Fire news new york state 2 18

VOLUME 11, NO. 4

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State FEBRUARY 2018

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by Kenny Flynn

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 3

In this issue...

Pittstown Farmhouse Fire

A driver on Route 7 called Rensselaer County Dispatch reporting a smoke coming from a roof.

See page 7

Three Homes Burn in Buffalo

Buffalo firefighters responded to a house fire on Peter Street and reported three homes going simultaneously.

See story on page 9

Holiday Ruined in Rotterdam

Rotterdam Fire District 2 battled a two-alarm fire that destroyed a house on December 22, 2017.

See story on page 10

Cold Fight at Colonie House Fire

Midway firefighters battle a two-alarm fire in a home on Chesebro Drive in the town of Colonie.

See story on page 18

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 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Second Alarm in New Rochelle

Firefighters fought a stubborn second alarm fire at Ortho-Rite foot-care factory in New Rochelle.

See story on page 22

Total Loss in Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County transmitted an alarm for smoke showing, then flames, from a house fire.

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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29

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, February 2018

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

It’s Been Rough With extremely cold temperatures, the past few weeks have been rough for many first responders. I am sure if you live in areas of northern NYS or New England, you are used to cold winters. I can only speak for where I live. With record cold temperatures and a snowstorm, the beginning of 2018 has tested the skills and dedication of many.

We start 2018 remembering Philadelphia Lieutenant Matt LeTourneau who died in the line of duty. The 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department died after the interior of a home collapsed, pinning him under debris.

One day after a storm tore through the Northeast, covering New Jersey roadways with snow, a Jersey City police lieutenant was hit and killed while helping a motorist on his way to work. We remember 20-year veteran Lieutenant Christopher Robateau.

In the Bronx, a three-year-old boy playing with the burners on a stove, alerted his mother that a fire had erupted in their first-floor apartment in the Bronx. When the mother and her children fled the burning apartment, she made a fatal mistake; she left the apartment door open. The tragic result was the deaths of at least 12 people, including at least four children.

Yes, 2018 started on a negative note. It has tested your skills as a first responder both physically note and a mentally. What can we learn from these tragedies? I give thought and quote Executive Director Jerry DeLuca of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs, “What will it take for New York to take fire safety seriously? How many people have to die for us to take action?”

It is not only New York that has to take fire safety seriously. It is time for a national campaign to ask all of our friends in government to come together and unify codes.

Unifying building codes saves lives and prevents property loss. After 65 people died due to the ravage of Hurricane Andrew, enhanced building codes were put into place. As DeLuca recently noted, the code changes resulted in reduced property loss and fewer lives lost. The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs has been advocating for home fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes for more than 30 years. As responders, we know that sprinkler systems save lives.

At your next fire prevention demonstration, think about demonstrating and educating the community on new ideas. Show your community the positive effects that sprin-

klers have on knocking down a fire. Another important program is educating the community about the importance of adopting a fire hydrant and making sure it is dug out immediately after a snow storm. And finally, think about reinforcing the importance of closing the doors behind you when a fire erupts and you leave the fire building.

Winter is underway. Fire prevention is something that should be reinforced all year.

Maybe it is time to receive a grant so that funds are available for a yearly fire prevention program. Continued education on fire safety is what helps save lives.

- Dennis

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 5

Washingtonville Christmas Parade On December 2, 2017, the Washingtonville Fire Department held its 7th annual Christmas Parade.

The streets were packed with family and kids waiting to see the decorated cars and fire trucks.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Santa Arrives at the NYC Fire Museum On December 3, 2017, Santa made an emergency landing on the roof of the New York City Fire Museum. He was assisted to the ground by members of FDNY Ladder Company 1 where he was greeted by over 200 well-wishers. The museum took advantage of his dilemma and brought him inside where he warmed up and received the Christmas lists of all the children present. The 2017 Annual NYC Fire Museum Santa Rescue was another successful operation.

- Fire News photo by Gary Urbanowicz

Page 6, Fire News, February 2018

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Cover Story

Nyack’s David Jahnes On December 18, 2017, Nyack Firefighter David Jahnes fell ill while at the scene of an investigation into an odor at a bank, which turned out to be an overheating battery in the alarm system.

Firefighter Jahnes was treated by fellow responders and transported by the Nyack Ambulance Corps to the hospital where, during treatment, he suffered coronary failure and passed away. Jahnes was 58-years old and a 16-year member of the department.

-Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 7

Pittstown Farmhouse Fire

A driver, on Route 7 called Rensselaer County Dispatch reporting a and a five-inch line blocked the road for a couple of hours. The fire smoke coming from a roof. First responders found fire climbing the was in an old farmhouse with a metal roof, which needed to come walls inside and out. Mutual aid was called from the northeast off. The blaze was finally extinguished.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller towns. The water supply was on the opposite side of busy Route 7,

Page 8, Fire News, February 2018

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Washingtonville Christmas Day Fire

On Christmas Day 2017, the Washingtonville Fire Department was alerted for a report of a basement fire on Route 94. Upon arrival, Chief Skelly found smoke emanating from a single-story private dwelling. Further investigation revealed a fire in the basement of the building. Engine 584 stretched a line to the rear of the building.

Assistant Chief Bates, the crews of 579, and Salisbury Mills fire-

fighters conducted searches on the first floor and checked for fire extension. The crew of South Blooming Grove Engine 587 conducted secondary searches of the first floor and basement. Blooming Grove VAC and Blooming Grove PD were also on the scene.

- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn

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Three Homes Burn in Buffalo

On December 22, 2017, Buffalo firefighters responded to a house fire on Peter Street. Engine 36 arrived and reported three homes going simultaneously. The division chief requested a second alarm.

An aggressive interior attack was conducted but, as fire consumed the structure, firefighters backed out and prepared for tower operations.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

Well Involved in Cheektowaga

On December 13, 2017, Hy-View firefighters were called to Annamarie Terrace for a reported structure fire. While en route, a chief reported heavy smoke showing from the horizon. The onscene command quickly ordered a second alarm for a well involved trailer fire. Mutual aid came from U-Crest, Cleveland Hill, Pine Hill, Forks Rescue (RIT), Bowmansville and Depew, while Sloan filled in at Hy-View.

- Fire News photo by Donald Kilianski

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Holiday Ruined in Rotterdam

Rotterdam Fire District 2 firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that sive after an interior attack was deemed too dangerous. Firefighters destroyed a house on Westside Drive on December 22, 2017. Four saved a house on the D side as intense heat began to catch on the B occupants were able to escape the fire, which gutted the two-story wall of that structure.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber wood frame house in a matter of minutes. Operations went defen-

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Flames Spread in Bronx Cockloft

All Hands Operate in Glen Oaks

A four-alarm fire in the Claremont section of the Bronx sent residents rushing to the streets early on December 17, 2017. The blaze on Clay Avenue was believed to have started just after 0500 on the top floor of the apartment house and quickly spread to the common cockloft area below the roof. It took more than 200 FDNY firefighters almost two hours to bring the fire under control.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FDNY firefighters were on the scene of an all-hands blaze in a private dwelling in the Glen Oaks section of Queens on December 11, 2017. Multiple calls were received for a fire on the first floor of a 11/2 story home on 69th Avenue. Aggressive engine operations brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 13

Renovations Hamper Operations in Schenectady

On December 22, 2017, Schenectady firefighters battled a two- with false walls and partitions making it difficult to pinpoint the alarm fire on Elder Street after smoke was reported on the second fire. After an evacuation signal was given, firefighters were able to floor of the house. Units arrived to smoke showing from the upper get the fire under control in less than 30 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber floors. Firefighters entered the home, but after minutes of searching, could not find the seat of the fire. The house had been modified

Page 14, Fire News, February 2018

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Fatality, Numerous Injuries at Vails Gate Fire, Explosion

On November 20, 2017, Vails Gate, assisted by numerous departments from Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester and Rockland Counties, operated at a structure fire with HazMat at Verla International located on Temple Hill Road in the Vails Gate Fire District. Firefighters arrived to an active fire and were advised of at least one individual unaccounted for and believed to be trapped within the structure. As they began to search, an explosion occurred that blew crews off a stairwell, knocked others off their feet, trapped several firefighters, and caused significant structural damage to the building. Maydays were sounded, and crews now went to work rescuing their own. All firefighters were successfully removed

from the structure and accounted for. Firefighters then went to defensive mode and numerous foam units were called to the scene from the Stewart Air National Guard unit as well as those part of the NYS Foam Task Force. Firefighters were able contain the fire to the building of origin and minimize damage to a larger attached structure. The fire resulted in the death of one occupant, numerous injuries to others, as well as injuries to numerous firefighters, seven of which were from the City of Newburgh Fire Department. At least one firefighter was transported to the Westchester Medical Center Burn Unit for treatment.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 15

Man Burned at Colonie House Fire

Amidst falling snow, Colonie fire companies were called to Tull Avenue for a structure fire. A Colonie man dropped a lit cigarette onto his pants, igniting them. The man who is visually disabled removed his pants, which then lit his second-floor bedroom on fire.

A neighbor heard the audible alarm and looked out to see smoke coming from the second story of the residence and called 911.

Colonie Fire Company, Fuller Road, West Albany, Verdoy for the FAST team and Midway were called to the scene. The firefighters fought to curtail the fire to the second story. The gentleman who lived in the home was taken to the hospital with burns to his lower extremities. Though the fire destroyed the second story, and the first floor received water and smoke damage, the residence was left standing.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

Page 16, Fire News, February 2018

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ALEXIS FIRE EQUIPMENT WELCOMES NORTHERN FIRE EQUIPMENT INTO DEALER NETWORK Alexis Fire Equipment Co., a custom-built fire apparatus manufacturer located in Illinois, proudly welcomes Northern Fire Equipment, Inc., to their dealer network this month. The dealership is located in Watertown, New York, and will cover select counties in New York including Jefferson, Saint Lawrence, Franklin, Lewis, Herkimer, Hamilton, Oswego, Oneida, Fulton, Saratoga, Montgomery, Madison, and Chenango counties.

Northern Fire Equipment has over 12,000 square feet of repair facilities and has been in business since 1979. The new dealership will be an authorized dealer of Alexis fire apparatus. Northern Fire Equipment also operates two mobile service vehicles as well as a full repair facility in Watertown.

For more information, contact Northern Fire Equipment at 315-

788-8217 or e-mail at ebnorthernfire@twcny.rr.com.

Alexis Fire Equipment is a custom-built fire apparatus company located in Alexis, Illinois. Founded in 1947, Alexis Fire Equipment provides customers with superior quality products with a focus on safety and innovation.

For more information, please visit www.alexisfire.com

Open Door Allows Fire to Spread

On December 28, 2017, firefighters in the Bronx were dispatched to Prospect Avenue for a reported structure fire. With multiple calls being received for multiple people trapped, the box was filled out. Engine 88 was the first arriving unit and transmitted an all-hands. Battalion 18 arrived and requested an extra engine and truck and also reported a bad hydrant. The fire quickly escalated to a five alarm blaze. It was reported that the fire may have been started by a three-year-old playing with

the burners on the stove. The parent grabbed the child and ran out of the apartment without shutting the door, allowing the fire to spread rapidly to the upper floors of the building. The spread of the fire trapped people, resulting in the death of 12. At the time of this report, four more people were in critical condition. It was reported that firefighters were able to rescue a total of 17 people.

-Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 17

Pancakes at the FDNY Ski Races

By Ray Cooney This article is going to be a two-part article. I cooked with my very good friend, Bobby Rollins, aka, Bo-Ro. Bo-Ro and I were firefighters in Ladder 127 and I reached out to him to appear on Firehouse Kitchen.

I did this not because of his great cooking skills, but because of his comedic attitude and knowledge of the FDNY. Bo-Ro is a character. He showed up with his own cooking utensils, which looked as if he bought them at a thrift store. He had a barbecue spatula, that his grandfather bought him in Norway. He called it his “Norwegian Spatula.”

I asked, “What’s on the menu?” He replied, “My specialty. Blueberry pancakes.” He informed me that he learned to make these pancakes at the FDNY ski races back in 1993. They were snowed in that year and the only ingredients they had were the ingredients to make hot cakes! The conversation between me and Bo-Ro was as if we were still in the firehouse preparing the meal. We picked up where we left off years ago — making fun of guys, remembering nicknames and having lots of laughter.

One nickname that jumped out was the Giant Head (called so because we swear it could be seen if you were in outer space). I won’t give any names, but if he’s reading this, he will know it’s him. His name came up because his favorite meal in the firehouse was pancakes because we always had mix in our commissary and he didn’t have to dig into his pocket for the meal (not saying that he's cheap or anything!).

Cooking with Bo-Ro brought back a lot of funny memories and some really close-to-home-points with 9/11 and my time in the fire department. I will go into details about this in the next article along with the recipe.

This one-hour shoot with Bo-Ro made me feel like I was back in the kitchen at Ladder 127 on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, NY. I was thankful for these memories this day.

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com. Don’t forget to friend us on Facebook at Firehouse Kitchen.

Page 18, Fire News, February 2018

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Cold Fight at Colonie House Fire

Midway firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in a home on Chesebro Drive in the town of Colonie. Flames were visible in the living room area of the home and with the fire’s extension into walls and crawl spaces, operations went defensive. Firefighters from Stanford Heights, Colonie and Shaker Road battled the blaze in frigid mid-teen temperatures.

-Fire News photos by Peter Barber and Lori Washburn

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 19

East Greenbush Car Fire

Thruway Rollover

On December 19, 2017, East Greenbush firefighters responded to a car fire on Columbia Turnpike. The driver pulled into a gas station when she noticed her car on fire.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

On December 2, 2017, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out for an MVA with rollover on the New York State Thruway. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Washingtonville 1-Car MVA

On December 14, 2017, Washingtonville firefighters responded to a single-car MVA on Route 208 north of Woodcock Mountain Road.

The crew of Rescue 581 stabilized the vehicle, which struck and broke a utility pole, and extricated the male driver. The crew of Engine 580 stretched a precautionary line. The driver was treated and transported to the hospital by Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance. Blooming Grove Police Department investigated the accident.

- Fire News photo by Gary Hearn

Page 20, Fire News, February 2018

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East Flatbush 2-Alarmer

On December 3, 2017, FDNY Engine 310 arrived at a fire on East dwelling. Battalion 41 arrived and transmitted a second alarm.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell 42 Street in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn. Units were conand FirstOnScenePhotos.com fronted with heavy fire on the second floor of a two-story private

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 21

Port Chester Second Alarm Fire

Valhalla Fire on Bradhurst Ave.

On December 26, 2017, Port Chester firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions on the second floor of a home. Facing high wind conditions the fire quickly moved through the home and into the attic. A second alarm was called bringing in Rye Brook, Larchmont and Mamaroneck. A dog was rescued from the first floor.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Flames broke out at a home on Bradhurst Avenue on December 18, 2017, sending firefighters from Valhalla and surrounding towns to the city. The fire started in a garage that had been converted into an apartment. Firefighters worked the fire for about two hours and prevented it from extending.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Page 22, Fire News, February 2018

Second Alarm in New Rochelle

Firefighters fought a stubborn second alarm fire at Ortho-Rite foot-care factory in New Rochelle. The fire brought in 35 firefighters to fight the the fire, which appeared to have started in the mezzanine section of the building. Fire had compromised sections of the roof, forcing firefighters off and out of the building at one point. Once it was determined that the building was stable, firefighters re-entered to put out any additional hot spots.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Mahopac Falls Structure Fire Recently, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department, along with a ladder from the Mahopac Fire Department, and Carmel Police, responded to a structure fire in the Tompkins Bankon Route 6N and Myrtle Avenue. Assistant Chief Bob Trace, assumed incident command and was assisted by Chief Bill Nikisher of Mahopac, as Chief Jeff Boyle took charge of interior operations.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

Car Fire in Vails Gate On December 18, 2017, Vails Gate firefighters were called out for a car fire at a local Shell station. Firefighters arrived and made a quick knock down.

- Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 25

Schenectady 2-Alarmer On December 19, 2017, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in a vacant house on Waverly Place in Schenectady.

Flames were venting from the D side of the house on arrival. The flames were knocked down and under control in less than an hour and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Total Loss in Rensselaer County On December 12, 2017, Rensselaer County transmitted an alarm for smoke showing, then flames from a possible house fire. Brunswick and Center Brunswick arrived to find a fully involved home. A tanker relay operation was called for with Eagle Mills, Pittstown and Raymertown.

The house, belonging to a Troy firefighter, was a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

TRAIN UP Where Leaders Come To Train Explore Now: WWW.FDIC.COM Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

H.O.T. Evolution (Outside) 4 HOUR Basics of Tactical Emergency Care - HYBRID- NEW

Mark Litwinko Lieutenant Fort Wayne Fire Department

Monday, April 23, 2018: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Description With the increasing number of high-threat, mass casualty incidents, there is an immediate need for responders and agencies to adapt strategies and tactics, safely and efficiently mitigate the incident and provide care to the victims. The evidence-based content is consistent with the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care guidelines and recommendations. Participants are provided with the tools for continued training at their own department specific to casualty care as it relates to the Rescue Task Force concept. Attendees will leave with instructional materials, knowledge of evidence-based medicine specific to high-threat incidents, and a framework for program design. This is a highly interactive course with opportunities to test the latest equipment through ample hands-on training.

Reality in Virtual Reality: Training for the Future Thursday, April 26, 2018: 3:30 PM - 5:15 PM Room: 500 Ballroom Description You will embark on a virtual journey through the fire service, led by Leicestershire (England) Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with RiVR, to see what they have achieved over the past three years and how they did it. You will be looking ahead to the training environments of the not-so-distant future that were created and designed through virtual and augmented reality and the methods and practices of these two forward-thinking organizations. You will also be looking at how virtual reality is set to change the way humans learn!

Paul Speight Watch Manager Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

Page 26, Fire News, February 2018

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Amsterdam Kitchen Fire

Brooklyn All-Hands

Amsterdam Fire Department recently responded to a kitchen fire on Grand Street.

- Fire News photo by MarkPerfettiPhotography.com

FDNY crews responded for an all-hands fire on Nostrand Avenue on December 2, 2017. Engine 323 arrived to a fire on the second floor of three- story, brick, private dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 27

Woodhaven Fire Extends

City of Newburgh 2-Alarmer

On November 20, 2017, the FDNY battled a two-alarm blaze in two private dwellings on 91st Avenue in the Woodhaven section of Queens. Arriving units found heavy fire with extension to the adjoining home and immediately transmitted the second alarm.

Several minor injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

On November 10, 2017, City of Newburgh firefighters responded to a fire on the top floor of a three-story brick house on Liberty Street. Also responding were units from West Point, Castle Point Veterans Administration, Cronomer Valley and Middle Hope.

- Fire News photo by Gary Hearn

Page 28, Fire News, February 2018

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New Dorp Plaza 2nd Alarm Members of Rescue Company 5 after taking up from a second alarm fire on New Dorp Plaza in Staten Island on December 15, 2017.

- Fire News photos by Keith Muratori

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Fire News, February 2018, Page 29

FDNY Holds Graduation

Looking back to October 2017, the Fire Department of the City of New York held a graduation ceremony at the Christian Culture Center. Joining the department as probationary firefighters were 279 men and women. Fire News wishes everyone a safe tenure with the department.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 30, Fire News, February 2018

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Winona Lake Senior Dinner On October 9, 2017, the Winona Lake Fire Department held their annual Senior Dinner, serving over 195 people a meal of turkey with all fixings and desert. Also in attendance was Minerva Negron, the Gold Star mother of Alberto Francesconi, Jr., who was presented with flowers by ROTC Cadet Salerno and World War II vet Joe Farina. The Newburgh Fire Pipes and Drums entertained the crowd.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Merry Christmas to Logan One-year-old Logan and his parents are residents of the Midway Fire District. Nolan is living with cancer and due to his chemotherapy treatments and weakened immunity was unable to meet Santa for his first Christmas. The Midway Fire Department has taken Logan under their wing and, besides doing fundraisers for the child, wanted to treat him to a special visit to the fire department and special guest Santa. Logan spent over an hour looking at the lights and fire engines with his parents - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Mahopac Candy Cane Run On December 9, 2017, the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department held its Annual Candy Cane Run to visit the children and families of the Mahopac Fire Protection District. Despite the snowy conditions, Mahopac’s Firefighters and EMTs traveled around town collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program while delivering candy canes to residents. They also responded to two medical emergencies during the event.

- Fire News photo by Matt Bondi

Knox Turkey Dinner a Success… Again On November 11, 2017, 600-plus hungry people showed up for the annual Turkey Dinner at the Knox Fire Department in the Hilltown of Albany County. Chief Bill Vinson said everyone enjoyed the turkey dinner with all of the fixin’s, the assortment of fresh baked pies was a great hit. The dinner has been held for at least 40-plus years.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Page 32, Fire News, February 2018

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