Volunteers from several Schenectady County and Town of Glenville departments battled a trailer fire at the Glenville Manor Estate.
See story on page 7
St. Albans House Fire
FDNYfirefighters in the St. Albans section of Queens responded to a private dwelling fire.
See story on page 10
Brooklyn 4-Alarmer
Engine Company 231 and Ladder Company 120 responded to heavy fire on the second and third floors of a multi-dwelling.
See story on page 16
All-Hands in Forest Hills
The FDNYbattled an all-hands blaze in an occupied multiple dwelling.
See story on page 17
Fast Work in Springfield Gardens
FDNYunits in Springfield Gardens, Queens, battled a fire in the basement of a private dwelling.
See story on page 21
Buffalo Rollover MVA
Buffalo firefighters responded to a rollover MVA.
9/11
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See story on page 28
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Woodhaven 3-Alarmer
FDNYunits in the Woodhaven section of Queens battled a threealarm blaze in attached private dwellings on 80th Street near90th Avenue on August 9, 2024. Heavy smoke was seen pushing from the rearon arrival and the fire was found to be in the cockloft. The fire
quickly spread in both directions and additional companies were called to the scene. The blaze was brought undercontrol within an hour.
- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell
Controlled Burn Gets a Bit Uncontrolled
Acontrolled burn got out of control on a windy morning in Athens, in Greene County. Units from Athens and West Athens Lime Street Fire responded on mutual aid as the fire was quickly spreading towards a residence. High winds and pine trees helped fuel the fire. Three lines were deployed, as an Athens brush truck was fed water
from ETA-21. The fire was eventually knocked down and no injuries were reported. Scene command was underthe direction of Athens Fire Chief Wayne Butterworth.
- Fire News photos by John C. Miller
Glenville TrailerFire
Volunteers from several Schenectady County and Town of Glenville firefighters battled a trailerfire at the Glenville ManorEstates in East Glenville afterfire was reported shortly before 1500 on August 31, 2024. All occupants escaped safely, but the home was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Cambria Heights Fire
St. Albans House Fire
FDNYfirefighters in the St. Albans section of Queens responded to a private dwelling fire on Pineville Lane on August 1, 2024. Units found a fire in the attic of the two-story home; outside tempera-
tures hampered firefighting operations. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Rockport Firefighters Host 23rd Annual 9/11 Vigil
Shortly after the sun rose over their 9/11 Memorial, Brockport firefighters gathered with local police, emergency medical personnel, cadets from the SUNYBrockport ARMY ROTC and members of the Greater Brockport Community at the Firefighters Memorial Monument on Main Street in Brockport. They came together to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the attacks on America in September of 2001.
The day began with an opening ceremony led by Past Chief Timothy Rombaut. Reflections and a prayer for the first responders and those in attendance was offered by Chaplain Michael Barbato, a Navy veteran himself. The Army ROTC contingent ceremoniously lowered and removed the faded American flag and replaced it with a new one raising it to full staff before lowering it to halfstaff for the day.
Firefighter Alan Way rang the memorial bell to commemorate the first tower strike and at the close of the ceremony, the honor guard took their place on the memorial where they would remain until the Ring of Gold at 1800.
Acombination of three or four first responders and civilians shared the responsibility of standing guard. They were rotated on and off
the pedestal in five or 10-minute shifts over the nine hours of the vigil, saluting each other as they were relieved. Cards with clips bore the name, photo and assignment of the 343 firefighters lost by the FDNY. When the honor guard took their place, they clipped one of them to their uniform while they stood guard honoring the fallen. Once relieved, they read the name, and station assignment of their firefighter while ringing the memorial bell for them. Students from the Cornerstone Christian Academy took their turn honoring the fallen and learning more about 9/11 as well.
The Ring of Gold began with command personnel from the participating agencies marchcontinued on page 13
Brockport
ing silently to their post and offering a final group salute for those lost that day and, in the days, weeks and years to follow; over 360 have died from incident related illnesses.
The closing ceremony started with a procession of first responders being led by a piper from Gates Police Pipes and Drums. An opening prayer with reflection was offered by Reverend Elizabeth Brooks Harden. Veteran Laura Heltz, Director of the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester, was on hand to introduce the keynote speaker for the event, Dan Caster, who served in the United States Air Force before joining the intelligence community. He
shared his experiences following the attacks of 9/11 chasing down the people that brought this evil upon our homeland, as he described it. Assemblyman Stephen Hawley was with us again to share his thoughts of the day. The ceremony ended with the flag being raised back to full staff by US Army Major Trent Bailey while BHS Trumpeter Daniel Dailey played Taps.
- Story and photos by Christopher Martin, District PIO
Being Prepared forEVFires
By Matthew Pruitt EVGoat01@gmail.com
Firefighters are no strangers to new technologies. In fact, most of us pride ourselves on being able to improve our tactics and strategies using the most up-to-date, state-ofthe-art equipment. It’s really no different in any other industry. Since the late 90s, car manufacturers around the world have been working tirelessly to bring consumers an engine that is safe, energy efficient, and great for our environment. The internal combustion engine evolution from the Model T, to the Prius and now to fully electric vehicles has created a need in the fire service to be prepared for some of the most dangerous, albeit somewhat low frequency, fires we’ve ever encountered. The infrequency and increased risk of electric vehicle fires makes it impossible to ignore and necessary to train for.
Extinguishing the typical, traditional car fire is pretty straightforward. We pull a bumper line, and go to work. Electric vehicle fires are vastly different, as you will read in this article. Extrication of a patient trapped inside an electric vehicle is delicate, for sure. You have to be extremely careful when cutting on an electric vehicle. The orange cables may be charged if the car’s safety mechanism has failed. Also the top of the battery tray, which is basically the entire floorpan of the car, could be charged. And, in my experience, thermal runaway can begin as soon as an external source - the accident or your extrication equipment - damages the battery, so you have to consider how long it has been since the accident happened. In addition, when fighting EVfires, it seems that the more water we put on them, the longer they burn. That’s true actually because the water only cools the battery cells, and will simply slow down the fire, causing it to last for hours and hours because, when burning, lithium-ion batteries create their own oxygen. Just like a fish is able to “breathe” underwater, so is a lithiumion battery. You can’t drown either one of them.
driven fire. One damaged cell gets uncontrollably hot and propagates to the next cell, eventually spreading to all the cells in the module. Even at the point of ignition, there may be no way to know where, exactly, the problem starts.
Also, unlike traditional car fires, when an EVis in thermal runaway, the motor (s) lock down. As you may know, an electric car’s battery weighs at least 1,000 pounds by itself. When added to the regular weight of a car, you’re looking at a paper weight that weighs up to 9,000 pounds. This excessive weight of a car with locked wheels presents a plethora of difficulties, to say the least.
So, what do we do? How do we fight an EVfire?
What are the safest and most effective tactics?
After having the opportunity to train on live EVfires in controlled environments, and having responded to multiple EVrelated incidents, we have been able to test some strategies. Some have worked better than others. I’d like to share with you some of the most impactful takeaways from my experiences.
“The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire”
thermal runaway can burn as hot as 2700°F (this is only the latest measurement of an EV fire temp, it could be hotter).
The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire. You need to be aware that Li-Ion batteries in thermal runaway can give off hydrogen fluoride gas. When we apply water to the gas, it becomes hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless, odorless liquid that is acutely dangerous. It can damage your eyes, your lungs and your skin. The danger is that hydrofluoric acid is slow burning. You may not have symptoms of exposure for several hours.
Another difference is that getting water to the origin of the fire is nearly impossible. The composition of an electric vehicle battery tray looks something like this: thousands of battery cells are put together in water-tight sets called modules, the modules are placed into a battery tray which is encapsulated in a watertight shell. There are vents in the tray to allow smoke and gases to escape, but the vents will not allow water or foam inside the tray. Think of a battery failure inside the tray like a wind-
First and foremost, you will need to always make sure to wear your gear when approaching a wrecked electric vehicle, even if you don’t see fire or smoke. I have witnessed an electric vehicle go from not burning, to fully involved, within minutes. On the other hand, I have also seen this progression take several hours. Time starts the instant that the battery is damaged, not when you learn about the incident. When you respond to an EVemergency, you have to be dispatched, get out of the station and make it to the scene. You may not know the exact timeline, so it’s always best practice to be safe and wear your gear. It is also important to consider how hot an EV fire actually is. An electric vehicle that is in
Now, you’re on scene, have your gear on, and you’re ready to put some water on the fire. What’s best? In my experience, I have found the use of an EVblanket to be vitally important. The EVblanket is designed to limit the oxygen available to the fire, but the burning batteries create their own oxygen so the blanket itself will not extinguish the fire. Before deploying the blanket, you must knock down the fire on the inside of the vehicle just like you would on a traditional car fire. This step immediately begins cooling the car so that it will be less likely to burn through the blanket. Once the car is extinguished, throw the blanket over the vehicle.
(Continued on page 15)
Being Prepared for EVFires...
Make sure to throw the blanket high so that it is not damaged by sharp edges or parts of the vehicle that may be protruding. EV blankets, depending on the brand and type, come in a variety of sizes. Depending on the brand of blanket that your department uses, your team may need to open up the blanket before use to mark the front, rear and center. Some brands of EVblankets have already marked the front and rear of the blanket for you, which would save you a step. Sometimes EVblankets are rectangular, rather than square, which can cause difficulty on scene if you have not previously marked them. Once the blanket is deployed and covering the car, tuck it under the vehicle to keep it from blowing up so that it will continue to limit the oxygen that the fire can use. It is very important to keep the blanket cool. The best way to do that is with the line you used to knock down the fire initially.
I also recommend, and have had great success with, an EVnozzle placed under the car with a second line. Again, you are not trying to put out the fire, you can’t. The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable. You do not really want to cool the battery too much because it will only prolong the incident. I recommend using an EVnozzle with low gallonage because
continued from page 14
it cools the battery while still allowing it to burn safely.
Using these tactics have been successful for us in the past. I am often asked about the time frame between extinguishing the fire and moving the car from the scene. Although there is no good way to determine with absolute certainty that it is completely safe to move the damaged vehicle, I do have a few tips and tricks that might help. The first, and most obvious, is that there is no visible sign of fire, including no evidence of smoke or off-gassing. Make sure, too, that you no longer hear the sounds of cells popping (sounds like popcorn in the microwave). In addition, it may be helpful to monitor the temperature reduction of the battery using a Thermal Imaging Camera. Although nothing is for certain, in my experience, my crew and I have been able to safely transport a damaged vehicle after a couple of hours. This may seem like a long, drawn-out event, but this method is much quicker than submerging the vehicle into a large, watertight container - a separate method of EVfirefighting that can take several days to weeks before the
“The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable.”
vehicle is safe and is not necessarily feasible in a crowded city or on the side of the interstate. Still, if you move too quickly then the threat of reignition is very great due to the stranded energy in the batteries. Stranded energy is when the batteries have not expelled all of their energy. Since the cells are already damaged, stranded energy in them creates a greater threat of reignition. This threat is why it is important that you escort the tow. If the car reignites while being towed, disconnect it from the tow truck so you don’t have two car fires. Knock down the fire and then continue the tow, Make sure to tell the tow yard management that the car you’re leaving with them is an electric vehicle.
Ultimately, the decisions you make on a fire scene belong to you and your department. These suggestions have worked for my department. We have had great successes when dealing with EVincidents using these strategies and tactics. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at EVGoat01@gmail.com.
Brooklyn 4-Alarmer
Engine Company 231 and LadderCompany 120 responded to Dean Street in Brooklyn on August 26, 2024, and transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire on the second and third floors of a multiple dwelling. The fire extended to multiple exposures. AMayday was called and units were backed out of the building. The fire ultimately went to four
alarms and six firefighters and three civilians were injured according to the FDNY. It was also the first fire that new FDNY CommissionerRobert Tuckermade an appearance at in Brooklyn. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
All-Hands in Forest Hills
The FDNYbattled an all-hands blaze in an occupied multiple dwelling on 108th Street in Forest Hills on August 28, 2024. Long handline stretches were needed to reach the second-floorfire apartment, which was located at the furthest point from entry. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Cover Story
Buffalo 4-CarMVA
Buffalo firefighters responded to a four-caraccident in the westbound lane of the Kensington Expressway nearthe Humboldt Parkway overpass. Witnesses at the scene stated a vehicle driving at
a high rate of speed clipped anothervehicle, which started the chain reaction crash. One driverwas evaluated at the scene.
- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Back-to-School Bash
Recently the Meadow Hill School held a back-to-school bash. The Winona Lake Engine Company helped get the kids ready before school started. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Fast Work in Springfield Gardens
FDNYunits in Springfield Gardens, Queens, battled a fire in the basement of a private dwelling on 132nd Avenue on August 27, 2024. The blaze was quickly knocked down and the incident brought undercontrol. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
GreaterBuffalo Pipes & Drums
GreaterBuffalo Firefighters Pipes and Drums marching at the annual Clarence CenterLaborDay Parade. They took first place as a Continental Unit. Also on November01, 2024, the GreaterBuffalo Firefighters Pipes and Drums will be having their12th Annual
Pipes and Pints fundraiserat the Iron Workers Union Hall in West Seneca, NY. Tickets are available at www.fdpipes.org oron their Facebook page.
- Fire News photo by Jim Lepard Digital Imaging
NewtoTHEM
Cardiac Arrest Victim Meets His Rescuers
Brockport Firefighters, EMS personnel from Monroe Ambulance and officers from the Brockport Police Department all met at Fire Headquarters recently to greet their patient, Jack Brennan, and his family, when they came with him to hear him share a heartfelt Thank You to all of those responsible for helping to save his life.
On June 9 bystanders called 911 to report a man with a medical emergency had crashed into the pole in front of the Subway store on Brockport-Spencerport Road. Within 10 minutes, responders were dispatched and responded to the scene, and had administered the first shock with an AED, while an 18-year-old employee from Subway was administering CPR. It was a perfect response storm for Mr. Brennan, and he is very appreciative of the efforts put forth by many to ensure a successful outcome for him.
He came to visit this night with his family who all expressed their appreciation to the first responders who came to the aid of their spouse, brother, father and grandfather.
Jack was joined by his wife Caroline Rodriguez, his children Mark, Scott and Kristen, his sisters, Maureen, and Kathy, and several grandchildren. Both Jack and Caroline were interviewed by WHEC News 10 and SUNYBrockport’s 89.1 radio staff during their visit with the company. He retold his story and had nothing but high praise for our community first responders and his citizen rescuer; Leigha Walker.
He was greeted by many members of the Brockport Fire District including the crew from that day: first on scene; Deputy Chief Tim Smith, who responded with Fire Chief Jose Medina, Past Chiefs: Scott Smith, Michael Henry and Michael Menear, Firefighters: Brandon Bostian, Patrick Doerrer, Harris Reed, and Association President Ron Sabernick who all assisted in achieving the preferred outcome.
The first responders, as a group, are very thankful Jack and his family took the time to visit with us, and share their appreciation with us all! - Photos and story by Christopher Martin, District PIO
Looking Back - NYC 2010
This three-alarm blaze in the Stuyvesant Town section of Manhattan consumed a row of taxpayers on May 12, 2010. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
New President Elected at the Museum
On July 26, 2024, at the annual Board meeting of the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Ron Oettel was elected President of the Museum Board. Ron is a nearly lifelong resident of Lititz, PA, having graduated from Warwick High School. He continued his education as an honors graduate of Millersville University, with a degree in accounting and marketing, and a minor in economics.
Ron spent numerous years in the world of public accounting. He was a sales and marketing manager in the manufacturing industry, and then became a regional director and partner with Provident Insurance. Provident is a specialty insurer of emergency services organizations. Ron left Provident to start his own business, specializing in providing unique insurance solutions and guidance for emergency service groups, ranging from fire departments, EMS organizations, police departments, as well as other related groups and associations. In addition to his work in the insurance industry servicing first responders, Ron is also pursuing another passion project: building an ambulance transport business.
Ron’s fire service involvement includes activities at the local, state and national levels. Ron stepped into the arena of community service in 1980, when he joined the Lititz Fire Company. Since that time, he has served the fire company in many roles and capacities including Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, President, Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and most notably, as Chief for 25 years.
Ron served four different terms as President of the Lancaster County Fire Chiefs’Association, served on the board as chair of the Lancaster County Public Safety Center. He also served on the Lancaster CountyWide Communications Committee for the development of a P25 public safety radio system, and was a member of the State Senate SR 60 Commission that was charged with developing ideas and solutions to sustain a strong volunteer fire and EMS delivery system in PA. He has been deeply involved with the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the International Fire Chiefs’Association, serving as VCOS board member from 2018 to 2021. In addition to his service to his community as a firefighter, Ron served as the mayor of Lititz Borough from 2010 through 2014.
Ron is a member of many local, state and national emergency services organizations including the International Fire Chiefs Association, the Volunteer and Combination Officers section of the IAFC, the Safety, Health and Survival Section of the IAFC, The National Volunteer Fire Council, Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association and other fire and emergency related organizations. Ron currently resides in Lititz with, Jody, his wife of 34 years, and their two Dalmatians, Henry and Baxter. Ron enjoys their family camp in Tioga County, riding ATVs, travel, being outdoors, building and remodeling tasks and tackling just about any chore that involves using tools.
To learn more about the museum, visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com.
OSHAUPDATE
As you are aware, the New York State Association of Fire Districts, under the leadership of 2nd Vice President David Dennison has been following the progress of OSHA’s proposed amendment of the Fire Brigade Standard, which would create a new Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR Part 1910 [Docket No. OSHA-2007-0073] RIN 1218-AC91 Emergency Response Standard].
Mr. Dennison has led a committee on which other association officers, directors and staff have participated, who have, requested that OSHA reconsider the proposed rule. The committee and other fire service groups have been successful in obtaining two extensions of the comment period. This has resulted in many comments being submitted to OSHAwhich you can read on its webpage.
Most recently, OSHAhas published a notice of a public hearing in the Federal Register [2024-16126.pdf (govinfo.gov)]. It has noted that: “OSHAis scheduling an informal public hearing on its proposed rule ‘Emergency Response Standard.’The public hearing will begin November 12, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.”.
It notes further:“Informal public hearing: The hearing will be held virtually and will begin on November 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. ET. If necessary, the hearing will continue from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. ET, On subsequent weekdays.”
Preliminary information on how to participate in the public hearing is also provided on the site:
“Notice of Intention to Appear (NOITA). ANOITAmust be submitted electronically at https://www.osha.gov/emergency-response/rulemaking. Follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions. Those who file a NOITAmust also submit electronic copies of all documents that they intend to use or reference during their testimony. Information about how and when to submit these materials will be provided at the time of registration.”
We will continue to keep our membership informed on this important matter.
Amsterdam 9/11 Ceremony
Amsterdam 9/11 ceremony, as Amsterdam fire and police attend, Amsterdam FirefighterMatt Dolly struck the 4-5s on the bell in honorof the fallen. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
Buffalo RolloverMVA
Buffalo firefighters responded to a rolloverMVAon Suffolk Street nearHastings Avenue afterthe driverof an SUV hit a parked carand rolled onto its roof. The driverwas taken to Erie County Medical Centerforevaluation.
- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
152nd FASNYConvention
The 152nd FASNYConvention was held in Niagara Falls. The Convention started with a golf tournament followed by a past President's Dinner. Thursday opening session by a Keynote Speaker Lieutenant Paul Combs whose topic “Now It’s Your Turn to Build onto What We've Started and Make It Better.” Following that was the Joint Memorial Service remembering all those who have answered their final alarm. The Heroes Award was then presented to this year’s winner, Firefighter Petros Mestheneas from the Freeport Fire Department.
The afternoon session was a business session, Thursday night there was a block party with Nerds Gone Wild playing fantastic music
and food trucks all around; if you went away hungry, shame on you. Friday was voting time until 1300. While the voting was going on that day, James Alheim from the Greenwich Fire Department was awarded Fire Safety Educator of the Year. On Thursday and Friday, the convention had the Exhibitor Hall open during lunch and after meetings. At 1530 the election results were announced. FASNYPresident Eugene Perry, Jr,. 1st Vice President Don Farrell, 3rd Vice President Ken Holmes, Directors Mike Karashay, Robert Ottaviano, Jr., Anthony Clark, Home Trustees Barbara Fischer and Doug Van Etten. Congratulations to all.
Saturday was the installation of officers and
following that was Fire Police Class by Irv Soden and at the Sanborn Fire Department was hands-on Hot Flashover Training. To end the day on Saturday was the 2nd Annual Testimonial and Special Recognition Dinner where President Tase, Jr., Don Farrell Director, Jose Darocha Director, Dennis E. Eickhoff Trustee Secretary, Trustee President Marilyn Schrader, and LAFASNY(Ladies Auxiliary) President Kathleen Heighton were all honored for their great work for FASNY. LAFASNY also saw Toni Casey take over the reins as President.
- Fire News story and photos courtesy Vincent Galvin
Remembering the Fallen of 9/11
At FDNYEngine 214 and TowerLadder111. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Baldwin Street Renaming
On a dreary, rainy, Saturday morning, September 7, 2024, some 200 relatives, friends and firefighters gathered in the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Soper Avenue in Baldwin, to celebrate the renaming of the intersection as Robert T. Beckwith Avenue.
Bob or ‘Becky’as he was affectionately known, was the retired firefighter from Ladder 164 who climbed atop a damaged fire engine with President George Bush. Becky died as a result of cancer he sustained while working on The Pile.
As Bob tells it he climbed atop the rig to get a better view of the president. Asecret service agent approached him and asked how he got up there. Bob replied he climbed, whereby the agent asked if it was safe. Bob’s reply was “It’s a fire engine.” The agent told him if the president came over to help him up and then get down. Bob said “Okay.”
President Bush came over, Bob helped him up and was about to get down when the President asked where he was going. Bob replied he was told to get down, whereby President Bush replied “No, No, you stay with me.” And thus became one of the most iconic photographs ever taken.
Bob said he and the president kept in touch and that he received a yearly Christmas card from the President. An Arch of Honor was provided by Ladders of the Baldwin Fire Department and the Point Lookout/Lido Beach Fire Department as dignitaries spoke of Firefighter Bob ‘Becky’Beckwith of Ladder 164.
- Fire News photo by Harry Loud
Why Become an EMT?
Are you passionate about helping others? Do you thrive under pressure? Obtaining your EMT certification to volunteer or start an EMS career might be your calling. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the first responders who provide critical care in emergency situations. They are the heartbeat of the healthcare system, working tirelessly to save lives.
Why Become an EMT?
Make a Difference: Every day, EMTs can make a profound impact on people's lives. From stabilizing patients at accident scenes to providing empathy and compassion in critical moments, the rewards are immeasurable.
Fast-Paced Environment: No two days are the same in the EMS world. You'll experience a dynamic and challenging volunteer and career opportunities filled with variety and excitement.
Advancement Opportunity: An EMTcertification is just the beginning. Many EMTs go on to become paramedics, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.
What to Expect in EMTTraining
EMTcertification programs provide comprehensive, hands-on training in basic life support, assessing patients, providing care to the
sick and injured, and emergency operations. Develop and hone skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
Volunteer& CareerOpportunities
With demands of an aging population and increased healthcare responsibilities, the EMS profession is in need of new EMS providers. Over the last few years, we have seen increases in local volunteer opportunities, the development of tax incentives for volunteers, increases in career EMS provider salaries, better incentives and benefits, and advancement in EMS delivery models giving more opportunities to EMS providers. With an EMTcertification, you can find employment and volunteer opportunities in various settings, including ambulance services, fire departments, industrial settings and event medical services.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to embark on a rewarding path as an EMT, download the most current list of EMS courses being provided in your area State EMS training page on the website at https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/.
Winona Lake Picnic
The Winona Lake Engine Company held theirannual company picnic recently. It was catered by Irish Eyes, and featured a great time, good food, a bouncey house forthe kids and axe-throwing (they where plastic!). - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
CFSI SYMPOSIUM AND DINNER
The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is expected to draw over 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country. Participants will attend seminars, conduct meetings with their members of Congress and network with their colleagues.
The Symposium and Dinner will be held on February 12 and 13, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Individual tickets are $475 and include a seat at the dinner as well as access to all seminars. If you order before 12/1/24, the Early Bird Sale ticket price is $425. If purchasing 10 or more tickets, please see the table level options on our website. Order tickets at https://cfsi .org/annual-symposium-and-dinner/tickets/.
us at update@cfsi.org if you have any questions.National Fire and Emergency Services Awards Applications OPEN; Apply NOW. Award Applications Are Due by October30, 2024.
The four awards include:
Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the award recognizes leaders at the national level for their contributions in advocating for our nation's fire and emergency services in the areas of public education, prevention, and response.
The Congressional Fire Services is accepting applications for its 2025 national fire service leadership awards. The four awards, which will be presented at the 2025 National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on February 13, 2025, recognize individuals and organizations for leadership in fire and life safety. CFSI will cover the travel costs for the recipients to attend the dinner program. Please contact
CFSI/Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Awards Program Sponsored by CFSI and Masimo, the award recognizes fire departments for innovations in the delivery of emergency medical services.
Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education Sponsored by CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association, the award honors public safety educators for outstanding achievements in fire safety education.
SenatorPaul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, VFIS, and ULFire Safety Research Institute, the award recognizes organizations for implementing programs that address firefighter health and safety, using NFFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives as the award criteria.
HENDRICKSON FIRE RESCUE EQUIPMENT EXPANDS WITH NEWSTATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITYIN ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY
Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment, a renowned full-service dealership for leading emergency vehicle brands, is excited to announce the opening of its new facility in Rockland County, NY. This expansion underscores Hendrickson’s dedication to providing more accessible service solutions to fire departments throughout the Lower Hudson Valley area.
The new facility is located at 227 Route 303, Suite 106, Congers, NY, and is outfitted with cutting-edge tools and technology. This allows Hendrickson’s team of EVT certified technicians to deliver industryleading warranty service and high-quality repairs. The expansion aims to better serve departments in the region, minimize vehicle downtime, and enhance community safety and emergency response effectiveness.
Services available at the new facility include:
•Preventative Maintenance
•Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair
•Brakes, Steering, Suspension, and Alignments
•Drive-train Services
•Oil and Fluid Sample Testing
•Pump Testing, Maintenance, and Repair
•Ladder Cleaning and Repair, and Ladder Testing
•Generator Service
•Lighting Upgrades
“We’re not merely broadening our reach; we’re enhancing our capacity to support the departments that ensure the safety of our communities,” remarked Craig Probst, President of Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment. The establishment of our new facility in Rockland County will decrease service-related travel time and symbolizes our unwavering dedication to quality, dependability, and the communities we serve. We eagerly anticipate building even more robust collaborations with local departments in the Rockland County region.”
For more information about Hendrickson Fire Rescue Products, please visit our website at www.hendricksonfire.com.
Hendrickson Fire is a leading, full-service dealership for several of America’s leading emergency vehicle brands such as Spartan ER, E-ONE, Ferrara, Rescue1, PLCustom. With Locations in Islandia and Congers, New York, Hendrickson Fire provides top-tier service, parts, and equipment to the Long Island Metro area. With an emphasis on superior customer service and a commitment to industry-leading service, Hendrickson Fire is proud to set the standard in emergency vehicle sales and service.
Schenectady Fundraisera Success
It was a blistering hot Sunday when eight fire departments from the Capital Region gathered forthe Schenectady Firefighters second annual softball tournament to benefit the Schenectady Firefighters CancerFund. The teams battled it out all day and helped raise
$7000 forthe CancerFund. It was a great day with raffles, free coffee from First In Coffee of Troy, vendors selling food and firefightercrafted gifts. In the end Colonie won out.
