Brockport firefighters responded, with mutual aid crews, to a structure fire.
See story on page 7
Members of Ladder 15 cleared hydrants after a storm dumped over two feet of snow.
See story on page 10
Although Firefighters rescued four dogs, more than a dozen animals perished.
See story on page 13
Coxsackie Fire Chief Shawn Burdick arrived on scene and reported heavy fire in the rear porch area.
See story on page 17
Upon their arrival as the FASTunit, the Washingtonville Fire Department was re-assigned to assist/relieve first-due Vails Gate personnel.
See story on page 18
Firefighters from across New York State gathered in Albany to honor 11 firefighters whose names were added to the Firefighters Memorial.
See story on page 22
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The year 2022 brought reality to many firefighters with the Line of Duty Deaths of many of our colleagues. Cancer took many of our heroes from their families and co-workers in 2022. To all responders, there are measures that we can take to keep ourselves and our families safe from cancer. You have heard me talk about the things we can do to protect ourselves from this insidious disease. In 2023, please take the advice from the people who are working hard to convince all responders that wearing clean protective gear and SCBAis a good start to keeping yourself safe. The IAFF states that firefighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. At the 2022 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, almost 75 percent of the names added to the wall (348 out of 469) were members who had died from occupational cancer. Visit IAFF.org to learn about cancer among firefighters. January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness month. Take some time in 2023 to learn what you can do to be “safer” from this disease.
Thank you to the IAFF for making firefighters aware of cancer and what you can do to stay safe and lessen your chances of getting cancer.
For over 30 years, I was an Industrial Arts/Technology teacher. I taught middle school kids to use tools and machinery which, today, is considered dangerous. Sadly, many of the projects we did are no longer performed in schools. Industry and the fire service is now feeling the effects of not training kids to safely use machinery. The fire service is also noticing that many probationary firefighters are uncomfortable with using cutting tools. Thank you to our chiefs, officers and training committees for teaching our members how to use machinery and tools safely.
I also would like to thank our chiefs, company officers and senior members for setting up an intense program that teaches all members, new and old, to work safely as they battle the flames that greet them at a working fire. It is evident that all departments are doing a great job teaching our firefighters to operate safely. Many of my neighboring departments battled fatal fires in 2022. It was a tough year for many of you. Thank you to the chiefs that set up counseling sessions with the firefighters who experienced death on the fire ground. Thank you to the responders that took the opportunity to be
part of these classes. Your professionalism came through by your presence at these sessions.
In 2023, give thought to what you can do to be a better firefighter. Your community needs you, 24/7! Stay active, train and share your knowledge and experiences with your new members.
As a firefighter dealing with cancer, I appreciated the comradeship that I received in 2022. I am hoping that in 2023 I will be able to get back to what I love to do; that is to assist in training firefighters. In the meantime, have a safe and wonderful News Year's Eve and New Year’s Day. Stay strong in 2023!
- Dennis
On November6, 2022, the Boght Fire Department, with the assistance of the Latham and Verdoy, responded to a late evening structure fire on Bergin Woods in Cohoes. Upon arrival, the structure, a large shed in the rearof the property, was already completely engulfed and the fire had spread to the adjacent large pine trees. Firefighters worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjacent shed in a neighboring yard, who’s siding was melting. The shed collapsed and was completed destroyed within minutes of the fire departments’arrival.
On November7, 2022, at 0101, Brockport firefighters responded with Quint 230, Pumpers 234 and 235, Rescue 238 and mutual aid crews from Spencerport, Churchville, Murray, Hilton, Kendall and Bergen fora structure fire on Shumway Road in the Town of Sweden with the occupant inside suffering from trouble breathing. First arriving personnel indicated nothing showing from the exterior, howevera heavy smoke condition was apparent as crews entered the home. Chief Scott Wainwright assumed command and reported that the entry team consisting of Captain Adam Leggett, Lieutenant Matt Nauerth and Lieutenant Alex Cervini were advancing a line into the structure when they came upon the female resident on the floor. They immediately extricated herto the awaiting Monroe ambulance. She was transported to Strong Hospital where she was reported in stable condition and able to speak with hospital staff and fire investigators.
- Fire News photo by Michael Henry, BFD Safety Officer
On November22, 2022, members of Ladder15 spent the afternoon clearing hydrants in theirresponse area aftera record snow fall dumped overtwo feet of snow in metro Buffalo and oversix feet in the southern towns. They found this particularhydrant using Google Maps. -
It is with regret that the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, announced the death of Firefighter Edward Verhoff of the Albany Fire Department on November 12, 2022. Firefighter Verhoff suffered a medical emergency within twenty-four hours after completion of an on-duty shift. He was 46.
He is survived by his significant other Kimberly and sons Edward Joseph ‘EJ’ and Liam. He is also survived by parents, siblings and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Ed was a proud member of the Albany Fire Department, class of 2006, serving for 16 years, most of those years at Engine 7 and Arbor Hill Rescue Squad. He served as Vice President of the Alb any Permanent Professional Firefighters Association Local 2007 and also served as Scoutmaster at Boy Scout Troop 1083, where his t wo sons are nearing the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a Hibernian, t he 14th ward leader in Albany, and was heavily involved in the Alb any County Democratic Committee.
Ed’s passion and dedication to his family, friends and work lef t an everlasting impression that will never be forgotten.
It is with regret that the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, announces the death of Firefighter Scott E. LaFlesh of the City of Plattsburgh Fire Department on November 21, 2022. Firefighter LaFlesh was 49.
LaFlesh was a member of the City of Plattsburgh Fire Department, and succumbed to cancer attributed to his efforts in the recovery immediately following 9/11 at Ground Zero.
Scott retired after 24 years at Plattsburgh City Fire. Scott enjoyed being outdoors; camping, hiking and fishing. He loved football, specifically being a die-hard Buffalo Bills and Star Wars fan. In his free time he often would take walks with his friend Terry and play disc golf together.
He is predeceased by his father and his grandparents and is survived by his wife, Tia, his children; Tegan, Oriana and her husband Ethan, Daulton and his fiancé Samantha, his grandchildren; Makade, Arleigh, Waverleigh, and Adaleigh, his mother Joanne and her husband Rick Patnode, his grandmother, Dot Merrill, his in-laws Debbie and Wayne Spinner and many friends and family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Albany NYor the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo NY. Go Bills!
- Thomas With, Chief Chaplain; NYSAFC
In November2022, while Rochesterfirefighters were battling a house fire on Langham Street, the emergency communications department started receiving multiple calls reporting a house fire on a street off Lyell Avenue. Engine 3 arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the attic of a large 2-1/2 story vacant dwelling. Lines were stretched as truck companies began to deboard the home, which delayed the fire attack. As crews made entry, command made the decision to pull everyone out and go defensive. Multiple large lines and one masterstream were put into operation to knock down the heavy fire.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
An early morning fire on November6, 2022, in Menands, brought the resources of Menands Fire Department, Watervliet Arsenal, ShakerRoad-Loudonville, West Albany, Latham and Boght. Upon arrival the two-story home had flames erupting from the second floor. The occupants all managed to escape with one being trans-
ported to a local hospital by Colonie EMS. The residents were unsure of the numberof animals left in the building. Firefighters scoured the building and rescued fourdogs and helped to resuscitate another. More than a dozen animals perished in the blaze. No firefighters were injured. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
The Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched fora second-alarm assignment to a house fire on Still Road in the Monroe Fire District, as the FAST. Upon arrival, the incident commander ordered the crew of Squad 580 to ventilate the roof and assist with opening ceilings on the second floor. Asecond FASTwas dispatched. The fire was in the fireplace chimney and extended into the attic.
Multiple people were injured in a residential high-rise fire on East 52nd Street in Manhattan on November5, 2022. Fire broke out around 1030 on the 20th floorof the 37-story building with several people trapped in the fire apartment. FDNYfirefighters made several daring roof rope rescues of stranded occupants. The threealarm blaze brought companies from throughout the city.
- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell
Firefighters fought a three-alarm fire on East 8th Street in the Kensington section of Brooklyn on November9, 2022. Units encountered heavy fire on the fourth floorof a seventh floor, occupied, multiple dwelling. The fire extended to the fifth and sixth floors. Units used fourhoselines and Hazmat Company 1 was called in to deal with the removal of an E-Bike.
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Coxsackie Fire Department along with Earlton Fire, Athens Fire, and New Baltimore Fire, were dispatched to a house fire on Lafayette Avenue. Coxsackie Chief Shawn Burdick arrived and reported heavy fire in the rearporch area. Residents were home at the time, and were alerted by a passing motorist. The fire was quickly knocked down by Coxsackie units. The Greene County Fire Investigation Team was called to investigate and determined the fire to be electrical in origin. Two residents were displac ed. Coxsackie Ambulance, Greene County Paramedic, Coxsackie Police, and Greene County Fire CoordinatorPeterAlberti also assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by John C. Miller
On November4, 2022, the Perry Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire with a person trapped on North Main Street in the village of Perry. An automatic second alarm was called due to the possibility of person trapped, which brought apparatus from Castile, Perry Centerand SilverSprings to the scene. Perry 50 was the first to arrive and confirmed flames showing from the roof and second floorof an unoccupied two-story mixed-occupancy building. Crews confirmed no one was trapped inside, and quickly worked to knock down the fire, which included Perry using their aerial, Perry 3, to ventilate the roof of the building. No one was injured, and the cause was determined to be due to construction work on the roof of the building. - Fire News photo by Matt Leo
On November26, 2022, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched as the FASTunit, to a two-alarm house fire on Beakes Road, in the Vails Gate Fire District. Upon arrival the FASTunit stood-by and was then re-assigned to assist/relieve first-due Vails Gate personnel opening up the second floorwalls and ceilings.
On November4, 5 and 6, 2022, the Suffolk County Fire Academy and Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation held their10th annual training seminarin honorof Joseph P. DiBernardo, who passed away on November23, 2011, as a result of his injuries received on Black Sunday. Firefighters participated in a variety of trainings including, but not limited to, residential fire operations, commercial fire operations, aerial and towerladderoperations, fire be havior, automobile extrication, and search and SCBAemergencies. One of the central materials taught was “Save Yourself! Bail Out Using Ropes and Ladders” relating to the tragic death of DiBernardo and his comrades. The program helps firefighters develop leadership, mindset and motivation, and tactics. On the first and second days of the event there were hands-on sessions. On the third day of the event there was a classroom training. As of 2022 the foundation has been able to provide 15 fire departments across the country a total of $166,078 forobtaining 278 safety systems, along with theirtraining. Also, as of 2022, the Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation has given a total of $857,000 in grants to 65 departments, as well as acquired 1,598 safety systems, with their training. The grants have also gone towards the training forover 2,120 firefighters at the Suffolk County Fire Academy at the annual seminars located in New York and Texas. The Joey P. DiBernardo Foundation will be on firm financial footing to continue theirmission to ensure “Everybody Goes Home.”
- Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone, story by Chase Millwater
On November24, 2022, the American flag was flown between Truck 13 and Truck 5 as Buffalo firefighters stood by during the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Firefighters from 15 truck offered passing runners donuts as a way to get instant carbs.
On October11, 2022, firefighters from across New York State gathered in Albany to honor11 firefighters whose names were added to the Firefighters Memorial. Lieutenant GovernorDelgado was among the dignitaries who spoke at the event. Families and fire companies received a folded flag that had previously flown over the state capitol as a symbol of gratitude forthe dedication theirloved one exhibited. Afterthe ceremony everyone gathered upstairs at the wall to take an etching of names and take photos in front of the monument. Beside the memorial was MacBoston 18 Fallen FirefighterMemorial tillertruck which holds the names of some o f the more than 2600 fallen members of the fire service.
- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
On October18, 2022, the Dutchess County VolunteerFirefighters Association held theirquarterly meeting at the Pawling Fire Department Station 1. At the dinner, Pawling Fire Department along with Pine Plains and Milan fire departments were awarded a FASNY certificate of recognition forheroic acts performed in theircommunities. Robert Outhouse a representative from FASNYawarded the departments the certificates. Also, at the meeting, W.T. Garner Engine Company 1 in Wappingers Falls was acknowledged for150 years of
service with certificates by the Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Association, Hudson Valley VolunteerFirefighters, Firefighters Association of the State of New York. Dutchess County Firefighters Museum, Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati and Greg Pulverrepresenting the Office of Sue Serino. Last on the agenda was recognizing Kyle Pottenburgh of the New Hackensack Fire Department forhis 50 years of service. All the above organizations gave certificates as well. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin, DCVFA
Latham Fire Department held its 86th Annual Old Timer’s night on October15, 2022. The event honored two members who achieved 20-yearstatus, Jarrett Cartwright and Ramon Salinas, and fourmembers, William Luke, Stephen Burega, Craig Blair, David Vail, who reached 50-yearstatus. The 50-yearmembers received certificates from FASNY, the Hudson Valley VFA, the Mohawk Valley VFAand Town of Colonie SupervisorPeter Crummey.
On November19, 2022, the Lewis Tompkins Hose Company held their136th Annual banquet at the St Rocco’s in Beacon. The attendance was great, with members, mutual aid companies and guests. What made the night even greateris when they honored Steve ‘Rip’Van Buren forhis service to SlaterChemical and Lewis Tompkins Hose Company fora combined time of 53 years. Steve was honored with proclamations from the Dutchess County VolunteerFiremen’s Association by 2nd Vice-President John O’Brien, Hudson Valley VolunteerFiremen’s Association by DirectorJames Hartwick, Dutchess County Firefighters Museum, Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and State SenatorSue Serino by Vincent Galvin.
- Fire News photos by Vinny Galvin, VP Dutchess County Firefighters Museum
The Latham Fire Department opened its doors to the community on October14, 2022, for theirannual fire prevention day. Members of the community were able to participate in mock fires in the Albany County Sheriff’s simulatortrailer, learn what each piece of geara firefighter wears and what it is used for. Members were on hand to answerany questions on how to become a firefighter. The evening events concluded with a live burn pod that members extinguished.
- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
The West Albany Fire Department held its Annual Old Timer’s banquet
The evening’s event is to honormembers who have been with the company for20-or-more years. During the evening, FASNY, the Hudson Valley VolunteerFireman's Association and the Hudson Mohawk VolunteerFire Association came to honorDamon Lamanna, Michael Miller, Joseph Thomas, Richard Petrecky and Henry Bleichert for59 years of service to the community.
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.
