressway Drive North and Ronkonkoma Avenue. Suffolk PD units were the first to arrive on the scene and requested a rush for EMS. The victim was transported via Ronkonkoma Ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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Fire News, January 2015, Page 53

S. Farmingdale at MVA On November 16, 2014, the South Farmingdale Fire Department responded to an MVA with overturn and reported entrapment at Bethpage Road and Round Swamp Road. First to arrive was Second Assistant Chief Mackie who encountered a vehicle on its driver’s side with the driver still inside; there were no injuries in the other vehicle. Chief of Department Martin arrived and took command. Engine 972, Heavy Rescue 979 and Ambulance 976 responded. The crew from 979 and Nassau County Police ESU 2421 worked together to cut the hinges on the panoramic roof of the vehicle and removed the driver. The injured driver was taken to Nassau University Medical Center by Nassau County Police Ambulance 2358. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

DWI in E. Farmingdale 2-Fatality MVA On November 23, 2014, the East Farmingdale Fire Company was alerted for an MVA on Route 109 at Route 110. First to arrive was Second Assistant Chief Joseph who encountered a two-car head on collision with both drivers unconscious and one driver trapped. Chief of Department Scherback arrived and took over command of the scene and was followed by Engine 1-5-1, Rescue Engine 1-5-3, Heavy Rescue 1-5-4 and Ambulances 1-5-9 and 1-5-29. Both female drivers were transported to Nassau University Medical Center where they both succumbed to their injuries hours apart. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza


Page 54, Fire News, January 2015

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REMSCO Awards

On November 6, 2014, the Annual Suffolk REMSCO Awards were held at the Centereach Fire Department, the recipient of the 2013 EMS Agency of the Year. This year’s ceremony was well attended with numerous dignitaries on hand to honor the award winners and honorable mention awardees. The awards were presented by Suffolk REMSCO Chairperson, Jane McCormack, RN, and Suffolk EMS Medical Director, Dr. Gregson Pigott. -Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone; story by Ellen Komosinski


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 55

Northport F.D. Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Fire News congratulates the Northport Fire Department on their followed by a ceremony and celebration in the Village Park on - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman 125th anniversary of dedicated service to the community. Over 25 October 18, 2014. departments and 14 marching bands participated in a gala parade


Page 56, Fire News, January 2015

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Glenwood Installation Fire Co.

On December 6, 2014, the Glenwood H&L, E&H Company held its Annual Installation Dinner at the Engineers Country Club. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, John Venditto, swore in Glenwood's new chiefs and company officers: Chief of Department Paul Ditrano, First Assistant Chief Jeff Papasidero, Second Assistant Chief Peter Descovich, President Vincent LoPiccolo, Vice President Lisa

Kirshner, Secretary Siobhan Buchta, Assistant Secretary Deana Roper, Treasurer Robert Brown, Assistant Treasurer Alicia Post, Financial Secretary Howard Zwosta, Assistant Financial Secretary Dina Ditrano, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Basile, and Trustee Arthur Hall. Congratulations to all the new officers and the award recipients of the night! - Fire News photos by Adrienne Daley

Great Neck Alerts Wetdown

(Above left, left to right):Reverend Pau (All Saints Church, Company Chaplain), Monsignor Brenden Riordan (St. Aloysius Church, Company Chaplain), Village of Great Neck Mayor Ralph Kreisman, Great Neck Chief Ray Plakstis, Board Chairman Mike Green, Town of North Hempstead Superintendent Judy Bosworth, Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Lee Seaman, Saddle Rock Mayor Dan Levy, President James Sanders, 1st Assistant Chief James Neubert, Captain John Purcell, 1st Lieutenant Carlos Gallo. - Fire News photos by Joe Virgilio


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 57

Long Island Day at The Firemens’ Home

- Fire News photos by JoAnn Stephani


Page 58, Fire News, January 2015

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Piston Knockers Celebrate 50 Years

On November 15, 2014, the North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers celebrated their 50th anniversary as a racing team with a gathering at their firehouse on Straight Path Road. Over 200 guests, including family, friends and teams from both Nassau and Suffolk counties, came to honor the team and celebrate with them. Great food and drink were part of the program, as well as speeches and gifts from fellow competitors. The evening also included a special remembrance of Anthony “Crash� Calabro, who is widely recognized as being one of those most responsible for bringing the team to the competitive level that it exists at today. All in all, a wonderful time was had by all. - Fire News photos by Michael Heller


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 59

Selden Tree Lighting

The Selden Fire Department held their annual Tree Lighting ceremony on November 30, 2014. - Fire News photos by Amanda Coffey


Page 60, Fire News, January 2015

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New York Wildfire & Incident Management Academy Concludes 10-Day Run Academy Offers Brush Truck Course for Local Volunteer Firefighters and Provides Training to Local Incident Management Personnel

The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (NYWIMA), held from October 24 through November 2, 2014, concluded its seventeenth year of operations and has now provided training to more than 6,800 firefighters and emergency response personnel over its existence. This year NYWIMA conducted its third Brush Truck Training course, which focused on two days of classroom instruction which stressed typical Long Island wildland fire situations and a one-day actual in-the-field driving, handling and operational experience designed to closely simulate conditions encountered during actual wildfire incidents. Participants in the course included volunteer firefighters from Deer Park, East Hampton, Flanders, Mastic, Nesconset, Patchogue and West Babylon who brought their brush trucks for the driving section of the course conducted on forested New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) managed lands and on a sandy course chosen to simulate some of the looser soil conditions volunteer firefighters might encounter on a wildland firefighting response. “The course is very informative and provides you with a lot of tactical and technical information,” Nesconset Fire Department Assistant Chief John C. Martins said. “The driving part is the best hands-on course you can go through on Long Island to become proficient with your vehicle. It is a good course for trail trucks and for five-ton trucks.” Participating fire departments in the Spring 2014 courses included: Brentwood, Cutchogue, Eastport, East Quouge, Flanders, Gordon Heights, Hagerman, Kings Park, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Massapequa, North Babylon, North Sea, Patchogue, Shelter Island, West Babylon and West Sayville. Fall 2013 participating volunteer fire departments included Eastport, Flanders, Lakeland, North Babylon, Orient and

Westhampton Beach. “The Academy is proud of the success that this Brush Truck Training course has had over the past year,” Central Pine Barrens Commission Executive Director John Pavacic said. “With 24 departments already having taken this training this shows that the Academy is working to fill a need that the volunteer firefighting community has. Since the Academy was founded its goals has been to enhance local emergency response crews’ expertise and knowledge. In addition to the Brush Truck training course the Academy also offered free training for volunteer firefighters in Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior and Fire Operations in the Urban Interface. To further aid volunteer firefighting training the Academy also offered the online version of the Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior course which only requires a one-day field day commitment. Volunteers from a number of volunteer fire departments, including Albertson, Coram, East Moriches, East Rockaway, Farmingville and Northport participated in this Basic Firefighting sessions. The Academy’s goal is to provide a safe learning environment for wildland firefighters and all-risk incident managers and to foster greater networking opportunities and partnerships between participants from federal, state and local agencies. To aid in achieving this objective, the NYWIMA is managed to mirror an actual incident utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS) under the direction of an Incident Management Team (IMT). The IMT reflects the interagency and cooperative nature of today’s incident management philosophy with team members coming from federal, state and local agencies. Approximately 555 personnel participated in the 2013 Academy. Participants included 39 overhead staff members and 58 instructors from federal, state and local agencies. Of this total, 425 students were students/emergency responders representing 29 states. The Academy also trained 33 members of local and regional emergency response teams in various Incident Command System roles. Five firefighters from Canadian firefighting units participated in the 2014 Academy. “The delegation from New Brunswick and Quebec illustrates the respect that the Academy has generated over its existence both in this country and internationally,” Pavacic said “The fact that these students were able to seamlessly participate in prescribed burns and chainsaw operations classes is a testament to their own skills as firefighters, and the fact that the language of wildland firefighting and emergency response efforts is becoming more universal.” The Academy also produced three special training sessions for members of the Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and for Suffolk County Police Department personnel. The Brookhaven Town Safety Association training consisted of three days of field training. Association members examined safety aspects at prescribed burn sites, chainsaw cutting sites and also worked on a scenario involving the creation of a helicopter base. For further information regarding the Academy, please contact the Academy at 631-769-1556, or visit the Academy’s website: www.dec.ny.gov/education/73.html.


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Tree Burning Demonstration Provides Holiday Safety Lessons

On December 3, 2014, the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center of Garden City joined with other Nassau County volunteer firefighters to conduct a live residential fire of Christmas trees to emphasize the importance of vigilant hydrating of all natural Christmas trees. The event’s purpose was to educate the public during a holiday season that can be fraught with home fires due to under-watered Christmas trees, whether on display in a house or apartment, or later, when discarded or moved to a spot outside the residence. The exercise demonstrated the unimaginable rapidity of a dry tree fire and emphasized the urgent need to adequately hydrate trees and to properly dispose of them.

Fire News, January 2015, Page 61


Page 62, Fire News, January 2015

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The Buff Project!

By now you’ve probably already heard of THE BUFF PROJECT… a new movement that’s simply sweeping our area and now expanding nationwide. The Buff Project was developed by a second generation NYC Fireman and started right here on Long Island in Lake Ronkonkoma. The Explorers there have been actively educating their neighbors about the dangers of not having working smoke detectors by utilizing the brand power of the NFL ... all while raising funds for their department. The NFL has helped take a boring but lifesaving product and made it cool and attractive. The Buff Project has empowered Fire Departments to carry the important message that; most of us don't have enough smoke detectors in our homes. This is a guaranteed and proven life saving measure Lake Ronkonkoma is not the only Department that joined this movement. Towns like Valley Stream, Selden, Long Beach, Oceanside and other places have also joined. And it didn’t take long for organizations such as schools and Boy Scout troops to see the value of The Buff Project as way to save lives and raise money for their organizations. By now, communities across Long Island are bustling with a renewed focus on these life saving devices. Parents are inspecting their homes only to find that their existing detectors are old and broken or that they just don’t have the detectors that the law requires. Go to www.TheBuff Project.com or call 844-BE A BUFF or 917468-8483; www.TheBuffProject.com.


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 63

Firehouse Kitchen With FF Ray Cooney

I’ve begun filming the fourth season of Firehouse Kitchen and we decided to return to Northport because we had such an enjoyable and memorable time there last season. If you recall, last season we focused on the Chuck Varese Extrication Tournament. Firefighter Varese died in a motorcycle accident and the tournament was organized by his father, Robert Varese, a.k.a., Beefy, as a way to honor his son’s memory. After meeting Beefy last year, I knew I had to film a show with him and subsequently, a second show. Beefy is a retired FDNY fireman and is currently in his 40th year as a volunteer Northport fireman. When I asked Beefy what he was going to make, he said, “My famous meatballs.” If you can’t tell by now, meatballs are a big deal in the firehouse. Hence, my fifth show about meatballs. As any Italian will attest, there are many different ways to cook and enjoy meatballs. While cooking, Beefy talked about the history of the Northport Fire Department. He shared his knowledge of all things related to the firehouse. He is like the mayor of Northport. I was most touched by his story of his first day on the FDNY. Besides being his first day on the job, it was his first real experience outside the confines of Northport. He talked about

his experience with the subway and all things “city.” But, now, on to the meatballs. Beefy laid out his ingredients in front of me as if they were top secret. It was your basic bread crumb, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, eggs, chopped meat and his secret ingredient - Parmesan cheese. In my head I said, that is not so secret. No Italian would be caught dead cooking without Parmesan cheese. Yet, I didn’t tell him that. He baked the meatballs in the oven for 15 minutes, as opposed to frying them, and then put them in his secret sauce (to follow in another episode). Everything was delicious. The show ended with his girlfriend, Jeannie, who is an EMT for Northport, making unbelievable chocolate chip taffy cookies. Once again, I had a wonderful time cooking in Northport. We are thankful to them for allowing Firehouse Kitchen to become a part of their firehouse and filming in their beautiful kitchen. Here is a big thank you to Beefy and the Northport Fire Department for supporting Firehouse Kitchen. If you’re interested, the next Chuck Varese Tournament will be taking place on May 10, 2015. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, visit firehousekitchenshow.com or Facebook us at Firehouse Kitchen.

BEEFY'S MEATBALLS 3 lbs. of chopped meat 2-3 eggs per lb. 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs 1/2 cup of chopped onions Salt, pepper, parsley and Parmesan cheese to taste. Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Place meatballs on a greased baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with your favorite vegetable or starch.


Page 64, Fire News, January 2015

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Twin Congratulations to East Northport’s Chief Wayne Kaifler!

Wayne Kaifler, Jr., the new Chief of the East Northport Fire Department, is the proud new dad of twin boys. The twins arrived a minute apart on the evening of December 3, 2014, with dad holding Tyler John (left), and Wayne Conrad III. Congratulations and best wishes to Chief Wayne and his wife Stacie, and proud grandparents, ex-Chief and Commissioner Wayne Kaifler, Sr., and wife Patti. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman

Suffolk EMS Head Honored by Cherry Grove

On November 18, 2014, Ken Osman of Cherry Grove EMS, and Laura Guisto, Assistant Chief Cherry Grove Fire Department attended the Suffolk County Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Council (REMAC) and presented a plaque to Chief Robert Delagi, Suffolk EMS Director, for his efforts in making EMS a reality in Cherry Grove this past summer. The units look forward to working with him to make a successful program even better in 2015. Chief Delagi was taken by surprise with the presentation and was very grateful. - Fire News photo by Joe Comparato


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Marine Drill in Northport Harbor On November 16, 2014, the Northport Volunteer Fire Department conducted a training exercise fighting a fire onboard a boat in Northport Harbor. Under the command of First Assistant Chief Brad Wine and Marine Rescue Coordinator Tod Thonger, a private boat donated for use through Seymour’s Boatyard was drained of all hazardous chemicals and set ablaze for three scenarios. Assisted by Centerport's Fire Rescue, the boat was properly extinguished by Northport Marine Rescue division. - Fire News photo by John Mancino

Dix Hills Hosts Hoarding Hazards Seminar The Dix Hills Fire Department recently hosted a firefighters training seminar presented by Ryan Pennington, the leading authority on Heavy Content firefighting and EMS operations in the country. The seminar exposed students to the tactical challenges and techniques of fighting a structure fire and handling an EMS alarm inside a house with hoarder-type conditions. Pennington was invited to Dix Hills by Chief Robert Fling, the newly elected Chief of Department. Over 25 firefighters attended from as far away as Mattituck and New Jersey. - Fire News photo by Steve Silverman


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Huntington First Aid Squad Vol is EMS Worker of the Year

In recognition of his service and unmatched commitment to the community, Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro (DHuntington Station) recently honored Huntington Community First Aid Squad (HCFAS) volunteer Thomas O’Leary as the 17th Legislative District’s 2014 Volunteer Firefighter/EMS Worker of the Year. A Huntington Station resident, O’Leary joined the HCFAS

in 2007 and has quickly risen through the ranks to become a vital member of the squad. O’Leary became a certified EMT in 2008. He also serves on the Board of Directors, assisting in the daily operations of the squad. In addition, he has been instrumental in the critical function of recruiting and retaining members. - Fire News photo by Karen Klafter


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Glenwood Holds Annual Open House

Fire News, January 2015, Page 67

Garden City Tree Lighting

On October 26, 2014, the Glenwood Fire Company hosted its annual Fire Prevention Open House at Station No. 2. The event was a great success and featured fire truck rides, a stovetop fire demonstration as well as an extrication demonstration. In addition, the Port Washington Fire Department provided their smokehouse for simulations. - Fire News photos provided by Siobhan Buchta

The 60th annual Garden City tree lighting. - Fire News photos by Steve Takacs


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Up Close & Personal

Emrah Bademci, and Frank Oliveri, Sr. (right), both from North Patchogue Fire Department. Oliveri is all so a member of the Riders of Fire MC. Both Emrah and Frank supported the Rev For Dev Run on October 5, 2014. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Lt. Dean R. Chasin of North Merrick Engine Co. # 1 and his daughter Sierra N. Chasin, a junior firefighter from the North Merrick Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Gail C. Mayo

Selden Fire Department member Marc Weiner with his wife Stacey and their son Gavin. - Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

(Left to right): Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Deputy Chief Mark Kiess (8701), Deputy Chief Kirk Candan (8704) and Chief of Department Michael Farrone (8705) at a recent vehicle fire. - Fire News photo by Kirk Candan


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 69

Up Close & Personal

Truck Company 1 Lieutenant Dan Coffey from Farmingville Fire Department during a recent training exercise. - Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

Nesconset Firefighter Joseph Capogna. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Firefighter Robert McEvoy of Bethpage Engine Company 5. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

“Shining a New Light on Service”

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$639 Nesconset Firefighter Chris Zamitz of Ladder Company 2. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Phone: 631-661-7515 www.CoastalFireSystems.com


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Up Close & Personal

Truck Company 1 Captain D. Russo from Farmingville Fire Department working command at a recent drill. - Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

Levittown Fire Department Rescue Company #4 firefighter Frederick McFarland. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

MacArthur Airport Fire Rescue (left to right): Mike Spinola/ARFF; Jerry Rockfeld/ARFF; Pete Ritter/ARFF. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Hagerman Firefighter Joe Hanley and his son Phillip, a Hagerman Junior, getting ready to march together in the Patchogue Holiday Parade. - Fire News photo by JoAnn Stephani


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Fire News, January 2015, Page 71

Preschool Children Visit Melville FD

The Melville Fire Department played host on October 16, 2014, to rest of the apparatus. Accompanying them were teachers Angela the pre-school children from Miss Sue’s Pre- School of Plainview. Zikos (Director),Jenna Horan, Gina Walker, Arielle Marin, Alexia EMTs Linda Mc Donough and Michael Mac Mullen explained what Mann and Matt Spolansky. - Fire News photos by Tom Pesce each truck and ambulance was used for, and were given tours of the

FERRARA GETS FDNY CONTRACT FOR 12 MORE AERIAL LADDERS The FDNY has awarded Ferrara Fire Apparatus, America’s premier custom heavy-duty fire apparatus manufacturer, a contract to build 12 additional 100-foot aerial ladders. The FDNY 100-foot aerial ladders are built on the Ferrara Ultra custom chassis with a 3CR12 stainless steel split cab and feature a heavy-duty stainless steel body, a quick four-section 100 foot rear mount ladder, and an 8kW hydraulic generator. Company President/CEO Chris Ferrara stated, “It has, and always will be, an honor to be chosen by FDNY to supply such a critical product to protect the citizens of the City of New York.” Upon completion of the project, FDNY will have a total of 71 Ferrara 100-foot aerial ladders operating in the City of New York. Ferrara Fire Apparatus custom manufactures a complete line of heavy-duty fire, emergency and rescue vehicles. The custom chassis selection includes the Ultra, Inferno, Igniter and Cinder. Ferrara’s line

of apparatus includes the MVP rescue pumper, custom and commercial pumpers and tankers, rear and mid-mount aerial ladders and platforms, walk-in and walk-around rescues, incident command trucks and trailers, wildland interface, and the Inundator high flow industrial pumper. As a leading innovator in the fire industry, Ferrara takes pride in offering such firefighter safety items as on-site tilt table testing, cab and body ECE-29 crash testing, independent front suspension, complete airbag protection, and the SmartWheel steering system.

GARDYN RECEIVES LONG ISLAND HISPANIC CoC CHAIRMAN’S AWARD Jorge L. Gardyn, MD, CEO of Island Occupational Medical Resources and Division Chief of Occupational and Corporate Medicine at the Nassau University Medical Center received the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award at their 26th Annual Awards Gala on November 22, 2014. The organization is a resource of economic development for Long Island, helping to strengthen Hispanic businesses and providing oppor-

tunities for jobs and growth. Accepting the award with Dr. Gardyn were (left to right): Nasrin Ahmed, Hempstead Town Clerk, Catherine Gardyn, New York State Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Dr. Jorge Gardyn, and J.C. Gardyn.


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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Dix Hills Company One cut-and-burn crew. -Fire News photo by Steve Silverman

Nesconset Fire Department. -Fire News photo by Ron Montelone

The Plainview Fire Department crew of Heavy Rescue 957 and Chief of the Dept (right) Ross Dubner. -Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Getting together at the Mini-Indy Training Symposium. - Fire News photo by Dennis Carman

The Manorville Fire Department after a session at Mastic’s training building. -Fire News photo by Jim Rugen

Mount Sinai Fire Department’s RIT crew responding to a recent Sound Beach working structure fire. -Fire News photo by Asst. Chief Nick Beckman

Hagerman Junior Gamblers and Hagerman Explorers along with their advisor Louie Valentino. -Fire News photo by JoAnn Stephani

Members of the Westbury Fire Department on mutual aid to Uniondale for a building fire. -Fire News photo by Paul Mazza


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4th Annual Turkey Dinner Drive Members of the Cancer Support Network with help from the St. drive held by the network. Many thanks to all of the people who James Fire Department Juniors worked to make a Happy donated to help make this event another successful year. - Fire News photos of Robert Demoustes Thanksgiving for needy cancer families by packaging and delivering 96 complete dinners. This was the fourth annual turkey dinner


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The Arts Support Wounded Warriors In August 2014, Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior was the recipient of monies raised at an art and photography exhibit titled, “Endless Summer — Visions of Long Island,” which was hosted by LIU-Post College in Brookville. Over 60 of Long Island’s most distinguished award winning artists and photographers exhibited their works for the entire month at the Hutchins Gallery on campus. The artists made a generous direct donation to NCFF-OWW plus an additional portion of any sales. During the opening night reception, NCFF-OWW Chairman Joe O’Grady of the Floral Park Fire Department received a citation from the Town of Hempstead. Also joining in was Congressman-elect Lee Zeldin of Suffolk County. - Fire News photo by Steve Grogan

Local Firefighter Helps Fresh AirFund Stephen Medici, a Halesite firefighter-turned-author from Huntington and his wife, Colleen, have been hosting inner city children from the Fresh Air Fund for several years. “We really love it when the kids arrive each year. It gives them a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer we all take for granted. It’s a fantastic program,” said Stephen. In an effort to help more children partake in the program, Medici has pledged 100 percent of the royalties from his third book, The Girls in Pleated Skirts to the fund. Their hope is to raise $500,000. The book, available at www.Amazon.com is a fictional thriller about an ex-Marine who takes matters into his own hands when he thinks his country has lost sight of its real enemies. For info about the Fresh Air Fund go to www.freshair.org.


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Obituary

Ex-Chief Roy Fries Answers Last Alarm On December 3, 2014, ex-Chief Roy R. Fries, a 51-year active member of the North Lindenhurst Fire Department, passed away at the age of 71. Fries joined the department on May 13, 1963, and in 1964 became Captain of the Piston Knockers Drill Team and held that position until 1969. He was Second Lieutenant of Engine and Heavy Rescue Company # 1 twice, first in 1966 then again in 1978-1979, First Lieutenant in 1967 and served as Captain twice, first in 1968 then again from 1980 to 1982. He also served as Chief three times, as Second Deputy Chief from 1969-1971, 1982-1984 and 1990-1992, First Deputy Chief from 1971-1973, 1984-1986 and 19921993 and Chief of Department from 1973-1975, 1986-1988 and 1993-1996. Fries was also President of the Department twice from 2002-2004 and 2008-2010 and also served as President of the Town of Babylon Chiefs Association from 1986-1988. Ex-Chief Fries was also the chairman of the fire prevention committee and held that position for many years. He was also a retired Sergeant Investigator for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. A wake was held at the North Lindenhurst Fire Department and interment was at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Steve Schaefer

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Obituary

Islip Terrace’s Captain Lawrence ‘Larry’ Guarnieri Lawrence “Larry” Guarnieri a Port Authority of New York-New Jersey Sergeant and a Captain of Truck Company #1 of the Islip Terrace Fire Department passed away on November 4, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Clare, and children Kathryn, Jacklyn, Thomas and Joseph, as well as his brothers and sisters, and extended family. He joined the Islip Terrace Fire Department on February 5, 2001, and quickly moved up the ladder. He was elected 2nd Lieutenant in 2006 and 2007, 1st Lieutenant in 2008 and 2009 and was Captain from 2010 until his death. He served as a department training officer, chairman of the investigation committee, chairman of the Memorial Day committee, manager of the softball team along with President and founder of the Christmas float Union Local 3612. He was the Chief’s office right hand man whose commitment was unmatched. He was a perfectionist and believed in attention to detail and prided himself in training, commitment, camaraderie, winning and of course eating. On September 11, 2001, Larry, like many others rushed to the World Trade Center to help brother police officers, firemen or citizen. Guarnieri passed away from a 9/11- related disease. - Fire News photos by Bob Maxner

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