Fire News New York State 2-25 by Fire News

20 Displaced; 16 FFs Injured

The first of five structure fires in Yonkers during the first two weeks of December.

See story on page 4

Damn Good Flying, Pilot

A19-year-old pilot makes an emergency landing on I-87 with no injuries or damage to anyone.

See story on page 14

Special Section

Aspecial section dealing with legal and financial issues in the Fire and EMS services.

Pages 19 to 26

Queens 3-Alarmer

Engine Company 236 and Tower Ladder 107 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy smoke and fire in a large multiple dwelling.

See story on page 28

Lithium-Ion Fire in Queens

FDNYEngine 293 and Ladder 143 traveled four blocks and transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in an attached private dwelling.

See story on page 38

Brooklyn 2-Alarmer

Brooklyn firefighters responded to Remsen Street in Brooklyn for multiple manholes burning.

See story on page 42

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Glenville Apartment Fire

On December22, 2024, Thomas Corners, Scotia, Aplaus and NYAir Guard firefighters were dispatched to Shady Lane Apartments in Glenville fora reported structure fire. Heavy fire was visible as first arriving units positioned themselves foran exteriorattack. The fire

spread to an adjacent apartment and with two aerial master streams in operation firefighters were able to stop the spread. An unattended candle was the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

20 Displaced; 16 FFs Injured

The first of five structure fires in Yonkers during the first two weeks of Decemberwas first reported just before 2300. The fire displaced 20 residents and injured 16 firefighters. The first-due engine company, responded to Downing Street and arrived to heavy fire showing from the top floorof an occupied, three-story multi-dwelling, extending to exposure 2. Asecond alarm was quickly transmitted

and an exposure line was put in place. After30 minutes of aggressive interiorattack, companies switched to masterstreams and contained the fire to the original fire building. The fire was placed undercontrol in just overan hour. All firefighters were treated and released from city hospitals.

- Fire News photos by Michael Messar

Port ChesterHits Vacant Commercial Structure

On December2, 2024, at approximately 0440, the Port ChesterFire Department was dispatched to Broad Street fora unknown type of fire. Rescue 40 arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rearof a two-story vacant commercial building, with reports of people possibly trapped inside. Members of the ladderand rescue companies immediately forced entry into the building and began searching for victims and the seat of the fire. Members were met with heavy fire and a high heat/low visibility condition. Searches proved negative

and members began to suppress the fire from the interior. After approximately 20 minutes, members were pulled from the structure and began an exteriorattack. Multiple hoselines and master streams were put into operation to keep the fire contained to the original fire building. Ahuge thank you to all of ourmutual aid assets and job well done to all members on scene. The fire was placed undercontrol at approximately 0830.

- Fire News photos by Brandon Colon

Winona Lake CarFire

Winona Lake Engine 2 responded fora carfire in the driveway of a home on Innis Avenue. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Brick BarBurns in Buffalo

Buffalo firefighters responded to a fire in a three-story structure on Allen Street on January 5, 2025. The fire happened in Mulligans Brick Bar– next store to anotherestablishment which had burned and was demolished in June 2024. City officials were discussing whetherthe structure should be demolished due to the excessive damage caused by the fire. - Fire News photos by Tim Berry

Schenectady House Fire

Schenectady firefighters were called to battle a two-alarm fire on Hamilton Street on December23, 2024. Multiple calls were received reporting a fire in the attic. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol and all occupants escaped safely.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Schenectady House Fire

Schenectady firefighters were called to battle a two-alarm fire on Genesee Street on December17, 2024. Multiple calls were received reporting heavy fire venting from the Aside of the dwelling. All occupants escaped safely. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Damn Good Flying, Pilot! Damn Good Flying, Pilot!

On December20, 2024, 19-year-old pilot from South Carolina was forced to make an emergency landing in the northbound lane of Interstate 87 between the Selkirk and City of Albany exits. Engine trouble forced the twin engine aircraft to make the emergency land-

ing in the middle of a snow storm. The pilot executed a perfect landing without damaging the plane orcausing any injuries to anyone on the plane orthe ground.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

New York Avenue Fire

FDNYEngine 248 and Ladder113 and Battalion 41 responded to an all-hands house fire on New York Avenue on December20, 2024. Units transmitted a second alarm forheavy fire on the first and second floors and attic of a 2-1/2 wood frame dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

2nd FloorFire in Jamaica

First arriving FDNYcompanies on 93rd Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, transmitted a 10-75 fora fire on the second floorof a 2-1/2 story private dwelling. The fire also spread to an adjoining home, but the flames were promptly doused. The incident was brought undercontrol within 20 minutes.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

RolloverMVAin Blooming Grove

The Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched fora report of an MVArolloveron Horton Road in the Town of Blooming Grove. Upon arrival, fire department personnel found a van down the embankment, on its side with the injured drivertrapped. The crews of Squad 580 and Ladder579 stabilized the vehicle, removed the windshield and cautiously extricated the driver. This was done underthe supervision of the Blooming Grove VolunteerAmbulance Corps Paramedic. The victim was packaged, placed into a Stoke’s

basket and removed to street level. Once brought to street level, she was turned overto Blooming Grove Ambulance personnel fortreatment and transportation to Garnett Medical Center. Salisbury Mills was placed on automatic response to coverWashingtonville. The cause of the accident was underinvestigation by the Blooming Grove Police Department.

- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn, Past Chief, Washingtonville FD

~ LEGAL & FINANCIAL ISSUESINTHE FIRE SERVICE ~

The Financial Landscape for2025 Understanding Annuities and How They Work

As we step into 2025, the financial landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, much like any other year. Last year, the market grappled with worries about high interest rates, the timing of Federal Reserve rate cuts, the possibility of a recession, and the uncertainty surrounding a major election cycle.

As it turned out the Fed started to lower interest rates in the summer, by all appearances we have avoided an economic recession and on election night, a winner was declared. This is what the market was hoping for as the markets dislike uncertainly above all else.

As a result, the Dow Jones was up 13%, the S & P500 was up 23% and the NASDAQ closeup us 29%. It was the second year in a row that the S & Pgained over 20%. That has not happened since 1995 & 1996. Looking ahead the market has much to be optimistic about. For example, a strong job market together with a strong economy and lower inflation coupled with optimism over the new administration taking office.

Conversely, one of the biggest worries the market has is the new administration reigniting inflation with some of the aggressive policies they propose implementing. One of Trump's campaign promises that helped elect him is to apply massive tariffs, as much as 60%, on some countries he feels are taking advantage of the United States. He has also proposed mass deportation of illegal immigrants and finally he has established the Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE") whose primary objective is to eliminate overspending and waste.

Few people would argue with the concept of having the United States on equal footing with our trade partners or having people in our country legally or reducing government spending. If these policies are enacted to the extent Trump is threatening, these actions can be inflationary. Many economists and market analysts feel that Trump is carrying a big stick and will not carry out these threats to completion. However, the Fed is taking Trump at his word and have, in their December statement, said they are putting a halt to interest rate cuts for several months so they can evaluate the impact the new administration has on the economy and inflation.

The new Congress will also be busy in 2025 trying to put a new tax package together. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs act will expire at the end of the year. Not only are tax rates on the docket for 2025, federal estate taxes are also scheduled to sunset and need to be negotiated by Congress.

At best the hope is that Americans will get an income tax rate cut and at a minimum the estate tax exemption stays the same or have a modest increase.

The general consensus heading into the new year is the economy and markets are on firm ground. While another year of 20% gains would be a nice surprise, it is never wise to allocate your portfolio or make large purchases on the expectation that the market goes up 20% every year. Make sure your allocation reflects your own risk tolerance, time horizon and not the headline of the moment.

Michael Hartzman, President, CFP, is a Certified Financial Planner, Michael assists you with meeting your long-term financial objectives. He specializes in tax-planning, asset allocation, risk management, retirement/estate planning and long-term insurance planning. Through his unique financial planning model, he has the freedom to be mindful of client expectations and, as a result, he is trusted with their goals and legacies. Bristol Financial, 500 North Broadway, Ste. 238, Jericho, NY 11753;516-349-5555; www.Bristol-Financial.com. Securities offered through Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC

Annuities serve as insurance products tailored to guarantee a consistent income stream primarily for retirees. By incorporating an annuity rider into your annuity contract, you can amplify its benefits. Various categories of annuity riders exist, catering to diverse financial needs. Familiarizing yourself with these options empowers you to make informed decisions when purchasing an annuity.

Understanding Annuities:

An annuity represents a form of insurance contract wherein you contribute a premium. This payment may occur in a lump sum or through installments. Subsequently, the annuity provider commits to disbursing funds to you, commencing at a specified future date.

Immediate annuities promptly dispense funds within approximately a year of acquisition. Conversely, deferred annuities distribute payments in later years. For instance, you might procure a deferred annuity at age 55, with payouts commencing upon reaching 65.

An annuity encompasses an accumulation phase, during which your investment has the opportunity to grow, and a draw phase, wherein periodic payments ensue.

Understanding Annuity Riders:

An annuity rider supplements your annuity by furnishing additional benefits and safeguards beyond the standard agreement. These riders vary depending on your preferences and requirements, with each addition incrementally impacting the overall cost of the annuity. Generally, annuity riders fall into two categories: living benefits and death benefits.

Living benefit riders furnish advantages throughout your lifetime, provided the annuity contract remains active. Conversely, death benefit riders extend financial benefits to designated beneficiaries upon your demise.

Common Types of Annuity Riders: When contemplating annuities, it's essential to discern your objectives and desired outcomes. While annuities can entail substantial costs, opting for riders can enhance their value proposition. Here are prevalent annuity riders:

• Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit Rider: This rider lets you withdraw the principal incrementally each year, based on a certain percentage

• Commuted Payout Rider: This allows you to withdraw lump-sums in the beginning years of your annuity up to a certain percentage.

• Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Rider: This ensures that you receive a minimum amount from your annuity for life.

• Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit: This rider guarantees the minimum amount of value your annuity accumulates. This can be a good option if you're looking for protection against market changes.

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& FINANCIAL ISSUESINTHE FIRE SERVICE ~

Workers’Comp forOtherVolunteersNot Applicable to VolunteerFirefighters ~ LEGAL

Volunteer Firefighters Benefit Law (VFBL) is statutory law in New York and specifies coverage and compensability for active member volunteer firefighters while performing firefighting activities “in the line of duty.” Ultimately, VFBLis administered by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. VFBLis subject to all rules, regulations and claims administration processes as mandated by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board.

Nonetheless, legitimate questions on coverage and compensability arise. One area where questions arise is coverage and compensability for other volunteers that are not firefighters. New York State Workers’ Compensation does provide a way to cover other volunteers.

In New York, unpaid volunteers for public and not-for-profit organizations are not automatically covered under Workers’Compensation Law. If an individual is injured while volunteering for you or providing community service, there would be no coverage under an unendorsed Workers’Compensation policy. The fire district would have to assume the liabilities of these other injured volunteers.

Fire Districts of New York Mutual Insurance Co., Inc. (FDM) does have the option to endorse the Workers’Compensation policy adding coverage for other volunteer workers. By covering other volunteers under your Workers' Compensation policy, it can protect the fire district from lawsuits from volunteers for injury or illness (except in cases of negligence).

This endorsement must be requested through your FDM Underwriter. FDM can offer a “blanket” volunteer endorsement, so services provided by other volunteers may be covered under your workers’compensation policy. FDM will need to know approximately how many volunteers the policyholder will have, the hours of work they will provide for the fire district and the location of their work. Specify the volunteer work (i.e. clerical, cooking food, serving food and refreshments, cleaning, etc.). FDM reserves the right to deny other volunteer coverage endorsements if the work is deemed too hazardous.

The cost or premium for the Volunteer Endorsement on a Workers’ Compensation policy depends on a few factors. FDM asks the fire district to keep a logbook to track the activities of their non-firefighter volunteers.

This includes the name of the volunteer, the day(s) they volunteered, how many hours and what work they performed. If audited, FDM would ask to see the logbook and calculate the amount of payroll equal to the hourly wages that would ordinarily be paid to a salaried employee performing similar work. Apremium rating exposure “payroll” for other volunteers will be applied.

With the correct volunteer endorsement of your workers’compensation policy and some basic record keeping if volunteers are injured you have the proper way to cover them. Volunteers will be covered for medical expenses related to the injury. However, there would be no indemnity payments (lost wages) for a volunteer unless that volunteer is performing court ordered community service.

Be prepared for a possible injury and/or liability for your non-firefighter volunteers. Are you sure your Workers' Compensation policy is properly endorsed?

Also, consider purchasing a separate volunteer accident and sickness policy for additional coverage to help protect these individuals.

For questions or concerns on this topic, please contact: Roy Denny, MBA, CIC, CRM, EVP/COO at Fires Districts Mutual Insurance Co., Inc. Phone: 845-352--8855 x7099. Mobile: 845-608-4989. Email: rdenny@fdmny.com

~ LEGAL & FINANCIAL ISSUESINTHE FIRE SERVICE ~

Grants Resources Offered by FEMA and the US Government

Our Grants Resources page lists resources where First Responders can obtain grants for a range of needs, including firefighter grants, emergency medical service grants, and pre-disaster mitigation grants. For a more comprehensive list of federal grants, searchable by keyword or other criteria, visit Grants.gov. On Grants.gov, the first responder community can also learn about the federal grants lifecycle and grants management policies.

Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program

Funds critically-needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel, enhance efficiencies and support community resilience.

Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program

The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) is a unique partnership between FEMAand the U.S. Army, combining emergency management experience with responsibilities of custodianship of the U.S. chemical stockpile.

DHS Grants from Grants.gov

Grants.gov was established as a governmental resource named the EGrants Initiative, part of the Presidential 2002 Fiscal Year Management Agenda to improve government services to the public.

Emergency Management Baseline Assessment Grant

Provides non-disaster funding to support developing, maintaining, and revising voluntary national-level standards and peer-review assessment processes for emergency management and using these standards and processes to assess state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management programs and professionals.

Emergency Management Performance Grant

Provides state, local, tribal and territorial emergency management agencies with the resources required for implementation of the National Preparedness System and works toward the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation.

Emergency Medical Services Grants

EMS1’s EMS Grants section provides a comprehensive database of grants, news, information and resources to help EMS fighters identify and secure available grant funding.

Emergency Operations Center(EOC) Grant Program

To improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located, and fully interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs.

FIRE DEPARTMENTS FIRSTRESPONDER GRANTS

List of Grants specifically for the fire discipline of First Responders.

Fire Grants Help

FireGrantsHelp.com features the most extensive fire grant listings database available, with information on a wide range of available federal, state, local and corporate grant opportunities. Federal, state, local and corporate grant opportunities.

First ResponderGrants

List of grants for all disciplines of First Responders.

Homeland Security Grant Program

Risk-based grants to assist state, local, tribal and territorial efforts in preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to and recovering from acts of terrorism and other threats.

Public Safety Grant News

Pertinent information for First Responders regarding securing grants.

Regional Catastrophic Preparedness

Grant Program

Supports the building of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation by providing resources to close known capability gaps in Housing and Logistics and Supply Chain Management, encouraging innovative regional solutions to issues related to catastrophic incidents, and building on existing regional efforts.

Reimbursement forFirefighting on Federal Property

Reimbursement for Firefighting on Federal Property - Under Section 11 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, reimbursement may be made to fire departments for fighting fire on property owned by the Federal government.

Transit Security Grant Program

Provides funding to eligible public transportation systems (which include intra-city bus, ferries and all forms of passenger rail) to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the travelling public from terrorism, and to increase transportation infrastructure resilience.

OTHER FIRSTRESPONDER PUBLIC SAFETYGRANTS

Pre-DisasterMitigation Program

The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program provides funds to states, territories, Indian tribal governments, communities, and universities for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a disaster event.

Public Safety Grant News

Pertinent information for First Responders regarding securing grants. Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program

Reimbursement forFirefighting on Federal Property

~ LEGAL & FINANCIAL ISSUESINTHE FIRE SERVICE ~

(Continued from page 20)

• Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit Rider: This ensures that you can receive an annual income for the remainder of your life without having to convert any payments to an immediate annuity.

• Enhanced Earnings Benefit Rider: This rider helps minimize the taxes being paid on your annuity and offsets federal income tax on your payable earnings after you pass away.

Apart from these, riders tailored to specific life or financial circumstances exist, such as:

• Long-Term Care Rider: This rider increases your monthly annuity payments to help cover added costs of long-term care as it can be expensive if you don't have long term care insurance or are not eligible for Medicaid.

• Disability/Unemployment Riders: These can temporarily increase your annuity payout amount for a set period if you're unable to work because of a disability.

• Impaired Risk Rider: This rider is designed for someone with a health condition that's likely to decrease their life span - it offers higher annuity payments to offset the shorter time frame for which those payments would be received.

• Terminal Illness Rider: This rider waives any surrender charges if you have a terminal illness that will cause a drastic shortened life expectancy.

• Cost Of Living/Inflation Rider: This allows your annuity payments to keep up with inflation, increasing the value of your annuity to a preset cap.

• Return Of Premium Riders: These return any remaining principal to your beneficiaries if you pass away before the full value has been paid out.

• Death Benefit Riders: These riders protect beneficiaries against a decline in the annuity's value.

Incorporating one or more annuity riders can customize and improve the utility of your annuity contract. Assessing your needs and financial capabilities enables you to determine the necessity and selection of riders.

Retirement Planning Tips:

Annuities can offer you a guaranteed income when you retire or if you have certain disabilities, but it's important that you research annuity companies thoroughly before purchasing, focusing on their financial stability and credit ratings.

Get in touch with a financial advisor to ascertain the suitability of annuities and potential rider options that will best fit your needs. Our team at RoseMark Advisors will work alongside you to understand your financial goals and determine the path to get you there.

For personalized advice, questions about this article, or want access to additional resources, call:

Ashley Morrone

Financial Advisor, Tax Preparer

RoseMark Advisors

888-730-6565 x4015

amorrone@amac.us

Documentation is Key to a Successful EMS Billing Program

When discussing documentation and an EMS Billing Program, most people think about the Patient Care Report, which tells the story of our patient's condition and what we did as EMS to help them. While the Patient Care Report is an essential piece of the EMS Billing puzzle and should be as detailed as possible, administrative documentation is also crucial to build the program's foundation to comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.

Any EMS Billing program starts by gathering the information necessary to obtain your provider numbers. Most insurance companies can use your National Provider Identifier (NPI) to determine your organization, but you still need to obtain your NPI to pursue claims. Medicare and Medicaid both require provider numbers, and the applications can be lengthy. Being prepared to start the application process will make the transition into your billing program go smoothly.

Unlike the NPI, Medicare requires considerable information that must be verified. You must provide additional documentation confirming the application entries. The primary documents you will need to find include:

• IRS Form confirming the Tax ID Number of the applicant. (Form CP575 work well)

• Tax Exempt Confirmation from the State (if applicable)

• State EMS Certification

• State Certificate of Existence

• Liability Insurance Coverage

• Auto Insurance Coverage if not tied to the Liability Policy

• Vehicle Registrations and Descriptions

• Board of Directors List (if applicable)

• Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)

This list may sound daunting, but many of the forms and documents are easy to replace if they are missing. Once the application has been completed, the waiting game begins. The EMS Billing program can start, but you will not receive any Medicare or Medicaid funds until the application has been accepted and your provider number has been issued. Medicare only issues a provider number after your application has been authenticated and they have performed a site visit to ensure the department exists. This process can take up to six to eight months, depending on how backlogged Medicare is with inspections.

The good news is that working with industry leaders can make this process much easier for the EMS Agency or Fire Department looking to start an EMS Billing program. Many EMS billing companies will collect this information from you and complete the application process on your behalf. In the end, the benefits of the EMS Billing program far outweigh the short time it usually takes to gather these documents.Mark Gentile

NewtoTHEM

Quick Stop in Queens Village

Queens 3-Alarmer

FirstOnScenePhotos

FDNYunits in Queens Village quickly knocked down a small fire on the second floorof a private dwelling on 221st Street near90th Avenue on November11, 2024. - Fire

Engine Company 236 and TowerLadder107 transmitted a 10-75 forheavy smoke and fire on the fourth floorthrough sixth floorof a large multiple dwelling on 151st Avenue in Queens. The fire ultimately went to three alarms. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

News photo by

New Life Members forWest Albany

West Albany Fire Department gathered to help honorits life members on October12. 2024. This yearthey inducted three members: Louise Sullivan, Betty Skop and Dave Reedy (also in photo are Lawrence Morrel and Chief Daniel Sullivan).

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

2025 Women’s Weekend at the NFA

The United States Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA), in partnership with Women in Fire, is pleased to announce the 2025 Women’s Weekend at the NFA!

Women’s Weekend (May 17 to 18, 2025) at the NFAis not limited to women, all are welcomed to attend. You will see the 2025 schedule has more two-day classes than ever and several new offerings from the NFA, U.S. Forest Service, First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

What: Women’s Weekend at the NFA

When: May 17-18, 2025

Where: National Fire Academy / Emmitsburg, Maryland

Cost: Free of charge -

attendees must purchase a meal card on campus

Lodging: Free of charge provided on campus

Other: Charter bus transportation to/from NFA

from Thurgood Marshall Baltimore International Airport (BWI) free of charge

Register: National Fire Academy National Training Weekend Program (https://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/usfa-events/2024-06-15womens-weekend/)

Classes being offered:

• Building Resilience in Leadership: Strategies for Growth and Confidence (W0952)

• Command and Control for Company-Level Operations (W0296)

• Decision-Making for Initial Company Operations (W0457)

• EMS Functions in ICS (W0166)

• Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations (W0522)

• Followership to Leadership (W0905)

• Fostering Belonging in the Fire and Emergency Services (W0851)

• Incident Safety Officer (W0729)

• Leadership in Supervision: Creating Environments for Professional Growth (W0646)

• Optimizing Performance in Female Fire Fighters (W0955)

• Safety for Hazardous Materials Incidents (W0256)

• Shaping the Future (W0602)

• Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (W0455)

• Supervising Emergency Medical Services (SEMS) (W0146)

Through the Roof on Arrival

Ucrest firefighters were called to Beach Road fora fire. Crews encountered heavy fire venting through the roof on arrival. Crews quickly called fora Northside tone, and went defensive. The fire was brought undercontrol in about an hour.

- Fire News photos by Donald Kilianski.

Santa in West Albany

The members of West Ablany Fire Department were honored to once again spend the day traveling through theirdistrict with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and members of the PolarExpress. Santa and the members greeted the members of theircommunity as well as handing out biscuits to the four-legged friends.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

ALittle Snow Won’t BotherSanta

Santa Tours Midway

Santa and Mrs. Claus hitched a ride on Midway Fire Department’s antique fire engine to travel through the area listening to Christmas wishes and wishing everyone happy holidays.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

Winona Lake Ladies Auxiliary Kids Christmas Party

and

- Submitted by Lori Washburn;

The Winona Lake Ladies Auxiliary put on theirannual kids Christmas party forthe firefighters’children. The ladies did the cooking and brought presents forthe kids. Santa arrived on the fire truck. Thank you to the ROTC members fordressing up in costumes.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

The Boght Fire Department pulled out its boat to help give Santa a lift through theirdistrict. The day began with a mini blizzard but Boght

Santa were determined to visit with everyone in their district and wish them a Happy Holidays.

Photos by Truck

Colonie Holiday Lights Program

On December7, 2024, Colonie High School’s I Care program invited the town’s fire departments and otherfirst responders to participate in their4th annual Holiday Lights event to collect toys for Toys forTots. Fire departments decorated theirapparatus in holiday lights and decorations. Town residents sat in line foralmost a half hourto drop off toys and travel through the schools parking

lots to view the equipment and receive many happy holiday wishes from the first responders. There were dancing Santas, an abominable snowman, Grinches, the school’s chorale group singing holiday songs and lights galore. It was a great event and they collected hundreds of toys forthe local children.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

Enfield, Odessa, Newfield Train on TIC

Enfield Fire District and mutual aid departments from Odessa and Newfield came togetherto complete Thermal Imaging Camera Searches, and firefighterrescue through a window training. This was theirfirst joint training in a few years. Crews paired up with different departments to learn skills from one anotherand figure out how each company works. - Fire News photos by Keven Morse

2-House 2-Alarmerin Richmond Hills

FDNYcompanies in the Richmond Hill section of Queens battle a two-alarm blaze in two private dwellings on 132nd Street near Jamaica Avenue on December22, 2024. Units were met with flames out the windows of one of the houses with extension to the adjoin-

ing house. Additional companies were necessary due to extremely frigid temperatures and icing conditions. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

29 Displaced on Christmas Morn

Alarms rang out at 0300 on Christmas morning 2024, as Clifton Park, Vischers Ferry, Boght, Jonesville and West Crescent responded fora structure fire. The fire, which traveled multiple floors, was stopped by the firewalls but electricity was turned off displacing 29 people at the apartment complex.

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

Kitchen Fire Extends, Destroys House

The Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched recently for a report of a house fire on Clinton Drive in the Village of Washingtonville. The building was a two-story colonial, with solar panels on the roof of the attached garage; a second alarm was called. Engine 584 stretched a line to the first-floorrearkitchen, finding that the fire was in the walls and traveled to the second floorand attic. The fire also burnt through the first-floorceiling and floorof the second floor. The fire in the kitchen was quickly knocked down and the crew of Engine 584 encountered heavy fire on the second floor. Mutual aid crews came from Chester, Monroe, and Woodbury; Goshen covered Washingtonville.

- Submitted by Gary Hearn

Lithium-Ion Fire in Queens

FDNYEngine Company 293 and LadderCompany 143 traveled fourblocks and transmitted a 10-75 forheavy fire on the second floorof a two-story, attached private dwelling on 91st Avenue on December29, 2024. Units were met with a fire victim out front of

the fire building. Asecond alarm was transmitted. The cause of the fire was being investigated as a lithium-ion battery fire from an ebike. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Latham Life MemberBanquet

Latham Fire Department held its 89th Annual Life Member Banquet honoring members who have served the department for more than 20 years. Two members who had achieved milestones: Paul Fink was honored by the department, Hudson Mohawk VolunteerFiremans Association, Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemans Association, Albany County VolunteerFiremans Association and FASNYforhis 50 years of service. Brian Carey was honored forhis 20 years of service. Congratulations to both the members. (pictured with President Donald Geary, center).

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

Rescue at Brooklyn Apartment Fire

FDNYBattalion 33 transmitted a 10-75 on arrival forheavy smoke and fire in an apartment on East 19th Street in Brooklyn on December30, 2024. Members from LadderCompany 156 were able to rescue a trapped civilian. The fire was located in the kitchen area on the fourth floor. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Maplewood 50 YearMen

On November30, 2024, Maplewood Fire Department held its annual Old Timers Banquet. This yeartwo members were honored fortheir50 years of service to the community and department. Ronald Wilkinson has served for54 years and Mark Belokopitsky has served for50 years. They each received certificates of honor from FASNY, the Town of Colonie, Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Firemans Association, Hudson Valley VolunteerFiremans Association and Albany County VolunteerFiremans Association. Thank you, gentlemen, foryourservice to yourdepartment and community. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

FAMAand FEMSAAre Deeply Saddened to Report the Passing of William (Bill) Foster

Bill Foster (previously of Spartan Emergency Response) passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 83, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Known and loved by many, Bill was considered a mainstay in the fire industry. His passion for firetrucks and commitment to training firefighters and mechanics remains evident today.

In roughly 1976, Bill and three others started Spartan Motors in Charlotte, MI. For more than 30 years, Bill worked to build Spartan to the successful business it is today. Bill served as VPand on the Board of Directors.

After 27 years, Bill retired from active service on the Delta Township Fire Department holding many ranks including Assistant Chief. Bill was also dedicated to his family. He and his wife of 57 years, Joan, had two sons, James and Philip. Over the years, Bill and Joan’s family has grown to include seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church Restoration Fund. 917 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Rego Park Structure Fire

FDNYcompanies battled a two-alarm blaze in a row of taxpayers on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park on November30, 2024. Heavy fire was visible in the rearof the buildings in what appeared to be some type of outdoorstructure. Engine companies made their way to the rearto extinguish the fire while truck members worked on the roof and exposures. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

SuperVac Founder Erv WeinmeisterPasses

Super Vacuum Manufacturing Founder Erv Weinmeister passed away in the early morning hours on December 27, 2024, at UC Health Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado.

Erv Weinmeister was an inventor and wellloved entrepreneur, who devoted 24 years as a firefighter and seven decades to fire equipment manufacturing. Many in the industry called him “a visionary who pushed the fire industry forward.”

Weinmeister dedicated 24 years to the Loveland Volunteer Fire Department. He served as Chief od the Loveland VFC during the Big Thompson Flood of 1976, leading the recovery effort. In 1971, the company built its firstever fire truck. Today, Super Vac’s fire truck division is now known as SVI Trucks.

In the end, Weinmeister never stopped working. He drove to work, walked the floors, put in his office time, then made the lunch hour bell before leaving for the day to start it all over again - up until the very end. “That’s what he instilled in all of us,” his family said. “To work hard for something good. That’s the legacy Erv left us.” The Weinmeister family asks that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at rmhc.org/donate at rmhc.org/donate.

Queens 2-Alarmer

Engine Company 275 and LadderCompany 133 transmitted a 1075 forheavy fire on the second floorof a vacant private dwelling on 166th Street in Queens. Members also had fire on the first floor. On arrival, the Battalion 54 transmitted a second alarm. Units used fourhoselines to knock down the main body of fire.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Brooklyn

2-Alarmer

Brooklyn firefighters responded to Remsen Street in Brooklyn for multiple manholes burning, which extended to a carand the fourth floorof a multiple dwelling. Units used five hoselines to knock down the main body of fire, which went to a second alarm and took fourhours to bring undercontrol.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell