Fire News New York State, January 2024

NEW YORK STATE

Volume 17, No. 9

January 2024

See story on page 8.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Staff of Fire News

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 3

In this issue...

Salamanca 2-Alarmer The City of Salamanca Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire.

See story on page 4

Amsterdam House Fire Amsterdam Fire responded to James Street for a house fire.

See story on page 9

Apartment Complex Fire Schenectady firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire.

See story on page 14

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.

Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka

Rochester 2 Alarmer Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Van Stallen Street for a house fire.

See story on page 21

E-Batteries - Again FDNY firefighters were confronted with heavy smoke from a single-story storage facility.

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3 Dead, 17 Injured at Crown Heights 3-Alarmer Firefighters made a valiant effort to rescued residents trapped in a Brownstone.

See story on page 30

PLUS: Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26

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.

Page 4, Fire News, January 2024

Salamanca 2-Alarmer

On November 4, 2023, the City of Salamanca Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on State Park Avenue. First arriving firefighters declared a working fire and requested a second alarm. This brought all off-duty city firefighters along with volun-

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teers from Seneca Nation and Kill Buck fire departments to the scene. Bradford City (PA) Fire Department responded as the RIT. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish

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Good Will Handles Rte. 17 MVA

On October 19, 2023, the Good Will Fire Department responded to Route 17K and Unity Place Head for an MVA. Four people where transported by the town of Newburgh EMS. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Page 6, Fire News, January 2024

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Nice Stop in Rochester

In the afternoon of November 11, 2023, Rochester firefighters worked a house fire on Watkin Terrace. Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the top floor of a 2-1/2 story wood frame. Crews were able to make entry and, with an aggressive interior attack, knock down the heavy fire. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Cover Story

Fairport Garage Fire In the early morning hours of November 25, 2023, Fairport firefighters were dispatched to Lewis Street for the report of an unknown type garage fire. First arriving units found a well involved attached garage fire and quickly went to work stretching lines and forcing entry. Crews worked to open up and get ahead of the well-advanced fire which had spread up and into the roof of the home, running the ridge line and through the roof. Crews were able to continue an aggressive interior attack and had the fire knocked down moments later. Crews continued to mop up and knock down pockets of fire.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Winona Lake, Cronomer Valley on Standby

On October 20, 2023, Winona Lake and Cronomer Valley stood by for Good Will while they attended the funeral services for Life Member Frank Gallup who passed away from cancer.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 9

Amsterdam House Fire

Amsterdam Fire responded to James Street for a house fire on November 26, 2023 at 0634.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Santa Visits the Mall

The Winona Lake Engine Company drove Santa Claus to the Newburgh Mall where Mrs. Claus and the children eagerly awaited his arrival.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Page 10, Fire News, January 2024

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Commercial Fire Snuffed

In the early morning hours of November 18, 2023, Rochester firefighters worked a commercial building fire on Lyell Avenue. Crews had heavy smoke and fire showing on arrival and made a strong interior attack but were forced to go defensive due to a heavy fire

load. Multiple master streams were put into operations and worked to knock down the fire. Crews were able to get a hold of the fire and it was placed under control shortly after.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Rochester 3-Alarm Fire

On October 15, 2023, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Pullman Avenue for the report of smoke coming from a building.

On arrival, crews found heavy smoke showing from a three-story apartment building. Crews made entry and worked to find the fire apartment as smoke filled the building. Second and third alarms

were struck for manpower. Crews worked hard to chase fire running in the floors and the walls of the apartment and were able to extinguish the fire.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Page 12, Fire News, January 2024

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Buffalo Apparatus Dedication

On September 27, 2023, the Buffalo Fire Department held a truck dedication for Engine 2 that resides at Elmwood Avenue and Virginia Street in Buffalo. Engine 2 was dedicated to Jason Arno who paid the ultimate sacrifice on March 01, 2023, while battling a fire on Main Street in the city. The new unit features a Cyclone Long Cab, Rear Vista Roof, Cummins L9 450-hp with Jake Brake,

1500-gpm Waterous CSU Pump, 980-gallon water tank, Class 1 5.0 Foam System with SmartFoam Controller and 50-gallon Integral “A” Foam Tank, 304L stainless-steel body with stainless hinged doors, Whelen Warning Light Package and FireTech Scene Light Package.

- Fire News photos by Jim Lepard

Albany County Muster

On September 16, 2023, the Slingerlands Fire Department played host to the Albany County Firefighters Muster. Fire departments brought their best pieces of apparatus cleaned and shined to be judged. The categories included antique apparatus, honor guard

and brush equipment. It was a great afternoon of communing and comparing equipment.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Page 14, Fire News, January 2024

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Schenectady Kitchen Fire

On August 19, 2023, Schenectady firefighters responded to a report- Firefighter David DiRossi is pictured hosing down a fellow firefighted kitchen fire in a home on Davis Terrace. Smoke was discovered er due to toxic materials found burning inside. coming from the structure. Firefighters made a fast knockdown of - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber the 2-1/2 story frame dwelling. No injuries were reported.

Apartment Complex Fire

Schenectady firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on Frank Street just after 0300 on September 16, 2023. Engine 2 was first to arrive and used their deck gun to make an initial knock down to give firefighters access to the front door of the complex. Fire walls

on the B and D sides prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining apartment units. All occupants escaped safely.

-Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

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Hot Drill for Winona Lake

On November 7, 2023, the Winona Lake Engine Company held a hot drill. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Page 16, Fire News, January 2024

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Bronx 2-Alarmer

All Hands in Cypress Hills

FDNY companies in the Bronx operated at a two-alarm blaze in a row of taxpayers on East Tremont Avenue in the early morning hours of September 28, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FDNY Engine Company 332 and Ladder Company 175 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire showing from the roof of a two-story private dwelling on Kiely Place in Cypress Hills on October 7, 2023.

Units used two hoselines to knock down the fire.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

6 Rescued in Brooklyn 2-Alarmer

Firefighters rescued six residents from a fourth-floor apartment during a two-alarm fire on Georgia Avenue. Members arrived to heavy fire and smoke in the apartment just before 1945. The fire made its way into the public hallway. Units used three hoselines to knock down the main body of fire.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Brooklyn Mixed Occupancy Fire

FDNY Battalion 41 transmitted a 10-75 for a fire on the first floor of a mixed occupancy building on November 19, 2023. Units used two hose-lines to knock down the main body of fire. Searches throughout were negative.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Brooklyn Cabinet Warehouse 3-Alarmer

FDNY Engine Company 230 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy smoke showing from a cabinet making warehouse on George Street in Brooklyn on November 16, 2023. Members used six hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. The fire ultimately went to a third alarm bringing in 138 firefighters.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 19

All Hands in Flatbush

FDNY Engine Company 310 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in a work shed at the Preston Court junkyards on Preston Court in Flatbush on October 9, 2023. Units used two hoseline to knock down the main body of fire. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 20, Fire News, January 2024

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Fundraiser for Fire Museum of Dutchess County

On November 12, 2023, the Firefighters Museum held their annual bowling fundraiser tournament at Spins Bowl in Wappingers Falls.

At this year’s tourney there were 10 teams participating in this great event. The Firefighters Museum of Dutchess County would like to thank the following: Spins Bowl of Wappingers Falls especially Bob and Breanna; the following teams: Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Association, Hughsonville Fire Department for two teams, Putnam County Volunteer Firefighters Association, Team Plumer, Team Pantano, and Slater Chemical for suppling

four teams. When the day was ended Putnam County Volunteer Firefighters Association was awarded team high score, Selma from Slater Chemical Fire Department with lady’s high series and Sammy from Slater Chemical Fire Department with men’s High series. The event was a great day where firefighters, family and friends came out to support the Firefighters Museum of Dutchess County.

- Fire News photos by Vinny Galvin; 2nd VP, Firefighters Museum of Dutchess County

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Rochester 2 Alarmer

On September 16, 2023, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Van Stallen Street for a house fire. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from a home. A second alarm was struck for extra manpower as fire was at risk of spreading to exposure homes.

Crews were able to work to get ahead of the fire and hold it to the original fire building.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Obituary

FDNY’s Frederick Whiteside: LODD The FDNY held a line of duty death funeral for EMT Paramedic Frederick Whiteside Thousands attended the ceremony. He tragically died after suffering a heart attack on November 17, 2023. He leaves behind a 14-yearold daughter.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell and the FDNY

Obituary

FDNY’s Chris Scalone In a poignant reflection of honor and sacrifice, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) bids farewell to one of its own, Battalion Chief Chris Scalone, BC53. Chief Scalone, who only recently retired in September after a remarkable 43-year career, succumbed to the devastating impacts of 9/11-related cancer.

Christopher Scalone, a native of Port Jefferson Station, was born on September 20, 1958. He met his future wife, Victoria, through mutual friends and they were married in 1988. Loving and devoted father of the late Tiffany Anne. Devoted son of Dorothy and the late Robert Scalone, brother of Debra. Loved and missed by his many nieces and nephews. Chris joined the FDNY in 1981 and worked his way through the ranks to Battalion Chief, where he was loved and highly respected by his peers and fellow firefighters.

When not on duty, Chris’ passions were boating and fishing . - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

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Duchess County Annual Memorial

October 1, 2023, was a great day at the 911 Center as firefightes and elected officials observed the Annual Memorial Service. The memorial service was a joint service put on by the Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Fire Chief’s Association of Dutchess County. In attendance were over 100 firefighters and family members of those who have answered their final alarm in the previous year. During the reading of the necrology solemn music was playing and at the end of the list a trumpeter played taps. At the

closing of the ceremony the President of the Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Robert Boyles and the Fire Chief’s Association of Dutchess County President Aaron Howard laid their wreaths. As the ceremony was ended a American bald eagle did an unexpected but proper fly by. President Robert Boyles and President Aaron Howard thank all who attended and we’ll see you again next year.

- Fire News photos by Vinny Galvin; DCVFA

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 25

8 Children, 7 Adults Rescued

FDNY Squad Company 252 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in the rear of a two-story attached private dwelling in Bushwick, Brooklyn on November 28, 2023. Units rescued 15 occupants

including eight children. The fire went to two alarms. Fire Departments personnel used four hoselines to knock down the main body of fire - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 26, Fire News, January 2024

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Engine 291/Ladder 140 Responds to Fire in Ridgewood FDNY firefighters from Engine 291 and Ladder 140 responded to a residential fire on Harman Street in Ridgewood, Queens. Members of Ladder 140 were able to locate and rescue victims through the stairway.

- Photo provided

HI-TECH FIRE & SAFETY EXPANDS OPERATIONS MOVES TO A NEW LOCATION IN FARMINGDALE Hi-Tech Fire and Safety, a leading provider of top-quality firefighting gear and equipment, proudly announced the relocation and expansion of its operations to 120 Toledo Street in Farmingdale.

Founded in 1989, Hi-Tech has been a dedicated distributor of Morning Pride (now Honeywell, Inc.) products, serving fire departments throughout the New York Metropolitan Area.

Having played a pivotal role in introducing Morning Pride products to the Northeastern United States in the early 1990s, Hi-Tech has since become a trusted name in providing state-of-the-art Bunker Gear, USAR Gear, EMS Gear, helmets, gloves, hoods, and boots. Since 1992 as a Master Distributor for Honeywell, Hi-Tech has garnered the support and loyalty of esteemed departments such as the New York City Fire Department, Yonkers Fire Department, and numerous others in Long Island, Connecticut, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

“We are grateful to our customers for their unwavering support over the past 35 years,” said Karen Mandel, Vice President of Hi-Tech Fire & Safety.

“Our expansion into a larger facility reflects our dedication to reducing the risks that firefighters face daily. We look forward to continuing our mission and positively impacting firefighter safety.”

Hi-Tech’s product line, carefully selected to minimize firefighter risk, is showcased on their website at www.hitechfireny.com. The company’s experienced sales team is ready to serve the entire metropolitan area, delivering top-of-the-line products and unparalleled customer support.

FASNY BRINGS TOP SPEAKERS TO SELDEN FOR ANNUAL EMS CONFERENCE

Retired New Orleans EMS Chief Ken Bouvier to Headline Annual Program on Long Island The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is bringing its annual EMS Conference to Selden on Saturday, January 24, 2024. The one-day event, which has been on Long Island for two decades, is packed with presentations addressing the most contemporary and critical topics in the EMS. These invaluable sessions are complemented by a Pre-Conference Workshop eligible for Core CME credit hours in toxicology, cardiology, respiratory, psychiatric and EMS operations, among others. The seminar will also include a “State of the State of EMS” presentation by the State Department of Health.

This year’s FASNY EMS Conference features Chief Ken Bouvier, who is beginning his 49th year as an EMS provider. Chief Bouvier has worked as a career and volunteer paramedic, fire fighter and Chief officer. Following a career in fire and life safety at Monsanto, Ken was appointed Deputy Chief of Operations for New Orleans EMS in 2012, serving as EMS Commander of multiple large and complex incidents. Just prior to his retirement in 2019, he was prominently featured in the A&E real-life action series “Nightwatch.” chronicling the work of New Orleans EMS. Ken will be presenting “Managing School Bus Accidents” and “Understanding Firefighter Injuries” - two important topics for EMS providers on Long Island.

With an average of 480,000 yellow school buses transporting 25 million students to and from schools across the United States, school bus accidents happen far more frequently than we realize. These incidents require an understanding of school bus design and safety features. They produce a range of traumatic injuries and come with the additional challenges of managing young patients, patient tracking and dealing with school officials and parents. Chief Bouvier’s session will prepare you for school bus accidents in your community.

With about 16,000 volunteer firefighters serving in fire departments across Long Island, local EMS providers are often called to fire and other emergency scenes to not only treat civilian victims, but also to standby to provide pre-hospital care and transportation for firefighters injured at the scene. Chief Bouvier will review the most common types of firefighter injuries, including how and why they occur.

He will also review the role of EMS crews in anticipating and when possible, preventing firefighter injuries or medical emergencies on the fireground.

For more on the FASNY EMS Seminar in Selden, please visit fasny.com.

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E-Batteries - Again

On October 22, 2023, FDNY firefighters were confronted with heavy smoke from a single-story storage facility on 63rd Street in Sunset Park. The fire was quickly knocked down by the sprinkler system. Firefighters made the discovery of e- bikes and lithium-ion batteries stacked floor to ceiling in the building. One firefighter suf-

Fire News, January 2024, Page 27

fered minor injuries after his mask became dislodged and he was overcome by smoke. The fire ultimately went to a third alarm before being brought under control.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 28, Fire News, January 2024

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Red Knights Honor the 9/11 Fallen

The Red Knights Chapter 47 held their 22nd Annual 9/11 ceremony at Russell’s Steak, Chops and More’s Hero’s Park on September 11, 2023, in Lancaster, remembering our fallen brothers who paid

the ultimate sacrifice at the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. This is an annual event and more than 100 motorcycles from various clubs participated.

- Fire News photos by Jim Lepard

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 29

Lakeside Apparatus

The Lakeside Fire District of Syracuse utilizes this 2010 KME, 75-foot rearmount quint as Ladder-1. It features a nice September 11 memorial tribute on the rear officer’s side. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Page 30, Fire News, January 2024

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3 Dead, 17 Injured at Crown Heights 3-Alarmer Firefighters made a valiant effort to rescued residents trapped in a Brownstone at an Albany Avenue house in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on November 12, 2023. Members fought through heavy fire to reach the victims. Tragically three of the victims died and 17 others were injured. Members used four hoselines to knock down three floors of the three-alarm fire.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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