Fire News New York State February, 2024

NEW YORK STATE

February 2024

Volume 17, No. 10

See story on page 6.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Welcomes all to the LI-Metro Fire/EMS Expo See Us At Lobby Booths 7 & 8

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 3

In this issue...

Hughsonville House Fire Firefighters were dispatched for smoke coming from the residence and encountered heavy fire upon arrival.

See story on page 7

Glenville Tractor Trailer Explodes A tractor trailer truck loaded with compressed natural gas struck a narrow railroad bridge and burst into flames.

See story on page 10

Truck Fire Spreads An Amazon trailer that was behind Dawson’s Body Shop was fully engulfed and the fire had spread to more than 12 vehicles on their lot.

See story on page 14

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus 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

2 Fires, Same Place in Under 24 Hours Heavy smoke was visible upon arrival, with fire in the common attic, which ran the entire length of thebuilding.

See story on page 24

Collapse at Newburgh Abandoned Structure Firefighters were dispatched for a smoke investigation and encountered a working fire in an abandoned structure.

See story on page 29

Hoarding Hampers Firefight Departments had to fight a hoarding situation, causing them to break through outside walls in order to fight the fire.

See story on page 33

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 32 New To Them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 35

COPYRIGHT 2024, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Page 4, Fire News, February 2024

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LL ERS A G IN SSION !

L L A C MMI RS E G O , C MANA S F E CHI TRICT DIS

URGENT

THE FUTURE OF AMBULANCE SERVICE IN FIRE & EMS

MEETING!

“ A Frank Discussion” on The Future of Ambulance Service in Fire & EMS

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED

RSVP

Patti@FireNews.com

Third Party Billing - How to Establish and Why to Do It Documents Needed • MOA • Policies • Separate Bank Accounts Costs Associated with Paying EMS Personnel Salaries * Medical Ins * Retirement *Workers Comp * How to Control Costs & Protect Our Communities Tort Reform * Role of the EMT-CC

WHEN: Wednesday - February 28, 2024

SPONSORED BY:

at 1900 hrs. Dinner at 1800 hrs.

The Nassau/Suffolk Legislative Committee

WHERE: South Country Ambulance Company, 420 Station Rd. Bellport NY 11713

Nassau/Suffolk FF Leg. Comm: Gov. Signs Suffolk EMS Bill On December 8, 2023, Governor Hochul signed the Retirement Bill for Suffolk County EMS that was Sponsored by Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern. This bill was strongly supported and lobbied for in both the State Senate and Assembly by the Nass/Suff FF Leg. Comm. under the leadership of Billy Thies (Terryville Fire

Department). Incoming President Billy Thies stated "I'm very grateful that this legislation has rectified this situation for our EMT's and puts them on par with Nassau and New York City. Thanks to all those that helped get this passed.”

The Bill S7242A amends the retirement and social security law, in relation to the retirement

of members employed as Emergency Medical Technicians, Critical Care Technicians, Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics or Supervisors of such titles in participating Suffolk County Fire Districts, with the eligibility to retire upon the completion of 25 years of total creditable service.

Announcements 2024 CARTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED The Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY) is pleased to offer the Ned Carter Memorial Scholarship Award for high school seniors. These scholarships are named in honor of past-President Edward ‘Ned’ Carter. In keeping with Ned’s lifelong dedication to community service and helping others, four, one-time $1,500 scholarships will be presented to graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing a career in a community services related discipline.

Who is Eligible?

All applicants MUST be a Firefighter or Junior Firefighter/Explorer or, be related to a Firefighter or Fire District Comissioner, District Secretary, District Treasurer, District Deputry Treasurer or District Administrator /Manager. The Fire Department/District

MUST be a current member in good standing with AFDSNY. Applicants MUST be continuing their education after high school at either a two- or four-year institution of higher education in pursuit of a community service related career.

This includes but is not limited to the fire service, nursing, social work, teaching, health related services, paramedic, etc.

How are Winners Determined?

Four (4) awards will be given each year.

One award in each quadrant of the state.

Applications will be evaluated by the Scholarship Committee of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York.

Academic achievement and community service will be considered in the selection process. Awards will be made directly to the

winning recipient(s) upon proof of registration to a two- or four-year accredited institution of higher education. All decisions of the Committee are final. Application must be submitted online or postmarked by March 2, 2024.

What Needs to be Included With Your Application?

Applicants General Information form; High school transcript; Guidance recommendation (included in application packet); Personal Recommendation (included in application packet); Firematic Recommendation (included in application packet); 200 word or less typed essay, about how this funding will help you or what it means to you.

For more info and the application, go to: https://www.afdsny.org/application.php.

Page 6, Fire News, February 2024

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Cover Story

Major Gas Explosion in Village of Wappingers Falls At approximately 1220 on November 2, 2023, the Village of Wappingers Falls Fire Department along with the New Hamburg Fire Department, were dispatched for a reported explosion in a residence on Brick Row in the village. The blast occurred when utility contractors struck a gas line, which was reportedly not marked. Arriving units encountered heavy fire with the structural collapse of two buildings and people trapped and injured. Numerous additional resources were requested to the scene, including the Dutchess County Confined Space/Collapse Rescue Team, made up of members from the Arlington, La Grange and the City of Poughkeepsie fire departments, as well as three medevac helicopters. Several people were trapped in the rubble, one of which could not initially be located. Firefighters, assisted by police and EMS personnel, removed the bricks by hand and successfully located and removed the last trapped victim, who was turned over to paramedics. Unfortunately, at least 15 people were injured, including first responders, some severely; four homes were also destroyed in the blast.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 7

Hughsonville House Fire

Hughsonville, assisted by New Hackensack, Castle Point, Chelsea, Village of Fishkill, Town of Wappinger/Empress Paramedics, and the NYSP-Wappinger, operated at a structure fire on November 8, 2023, shortly after 0900, on Old State Road. Firefighters were dis-

patched for smoke coming from the residence and encountered heavy fire upon arrival. The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response-Fire Investigation Division was investigating the cause of the fire.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

Page 8, Fire News, February 2024

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Lawn Mower Fire

City of Schenectady firefighters responded to a riding lawn mower mower itself. Once the gas line ruptured, flames consumed the fire at the intersection of Union Street and Ardsley Road on mower and started a larger debris fire. The operator was not November 5, 2023. The owner stated he was mowing his lawn cov- injured and the fire was extinguished quickly. ered in leaves when the leaves caught fire then spread to the lawn - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

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East Flatbush House Fire

Engine Company 283 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a two-story private dwelling on December, 22, 2023, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Members quickly extinguished the fire using two hoselines. Searches throughout yielded negative results.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

All Hands in East New York

FDNY firefighters quickly snuffed out a kitchen fire on Barbey Street on December 5, 2023. Units had fire showing from the rear of a private dwelling just after 0725. Members used one hoseline to knock down the main body of fire.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Fire News, February 2024, Page 9

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Glenville Tractor Trailer Explodes

A tractor trailer truck loaded with compressed natural gas struck a narrow railroad bridge and burst into flames on Maple Avenue on December 21, 2023. Flames initially shot 40 feet into the air, shaking nearby houses and flooding dispatch with phone calls. An airport crash truck from neighboring Stratton Air National Guard Base was sent to the scene to help control the blaze. The driver selfextricated and was taken to Westchester Burn Center for treatment.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 11

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Queens Fire Held

FDNY units in Queens responded to a fire in a taxpayer on Jamaica Avenue near 247th Street on December 23, 2023. At one point the fire extended into the cockloft area but was quickly extinguished before it spread to adjoining occupancies.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 13

Interstate 890 Car Fire in Rotterdam

On November 15, 2023, Shonowee and South Schenectady firefighters responded to a fully involved car fire in the west bound lane of Interstate 890 in the town of Rotterdam. The driver of the car was alerted by passing motorists that there was active fire under his car.

After pulling over and exiting the vehicle it burst into flames. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Page 14, Fire News, February 2024

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Truck Fire Spreads

Early on Thanksgiving morning 2023, Schuyler Heights was called to the Citgo gas station on Broadway for a structure fire. Upon arrival the first chief requested mutual aid from Menands, Watervliet Arsenal, Latham, Verdoy, Shaker Road, West Albany and Boght. An Amazon trailer that was behind Dawson’s Body Shop was fully engulfed and the fire had spread to more than 12 vehicles on their lot. Firefighters had a hard time accessing the area

due to power lines overhead. The departments helped protect the two adjacent buildings. The cause was determined to be from the local homeless man who was trying to warm up a can of beans under the trailer, which accidentally caught one of the tires on fire igniting the rest of the trailer.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Injured Cheerleader Medevac’d

Town of Wappinger/Empress Paramedics were dispatched by DC911 for a 14-year-old female cheerleader with an arm injury at the Roy C. Ketcham High School football field late afternoon on October 25, 2023. Upon first responders’ arrival, they determined the injury was severe and requested a medevac. LifeNet was requested, and the New Hackensack Fire Department was dis-

patched to secure an LZ. Medical personnel treated the patient until LifeNet arrived, at which point the patient was transferred to the crew of Air2, and transported to Westchester County Medical Center for treatment. The girl is reportedly recovering well from her ordeal.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News, February 2024

Audino Gets Award for Rescue

On December 14, 2023, the Latham Fire Department gathered at Town Hall to help honor one of their own. Mike Audino, along with two other people, helped to rescue Michelle, who was on hand to thank her hero, from her burning automobile. Town Supervisor Peter Crummey was on hand to award Mr. Audino for his bravery and dedication to the community.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

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Up Close & Personal

Amsterdam Firefighters Meg Delaney and Cassidy Schaeffer.

- Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Multi-Agency Drill in West Athens

Fire department units from Athens, West Athens, Catskill, Coxsackie, Modena (Ulster Co.) and City of Hudson participated in a multi-agency hands-on drill November 12, 2023. Firefighters assembled at the West Athens Lime Street Fire District training facility. Each attendee went through three evolutions of hands-on training with ground ladders, advance search and mask confidence, and advanced vehicle extrication. Instructors for the advanced auto extrication segment were, Dan Shultz from the Dover Fire Department and a State Fire Instructor in Dutchess County ,and

Dan Hickey, from Hudson Fire Department and a State Fire Instructor in Columbia County. The ground ladder evolution instructors were James McDermott of the Athens Fire Department, FDNY Battalion 39 Chief and Suffolk County Fire Instructor, and John J. Farrell from West Athens Fire Department. Search and mask confidence was instructed by Buddy Schermerhorn of the Hudson Fire Department and Columbia County Fire Coordinator, along with Jim Robinson Assistant Chief of the Athens Fire Department.

- Fire News photos by John C. Miller

Page 18, Fire News, February 2024

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Queens 5-Alarmer

The FDNY announced that a five-alarm fire on December 20, 2023, in Sunnyside, Queens, was caused by a worker using a blow torch on the roof of a large multiple dwelling. One firefighter was serious-

ly injured and 14 people sustained non-life-threatening injuries - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, February 2024

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Santa in Colonie

Santa Run

Santa hitched a ride with the fire departments of the Town of Colonie just prior to Christmas bringing smiles and candy canes to the residents. Boght, Maplewood, Latham, Menands, Verdoy, Midway and West Albany all took turns to escort the jolly guy around their districts.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

Cronomer Valley Fire Department’s Santa Run. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

Winona Lake Transports Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Today Winona Lake Engine Company and their crew took Santa and the Grinch through the neighborhood giving out candy canes to the kids.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Recently, Middle Hope Fire Department held their annual Christmas pancake breakfast with Santa.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 21

Page 22, Fire News, February 2024

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Colonie Festival of Lights

Colonie High School’s ICARE program held its 4th Annual Festival Grinch along with Santa. The high school’s choral group sang as of Lights. Town of Colonie fire departments, Colonie EMS, Albany residents waited almost 45 minutes to donate a gift for Toys of Tots County Sheriffs, Colonie Police and Albany International Airport and travel through the light display. joined in the event by bringing apparatus and decorating them with - Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck lights and music. The event had dancing elves, snowman and the

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 23

Toys for Tots Caravan

On November 19, 2023, Saratoga County Sheriff Department held its 10th Annual Toys for Tots Caravan. Over 125 fire apparatus joined in the caravan that was led by West Crescent’s Chief’s son Brandon in his hand-crafted fire engine. The annual event brings fire departments and businesses from multiple counties who have

gathered toys for weeks to fill a tractor trailer with toys and gifts for local children. Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Marozzi was on hand to help load the truck. The annual event is a heartwarming way to start the holiday season.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Page 24, Fire News, February 2024

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2 Fires, Same Place in Under 24 Hours

The Village of Wappingers Falls Fire Department along with numerous mutual aid departments operated at a structure fire that occurred in Building 5 of the Brookside Garden Apartments on Colonial Drive early on October 14, 2023. Heavy smoke was visible upon arrival, with fire in the common attic, which ran the entire length of the two-story 100-plus-foot long building. This was the second fire at this location in less than 24 hours, and the cause of each is being investigated by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response-Fire Investigation Division, the Village of Wappingers Police, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, and the New York State Police.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 25

Page 26, Fire News, February 2024

Washingtonville Christmas Parade

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Christmasville Parade

The Washingtonville Fire Department held their annual Christmas parade. There were fire companies from all around with their trucks and cars dressed up for the holiday.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick

This year Lancaster’s Christmasville Parade featured over 200 units from many places close and as far away as Blaine Hill Fire Department located 236 miles away in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.

Here's a brief history on how the idea of the Christmasville Parade was started. In the late 90s. Niagara Falls used to host the Festival of Lights and they had a parade which the Lancaster Fire Department would attend with a decorated truck. Eventually the Festival of Lights faded out, as did the parade. A past chief in Lancaster came up with the idea of having a firetruck parade in Lancaster. The first year (2008) it was held a few weeks before Christmas. That event saw the high temperatures in the single digits. Regardless, the parade has been going strong ever since.

- Fire News photos by Jim Lepard Digital Imaging

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Brooklyn 4-Alarmer

FDNY Engine Company 216 and Ladder Company 106 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire throughout a three-story building on Kingsland Avenue in Brooklyn on December 15, 2023. Four residents were left with minor injuries. The fire ultimately went to four alarms.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Fire News, February 2024, Page 27

50 Years for 5 West Albany Members

On November 11, 2023, West Albany Fire Department held its annual Life Members Banquet. This year they were honored to help five members celebrate 50 years of dedication to the community and department. Martin Depoalo, Gregory Jensen, John Koeppel, Rohn Otty and Thomas Carmody received certificates from FASNY, Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fire Association, Albany County Volunteer Fire Association, New York State and the Town of Colonie.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck

Page 28, Fire News, February 2024

Close Call in Warwick On December 16, 2023, at approximately 1720, the Warwick Fire Department was dispatched to residential house fire on Jones Road in the Town of Warwick. While en route responding units were advised that the fire was coming out of a second-floor window. A second alarm was transmitted for mutual aid. The fire was knocked down by initial responding units. Units on scene performed extensive overhaul of the residence. As firefighters were finishing interior operations, Safety Officer Andrew Schork, 64 years of age from the Excelsior Hose Company 1, collapsed due to a medical emergency.

Life saving measures were completed immediately by mutual aid fand Warwick firefighters. Safety Officer Schork was revived with the use of an AED and CPR. Schork began breathing on his own and was turned over to Warwick EMS for transport to Garnet Medical Center in Middletown. Safety Officer Schork underwent a medical procedure and has since been released to return home to recover with his family for the Christmas Holidays. The Warwick Fire Department would like to thank our mutual aid departments, the Goshen Fire Department FAST, the Warwick Police Department, Warwick EMS, Empress Medical Services, Garnet Medical Center and our firefighters at the scene.

- Submitted by Chief Michael Contaxis, CoD, Warwick FD

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New to Allentown

On December 16, 2023, members of the Allentown Volunteer Fire Department (Allegany County) came to Bradford Township, PA, to pick up Engine 151 that was sold to them. The “new to them engine” was purchased new by Bradford Township in 2001. After returning to Allentown the department members spent the day loading equipment and training on the new engine. The engine answered its first call for Allentown shortly after being placed in service that day. Bradford Township’s engine, a Pierce 1500-gpm pumper with a 1000-gal. booster tank replaces Allentown’s Pierce 1000-gpm pumper with a 750-gallon booster tank. Shown in the photo are (left to right) Allentown 3rd Assistant Chief Brandon Scott, Allentown Chief Greg Taylor, Bradford Township Chief Dan Burkhouse, Bradford Township Assistant Fire Chief Bob Eliason.

- Fire News photo submitted by Jay Bradish

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 29

Collapse at Newburgh Abandoned Structure

The City of Newburgh, assisted by Stewart Air Guard and USMA- The roof of the structure partially collapsed upon arrival, and forWest Point, operated at a structure fire on Van Ness Street on tunately, crews were able to extinguish the fire from the exterior in November 24, 2023. Firefighters were dispatched for a smoke inves- short order. tigation and encountered a working fire in an abandoned structure.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

Page 30, Fire News, February 2024

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2 Injured in Rte. 9W MVA

The West Athens Fire Department responded to the intersection of and were transported to local hospitals. Town of Catskill Route 9W and Leeds Athens Road for a two-car MVA with injuries Ambulance, Coxsackie Ambulance and Greene County Medics also and possible entrapment. This happened just as West Athens Fire responded. was finishing up a auto extrication drill. Two people were injured - Fire News photos by John C. Miller

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Residents Displaced by Poughkeepsie Fire

City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, assisted by Arlington and Fairview, operated at a structure fire at approximately 1430 on Thanksgiving Day 2023. Firefighters had fire from the rear of the structure’s third floor upon arrival but were able to quickly knock down the fire, limiting damage to the rest of the structure. The occupants were displaced as a result of the fire. Empress Paramedics and City of Poughkeepsie Police also assisted at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Fire News, February 2024, Page 31

Islamic Center Fire

On December 4, 2023 Stanford Heights was called to the Islamic Center of Schenectady for a structure fire. A couch that was by a back entrance caught fire. One of the members thought he had put it out, but an hour later the couch was completely engulfed and had set the back entrance on fire. No alarms went off warning the members in the building of the fire. Multiple fire extinguishers were used but to no avail. The fire spread and destroyed the overhang of the back entrance and partially extended into the building.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn Photos By Truck

Page 32, Fire News, February 2024

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FASNY BRINGS TOP SPEAKERS TO SELDEN FOR ANNUAL EMS CONFERENCE

Retired New Orleans EMS Chief Ken Bouvier to Headline Annual Program on Long Island The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is bringing its annual EMS Conference to Selden on Saturday, January 24, 2024. The one-day event, which has been on Long Island for two decades, is packed with presentations addressing the most contemporary and critical topics in the EMS. These invaluable sessions are complemented by a Pre-Conference Workshop eligible for Core CME credit hours in toxicology, cardiology, respiratory, psychiatric and EMS operations, among others. The seminar will also include a “State of the State of EMS” presentation by the State Department of Health.

This year’s FASNY EMS Conference features Chief Ken Bouvier, who is beginning his 49th year as an EMS provider.

Chief Bouvier has worked as a career and volunteer paramedic, fire fighter and Chief officer. Following a career in fire and life safety at Monsanto, Ken was appointed Deputy Chief of Operations for New Orleans EMS in 2012, serving as EMS Commander of multiple large and complex incidents. Just prior to his retirement in 2019, he was prominently featured in the A&E real-life action series “Nightwatch.” chronicling the work of New Orleans EMS. Ken will be presenting “Managing School Bus Accidents” and “Understanding Firefighter Injuries” - two important topics for EMS providers on Long Island.

With an average of 480,000 yellow school buses transporting 25 million students to and from schools across the United States, school bus accidents happen far more frequently than we realize. These incidents require an understanding of school bus design and safety features. They produce a range of traumatic injuries and come with the additional challenges of managing young patients, patient tracking and dealing with school officials and parents. Chief Bouvier’s session will prepare you for school bus accidents in your community.

With about 16,000 volunteer firefighters serving in fire departments across Long Island, local EMS providers are often called to fire and other emergency scenes to not only treat civilian victims, but also to standby to provide pre-hospital care and transportation for firefighters injured at the scene. Chief Bouvier will review the most common types of firefighter injuries, including how and why they occur. He will also review the role of EMS crews in anticipating and when possible, preventing firefighter injuries or medical emergencies on the fireground.

For more on the FASNY EMS Seminar in Selden, please visit fasny.com.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE NEW SUPPLEMENTAL SPOUSAL LAW?

By Jacob Keiffert Service Award Specialist with Hometown Firefighter & EMS Services Auto Coverage Specialist with Hometown Insurance Agency of Long Island, Inc. We’re all aware that when you are involved in an auto accident with another party and they are deemed to be at fault, the other party is liable to pay the damages incurred to you due to their negligence. If the other party has an auto insurance policy, those damages are paid out of their liability coverage.

As of August 1, 2023, legislation went into effect that requires insurers to automatically include supplemental spousal liability coverage on all auto insurance policies in the state of New York. So what exactly does this mean?

Supplemental spousal liability insurance is a special endorsement that provides bodily injury liability coverage in the event that your spouse is responsible for an accident and you, as a passenger, are injured as a result.

Put simply, if one spouse causes an accident due to their negligent driving, the other spouse is able to collect compensation from his or her own insurance company due to the driving spouse’s responsibility for the accident. Yes, you can sue your spouse. And although that may seem counterintuitive, the fact is that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries just like anyone else involved in a car accident.

Many carriers like Travelers, Progressive, and Hartford already

include this coverage in their policies at no additional cost. If you are insured by one of these carriers your premiums will not be affected by this law. Other carriers such as Plymouth Rock and Utica National had previously included this coverage as an optional endorsement only. So if you are insured by one of those carriers, you should expect to see a slight increase in your premium when you renew as a result of the added coverage requirement.

Note that supplemental spousal liability coverage will be included on all auto policies, whether you are married or not.

If you wish to opt out, you must decline the coverage explicitly in writing (ask your agent for a waiver). If you do decide to opt out of this coverage because you do not have a spouse or for any other reason, you could see an annual savings of between $20-$80.

This is probably a good time to review your auto policy to be sure it has everything you need to protect you and nothing you don’t. Call Hometown at 631-589-2929 and let us take a look. It will cost you nothing to call and the review could even save you money.

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2024, Page 33

Hoarding Hampers Firefight

Midway Fire Department received a structure fire call in the early morning hours of December 22, 2023. Chief Obermeyer arrived and immediately called for mutual aid from Fuller Road, Colonie Village, Stanford Heights and Westmere. The fire began in a back bedroom and quickly spread to the basement. The departments had to fight a hoarding situation within the house, causing them to break through outside walls in order to fight the fire. The building

was known for having a drug lab inside and multiple explosions were heard. One of the homeowners tried multiple times to enter the burning structure looking for his cat, only to be turned away by police and firefighters. The home was completely destroyed on the interior and multiple holes were cut in the outside and roof.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck

Page 34, Fire News, February 2024

Obituary

NYSAFC’s Caroline Drachler Our dear Fire Chaplain and friend, Mrs. Caroline (Kitty) Drachler went to be with the Lord on December 1, 2023, at around 0200. Her pain and suffering has ended.

Her husband Lloyd was by her side. Caroline was a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains Association since 1986. A celebration of Kitty’s life will be held in the spring in Ohio. Please keep her husband and family in your prayers. Cards of condolence may be sent to: Lloyd Drachler, PO Box 3, County Rd 68, Toronto, OH 43964-0379.

May She Rest in Peace!

- Photo supplied

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Obituary

Mount Vernon’s Lamont Killian, Jr. It is with regret that the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, announces the death of Firefighter Lamont Killian Jr., of the Mount Vernon Fire Department on Monday, December 11, 2023. He was 51. Firefighter Killian passed away suddenly from complications related to severe injuries he sustained while battling a structure fire on June 22, 2019. Our thoughts go out to the family of Firefighter Killian and the members of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. - From the Office of Chief Chaplain, forwarded from the DHSES OFPC

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Fire News, February 2024, Page 35

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