Fire news long island 4 17

VOLUME XLIV, NO. 8

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 APRIL 2017

Story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Fire News Welcomes all to FDIC See Us at Booth #5469 in the Convention Center

Page 2, Fire News, April 2017

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 3

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In this issue...

Gordon Heights House Fire Quick work contains a fire to one side of a home.

See story page 12

Residents Escape Roosevelt Blaze A second-floor fire breaks out in a home, but firefighters place it under control in 45 minutes See story page 29

Westbury Handles 4-Car MVA Two box trucks a van and a car crash on Merrick Avenue.

See story page 49

Patchogue’s Drone Squad We have met firefighting’s future ... and it is now!

See story page 78

Looking Back: The Mega Show Our photo coverage of the 2017 Mega Show.

See pages 99, 101 and 103

Obituaries:

Great Neck’s Motchkavitz Remembering Charles Odo Jericho’s Kaplan Pt. Jefferson’s Scholl Pt. Jefferson’s Coyle Terryville’s Novotny Stony Brook’s Seelin

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: Vinnie Ammirati, Tim Asbell, Bill Bennett, Chris Brenner, Jeff Bressler, Kirk Candan, Wayne Carrington, Amanda Coffey, Ed Coppa, Bill D'Alessandro, Mike DesCalso, Jim Dunn, Larry Fox, Lee Genser, Myron Goldstein, Bryan Gosik, Brian Grogan, Steve Grogan, Mike Guarino, Daniel Gunther, Michael Gunther, Stephanie Handshaw, Jeff Havlik, Jack Healy, Branden Heller, Michael Heller, Christine Heeren, Robert Holley, Cody Hoyle, Kevin Imm, John Ippolito, Kate Kuntz, Joe Lapietra, Richard Lewin, Bryan Lopez, Harry Loud, Kurt Ludwig, Brad Maier, John Mancino, Paul Mazza, Terry McCarrick, Lou Minutoli, Ron Monteleone, Jim Mooney, Ilene Morris, Michael Murphy, Charles A. Murphy, Mike Oppedisano, John Neely, Phil Orlando, Robert O'Rourk, Francis "Sid" Parkan, Kevin Parkan, Tom Pesce, Kevin Peterson, Jackson Pokress, Jerry Presta, Myles Quinn, Jerry Rudolph, Dave Rubin, Jim, Rugen, AJ Ryan, Steve Schaefer, Drew Silverman, Steve Silverman, Joe Sperber, Rich Stark, JoAnn Stephani, Brian Thomas, Ed Tuffy, Joe Virgilio, Dennis Whittam, Cameron Wilken, Michael Wiwczar, John Wladyka, Jr. COLUMNISTS: Jeff Bailes, Paul Hashagen, Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder, Danny Peluso, Bradley Pinksy, Tom Rinelli COPYRIGHT 2017, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: LI@firenews.com

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

See pages 108 to 113

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 EMS Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . .starts on page 40 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 94 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 96-97 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 100 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 102

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.

44 Years of Excellence As you know, Fire News is in its 44th year of publication.

If you have any stories, photos and good memories from the past, please send them to LI@FireNews.com.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Is There a Drone in Your Future?

I remember when thermal imaging cameras came on the market. They were expensive, the battery life was low and they were bulky. But, they did an awesome job in helping firefighters find heat sources, and firefighters soon found a multitude of uses for the new tool. Before you knew it, everyone had a thermal imaging camera. Today they are efficient and a manageable in size. We wouldn’t be without them, and most fire academies offer training on them. Now, the latest tool on the market is the UAV or drone.

Whether you call it a drone or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned aircraft system (UAS), or by any other names, it is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. The military has been using them for years with great success in a variety of roles.

Drones, which gets their name from the male bee which produces a low humming sound, is becoming more and more popular. I am sure you have a friend who has one and uses it to have fun.

Announcements Announcements

It didn’t take long for someone in the fire service to find a use for this tool. Over the past year, I have watched the creative minds of firefighters experiment with drones. I have seen it used at brush fires to show command posts which direction the head of the fire is moving. Recently, the FDNY put this tool to good use at a five-alarm fire in the Bronx.

Their tethered drone gave the Incident Command an awesome and continuous view of the roof operation. Drones will help keep members safe.

Even though this tool is in its infancy, the drone is a serious piece of equipment that has been researched by the FDNY with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to ensure that the operation of this piece of equipment adheres to all rules and policies regarding air space in NYC. And drone operations do fall under some very serious rules. You must get licensed by the FAA for business usage. Personal use of a drone falls into another category, with some

THE 51ST ANNUAL TRAINING CONFERENCE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHAPLAINS, INC.

April 30 - May 3, 2017 Niagara Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, NY Visit the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains website for the registration form and further information. Link: http://www.nysafc.org/ “Gaining Knowledge from Each Other”, at the 2017 Annual Training Conference, to be held at the Niagara Air Reserve Station located at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base, Niagara Falls, NY. Lodging will be in the on base 5-star hotel, which is located next door to most of the food and meetings.

Events are as follows: April 30 Buffalo Style Dinner; Kosher food will also be served at all of our meals to our Jewish friends who request it.

Monday, May 1 we will start with our annual meeting, a tour of the Air Force Base and their new Fire Station, and a training session that will allow you to take back to your local area for spouses and significant others.

Tuesday, May 2 - our training will be centered on “Cancer in the Fire Service” and “The Chaplain’s Role in Line of Duty Death”. We will then be bussed to the City of Tonawanda where our annual Memorial Service for departed members will be held along with our annual banquet sponsored by the City of Tonawanda Fire Department.

Wednesday, May 3 - our training will continue with “Caring for the Care Giver”. We are looking forward to your attendance at this year’s conference

SAVE THE DATE! FIREMEN’S HOME MUSTER

very strict rules with which the operator must comply.

By the way, the test to get commercially licensed is a two-hour test that costs $150 to take. I urge any department who is interested in flying a drone, to speak with an expert.

Read www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_ Summary.pdf. This PDF is the Summary of Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule (Part 107). It covers a few of the important facts that you must be aware of when flying a drone.

In the meantime, if you are thinking of getting a drone for your department, research the rules and regulations thoroughly. Another site worth checking is uavcoach.com.

Regardless, check with your insurance company to make sure your department is covered in case you use a drone and have an accident or cause an accident. Fire News will be bringing you more information about this quickly advancing technology in a future article. Meanwhile, see the story on page 78. …Dennis

If you have questions or would like updates on event activities, visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com; 518-822-1875, ext. 10; e-mail: Ashley@fasnyfiremuseum.com. For more information about the event, memorabilia order forms and links to housing/camping information, visit www.firemenshome.com/ anniversary.

WEST BABYLON FD SEMINAR: 105 TACTICAL TIPS IN 105 MINUTES

On Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 0900, the West Babylon Fire Department in coordination with Speed, Simplicity, Boldness is proud to host: Vehicle Extrication: 105 Tactical Tips in 105 Minutes. It will take place at the West Babylon Fire Department located at 126 Arnold Avenue. This presentation provides over 100 tactical level tips accumulated from years of hands-on experience, over 60 published articles, and instruction throughout the world.

The seminar will be presented by Les Baker, and 18 year veteran of the fire service, who currently holds the position of Engineer with the City of Charleston (SC) Fire Department. He has a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. Baker is an adjunct instructor with the South Carolina Fire Academy and a member of the Darlington County Extrication Team. He speaks and instructs throughout the world on motor vehicle extrication and has published over 75 articles in various trade magazines. Baker assists with the coordination of the Southeastern Extrication School, which provides training to over 300 responders annually.

The cost is $35 per person. For more information contact Chief Christine Manzi at 631-484-6328 or cmanzi@westbabylonfd.org or Lt. Pablo Batallas at 631-455-2456 or pbatallas@westbabylonfd.org.

ERRATA

The FASNY Museum of Firefighting’s celebration of the 125th In the March 2017 edition of Fire News, we omitted Steve Silverman’s Anniversary of the FASNY Firemen’s Home will be held on May 20, name as one of our photographers who covered the Gas Station Fire in 2017, in Hudson, New York. The parade’s antique apparatus are tentative- Melville story. The photo credit should have read “Fire News photos by ly scheduled to step off at 0930 and the muster grounds open at 1000. The Paul Mazza and Steve Silverman.”

City of Hudson’s Fire Department will handle the logistics and everything will take place on the Muster grounds at the FASNY Home.

(Continued on page 86)

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Lessons Learned During 50 Years of Fire/EMS and Chaplain Services Rev. Bill Michatek, Chaplain New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN the fire service as a firefighter and chaplain has brought back many memories, mostly happy — but some tragic. I really didn't know what I was getting into when my first fire department, North Greece, twisted my arm and asked me to join as a firefighter and member. They soon taught me about firefighting, but I didn’t really understand the role of the fire chaplain. Then member Ty Coon (I never forgot his name) came back from a FASNY meeting where he picked up an application for the newly formed state fire chaplains association. He told me that the chief wanted me to join. That’s when I began to learn this role, and I have continued to learn ever since.

Joining the state chaplains associations and meeting its members from all over and from every denomination has taught me much. The association’s manual contained suggestions for prayer and how to serve firefighters in good times and bad. I learned what to do at the emergencies. I also learned that our ministry is one of presence — being there in time of trouble, especially for members, but also for victims.

Since I did not know many in the fire department, I went about meeting everyone. Most were very welcoming, but some were shy or standoffish. I believe some thought that I would cramp their style by being around. They got used to me quite soon. One jokingly gave me the nickname “Father Watch Your Mouth.” I gained great satisfaction at major calls, finding the victims and

greeting them with, “I am the fire department chaplain, can I help you in any way?” They usually had many needs.

My first real challenge was a death notification. A teenager I knew had been killed in a MVA I responded to. A police officer asked if I could accompany him to notify the family. I was worried about what I would say when I got there and prayed for the spirit of God to give me guidance.

When we walked up the driveway, the parents knew what had happened as they opened the door. They were overcome with grief and out of control for a few minutes (I wasn’t doing too well myself). As time passed, they calmed down and began to sort things out. We didn’t have to say much, but listened and gave some guidance.

They had a few questions and thanked us. I have a small card from our manual on what to say at a notification (don’t say too much and listen) and also what not to say. God’s spirit was with us and I learned a lesson.

I really got into my new avocation and seldom missed a call. I experienced fatal fires, members injured at a scene, serious MVAs, and then in the 1990s a line of duty death when I was with the Spencerport Fire Department. Member Bob Fowler was responding to a call on a stormy day when a huge tree fell on his vehicle, killing him.

I really didn’t know the procedure for a LODD, but to our rescue came a team from the county and state fire service that specializes in LODDs. The same thing happened when our neighbor, the West Webster Fire Department’s Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka were tragically murdered on Christmas Eve 2012.

I would suggest that every department have a chaplain.

Ordained chaplains are fewer and busier than in the past. Even if they cannot be active, they could be on call when needed for sacraments or special needs. Military chaplains have a chaplain’s assistant in the unit who can take care of many of the duties. Most departments have capable members to serve as a lay chaplain. It’s a wonderfully satisfying calling in addition to firefighting, and the retirement benefits are out of this world.

Peace, blessings, and enjoy life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rev. Bill Michatek is the retired pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Webster, NY, and now lives in Wolcott, NY. He continues to help at area parishes and is still active in the Webster Fire Department as chaplain. Michatek celebrated 50 years as a priest in 2016 and will celebrate 50 years as a firefighter and chaplain in 2017. During these years, he served actively in six fire departments and four ambulance corps, all in Monroe County with the exception of Penn Yan Fire Department and Ambulance in Yates County, where he served for 12 years.

Michatek is a past chief chaplain of the New York State Associations of Fire Chaplains, Inc., serving from 1990-1992.

Page 6, Fire News, April 2017

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Cover Story

Building, Cars Burn in Mineola

Late on March 2, 2017 the Mineola Fire Department was dispatched to K’s Auto Repair on Willis Avenue off 2nd Street. When units arrived on scene they were met with heavy fire in a singlestory commercial building as well as in a box truck parked alongside the building. Among those called to assist were New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Garden City, Mineola VAC, Williston Park, and East Williston. The operation lasted well into the early morning as firefighters had to deal with over a dozen cars in the building, paired with various fuels. Tower ladders and handlines were placed on all sides of the fire building to protect the exposures and get a hold on the tremendous fire load.

-Fire News photos by k2mPhotography.com, Paul Mazza and John Ippolito, Jr.

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Wantagh House Fire

Possible Arson in Central Islip

On January 5, 2017, the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a house fire on Waterbury Drive. Assistant Chief Gross arrived and assumed command and was assisted at scene by 2nd Assistant Chief Ken Kelly and 3rd Assistant Chief Tom Blomfield, who were in charge of operations on the second and first floors respectively.

Units arrived to fire coming from the left side and rear of the house. Assistance came from Seaford, Levittown, Massapequa and Bellmore, while North Bellmore and North Massapequa covered.

- Fire News story by Kevin Regan PIO; photo by Kevin Imm

Late on January 17, 2017, the Central Islip Fire Department was activated for a residential fire on Sportsman Street. Upon arrival, Chief 3-7-30 was met with heavy fire showing from the front of the home. Mutual aid was requested from Islip Terrace and East Brentwood. Multiple lines were put into place and crews made an aggressive attack on the fire. It took approximately 40 minutes for command to place the alarm under control. No injuries were reported. Command requested a fire marshal to the scene and arson squad for an investigation.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Garage Fire in Garden City On February 5, 2017, the Garden City Fire Department operated at a fire on Fenimore Street near Glen Road. The blaze apparently started in an attached garage with extension to the main house.

Mutual aid came from New Hyde Park and Garden City Park.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Quick Knockdown in Selden On January 31, 2017, the Selden Fire Department was activated for a residential fire on Alma Avenue.

Upon arrival Chief 5-25-30 was met with heavy fire showing from the front of the residence and requested mutual aid from Coram and Centereach to the scene. Engine crews made a quick knockdown of the fire without further incident.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 9

Smokey Blaze in Lynbrook The Lynbrook Fire Department quickly extinguished a small fire in an apartment complex on Noble Street on October 14, 2016. Most of the residents evacuated the building due to the smoke condition, but none were seriously injured.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Woodbine Avenue Fire On December 29, 2016, Bellmore firefighters responded to a fire on Woodbine Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find the entire front of the house engulfed in flame.

Several surrounding departments provided mutual aid.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Suspicious Blaze in Hempstead A fire, which would later be deemed suspicious, broke out on January 26, 2017, in a vacant school building in the Village of Hempstead. The building may have been used to store old paper records from previous school years. Hempstead firefighters brought the fire under control within 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Medford Outdoor Fire On March 4, 2017, the Medford Fire Department responded to a shed and outdoor fire in Medford on Peconic Avenue.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Berger

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Gordon Heights Structure Fire

On February 4, 2017, the Gordon Heights Fire Department was toned out for a structure fire.

Crews quickly knocked down and contained the fire to one side of the house. Mutual aid came from Coram and Yaphank.

- Fire News photos by Amanda Coffey

Roosevelt Attic Blaze

On March 6, 2017, the Roosevelt Fire Department was dispatched Roosevelt Engine 733 and stretched up to the attic where the main for a house fire on East Roosevelt Avenue. When firefighters body of fire was located. North Merrick, Uniondale, Hempstead arrived they were met with smoke showing from a 2-1/2 story pri- and South Hempstead also responded.

- Fire News photo by k2mphotography.com vate dwelling. A handline was immediately pulled off first-due

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Freeport House Fire

On February 14, 2017, the Freeport Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Frankel Avenue. First arriving units encountered heavy fire coming from a two-story home. Chief of Department Vancott and First Assistant Chief Colgan arrived along with Engine 214, which was followed by Ladder 217. The Engine crews had three lines stretched and had the fire knocked down and under control in about 40 minutes. Baldwin responded as FAST and Oceanside with a truck.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 15

Islip Terrace Kitchen Fire Extends

On February 16, 2017, units responded to Tamarack Street in Islip Terrace for a structure fire. Units arrived to find fire in the kitchen extending to the attic area.

- Fire News photos by Ryan Wiedmann

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5 Long Beach FFs Injured in Poss. Arson Five Long Beach firefighters suffered minor injuries battling a house fire on West Walnut Street on March 8, 2017. County Fire Marshals were investigating the blaze as possible arson as no occupants were inside the house when the fire department arrived.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

7 Displaced in Bay Shore Fire On March 3, 2017, the Bay Shore Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on Second Avenue. Units arrived to fire on the #1 side of the house which had entered the wall and burned into the house. The fire was brought under control a short time later with fire damage limited to the one area on the first floor. Mutual aid came from Islip and West Islip (stand-by). The Red Cross responded to attend to the seven displaced residents.

- Fire News photo by Rich Stark

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Where There’s Smoke, There’s Chinese Food The Huntington Manor Fire Department was dispatched for reports of smoke inside the P.F. Chang’s Chinese restaurant at the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station on February 19, 2017.

Under the command of Chief Mike DePasquale, four trucks and 20 firefighters responded and checked the building.

The source of the smoke was believed to be from the kitchen’s ductwork, and the restaurant was evacuated and closed until the ducts were cleaned.

- Fire News photo by J. Garside

Selden House Fire Early on January 16, 2017, the Selden Fire Department was activated for a structure fire on William Street. Crews from Selden quickly knocked down the fire. Mutual aid came from Coram, Centereach and Farmingville.

- Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

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Vacant House Goes in Wantagh

Wantagh Fire Department responded to its second working fire in 24 hours on February 17, 2017. Units under the command of Chief of Department J. Bloomfield responded to Seaford Avenue, across from the 7th Precinct, for a fire in the basement of a two-story vacant home. The fire had extended to the first and second floors and burned away the stairs in the house. Engine 693 put multiple lines into operation to quickly knock down the fire. Members only had access to the second floor via ground ladders and the bucket of Ladder 6911. There were no reported injuries and the cause was under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal Office. The Seaford Fire Department responded to the scene as the FAST. - Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

Heavy Damage in East Meadow An East Meadow home was heavily damaged by fire on March 15, 2017. East Meadow firefighters were called to the York Street home and found a fire on the rear deck. During fire operations, the overhead porch roof collapsed but no one was injured. County Fire Marshals were on the scene for an investigation.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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DWI, Crash and House Fire

Busy Day for Elmont

Early on March 5, 2017, the Bridgehampton Fire Department responded to Hayground Road in Water Mill for a report of a car into a building with injuries and a fire. Arriving units found a sedan crashed into the side of a residence, with both the car and building on fire. Mutual aid was called from Southampton, East Hampton and Sag Harbor. The three occupants were uninjured. The driver was charged with traffic infractions and DWI; his passenger suffered a hand injury.

- Fire News photo by Michael Heller

February 23, 2017, was a busy day for the Elmont Fire Department. Around 0530, crews responded to a report of a house fire on Landford Drive. Units arrived to find fire in the front living room. Quick work confined most of the fire damage to that room.

Chief Edward Dailey was in charge and mutual aid came from Valley Stream. At approximately 1130, units responded to a fire in the second-floor bathroom at a Hommel Street address in North Valley Stream. Elmont units located a fire on the rear roof of the home in the vicinity of solar electrical panels. Further investigation revealed that the fire had spread into a small attic wall. Chief Dailey was, again, in charge. Around 2052, EFD units responded to a structure fire in Barn 61 at Belmont Race Track. Firefighters, with Chief Dailey in charge, contained the fire to an office area of the barn.

- Fire News photo by Elmont FD; story by David Ragusa, EFD Photo Unit

1 Injured in Stony Brook Blaze

Firefighters pulled one victim from a Stony Brook house fire on March 8, 2017. Units were called to the Strathmore Gate condo complex off Hallock Road for a fire in one of the units.

Stony Brook, Setauket, St. James and Nesconset also responded. Suffolk County Fire Marshals established a crime scene at the location.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Robert O’Rourk

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North Amityville Fatal Fire In January 2017, the North Amityville Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on Jefferson Avenue with an occupant inside. Mutual aid was requested from North Lindenhurst and Amityville. A search was conducted by the initial companies and an occupant was found dead. Additional mutual aid was requested from East Farmingdale.

- Fire News photos by Michael McCarthy

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Gas Leak and Lenten Ashes in Greenlawn

The Greenlawn Fire Department responded to a reported gas odor at the rectory of Saint Francis of Assisi Church on Clay Pitts Road on March 1, 2017 (Ash Wednesday). After checking out the possible leak and finding everything safe, the priest distributed ashes and blessings to many of the firefighters. Units were under the command of Assistant Chiefs Angelo Santomauro and Pete Miller.

- Fire News photos courtesy Greenlawn FD

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Bay Shore House Fire Stopped On the morning of March 3, 2017, the Bay Shore Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on 2nd Avenue in Bay Shore. Second Assistant Chief Kevin W. Butler reported smoke showing. Engine 3-1-1 and Truck 3-1-4 arrived under the command of Chief of Department Ed Kunz, and made a quick and aggressive attack containing the fire to the first floor. Islip, West Islip Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance and the Islip Town Fire Marshals Office assisted.

- Fire News photos by John Ippolito, Jr.

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Car Fire in the Snow

During a recent snowstorm, the East Moriches Fire Department was alerted for a vehicle fire on Frowein Road east of Walden Pond Court. Two engines responded and the crews quickly extinguished the fire.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Conn

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 27

Contained in Central Islip

The Central Islip Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire water damage elsewhere. Mutual aid came from Islip Terrace, East on Poplar Street on January 13, 2017. Chief Bob McGee and six Brentwood and the Central Islip-Hauppauge VFA. One firefighter CIFD units responded to find an active fire in a rear bathroom. Fire was treated for a foot laceration.

- Fire News photo by Charles A. Murphy damage was contained to this area but there was smoke, heat and

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Roosevelt House Fire

Residents of a Roosevelt home were able to escape to safety after a fire broke out on the second floor of their home on East Roosevelt Avenue early on March 6, 2017. Roosevelt firefighters had the blaze under control within 45 minutes.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fully Involved in Huntington Manor

The Huntington Manor Fire Department was dispatched for a residential structure fire on Pidgeon Hill Road in South Huntington on February 17, 2017. Arriving units were confronted with a fully involved house fire. The fire was brought under control within an hour. A resident was transported to Huntington Hospital by the Huntington Community First Aid Squad for treatment of non-life

threatening burns. Melville, Huntington and Greenlawn and HCFAS provided assistance at the scene, with Halesite on standby.

Fireground operations were under the command of Chiefs Jon Hoffmann, Chuck Brady and Jim Glidden.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photos courtesy Huntington Manor FD

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Lynbrook House Fire

The Lynbrook Fire Department responded to a house fire on Earle Avenue on February 25, 2017. Engine companies found heavy fire in the attic and quickly stretched lines to knock down the blaze.

Mutual aid departments assisted at the scene.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 33

When There’s Coverage, There’s a Fire…and Then Some

Standby units from East Meadow, Levittown, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Seaford, Massapequa and North Massapequa covered Wantagh’s district as Wantagh celebrated its annual installation of officers on March 4, 2017. They responded to six alarms during the course of the night: a house fire (above: East Meadow firefighters exiting the North Jerusalem Road house fire), a fence fire, an overturn on the Southern State Parkway, two investigations and a rescue. There were no injuries and standby units were released at 0800 the next morning … with many thanks.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

East Islip House Fire

On February 16, 2017, the East Islip Fire Department along with the Islip Fire Department were alerted to respond to a report of a structure fire on Washington Avenue in East Islip. Islip 1st Assistant Chief Thomas Butler along with Islip Engines 3-4-2 and 3-4-7 respond along with East Islip Engine 3-5-3 and quickly went to work on an exterior fire which had spread to the interior of the first floor of a two-family home. Chief Butler assumed command and requested a FAST response from Islip Terrace.

- Fire News photo by John Ippolito

Exterior Ops at Wantagh Fire

The Wantagh Fire Department was alerted for a house fire in the vicinity of Seaford Court and Mandalay Beach Road early on February 16, 2017. First Assistant Chief Gross to found a two- story home fully involved with fire through the roof. Second and Third Assistant Chiefs Kelly and T. Bloomfield arrived and handled the fire attack. Due to the volume of fire and multiple collapses that occurred early on the fire, a collapse zone was set up.

The fire was knocked down in about an hour with the handlines and a master stream. The exposures on either side of the fire suffered damage to their siding. Two occupants were able to escape prior to the departments’ arrival. Seaford, Massapequa, Bellmore and North Bellmore also responded.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Page 34, Fire News, April 2017

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Bethpage House Fire On February 3, 2017, the Bethpage Fire Department was dispatched for a house fire on South 6th Street. Chief of Department Debobes arrived to fire showing from the second floor of a two-family house. Engine 9044 and Ladder 4 arrived, with Ladder 4 setting up in front of the house and the crew from 9044 stretching two lines. As members were searching the house, two cats were rescued, but another two did not survive. The fire was contained to one room and brought under control within 30 minutes. Farmingdale was the FAST, Levittown sent an engine, and South Farmingdale, Plainview and North Massapequa stood by.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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Rules, Codes, Regulations, Standards and Laws Rules, Codes, Regulations, Standards and Laws are something the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) should be familiar with. The fire department and EMS community enjoys praise from the local communities we serve, and it is rare that there would be court prosecution. However, don’t think you have the right to disregard the Rules, Codes, Regulations, Standards or Law. Rules began to be created in the 1960s and by the 1990s there were an enormous amount of them. They were brought about because of the amount of fires and the amount of Line of Duty Deaths (LODDs) and lack of a standard of care. Many of these LODDs were preventable through a rule, regulation, code or standard, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the government organization that is charged with investigating all serious injuries and fatalities.

There is a standard of care and liability that comes along with fire and EMS calls, as the courts have become inundated with litigation and compensation suits for deaths, injury and suffering.

There is a growing need for the ISO to be familiar with and understand the standards and the many regulations that are involved with incident operations. The fire service is not as regulated as many consumer industries, such as the food and drug industry, airlines, etc., but the guiding publications are important to the ISO. You, as the ISO could be very easily called upon to testify in a civil or a criminal case involving injury or a LODD. The standards, regulations and guiding laws assist the court, lawyers and jurors to understand the facts of the incident.

So, who are the agencies involved and what is their role?

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA has developed national consensus standards of guides, codes and minimum standards. They also provide reports on fire related topics using a wide range of data. The NFPA is a standard and is not a law until the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) adopts it. However in many cases, departments and organizations use the NFPA's requirements even though it is has not adopted it, i.e., when purchasing apparatus, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA). OSHA is involved with the occupational safety and health for all employees and they develop and enforce the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs). The Public Employees Safety and Health (PESH) The NYS Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH), created in 1980, enforces safety and health standards promulgated under the United States Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and several state standard. This is the organization that ensures the fire service is adhering to the rules and is a part of the Department of Labor (DOL).

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established NIOSH as an agency focused on the study of workers’ health. NIOSH is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIOSH investigates all reports of serious accidents and fatalities. They also provide research and will recommend procedures. You can download their Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) at www.cdc.gov.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is part of the National Response Plan (NRP) and the Incident Command Systems (ICS), which was developed by the DHS Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has rules and regulations, which they enforce, regarding hazardous material and processes.

To summarize: “Once you understand the rules of the players and guiding publications in the emergency service, you can look at individual publications that may have a direct impact on firefighter safety. The effective ISO should spend time researching the depth of these publications beyond what is offered here.” Dodson (2016) Question: Which organization investigates all duty related firefighter fatalities?

Answer: NIOSH (Dodson 3rd Edition (2016) Jones and Bartlett Learning, page 31) Ex-Chief Jeff Bailes President Brookhaven Town Safety Officers Association, Inc. www.btsoa.org; 631-495-1313

Fire News, April 2017, Page 35

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Fast Work at Roosevelt Car Fire

The Roosevelt Fire Department was alerted for a car fire on East Greenwich Avenue early on March 10, 2017.

Engines 732, 733, and Ladder 735 responded along with Safety Officer 7330 and found a burning sedan parked in front of a house. Engine 733 put one line into operation and had the fire extinguished in about 10 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Islip Terrace MVA/Fire On the morning of February 18, 2017, the Islip Terrace Fire Department along with the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips were alerted for an MVA with a person trapped and car on fire on the service road of the westbound Sunrise Highway and Craig B. Gariepy Avenue. Units were under the command of Chief of Department Joe Rosadio. EMS Chief Scott Corsby of Exchange Ambulance, along with his EMS crew, treated and transported the injured occupants to an area hospital with unknown injuries.

- Fire News photo by John Ippolito, Jr.

Melville Hits House Fire

The Melville Fire Department responded to a house fire on Catherwood Crescent on March 10, 2017. Firefighters made an aggressive attack and were assisted by crews from Huntington Manor, Dix Hills, Plainview and East Farmingdale. Firefighters had the blaze controlled in an hour, under the command of Chief Jason Bernfeld and Assistant Chiefs Chris Nolan and David Kaplan. The

elderly homeowner was transported to Huntington Hospital with smoke inhalation by the Melville Rescue Squad, and a Melville firefighter was transported to Plainview Hospital for heat exhaustion.

The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Fire Marshal were investigating the cause.

- Fire News photo by Steve Silverman

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 37

Triple Play in Terryville

On March 9, 2017, the Terryville Fire Department knocked down a one-room fire in a vacant home on the Lawrence Aviation property. Several hours later, they responded to a larger fire in the same structure. While battling this fire, two residents informed Chief of Department Brendan Pilkington of a much bigger problem nearby.

A vacant factory was now burning on the site of Lawrence Aviation, which is a superfund site. Since the site is well known by the department, a preplanned operation was put into effect to insure the safety of the firefighters battling the blaze. With the help of numerous mutual aid departments, both fires were safely extinguished. The fire is under investigation by the Suffolk County Arson Squad and the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal's Office.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

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The Heather Pendergast Fund

The Heather Pendergast Fund was organized in October 2009, following several months of organizational meetings by members of Engine One and Ladder Two of the Massapequa Fire Department. In September of 2008, these department members had organized a fundraising event for Heather called The Heather’s Hope Benefit.

Hundreds attended the fundraising event and raised an incredible amount of funds to help Heather and her family during this difficult time. The fundraiser was actually the beginning of the Heather Pendergast Fund, but no one knew it at that time. It is important to note that Heather was sworn in as a member of Ladder Two at t h i s e v e n t . S a d l y, o n October 30, 2008, Heather lost her courageous fight with cancer.

By October of 2009, the fund was officially a nonprofit with a mission to assist the children of Long Island’s volunteer firefighters and EMS providers who face a life threatening illness or injury. It does not specify age, which allows the charity to assist a broader spectrum of volunteer families. The focus of the fund is to assist in paying medical expenses not covered by insurance, or travel expenses incurred receiving medical treatments.

Since organized, “Heathers Fund” has provided assistance for the children of 20 volunteer firefighters on Long Island, 13 in Nassau County and seven in Suffolk County. We currently have several cases that we are actively working on. Sadly, two of these 20 children have passed.

Fundraising events are vital for the fund to continue with its mission. A yearly golf outing is currently the largest fundraising event. On July 24, 2017, the fund will be hosting its Ninth Annual Golf Outing at the pristine Woodside Acres Country Club in Muttontown. In order to accommodate the nearly 200 golfers, there will be both morning and afternoon shotgun starts. Flyers and applications are usually available around April or May. Tee sponsors are a huge part of the golf fundraiser and support from departments across Long Island, as well as the businesses that theses departments protect, is greatly appreciated.

Another fundraising event this year is a comedy show with John Larocchia who is from the Laughter Saves Lives Foundation. The event is a joint fundraiser with the Sayville Fire Department. Sayville will host the event on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Information is available at www.heathersfund.org.

Of course, donations are very much appreciated, and very much needed, to continue the mission started in 2009, in loving memory of Heather. Any questions or further information please call 516-5783898 or contact Tom Pendergast at 516-578-8179.

- Fire News photo by Ed Tuffy

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 39

Centerport Condo Blaze

The Centerport Fire Department responded to a fire in the Bull Calf Landing Townhouse Complex early on January 24, 2016.

Centerport, assisted by Northport, Greenlawn, Halesite, Huntington, Huntington Manor, Cold Spring Harbor, East Northport, Eaton’s Neck and Kings Park, with EMS support from Commack and Huntington, battled the blaze. Strong gusting winds from a Nor’easter hampered firefighters efforts, as they worked several hours to knock down the flames that spread through sever-

al townhouse units. About 20 residents were safely evacuated from the building. Centerport firefighters provided shelter for some of the displaced at their firehouse. The fire was under investigation by the Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Town of Huntington Fire Marshal. Units were under the command of Chief Tom Boyd and Assistant Chiefs Rich Miltner and Andy Heglund.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman,

Page 40, Fire News, April 2017

FireNews.com

EMS ACROSS THE ISLAND

Westhampton Beach Plane Crash

On February 26, 2017, a plane carrying three people crashed into the trees near Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach and burst into flames. One person on the plane was rescued and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, two others died in the crash.

Members of the 106th ANG were training when the single-engine plane went down and were able to respond immediately.

- Fire News photos by Eddie Coppa

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 41

Fatality, Arrest at Mastic Pin

On January 14, 2017, the Mastic Fire Department was responding victim was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to her to a fuel spill when SCFRES notified 5-12-30 that there was an injuries the following day. The driver of the other vehicle was also MVA with a pin. Heavy Rescue 5-12-10 responded and used a floor transported to the hospital and later arrested by SCPD. - Fire News photo by Kevin Conn jack and cribbing to lift and secure a pickup truck by which a female had been pinned between the truck and the gas pump. The

Page 42, Fire News, April 2017

Hicksville MVA

FireNews.com

The Hicksville Fire Department and Nassau County Police responded to an MVA at the intersection of Jerusalem Avenue and Chain Lane in Hicksville on February 4, 2017. A car on Jerusalem Avenue was broadsided by a car pulling out of a side street, causing it to lose control and strike a tree, trapping its male driver.

Firefighters and police used hydraulic tools to extricate the man.

Nassau County Police ambulance transported the injured man to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow. The second vehicle had three occupants who all suffered minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 43

Medford MVA On December 28, 2016, the Medford Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported entrapment on North Ocean Avenue near Fairview Avenue. Upon arrival, commanding units found a two-car MVA with occupants trapped in one of the vehicles. The crew of Rescue 15 along with a Suffolk County Police ESU extricated the occupants who were then transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital for their injuries via Medford Volunteer Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Wonder if They Needed Brakes?

The driver of a sedan involved in an accident on Cathedral Avenue near West Orchard Street in Hempstead was injured when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed through the front wall of a nearby Auto Zone on November 2, 2016. The crash sent stock inside the store crashing into the aisles but no one inside was injured.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Central Islip 3-Car On December 29, 2016, the Central Islip Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported entrapment on Lowell Avenue. Upon arrival, command was met with a three-car MVA and advised incoming units of a heavily pinned subject in one vehicle. Crews worked swiftly to extricate the occupant who was transported along with two other patients to a nearby hospital via Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Kings Park MVA The Suffolk Police and Kings Park Fire Department responded to an accident on Indian Head Road in Kings Park on January 22, 2017. A sedan traveling northbound lost control near Ellen Place and crashed head on into a tree. The two occupants of the car were injured and transported by Kings Park Fire Department Ambulances to Saint Catherine’s Hospital in Smithtown.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Hempstead MVA The Hempstead Fire Department was on the scene of a two-car accident on Clinton Street near Yale Street on February 2, 2017. At least two people suffered minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Car Into Store Early on February 3, 2017, firefighters responded to a car into the 7-11 on Roe Boulevard and Waverly Avenue in Patchogue.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Berger

FireNews.com

Old Tradition, New Truck

On February 25, 2017, members of Port Washington’s Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 went to St. Peter’s Church on Port Washington Boulevard to assist in taking down the Christmas lights. This is an annual tradition for the company, which also helps puts the lights on the tree weeks before Christmas. This is the first time this was done with the company’s new rig a 2016 Spartan ladder designated Ladder 8517.

- Fire News photos by Kevin Madigan

Fire News, April 2017, Page 45

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Floral Park MVA At least one person was injured on October 28, 2016, when an SUV lost control in a grocery store parking lot on Covert Avenue near Clayton Avenue in Floral Park. The SUV landed atop another car in the lot. Floral Park firefighters were on the scene to stabilize the vehicle and remove the occupants.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

LIE Overturn In the early morning of February 9, 2017, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported overturn on the eastbound side of the Long Island Expressway between exits 60 and 61. Suffolk County Highway Patrol units were first on scene advising FRES the driver of the vehicle was self extricated. The crew of Rescue 8 secured the overturned car and a Suffolk Police ESU up-righted the vehicle. The driver was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital via a Ronkonkoma ambulance with only minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

FireNews.com

Nesconset MVA The Suffolk Police and Nesconset Fire Department responded to an accident at the intersection of Nesconset Highway (Route 347) and Southern Boulevard in Nesconset on March 1, 2017.

The two-vehicle broadside collision injured both drivers trapping one. Nesconset firefighters used hydraulic tools to extricate the person. Nesconset ambulances transported the two drivers to Stony Brook University Hospital with nonlife threatening injuries.

- Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber and Ron Monteleone

Fire News, April 2017, Page 47

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Smithtown Overturn

MVA on the SSP

The Suffolk Police and Smithtown Fire Department responded to an accident on Oakside Drive in Smithtown on February 28, 2017.

A car traveling westbound on Oakside Drive, west of Riverview Terrace, apparently lost control, struck a utility pole and overturned. The lone driver was able to self-extricate and was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

The New York State and Nassau County Police Departments along with the North Bellmore Fire Department responded to an accident on the westbound Southern State Parkway, west of Exit 25Newbridge Road in North Bellmore on February 27, 2017. A car traveling westbound apparently lost control and overturned onto the right shoulder of the roadway. The lone female driver was treated for minor injuries at the scene by Nassau County Police medics.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 49

Commack Head-On The Suffolk Police, Commack Fire Department and Commack Volunteer Ambulance responded to an MVA on Jericho Turnpike in Commack on March 1, 2017. Upon arrival, first responders found that two vehicles had hit head-on trapping one person.

Commack firefighters used hydraulic tools to extricate the trapped occupant.

Commack ambulance transported the injured to area hospitals.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Westbury 4-Car MVA The Westbury Fire Department responded to a four-vehicle MVA on Merrick Avenue on February 24, 2017. The collision involved two box trucks, a van, and a car. One of the box trucks overturned onto its side, striking both the other truck and the car. Two people in the car had to be removed by firefighters and Nassau County ESU units and were transported to area hospitals.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Gas Leak in Patchogue On March 2, 2017, the Patchogue Fire Department responded to a gas leak in a building under construction on Maple Avenue and East Main Street.

- Fire News photos

by Dennis Berger

Multi Vehicle Crash in Selden The Selden Fire Department and Suffolk Police responded to a multi-vehicle accident at the intersection of Middle Country Road (Route 25) and County Road 83 on March 4, 2017. Several people were injured in the chain reaction collision with one of the vehicles catching fire. Coram and Centereach were requested for ambulances to the scene.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Uniondale Overturn Late on March 2, 2017, the Uniondale Fire Department was dispatched for an MVA with overturn on Jerusalem Road off Edgemere Avenue. Units arrived to a two-car accident with one vehicle overturned. The driver of the overturned vehicle selfextricated while the other driver’s vehicle required a door pop. Uniondale firefighters and Nassau County Police ESU operated side-by-side on the scene. At least one person was transported to an area hospital.

Uniondale Chief of Department Smith, had command.

-Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

Just Me Cooking On February 26, 2017, Baldwin Engine 203 and Ladder 207 responded to a call for a burning odor with the house alarm sounding. The call ended up being food on the stove.

- Fire News photo by K2MPhotography.com

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Fatality at Farmingdale MVA The Farmingdale Fire Department and Nassau County Police responded to an accident at Fulton and Main Streets on March 8, 2017. A tractor-trailer and a small SUV collided sending the vehicles into a utility pole and two other vehicles. The SUV overturned onto its side and was heavily damaged, with the SUV passenger, who succumbed to injuries, heavily pinned. The driver of the SUV and another person were taken to Nassau University Medical Center. The East Farmingdale Fire Company was also requested to the scene with an additional Heavy Rescue.

- Fire News photos by Paul Mazza and Kevin Imm

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 53

Overturn on the NSP On March 10, 2017, the Plainview Fire Department was alerted for an overturned auto with entrapment on the eastbound Northern State Parkway by Round Swamp Road. Heavy Rescue 957 found the driver was self-extricated.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Hagerman MVA On March 10, 2017, the Hagerman Fire Department was toned out for an MVA on County Road 101 and Gazzola Drive. One person was transported.

- Fire News photo by Steve Walsh

Page 54, Fire News, April 2017

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2 People, Child Injured in Plainview MVA On March 8, 2017, the Plainview Fire Department responded to a two-car MVA on Manetto Hill Road and Main Parkway. Three people were injured, including a child, and two people refused medical attention at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Medevac for W. Babylon MVA The West Babylon Fire Department responded to a two-car MVA with entrapment at Nill Street and Great East Neck Road on February 24, 2017. A pickup collided with a van, trapping the driver of the van. Units arrived and removed the driver’s door and B post and displaced the dashboard, extricating the driver in about 20 minutes. An LZ was cordoned off in the parking lot of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox and the driver of the van was flown to Stony Brook University Hospital. A passenger in the van was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital by Lindenhurst Ambulance. The driver of the pickup was evaluated at the scene and refused transport.

First Assistant Chief Schumann was in charge.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 55

Manorville MVA On December 17, 2016, the Manorville Fire Department was dispatched to an MVA with entrapment on Moriches-Middle Island Road and Weeks Avenue. SCPD ESU, and Ridge Fire Department also responded.

- Fire News photo by Jesse Alaimo

Route 110 Car Fire The Melville Fire Department responded to a car fire in the parking lot of Frank and Camille’s Pianos on Walt Whitman Road near Holland Street on March 12, 2017. Crews quickly had the blaze controlled under the command of Chief Jason Bernfeld and Assistant Chiefs Chris Nolan and David Kaplan. The occupants, two adults and a child, were safely out of the car upon arrival.

- Fire News photo by Jim Felton

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1 Injured in Holbrook MVA On March 3, 2017, the Holbrook Fire Department was activated for an MVA with reported overturn at the intersection of Knickerbocker and Railroad Avenues. Upon arrival, Assistant Chief Pat McIntyre advised incoming units of a overturned single-vehicle MVA with entrapment, and that the vehicle was actually in the Ronkonkoma train station railroad yard property. Rescue 7 quickly extricated the unconscious driver from the vehicle who was then transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

Bad Crash in East Meadow The Nassau County Police and East Meadow Fire Department responded to a single-car accident on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow on March 11, 2017. A woman was traveling eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike when she lost control and struck a tree and utility pole. The car, which was ripped open from the crash, landed in the parking lot of a Home Depot. A Nassau County Police Ambulance transported the woman to Nassau University Medical Center with serious injuries.

- Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

MVA into Melville Building

The Melville Fire Department responded to a car-into-building MVA on Walt Whitman Road on February 18, 2017. The car crashed through the side of the building, heavily damaging a chiropractor’s office. Two occupants were in the SUV when firefighters arrived, and were extricated. They were evaluated at the scene by the Melville Rescue Squad and declined transport. Units were under the command of Chief Jason Bernfeld and Assistant Chiefs David Kaplan and Bill Schmitt.

- Fire News story by Steve Silverman, photo courtesy Melville FD

Page 60, Fire News, April 2017

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Bethpage Van Fire

Overturn on NSP

On March 8, 2017, the Bethpage Fire Department responded to a report of a van fire on Monica Court. The fire was extinguished upon their arrival and crews checked for extension.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

The Melville Fire Department responded to an MVA on the Northern State Parkway between Round Swamp Road and Route 110 on February 11, 2017. The car involved skidded into the center median of the eastbound lanes and overturned. Two ambulances, an engine, heavy rescue, first responder and paramedic were dispatched, under the command of Assistant Chief David Kaplan.

The driver was transported to Huntington Hospital with non-life threatening injuries by the Melville Rescue Squad.

- Fire News photo courtesy Melville FD

Page 62, Fire News, April 2017

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Amityville DWI On January 29, 2017, the Amityville Fire Department Ambulance 1-1-11 was returning from an alarm when they were flagged down for a two-car MVA with entrapment at Broadway and Dixon Avenue. The crew from 1-1-15 put spreaders and cutters into operation to remove both passenger side doors and B post of one car and extricated the passenger in about 15 minutes. The driver and passenger from the other vehicle were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. The driver of one car was arrested at the scene and later charged with DWI. - Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Melville Crash Injures Four The Melville Fire Department was dispatched to an MVA on February 5, 2017, on Broad Hollow Road near Duryea Road. About 20 firefighters and rescue personnel responded under the command of First Assistant Chief Chris Nolan. The Melville Rescue Squad transported four injured patients to Plainview Hospital.

- Fire News photo courtesy Melville FD

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 63

Huntington Station MVA

Melville Three-Car Crash

A pickup and a car collided on East Jericho Turnpike and New York Avenue in Huntington Station on March 4, 2017, with the front of the pickup ending up on top of the car’s hood. The Huntington Manor Fire Department responded with a heavy rescue truck and an engine, under the command of Chiefs Mike DePasquale, Jon Hoffmann and Jim Glidden. The driver of the pickup truck was transported to Huntington Hospital by the Huntington Community First Aid Squad with non-life threatening injuries.

- Fire News photo courtesy Huntington Manor FD

The Melville Fire Department responded to a three-car MVA on Ruland Road near Country Pointe Court on March 5, 2017.

Melville crews used heavy rescue tools and removed the driver’s door from one car to free an occupant. Two injured patients were transported to Huntington Hospital by the Melville Rescue Squad.

Crews were under the command of Chiefs Bernfeld, Nolan, Kaplan and Schmitt.

- Fire News photo courtesy Melville FD

Page 64, Fire News, April 2017

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RVC Head-On Plus

The Rockville Centre Fire Department responded to a three-vehicle MVA on Peninsula Boulevard on February 26, 2017. A box truck crossed over the center guardrail, drove over the top of a small sedan then hit a large SUV head on. At least two people were transported from the scene to area hospitals. Nassau County Hazardous Materials Unit responded to handle the truck’s dislodged fuel tank.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 65

If He Hadn’t Been on the Parkway …

On the afternoon of January 5, 2017, the North Amityville Fire Company responded to the eastbound Southern State Parkway west of Route 109 for an MVA with reported entrapment. The driver of a sedan who had slowed for an accident, was trapped after the vehicle was rear ended by a box truck that didn’t belong on the parkway. Chief of Department Collins, Heavy Rescue 1-7-5 and Ambulance 1-7-8 responded along with an ambulance from East Farmingdale. Spreaders and cutters were put into operation to removed both driver side doors and B post to extricate the driver in about 15 minutes. The driver and passenger from the sedan were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital. The driver of the truck was not injured.

- Fire News photo by Paul Mazza

Lucky in New Hyde Park MVA The New Hyde Park Fire Department was called to the corner of Lakeville Road and Jericho Turnpike for a possible extrication on the morning of January 4, 2017. Upon arrival, units discovered a construction truck had plowed into the rear of another truck but, amazingly, no one was trapped.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 66, Fire News, April 2017

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You Always Need a Good Laugh

Recently, the meeting room at Montauk firehouse was once again transformed into a New York City-style comedy club by LaughNYC, with the annual Fire & EMS Hero Comedy Night. The evening of stand up comedy, food and beverages provided a welldeserved, laugh-filled break. The event was a cooperative effort of the Amagansett Fire Department (Chief Allen Bennett) and the

Montauk Fire Department (Chief Vincent Franzone). Performing were Paul Corrigan, Gary Keshner, John Larocchia (former FDNY firefighter turned comedian), and headliner Jerrold Benford (soon to appear on Comedy Central).

- Fire News photo by Richard Lewin

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 67

Family Corner

Father and Son Assistant Chief Kevin J. Fitzpatrick of the Smithtown Fire Department with his son Connor. Connor was a member with the Juniors for four years and now is a member with the Smithtown Fire Department Heavy Rescue Company.

-Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

It’s a Family Affair Cooper Hunt (left) and Cole Hunt (right) get together with their dad Jeremy.

- Fire News photo provided by a proud dad

Cooking for the Homeless The Westhampton Beach Ladies Auxiliary cooked and served dinner for Maureen’s Haven Homeless Project on March 26, 2017. (Above): Felicia Williford, Carol Del Vecchio, Cody Hoyle, Tara Kappel, Kerry Everhart, Jackie Angus, Pat Gonce, Joy & John Makarewicz & Kim Marks - Fire News photo by Cody Hoyle

Eastport Welcomes Maci Ethel Father and Son David Hellberg, Sr., ex-Captain of the Fire Police with son David Hellberg ll, Commissioner and ex-Captain of Ridge Company 3.

-Fire News photo by Ron Monteleone

Mom Melissa Frey of the Eastport Fire Department and daddy Danny Locrotondo proudly announce the arrival of their daughter Maci Ethel. Born at St. Charles Hospital on January 7, 2017 during the first snow storm of 2017. MAci was born at 0945, weight Seven pounds, one ounce and was 20.5 inches long.

-Fire News photo by a proud mom

Page 68, Fire News, April 2017

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Smithtown Memorial Service

On February 26, 2017, the Smithtown Township Fire Chiefs Council held their Annual Memorial Service for the deceased chiefs, ex-chiefs and members of the fire departments and auxiliaries of the Smithtown Township. The service was held at the Kings Park Fire

Department, where members from Commack, Nesconset, Smithtown, Kings Park, Saint James, Hauppauge and Nissequoge gathered to pay respect to all deceased members who served their communities.

- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 69

Extrication Training in AB

Probies working at auto extrication training in Atlantic Beach.

(Left to right): Jessie Blue, Koudougou Nitti, Kyle Cadigan, Jennifer Hartnett, Michael Simao and Avi Fried. -Fire News photo by PIO/AB Rescue

Page 70, Fire News, April 2017

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Pocono Raceway Fire Department Welcome to the fifth largest paid fire department in Pennsylvania.

Chief Dave ‘Chico’ Richards heads a crew of 180 personnel for a typical weekend race from April to October and 219 for a NASCAR race, which is held twice a year. The crews spend three to four days for a race weekend and come from Pennsylvania and New Jersey and as far away as New Hampshire, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Vermont.

The different crews are comprised of Fire, Extrication, Ambulance, Wreckers, Maintenance and Restoration vehicles.

Training is open to all active firefighters who complete a rookie class every March and handson training in April for all positions. Once a firefighter is qualified they can go to any NASCAR track and work. In addition, every firefighter and ambulance crew must take a refresher course annually.

To give you an idea how busy this track gets, there can be as many as three events going on in one day. Pocono has the ability to configure 30 different courses for any organization that leases the track. For example, during September in 2016, there were 23 events scheduled within 17 days, and each event had to have a fire/rescue crew on scene. Average speeds vary, but the first ever 500-mile Indy Car race to average over 200 mph was held at Pocono.

- Fire News photos by Jim Dunn

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 71

Morning Pride Certified Repair Center Lions Certified MOBILE TURNOUT GEAR REPAIR SERVICE On-Site Service Available • • • • • •

Repair all brands of equipment Minor and Major Repairs Restriping Radio Pockets Name Plates Call For Helmets

More Details

Turnout Gear Cleaning Repair of Department and Personal Equipment Thorogood

Stocking Distributor Sho-Me Products, Over a HundredBearcat/Uniden Scanners in Stock

By Weinbrennere

Uniden Bearcats ScotchliteTM

Installation of Harness Loop to Bunker Gear at Your Fire Department Stocking Distributor of Gemtor Harness

Fire in the Wire, Inc. Div Of Firefighters Equipment of N.Y., Inc

(516) 564-1069 Fax (516) 564-4687

400 Hempstead Turnpike West Hempstead, New York 11552

www.FFENY.com

Page 72, Fire News, April 2017

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Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County

Congratulations to the 2016 officers of the Nassau County Fire Chiefs Council.

Good luck to President Chief Anthony Tripp of Glen Cove, 1st Vice President Chief Thomas McDonough of the Port Washington Fire Department, 2nd VicePresident Chief John Tassiello of the New Hyde Park FD, 3rd Vice-President Chief Jean Laurent of the Uniondale FD, Sergeant-at-Arms Chief Thomas Pellegrino of the Oceanside FD. Well done to past-President Chief Dave Weinstein of the Malverne FD. Also honored was Chief William Wilson for 50 years of dedicated service.

-Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

Page 74, Fire News, April 2017

FireNews.com

Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Various fire departments took part in the annual Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade held on March 5, 2017. The departments included Carle Place, Westbury, Plainview, Jericho, Hicksville, Bethpage, Levittown, and Wantagh.

-Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com

FireNews.com

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Nassau and Suffolk Attend Seminar

On February 4, 2017, a free seminar was held at the Melville Marriot to educate chiefs, commissioners, and future and current officers on some of the latest concepts in firefighting concepts. On hand were Chief Eddie Buchanan and Chief John Salka who discussed and debated some of the issues, tactics and findings for fighting fires that have risen out of recent research. Also on hand was FDNY Deputy Chief Michael McPartland, who walked the audience through the real time events that unfolded at the East Village Explosion, which ultimately became a seven-alarm incident. Both classes involved the audience as if they were the command. Everyone was invited to partake in the decision making at various fires. Thank you to the Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County, the Fire Chiefs Council of Suffolk County, the Association of Fire Districts of Nassau County, the Suffolk County Fire Districts Officers Association, the Melville Marriot, Walk Street Restaurant and Fire News, for putting this event together.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

Page 78, Fire News, April 2017

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Patchogue Flies Drone in SAR Mutual Aid On November 14, 2016, a neighboring fire department requested mutual aid for a possible victim in the water in the Great South Bay. Along with fire marine patrols, Suffolk Police Marine and Aviation, and US Coast Guard units, Patchogue Fire Department Chief Dave Tierney, and exCaptain Rick Skelaney, Patchogue’s main drone pilot, load up their drone to assist.

Moments later Patchogue’s drone was requested to the scene to assist in a night SAR operation, marking the first mutual aid call for this new technology of the Patchogue Fire Department.

The forward-thinking idea of Chief Tierney, along with the support of Patchogue’s main Chief Joe Arabia and the District Commissioners, the first UAV was purchased for assisting in fire ground and SAR operations.

Chief Tierney approached ex-Captain Skelaney, a drone pilot and technical specialist with Brookhaven National Lab, asking him to assist with the development of the drone squad. This request snowballed into a never-ending quest for the perfection of a fire ground and SAR UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

Utilizing private funds, several quadcopters were built and tested. Each UAV had its own unique capabilities, with one which could lift a 10-pound load but required a larger flight safety zone; another was small and agile, had no lift capabilities, but was an excellent camera platform; a third — and vehicle of choice — was DJI’s Inspire One because of its professional design, high speed (53 mph), long range (1.5 miles), and lift capability of over three pounds.

Each mission exposes new hazards, limitations and requirements, which Skelaney works to satisfy. Equipment adds, procedures, and constant training is the order of the day, every day. New flight control software for SAR operations is presently being tested as is equipment for fire ground operations.

Patchogue presently uses a DJI Phantom III Professional UAV as a camera platform for fire ground and SAR operations. This UAV provides excellent video coverage and long flight capabilities of 25 minutes, making it a great tool for observation.

The Inspire One prototype has evolved into a working aerial platform which includes a FLIR Vue Pro thermal imager, a low light FPV (first person view) camera, payload release mechanism, forward facing 40-watt flood lights, and 100 watt downward facing illumination LEDs. It can lift an inflatable or standard life jacket which can be tethered to a 1000 foot reel of 550 parachute cord, for water or ice rescue use, can deploy water dye markers to view tidal current directions during water rescue operations, and deliver first aid kits and small portable radios to stranded boaters and civilians.

Patchogue Fire Department has taken a step into the future by incorporating an UAV into their arsenal of fire ground and SAR equipment, and welcomes other departments to join them.

- Fire News photos and story

by Rick Skelaney

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Fire Police on the Job Stony Brook Fire Police keeping the scene safe at a recent fatal fire.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam

New Officers Nassau Fire Police Commissioner Joe Froehlich administered the oath of office to Sergeant-at-Arms Angelo Piccolo, John Schneider, 2nd Vice-President Jon Wicks, President Adam Jankowski, 1st Vice-President Joe Riccardo, Secretary Shirley Cote, Financial Secretary Paul Bopp, Chaplain William Gruener.

- Fire News photo by Jackson B. Pokress

Page 82, Fire News, April 2017

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Firehouse Kitchen With Ray Cooney (In the March edition Firehouse Kitchen the recipe was somehow abbreviated. We’re still not sure how!

For you firefighter gourmands out there, here is the complete recipe for the Paterson Fire Department’s winning pork belly tacos. - Ed.)

PORK BELLY BRINE

1 quart apple juice concentrate 2 gallons water 1# Sugar 1# Salt 2 bay leaves 3 tbsp Black peppercorns Cover pork belly with brine and let sit refrigerated for six hours or overnight.

PINEAPPLE MOJO

1 pineapple, rough chop 2 red onion, rough chop 1/2 Pt garlic cloves 2 New Mex Pod, toasted and stemmed or seeded, and rehydrated 1 Bu Cilantro 1/2 cup Lime Juice 1/2 tsp grated Corriander 1/4 tsp grated Cumin Roast pineapple, onion garlic at 450 until soft. Puree in blender with spices, chili, lime juice and cilantro. Puree and pour over pork belly. Roast pork belly at 325 for six hours.

PINEAPPLE RELISH

2 cup grilled pineapple, small dice 1/2 cup red onion, brunoise 1/4 cup Jalapeño, brunoise 1/4 cup Cilantro, rough chop 2 tbl lime juice Honey to taste 4 tbl olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Combine ingredients and let sit for a few hours so flavors can marry.

CALABRIAN CHILE HOT SAUCE

1/2 cup Calabrian chile 1 cup red wine vinegar 1 tbl Harissa 1/2 tbl Dijon mustard 1 tbl salt 1/2-3/4 cup blended olive oil 1/2 tbl garlic, chopped Combine Calabrian chiles, vinegar, Harissa, Dijon, salt and garlic in a blender and puree until smooth. Drizzle olive oil in until ingredients are combined and smooth.

SRIRACHA SOUR CREAM

1 cup of sour cream Sriracha to taste Lime juice to taste Cilantro Combine all ingredients and let sit for a few hours.

PINEAPPLE PORK BELLY

2 oz. pork belly Pineapple relish Lime wedge Calabrian Chile hot sauce Cilantro sprig Flour tortilla Queso fresco

Heat up flour tortillas on skillet and keep warm. Slice and sear pork belly on skillet or griddle until brown and slightly crispy.

Place the pork belly on the flour tortilla, top with pineapple relish and queso fresco.

Drizzle with Calabrian chile hot sauce and Sriracha sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a line wedge.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 83

Coram’s Gotay Earns Eagle Scout

Councilman Michael Loguericio presenting the Supervisors Award of Achievement and declaring Valentino Gotay Day as Val and his mother Lorraine, and father Valentino look on.

(Left to right): Commissioner Van Johnson, Chief William Boszeman Val Gotay, Commissioner James Brown.

On March 5, 2017, Coram Fire Department Engine Company 2 Firefighter Valentino Gotay was presented with the honor of achieving the Boy Scout’s highest achievement Eagle Scout. Val started as a junior firefighter when he was 14 and advanced to full active member when he turned 18. Val has been involved in scouting since the second grade.

- Fire News photos

by Jim Dunn

Val with his Engine Company 2 members.

Page 84, Fire News, April 2017

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Franklin Square Munson Installation

The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department held its 93rd annual installation and inspection dinner on March 4, 2017 at the Sand Castle in Franklin Square. (Above) FSMFD honored Commissioner Dennis Lyons for 50 years of service to the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department. (Left to right): 2nd Assistant Chief Dominick Labianca; Nassau County Legislator Laura Schaffer; Town of Hempstead Councilmen Bruce Blakeman; Commissioner Christopher Gioia; Commissioner and 50-year honoree Dennis Lyons; Commissioner Philip Malloy, Jr.; Chief Joseph Capobianco; 1st Assistant Chief John Salzman; Nassau County Legislator Vincent Muscarella; Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino; Assemblyman Edward Ra. (Photo left) FSMFD Chiefs 2017 (left to right): 2nd Assistant Chief Dominick Labianca, Chief Joseph Capobianco, 1st Assistant Chief John Salzman.

- Fire News photos by Joseph C. Sperber

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 85

Annual Mineola St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Fire News photos

by Steve Takacs

Melville New Members Sworn

At the February Melville Fire Department meeting, 2nd Assistant Chief Dave Kaplan swore in the new members including: Firefighter Jaclyn Riccoboni; Fire/Rescue Sydney Marshall; Rescue Theresa Fleming; and Firefighters Joshua Merberg, Steven Riccoboni and Jeff Shaikh.

- Fire News photo by Tom Pesce

Page 86, Fire News, April 2017

Didio Receives BellportVFBA Award

FireNews.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS FIREFIGHTER LODD We regret to pass on to you that former Assistant Chief, former Fire Commissioner and current Firefighter-EMT Richard Kaplan, 80, of the Jericho Fire Department died following his response to four emergency incidents with the JFD during the 24 hours preceding his death. Chief Kaplan had been with the JFD for 50 years and usually made at least 50 percent of all runs annually - he was a truly active member. He passed away on January 23, 2017. Please hold Richard Kaplan’s family, friends, and department in prayer. - Chaplain Leon VanWie,2nd Deputy Chief Chaplain for the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains

SPRING TRAINING As we start to thaw out from winter, remember that spring training is not only for baseball. Send Fire News a few photos of your departments training exercises. Include a short write-up explaining the highlights of your drill. Staying safe on the fire scene starts with good training.

COUNTDOWN TO 7TH ANNUAL RECRUITNY VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS NEEDED!

Nadine Didio was recently presented the 2016 George Boyce Award for her outstanding dedication and commitment to the Bellport Volunteer Firefighters Benevolent Association.

- Fire News photo by Frank Trotta

More than 185 fire departments across New York State have already signed up for the seventh annual RecruitNY weekend, a major initiative of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

On April 29-30, 2017, firehouses across the state will open their doors to the public in an effort to increase membership in the volunteer fire service.

Members of the public are invited to visit their local firehouses, where volunteer firefighters will be conducting tours of their facilities, demonstrating firefighting techniques, and allowing visitors to try on turnout gear. These activities, and more, will give visitors a taste of what it means to be in the fire service, and volunteer firefighters will be on hand to discuss the requirements and rewards of joining. All are welcome and encouraged to attend, including families with children.

“Joining the volunteer fire service has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I do not believe I am alone in saying that,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “Hundreds of volunteer fire departments across New York will be participating in RecruitNY, and we invite all New Yorkers to visit with their local firehouses. Visitors may be surprised to find their very own neighbors and friends already serving in the fire department, and just may be inspired to join them in protecting the community.”

For fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, simply log on to www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participation form. The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, and more. Visit recruitny.org/resources.php to help plan a RecruitNY event.

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO? Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department, and contact information. E-mail us at li@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help.

FIRE SERVICE WOMEN OF NYS Do you know a young woman who is interested in the fire service?

Introduce her to Fire Service Women of New York State (FSWNYS) Phoenix Firecamp. Phoenix is a remarkable training opportunity offered to young women between the ages of 14-19 years old. The weeklong sleep-over camp is held in conjunction with Utica Fire Department in Utica, NY, and operates both hands-on and classroom instruction. The dates for FSWNYS' Phoenix Firecamp 2017 are July 16-21, 2017. More information and applications for Phoenix Firecamp are posted on the website www.fswnys.org or call 845309-1325.

WHERE ARE YOUR DEPT’S PHOTOS? Please e-mail your photos to li@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where” information.We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue.

Page 88, Fire News, April 2017

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Teamwork Makes the Job Go Quicker After a fire in Deer Park, on a cold night, the crew worked together to pack hose, a job that not many guys like to do, but one that needs to be done — and done right.

- Fire News photos by BTFirePhoto.com

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Huntington Twp. Fire Police 46th Anniversary

On March 4, 2017, the Huntington Township Fire Police celebrated their 46th Anniversary at their installation dinner/dance held at the Huntington firehouse.

President Thomas A. Smyth welcomed the members and guests attending. He presented Sergeant-at-Arms Brian Olofson for the salute to the flag. The invocation was said by Melville’s ex-Rescue Capain Thomas Pesce (in place of Chaplain Deacon Edward Billia, who was unable to attend).

Vice-President Steven Lauschus introduced Smithtown Town Clerk Vincent Puleo to swear in the following officers: President Thomas A. Smyyth, Vice-President Steven Lauschus, Secretary Brian Olofson, Treasurer Edward Kelly, and Sergeant-at-Arms Jeff Bressler. Puleo then pinned a past-President’s badge on Douglas K. Kronenberg (Smithtown FD) who then addressed the audience on his two years as president of the association.

President Smyth then presented Captain Tony Casillo (Northport) with the Fire Police of the Year award; and Joseph Addonzio, the Fire Police Person of the Year award.

Active past-Presidents on the Executive Board were: Richard A. Kondenar, Smithtown FD (2009-2010); Gary J. Ruggerio, Smithtown (2011-2012); Giovanni V. Chiarelli, Smithtown (2013-2014); Douglas K. Kronenberg, Smithtown (2015-2016).

Participating departments were: Centerport, Hauppauge, Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington, Commack, Huntington Manor, Dix Hills, Kings Park, E. Northpor, Melville, Eatons Neck, Nesconset, Greenlawn, Northport, Halesite and Smithtown.

- Fire News photos by Tom Pesce

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Dix Hills Honors Members for Service The Dix Hills Fire Department Company One recently recognized its members for their outstanding service and response to fire and rescue calls in 2016. The top fire responders were Robert Rosciano, Matt Antretter, Mike Steed, Matt Stio and Gerard Rosciano, Jr. The top rescue responders were Louis Aquino, ex-Chief Steve Kamvakis, Doug Wagner, ex-Chief Richard Sorrentino and Robert Rosciano. The Company One Member of the Year Award was presented to ex-Chief Ron Gatto for his outstanding service and dedication. Gatto served as Chief from 1993-1994 and is the chairman of the Dix Hills Junior Firefighter program. The awards were presented by Company 1 Captain Scott DiPino, First Lieutenant Terence Vierling and Second Lieutenant Gerard Rosciano, Jr. - Fire News photos by Steve Silverman

Page 94, Fire News, April 2017

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REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2017 STATION DESIGN CONFERENCE IN FORT WORTH Registration is now available for the 2017 Station Design Conference, which will be held May 3-5, 2017, at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex in Fort Worth, Texas. This three-day conference was created to help save your department time and reduce costly errors with a new fire station.

The Station Design Conference is focused on best practices and design innovations for your fire department's new facility. The conference is designed for public safety officials and municipal leaders who are responsible for fire department facilities, from initial concept through construction. Presentations are by award-winning architects and fire department personnel experienced in creating new fire stations and public safety facilities.

On Wednesday, May 3, the popular “1-on-One” preconference program will offer fire department attendees the opportunity to meet individually with award-winning architects to review and discuss their new fire station or public safety facility projects. This session offers an objective, third-party review that can save time and costly errors as you plan your next station. This unique program is limited to fire department personnel and administrators.

The General Session on Thursday, May 4, will begin with an overview of the journey to a new fire station and how to gain support from your community. Our presenters will provide a walk through of the process of programming, reveal secrets of bidding/construction and explain how to determine the best site.

Case studies will offer lessons learned and share how to avoid costly errors and omissions. Finally, learn to design a safe, healthy fire station to reduce carcinogen and contaminant exposure to your firefighters/EMS personnel and staff.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.

“We think the Station Design Conference at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex in Fort Worth is an excellent choice for this year,” said Janet Wilmoth, conference director. “Not only is the training facility an excellent example of a renovated, state-of-the-art facility, but it will offer more educational programs and networking opportunities.”

For more details and to register, visit www.fhstationdesign.com.

$50 OFF CURRENT PACKAGE PRICING AND FREE EXHIBIT PASS FOR FIREHOUSE EXPO Fire News will be in 338 at Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN October 17-21 and to make sure we see you there, we’re offering you a FREE Exhibit Hall pass AND a discount on Conference Packages.

Just use promo code FireNews when you register to save $50 Off of the current package pricing and get a free Exhibit Hall pass.

Be first to respond, register today. FirehouseExpo.com #FHExpo17.

NEW YEAR, NEW LOGO “TOGETHER WE BUILD SAFE FIRE AND RESCUE APPARATUS THAT SAVE LIVES” The Firefighters Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association, FAMA, an organization committed to the safety and efficiency of the fire industry apparatus and components, has supported its members to revolutionize fire-manufacturing technology from basic post-war water haulers to contemporary, cutting-edge fire trucks. To commemorate FAMA’s 70th anniversary, association’s members recently voted to approve an impressive new logo to represent the dedication of its members to the support of fire and emergency workers.

The new logo refreshes past logos with a sleek new design featuring a striking red flame embodied in a shield, signifying the protection from fire that FAMA strives to achieve through its production of fire apparatus. Its simplistic design aims to parallel the core values of FAMA and thus provide an instant association between the logo and the organization. However, when applicable, the Firefighters Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association acronym can be placed strategically next to the shield for clarification while still main-

taining a sophisticated design concept.

Choosing the associations’ new logo was undoubtedly a challenge.

Over 250 astonishing designs were submitted, but the final selection was made at the Fall Meeting where the choice was clear. “The process was time consuming, but the committee and board had several great logo options for the members to review at our annual fall meeting. The board was very excited that our new logo was the clear winner after the vote and look forward to introducing the logo to the industry in 2017,” stated Scott Edens, FAMA Board President.

We hope that you will take some time to check out the new logo. Members of FAMA would also like to thank you for your continuing support during their rebranding and encourage you to look forward to their 75th Anniversary in 2021!

For more information on FAMA please visit: www.FAMA.org.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April 2017, Page 95

Hicksville Probies Graduate On March 5, 2017, the Hicksville Fire Department held its graduation ceremony for its new probationary class.

These probationary firefighters have successfully completed 250 hours of state, county and department training programs. (Top row, left to right): Commissioners William Blazo, John Menig, Robert Lang and Anthony Wigdzinski; lead Instructor Robert Senn; Chief of the Department Richard Diaz; 1st Assistant Chief Robert Telender, Jr.; 2nd Assistant Chief Elizabeth Flahavan; 3rd Assistant Chief William Efinger. (Seated, left to right): Jonathan Lau, Patrick Chiarelli, Gregory Kossman, Joseph Kelly, Justin Platania, Ryan Noetzel.

Not pictured: Matthew and Thomas Austin who were on military deployment. - Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Looking Back North Massapequa Fire Department’s 1956 Light Truck and 1955 Chrysler Windsor Chief’s Car, the first for the department. Seated in cab are Ted Slater, Henry Larsen and George Hall. Seated on truck are Henry Lieberman, Max Tendler and Bob McCarthy. The photo was taken in front of old firehouse, which was the department’s original home.

- Fire News photo by Jackson Pokress

Page 96, Fire News, April 2017

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Farmingville Juniors Do a Good Deed The Farmingville Fire Department Juniors have gone out after each snow storm and assisted the elderly of Farmingville by shoveling out their driveways and walkways. - Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

West Hempstead Installation On February 25, 2017, Senator Todd Kaminsky attended the West Hempstead Fire Department's Installation Dinner at the Sand Castle. (Left to right): Legislature Vincent Muscarella; Legislator Laura Schaefer; Ex-Chief Kenneth Brohm; ExChief William D'Alessandro; Ex-Chief Peter Lilli, Guest of Honor; incoming Chief Michael Vogt; Senator Todd Kaminsky; Assemblyman Edward Ra; and Assemblyman Brian Curran.

- Fire News photo provided

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 97

Santino Attends Wantagh Dinner Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino (third left) presented official Town of Hempstead Citations to Chief of Department James P. Bloomfield and Kathleen F. True (50 years of service to the Ladies Auxiliary) during the Wantagh Fire Department's Annual Installation Dinner. The event was held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on March 4, 2017. Supervisor Santino was also joined by 3rd Assistant Chief Thomas Bloomfield of Seaford, 1st Assistant Chief Joseph Gross III of Seaford, 2nd Assistant Chief Kenneth Kelly and Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads.

- Fire News photo provided

Nassau Fire Marshals Benevolent Assn. Awards Hempstead Town Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby (second, left) presented an official Town of Hempstead Certificate of Recognition to honoree Councilman Ed Ambrosino (center) during the Fire Marshal Benevolent Association of Nassau County, Inc. Annual Awards and Recognition Night held at Oheka Castle in Cold Spring Harbor. Pictured along with Senior Councilwoman Goosby and Councilman Ambrosino are Fire Marshal Benevolent Association President Richard Lehrman, 1st Vice-President John Kelleher, Jr., and 2nd Vice-President Michael Mastrangelo.

- Fire News photo provided

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Page 98, Fire News, April 2017

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Nassau Fire Marshals Staff Awards Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito (third, right) presents official Town of Hempstead Citations to honorees during the Nassau County Fire Marshal Annual Staff Awards Ceremony held at St. Agnes Parish Center located in Rockville Centre.

Also attending were Chief Fire Marshal Scott Tusa, Nassau County Legislator C. William Gaylor, Fire Marshal Robert Chernow of Elmont, Division Supervisor Vincent McManus of Lynbrook, Vice Chairman John Fabian and Secretary John Hennig.

- Fire News photo provided

Oceanside Installation Dinner Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino (fourth, left) along with Councilman Anthony D’Esposito (center) presented official Town of Hempstead Citations to honorees during the Oceanside Fire Department annual Inspection and Installation Dinner held at The Coral House located in Baldwin. Supervisor Santino and Councilman D’Esposito were joined by 3rd Assistant Chief Joseph Caroccia; 2nd Assistant Chief Robert Sutton, Jr.; incoming Chief Kevin M. Klein; Senator Kaminsky; 1st Assistant Chief David Bettes; New York State Assemblywoman Melissa Miller; and outgoing Chief John T. Madden.

- Fire News photo provided

FDIC Speakers Corner Rick Lasky Rick Lasky, a 35-year veteran of the fire service, is Chief (ret.) of the Lewisville (Texas) Fire Department. He began his career as a firefighter on the southwest side of Chicago. While in Illinois, he received the 1996 International Society of Fire Service Instructors Innovator of the Year award for his part in developing the “Saving Our Own” program. He was the co-lead instructor for the H.O.T. Firefighter Survival program at FDIC for more than 10 years, is an editorial advisory board member of Fire Engineering, and also serves on the FDIC advisory board. He is the author of Pride and Ownership - A Firefighter’s Love of the Job and Five Alarm Leadership: from the Firehouse to the Fireground (Fire Engineering) and is the co-host of the radio show “The Command Post” on Fire Engineering Talk Radio. He has an associate’s degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University and was selected as the CSU 2012 Distance Education and Training Council Outstanding Graduate.

Don’t miss the 2017 FDIC Int’l Opening Ceremony Presentation of the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award to Chief (ret.) Rick Lasky, and a look at previous winners including such fire service legends as Alan Brunacini, Ray Downey, Denis Onieal, John Norman, Vincent Dunn, Francis Brannigan, Bill Peters, and Ron Siarnicki. This award is named for Fire Engineering Editor in Memoriam Tom Brennan, who embodied a lifetime of achievement in the fire service.

FireNews.com

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Seen at the Mega Show -Fire News photos by staff photographers

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Massapequa Park FF Rescues 2 Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano honored Joseph Rondinelli of Massapequa, an off-duty Public Safety Officer from the Town of Oyster Bay and a member of the Massapequa Park Fire House Rescue 3, for his rescue of two small children from an overturned vehicle on the Southern State Parkway in November 2016. County Executive Mangano presented Rondinelli with a citation for his heroic efforts. (Left to right): Justin McCaffrey, Commissioner of Public Safety, Town of Oyster Bay (TOB); Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano; Honoree Joseph Rondinelli, Public Safety Officer, TOB; Joan Rondinelli, wife; and Robert Mangano, Deputy Commissioner for Public Safety, TOB. - Fire News photo provided

Working on Vacation In December 2016, Councilman Michael Loguercio honored Ridge Fire Department member Daniel DeMeo for his heroic efforts to save a woman’s life while he was on vacation in Mexico. Upon observing a woman in cardiac arrest, Daniel proceeded to perform CPR, keeping her alive until EMS arrived to take her to the hospital. Pictured with Councilman Loguercio (front row, right) and the Town Board are Daniel DeMeo (center), his wife Michelle and children Crystal and Connor.

- Fire News photo provided

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 105

Up Close & Personal

Eighteen-month-old Benjamin Pirnak waiting for his dad, James Pirnak, a 26-year member of the Wading River Fire Department, to come home from a fire. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chrissy Pirnak

Chief Erton Rudder of the Gordon Heights Fire Department at a recent structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

Captain Carlson of the Selden Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Amanda Coffey

Page 106, Fire News, April 2017

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MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Setauket and Centereach firefighters at a recent flag detail.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam

Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band.

- Fire News photo by k2mphotography.com

Westbury Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by k2mphotography.com

Bethpage Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by k2mphotography.com

Members and Explorers of the Wantagh Fire Department gathered on September 24, 2016, to compete in the semi-annual “Home Drill.” - Fire News photo provided by Wantagh PIO

Wantagh Fire Department members after a house fire on Red Maple Drive East.

- Fire News photo by Harry Loud

Setauket Fire Department at a Stony Brook condo fire on March 8, 2017.

- Fire News photo by Robert O’Rourk

Mount Sinai crew at a structure fire on March 4, 2017.

- Fire News photo by Elliot Perry

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 107

MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Baldwin Ladder Company No. 2 after a run on February 26, 2017.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Madigan

Members of Deer Park’s Ladder Company 4, with medium and best selling author George Anderson, get together for a photo.

- Fire News photo by BTFirePhoto.com

Crew from the Bridgehampton Fire Department after an early morning fire.

- Fire News photo by Joey Hernandez

Kings Park firefighters from Rescue 4-1-9 after operating at a storm related tree and wires down incident on Meadow Road.

-Fire News photo by Joseph C. Sperber

Thank You to All the Volunteers An open letter to any volunteer fire department to the graveside service. Solid coordination and specifically those that contributed to between the SCPD Third Precinct Command, and the fire departments of Islip Terrace, Bay Ronald R. Bunde’s full firematic funeral. shore, West Islip, Islip, East Islip, Bohemia, Holbrook, Lakeland, Smithtown, and Center Dear Volunteers, It is with great pride that I write to you all Moriches, assured that no detail would be for that which you unselfishly do as a brother- missed and my father would receive the ultihood. My family was amazed at the dedication mate sendoff that he well deserved. Many peoof my father’s fellow volunteer service mem- ple never experience this and were amazed at bers to honor his nearly 50 years of service; the well-coordinated effort that was truly proparticularly those members from neighboring fessional. My family had experienced this only departments that may have never even met my once before; for the funeral of my brother who father. Their willingness to help out his depart- served with NYPD and was killed in an offment and its members to honor my father was duty accident. For us, we knew what to expect; heartwarming; and a poignant reminder of the everyone else was absolutely amazed.

I found it truly remarkable, and very combrotherhood that you all share during your forting, that in this day and age of ever reducyears of community service, and even after.

My father, Ronald R. Bunde, performed ing membership in the ranks of all departments many functions during his nearly 50 years of that this select brotherhood has found ways to service with the Islip Terrace Fire Department. arise to tribute their own when needed.

During his tenure there, he was a firefighter Frankly, I was nervous that my father, having with Engine 2, an EMT, an advanced EMT, the done this for years for other department memCaptain of their Rescue Squad helping to cre- bers, would not be afforded this honor himself. ate their first heavy rescue unit, the Treasurer This letter is a solid thank you to all volunteers, of Engine 2, and one of the department’s that you are willing to do this for each other to this day — even with all the difficulty and sacCommissioners.

The departments close relationship with rifice that must accompany it. For family and Albecht’s Funeral Home allowed for the friends that attended the wake and/or the funerFirematic Service and every other detail to be al, they witnessed first-hand how you honor accomplished with one simple phone call. your brethren; with this tribute serving as a From there on, the chiefs and members of the solemn reminder of the dedication of those in a department saw to every detail from the wake fully volunteer service; a service that takes its

members away from their own free time and that of their families.

While thanking the men and women on hand for all they had done over the last few days, one of the younger members commented “There is nothing that we could have done that would have been good enough to honor a 50year member.” This to me, a solid hope for the future of this service and its members. Within only two hours of my returning home from the funeral, many of the same members that were on hand for the services were fighting a fully involved three-alarm house fire only a block away from my own home in Islip Terrace.

This letter serves as an acknowledgment of all that you do, a reinforcement of your ongoing commitment to our communities and the members of our departments, along with mutually helping out neighboring departments whenever they need it, whatever the reason may be. Nine other departments, some neighboring districts and others, all helped to provide equipment and manpower to support my father’s department, ensuring that his many years of service would be properly acknowledged; all while still providing for the uninterrupted protection of the communities they serve. Truly, an amazing display of honor and brotherhood.

With all of my sincere appreciation, and on behalf of the Bunde family, I thank you all!

- John A. Bunde

Page 108, Fire News, April 2017

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Obituary

Great Neck’s George B. Motchkavitz George B. Motchkavitz, who served in the Navy during WWII and then served his community for 70 years as a Great Neck Alert firefighter, chief, president and trustee, of the fire company, died, December 7, 2016, at the age of 89.

George was the son of John Motchkavitz, who had fled Poland in 1906 at 16-years old to escape being forced into the Russian army. One of 13 children, George was born on May 27, 1927, in the house his father built in the old village of Great Neck that continues to be the home and gathering place for the family. He would raise his own family in that house with his loving wife Dorothy.

During World War II, George and his twin brother, Lenny, left Great Neck to join the Navy. He served as a military police officer guarding Waldron Field in Corpus Christi, Texas, now known as the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.

After the war, George, Lenny and brother-in-law John Pothlanski founded the family business, M & P Plumbing and Heating, in Great Neck. George retired from the business after 50 years. His devotion to the Great Neck community was grounded in his 70 years of service to the Great Neck Alert Fire Company where he attained the rank of Chief and President, as well as serving for many years on the Board of Trustees. He was the Alert Company chief from 1963-1966 and also served as President of the 8th Battalion Past Chiefs Association. George was a man dedicated to his family, friends, customers and community. According to son John, "he lived his life helping others and set a great example for future generations of his family to follow."

In addition to his extensive community service, George found peace in simple things such as growing a large vegetable garden, fishing and splitting wood.

Throughout his early life, he helped his father tend a large garden and take care of the cows, chickens and ducks that the family kept behind their house in Great Neck.

George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy who lives in the same house George's father built so many years ago. He is also survived by sons John (Dawn) and George of Great Neck and daughter Diane; brothers Lenny of Great Neck and Florida, and Ronnie, of Florida; grandchildren Garrett, Ryan and Julia; and a great-granddaughter Loretta.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a scholarship fund in George’s name. Checks should be made payable to ‘Great Neck Public Schools’ and sent to Great Neck Public Schools, C/O Eleanor DeMarco, 340 Lakeville Rd. Great Neck, NY 11020. Please include on the check in the memo ‘George Motchkavitz Scholarship.’

- Fire News photo by Sara Rietbroek

In Memoriam

Commack Remembers Police Officer Charles Oddo On February 17, 2017, the Commack Fire Department gathered at the Charles A. Oddo Verleye Park, a precious place to remember and pray for the soul of departed Commack Fire Department member and New York Police Department Highway Patrolman Charles Oddo, who gave his life in the line of duty 21 years ago.

“Our brother Charlie was a guardian and

protector from his earliest years,” said Commack Chaplain Stephen Muhlenbruck at the memorial service. “He transitioned from watching over his younger sister here, in this very park, to protecting the people of Commack. He continued to follow that calling, to the NYPD’s elite Highway Patrol Unit.

“While guarding his brother and sister

officers from danger at an accident scene, he was taken from us, by a dangerous motorist.

We gather here now to mourn his loss, and to draw inspiration from his sacrifice, so that we may continue to honor his memory, by carrying his mission forward,” concluded Chaplain Muhlenbruck.

- Fire News photos courtesy Commack FD

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 109

Obituary

Jericho LODD - Ex-Assistant Chief Richard Kaplan On January 24, 2017, the Jericho Fire Department and community suffered a heavy loss in the Line of Duty passing of ex-Assistant Chief Richard Kaplan. For more than 50 years, ex-Chief Kaplan responded, night after night, day after day, to be there for his neighbors on the worst days of their lives.

Dick, as he was affectionately known, was a firefighter, leader and mentor, with expertise in nearly any type of emergency he was called upon to handle.

Until recently, Dick had maintained his EMT certification and was relied upon to treat those who were sick or injured.

On January 23, 2017, after responding to four alarms, Dick returned to his home and suffered a cardiac emergency in the early morning hours that took his life. To the men and women of the Jericho Fire Department, particularly his beloved Trident Engine Company 3, the loss is unimaginable.

Chief Kaplan twice ran up the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain from 1969 to 1973, and 1989 to 1991. In 1973, Dick was elected Assistant Chief, a position he would hold for five years. He also served as Commissioner from 1981 to 1988, administering the fire district’s finances to provide the best levels of fire and EMS service to his community.

A man who likely answered more alarms than any other firefighter in the history of the Jericho Fire Department, he received one award after another for most alarms answered annually.

He was one of most knowledgeable members when it came to the pumps on a fire truck, a vital knowledge that he enjoyed passing down to future generations of firefighters he met along the way.

Ex-Chief Richard Kaplan is survived by his loving wife Judith, his three sons, David (Chief Melville Fire Department), Robert (ex-Chief Syosset Fire Department and Jericho Fire Department), Michael, and five grandchildren.

- Fire News story by John O’Brien, photos by Steve Silverman and Jericho FD

Page 110, Fire News, April 2017

Obituary

Pt. Jefferson Lays to Rest Ex-Chief Jimmy Scholl Ex-Chief James W. Scholl, of the Port Jefferson Fire Department, answered his last alarm on February 18, 2017. Chief Scholl was an active member of the Port Jefferson Fire Department and currently served as a Suffolk County Fire Coordinator (5-0-6).

Jim served as the president of the Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs Council from 20152016. Chief Jim Scholl also served in the U.S. Navy and was buried with full military honors. He will be missed by the fire service and by everyone who knew him.

Donations can be made to the Long Island State Veterans Home, Stony Brook, NY. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 111

Obituary

Port Jefferson FD Ex-Chief Thomas Coyle

On February 16, 2017, the Port Jefferson Fire Department laid to rest ex-Chief Thomas Coyle.

Chief Coyle joined the Port Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department shortly after his 18th birthday in March 1984 and remained active in the department for the next 33 years. He served in Marine Company No. 5, participating in numerous water rescues. He was respected throughout his career as a volunteer fire fighter as a mentor to new volunteers, and was particularly proud of having performed several successful cardiopulmonary resuscitations. He served as Chief of the Department from 2004 through 2006, directing the Department’s response to many fires and emergencies during that period. Chief Tom Coyle will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.

-Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

Page 112, Fire News, April 2017

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Obituary

Terryville Lays to Rest Ex Captain Novotny

It is with deep regret that the Terryville Fire Department announced the passing of Lifetime Member, ex-Captain Robert Novotny.

He was waked at the Bryant Funeral Home in Setauket on February 16, 2017. The Department held services to honor ex-Captain Novotny, who was an ex-Captain of Rescue Company 5 and later was a member of Ladder Company 4. Bob was buried at Calverton National Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

-Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone

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Fire News, April 2017, Page 113

Obituary

Stony Brook Fire Department Loses Friend and Leader Andrew ‘Andy’ Seelin was a a leader and a friend, a man of dedication, a compassion, a a devoted husband, father, friend and Chief. His loss will have a profound effect on his family, friends and the Officers and Members of Stony Brook Fire Department.

Andy Seelin joined the Stony Brook Fire Department in June of 1997 at the age of 38.

From the very beginning Andy was dedicated to his community and his department, so much so that he was awarded the Probationary Firefighter of the Year Award in 1999, the Firefighter of the Year in 2000 and Rescue Man of the Year in 2001. In 2002 he became a Lieutenant of the Eagle Hook & Ladder Company #1 and went on to serve as Captain in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

In 2006 Seelin became 3rd Assistant Chief and rose through the ranks serving as Chief of Department in 2012 and 2013. Upon completing his eight years as a Chief, Seelin saw that the department needed the continued stability of a seasoned veteran of the Chief’s office and in 2014 again began to ascend the ranks serving as 3rd Assistant Chief in 2014 and 2015, and 2nd Assistant Chief in 2016. In November of 2016 Seelin announced to the department he would complete the year and then step down from the Chiefs ranks in order to enter the hospital to receive treatment for Myelofibrosis. “I am in the fight of my life,” he explained to the department. It was the department’s sincere

hope that Chief Seelin would receive a successful bone morrow transplant, recover from his illness and then return to the Chiefs ranks the next year. On February 13, 2017, the department’s hope turned to despair when Chief Seelin lost his battle and died peacefully with his family by his side.

During department firematic services, a neighbor of Chief Seelin’s described a horrific morning in 2000, when a she found her two-year-old daughter unconscious and blue from a total airway obstruction. Rather than calling 911, the panicked mother called the Seelin home, where luckily Seelin answered and then ran to the neighbor’s house, where he directed the mother to call 911. When the mother returned to the front lawn the toddler was breathing and the color of her face began to return to normal. Seelin had cleared an obstruction from the child’s airway. “Andy saved my daughter’s life that day.” The horror and then relief as the mother told of Chief Seelin’s actions on that day could be felt by all in attendance. A few years later another neighbor of the Seelin’s was in need of help, the call went out as a male cardiac arrest; again Seelin was there, responded, began CPR, applied the AED and administered shocks. The patients pulse returned and breathing was restored. That gentleman made a full recovery and was present at

the firematic service to pay final respects to a friend and the man who saved his life.

Words that describe Chief Seelin are kind, compassionate and dedicated as a husband, father, friend and Chief, Seelin was all these things. He was always calm on the scene and knew what to do when it needed to be done, regardless of the task he was always ready to do what it took.

He will be missed……

-Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam