Fire News New York State, December 2019 edition

Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue

VOLUME 13, NO. 2

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973

DECEMBER 2019

See story on page 6.

Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Happy Holidays From The Staff At Fire News

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Fire News, December 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

Stairway Collapse at Arverne Fire Construction workers were able to remove two children from a house on fire.

See story on page 5

Castleton Fire Destroys House Castleton-on-Hudson crews responded for a call of downed power lines and flames showing from a house.

See story on page 8

Spring Valley House Fire The Spring Valley Fire Department was sent out to check on an odor of smoke.

See story on page 10

Possible Arson in Stanford Heights The Stanford Heights Fire Department were drilling when the Roosevelt School caught fire.

See story on page 12

Advanced Auto Extrication Training in Cheektowaga Doyle Hose Number 1 of Cheektowaga sponsored an advanced auto extrication class.

See story on page 20

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 Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.

Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2019, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

Obituary........................

Selkirk’s Robert Burns The Selkirk Fire Company said farewell to Robert Burns a member of the company for 65 years.

See story on page 26

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, December 2019

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Reflections It is November 14, 2019, as I write my December editorial. My head is spinning as I recollect the good and bad points of recent months. As I sit back and reflect, I leave 2019 with mixed emotions. As Fire News moves into its 47th year of publication, we continue to grow, playing an integral part of the entire fire service. I give thanks to the departments that have reached out to Fire News with positive news about their department. Let’s face it, if you don’t blow your own horn, no one else will … but do something wrong and see how quickly you make the news! As individuals, hopefully you have grown as a responder in your department and are prouder than ever to serve.

You, the responder, continue to do a job that at times appears thankless and has become more difficult than in the past. You train to be the best that you can be at your profession.

Whether you are a paid responder or a volunteer, training has increased to a point that it reiterates the saying, “Being a first responder is not a job, but a lifestyle.” As the year comes to an end, I thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to keeping your community safe.

As we enter the holiday season, I ask you to give thought and remember the families of the fallen, especially to Lieutenant Jason Menard, who was killed while saving fellow firefighters who were trapped in a recent blaze in Worcester, Massachusetts. Sadly, but proudly, Fire News honored as many responders as we could. Whether or not it was an LODD or a death from natural causes, we made the effort to honor as many members as possible in our paper. We were proud to honor those individuals who gave their life to the fire-rescue and emergency services.

To date, there have been 51 firefighter fatalities in the United States. If your department had the misfortune of losing a member, please reach out to the families during the holidays to let them know you are there for them.

For you, quitting is not an option. Make the people who we have lost this year proud of you.

Train like you mean it, respond to calls with the passion that you may be saving a family member and remember the lessons learned from the heroes of the past.

Wearing a uniform shows you are a member

of an organization. When you wear your uniform, wear it with meaning. The next time you put on your uniform, wear it with dignity and ask yourself if you are really doing all you can do to deserve the title of being a first responder.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

On behalf of Fire News, I thank you for what you do. Reflect on 2019 and ask yourself how you can do more in 2020.

Happy holidays!

- Dennis

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Stairway Collapse at Arverne Fire

Four Injured in Borough Park Fire

Construction workers were able to remove two children from a house on fire in the Arverne section of Queens, on October 18, 2019. On arrival, smoke was rising from one of two private dwellings. Tower Ladder 121 set up for a defensive fire attack after units were withdrawn from the building due to an interior stair collapse.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Four people suffered minor injuries following a fire in a pharmacy on Eighth Avenuein Borough Park, Brooklyn, on September, 15, 2019. Ladder Company 149 arrived to fire on the first floor of a three-story commercial building with apartments above. The fire was brought under control by an all-hands response.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 6, Fire News, December 2019

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Cover Story

2-Alarm Wind-Whipped Fire Guts Home

Schenectady firefighters responded to a structure fire on State Street on October 31, 2019, at the height of a wind and rain storm that fanned the flames and made firefighting efforts difficult.

Members from Mohawk Ambulance Service returning from a call had alerted dispatch. The cause of the fire was unknown and under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Mahopac Falls Fire

Mahopac Falls Fire Department, Mahopac Fire Department and Putnam Valley Fire Department were dispatched to assist the Mohegan Fire Department working a house fire on Nutley Road.

Mahopac Falls Rescue responded with the cascade system to refill air bottles as Mahopac Ladder and pumper relocated to Mohegan Fire for standby and Putnam Valley FAST responded as well.

Mohegan’s first-in truck dropped a six-inch supply line from the closest hydrant. Yorktown Police handled scene security and safety and Mohegan Fire Police closed the road.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

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Schenectady 2-Alarmer Levels Garage

On October 30, 2019, Schenectady firefighters responded to a garage fire at the rear of a Division Street home. Firefighters found a garage fully involved and the back of the house beginning to catch. Lines were put into place quickly and prevented any extension into the duplex. One firefighter suffered an eye injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 8, Fire News, December 2019

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Castleton Fire Destroys House

On October 31, 2019, Castleton-on-Hudson crews responded for a call of downed power lines and flames showing from a house.

Castleton responders from the station about 250 feet away, found the house well-involved and mutual aid was called from Rensselaer City, East Greenbush and surrounding Schodack departments.Within an hour the flames were knocked down and the home, which was being refurbished, was razed. The home next door had already been slated to be torn down.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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8 Coast Guard Families Displaced by Fire

3 Critical After Brooklyn Blaze

On November 4, 2019, FDNY firefighters from Engine 165 and Ladder Company 77 arrived firs- due to fire through the roof of an Iowa Circle home in Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Units had fire through the roof of the three-story Coast Guard residence.

Units were withdrawn from the building following a Mayday.

Eight Coast Guard families were displaced by the fire.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Firefighters responded to Linden Boulevard in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, on October 21, 2019. Units encountered a heavy smoke condition in a top-floor apartment. Two children and their mother were rescued by firefighters from the acidic smoke. They were removed from the fire apartment in critical condition.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 10, Fire News, December 2019

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Spring Valley House Fire

In what had turned into a busy couple of months for them, the Spring Valley Fire Department was sent out to check on an odor of smoke, late on the afternoon of August 3, 2019. The first unit discovered a working fire in the rear of a three-story, multi-family dwelling on Fairview Avenue. With heavy fire already out two windows in the rear, the crew of the first-due engine made an aggres-

sive attack as the fires threatened other floors by climbing up the exterior siding. As mutual aid companies arrived, they began to advance more lines into the building to support searches, which were negative. One Spring Valley firefighter was removed to the hospital after suffering a fall and possible heat-related symptoms.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

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Schenectady Rollover

Schenectady firefighters responded to the scene of a rollover MVA in the eastbound lane of Interstate 890 near the Craig Street overpass. The driver was uninjured.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Fire News, December 2019, Page 11

Head-on in Front of Plotterkill Station

In September, an urgent call from the Plotterkill fire chief to dispatch reported a head-on collision at the intersection of Putnam Road and Rynex Corners Road directly across from the fire hall.

Firefighters, still at the station after training, quickly geared up and freed one of the victims who was then airlifted by LifeNet helicopter to Albany Medical Center for treatment.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 12, Fire News, December 2019

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Possible Arson in Stanford Heights

Members of Stanford Heights Fire Department were drilling in their station when the condemned Roosevelt School caught fire.

Within minutes, Stanford Heights, Colonie Village FAST and Niskayuna 2 arrived and were able to prevent the extension of the

fire. The fire was fought from the exterior due to the unsafe interior conditions. There appeared to be recent activity inside the building and police and fire investigators were looking into possible arson.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Peter Barber

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Brooklyn 2-Alarmer FDNY Engine Company 220 responded to a fire on 8th Street in a brownstone in Brooklyn on October 24, 2019. Crews arrived to smoke showing from the eaves. A second alarm was requested for fire extension to the third floor of the dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Clutter, Trees Make for Difficult Fight in Brooklyn FDNY units in Jamaica, Queens, battled a two-alarm blaze in a large private dwelling on Pinegrove Street on October 4, 2018. The 2-1/2 story house was heavily cluttered and the conditions hampered fire operations. The property was also surrounded by a number of large trees which made ladder access especially challenging.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 14, Fire News, December 2019

Lucky Man in East Greenbush

On September 18, 2019, a driver suffered a medical problem and passed out. The car that he was driving went airborne, down into a stream and up out of it. The car came down in the road bed on its side and landed right-side up. The driver was uninjured.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

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Motorcycle Down in Mahopac Falls

An early afternoon call for a motorcycle down on Hill Street in the Mahopac Falls fire district, brought out Fire, EMS and Fire Police units, in addition to multiple Carmel Police units, a Putnam County Sheriff’s unit and paramedics from EMStar. First arriving Fire Police detoured traffic around the active scene. Triage of patients began as the police investigation got underway. Assistant Chief Jeff Boyle took Incident Command and Captain Dan Meury took charge of Operations and Safety. With patients with minor injuries being loaded and heading for medical treatment, Fire Police let fire units clear the scene before opening up the road to traffic.

-Fire News photo by Jack Casey

Medal of Honor Winner Sgt. Francis S. Currey Passes

On October 11 and 12, 2019, a memorial service, parade and funeral were held for Medal of Honor (MoH) Recipient Sergeant Francis S. Curry on his passing after 94-years. Currey received the MoH for actions in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, during which he rescued five comrades who were trapped by enemy fire. After the war, he returned home to upstate New York and worked at a local Veterans Affairs hospital.

- Fire News photo by Simon Lindmark

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Fire News, December 2019, Page 15

MVA Stops AMTRAK, CSX in Their Tracks

On October 9, 2019, Schenectady firefighters tended to the driver of a minivan who lost control and struck and knocked over a railway crossing road barrier and ran onto the tracks at the Seneca Street crossing. A railway officer was in the vicinity and was able to bring

an oncoming train to a halt while first responders tended to the injured driver. Firefighters then removed the barrier arm from the tracks, allowing service to resume for Amtrak and CSX trains.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 16, Fire News, December 2019

Honoring Our Fallen

Each year firefighters from throughout New York State gather during Fire Prevention week to honor members of the fire service who have answered their last call. These Line of Duty Deaths are added to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Wall in Albany. Thousands of people gathered at the convention center this year to honor 23

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names added. After the ceremony everyone visits the memorial for photos, to visit MacBoston 18 Truck Fallen Fighter Memorial tiller truck and transfer names of friends and loved ones to their program.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Honoring Our Fallen

Fire News, December 2019, Page 17

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That’s a Lot of Years of Experience The Latham Fire Department held its annual Life Members celebration on October 19, 2019. In attendance were many of the 78 life members who gathered for a unique photo opportunity. When added together this photo portrays what 3,021 years of dedication to the fire service from the newest 20-year members to the oldest 66-year member looks like.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Colonie 48th Annual Firefighters of the Year Dinner On October 13, 2019, the Town of Colonie held its 48th Annual Firefighters of the Year Dinner. Each year the 12 departments of the town gather to honor one member who has gone above and beyond for their department and the Town. This year’s recipients were: (front row, left to right) Town Operations Car 1, Richard Haack, West Albany Fire Department; Ed Leisenfelder, Midway FD; Marc Platt, Fuller Road; Kaila Ricciardi, Maplewood; Erick Mainville, Shaker RoadLoudonville; Michael Benedetto, Exalted Ruler Colonie Elks 2192; Mark Loucks. (Second row, left to right): Stanford Heights FD, Zach Webber; Schuyler Heights FD, Joshua Spenziero; Verdoy FD, Nicholas Dinovo; Colonie FC, Christopher Sharer; Latham FD, Steven Enright; Boght FC, David Bagley; and Menands FD, David Ognan.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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Alpaus Wins Chili Cook-Off

Niskayuna Co-Op held its fourth annual Firefighter Chili CookOff on October 19, 2019. Hundreds of people came to sample the tasty treats from department cooks from more than two counties.

Even Senator Tedesco stopped by to sample and vote for his favorite. The winner this year was the Alpaus Fire Department.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

Page 20, Fire News, December 2019

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Advanced Auto Extrication Training in Cheektowaga

Winona Lake Bailout Training

Doyle Hose Number 1 of Cheektowaga sponsored an advanced auto extrication class which was attended by 57 firefighters from 18 companies across New York State and Canada. The class consisted of eight-hours of classroom training and 16 hours of handson training at a local auto wrecking yard.

- Fire News photo by Bob Higgins

The Winona Lake Engine Company recently trained with their bailout system. Members refreshed on the systems operation and practice bailing out of their training building in full gear.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Fire News, December 2019, Page 21

Lake Mohegan at Engine 260 Muster

On September 7, 2019, the Lake Mohegan Fire Departments traveled to Milford (CT) for the 2019 48th Annual Engine 260 Muster held every year in Eisenhower Park.

Members participated in numerous events to see who could place number one!

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Page 22, Fire News, December 2019

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CFSI AND NFFF ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE SENATOR PAUL S. SARBANES FIRE SERVICE SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD Award Recognizes Organizations for Advancing Firefighter Health and Safety The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will be accepting nominations for the CFSI/NFFF Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. The deadline for submissions is December 6, 2019.

Co-sponsored by CFSI and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award was established in 2009 to recognize public safety organizations for outstanding contributions to the advancement of firefighter health and safety. The criteria are based on the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives developed by fire service officials during the 2004 and subsequent Firefighter Life Safety Summit hosted by the NFFF. Named in honor of retired Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, the award pays tribute to the Senator’s contributions to the fire service during his 36-year career on Capitol Hill, including legislation he introduced in 1992 that established the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The award presentations will take place at the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 30, 2020.

The Dinner is part of a larger program hosted by CFSI - the 32nd National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner which will take place April 29 - 30, 2020. This two-day event is designed to educate fire service officials on congressional activities impacting the fire service and how fire service leaders can advocate for these issues.

For additional information, please contact CFSI at 202-371-1277.

GENNARO ANNOUNCES NEW FIREJEWELRY.COM WEBSITE The NEW FireJewelry.com website by Gennaro Jewelers has arrived with a great deal of “buzz” in the firefighting /EMS community! Celebrating their 95th year in business, Gennaro Jewelers has created an exciting new website featuring the very best in fireman rings, pendants, Maltese crosses, St. Florian medals, Chief’s rings, Captain’s rings and so much more!

America’s largest first responder manufacturer, FireJewelry.com sells direct to the firefighting community. Featuring Sterling Silver charms (that fit ladies Pandora bracelets) to unique designs in lady firefighter rings … each ring is carefully handmade in the United States by old-world expert craftsmen.

Gennaro Jewelers unique rings have been created by an award-winning jewelry designer and created to feature your proud membership in an elite group …firefighting!

Firejewelry.com welcomes custom watches and ring designs. Designers are on the premises to create special awards and anniversary gifts. Visit the NEW website: Firejewelry.com or email questions or ideas to Gary@GennaroJewelers.com

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9/11 Tribute Lights

The 9/11 Tribute Lights as seen from multiple locations in New Jersey. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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125th Anniversary of the Coxsackie Volunteer Fire Company - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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FDNY Academy Class Graduates Recently, 301 probationary firefighters graduated from the FDNY Fire Academy. This class included 120 veterans, 16 women and 21 legacy members, whose fathers passed away on 9/11. Fire News wishes all of the graduates a long and safe career with the FDNY. -Fire News photo

by Lloyd Mitchell

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Obituary

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Selkirk’s Robert Burns

On October 29, 2019, the Selkirk Fire Company said a farewell to Robert Burns a member of the company for 65 years as well as spending 53 of those years with the Bethlehem Ambulance Service working side-by-side with his beloved wife Janet. Robert rose to the rank of Assistant Chief in the company. The community will certainly miss Bob and all he’s done.

Rest in peace, Bob. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

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