VOLUME XLVIV, NO. 4
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 DECEMBER 2021
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Happy Holidays from the Staff at Fire News
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Fire News, December 2021, Page 3
In this issue... West Hempstead Kitchen Fire An unattended cooking device is thought to be the cause.
See story on page 8
Staircase Fire in Central Islip On arrival, crews find a staircase on fire, which is quickly extinguished.
See story on page 15
Massapequa Garage Fire Extends An early morning garage fire extends into a home’s attic. See story on page 28
Fatality at Wyandanch MVA A women is killed and a young girl seriously injured in a two-car MVA.
See story on page 42
Terry Farrell Fund Baseball Game a Success Adelphi plays Molloy and raises over $4000 for the Farrell Fund.
See story on page 62
Obituaries Centereach’s Lawrence Viverito
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, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, JEB LADOUCEUR, Publisher Emeritus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Vinnie Ammirati, Dennis Berger, Chris Brenner, Jeff Bressler, Kirk Candan, Amanda Coffey, Ed Coppa, Bill D'Alessandro, Jim Dunn, Larry Fox, Lee Genser, Bryan Gosik,Brian Grogan, Steve Grogan,Mike Guarino, Stephanie Handshaw, Jack Healy, Michael Heller, Robert Holley, Cody Hoyle, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Tom Lambui, Richard Lewin, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Kurt Ludwig, Brad Maier, John Mancino, Paul Mazza, Lou Minutoli, Ron Monteleone, Michael Murphy, Charles A. Murphy, Mike Oppedisano, John Neely, Robert O'Rourk, Kevin Parkan, Tom Pesce, Kevin Peterson, Jackson Pokress, Jerry Presta, Myles Quinn, Dave Rubin, Jim Rugen, AJ Ryan, Drew Silverman, Steve Silverman, Joe Sperber, JoAnn Stephani, Brian Thomas, Ed Tuffy, Joe Virgilio, Steve Walsh, Dennis Whittam, Cameron Wilken COLUMNISTS: Jeff Bailes, Paul Hashagen, Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder, Danny Peluso, Bradley Pinksy, Tom Rinelli COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Holtsville’s Annamarie H. Bender See stories on page 85
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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 Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
49 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 49th 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, December 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Ready To Lead? As I write my December editorial, Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is just over the horizon. I sincerely hope you “remember the reason for all seasons,” and give thanks that you are part of one of the greatest organizations, namely, the Fire Service! Over the next few weeks, our departments will be holding their elections of new officers. I know some of you hold elections of new officers later in 2022. Regardless, whenever you hold elections, my thoughts for new officers are the same. Sitting in the front seat is only a small part of your job. Are you ready to lead by example? A few weeks ago, I attended a Lieutenant Joseph P. Dibernardo Seminar. If you were not there, especially as an upcoming officer, you missed a terrific three-day seminar that challenged the skills of everyone who attended. As I photographed the firefighters utilizing the search maze, I realized my place is behind the lens. Wow! Were the participants challenged! I spoke with a few members who finished the course. Their comments were similar and concluded that they were out of shape and needed to get back to the gym. As a new officer, or even an officer who is in a second year of the position, are you ready for the challenging call? I urge you to look into the mirror and evaluate yourself. We live in troubled times. Can
you handle the serious or unconventional call that you are presented with when you get off the truck? As a new officer, it is your job to motivate your crew. Is your crew serious about doing truck maintenance? If you weren’t serious about this as a firefighter, chances are your crew will follow in your footsteps. The last thing you need as an officer is to ask for a piece of equipment and it does not work. Guess what? You as the officer could be liable for not following through and checking what your crews did during truck maintenance. Remember, when your members speak to you, listen completely! Don’t just evaluate your members, evaluate yourself first. Lead by example. If you want your team to get up at 0300, you better be there with them. As we enter the holiday season and hold Santa parades, breakfasts with Santa, and toy drives, remember to set the example and exude professionalism and goodwill toward the people you serve. According the US Fire Administration, the fire service has lost 118 active firefighters in the Line of Duty. As a new officer, visit the US F i r e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n o n l i n e a t https://apps. usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/. Click on a few of the names of our fallen members and look at the causes of the fatalities.
No matter what holiday you are enjoying with your loved ones, pray for those who are away from their families and let those who lost loved ones in 2021, know that you are there for them. Remember the words of an ex-chief in my division who was taken from this world too soon. As a chaplain, Rick ended his prayers to us by saying, “Remember the reason for the season.” He encouraged all of us to give thanks and to be watchful over each other. To all of you; May the true reason for the season be remembered. From the staff at Fire News, have a blessed holiday season and a Merry Christmas! - Dennis
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Cover Story
Garage Goes in Melville
The Melville Fire Department was called to a house fire on Wolf Hill Road just after midnight on November 4, 2021. Second Assistant Chief Benfield arrived to smoke showing from a two-car attached garage. Chief of Department Kaplan arrived shortly after and took command. Engine 2-5-6 grabbed a nearby hydrant and Quint 2-5-1 set up in the driveway. As additional engines arrived, crews stretched and operated three lines to extinguish the now fully involved garage. The fire went through the roof and caused most of the garage to collapse. The master stream of 2-5-1 was used to extinguish any hot spots after crews backed the handlines out. The fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes with no reported injuries and was contained to the garage. Mutual aid to the scene was provided by Wyandanch, Dix Hills, Huntington Manor and Plainview. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Hydrant Problem at Copiague Fire
The Copiague Fire Department was called to a fire in the vicinity of Marconi Boulevard and Great Neck Road on the afternoon of October 9, 2021. First Assistant Chief Miller arrived to find smoke coming from a vacant garage to the rear of a building on Marconi Boulevard. Third Assistant Chief McInerney arrived along with Engines 1-3-7, 1-3-9, Ladder 1-3-4, Heavy Rescue 1-3-3, Ambulance 1-3-27 and First Responder 1-3-80. Crews stretched one line from each engine after the hydrant 13-9 had was inoperable and a second water source was secured. The fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes and contained to the garage. The Amityville Fire Department was called to the scene for RIT. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Kitchen Smoker in West Hempstead The West Hempstead Fire Department responded to a report of smoke in a building on Hempstead Avenue near Locust Street on October 29, 2021. A light haze could be seen inside the building and entry was made. An unattended cooking device may have led to the smoke condition. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Greenlawn House Fire
The Greenlawn Fire Department responded to a house fire on Jamaica Avenue in Greenlawn on October 28, 2021, at 1820. A heavy fire condition was discovered in a two-story split-level private dwelling. Mutual aid came from Huntington Manor, Centerport and East Northport. No injuries were reported, and the home was unoccupied at the time. A cat died in the fire. The Suffolk Police and Huntington Town Fire Marshal were on scene investigating the cause. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Fire in the Walls in Farmingdale
On September 19, 2021, at 1535, the Farmingdale Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Vancott Avenue. First Assistant Chief Tortso and 2nd Assistant Chief Hammond confirmed a smoke condition in the basement with fire ultimately located in the walls. Engine 924 stretched two lines to extinguish the fire with the assistance of crews from South Farmingdale, Bethpage and East Farmingdale. The fire was quickly placed under control in approximately 30 minutes. - Fire News photos by OvertheEdgePhotography.com
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East Meadow House Fire The East Meadow Fire Department responded to a house fire on Hull Street on October 6, 2021. Second Assistant Chief Fertitta arrived to heavy fire showing from the second floor in the rear of a twostory home. Chief of Department Kosiba, First Assistant Chief Cheswick and Third Assistant Chief Walsh arrived along with Engine 612. The crew from 612 and other arriving engines, stretched and operated three lines to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in about an hour. Ladders 617 and 619, laddered, searched and vented the home with all searches negative. North Bellmore also responded. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and AJDPhotoG
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Staircase Fire in Central Islip
The Central Islip Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire on Ferndale Boulevard on October 4, 2021, at 0918. First Assistant Chief Mike Zaleski reported heavy smoke showing on arrival. Chief Zaleski was in command of six CIFD units and requested mutual aid from Islip Terrace. Fire was found in the front staircase which was quickly extinguished but there was resultant water and smoke damage throughout the residence as a result. The Islip Town Fire Marshal’s Office was summoned to respond, as was the Suffolk County Police Arson Squad. Additionally, the Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance was on scene and provided treatment for one minor injury. - Fire News photos by Charles A. Murphy, CIFD
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Auto Shop Fire in Garden City
Garden City and Uniondale were alerted for a building fire in the vicinity of Oak Street and Commercial Avenue in East Garden City on November 8, 2021, at 1448. Upon arrival of units the fire was discovered to be in an auto body shop on Commercial Avenue in Garden City’s district. Mutual aid from Mineola, Westbury, and Franklin Square and Munson also operated at the scene. A worker was transported to NUMC in Nassau Police ambulance suffering burns and smoke inhalation. The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office was called to the scene to investigate the cause. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber and FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Deer Park Attic Fire
On November 3, 2021, at 1351, the Deer Park Fire Department responded to an attic fire. Acting Chief of the Department Robert Macaluso arrived to smoke showing. Engine 1-4-11 picked up a
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hydrant and laid in. Mutual aid came from Dix Hills and North Babylon. The fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photos by BTFirePhoto
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Plainview Multiple House Fires The Plainview Fire Department was called to a house fire on Audrey Avenue about 0430 on October 16, 2021. Chief of Department Kies arrived to find one house fully involved and houses on either side of it also on fire, as well as a van. The fully involved house was the scene of a fatal fire in January 2020 and was scheduled to be demolished. Chief Kies advised it would be an exterior operation on the fully involved house and had Engine 9522 put their deck gun into operation. As additional engines arrived, multiple
handlines were operated from 9522, 9511 and Hicksville Engine 932. Crews from 953, Jericho 941 and Bethpage Ladder 4 searched the exposure house; the occupants home at the time exited safely. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. Mutual aid came from Hicksville, Bethpage, Jericho, Syosset, Farmingdale, Levittown, Melville and Huntington Manor. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and K2MPhotography.com
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Heavy Fire on Arrival in Levittown
The Levittown Fire Department responded to a fire in a private dwelling on Squirrel Lane just before noon on October 27, 2021. Companies were met by a heavy fire condition on the first and second floors of the two-story home. Mutual aid companies assisted at the scene. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com, Joseph C. Sperber and Paul Mazza
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Port Washington Bedroom Blaze
On October 7, 2021, at 1815, the Port Washington Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire on Pequot Avenue in Manhasset Isle. Chief of Department Waterson encountered a second-floor bedroom fire. Engine 8513 stretched the initial line to the second floor and quickly knocked down the fire. - Fire News photos by OvertheEdgePhotography.com
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Elmont Basement Fire Stopped
The Elmont Fire Department battled a smoky basement fire in a private dwelling on Norfolk Drive West on October 28, 2021. The blaze spread to the first floor but was quickly brought under control. Mutual aid departments also responded. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Ceiling Collapse in Jericho On October 7, 2021, at approximately 1930, the Jericho Fire Department was dispatched to a reported ceiling collapse with an odor of burning in the Jericho Quadrangle. Second Assistant Chief Ketsoglou confirmed a collapse of the drop ceiling in the loading dock of the building with two cars under the collapsed section. Mutual aid was requested from Westbury and Syosset with the Minor Technical Rescue Matrix activated for the collapse. Crews checked the building for occupants and found no active fire while the Technical Rescue Team from Bethpage checked the loading dock. Crews were released from the scene in approximately an hour. - Fire News photos by OvertheEdgePhotography.com
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West Hempstead Dryer Fire
The West Hempstead Fire Department extinguished a small fire in a basement dryer in a home on Bedell Terrace on November 1, 2021. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, December 2021, Page 27
Locust Valley Attic Fire
On September 13, 2021, at 1935, the Locust Valley Fire Department fire was quickly knocked down and placed under control in approxwas dispatched for a house fire on Pershing Avenue. Chief imately 45 minutes with the assistance of crews from Oyster Bay, Neumeyer arrived and confirmed an attic fire. Engine 545 stretched East Norwich, Glenwood and Bayville. the initial line into the attic. With at least two lines stretched, the - Fire News photo by OvertheEdgePhotography.com
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Garage Fire Extends in Massapequa
In the early morning of October 9, 2021, the Massapequa Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Baltimore Drive. Massapequa 1st Assistant Chief Monjardo arrived and confirmed the fire. Firefighters were met with heavy fire showing from the garage of the house, which then extended into the attic. Multiple handlines off of Engines 6311 and 6314 were put into operation to knock down the fire. Mutual aid from North Massapequa and Seaford responded to the scene. There were no serious injuries reported and the cause was under investigation. - Fire News photos by AJDPhotoG and Paul Mazza
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Lakeview Basement Fire
On November 2, 2021, the Lakeview Fire Department received an alarm for a fire in the basement of a house on Melvin Avenue just across from their headquarters. Black smoke was seen pushing from the basement on the arrival of the first engine. Handlines were
quickly stretched and the fire in the basement was contained as truck members vented the heavy smoke condition on the floors above. Mutual aid companies also responded. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Westbury Basement Fire
The Westbury Fire Department was called to a house fire on Jaymie Drive on the evening of November 6, 2021. Chief of Department Gass arrived to fire showing from the front basement window of the two-story home. Second Assistant Chief Stewart arrived shortly after, along with Engines 967, 968 and Ladder 962. Engine 967
dropped two lines and crews had fire the under control within an hour. The occupants home at the time exited the house safely. Mutual aid came from Carle Place, Hicksville, Bethpage, and Syosset. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Car Vs. Tree, Fire and Arrest
On September 15, 2021, at 0010, the Uniondale Fire Department was dispatched to a car versus tree with fire MVA at the intersection of Braxton Street and Maple Avenue. All Uniondale chiefs were quickly on the road and were advised that police were requesting a forthwith response for a car fire impinging on other vehicles and a tree. Second Assistant Chief Ellerbe confirmed the car fire. Engine 752 stretched a line to quickly extinguish the fire which had minor extension to another vehicle. One occupant of the car was taken into police custody. - Fire News photos by OvertheEdgePhotography.com
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Syosset Apartment House Fire
The Syosset Fire Department took numerous calls reporting a fire at one of the buildings on Pond Road in the Eagle Rock Apartments at Woodbury just after 2000 on November 1, 2021. Third Assistant Chief Sauberman arrived to fire showing from the front door of an end unit and fire on the first and second floors of two apartments. Engine 583 was followed in by Ladder 5855, Engine 585 and Ladder 582. Engine crews stretched and operated three lines from 583 and brought the fire under control in about an hour. All searches were negative and there were no reported injuries. Mutual aid was provided to the scene by 10 neighboring departments. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Chief of Department Silver was in charge of the scene. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
Extrication in Wantagh Wantagh firefighters remove a woman to an awaiting ambulance after her car overturned on a rain-slicked Sand Hill Road in Wantagh. Responding were the Wantagh Fire Department, NCPD ESU and Wantagh /Levittown Ambulance Corp. She was quickly extricated and taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital by Rescue 2 with non-life-threatening injuries. A dog was also in the car and was uninjured. In the photo, Lieutenant Mike Fratello of Engine 2 holds the dog removed from car. - Fire News photo by Harry Loud
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Fire at Amityville Car Dealership
The Amityville Fire Department was called to a vehicle fire at Security Dodge on Merrick Road about 2220 on October 18, 2021. First Assistant Chief Budde arrived and confirmed that there were multiple vehicles burning, with some against the building. Chief of Department Waegerle and Third Assistant Chief Macomber arrived shortly after. Engine 1-1-2 picked up a hydrant on Merrick Road. The crew from 11-2 and Engine 1-1-3 stretched three lines with two going into opera-
tion. Copiague Ladder 1-3-4 was requested, as they and Amityville had just returned from a joint training session at the Nassau Fire Academy and were still in house. The crew from 1-3-4 went to the roof and checked for extension along with the crew from Heavy Rescue 1-3-3 which also responded as RIT. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. Five vehicles were destroyed and three others were damaged. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Nice Stop at Long Beach Blaze
On September 25, 2021, the Long Beach Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on East Market Street. Multiple Long Beach chiefs were quickly on the road, along with Engines 2343 and 2344. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire showing from the front of the house and put three handlines into operation. Lawerence
Cedarhurst, Point Lookout Lido and Atlantic Beach Rescue were among the mutual aid departments on scene. The operation was placed under control within 45 minutes of the original dispatch time. - Fire News photo by AJDPhotoG
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Holbrook Car Fire Holbrook firefighters responded to a car fire on Sunrise Highway just west of 454. - Fire News photos by Tim Edwards
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EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND
Fatal Ejection at Copiague MVA
The Copiague Fire Department and Suffolk County Police responded to an accident on Deauville Boulevard about 0130 on October 9, 2021. Chief of Department Nuzzi and Second Assistant Chief Broyles found a single-vehicle accident with an ejection. The driver of a car traveling south on Deauville Boulevard went off the road onto a grassy median where it struck a tree head on and split the car in half, ejecting the driver. One section of the vehicle struck a utili-
ty pole, the collision also caused the top section of the tree to snap off. Engine 1-3-7, Heavy Rescue 1-3-3, Ambulances 1-3-1, 1-3-27 and First Responder 1-3-80 responded. The crews checked the area to see if anyone else was in the vehicle or around it and also handled a fluid spill from the vehicle. The driver was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital by 1-3-27 and was pronounced dead a short time later. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
2 Fatalities at West Hempstead Overturn
Two young people were killed in a violent car crash on Westminster Road in West Hempstead on October 21, 2021. The car struck a parked landscaping truck and then overturned several times ejecting two occupants. County police and EMS were on the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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HazMat Incident in Rockville Centre At least three people were transported to area hospitals during a reported hazardous material incident at a Rockville Centre Senior Citizen housing community on November 7, 2021. Village firefighters and county Hazardous Materials units were called to the apartment complex on North Centre Avenue just after 1400. The source of the problem was being investigated but firefighters were being hosed down outside the building due to possible contamination. Multiple ambulances also responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Possible CO Exposure in Franklin Square The Franklin Square Fire Department responded to the Starbucks on Hempstead Turnpike at Nassau Boulevard on November 8, 2021, for employees and customers feeling sick. The building was quickly evacuated due to high levels of carbon monoxide possibly the result emissions from a worker’s tool in an adjacent storefront. Multiple ambulances were called to the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhoto.com
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Into the Woods in Setauket
The Setauket Fire Department responded to an MVA on Nicolls Road north of Route 347 recently. The driver lost control of the vehicle sending the vehicle off the road into the woods. The driver was able to self-extricate and was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment. - Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone
Hempstead Overturn
The Hempstead Fire Department responded to an MVA on Baldwin Road near Elizabeth Avenue on October 21, 2021. An SUV rolled over onto its top with only minor injuries reported. Northwell EMS was also on the scene. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhoto.com
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North Amityville MVA The North Amityville Fire Company, Copiague Fire Department and Suffolk County Police responded to an MVA at westbound Sunrise Highway and Bayview Avenue about 2045 on September 25, 2021. The driver of a town car hit a compact SUV. The town car driver was seriously injured and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital by Suffolk County Police helicopter, the driver of the SUV was taken by Copiague Ambulance 1-3-2 to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
2-Vehicle MVA in Bay Shore The Bay Shore Fire Department, Bay ShoreBrightwaters Ambulance and Suffolk County Police responded to an accident at Spur Drive South and Brentwood Road about 2145 on September 21, 2021. A pickup truck traveling west on Spur Drive collided with a mid-size sedan. The collision pushed the sedan off the road and caused the pickup to overturn multiple times and land on its wheels with the driver trapped. When the truck’s cap came off, landing in the front yard of a home. The crews extricated the driver of the pickup who was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore with serious injuries. The driver of the sedan was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the accident was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza
Franklin Square 2-Car MVA The Franklin Square Fire Department responded to an extrication call on Dogwood Avenue on September 25, 2021. Two vehicles were involved with only minor injuries and no extrication was required. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Multi-Car MVA, Fire, Fleeing the Scene On September 17, 2021, Massapequa Fire Department units responded to a multiple-car accident on Sunrise Highway east of Unqua Road in Massapequa. First on scene was Chief of Department Batt who reported that one vehicle was fully involved. Engine 6314 arrived and put one line into operation. It was determined that the occupants of the vehicle that had been on fire had fled the scene; NCPD was investigating. - Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy, MFD
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Fatality at Wyandanch 2-Car MVA
The Wyandanch Fire Company, Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance Corps. and Suffolk County Police responded to an accident at Little East Neck Road and Lincoln Avenue about 1550 on October 22, 2021. A white sport sedan traveling north on Little East Neck Road collided with a mid-size sedan, sending it through a utility pole and trapping the driver. Chief of Department Archer arrived first followed by Heavy Rescue 1-10-7., Quint 1-10-4 and Engine 110-3. The driver was extricated in about 15 minutes. A female driver and a child from the midsize sedan were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital by Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Ambulance. The driver, a 30-year-old female was pronounced dead a short time later, and her 11-year-old daughter suffered serious injuries. The teenaged driver of the sports sedan and a teenage passenger were taken to local hospitals and released. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza & Bryan Lopez
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1 Injured in Bellport MVA
On October 11, 2021, the Bellport Fire Department responded to a MVA involving two vehicles at Station Road and Atlantic Avenue. One person was transported to Long Island Community Hospital by South Country Ambulance. - Fire News photos by John Mehrkens
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Fire Police Class a Success
On October 3, 2021, Suffolk County Fire Academy held its annual Fire Police Field Day where approximately 150 fire police from all over Suffolk County attended. Covered were roadway safety, traffic control and proper radio communications as well as fire police current events; hands on presentations, demonstrations were conducted on fireground operations such as securing a positive water supply from a hydrant, assisting firefighters changing Scott bottles. Proper procedures for crime scene
preservation as well as proper documentation needed during alarm in the event of an emergency. Overall, the day was a big success and the fire police were able to share their experience and knowledge with other fire police who attended. Thank you to Chief Jim Kenning, Chief Jack Blaum, Chief Vincent Senzamici, Chief Rudy Sunderman, Chief Fred Hess and Chief Mike Barry for making the class successful. - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
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1700-Era Home Destroyed by Fire
On October 3, 2021, at 2330, the Coram Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire one block away from the headquarters on Middle Country Road. It took an additional assistance from five departments to help knock down the fire (Middle Island, Selden, Farmingville, Medford Ambulance and Port Jefferson Ambulance). At approximately 0300 the fire was brought under control. Town of Brookhaven was called to demolish the home immediately. The home was vacant, and was built in the 1700s. - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
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Deer Park’s Goemans Saves Choking Child On November 3, 2021, at the Deer Park Fire Department monthly meeting, Acting Chief of the Department Robert Macaluso, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney, and the department members honored Engine Company 3 and Fire Police Lieutenant Barbara Goemans for her actions at her job. Barbara is a teacher’s assistant in the Deer Park Schools. While in the cafeteria she took notice of a child who was choking. Barbara notified the school nurse and began to clear the child’s airway. The obstruction was removed and the child was able to breathe normally. - Fire News photos by BTFirePhoto
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NMFD Hosts 47th Children’s Rag-A-Muffin Costume Parade
Members of the North Massapequa Fire Department hosted their 47th Annual Children’s Rag-A-Muffin Costume Parade on Halloween, much to the delight of residents. “The Rag-A-Muffin Parade is always special, but this year has added meaning because the pandemic forced us to cancel the festivities last year,” explained Chief of Department James M. Maroldo. “For the past 47 years, we have hosted this outstanding event and it has brought tremendous joy to our community's families, and especially our young people.” The Annual Children’s Rag-A-Muffin Costume Parade is typically held on the Sunday prior to Halloween. However, this year’s event fell on Halloween, which provided some extra atmosphere to an event already charged with excitement. “It was great day for the children,” Chief Maroldo said. “They got to wear their costumes at the parade prior to trick or treating and later saw Santa Claus himself riding on top of the Department’s Ladder Truck!” Youngsters also had a chance to win a bicycle or other great raffle prizes and enjoyed hot dogs and orange drinks served by the first responders. Chief Maroldo said the parade is extremely popular because it brings everyone together in celebration. “We are a tight knit community and this event personifies the special bonds we all share as North Massapequa residents,” Chief Maroldo said. “Our department members are extremely proud of this event and I know our community is looking forward to many more years of the Rag-A-Muffin parade.” The Chief thanked all who participated, both parents and children alike, and also acknowledged the event’s sponsors and the support of the Plainedge High School Band, which led the procession and played brilliantly. “The Plainedge Band is amazing,” Chief Maroldo. “They are such an important part of the Rag-A-Muffin Parade and help make this day special. It takes an entire community to make an event like this successful and it is truly an honor to host the Rag-A-Muffin Parade on behalf of North Massapequa.” - Fire News photos by North Massapequa FD and Steve Takacs
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FDNY Plays NYPD in Lacrosse On August 14, 2021, at Greis Park in Lynbrook, FDNY firefighters and NYPD police officers squared off in a lacrosse game to benefit the Police Officer Brian Moore Fund. PO Moore was killed in the line of duty in 2015. The game was exciting with the NYPD team coming back to tie in the closing seconds of the game but the firefighters quickly came back in sudden death to score the winning goal, winning 9 to 8. In the photos, Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach (retired FDNY), and Deputy Mayor Mike Hawkhurst, and Lynbrook Fire Chief John Donald, are joined by Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, (retired NYPD), and members and officials of the two teams before the start of the game. In the top picture, the victorious FDNY Lacrosse team celebrated their victory over the NYPD as an American flag hung from Lynbrook ladder in the background. - Fire News photos by Steve Grogan
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East Hampton Homecoming Members of the East Hampton Fire Department’s Antique Committee used their Company 4 and Company 5 antiques as part of the parade, and Engine Company 4 stood by during a bonfire that was lit as part of the East Hampton High School’s 2021 Homecoming Parade and Celebration October 16, 2021. - Fire News photos by Michael Heller
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Northport Installation and Awards
The Northport Fire Department held its 132nd annual installation dinner on October 16, 2021, at the Huntington Crescent Club. Peter Nolan was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The program began with the welcoming of guests, the pledge of allegiance, the invocation, and the chief’s message. The installation of the chiefs and department officers, presentation of department awards for members ranging from 25 through 55 years of service, company awards, and the Chief Robert Guinn Firefighter of the Year Award also took place during the program. Leading the Northport Fire Department this year is Chief of Department Dennis Sheridan, First Assistant Chief Douglas Pyne, and Second Assistant Chief Thomas Smalling. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com and Joseph C. Sperber
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Suffolk County Conducts RAVE Mobile Safety Training Last month, Suffolk County FRES employees participated in a week-long training exercise utilizing the RAVE Mobile Safety platform and tested the County’s mass notification system. Representatives from RAVE came to Suffolk County OEM to provide an insight on the system’s various capabilities and assisted with employees in various testing scenarios. Due to the enhanced technology, Suffolk County residents are able to enroll in mass notification alerting system, as well as Smart 911. To stay updated on the latest information, text SuffolkAlerts to 67283. - Fire News photo courtesy of Peter Guaraldi, SCFRES
FLIR Griffin G510 GC/MS Training in Suffolk Suffolk County FRES employees and members of the Islip Town Hazmat Team and the FDNY recently collaborated to train on the FLIR Griffin G510 GC/MS device. The FLIR Griffin G510 GC/MS, a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, helps first responders identify chemicals in the field within minutes. This includes trace-level detection of narcotics, chemical warfare agents, explosives, toxic industrial, environmental pollutants and other chemicals of interest. This device is a confirmatory decision support tool that helps guide response professionals in determining the appropriate next steps. - Fire News photo courtesy of Peter Guaraldi, SCFRES
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West Sayville Fire Department Honors 50-Year Members Recently, the West Sayville Fire Department had the privilege of honoring four members who achieved 50 years of service. Ex-Chief Scott Schrader, ex-Chief Gary Schaum, exCaptain Don VanEssendelft and Firefighter Ken VanEssendelft (recognized for having 51 years of service. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to gather last year to recognize him). Over the last 50 years these members have responded to thousands of emergency calls, served on numerous committees, and filled important roles within the Department. Each one of them has also won numerous New York State Championships with the Flying Dutchmen Drill Team. Their dedication, knowledge, experience, and involvement has helped made our organization on of the most successful Fire Departments on Long Island. - Fire News photo by Patrick D'Onofrio; 2nd AC, West Sayville FD
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Lynbrook Fire Department Hose Company 1 Installation Lynbrook Fire Department Hose Company 1 held its company installation and awards dinner on September 18, 2021, at the Inwood Country Club. Being honored were Honorary Commissioner and ex-Chief Garry Pazmann for 50 years of service, ex-Captain John Venza, Jr., for his tenure as company Captain and Peggy Michaud for 50 years of service in the Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary. Installed as company officers for 2021-2022 were Captain Michael Berardi, 1st Lieutenant Michael Isola and 2nd Lieutenant A.J. Drummond. Additional awards were presented to Peter Eisehauer and Michael Berardi as Men of the Year for 2018-2019. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Huntington Manor’s 118th Installation Dinner
Chief Chuck Brady was installed as the Chief of the Department. Also installed were First Assistant Chief James Glidden, Second Assistant Chief Brian Christen, Third Assistant Chief Scott Cloonan, Secretary Lisa Fusaro, Treasurer Vincent Bifano, Financial Secretary John Metz. The Honorary Chief Richard Holtz Memorial Inspirational Award went to Firefighter Tom Petriano, the Firefighter of the Year Award went to the entire department for their outstanding response to and during Covid-19 pandemic. The Hook and Ladder award for Probie of the Year went to Sasha Santamaria, and Hose Company Man of the Year went to Firefighter Mark Forland. Company officers installed were Hook and Ladder Captain Ryan Pretty, Lieutenant Karl Mcginn, Lieutenant Christopher Zonin, Secretary Karen Blackburn, Treasurer Brian Miliken, Financial Secretary Patrick Brady, Hose Company Captain Mike Colona, 1st Lieutenant Alex Demarest, Secretary Lisa Fusaro, Treasurer John Rubsiwich and Financial Secretary Ron Shankin. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Sound Beach Safe Halloween
On October 31, 2021, the Sound Beach Fire Department held their first Safe Halloween event since the pandemic. Local children enjoyed decorating pumpkins, coloring, eating a variety of snacks, and getting their faces painted. It was a resounding success! - Fire News photos by Stefanie Handshaw
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Terry Farrell Fund Honored at Adelphi University
The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund would like to thank everyone who made the Adelphi University baseball game an outstanding success! On October 9, 2021, Adelphi’s baseball team played Molloy College and raised over $4000 for the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. The day was possible through the hard work of Carol, Shawn and Nancy. Thank you to Dennis Farrell and Kevin Farrell for representing the Fund and throwing out the first ball of the game. The Fund thanks retired FDNY Rescue 4 member Tim Olsen for making the day happen. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Terryville Teaches Fire Prevention
In October, the Terryville Fire Department held their annual Fire Prevention Day at headquarters. Thank you to Suffolk County Fire Marshal Brett Martinez and Accelerant Detection K9 Sasha for teaching the crowd about fire prevention. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Town of Babylon Parade
- Fire News photos by BTFirePhotos
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Hempstead 83rd Installation
The Hempstead Fire Department held its 83rd annual installation and inspection of officers on the night of September 18, 2021. The event began with the presentation of colors by the Hempstead Fire Department Ceremonial Unit and the singing of the National Anthem. Department Chaplain Keith Eriksen gave the invocation and later the benediction. Kyle Boles, who served as the Chief of the Department last year, was sworn into office after not having a dinner of his own in 2020 due to the pandemic. Boles then received his ex-Chief badges in addition to other citations and plaques. The line officers, chiefs, and other positions within the Hempstead Fire Department were installed into office as well. Various awards were given out including to members who achieved 25 and 50 years of service. Congratulations and good luck to all those installed and awarded — especially Chief Mott who will be leading the department in the year ahead. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com
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Elected Officials Support Wounded Warrior Fundraiser Lynbrook Fire Department Wounded Warrior fundraising chairman Kevin Bien, veteran Steve Grogan, Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior ViceChairman, Fort Belvoir Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Keener, and former Marine Marcus D’Andrea, were joined by county, town and village officials at the Lynbrook Fire Department’s 10th Annual Wounded Warrior Concert and Block Party at Greis Park on September 25, 2021. - Fire News photo by Brian Grogan
Chiefs Greet Wounded Unit Commander Lynbrook Chief John Donald (right), and Malverne Chief Ernie Bohringer (middle), greet US Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Keener, commander of the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, at the Lynbrook Fire Department’s 10th Annual Wounded Warrior Concert and Block Party on September 25, 2021, at Greis Park. LTC Keener drove up from Belvoir with a group of nine wounded warriors to attend Lynbrook’s fundraising event for Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior. The wounded and their families toured the Firefighters Museum and the Cradle of Aviation prior to Saturday’s event. On Sunday, on their way back to Virginia, they toured the World Trade Center site and museum. Fort Belvoir is one of the four military hospitals and rehabilitation units down the East Coast that Nassau County firefighters visit the first week of every December to bring Christmas to the wounded and their families. Nassau firefighters have been doing this since 2004. - Fire News photo by Steve Grogan
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NYS Motorized Championship August 21, 2021 Place Team 1st North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers 2nd Islip Wolves 3rd West Sayville Flying Dutchmen 4th Farmingville Bandits 5th Lindenhurst Snails
Points 24 22 16 13 8.5
- Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
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NYS Junior Championship July 25, 2021 Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Team Points Bay Shore Jr. Redskins 28 Lindenhurst Jr. Snails 26 West Sayville Jr. Flying Dutchmen 25 Selden Jr. Slow Pokes 20 Hagerman Jr. Gamblers 16.5
- Fire News photos by Kim Versheck
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FLEET COMPLETE ASSET TRACKERS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS LTE-M FOR FIRSTNET A complete range of the latest low-power asset tracking solutions - AT1s now certified for use on FirstNet and available to First Responders and the extended public safety community. AT1s are LTE-M devices and fit any level of organizational requirements. Fleet Complete is launching a comprehensive suite of long-term evolution (LTE) asset trackers for use on FirstNet® - AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar. These small devices fit on any equipment and have built-in sensors for ambient temperature, humidity, light, impact, and motion. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It is built with AT&T in a publicprivate partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) - an independent agency within the federal government. It’s designed with and for public safety. The new solar and wired asset trackers are among the first to be officially recognized as LTE-M for FirstNet. This fully integrated solution is specifically designed for public safety organizations - first responders and those that support them - to provide critical connectivity and insights into assets in the field. With advanced analytics and GPS tracking, Fleet Complete for FirstNet helps improve dispatch efficiency, response times, and safety. Before being certified and approved for use on FirstNet, devices are subject to hundreds of tests that cover a number of aspects, from security and durability to network impacts. This helps make sure that they can meet the needs of first responders. These are the smallest, low-cost solutions that are suited for emergency response and public safety. This also includes use cases for transportation, healthcare, and utilities. The devices can be outfitted on powered and nonpowered equipment, such as medical equipment, generators, trailers, chassis, containers, among other mission-critical tools. With built-in sensors that monitor location, temperature parameters, light, and impact, AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar provide capabilities that ensure assets are always where they need
to be, as well as reports and analytics on environmental conditions of sensitive equipment with proof of action around their safety requirements. “This really brings everything together for public safety agencies - and those who support them,” says Brent Dutka, Vice President of Business Development at Fleet Complete. “Depending on the operational requirements, public safety agencies now have a variety of tracking options that operate on FirstNet. This helps ensure that your assets are accounted for and where they need to be when emergency strikes. You have collective visibility over your resources on one screen, and you can combine it with fleet tracking on the same platform, without switching systems.” “We’re excited about the growth of LTE-M for FirstNet and to collaborate with Fleet Complete to offer their LTE-M for FirstNet Asset Tracker,” said William Stovall, vice president, Mobility and IoT, AT&T. “This gives first responders and the extended public safety community that supports them visibility into critical assets such as generators, trailers, and essential equipment to help them be more efficient and stay safe during everyday operations and emergency response.” Fleet Complete is among the first to provide a suite of fleet and asset telematics devices that support use on FirstNet. The asset-tracking devices included are: • AT1 Wired that comes with 9 feet of cable and connects directly to equipment’s power source. It is able to recharge whenever the power is on at 100mA charge rate and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge. • AT1 Solar that provides an option of recharging the tracker’s battery whenever it’s exposed to direct sunlight and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge.
- Photos provided by Fleet Complete
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DAVID RUSSELL APPOINTED FEMSA PRESIDENT David Russell, Owner and President of Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., has been elected as President of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023 at the 2021 Annual Meeting. Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., has been a member of FEMSA since 2012, with Russell as the company representative since inception. “I’m honored to have been elected as President by my fellow committee members. Since being elected to the Board in 2017, I have held positions as Board Member, Treasurer and most recently Vice President. During this time, I have seen previous Presidents create crucial progress for the benefit of the industry. I am hum-
bled to continue this important work and look forward to my term,” said Russell. Russell is the first industry dealer to be elected President in over 20 years. His duties will be to oversee daily operations of the organization while developing and implementing the strategic vision and planning of the organization with the assistance of the other officers and board members. FEMSA is the leading trade association for the fire and emergency services industry, representing over 140 companies that provide products and services for fire and EMS professionals all over the world. If you would like more information, please contact Ashley Ross at aross@f-ss.com.
NYSAFC ANNOUNCES 2022 CLASSROOM TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) is Seminars will be held at sites in Albany (October 24), Broome pleased to announce the dates and locations for its 2022 Company (January 19), Cattaraugus (April 7), Chautauqua (October 26), Officers Leadership Training (COLT) and 2022 Seminar Series. Chemung (November 17), Clinton (March 28), Cortland (January COLT, the association’s two-day leadership development pro27), Dutchess (May 18), Erie (January 5), Fulton (September 7), gram for current and aspiring company officers, will be Genesee (September 19), Jefferson (September 8), held in Erie (March 11-12), Fulton (January 21-22), Monroe (March 10 - afternoon and evening sesand Monroe (February 25-26) counties. sions), Oneida (March 21), Onondaga (October Lecturers will include Battalion Chief 4), Orleans (February 15), Otsego (October John Salka (FDNY); Lieutenant John 3), Rockland (October 5), Schenectady Lewis (Passaic [NJ] Fire Department) and (November 15), Steuben (January 29), Suffolk (February 3 and November 2), Chief Robert Moran (Brewster [MA] Ulster (March 14), Westchester Fire Department); and Lieutenant Gary (February 2 - afternoon and evening Benedict (FDNY) and Chief Dave sessions), and Wyoming (April 13) Campbell (Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire counties. Department). Every year, COLT also Seminar Series registration is $35 features a lively roundtable discussion, (NYSAFC Individual and Department allowing students to ask questions and Members) and $50 (non-members) per talk with instructors in an open forum. person. Seating is limited at some locaRegistration for COLT is $200 tions. (NYSAFC Individual and department On-site registration for both programs will members) and $225 (non-members) per perbe accepted if space permits. Pre-registration is son. Chief/Commissioner Michael Lombardo of the encouraged. New for 2022 - online registration is Buffalo Fire Department will present the NYSAFC available on the NYSAFC website! Visit www.nysfirechiefs.com for full details on COLT and the Seminar Series, 2022 Seminar Series “The Five Points of Command.” The threehour seminars (27 of them) will be delivered from January through as well as information on NYSAFC’s Regional Hands-On Training courses that are conducted at sites across the state year-round. November.
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North Bellmore Wetdown
On October 17, 2021, the North Bellmore Fire Department held a wet-down and dedication ceremony for their 2020 Pierce Ascendant 100-foot Tower Ladder 657. The new 657 has been in service since September 2020. During the ceremony, 657 was dedicated to ex-Chief Arthur White, Jr., who served the department for 42 years and passed away in 2018. First Assistant Chief Arthur White III, christened the truck with a bottle of champagne. After the dedication ceremony the truck was wetdown as it drove passed the firehouse by units from North Bellmore, Bellmore, East Meadow, Merrick, North Merrick and Copiague. Congratulations and good luck to Smithville South Hook, Ladder and Engine Company 1 with your new truck. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and OvertheEdgePhotography.com
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Coram’s New 9/11 Memorial
On September 11, 2021, the Coram Fire Department dedicated their new 911 memorial, featuring an eternal flame and a perpetual waterfall. Commisioner James Brown raise the American flag while Commisioner Jerome Delabove lit the retinal flame. - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
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Burn Center Fundraiser a Success
Thank to all who attended othe Burn Center’s Beers and Cheers Fundraiser and made it a success! To all those that volunteered helping with all the preparation food, and helped at the event, we couldn’t have done it without you! A special thank you to Westhampton Beach Brewing Company for allowing us to have it at their establishment again and for their generous donation! - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
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Looking Back Hempstead - 2018
East Hampton - 2018
Hempstead firefighters battled a raging house fire November 17, 2018, which totally destroyed a two-story house on Thorne Avenue. One firefighter was injured. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
At roughly 0040 on the morning of November 10, 2018, the East Hampton Fire Department were called to the bus stop on Main Street for a report of an MVA with entrapment. Arriving units found a four-door sedan had rear-ended a Hampton Jitney bus. - Fire News photo by Michael Heller
Springs - 2018 On November 25, 2018, the Springs Fire Department battled a structure fire in an unoccupied residence. As the crew on the first line forced and entered the front door, the smoke was down to the floor; it was only good fortune that prevented them from crawling into a hole in the floor. - Fire News photo by Michael Heller
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Honoring Charles Ruppert for 70 Years of Service
On November 2, 2021, at the Massapequa Fire Department meeting ex-Chief Charles Ruppert was presented with an award for his 70 years of service in the department. Members of Ruppert’s family were on hand for the presentation. (Photo left) Assistant Chief Friedland, Assistant Chief Monjardo, Ex-Chief Ruppert and Chief of Department Batt. (Photo right) Ex-Chief Ruppert and family - Fire News photos by Ed Tuffy, MFD
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Always Be Training Members of the Bellport Fire Department taking time out of their evening to attend a Taxpayer drill (commercial building) at SCFA in Yaphank. - Fire News photos by John Mehrkens
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Up Close & Personal Commack Company 1 firefighters with the Sperber twins, Edward and Kenneth, at the scene of a mutual aid request to the Kings Park Fire Department on September 5, 2021. - Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber
Gordon Heights firefighters at a house fire on Judith Drive. - Fire News photo by Tim Edwards
Bohemia Fire Department hosting Islip’s chiefs: ex-Chief Ben Galleto from the Islip Fire Department and grandson Firefighter Matthew Ranaudo from Bohemia Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Sue Orlando, PIO Bohemia FD The Bohemia Fire Department welcomed brother James and sister Jacklyn Randazzo from Probie status to Firefighter status. Congratulations! - Fire News photo by Sue Orlando, PIO Bohemia FFD
Lakeview firefighters hosted some future members during Fire Prevention Week in October. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos. com
Coram Truck 1 member Mark Davidson at a recent fire. - Fire News photo by Jim Dunn
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Madigan-Wilders Wed Kevin Madigan, ex-Captain of the Freeport Fire Department Hose Company 4 married Erica Wilders of North Merrick on October 31, 2021, at the Water Mill in Smithtown. Kevin is a photographer for Fire News. Erica’s dad, Paul Wilders, is a commissioner and former Chief from the North Merrick Fire Department, and is also the Deputy Director at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy in Bethpage. - Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber
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Honoring the Fallen in Bohemia
The Bohemia Fire Department hosted a 20th anniversary of 9/11, to recognize and honor those citizens, military, families, and friends who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. It was a memorable event with respect and patriotism filling the air with songs, prayers, memories of then and now. As we reflected on the passing of the 13 service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan during the withdrawal, they were honored by fellow members of the military and the Bohemia FD. Our program concluded with prayers and flyovers. It was well attended by our community both young and old, all taking home a special message for 9/11, that we cannot and will not forget. - Fire News photos by Sue Orlando, PIO
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Obituary
Centereach’s Lawrence Viverito
It is with deep regret and sadness that the Centereach Fire Department announced that Honorary Deputy Chief Lawrence Viverito has answered his last alarm. He was 79-years old. Viverito joined the Centereach Fire Department on May 2, 1977, first serving with Emergency Company 1 (1977-1989), Engine Company 3 (1989-1998) and the Fire Police Company (1998-present) He held the rank of Lieutenant in the Emergency Company in 1981, 1986 and 1987. He was highly trained in rescue operations, as well as being a certified EMT. On April 23, 1981, he was involved with the rescue of trapped workers in the Eastwood Boulevard water tower for which he and other members of the department were recognized by Town of Brookhaven and the Suffolk County Medal of Valor for their heroic actions. On June 21, 2021, members of the Centereach Fire Department brought forth a resolution to appoint Lawrence Viverito the rank of Honorary Deputy Chief for his years of service to the department. The department wishes to send its deepest sympathy and thoughts to his family and loved ones. - Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone
Holtsville’s Annamarie H. Bender
On October 29, 2021, the Holtsville Fire Department mourned the loss of Ladies Auxiliary Life-Member Annamarie H. Bender. Firematic services were held at the McManus-Lorey Funeral Home in Medford. She was 63. Annamarie was a very active and involved member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Those who knew her, know she was a beautiful, gentle soul, who gave so much, yet expected nothing in return. Though gone physically, Annamarie’s memory will live on, as she has left a mark on the organization forever. Annamarie was also a joyful member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Ladies Guild in Middle Island. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez
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