Fire news new york state 4 16

VOLUME 9, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State APRIL 2016

See page 7 for full story.

- Fire News photo by Carol Greene

Work Safely and Set the Example!

– New York State Edition –

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 3

In this issue... .

Monster Blaze at Oswego Farm

The Oswego Town Fire Department along with some 20 other area departments respond to an explosion.

A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713

See story on page 5

Major Damage in East Fishkill

Firefighters had heavy fire throughout upon arrival, and the structure sustained major damage.

See story on page 10

Total Loss in Latham

Crews from the Schuyler Heights Fire Department responded to a report of an orange glow coming from the rear of a multi-level residence.

See story on page 10

Smoke Alarms Save 6

Six occupants of a trailer that caught fire escaped uninjured due to functioning smoke detectors.

See story on page 21

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, EVELYN ALOISIO 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, 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 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Squatters Cause Fire The City of Newburgh Fire Department responded to a structure fire in an abandoned house.

See story on page 25

2016 FASNY Firefighter Games

The 2016 Firefighter Games were held at Greek Peak Resort in Cortland County.

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com Email:nys@firenews.com

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

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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Recruit, Train, Retain “When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished.

What he does after that is all in the line of work.” - Edward F. Croker, ex-Chief, FDNY I just read a great article on the FASNY website. I am sure all states are experiencing the same problem of recruiting and training new members, and then retaining active ones.

When I signed up to serve as a firefighter, I was almost 40 years old. My wife was not happy with my decision and asked, “Why are you going to risk your life and not get paid for it?” Since we were both ‘city folk’ and used to the incredible job that the FDNY did in our neighborhoods of Bushwick and Ridgewood, my wife just assumed the fire department in our Long Island community was paid. When I told her that if our daughter fell off her bicycle and was hurt, it would be neighbors who would stop what they were doing to come to help. She responded with; “Oh, I didn’t know that. You can join.”

What my wife also didn’t know was that I would be out of the house training, going to meetings, helping on committees and hanging out at the firehouse to make sure I knew

where everything was on the truck, learning how to pump it and keep it ready. Guess what? I still maintain a decent percentage of my calls, take classes and remain active after 24 years of service. So, why am I telling you this? I am no different than many of the dedicated members of my department.

When I read FASNY’s article I stopped and thought about the changes that have affected the current fire-rescue and emergency services. I’ll be kind, but I am annoyed at what I see developing in many departments.

Individuals start out with the right intentions.

The individual soon finds out that joining any organization that performs such a vital service such becomes a lifestyle. You cannot sign up to be a firefighter or EMT and expect to show up when you feel like it. Are you one of those members who consistently shows up when the trucks are returning to quarters? I’ll bet many of you would come up with the same names of who I call slackers. If you are home or near

home, you must stop what you are doing and respond to the call. This is what makes the volunteer system work 24/7.

Retaining active members can be difficult.

Active members are a result of good leadership. A good leader takes everyone’s individual skill level, personality and assets and comes up with a plan to make the member want to be at the firehouse and respond to calls all of the time.

Take the time to visit your state association’s website and read the articles posted there. I’ll bet you’ll find similar articles as I have found on my state’s website. When you are on the website, ask yourself who are the members that make up these organizations.

Guess what? They are the members of departments like your own, who live the lifestyle of true heroes and want to make sure the volunteer fire service continues to serve your community. ... Dennis

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 5

Monster Blaze at Oswego Farm

On January 2, 2016, the Oswego Town Fire Department along with some 20 other area departments responded to a report of an explosion and fire at the Dunsmoor Farms on State Route 104 in a tractor trailer at the loading dock. The fire quickly spread throughout the 46,000-square-foot facility. Operation were under the command of Chief of Department Greg Herrmann, assisted by Assistant Chiefs Mark Kapuscinski and Phil Batchelor. The following departments responded from three counties: Minetto, Granby Center,

Scriba, Oswego City, Hannibal, Pulaski, Cody, Volney, Phoenix, Caughdenoy, New Haven, Palermo, Hastings, Mexico, Fair Haven, Ira, Cato, Victory and Red Creek. Also the Oswego Co. Fire Coordinator’s Office, Oswego Co. Cause and Origin Team, Oswego Co. Sheriff’s, NYS Police, Menter Ambulance, Oswego FD Coffee Squad, National Grid, OCWA, Oswego Co. HD, Shawn Cathcart, Rick Grosvent, Anthony Masters and Cam’s NY Pizzeria and more.

- Fire News photos by Greg Herman

Page 6, Fire News, April 2016

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Nice Save, Nice Stop in Albany

On February 28, 2016, Albany firefighters rescued a 69-year old Chief Joe Gregory praised his men for a text book operation; only woman from a sixth floor apartment fire. Ladder 2 out of Arbor Hill the fire apartment sustained danage with some wet floors in the Station made it to the apartment, broke through the door and found hallway from sprinklers.

- Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan and Martin E. Miller the woman unconscious. She was removed to the lobby and was conscious when transported to Albany Medical Center. Deputy Fire

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 7

Cover Story

Henrietta Home Destroyed by Gas Explosion

On February 2, 2016, Henrietta units were alerted for a car, which had accidentally hit the gas meter in the driver’s garage on Buckley Place, severing the gas line. The driver entered the house and evacuated with his wife. Henrietta Pumper 646 and Monroe County Sheriffs were first on scene. Shortly after that there was an explosion that a person described as, “The roof went up and it came down and the walls fell in with a boom.” Lt. Tom Hayes called for

additional crews from Henrietta Fire District Stations 1, 2, 4 and 5, Monroe County Fire Bureau investigators, Henrietta Ambulance and Rochester Gas and Electric to shut off the utilities. The home was totally destroyed. Henrietta Chief, James Comstock was Incident Commander, Henrietta Assistant Deputy Chief Mark Strzyzynski was Operations Section Chief, and Battalion Chief Tim Ochs was Safety Officer.

- Fire News photos by Carol Greene

Page 8, Fire News, April 2016

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NYC 4-Alarmer

2-Alarm in Queens

Firefighters of the FDNY battled a stubborn basement fire in a restaurant on 9th Avenue near 51st Street in Manhattan. A powerful snowstorm the night before made fire operations especially difficult. Companies had problems with vehicles blocking the roadways and hazardous ice conditions throughout the area. The fire spread vertically up the walls, eventually reaching the upper floors.

The fire required four alarms before it could be placed under control.

-Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FDNY units in Queens were on the scene of a two-alarm fire in a private dwelling in Jackson Heights on January 25, 2016. The blaze, on 93rd Street, appeared to have started in the attic and then spread throughout the home. Remnants of a snowstorm made apparatus and hose stream positioning extremely difficult.

-Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Smoke, No Fire

On February 29, 2016, Mahopac Fire was dispatched for a possible structure fire on Lillian Road on the north end of Lake Mahopac.

Within minutes, two tanker/pumpers and a ladder truck responded. PCSO Unit #230 and Assistant Chief Bill Nikisher were first on the scen,e finding a hazy condition but no fire. Interior crews cleared the premises with thermal imaging cameras and set up fans to clear the smoke.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

Fire News, April 2016, Page 9

Second Alarm on Arrival

On February 29, 2016, Vails Gate was called out to Riley Road for flames coming out of a second floor window. When Car 1 arrived, a second alarm was immediately transmitted. Mutual aid came from Washingtonville and Salisbury.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Page 10, Fire News, April 2016

Major Damage in E. Fishkill

East Fishkill, assisted by Village of Fishkill and Lake Carmel, responded to a structure fire on Lee Town Road. The house was unoccupied and had been undergoing renovations. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire throughout. The structure sustained major damage before the fire was brought under control.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 11

Castleton on Hudson Arson

On February 18, 2016, the Castleton Fire Department arrived at a fully involved house fire only a couple hundred feet from their station. Eight departments from Schodack and East Greenbush helped with the knockdown, as the fire spread to a nearby house, melting the siding, and another across the street where hot windows shat-

tered when water was put on them to cool the building. A woman who lived in the fire house was arrested, and charged with third degree arson and aggravated cruelty to animals; her cats and dog died in the fire. The fire, which could be seen in Albany, took about three hours to extinguish.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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Multiple Car Fires in Beekman

During the early morning of February 14, 2016, with temperatures well-below zero, Beekman firefighters, assisted by Union Vale, operated at a multi-vehicle fire at the Lake Service Center on Beekman Road. Firefighters arrived to find three wreckers fully involved in fire in close proximity to a building, with radiant heat impinging on

the structure. The three wreckers were a total loss, but firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to the structure. The fire was under insvestigation by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Cause and Origin Team.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Manhattan Mixed-Use Fire

FDNY companies in Manhattan battled a three-alarm blaze in a three-story mixed occupancy building on Broadway near 100th Street on February 2, 2016. The fire may have started in the duct work of a ground floor restaurant and quickly extended to other portions of the building. A heavy smoke condition hampered operations, but the blaze was brought under control without serious injury.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

2 Kids, 3 FFs, More Injured in Bronx Fire

At least 14 people, including two children and three firefighters, were injured in an apartment fire on Prospect Avenue in the Woodstock section of the Bronx on February 7, 2016. FDNY officials reported that the blaze gutted a second floor apartment and caused the evacuation of many of the residents due to a heavy smoke condition throughout the building. EMS personnel transported the injured to Lincoln Hospital.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

2-Year Old Home Alone Dies in Brooklyn Blaze

A two-year-old girl died after an apartment fire broke out on Monroe Street in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. The girl’s mother had left the child at home alone, while she worked the evening as a stripper at a gentleman’s club. The mother was charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office was investigating the case.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Total Loss in Latham

On February 14, 2016, crews from the Schuyler Heights Fire Department responded to a report of an orange glow coming from the rear of a multi-level residence on Watervliet Shaker Road in Latham. Upon arrival, Chief Dudley called for additional equipment for flames showing. Latham, Menands, Colonie, Maplewood, Verdoy and Boght responded. Crews were immediately removed as

the first floor of the unoccupied house began to collapse. As crews fought the fire from the front, flames shot through the roof in the rear of the building and additional crews attacked that portion.

Firefighting was hampered by power lines that precluded an attack from above, as well as sub-zero temperatures. The residence was a total loss.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 15

Firehouse Kitchen

By Ray Cooney

While planning the fourth season of Firehouse Kitchen, I wanted to do something “cool” for the opening show. I remembered an e-mail I received from the Connecticut State Fire Academy (CSFA) in which they asked if we would like to come and film a show with their probationary firefighters. Apparently, Firefighter Ray and Firehouse Kitchen are a big hit amongst this group of soon-to-be firefighters. They had found the show on foodytv.com and become avid viewers. Not wanting to let anyone down, of course, Firefighter Ray obliged.

We arrived at the CFSA and I was looking for Captain Bill DeFord, one of the head training officers. I found him at the training grounds where probies were rapelling down the sides of buildings, battling simulated fires and action, action, action!

DeFord was conducting a mask confidence drill. Bill was amazing with the knowledge he was supplying these up-and-coming firefighters. This course was one of the hardest I have witnessed and coming from a retired New York City fireman, that is saying a lot.

Back to the main reason why we are at CFSA, cooking! After the firefighters worked rigorously on their drills, they would all be looking for food ... and soon! Captain Bill yelled, “Recruits, time for the meal!” Within 10 minutes, there were eight recruits in the kitchen prepping, cleaning, sautéing and cooking. On the menu for lunch was homemade minestrone soup, grilled chicken sandwich, an earthy, crunchy salad and a yogurt parfait.

After some bantering and yelling in the kitchen, Captain Bill instructed the recruits to go into the mess hall. I said, “This isn’t lunch (referring to the food we just prepared),” and was told no, it was the prep for dinner. Three more hours of training was ahead, and back to the training field we headed. Before I knew it, Captain Bill came to me and told me they were almost done cooking! “Bill, this is a cooking show! I need to film them cooking!” I got so caught up with training that I lost track of time.

Luckily for me, I had a cameraman who caught the cooking action. The meal was wonderful.

Lots of laughs were shared by all in attendance.

It is important, to Captain Bill, that the meal be healthy. His motto — if one is filled with good fuel, one will fight hard in a fire.

What is cool about the CSFA is that it is a sleep-away program from Monday through Thursday night. The camaraderie I witnessed amongst these young firefighters reminded me a lot of how I felt about my experiences in the FDNY. After witnessing the training these recruits are put through, I would feel confident fighting a fire with them and knowing they had my back. Hats off to the “Frozen 46.” That’s what they nicknamed themselves due to the frigid winter they had this year.

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com. Also, attention firefighters, I am looking for new fire cooks for the next season of Firehouse Kitchen. E-mail me at ray@firehousekitchenshow.com or call 631514-5859.

Fresh Veggie Minestrone Soup 1 - 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes 4 cans of legumes (black beans, kidney bean, pinto bean, etc.)

1 bunch celery hearts, chopped 1 bag of baby carrots, chopped 5 cloves of garlic, crushed or minced 3 cups of chopped vegetables of choice 4 tsp. of olive oil 6 cups of water 4-6 cups of homemade chicken or vegetable stock 1-2 cups of small variety pasta Pepper, oregano, basil and parsley to taste Parmesan cheese for garnishing finished soup Saute carrots, onions, celery, garlic and chopped vegetables in olive oil to soften. Add sautéed vegetables and legumes to stock, water and crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle herbs and spices in.

Simmer for three hours. Bring to a boil 1/2 hour before serving and add pasta to soften. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan sprinkled on top.

Page 16, Fire News, April 2016

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Schenectady 2-Alarmer

On January 29, 2016, Schenectady firefighters were called to a two-alarm fire on Union Street after flames were discovered in a second-floor bedroom. The origin of the fire was hard to locate as smoke billowed from the eves and cockloft . The fire was stopped from spreading and brought under control in less than an hour. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Page 18, Fire News, April 2016

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Electrical Fire in E. Fishkill

East Fishkill assisted by Village of Fishkill and Rombout operated at a structure fire on Shenandoah Road on February 6, 2016. Firefighters were dispatched for a fire in an electrical panel and arrived to find that the fire had extended from the electrical panel, located in the basement, to the structure. With the active electrical panel, firefighters had to work around it as they waited for Central Hudson to arrive to kill power to the structure. Once the power was cut, they were able to completely extinguish the fire.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 19

Getting the Job Done

City of Newburgh, assisted by City of Beacon, operated at a structure fire on N. Miller Street on February, 9, 2016. Upon arrival they had fire venting from the rear with heavy smoke throughout. They made quick work of the fire and quickly extinguished the flames.

-Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Page 20, Fire News, April 2016

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6 Displaced in Schenectady

North Greenbush Chimney Fire

On January 30, 2016, Schenectady firefighters made quick work of a two-alarm fire on Barrett Street after flames were discovered along the roofline of the structure. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour, displacing six occupants.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

On February 10, 2016, firefighters responded to Overlook Avenue near Snyder’s Lake for a chimney fire. Wynantskill and Defreestville firefighters arrived to find a home in flames with cooking-off ammunition and an explosion, which may have been an oxygen bottle. Flames brought down the exterior walls, even spreading to a truck parked in the road. A Deputy Fire Coordinator passed out at the scene and was taken to the hospital.

One of the residents was also transported.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

FIREMATIC OPENS ALTAMONT FACILITY EXPANDS SERVICE FOR PIERCE APPARATUS Firematic Supply Co. Inc., is proud to announce the opening of their new facility in Altamont, New York, to serve their expanded sales and service territory for Pierce fire apparatus. This adds the counties of Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, Washington, Fulton, Saratoga, Montgomery, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Otsego, Schoharie, Albany, Delaware, Greene, Columbia, Ulster, and Sullivan in New York State.

Firematic Supply Co., 374 Western Turnpike, Altamont, NY 12009; Tel: 518-730-0401 (main office), 518-730-0410 (Altamont); Fax: 518-730-0402; www.firematic.com.

The Facility Manager is Frank Ovitt, and he can be reached at: 518-414-4430.

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Smoke Alarms Save 6 New Hamburg assisted by Arlington, Village of Fishkill, Hughsonville, and Wappingers recently operated at a trailer fire at Camelot Village on Sheafe Road. Functioning smoke detectors alerted the six occupants who were fortunately able to escape uninjured. The fire spread quickly and completely destroyed their residence. New Hackensack and Arlington provided stand-by.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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7 Displaced in Schenectady

Schenectady firefighters were called to a two-alarm fire on Broadway after flames were discovered in a second-floor bedroom.

The early morning fire displaced five adults and two children. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 23

Garage Fire in Blooming Grove

Early on February 13, 2016, the South Blooming Grove Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire at Round Hill Road. A chief officer from the Salisbury Mills FD (on automatic response with SBGFD) arrived first and reported a heavily involved garage attached to a large private dwelling. Engine 587 arrived and went to work with a handline on the garage and protection of the attached home. A second line was quickly stretched into the interior entrance to the garage to keep the fire from entering the house. South Blooming Grove Chief Ken Schwartz notified the dispatcher that the fire was actually in the Washingtonville Fire District and they were dispatched to the scene with Engine 584 and Truck 579. Units were able to prevent the fire from entering the attached house, but several vehicles were destroyed, including two classic cars.

- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn and John Salka

Page 24, Fire News, April 2016

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Vacant Building Blaze in Yonkers

On the afternoon of February 12, 2016, Yonkers Fire Control received calls for smoke coming from a vacant building on the city’s west side. Companies arrived to find fire on the first floor behind several roll down gates. Units quickly forced entry and the fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. The building owner had a welder seal gaps in the security gates earlier in the day due to several previous break-ins. The welder’s torch is suspected to have started the fire. A second structure fire occurred in the city minutes later.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Mike Messar

Car Burns on Union Avenue

Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a car fire on Union Avenue.

When Car 1 arrived, he notified Cronomer Valley Car 1, that Winona Lake was operating in their district.

The vehicle was fully involved on arrival and it took almost 500 gallons of water to knock down.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 25

Squatters Cause Fire

Vails Gate Structure Fire

Recently, the City of Newburgh Fire Department responded to North Miller Street and Gidney Avenue for a structure fire in an abandoned house. Vails Gate responded as the FAST unit. The fire was believed caused by squatters in the structure.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

On February 10, 2016, a fire broke out in a vacant structure in Vails Gate in the Town of Windsor. Washingtonville’s Rescue 581 responded to the call as the FAST unit and stood by at the scene.

- Fire News photos by Gary Hearn

Page 26, Fire News, April 2016

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New Apparatus in Schenectady Engine 1 and Truck 1 respond from Station 1 on Veeder Avenue in their new 2015 Sutphen apparatus. The City of Schenectady Fire Department took delivery of two new engines in November and a 100-foot mid-mount aerial platform in early January.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Southside Scramble Fundraiser The Fuller Road Fire Department and Colonie Fire Company held their second annual Southside Scramble to benefit Toys for Tots. The annual flag football game was held in West Albany’s Pocket Park with spectators asked to bring a new unwrapped toy, which was donated to Toys for Tots. The friendly rivalry made for an exciting game, with Colonie once again bringing home the trophy.

- Fire News photo

by Lori Washburn

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 27

I Told You it Was Too Low

Brighton Car-Truck MVA

Schenectady firefighters used hydraulic tools to cut the box of a delivery truck away from a utility pole after the operator of a truck failed to notice the maximum height notice for the Weaver Street Bridge and ripped the roof off the truck. The incident caused minimal damage to the bridge.

- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber

On February 19, 2016, a car swerved in front of a tractor-trailer causing an accident and long traffic delay on SR 590 south. The operator of the car suffered a fractured pelvis, and the tractortrailer driver was transported with chest pains. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit was on scene.

- Fire News photo by John Spaulding

Page 28, Fire News, April 2016

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Recruiting, Retaining and Training Thru Competition In 2016, every volunteer fire department in New York State will be faced with the same issues: recruitment, retention and training.

Recruitment Our next generation of volunteer firefighters will be a unique group of individuals. This generation was brought up with the mindset that they can do anything anywhere in the world; and it may only be a click away. More and more options of things that they can do with their lives are presented to our youth. Is being a volunteer firefighter one of them?

Retention Once we have our next generation of firefighters, how are we going to retain them? What can we do to keep them involved in our organizations? The next generation of firefighters will be loyal, but will definitely require special attention.

Training What can we do to make sure our firefighters are proficient and physically fit to do their job? Drill teams are a vital component of the departments they serve with the specific purpose of providing the opportunity to hone basic firefighting proficiencies; develop and foster teamwork; build character; teach commitment and discipline; promote physical fitness and conditioning; and attract and retain individuals in the volunteer fire service.

These goals are achieved through firematic competitions, which complement the fire department's primary functions. Drill teams, consequently, instill their members with a lifelong commitment to serving their community as highly skilled volunteer firefighters. We are not only seeking full teams, but also individuals that would like to get involved in our organization. If you're interested in learning more and seeing how you individually can get involved, contact us at www.nysdrillteams.com. We are committed to growing the fire service and providing a necessary support tool to your fire department.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Mike Heller; story by Richard Chudy

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Fire News, April 2016, Page 29

NYS Volunteer Firefighters Sound The Alarm For New Recruits Public invited to FASNY’s 6th Annual “RecruitNY” Open House Weekend April 23 - 24 All across New York State, volunteer fire departments will open their firehouse doors to the public on the weekend of April 23-24, 2016, as part of the sixth annual RecruitNY statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment campaign. RecruitNY is a major initiative designed to increase membership in volunteer fire departments across the state.

Throughout the weekend, fire department volunteers will conduct tours of their facilities, demonstrate firefighting techniques, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide other exciting activities to give visitors a taste of the fire service. Families and children are welcome. Members will discuss the requirements and rewards of being a volunteer firefighter, and speak with interested visitors about the process of joining their local department. As of March 1, 320 departments from 58 counties across the state have already committed to participate in RecruitNY Weekend.

“The RecruitNY campaign continues to inspire residents across New York to consider volunteering with their local fire companies. In recent years, hundreds of fire departments have participated in RecruitNY and we’re confident that even more will take part this year,” said Robert McConville, president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York

(FASNY). “We invite all New Yorkers to visit their local firehouses on April 23 or 24, even if it’s just to say ‘hello’ to those neighbors who are currently protecting your community. You might just decide to join them, and become a part of a new and very special family: your local volunteer firefighters.”

Volunteer firefighters are not only neighbors coming to the aid of their community during emergencies, but they are also saving residents over $3 billion each year. FASNY recently released its first comprehensive volunteer firefighters economic impact report in more than a decade. The study, which quantifies the value of volunteer firefighters and tax savings throughout the state, concluded that the annual cost of a replacement by all-career services would be $3.87 billion. This deficit would raise property taxes across New York State an estimated average of 26 percent. Through the efforts of RecruitNY, our volunteer firefighters make the state not only safer, but more affordable for millions of New Yorkers.

Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), Association of Fire Districts of New York State, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the

State of New York, and the County Fire Coordinators Association of the New York State.

For area residents looking to find if your fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org/participation-area/ or for more information, contact your local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website, or visit www.recruitny.org.

For departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, simply log on to www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participation form. The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, etc., via recruitny.org/resources.php to help a firehouse hold a recruitment open house.

Page 30, Fire News, April 2016

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2016 FASNY Firefighter Games

On February 6 and 7, 2016, the 2016 Firefighter Games were held at Greek Peak Resort in Cortland County. (Above): Oriskany Fire Department Captain Larry Rieben joins forces with members of the Walton Fire Department of Delaware County to form the team entry for the Central New York Firemen’s Association in the Sled Pull. (Above, left): Tully Firefighter Katie Memory (18) stands up on her ATV during the Sled Pull races looking back at her team who is strapping down a patient on the gurney. (Left): Over a dozen firefighters from the Branchport Keuka Park Volunteer Fire Department anxiously await the arrival of some much needed snow at the start of the Hose Relay and Tractor Pull races.

- Fire News photos by Gordy Kotars

Getting Creative

On February 16, 2016, the Winona Lake Ladies Auxiliary held a Sip-and-Paint event, in which you bring your own wine, have fun and learn some painting technique. Led by an artist from Vine Van Gogh of Newburgh, some of the Winona Lake firemen cooked and served food to the over 60 people who attended.

The event was led by the auxiliary's Tammy Nosek.

- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick