Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor Getting Ready forWinterDriving

Guess what I was greeted with on October 9, 2022? I was shocked when I entered my vehicle and found that my windshield was covered with frost. After I cleaned off my windshield with windshield washer fluid, I was on my way for morning coffee at the firehouse. The first question I asked was, “Did anyone have frost on their car windows?” It didn’t take long before I realized I was the only one who experienced one of the side effects of fall. I am sure that by the time you read this editorial, you too will experience frosty windows!

Frosty windows aren’t a big deal, but it is a sign that we are in the fall season and must think about driving safely to the firehouse. Falling leaves become wet and slippery. Throw in some adrenalin as you respond to a call and you have the mix for dangerous slippery road conditions.

Company chauffeurs, engineers, MPOs or drivers must change their response techniques. Be sure to get to the firehouse safely. That ride to the firehouse tells you a lot about what you can expect when you drive your rig to a call. Fall and winter are two times of the year that require extra thought. Think about the safety of your crew and community. Go slowly until you are sure the roads haven’t iced up. Even paid crews that are already at the firehouse could be surprised when the overhead doors are raised, and you find weather conditions have changed.

All company chauffeurs need to seriously think about getting to the call safely. But it is equally important that new chauffeurs are versed in the technical operation of their vehicle. As the weather temperature dips below freezing, it is imperative that you fully understand the operation of your pumps and that you understand how cold can affect its operation. Cold can also affect you; dress warmly and wear gloves.

Looking ahead to an early snowstorm, the passengers in the front seat, namely the chauffeur and the officer, need to be aware of hydrant locations and what hydrants might be out of service. I know we have a little time, but is your crew ready to shovel out hydrants? Maybe it’s time to think about shovel placement on the rig and placement of some salt to melt the forming ice around the rig.

Use the fall season to remind your community that you need their help. An early snowstorm could block a hydrant. This is the time of the year to start a campaign that reminds the community to make sure hydrants are not blocked with snow. Get the word out so your community adopts their local hydrant and makes sure it is clear of snow.

My November editorial could be early for some areas (or late for others!), but I remember one year I had to cancel a Thanksgiving gettogether because of six or eight inches of snow that fell.

To our new Fire News editions that are in warmer climates, drive safely and feel free to share your experiences with weather related problems throughout the year. E-mail me at Li@FireNews.com. I’d love to hear from you. - Dennis

Transport forEMTLt. Russo-Elling

On September 29, 2022, FDNYEMT Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling was walking down the intersection of 20th Avenue and 41st Street in Astoria, Queens while on duty, when she was stabbed numerous times She was transported in critical condition to the nearest hospital, where she soon succumbed to her wounds. On September 30, the FDNY, escorted by NYPD and NYSP, transported her to Abbey Funeral Home in Commack.

Lieutenant Russo-Elling became a FDNY EMTin 1998, and was promoted to Paramedic in 2002. She became a Lieutenant in 2016. She worked in numerous stations, as well as Queens TRG, and Station 49, where she currently was when the attack occurred. Lieutenant RussoElling was a first responder at the 9/11 attacks aiding in the rescue and recovery. She was loved by many, family and co-workers.

Rest In Peace Lieutenant Russo-Elling - Fire News photos by TNT Photography

LODD

FDNY’s EMS Captain Alison Russo-Elling

On September 29, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced the death of FDNY Emergency Medical Service Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling, a 25-yearveteran of the FDNYwho was stabbed and killed while on-duty at EMS Station 49 in Queens.

Lieutenant Russo-Elling was assaulted and stabbed multiple times. She was transported in critical condition to Mt. Sinai Queens Hospital, where she succumbed to her wounds.

Along with serving the FDNYfor 24 years, Alison was a longtime Town of Huntington resident and joined the Huntington Community First Aid Squad in 1998 and dutifully served as day Captain for 13 years. During her tenure at HCFAS, Alison began as an EMT, then obtained her Critical Care and Paramedic certifications. She was a dedicated provider and outstanding member, serving on several committees and giving her time wherever it was needed at Huntington Community. Alison would have celebrated 30 years of service at Huntington Community First Aid Squad in November of this year.

Alison was also a 24-year veteran of the FDNY. She joined as an EMTin 1998, was promoted to paramedic in 2002, and to Lieutenant in 2016. Alison worked at various stations and was a first responder at the World Trade Center and aided in the rescue efforts on and following 9/11. Lieutenant Russo was posthumously promoted to Captain at her celebration of life ceremony.

FDNYCaptain Alison Russo-Elling will be dearly missed by everyone whose life she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. - Fire News photos by Brian Grogan and Lloyd Mitchell

LODD FDNY’s Stephen Geraghty

At the end of September2022, FDNY(ret.) Battalion Chief Stephen Geraghty passed away from 9/11 related cancer. Steve also served as an ex-Captain of the Rockville Centre Fire Department and 2nd Deputy Chief of the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. Afuneral was held on September26, 2022, at the Cathedral of St. Agnes in Rockville Centre. As we mourn the continued passing of firefighters from 9/11 related diseases and injuries sustained in the rescue and recovery effort at the World Trade Center, ourprayers go out to the Geraghty family. Chief Steve Geraghty will be greatly missed. - Fire News photos by Brian Grogan

Page 8, Fire News, November2022

RochesterStove Fire

At 1411 on September18, 2022, the RochesterFire Department was dispatched to a house on Kosciusko Street fora stove fire. While units were en route, a backup call was received that there was a kitchen on fire at the location and the full structure assignment was added to the original call. Battalion 1 was the first unit to arrive, and declared a working fire due to light smoke exiting the front doorof the residence. Units quickly made entry and extinguished the fire, which was contained in roughly 10 minutes. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photo by Matt Leo

Pavilion FD Goes to Work

At 1820 on September11, 2022, the Pavilion Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Stafford and LeRoy, were dispatched to an apartment fire on Big Tree Road. Pavilion Car801 arrived to smoke showing from an apartment building, and requested a second alarm foradditional manpower. Crews from three counties battled to contain the fire, and a crew from the Perry Fire Department worked to open up the roof forventilation. The fire took roughly an hourto bring undercontrol and the cause was underinvestigation. - Fire News photo by Matt Leo

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Fire News, November2022, Page 9 Flames Showing on Strong Street

On August 29, 2022, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Strong Street afterthe fire was reported just after0230. Firefighters stretched a 2-1/2 inch line to knock down the flames that consumed the rearof the structure. The fire was brought under control in less than an hourand the cause was underinvestigation. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Page 10, Fire News, November2022

Amsterdam KOs Flames

The Amsterdam Fire Department was dispatched to a well involved structure fire on August 29, 2022, at 1400. Command immediately transmitted a second and third alarm formanpower. Outdoortemperatures were in the high 80s. - Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti

Gas Station Fire in Rochester

At 1507 on September4, 2022, the RochesterFire Department was dispatched to a reported gas station on fire on West Main Street. Truck 10 was the first to arrive, and reported smoke showing from a vacant gas station building. Battalion 2 assumed command, and ordered all companies to perform an exteriorattack due to the condition of the building. An extra engine was soon called to the scene. Companies quickly worked to ventilate the building and put water on the fire, which eventually included sending Truck 10’s crew to open up the roof. The fire was brought undercontrol in roughly 15 minutes and the cause is underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by Matt Leo

3 Alarms Needed in Williamsburg

LadderCompany 108 transmitted a 10-75 forfire on the first floorof a three-story mixed occupancy building on Union Avenue on August 23, 2022. The fire spread to apartments on the second and third floors, and through the roof area. The fire ultimately went to a third alarm. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Rosedale House Fire

FDNYcompanies in the Rosedale section of Queens responded to the report of a fire on the second floorof a private dwelling on 121st Avenue near257th Street on June 3, 2022. All occupants were able to escape, but extensive overhaul was necessary. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire News, November2022, Page 13 Maspeth All-Hands

FDNYcompanies battled an all-hands blaze in a two-story commercial building on Grand Avenue in Maspeth on September21, 2022. Fire was showing from several second-floorwindows on arrival with extension to the roof area. There were no serious injuries reported forthe incident. - Fire News photo by FirstOnscenePhotos.com

Page 14, Fire News, November2022

Mahopac OverFire

On September20, 2022, Mahopac Fire and EMS and Putnam County Paramedics were dispatched to Union Valley Road foran oven fire with a heavy smoke condition in the residence. Chief Andy Roberto found fire confined to the oven, but a heavy concentration of smoke in the building. Knocking down the fire with a portable extinguisher, Chief Roberto was confronted with two residents suffering from possible smoke inhalation. As firefighters triaged the residents, paramedics arrived and tended to the people, while otherfirefighters stretched a powerline forthe exhaust fan to clearthe building of residual smoke. The residents refused transportation to the hospital and furthermedical treatment and damage to the structure was minimal. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey, PIO

Port Chester2-Alarmer

The Port ChesterFire Department was dispatched to North Main Street fora structure fire. TowerLadder2 arrived to heavy fire showing on the second and third floors of the structure. Additionally, there were multiple propane tank explosions. Car 2391 arrived and transmitted a second-alarm response. Units had stretched six-lines as members conducted primary and secondary searches. Car2391 requested all members to evacuate the structure and the main body of the fire was knocked down. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon

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Fire News, November2022, Page 15 Spring Valley Commercial Blaze

The Spring Valley Fire Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting smoke coming from a large, abandoned commercial property on the morning of October2, 2022. Upon arrival, SVFD Chief Kenny Conjura transmitted a working fire and reported that fire was visible out the front of a building. The large commercial structure previously held some warehouse and manufacturing businesses, and had several attached buildings. Due to the size of the building, mutual aid from several area departments was quickly requested. Crews faced heavy fire in a two-story wood framed building and mounted an exteriorattack using several handlines and aerial masterstreams. Thankfully, they were able to hold the fire to the original building and stopped it from extending into adjacent attached structures. The cause of the fire is currently underinvestigation by the Spring Valley PD and the Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI unit. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Page 16, Fire News, November2022

Chief Feldmann Receives FFof the Year

Eric Feldmann 1st Assistant Chief of the LancasterFire Department was awarded the Firefighterof the Yearaward on July 23, 2022, by the Western New York VolunteerFirefighters Association at their123rd annual convention that was held in Hammondsport. On August 4, 2022, Chief Feldmann was also awarded Firefighterof the Yearat the 114th Annual Southwestern Association of VolunteerFiremen held in Bolivar. Chief Feldmann along with three officers of the LancasterPolice Department saved a man’s life on December09, 2022, at a house fire in the Village of Lancasterwhen the man became trapped in the basement. In the group photo with Chief Feldmann is Ed Tase, Jr., President of FASNY; and Andy Pilecki, FASNYBoard of Directors - Niagara County. - Fire News photo by Jim Lepard

EMS Providers of the Year

Congratulations to Tom Bingham and Shawn Disanto of the Aurelius Fire Department on receiving the EMS Providerof the Yearaward. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin, HVVFA

SVFD’s Jared Lloyd Gets Posthumous FFof the YearAward

Recently, the Firefighterof Yearaward was posthumously awarded to Jared Lloyd of the Spring Valley Fire Department. The award was accepted by Jared’s mom and son. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin, HVVFA

Orange Co. 107th Convention

Recently, the Warwick Fire Department and the Raymond Hose Company 2 attended the Orange County Volunteer Fireman’s Association 107th Parade and Convention at the Goodwill Fire Department. Best Overall OC ColorGuard, 1st Place Fire Engine, 1st Place Chiefs Carand 3rd Place Antique Fire Engine out of 45 Departments attending. Great job to all. We are very proud of ourdepartment members. - Fire News photo provided by the Warwick FD

Mahopac Falls Holds Open House

On September18, 2022, the Mahopac Falls VolunteerFire Department hosted its annual open house. During the open house, there were live demonstrations from firefighters showing how to extricate a patient from a vehicle, the dangers involved with deep frying a turkey forThanksgiving, as well as carseat installation and child fingerprinting from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The PCSO Cadets, Carmel Police Department,and Putnam County Department of Health were also there to show theirsupport. There was even a sighting of Sparky the Fire Dog. - Fire News photos by Ellen Nistico

FIRSTNETAND 5G: RELIABLY CONNECTINGFIRSTRESPONDERS TO HELPKEEPCOMMUNITIES SAFE

by Stacy Schwartz - Vice President, Public Safety and FirstNet Program at AT&T

Emergencies are unpredictable. During these critical moments, public safety needs reliable, interoperable communications. That’s why our approach to 5G for public safety is unlike anything else.

It’s not the typical approach to 5G you’ve seen in television commercials. That’s because 5G on FirstNet® — America's public safety network — is a one-of-a-kind experience. It gives our nation’s first responders the early benefits of this next-generation connectivity while continuing to use LTE, the current gold standard for reliable mobile broadband, for their mission-critical needs. First responders maintain voice communications with always-on priority and preemption on LTE, while the FirstNet network determines the best route for data traffic, whether that’s 5G or LTE spectrum.

In April 2021, we upgraded the dedicated FirstNet network core to enable reliable 5G connectivity and opened access to AT&Thigh-band 5G+ spectrum. Later that year, we expanded access to the AT&Tlow-band 5G. And now, we’re giving this vital community access to the “sweet spot” of 5G - AT&T mid-band 5G+. All public safety needs to access 5G on FirstNet is a FirstNet Ready® 5G device.

What is 5Gforfirst responders like today?

We’re delivering 5G on FirstNet using AT&Tspectrum bands. Public safety in about 100 markets across the country have access to at least 1 of the 3 flavors of 5G. And we’re continuing to roll out additional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationwide:

• High-Band 5G+: Public safety agencies and organizations in parts of more than 45 cities and 45+ venues get super-fast speeds and unprecedented performances in these high traffic areas. This includes places like Los Angeles International Airport and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa where crowds gather for the amazing concerts or major sporting events like the “Big Game” (but what is really a massive public safety event).

• Mid-Band 5G+: Now, this vital community has access to the “sweet spot” of 5G spectrum in more than 40 cities from coast to coast, including Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis. Mid-band 5G+ spectrum fills the gap between our other bands and provides a great combination of ultrafast speeds and wide geographic coverage.

• Low-Band 5G: First responders in more than 30 cities across the United States — including Austin, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona and Knoxville, Tennessee — can connect using low-band 5G spectrum. It can travel farther, as well as penetrate through buildings and infrastructure better than high-band 5G+.

Looking ahead

Many might ask, “why can’t you deploy 5G on FirstNet like it is on commercial networks?” Simply put, when public safety is responding and lives are on the line, reliability is key. And many of the standards that protect public safety’s crucial communications from network congestion have not yet been implemented for 5G by the industry.

So, while we’re bringing this community specialized features and capabilities they’ve never had before, we also have an eye to the future. It isn’t going to happen overnight. But we’re working to develop the necessary standards and vendor support to create a 5G environment that aligns with public safety’s mission.

Our strategy for 5G on FirstNet takes advantage of the true evolution from 4G to 5G. FirstNet will continue to be a fast follower on 5G while driving innovation of and integration in tested and established mission-critical services on 4G for public safety operations today. That means first responders on FirstNet have the assurance that 4G public safety services are keeping them reliably connected for their lifesaving work, while the commercial side addresses initial start-up challenges of 5G. You know, places where viral videos and live-streaming your favorite football team’s games rule the day — not a place where a call can make all the difference in helping save someone.

On FirstNet, 5G connectivity will be ideal for IoTand video intelligence solutions. Imagine being able to deploy cameras during parades and other celebrations to help identify suspicious bags or packages. Or using 5G in an ambulance to transmit patient data back to the emergency room. That’s just a few ways 5G on FirstNet could help public safety achieve their life-saving missions in the future.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and AT&Tare committed to advancing FirstNet for all of public safety. And doing it right. We recognize that uniting the unmatched benefits of FirstNet with the future promises of 5G can unlock a whole new world of public safety potential. As new technologies become available, we understand what’s most important is taking a first respondercentric view in their deployment. That applies to 5G, augmented reality, edge computing and others. It’s our job as America’s public safety wireless communications provider.

We’re not building 5G on FirstNet for the bottom line. We’re building it for public safety’s unique mission needs. That means making sound decisions and being good stewards of public safety’s network — all to ensure we do 5G right for public safety.

Individual verified first responders not already on FirstNet can go to https://www.firstnet.com/signup/ or go to the more than 5,000 AT&Tretail stores across the country.

Page 20, Fire News, November2022

Warwick at the AirShow

Lieutenant Courtney, Fire Police Lieutenant Kittner, Firefighter Singh, Lieutenant Gardner, Captain Reilly and Firefighter Gardner, members of the Warwick Fire Department and Excelsior Hose Company 1 provided standby coverage at the NYAirshow. - Fire News photo provided by the Warwick FD

Texting Leads to Overturn

On September2, 2022, Schenectady firefighters responded to a rolloveraccident in the 1500 block of Union Street afterthe female driverof this compact SUVgot distracted while texting on herphone, hit a parked carand lost control. She was taken to Ellis Hospital for treatment of minorinjuries. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Rego Park House Fire

FDNYcompanies in the Rego Park section of Queens battled a top-floorfire at an occupied multiple dwelling on Saunders Street early on September3, 2022. Heavy smoke could be seen fora distance and firefighters discovered heavy fire extending from the rearof the building. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fire News, November2022, Page 21 Double Fatal MVA in New Baltimore

On September14, 2022, the New York State Police, along with the New Baltimore Fire Department, Ravena Fire Department and EMS responded to State Route 9Wa mile north of State Route 144, in the town of New Baltimore fora report of a collision involving two vehicles. Investigation revealed that a pick-up truck drove into the northbound lane to pass traffic when he hit a van head on. The driverof the van and his wife, both from Hudson, were pronounced dead at the scene. The otherdriverwas transported to Albany Medical Centerto be treated fornon-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Looking Back

Wallkill 1947

A1947 Mack 500-gpm pumperretired from Wallkill Hook, Ladder& Hose Company, now privately owned. Photo courtesy of the Mack Historical Museum of Allentown, PA. - Fire News photo provided by Steve Lenz, past member of Wallkill FD

Brooklyn 2014

FDNYfirefighters battled a four-alarm fire in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn on November22, 2014, in an attached home on Hemlock Street nearJamaica. One home was totally destroyed and three others suffered substantial damage. Five firefighters were injured during the blaze. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

UpperWest Side 2014

On November20, 2014, a two-alarm fire on NYC’s UpperWest Side tore through a parking garage in which Central Park Medical Units park some of theirambulances. Two-thirds of the ambulance fleet was destroyed in the fire. The rigs were custom-built to fit underall the low tunnels and bridges in Central Park - Fire News photo courtesy of Central Park Medical Unit

House Burns Twice in Buffalo

On July 30, 2022, Buffalo firefighters responded back to a Marion Avenue home to battle an attic fire. Firefighters were called earlierin the day forfire in the wall on the second floor. At 2020 firefighters were called back forflames consuming the attic. Flames were knocked down quickly and kept from spreading. One firefightersuffered minorinjuries and was taken to Erie County Medical Centerforevaluation. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Flames TearThrough House

On July 7, 2022, Guilderland firefighters battled a fully involved house fire on Suzanne Lane. Ammunition stored at the house could be heard going off as firefighters advanced lines and raised ladders to battle the blaze. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

Lost HikerRetrieved

Recently, a woman on a walking trail between Route 4 and the Hudson Riverreported she was off the trail, lost and injured. Immediately, help responded. Because she left the trail, rescue equipment were needed to cut a path to her. The temperature was in the 90s resulting in the dangerof dehydration. Rescuers successfully found herand extricated her. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

FASNY Convention

Recently, at the FASNY 150th Firefighters Anniversary Convention there was a golf outing in which 190 firefighters played on two golf courses; the Sprain Brook Golf Course and the Dunwoodie Golf Course, both in Yonkers. Afterthe round of golf everyone headed back to the Dunwoodie fordinner. Afterdinner, awards were given out to the best players and othercategories as well. At the beginning of the awards Frank Trotta and Tim Edwards from Fire News presented FASNYwith a framed picture of the ribbon cutting on the new facade of FASNYheadquarters in Albany. - Fire News photos by Vinny Galvin, HVVFA

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Fire News, November2022, Page 25 HVVFADay at the Firemen’s Home

On September25, 2022, the Hudson Valley VolunteerFirefighters Association held theirannual Day at the Firemen’s Home in Hudson. This is a day where a legislative workshop is done, and the association goes overvarious and propose new items forlegislative consideration. When that is completed then it’s time to eat. The HVVFAprepared meals forthe members of the home and lunch for all the members who came by that day. Afterthe meal was completed it was time to put on a parade forall those in the home. The Ghent Band led the parade like they have formany years. Following the band were the officers of the HVVFA, led by President Eric Orr, then the Hudson Valley Ladies, Athens Ladder Truck, East Fishkill Engine and City of Hudson laddertruck. When the parade ended, various groups gave donations to the home for its members. - Fire News photos by Vinny Galvin, HVVFA