Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 15, NO. 3
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 JANUARY 2022
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Happy New Year from the Staff at Fire News
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 3
In this issue... 20 Families Displaced in Mount Vernon Firefighters responded to a fire on the second floor of the three-story Highland Manor Apartments. See story on page 8
Long Fight at Pearl River Shooting Range Fire The Pearl River FD responded to an automatic alarm at the RISE gun store.
See story on page 10
Horse Rescue with a Sad Ending A farmer found his 30-year old horse had fallen over an embankment.
See story on page 15
Suspicious Fire in Schenectady City of Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire. See story on page 22
35 Displaced by Thanksgiving Eve Blaze A five-alarm fire consumed an Inwood apartment building. See story on page 27
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES 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 COPYRIGHT 2022, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Pickup Crashes into Delmar Gift Shop The Bethlehem Police Department received a call for a vehicle into a building. See story on page 30
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 New to Them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 28-29
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 2022
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
As We Enter 2022 … As Fire News welcomes everyone to 2022, I would be remiss if I didn’t pause to look back to December 2021 and offer condolences to the Malveaux family and to the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). Recently, FDNY Firefighter Vincent Malveaux was in training and began to feel ill and lost consciousness during his daily training at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. ‘Pablo,’ as Malveaux was affectionately known to his classmates, was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he died. As a firefighter, I know the sadness of losing a brother or sister firefighter. Fire News will bring you coverage of the Line of Duty funeral to honor Firefighter Vincent Malveaux in a future edition of our paper. As we enter 2022, I would like to congratulate all firefighters and officers as you take on your new positions of being a firefighter and a new officer. To all firefighters, especially those firefighters who have some time under their belts, take the time to share your knowledge with your newer members and take the time to offer learning experiences that will
help your company officers lead you through the year. New officers should confer with past officers so you don’t repeat the same mistakes that they may have made. As a new leader, never embarrass a member who may seem weak in certain skills. You will soon learn that as a new officer, you now take on the role of being a teacher. Firefighters must practice what they have learned to become proficient in the skills that save lives, including your own. Officers need to make sure every member knows how to use the tools of your trade - firefighting! Anyone with experience will tell you that going on calls is the easy part of our job. Making sure you and your colleagues know what they are doing is the hard part. Hopefully everyone realizes the importance of drills, training, and truck maintenance. Yes, I said truck maintenance! Saws must start; air packs must work as expected and simple things like making sure the fuel tanks are full is important. When you leave the firehouse after a call, stop, and look around and give thought to anything that requires attention. If you see something is wrong, don’t wait until the next day to make changes. As an officer, you must set the example and keep the bar raised high, so that your troops are ready for action.
On New Year’s Eve, hug your loved ones, say a prayer for world peace and dust off your training manuals so that you can be the best at what you love to do. Also, remember Firefighter Vincent Malveaux and offer prayers of comfort to his family. In my family, we have a tradition; at the stroke of midnight, we hug one another and start the new year with three foods: herring, lentil soup and rye bread. Yes, I know, to some this sounds horrible. But the symbolism is meaningful. I wish everyone good luck, good health, and prosperity in 2022. Happy New Year and good luck to all as you enter 2022! - Dennis
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 5
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Cover Story
Fire Guts Amsterdam Building
. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber On November 19, 2021, City of Amsterdam firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in a vacant building on East Main Street. Heavy smoke and flames were visible from the C side of the structure. Fire spread to crawl spaces, so firefighters went defensive with two aerials, a deck gun, several handlines, and a blitz fire. The fire was brought under control in under two hours.
- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
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Fire on Lenox Road
Firefighters responded to reports of a building fire on Lenox Road on November 3, 2021. They found a heavy smoke condition in a top-floor apartment. Units opened up and found fire in three other apartments. The fire went to a four-alarm assignment. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Throgs Neck House Fire
Firefighters in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx responded to a fire on the second floor of attached houses on Hollywood Avenue on October 29, 2021. One handline was needed to knock down the blaze and bring the incident under control. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Fire News, January 2022, Page 7
Page 8, Fire News, January 2022
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Start of a Busy Day in Yonkers
City of Yonkers firefighters operated at three separate structure fires on November 14, 2021. The first alarm was struck just before 1100 for smoke from the roof of a building on Hawthorne Avenue, just blocks from Fire Station 3. Units arrived in under three minutes and found fire showing from the roof of a three-story multiple
dwelling which has had a history of fires. Companies located the fire in the ceiling of the third-floor apartment and brought it under control in about 30 minutes. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Mike Messar
40+ Displaced in Yonkers Also on November 14, 2021, Yonkers firefighters responded to Nodine Hill section just before 1900. Units were met with a highly visible column of smoke coming from a first-floor apartment on Ash Street which quickly spread up the exposure 2 side of the building and onto the exposure 4 side of an adjoining house. Both buildings were occupied, three-story multiple dwellings just two blocks from Fire Station 6. The engine company running out of that station had been temporarily relocated due to firehouse renovations. A second alarm was transmitted upon arrival of the battalion chief. Members had to operate around the building's electrical service lines which had dropped onto the street and sidewalk. Companies quickly set up master streams to knock down the heaviest fire between the buildings as searches were conducted. Fifteen Yonkers fire companies and 56 firefighters brought the fire in both buildings under control in just under two hours. More than 40 people, including at least 19 children, were displaced by the fire. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
1 Injured in N. Broadway Blaze Just before 1400 on October 4, 2021, Yonkers Fire received several calls for an apartment fire on North Broadway, just a few blocks from Fire Station 9. As the first-due companies left quarters, a large column of smoke could already be seen. Units arrived to find heavy fire in one unit of a three-story, set back garden apartment complex. The lone occupant was found outside the unit suffering from smoke inhalation. As the firstdue truck company made entry they encountered heavy smoke from the front door, and a size-up discovered heavy fire pushing out the rear, which was inaccessible to apparatus. After a long hose stretch and the interior collapse of the second floor, members had the fire out in about an hour. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical, centering on a power strip. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
20 Families Displaced in Mount Vernon Just before 1700 on November 1, 2021, Mount Vernon firefighters responded to a fire on the second floor of the three-story Highland Manor Apartments on Highland Avenue. Firefighters quickly knocked the fire down in the fire apartment but spent the better part of the next two hours attacking pockets of fire. Just after 0300 the following morning, firefighters were called back to the building and found fire through the roof on arrival. Multiple master streams were set up and companies operated for several hours. Large sections of the building were covered in scaffolding from renovation work at the time. Twenty families were left homeless and at least one occupant was transported by EMS for respiratory ailments. Mutual aid came from Yonkers, Eastchester and New Rochelle. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 9
Attached Garage Fire in Greece
In the afternoon of September 25, 2021, Greece firefighters, along with mutual aid, were dispatched to Colin Street for multiple calls reporting a house fire. On arrival, crews found smoke and fire showing from an attached garage and quickly went to work. Companies stretched lines and knocked down a heavy volume of
fire in the garage and worked to control the fire extending to the home and the radiant heat melting the siding of an exposure dwelling. Firefighters were able to get a handle on the fire and put it under control within 20 minutes. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Page 10, Fire News, January 2022
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Long Fight at Pearl River Shooting Range Fire
The Pearl River FD responded to an automatic alarm at the RISE gun store and shooting range in the early afternoon of November 28, 2021. Crews arrived to find a very light smoke condition inside the range, which was located in the basement of a large strip mall. As firefighters went to work to locate the fire, it became very clear that the unique construction characteristics of the range would soon lead to a multi-day response, eventually destroying three businesses. Protected by heavy steel plating and reinforced concrete, the smoldering fire was hidden in an insulated void. As firefighters worked to gain access to the fire, their efforts were severely hampered by the steel and concrete. As the hours dragged on, multiple attempts were made to find the fire using traditional hand tools, saws and, eventually, heavy-duty jackhammers were also brought in, with limited success. As the day turned into night, defensive operations were started, with exhausted firefighters being rotated from the scene and replaced by fresh crews. Multiple Rockland departments responded on mutual aid, along with several departments coming over the border from New Jersey. The Westchester Department of Emergency Services also sent their Technical Rescue Team, supplementing the Rockland TRT already operating on scene. Pearl River firefighters would remain on the scene well into the next day as demolition equipment was brought in to tear down the destroyed areas. Thankfully, a fire wall prevented the fire from extending down the length of the building, saving several other businesses. A handful of firefighters were treated for high CO levels throughout the incident. An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire by the Orangetown Police and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department. Multiple EMS agencies also responded to the scene, led by the South Orangetown Ambulance Corps. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 11
Looking Back Wallkill – 2013
Walden – 2013
Wallkill firefighters responded to a barn fire at Bruyn Tpk and Lippincott Road on April 8, 2013. Upon arrival, Wallkill Assistant Chief R. Malatesta (64-3) reported a working barn fire on Bruyn Turnpike and requested mutual aid from Modena, Plattekill, Shawangunk Valley and Pine Bush. Walden was placed on standby at Wallkill Station. The first-due engine (64-11) made the initial attack with attack lines. Wallkill's tanker (64-12) supplied additional water. An aggressive attack prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent structures. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
On November 4, 2013, Walden (Orange County) firefighters responded to a reported structure fire on North Drive at Camp Robbins. Upon arrival, Walden Car 1 reported a fully involved single-story, wood frame structure and requested a second alarm, along with a tanker task force. Mutual aid responded from Wallkill, Plattekill, Coldenham, Montgomery, Air Guard and Maybrook. Multiple lines were put into operation, however the structure was destroyed. No injuries were reported for the incident. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Walden – 2014 On January 18, 2014, firefighters from Walden (Orange County) responded to a reported structure fire at the Walden Mobile Home Park on North Montgomery Street. Walden Car 1 arrived and reported that a trailer home was on fire and requested a second alarm with a tanker task force. Walden’s first due engine crew knocked down the majority of the fire in short order. No injuries were reported for the blaze. Orange County Fire Investigator responded to the scene to determine cause of the fire. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Page 12, Fire News, January 2022
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Cops Save 3 Kids from Brooklyn Blaze
Firefighters from Ladder Company 103 and Engine 290 responded for a fire on the second floor of an occupied multi-dwelling on Riverdale Avenue in Brooklyn, on November 15, 2021. Ladder Company 103 rescued and removed one civilian. Police from the 75th Precinct rescued three children. One male civilian also suffered from smoke inhalation. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Page 14, Fire News, January 2022
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Working Fire in Rochester
On August 29, 2021, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Lennox Street after receiving a report of a fire in the area. The first arriving company found heavy fire showing from the first floor extending up and showing from all three floors of a dwelling. Entry was made and searches were started as there were reports of an
unaccounted occupant. Crews found no victim in the building and then worked to open up as engine companies got water on the fire. The main fire was knocked down and firefighters worked hard to get to hard-to-reach areas to knock down the remaining fire. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 15
Horse Rescue with a Sad Ending
On November 20, 2021, in the Town of Schodack, a farmer found The responders were able to turn Foolish around and get her up the his 30-year old horse, Foolish, had fallen over an embankment and hill and out from behind the barn. Sadly, Foolish had to be put was facing head down. He called local farmers, the fire department down after the rescue. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller and the police department for assistance and 20 people responded.
Page 16, Fire News, January 2022
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Mamaroneck House Fire
3 Toddlers Rescued in Canarsie
Recently, the Mamaroneck Village Fire Department was dispatched to Franklin Avenue for a structure fire. Engine 38 confirmed a working fire and transmitted an all hands. The house was under construction. The Town of Mamaroneck FAST responded. Units stretched and operated one handline. Car 2242 requested a tower ladder from Port Chester and an engine from Harrison to the scene. The fire was placed under control without incident. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon
On November 18, 2021, firefighters from Ladder Company 174 rescued three toddlers and a mother from a house fire. Engine Company 257, Tower Ladder 170 and Ladder Company 174 arrived to find heavy fire on the first floor with fire rapidly extending to the second floor on East 89 Street. In all, nine people suffered critical injuries. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 17
New toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus
BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.
2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.
2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.
BEFORE BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER AFTER
We are looking forward to our new monthly feature
Sold by Command Apparatus
“It’s New to THEM”
AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus
To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly
631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com
Page 20, Fire News, January 2022
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Commercial 3-Alarmer in Brooklyn
Bronx Fire in 6-Story Building
Engine Company 250 and Ladder Company 147 responded for heavy smoke pushing from the top floor of a two-story mixed occupancy on Foster Avenue on November 7, 2021. Units forced entry and found fire on the first floor in the commercial establishment. Four hoselines were stretched and operated. Searches throughout the structure were negative. The fire went to three alarms. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
One resident was seriously injured in an apartment fire on Rosedale Avenue in the Bronx on November 24, 2021. The blaze was showing from the exterior on arrival at the six-story building. Firefighters were able to locate and rescue a family dog during the fire. An additional truck was needed to complete the overhaul operation. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 21
Mamaroneck Car Fire
Bronx Basement Blaze
On November 24, 2021, Mamaroneck Village Engines 38 and 41 were dispatched to Carroll Avenue for a car fire. Engine 38 confirmed they had flames from the engine compartment and stretched a line to knock down the fire. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguished the flames without incident. The incident was placed under control in approximately an hour. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon
FDNY companies in the Tremont section of the Bronx battled a two-alarm blaze in the basement of an auto body shop on Park Avenue near East 180th Street on October 3, 2021. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Page 22, Fire News, January 2022
Truck Burns in Alpaus
On October 29, 2021, Alplaus firefighters battled a truck fire on Maple Avenue just west of the NY Air National Guard Base. The driver of the truck noticed smoke and flames visible in the engine compartment and pulled over. Within minutes, the vehicle was fully involved. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and confined the damage to the truck. The driver escaped unharmed. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Suspicious Fire in Schenectady
On November 14, 2021, City of Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in the rear of a Van Vranken Avenue address. Upon the arrival of Engine 4, fire was venting from a second-floor window on the B side. While using reserve Engine 14 with a 1000-gallon booster tank, crews made an initial attack with the deck gun knocking down a majority of the flames. Reserve Truck 3 was able to maneuver into position due to the wide-open area in front of the garage. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. Witnesses stated they saw individuals leaving the garage shortly before smoke began showing from the building. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Page 24, Fire News, January 2022
MVA’s
5-Car Chain Reaction MVA Causes Fire
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Stuck in Rail-Trail Bridge
On November 16, 2021, the Slingerlands Fire Department did not have to respond very far to arrive at an MVA on the Rail Trail Bridge which is just outside their station on New Scotland Road. Chief Craig Sleurs located a cement truck that had struck the bridge’s 11-foot, two-inch high underpass. Representatives from Albany County Public Works and New York State Department of Transportation were on the scene surveying the damage. Bethlehem Police charged the operator with disobeying a traffic control device. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Schenectady DUI Driver Hits Clock
On September 3, 2021, a driver traveling at a high rate of speed on Van Vranken Avenue between Beaver and Lang Streets struck a vehicle backing out of a driveway sending cars careening into nearby parked cars. One vehicle became engulfed in flames as firefighters tended to the driver with minor injuries. He was later charged with DUI and no other injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
On October 14, 2021, a driver under the influence of alcohol lost control of her vehicle, snapping off a pedestal clock at the intersection of State Street and Broadway before coming to rest on its roof in the middle of the 300 block of State Street. She was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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Page 26, Fire News, January 2022
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Selkirk Operates at Speed Boat Event
Boats Burn at Brooklyn Marina
Selkirk Fire District Marine Unit 29-54, a Harbor Guard Boats Defender 24 Firehawk, lends a hand at a speed boat event at Castleton Boat Club’s “Horsepower on the Hudson River,” in which boats do high-speed radar-timed ‘fly-bys.’ - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
Engine Company 321 transmitted a 10-75 for two boats on fire at the Vernice Marina on Emmons Avenue in Brooklyn on October 10, 2021. Marine Company 6 helped to escort the senior citizens off the boat. Marine Company 6 and Engine Company 321 used two hose lines to knock down the bulk of fire. The senior citizen suffered minor injuries. The units had the fire under control in 45 minutes. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 27
Obituary
Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro Announces the Death of Assistant Chief Alvin Suriel from WTC-Related Cancer Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced the death of Assistant Chief of EMS Alvin Suriel, a 32-year veteran of Emergency Medical Service, who succumbed to World Trade Center-related cancer on December 7, 2021. Chief Suriel, who was 52-years-old, is the 264th member of the FDNY to die of WTC-related illness. “Al Suriel spent three decades providing pre-hospital emergency medical care throughout our city. He saved an untold number of lives in his time as an EMT and Paramedic, and through his inspirational leadership in our bureau of EMS,” said Commissioner Nigro. “He was there for New Yorkers on September 11th, he was instrumental in our Department's extraordinary response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he administered outstanding care to every single patient who ever called for his help. His dedication to duty was immeasurable and his loss is a painful blow to our entire department.” Chief Suriel most recently served as Assistant Chief of EMS Operations — the first Hispanic member ever appointed to this rank. He was promoted to the position in May 2019. In this role, he served as the Chief of Field Operations, assisting in the supervision of 4,600 Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, EMS Officers, and civilian employees. He oversaw operations, planning, strategic initiatives, and logistics in the Bureau of EMS. He worked closely with the department's Counseling Services Unit. Here, he led the way in developing the largest active member peer support group in the nation to address the mental health needs of the FDNY EMS workforce during the COVID19 pandemic. Chief Suriel began his career in 1989 as an Emergency Medical Technician first assigned to Harlem. He completed his paramedic train-
ing in 1993 and was assigned to Stations 14 and 26. He later became paramedic coordinator for the Bronx. As a Paramedic on September 11, 2001, Suriel responded from the EMS Academy at Fort Totten in a convoy of FDNY EMS members to the World Trade Center. He spent many days at the site, taking part in the Department’s World Trade Center rescue and recovery efforts. Following his promotion to Lieutenant in 2005, he served as Citywide Paramedic coordinator for EMS Operations. He rose through the ranks quickly, promoted to Captain in 2010, Deputy Chief in 2013, and Division Commander of the Bronx in 2015. He was appointed Deputy Assistant Chief of EMS Operations in 2017. He also graduated from the FDNY Fire Officers Management Institute and completed the West Point Counterterrorism Leadership Program. Chief Suriel was a frequent contributor and editorial advisor for FDNY Pro and Pro EMS — official training publications of the FDNY — penning articles on leadership and mental health. He also recently took part in an FDNY Pro Podcast discussing EMS Operations’ response to the Covid -19 pandemic. In the interview, he stated, “I started in 1989 in the streets of a Harlem as an EMT, actually started as a summer job. I loved it. In 1993 I upgraded as a Paramedic. I decided to become an officer in 2005. Since then, slowly but surely, I have been climbing the ranks to where I am now. My primary responsibility is that of overseeing field operations We all support what I feel is the backbone of this department, which is our EMTs, Paramedics and Officers.” Chief Suriel is survived by his wife and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are pending.
35 Displaced by Thanksgiving Eve Blaze
On November 24, 2021, a five-alarm fire consumed an Inwood apartment building. This is the second time a multiple alarm fire struck the multi-dwelling residence on Post Avenue in 2021. The first incident occurred on January 6, 2021. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions in a top-floor apartment of the six-story building just after 2015. Fire consumed several apart-
ments and extended into the cockloft and spread rapidly throughout the top floor and through the roof. Fire personnel used seven hoselines to knock down the main body of fire as residents looked on. It took firefighters three hours to bring the fire under control. The Red Cross helped 35 displaced residents. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Page 28, Fire News, January 2022
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FLEET COMPLETE ASSET TRACKERS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS LTE-M FOR FIRSTNET A complete range of the latest low-power asset tracking solutions - AT1s now certified for use on FirstNet and available to First Responders and the extended public safety community. AT1s are LTE-M devices and fit any level of organizational requirements. Fleet Complete is launching a comprehensive suite of long-term evolution (LTE) asset trackers for use on FirstNet - AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar. These small devices fit on any equipment and have built-in sensors for ambient temperature, humidity, light, impact, and motion. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It is built with AT&T in a publicprivate partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) - an independent agency within the federal government. It’s designed with and for public safety. The new solar and wired asset trackers are among the first to be officially recognized as LTE-M for FirstNet. This fully integrated solution is specifically designed for public safety organizations - first responders and those that support them - to provide critical connectivity and insights into assets in the field. With advanced analytics and GPS tracking, Fleet Complete for FirstNet helps improve dispatch efficiency, response times, and safety. Before being certified and approved for use on FirstNet, devices are subject to hundreds of tests that cover a number of aspects, from security and durability to network impacts. This helps make sure that they can meet the needs of first responders. These are the smallest, low-cost solutions that are suited for emergency response and public safety. This also includes use cases for transportation, healthcare, and utilities. The devices can be outfitted on powered and nonpowered equipment, such as medical equipment, generators, trailers, chassis, containers, among other mission-critical tools. With built-in sensors that monitor location, temperature parameters, light, and impact, AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar provide capabilities that ensure assets are always where they need
to be, as well as reports and analytics on environmental conditions of sensitive equipment with proof of action around their safety requirements. “This really brings everything together for public safety agencies — and those who support them,” says Brent Dutka, Vice President of Business Development at Fleet Complete. “Depending on the operational requirements, public safety agencies now have a variety of tracking options that operate on FirstNet. This helps ensure that your assets are accounted for and where they need to be when emergency strikes. You have collective visibility over your resources on one screen, and you can combine it with fleet tracking on the same platform, without switching systems.” “We’re excited about the growth of LTE-M for FirstNet and to collaborate with Fleet Complete to offer their LTE-M for FirstNet Asset Tracker,” said William Stovall, vice president, Mobility and IoT, AT&T. “This gives first responders and the extended public safety community that supports them visibility into critical assets such as generators, trailers, and essential equipment to help them be more efficient and stay safe during everyday operations and emergency response.” Fleet Complete is among the first to provide a suite of fleet and asset telematics devices that support use on FirstNet. The asset-tracking devices included are: • AT1 Wired that comes with 9 feet of cable and connects directly to equipment’s power source. It is able to recharge whenever the power is on at 100mA charge rate and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge. • AT1 Solar that provides an option of recharging the tracker’s battery whenever it’s exposed to direct sunlight and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge.
- Photos provided by Fleet Complete
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Fire News, January 2022, Page 29
WATERWAY OF THE HUDSON VALLEY UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP New York and New England Territory A recent change of ownership occurred at Waterway of the are working with the safest equipment so they have peace of mind Hudson Valley. After years of running a successful fire equipment that the equipment they are using will not fail.” testing company, Steve Jackson is retiring and handing the keys of Waterway of the Hudson Valley is ready to serve. the business to the new owner, Matt Rosenfeld. For more information, or to receive an estimate for service, please Waterway of the Hudson Valley has traditionally tested Hoses, Pumps, Ladders, Suction, Nozzles and other fire equipment in the contact: New York and New England region. They will continue to do so Matt Rosenfeld under Matt’s leadership. Matt has retained the work crews. The hose Waterway of the Hudson Valley team is led by Kyle Vansteenburgh and the pump team is led by Tyler 845-242-6114 Hildwein. Together, they plan to add the list of services offered to mrosenfeld@waterwayinc.com support our fire departments. We recently added Parade Racking as a service. We can do this year-round. The transition is going very well as we have already completed jobs for fire departments in 2021 under the new leadership. To ensure a smooth transition, Steve Jackson will remain on as a consultant. Matt is excited for the opportunity to build the business and provide top level services. “My goal is to ensure the brave fire-fighters
LONG ISLAND METRO FIRE/EMS EXPO COMING TO LONG ISLAND IN FEBRUARY The Islip Town Fire & EMS Museum & Education Center and the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) have joined together to deliver a new emergency services exposition and educational event on Long Island. The Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo will be held from February 11-13, 2022, at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. The comprehensive event will feature exhibits of new apparatus, tools, equipment, products, technologies, and services, as well as 15 one-hour educational seminars for emergency services personnel. Lecturers will include Chief Thomas Richardson, Deputy Assistant Chief John Norman, Battalion Chief John Salka, Captain Michael Dugan, and Captain Mark Gregory of the FDNY, Saratoga County EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, and many more! EMS CEU seminars will also be available for certified EMS providers. Expo hours will be Friday, February 11 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Seminars for first responders of all ranks will also be held Friday through Sunday. Attendee registration is $20 per person, per day and includes entry
to both the expo and seminars. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster or can be purchased at the door. Parking is free! This event will benefit the museum and the association, supporting their shared mission to serve the fire and emergency medical services personnel of Long Island and New York state. “The State Chiefs leadership is looking forward to bringing this new educational opportunity to Long Island, and we’re thrilled to be working with the volunteers at the Islip Town Fire & EMS Museum on this event that will benefit all of New York’s fire and EMS responders,” said NYSAFC President Robert Kloepfer, Jr. To learn more and register, visit the NYSAFC website at www.nysfirechiefs.com. Questions can be emailed to liexpo@nysfirechiefs.com.
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Pickup Crashes into Delmar Gift Shop
Overturned in Schenectady
On November 11, 2021, the Bethlehem Police Department received a call for a vehicle into a building located on Kenwood Avenue. Police, Fire and EMS personnel responded to find a pickup crashed inside the business, The 5th Corner. The driver placed the vehicle in reverse, his foot slipped from the brake onto the gas pedal which accelerated the vehicle eastbound across the lane of travel. The vehicle left the roadway and crashed through the storefront. No parties in the store or vehicle were injured. The operator was issued traffic summons. Bethlehem Police was assisted by Delmar Fire, Slingerlands Fire, Albany County Paramedics, Delmar Bethlehem EMS, Town of Bethlehem Code enforcement, Town of Bethlehem highway department. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
On October 21, 2021, the driver of an SUV escaped injury after a vehicle ran a stop sign at Second Avenue and Sunset Street and then rolled onto its roof. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
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Rescue 343
Ex-Chappaqua Engine 145, a 1984 Mack M.C. Pumper originally had a continental E.J. body. It was converted by PL Custom in 1997 into Rescue Company 23 and was sold in 2018. The rig is now pri-
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vately owned and was turned into Memorial Rescue Company 343. The truck has the name of all the members of the FDNY that were killed on September 1, 2001. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
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8th Annual Toys for Tots a Success
FASNY Youth Day
On November 7, 2021, over 125 emergency vehicles and local businesses from four counties gathered for the 8th annual Toys for Tots Convoy in Saratoga. The annual event is coordinated by Saratoga County Sheriff’s and the US Marine Corps. Fire engines lined the route, filled with thousands of toys which were unloaded by politicians, sheriff cadets and other volunteers. MacBoston 18 Truck Fallen Firefighter Memorial tiller truck once again hung the colors over the route. Over 100,000 gifts were collected this year ensuring the holidays will be merry and bright for many children. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
The FASNY Youth in the Fire Service Training Day was held on August 28, 2021, at the St. Lawrence County Fire Training Center in West Potsdam. There were 31 youths involved in the five evolutions taught that day. This was the first youth training day sponsored by FASNY held north of Syracuse. The students had a good time and they all stated they were ready to do it again. We thank FASNY and the NNYVFA for sponsoring this activity for the future of the Fire Service. - Fire News photo by Lawrence Hall, Jr.
Cardone Honored for 50 Years of Service
Latham Old Timer’s Night
Fuller Road Fire Department honored its Life Members on October 24, 2021. The celebration honors its members who have served the department for 25 years or more. This year’s banquet honored Richard Cardone for 50 years of service. Cardone was given presentations from Hudson Mohawk, Hudson Valley Volunteer Fire Associations as well as FASNY. Mr. Cardone also was honored to have his grandson, a member of Fuller Road, watching as he was presented his certificates. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Latham Fire Department held its 86th Annual Old Timer’s Night on October 16, 2021. The annual dinner recognizes the dedication of its members who have dedicated 20-or-more years to the department. This year’s ceremony recognized (left to right): President Richard Barlette (48 years), John Hebert (50 years), Jack Tweedy (60 years), Michael Audino (50 years), Arthur Wagoner (50 years), and Chief Vincent Giovannone (29 years). - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Kingston Fire Museum Antique Fundraiser
On August 21, 2021, the Volunteer Firemen’s Hall and Museum of Kingston, held their 17th Annual Fire Engine Muster to showcase their museum and area antique fire apparatus. The event was used to raise funds for the museum. - Fire News photos by Jim Peruta
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