Fire news new york state 11 16

VOLUME 10, NO. 1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State NOVEMBER 2016

See story on page 8.

-Fire News photo by Edmund J. Coppa

LODD

BC Michael Fahy Mourned See story on page 6

– New York State Edition –

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Fire News, November 2016, Page 3

In this issue...

Thousands mourn FDNY Chief Michael Fahy

Thousands of people turned out to attend the funeral of FDNY Battalion Chief Michael Fahy, who lost his life in a Bronx explosion.

See page 6

Glen Falls Apt. House Fire Firefighters found heavy smoke and fire upon arrival, and rescued several occupants.

See story on page 11

Buffalo 2-Story Goes

Buffalo firefighters were called to a fire on the second floor of a two-story building on East Lovejoy Street.

See story on page 14

East Greenbush House Fire The Best Luther Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in a large single-family home in an area with no hydrants.

See story on page 16

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, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO 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

Fatality at New Rochelle Blaze

The New Rochelle Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire with people trapped.

See story on page 20

Grateful It Wasn't Worse

On arrival firefighters found a well involved large shed with exposure to the back of the main house and another small building.

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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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, November 2016

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Learning from Our Elders Before I get into my editorial, the staff at Fire News would like to offer our condolences to the family and to the brothers and sisters in the FDNY who mourn the loss of Deputy Chief Michael J. Fahy. Like the thousands who attended the funeral for this hero, and in the true tradition of the fire service, we will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.

There is some comfort in knowing that Chief Fahy’s death saved lives one week later, when the Paterson Fire Department responded to a similar call. I am sure Paterson Chief Michael Postorino had the FDNY and Chief Fahy in mind as he took command of a similar emergency. He most definitely saved the lives of his responders in the way that he handled his call. Well done Chief!

It wasn’t this fatal call that motivated me to write about ‘Learning from Our Elders.’

Recently, I attended the New Jersey Firemen’s Conference in Wildwood (NJ). Whenever I go to a conference, I meet people who read my editorials and offer suggestions for future ideas that affect the fire service and our responders. While

in Wildwood, I met a retired FDNY Deputy Chief. He made me aware of an idea that he implements to educate the young responders who are still ‘green’ but have the enthusiasm to train and to safely handle calls.

Over 25 years ago, when I joined my department, there was an ex-captain who would always ask how the call we had just worked went. For instance, if it was a brush fire I returned from, he would ask questions that made me think. I never knew for sure what he was getting out of us until one day, my company responded to a major brush fire that almost killed me. If it wasn’t for the experience and knowledge of the captain on my truck, the outcome of the call could have been very different. When I came back to the firehouse, I knew what the ‘old-timer’ had been getting at with his questions. From that day on, I always listened intently to the senior members of my department. Sadly, it took a close call to make me realize this.

My conversation with the retired deputy in Wildwood started with my disappointment with

many of the young firefighters, who in reality are a lot like I once was. A little bit of experience doesn’t make you a seasoned firefighter. Let’s face it, although calls may be similar in nature, there is always that one call that doesn’t follow the norm and can take the lives of firefighters.

Sharing experiences is what helps make us aware of what may happen and helps keep us safe. If you like to read, find the 1979, second edition of the FDNY’s, WNYF. There is a critique of a fire known as the ‘Flushing Flue’ that almost claimed the lives of two very seasoned officers. I encourage you to find the article and read it.

To our seasoned firefighters: take the advice of retired FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Fischler and when you are sitting around the firehouse, engage the people who are our future in conversation. Ask tough questions and give guidance through your experiences.

To all; be safe! ...Dennis

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Fire News, November 2016, Page 5

Fire News and Firehouse Expo 2016 Outstanding Leadership Award Recipients New York City firefighter Ray Pfeifer and Fire Chief Eric Greaser, from the Flower Mound, (TX) Fire Department have been named recipients of the 2016 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award. The awards will be presented at Firehouse Expo at 1500 on Friday, October 21, 2016, at the Music City Center in Nashville.

Both fire service veterans were nominated by their colleagues who indicated that they have gone the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of others. Their efforts have not only helped improve the fire departments they serve, but the future of the fire service.

“These leaders have continued to give selflessly of themselves by putting the needs of others first. They are representatives of the men and women of our nation that go the extra step to make a difference in the lives of others,” stated Tim Edwards, Editor of Fire News.

Ray Pfeifer has demonstrated courage, dedication and tenacity while battling stagefour cancer contracted from his tireless efforts at Ground Zero, yet he is still advocating for his colleagues in the fire service. Pfeifer was instrumental in getting legislation enacted to help all firefighters suffering from 9/11-related illnesses and, on Dec. 18, 2015, saw President Obama sign the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. This reopened the Victim Compensation Fund for those who suffered injuries or death as a result of 9/11

Eric Greaser

Ray Pfeifer

and it’s after effects.

Eric Greaser has been pivotal in transforming the Flower Mound Fire Department both organizationally and operationally. Greaser's leadership has forged meaningful relation-

ships within the city and across other public safety agencies in the region. He is dedicated to the development of all fire department personnel and has brought the pride of being a firefighter into the department.

Page 6, Fire News, November 2016

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Thousands mourn FDNY Chief Michael Fahy

Thousands of people turned out to attend the funeral of FDNY Battalion Chief Michael Fahy, who lost his life in a Bronx explosion. Michael Fahy was the first FDNY line-of service death in twoplus years in the City of New York, and the highest-ranked firefighter to die on the job since 9/11. Fahy’s funeral was held at the Annunciation-Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Yonkers on October 1,

2016. Chief Fahy was posthumously promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief by FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. Our prayers go out to his family and to all of the people whose lives he touched. May Deputy Chief Michael Fahy rest in peace and guide us from the floor above.

-Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 8, Fire News, November 2016

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Cover Story

FDNY Chief Killed in Bronx Explosion

A 17-year veteran FDNY Battalion Chief was killed on September 27, 2016, after an explosion sent parts of a home’s roof raining down onto firefighters, police officers and utility workers. Battalion Chief Michael Fahy was in command of a possible gas leak outside a twostory residence in the Bronx when the home exploded and he was struck by debris. Twenty others were treated at hospitals for injuries that were not life-threatening: nine firefighters, six police officers, three gas utility workers and two civilians, according to Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

Police Commissioner James O’Neill said his department had recently initiated an investigation into a possible “marijuana grow house” on the block where the explosion occurred.

-Fire News photos by Edmund J. Coppa, John Hopper, and Lloyd Mitchell

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Quick Work in Newburgh The City of Newburgh along with West Point and Castle Point Fire Departments operated at structure fire on South Williams Street in 90-degree heat. The fire, which was in a three-story u-shaped structure, apparently started in the rear and was quickly extinguished by firefighters.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, November 2016, Page 11

Glen Falls Apt. House Fire

On September 16, 2016, Glen Falls firefighters responded to an eight unit apartment house on Culvert Street in Glen Falls. The fire was reported around 7:50 am in a (8) unit apartment house at 14 Culvert St. in Glen Falls. Firefighters found heavy smoke and fire upon arrival, and rescued several occupants, including five residents from a second-story porch.The heaviest fire was on the second floor, and it was unsure if the building was salvageable. This was the second serious apartment house fire in Glen Falls in less than a week.

- Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

Page 12, Fire News, November 2016

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We’ll Take Our BBQ To Go

Cohoes House Fire

On September 11, 2016, the Albany Fire Department responded to a large BBQ fire alongside of the Barrel Texas BBQ Saloon on Broadway. The fire was quickly extinguished.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

On September 8, 2016, the Cohoes Fire Department responded to a house fire on Saratoga Streeet. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire on the third floor. According to Cohoes Fire Chief Joe Fahd, the fire appeared to have started on the third floor back porch area. Cohoes was aided by Watervliet, Green Island and Watervliet Arsenal, with a cover company from the City of Albany.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Glenville Car Fire

Beukendaal firefighters responded to a fully involved car fire on Amsterdam Road in Glenville. Traffic was stopped in both directions as the vehicle tires and airbags exploded. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

East Fishkill Fire

East Fishkill firefighters along with Village of Fishkill, New Hackensack firefighters and Mobile Life paramedics operated at a kitchen fire on Larchmont Drive. Firefighters arrived to find the occupants out of the structure and an active fire within. The fire was quickly knocked down, but not before the residence had sustained significant smoke and fire damage. The cause of the fire was investigated by the East Fishkill Fire and Police Departments.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Page 14, Fire News, November 2016

Buffalo Structure Fire

On July 21, 2016, crews were alerted for heavy smoke in the area on Haller Avenue. Police reported a structure fire in the attic of a two-story dwelling. Rescue Ladder 6 deployed two handlines to side 4 and made its way to the second floor and cockloft. Pine Hill crews ventilated the roof, while Sloan and U-Crest crews overhauled the second floor and Forks worked an exterior line on the eaves.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Buffalo 2-Story Goes

Buffalo firefighters were called to East Lovejoy Street. Engine 28 arrived to fire on the second floor of a two-story building. Unit B46 reported an exposure problem on the 2 side and requested an additional unit to the scene. B-56 reported fire in two structures and requested the balance of a second alarm, as well as an additional truck company to the scene for relief.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Team Effort Save

City of Beacon firefighters assisted by Village of Fishkill, Rombout, Beacon Volunteer Ambulance, and Beacon Police operated at a structure fire with a possible person trapped on Crescent Drive.

Firefighters made their initial search and did not find anybody, but did find approximately 50-plus cats. As firefighters worked to extin-

Fire News, November 2016, Page 15

guish the flames, others worked to rescue the cats. Once they were outside, a group effort between the police, firefighters and EMTs began to provide oxygen to the cats and through their efforts, all but approximately eight were saved.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Page 16, Fire News, November 2016

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East Greenbush House Fire

On August 27, 2016, the Best Luther Fire Department was dis- through the front door and up the stairs to the secod floor where a patched to a fire in a large single-family home in an area with no good knockdown was made.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller hydrants. East Greenbush also responded. An attack was made

Queens House Fire

Newburgh Structure Fire

On September 22, 2016, FDNY units in the Forest Hills section of Queens were on the scene after a fire broke out in the garage of an apartment house on 68th Drive. The blaze charged the garage with heavy smoke but the fire was quickly extinguished and companies spent time venting the area.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

The City of Newburgh firefighters were called out for a basement fire in a house on City Terrace and Gidney Avenue. Mutual aid came from West Point, Cronomer Valley and Middlehope. The fire was contained to the basement.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Basement Blaze Battled in Canarsie Brooklyn units worked a basement fire on East 99th Street in Canarsie on October 2, 2016. Firstdue Engine 257 and Ladder 170 encountered heavy smoke and flames in the basement of a private dwelling. The fire was placed under control in 45 minutes with no reported injuries -Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

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Fire News, November 2016, Page 19

Car Under Water

Cars - Lots of Cars Burning

The City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department operated during a severe storm that struck the Poughkeepsie area on July 1, 2016.

Units responded to a reported car stuck in five feet of water with the driver trapped at Kingston Avenue and Arnold Boulevard.

Firefighters affected a rescue of the trapped driver who was unscathed; the same could not be said for his vehicle.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Colonie firefighters were confronted with over 10 cars burning in a lot off Central Avenue. Pumper relays were set up due to the location of the fire in a massive lot over 500 feet from the nearest hydrant. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze. Engines from Stanford Heights, Niskayuna Fire District 2, and Westmere assisted at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Page 20, Fire News, November 2016

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Fatality at New Rochelle Blaze

On July 18, 2016, the New Rochelle Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire with people trapped. Police officers discovered the fire and helped make several rescues. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire and made a strong attack but were pushed out of the building and were forced to go to defensive

operations. The fire took over two hours to bring under control.

Unfortunately, due to the heavy fire conditions one person did not make it out alive from the historic structure, which was built in 1909.

-Fire News photos by Jon Tenca

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Fire News, November 2016, Page 21

Queens Mixed-Use All-Hands

Rensselaer House Destroyed

On August 23, 2016, FDNY units in Queens were on the scene of an all-hands blaze on South Road. The fire originated in a firstfloor laundromat with extension to the apartments above.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

On July 24, 2016, Rensselaer Police and Fire were dispatched to Third Street. Arriving companies arrived to find fire through the roof of a home on First Street. Clinton Heights, East Greenbush and Defreestville responded on mutual aid. Firefighters mounted an attack on the back porches and the interior through backyards on Second Street. A family of six was aided by the Red Cross in finding shelter, as the structure was demolished.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

MVA After Fleeing Police

On September 12, 2016, NYS Troopers on patrol in the area of I-787 observed a black sedan speeding northbound and attempted to stop the vehicle. The operator, later identified as a 16-year-old male, attempted to run from the Troopers traveling at speeds over 95 mph. The suspect vehicle left the Interstate and continued into the City of Troy where it crashed into a utility pole at high rate of speed. The Troy Fire Department and EMS responded to the scene, where they treated two subjects with nonlife threatening injuries. Both subjects were than transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital by the fire department ambulance. The operator was arrested and charged with unlawfully fleeing from police, reckless endangerment and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Page 22, Fire News, November 2016

Smoking Sign

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Wappingers firefighters assisted by New Hamburg operated recently at an automatic fire alarm with smoke in the structure at the Dutchess Plaza on Route 9. Firefighters searched the structure for the source, finally determining that it was caused by a vinyl banner in the window coming in contact with the transformer of a neon sign.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Arlington Fire Held

Arlington firefighters assisted by City of Poughkeepsie firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze at Nonna’s Pizza in the 44 Plaza off of Dutchess Turnpike. The incident initially was dispatched as an automatic fire alarm and, when 32-9 (Duty Captain Antalek) arrived, he found heavy smoke in the air and an active fire in the rear of the business. Crews made entry into both the front and rear of the structure and were able to hold the fire to the business of origin, which was almost completely gutted. The fire’s cause was investigated by the Arlington Fire Department and Town of Poughkeepsie Police.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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ATTORNEY NEIL ROSSMAN TO KEYNOTE AT FDSOA Neil Rossman, the attorney who handled the landmark case against a fire truck manufacturer in 1985 and changed fire truck designs forever, will be the keynote at the Fire Department Safety Officers Association’s annual Apparatus Symposium and Safety Forum, Tuesday, January 17th, 2017, in Orlando, Florida.

Thirty-five years ago, Firefighter Joseph Tynan, Jr., fell off a fire engine in Brookline, MA. Rossman, a former firefighter, took the case of the permanently disabled Tynan because it was too common for firefighters to be hurt from the opencab design of fire trucks. In 1985, a Boston jury found the Wisconsin fire truck manufacturer liable for Mr. Tynan’s injuries. The impact was revolutionary on the industry and within a year fire trucks were radically re-designed.

Neil Rossman is a partner in the law firm of Rossman and Rossman and specializes in Superior Court trials involving medical malpractice, products liability and personal injury. He was a firefighter in the U.S. Army while on active duty and a professional firefighter for 6-1/2 years with the Swampscott (MA) Fire Department.

He has spoken over 45 times to fire service groups in the United States and Canada about fire service liability and firefighter occupational safety and health.

Rossman will be presenting during the Apparatus Symposium. The Apparatus Symposium and the Safety Forum will be co-located at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on I-Drive, Orlando, Florida. The Apparatus Symposium, January 16-18, will feature apparatus and

ambulance specification and maintenance topics. Details and registration information can be found on the event page of FDSOA.org.

The Safety Forum pre-conference program begins January 16-17, Dave Dodson and Shadd Whitehead will teach the two-day Incident Safety Officer class and Steve Raynis and Dan Melia will teach the two-day Health Safety Officer class preceding the start of the Safety Forum, Wednesday, January 18 to Friday, January 20, 2017.

For more information on either event, contact Rich Marinucci, FDSOA Executive Director at 248-880-1864.

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association, incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2013, the offices moved to Michigan.

Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community.

The association is led by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations.

The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders. FDSOA works to helps fire departments achieve proficiency and promote the recognition of training, skills and a secure future. In May 2016, FDSOA won the Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its work over 28 years, “as an organization fully dedicated to the health and safety of the nation’s firefighters.”

C&H CUSTOM BOOKBINDING

BECAUSE YOU CAN’T CURL UP WITH A GOOD IPAD! They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but at C&H Custom Bookbinding, maybe you should! Creating beautiful individual leather and library bound books since 1974, this family owned and operated business is located in historic Yaphank at 24 Old Dock Road, Suite D. Michael and Barbara Strauss began C&H in the corner of their Brooklyn apartment and moved their young family and growing business to Medford, Long Island in 1978. “It began as a hobby and artistic outlet, doing books for friends while I worked at servicing Ansul fire systems and portable extinguishers in restaurants all over NY,” said Mike, now retired. “It became our main focus when we realized how important books are to people and their future generations.”

His wife Barbara added, “Technology may be where it’s at but you can’t curl up with a good iPad. The tactile experience of holding a book is so comforting and one most folks still enjoy.”

To be in compliance with State and Federal laws, District and some Corporate Minutes need to be bound in a tamper proof, permanent

hardcover volume. Why not take advantage of our Fire News discount ad featured on page 98 in this issue? Use it for the job or for a personal book you treasure or want to create.

We also do book restoration and repairs on family bibles, cookbooks, children’s books and so much more. All of our materials are archival and acid free and we still sew books by hand!

Call 1-800-871-8980 for a free quote! Check out our website www.chbook.com for lots of before and after pictures of restored books and lots of ideas for custom books we created.

C & H Bookbinding, 24 Old Dock Road, Ste. D, Yaphank, NY 11980; 1-800-871-8980.

REMEMBERING THE 343 LIBERTY ARTWORKS VP DOES STAIR CLIMB Vice President of Liberty Artworks and Maryland Heights Fire Captain Robert Daus, Jr., climbed with his firefighter brothers 110 stories wearing full firefighting gear, SCBA tanks, and equipment (approximately 70 pounds) to honor the fallen 343 firefighters of the 9-11 attack. The charity event was hosted by the Clayton Fire Department and drew firefighters from all over the region.

Each member received a lanyard and 8x10 picture of a fallen FDNY firefighter to wear for the duration of the climb.

After the climb, each fallen member’s name was read and a memorial bell was tolled in their memory. Biographies of the 343 fallen were posted in a mural so climbers could get to know a little about their firefighter before starting out. Pictured is Robert and his son Jacob.

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Grateful It Wasn’t Worse

On the evening of September 28, 2016, a call of a barn fire on Tobin Road came in at the Henrietta Fire District. Crews from the career and volunteer stations responded. On arrival they found a well involved large shed with exposure to the back of the main house and another small building. Due to the rural area, engines had to lay 1,400 feet of five-inch hose to the nearest hydrant. Once the fire was extinguished and hot spots were taken care of, a persistent fire in the center of a nearby tree also was worked upon, but despite numerous attempts, the tree had to be cut down to extinguish the fire. Neighboring departments Scottsville and Rush Fire Departments were called for standby as well as HFD career call backs. Thanks to the West Henrietta Ladies Auxiliary that supplied refreshments for the firefighters at the scene.

- Fire News photos by Carol Greene

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Car Into ... Well, Everything

Fatality at Amsterdam MVA

Nassau (NY) village police were notified of a car striking St. Mary’s Church on Route 20. The driver, who was later charged with DWI, hit mail boxes, a tree, the concrete steps of a house, before crossing the church parking lot and taking out the church’s vestibule.

Neither of the two men in the vehicle were injured, but they had to be extricated by the Nassau Fire Department crews.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

On September 23, 2016, Amsterdam Police and Fire responded to a serious crash involving a semi and pickup truck at the intersection of Market and Division Streets. The Clifton Park woman driver crashed into the back of the semi that had stopped at the red light. She was pronounced at the scene, extricated and removed to St. Mary’s Hospital in the city. Amsterdam Police were assisted by the Montgomery Co. Sheriff’s Department as well as the New York State Police. The cause of the crash was under investigation.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Car Into House in East Fishkill

Widmer Road MVA

The East Fishkill Fire Department, Police, and Rescue Squad operated at a vehicle-into-house incident on Lake Walton Road. A vehicle left the roadway, entered the driveway and then struck a parked car in the driveway pushing it through the closed garage door. Fortunately, no one was injured.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

New Hackensack firefighters, Town of Wappinger/EMStar Medics, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York State Police operated at a single-car MVA on Widmer Road. The accident produced two patients for the medics, one of whom required extrication.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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MVA Handled in Winona Lake

On August 16, 2016, the Winona Lake Fire Department Engine Company was called out to assist at an MVA on Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh. One person was taken to the hospital.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Fire News, November 2016, Page 27

Fatality at So. Schodack MVA

On September 13, 2016, Dispatch received a report of a tractortrailer accident on Route 9 southbound. Upon arrival the South Schodack Fire Department found a seriously injured motorcyclist down in a driveway near the Pilot truck stop. The rider was a brother fireman from the Clinton Heights Fire Company. The tractor-trailer was making a left turn, and was blocking the inside lane when it was hit by the motorcycle throwing both the rider and bike.

Bruen and Castleton ambulance crews performed CPR on the patient and transported him to Albany Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Page 28, Fire News, November 2016

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Hudson Valley Parade

On June 17 and 18, 2016, the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fire Departments polished their equipment and apparatus so that it glisAssociation held its annual Fire Convention in Lake George. The tened in the sun. Hundreds of people lined the streets and sidewalks event brings hundreds of departments from around New York to with tents and plenty of water for the 90-plus-degree heat.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Vinnie Dominick participate in the annual Mardi Gras and dress parades.

Page 30, Fire News, November 2016

East Greenbush 100th

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The East Greenbush Fire Department recently celebrated its 100th Timers Day at the same time, and dedicated their new ladder truck. year of dedicated service to the community with all members’ fam- The festivities were followed with a fireworks show.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller ilies invited to a day out BBQ. The company also held an Old

Mahopac Falls Car Show a Hit

Everyone was holding their breath as weather predictions for the June 12, 2016, 8th annual car show were made public. Rained out the previous weekend, June 12’s weather was absolutely spectacular. Sunshine and a slight breeze brought out a day of families, oldies music and cars from the early 1920s to present day beauties.

Kids walked along with parents and grandparents with appropriate

ooohhs and aaahhs as they passed by some of the vehicles that included early ’60 muscle cars to today’s Corvettes, Mustangs and Chargers. The members of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department would like to thank all those who made this year’s show another memorable event.

- Fire News photos by Jack Casey

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Fire News, November 2016, Page 31

Patience is a Virtue for Niagara Engine Company

Patience is a virtue, and the members of Niagara Engine Company No. 6 of the Schoharie Fire Department have been extremely patient. Since losing their station to the floodwaters of Hurricane Irene in August 2011, the volunteer members of the Schoharie Fire Department have been working out of a vacant, farm tractor repair shop. Fast forward to June 2015 when notification came from FEMA that federal funds were found to rebuild the Niagara Engine Company No. 6 Fire Station. Fast forward, again, to May 2016 when, after several years of waiting and planning, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the construction site for the new

Schoharie Fire Station. Earth has been moved, footers and foundations poured, and the steel structure of the fire station placed. With the construction continuing on schedule, the volunteer members hope to move the apparatus into the finished bays in early January 2017 and complete the project later in the spring. For more pictures and information about the new fire station, please visit the Schoharie Fire Department website (www.SchoharieFD.net) or look them up on Facebook.

- Fire News photos and story courtesy of John Borst III, AC-Schoharie FD

Page 32, Fire News, November 2016

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West Albany FFs Go the Extra Mile

200 Years for Eagle-Matt Lee FC

On July 30, 2016, the West Albany Fire Department responded to a request for help from a member of their district. A mother of three disabled children had been trying for over a year to find someone who would help her put a play unit together for her children. Captain Matthew Graves heard of the situation and responded with a dozen members from West Albany Fire Department, tools in hand. From Past Chiefs to Explorers, the members set forth to complete the massive structure before the children returned home.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Congratulations go out to Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Company in Ballston Spa as they celebrated their 200th anniversary. It is hard to believe people born during the American Revolution helped to create this department back in 1816. On June 25, 2016, the community and neighboring fire departments came together to celebrate this milestone anniversary. The day began with a parade through Ballston Spa to the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. Once at the fairgrounds, there were many activities for the kids, a live extrication demonstration, a LifeNet helicopter and crew answered questions and more. A muster was also held, bringing competitors from Maine to Connecticut. MacBoston also helped by hanging the American Flag over the parade route and at fairgrounds from their tiller truck. The day ended with music and dancing to Big Sky Country band.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

BUSINESSDirectory

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE FIRE NEWS BUSINESS DIRECTORY CALL 631-776-0500 EXT. 3

Firefighter Cancer Support Network Together we can make a difference

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Director of New York State Cancer Survivor & Mentor

www.nyfirephotos.com Phone: 631-473-3821 Email: dwhittam@optonline.net

Visit your photos and purchase them online. www.FirefighterCancerSupport.org

Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Brian J. Farrell Chairman 516-840-8839 cell 516-783-1996 office terryfund@terryfund.org www.TerryFund.org

AD UR E O Y ER H

Gary Margerum North East Regional Sales Manager Cell 970-420-1964 Phone 1-800-525-5224 Fax 970-667-4296 Email garym@supervac.com Super Vacum Manufacturing Co., Inc. P.O. Box 87, Loveland, CO 80539

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Obituary

Elsmere’s Assistant Chief John J. Zboray, Jr.

On September 16, 2016, the Elsmere Fire Department said a final farewell to Assistant Fire Chief John J. Zboray, Jr., who died unexpectedly on September 10, 2016. John was a Life Member of the department with 45 years of service, and was the First Assistant Chief of the department. John wore many hats throughout the years: Vice President, Lieutenant, Captain, 2nd Assistant Chief, and 1st Assistant Chief. Chief Zboray will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

- Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

Fire News, November 2016, Page 33

Page 34, Fire News, November 2016

Obituary

FireNews.com

Car Show Honors 9/11

Clinton Height’s Firefighter Doug Noble

Clinton Heights Firefighter Doug Noble passed away on September 13, 2016. He was a 22-year veteran of the Clinton Heights Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Jessica Noble; mother, Diane Noble; sister, Lisa Noble; his nephews, Devin, Trenton, Zach, Jonah; his niece, Emma and many, many cousins. “It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Clinton Height Firefighter Doug Noble,” read a department statement. “Noble was an active member of our group and the upstate community. We would like to take this moment to express our extreme condolences to the Clinton Heights Fire Department and the Noble family. RIP Firefighter Noble.” Clinton Heights Fire Chief Seth Tracy said Doug was well known and loved by so many in the community.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

On September 16, 2016, the Saturday Night Crusiers held their 911 memorial car show. The Vails Gate and New Windsor Fire Departments participated and a good time was had by all.

-Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Mahopac Falls Blood Drive

The Mahopac Falls Fire Department held their 2nd Annual Open House on September 18, 2016, at Fire Headquarters on Luccaro Lane off Route 6N. There was a New York Blood Center blood drive, along with demonstrations by NY State Police Rollover simulator, Life Net Medical helicopter, Putnam County Tactical Response team, Carmel Police/PCSO Child car seat installations, K-9 unit, MFVFD Dive Team and much more.

- Fire News photos by Jack Casey

FireNews.com

Fire News, November 2016, Page 35