Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor WinterBlues are Almost Gone!

I really think we have had worse winters so far. Yes, it’s been cold, however, on Long Island we survived an 18-inch snowstorm. In my early years as a firefighter, I looked forward to standing by at my firehouse for snowstorms. As I have aged, I find the warmth of my home a better place for me to ride out the storm!

Before I continue with my editorial, I would like to thank my company for riding past my home after a recent storm and taking the time to dig me out. Digging out the senior members of the Terryville Fire Department has been a tradition that is still carried out today. I know first-hand that snow standbys do not end immediately after the snow stops falling. The members traditionally ride past members in need to make sure their homes are cleared so that they can safely respond to calls. From a personal viewpoint, it hurt to stand on my driveway and watch my family of firefighters clear a path so I can continue to respond to calls. Thank you, Terryville Fire Department Company 2, for your help! I will have the coffee ready for you when you return after calls.

I would like to reflect on the recent rash of Line of Duty Deaths in our nations police departments. As I watched the live coverage at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC of Detective Wilbert Mora’s and Detective Jason Rivera’s funerals, I am not ashamed to say that there were times during the funeral service that I was teary eyed. I could feel the passion of His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan as he comforted the families of our fallen police officers. I was genuinely moved by the outpouring of love from the thousands of police officers and other responders, who stood in the cold and snowy weather to show strength and offer comfort to the families of New York City’s fallen police officers. As I heard the voice of Detective Jason Rivera’s wife eulogize her husband, I became teary eyed. She brought back the importance of always hugging your family when you go to work as a first responder. You never know if you will return to hug them again. Like all responders, worldwide, we are present to help the members of our communities. I just wish that communities would realize this and encourage change to respect those individuals that are trying to make a difference.

According to the ODMP—Officers Down Memorial Page —nationally, there have been 35 LODDs in 2022.Thirty-one of those deaths happened in January! The causes of police officer deaths are varied. Visit www.odmp.org to learn more about police Line of Duty Deaths.

Spring is not far away. It is a time we see our lawns return to their lush green color and we see our flowers start to emerge from the cold winter that is leaving us. In the fire service, it is a time of the year that we get out and resume our hands-on training at our fire academies and department training facilities. I am looking forward to spring 2022. Take the time to renew your commitment to training so that you are the best that you can be when you go into battle. I leave you with a quote I once heard: “Think positively and positive things will happen.”

See you at the Fire Academy! - Dennis

Cover Story

Lake Mohegan House Fire

In the early morning hours of January 26, 2022, the Lake Mohegan Fire Department was alerted fora house fire on Sherman Court. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire showing from a two-story private dwelling. Crews were able to enterthe structure briefly and make a quick search before fire conditions forced them to move to an exteriorattack. Multiple handlines and one ladderpipe were put into operation. The fire was brought undercontrol about an hourafter the initial call. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Kempter’s Fire Wire

Fire Claims Toddlers Life

On January 15, 2022, Schenectady firefighters were called out to a house fire with people trapped on 6th Avenue at 0330. Firefighters from Engine 3 were first on scene and knocked down the fire in two rooms on the second floor. Captain Stan Wilgocki of Truck 1 found a lifeless four-year-old girl and brought herto the front doorof the house where she was quickly taken to Ellis Hospital. Sadly, the child was pronounced deceased on arrival. Several pets were rescued safely from the fire. The fire left eight occupants homeless. No cause has yet been determined.

- Fire News photos by Peter R Barber

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2022, Page 9 Heavy Fire in Mount Vernon

On January 7, 2022, Mount Vernon dispatched companies to South 1st Avenue fora reported fire in a dwelling. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire coming from the top floor. The fire burned so intensely that members were removed from the building afterthe third floorcollapsed into the second. One towerladderwas set up to combat the fire, as well as an additional handline. - Fire News photos by Chris Clarke