Fire News New York State April 2019 edition

VOLUME 12, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State APRIL 2019

Story on page 6 - Fire News photos

by Bill Johnson

NYSAFC Annual Keynote Speaker Announced See Page 19.

– New York State Edition –

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Fire News, April 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

Blauvelt House Fire Snuffed

The Blauvelt Fire Department responded to a house fire where crews were met with flames already breaking through the roof.

See story on page 5

Quick Response Saves Catering Hall

A dual dispatch brought the Mahopac and Mahopac Falls Fire Departments to Villa Barone on Route 6 in Mahopac.

See story on page 7

Town of Glen Handles House Fire

The Town of Glen Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire discovering heavy smoke from the second floor.

See story on page 8

Good Rescue at Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer

Mount Vernon firefighters responded to a house fire with a person possibly trapped.

See story on page 13

1 Rescued at College Point 3-Alarmer

During freezing temperatures Queens firefighters battled a three-alarm fire on 14th Avenue in the College Point section.

See story on page 16

Schenectady 2-Alarmer Leaves 5 Homeless

Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a two-alarm house fire that sent five occupants out into the cold.

See story on page 21

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21

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

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.

Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2019, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, April 2019

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

When Does Training End? I recently overheard a conversation between two firefighters who were talking about all of the experience they had in their department. I looked up and asked, "how many years have you been in the department?" I actually chuckled when I was told by one of the members that he had six years of experience in the fire service. I am willing to bet that as you read my last sentence, you too have a smile on your face. Truthfully, being a first responder is a job that requires constant training and practice from your first day on the job until your last.

Years of service does not necessarily qualify you to say that you are an experienced responder. This time of the year, I get nervous because we are entering brush fire season. Let's face it, many firefighters have very little experience fighting brush fires. I am sure if you have been in the fire service for a few years, you have encountered a brush fire that might appear large to you upon arrival, but in reality it was a small fire that was quickly knocked down by two or three members who were lucky enough to be part of the crew on the brush truck. The fire that I worry about is the wind-driven brush fire that manages to take advantage of the strong winds of

spring and runs through an area like a freight train. The next time you sit in your ready room, share stories of brush fires of the past that have challenged your department.

Training never ends. All responders need to know every aspect of their job. Are you able to perform your job when the conditions get rough? Ask yourself if you are truly physically fit to perform under challenging conditions. Kudos to those members that go to the gym regularly to maintain their fitness and cardio performance.

Are you a student of your craft? Do you read articles that talk about recent fires or new products? When was the last time you came down to the firehouse and took a short rope and performed some of the basic knots with which you're supposed to be proficient?

Do you know how to use that knot to quickly hoist a line or a tool to a roof? If you think you can, challenge yourself and do it!

Talking about forcing a door is not the same as doing it. Don't wait for the yearly drill on a specific tool. You must remain proficient in the techniques and operations that you use every day.

Regardless of your years of experience, your current rank or your rank from the past,

lead by example. Remain dedicated to your job. Study, practice, try new things, and ask questions! A story of the past that is shared with one another means nothing if it does not end with a lesson being shared and learned by others.

When the alarm sounds, respond to the call with enthusiasm. If you miss the truck, stay at the firehouse until the truck returns.

Offer to fill bottles, wash tools, and hear the story about the call.

When does training end? I say never!

-Dennis

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Fire News, April 2019, Page 5

Blauvelt House Fire Snuffed

The Blauvelt Fire Department responded to a house fire on Glynn Oval on February 16, 2019. Crews were met with flames already breaking through the roof on the two-story home. Along with mutual aid from several area departments, firefighters stretched several lines to the second floor and began opening up the walls and ceilings and were able to quickly knockdown the bulk of the fire. The fami-

ly living in the home were made aware of the blaze by neighbors and a passerby who noticed the smoke and flames coming from the attic. They all escaped unharmed. The fire was under investigation by the Orangetown Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI Unit.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

Page 6, Fire News, April 2019

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Cover Story

Third Fire in Newburgh Area

City of Newburgh, assisted by Stewart Air National Guard Fire Department, Castle Point, West Point Professional Firefighters and Vails, operated at a three-alarm structure fire at an auto body shop on Broadway. Firefighters were met with heavy fire, which eventu-

ally destroyed the building and its contents. This is the third unrelated major fire in recent weeks that occurred in the vicinity of City of Newburgh Engine 3’s quarters, which has remained closed due to asbestos issues.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Ravena House Fire

On February 16, 2019, Ravena firefighters responded to a house fire across the street from their firehouse. The first arriving chief found heavy fire showing in the center stairway and heavy smoke pouring from all three floors. Mutual aid was called from New Baltimore, Coeymans Hollow and Westerlo.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Fire News, April 2019, Page 7

Quick Response Saves Catering Hall

On February 2, 2019, a dual dispatch brought the Mahopac and Mahopac Falls Fire Departments to Villa Barone on Route 6 in Mahopac. Units arrived to heavy smoke in the structure. Carmel, Croton Falls, Battalions 15 and 18, and the County Fire Investigation Team also responded. Carmel Police Officer Vin Serio filled in Chief Bill Nikisher of what was presenting. A call went out for more exhaust fans after confirming the fire source was the linen dryers located in the rear of the building..

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

Page 8, Fire News, April 2019

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2-Alarm House Fire on Beekman Avenue

Firefighters from Sleepy Hollow were dispatched to Beekman Avenue for a fire in a home. A local EMS crew came upon the fire and reported fire rolling out of the back of the home. Fire units quickly arrived and a second alarm was transmitted. The fire, which was consuming the upper floor or the rear porch, entered

into the attic, as well as the single-story commercial building next door. Firefighters made an aggressive attack and had the fire knocked down within 30 minutes. Daisy, the arson dog, was requested to the scene to help determine the cause.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Town of Glen Handles House Fire

The Town of Glen Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Route 30A and discovered heavy smoke billowing out from the second floor. A man and woman escaped unharmed before first responders arrived, along with two of their seven dogs, Firefighters saved the couple’s dogs remaining inside but were unable to reach a rabbit that perished on the second floor.

- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti

Page 10, Fire News, April 2019

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Firehouse Kitchen

Firehouse Kitchen Goes Live With Ray Cooney, Host of Firehouse Kitchen Oh yes! Oh yes! It's time for Firehouse Kitchen Live!

Beginning April 2019, every Tuesday at 0930, Firehouse Kitchen will air live from the Bayport Fire Department. We will be cooking with firefighters from all over the country.

Every week, two firefighters will demonstrate their amazing cooking skills, while re-telling some heroic tales of firefighter life. Did I mention while they are cooking and talking, we will be streaming LIVE on YouTube and Facebook? Be sure to tune-in!

Preparing to start this adventure required a couple of test shoots. The first one I did involved me cooking alone. I felt like a fish out of water!

If you know anything about my show, then you know the firefighters that are on are the real chefs and I am the comic relief always asking about the recipe and chiming in about firefighter life.

So what recipe did I decide to make? The ultimate Fire House Omelette. I know, so difficult! With the camera rolling and me cooking, it showed that I can’t do two things at one time! I was bumbling words, losing train of thought ... and I burned my eggs! Thank goodness it was only a test! I am definitely more comfortable being the chef’s helper than being the chef. So, I will stick to what works!

So, get ready America.

Tune in Tuesday mornings at 0930 for the greatest Live Firefighter cooking show of all time!

To find out more about firehouse kitchen go to firehousekitchenshow.com. If you would like to be a cook on Firehouse Kitchen or on Firehouse Kitchen Live, shoot me an e-mail at firehousekitchentv@gmail.com.

The Ultimate Firehouse Omelette 3 Eggs 1/4 cup of milk Tomato Onion Green Peppers 3 slices of American cheese 3 slices of boars head ham Salt Pepper Directions: Dice up tomato, onion, and green peppers. Crack the three eggs into a bowl, add milk and vegetables then whip together until mixed. Dice up the ham, brown it on a hot pan, then add the egg mixture. Flip when ready. Then add the cheese, salt and pepper on top. Fold eggs in half and plate.

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Fire News, April 2019, Page 11

Layers Like a Sweet, Vidalia Onion

By Pastor Thomas Flander, Jr., Chaplain New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. I love life. I love to serve the Lord, and through serving Him, I find great pleasure in serving my community. I have served the EMS and fire service since the 1990s. With everything that I personally do, I try to put in 100-percent effort. That is the Type A personality in me.

I had been serving as a pastor in my community, and I was also serving as a volunteer in our village’s fire department. When the Fonda village board dissolved the 139-year-old fire department to have the Town of Mohawk take over, I realized this was not the time to walk away. Instead, I saw this as an opportunity — an opportunity to apply God’s word in a larger setting, with out of the box thinking.

The Mohawk Fire Department (MFD) is nestled in a somewhat quiet community — quiet, but busy — in a beautiful area of central New York that encompasses the Mohawk River, Erie Canal, farming communities, a variety of mills, the Adirondack Mountains, and Fulton-Montgomery Community College. The MFD, with approximately 40 members, never had a chaplain. I relied on God’s word, especially the Gospel of John, Chapter 15 Verse 13, KJV (King James Version) “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” And with that in mind (literally, for I have that scripture tacked to the inside of my helmet), I have set out to fulfill this. I view a chaplain as being more than one dimensional, more than saying the prayer over the company dinners.

I view a chaplain as an onion (a sweet, Vidalia onion), with many layers that will be shown as the season wills.

As a chaplain in my fire district, I have set goals for myself. 1) To have the chiefs respect and value the chaplain’s role. 2) For chaplains to not be judgmental. 3) To be a very efficient role model for the department. 4) To be someone who is easily approachable and enjoyable to be around — a trusted friend and confidant.

It starts with how to relate to the members of your department to build a trust. For me, one way of doing this was to take the same course work that they were taking, or had taken. This allows me to relate to them on a critical, stressful scene. Second, allow the members to be who they are. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1, KJV).

Judging is not in my job description. But being a voice of reason, or lending a compassionate ear, is. Third, let members see the real you, mistakes and all. Laugh when it's time to laugh, cry when it's time to cry, and work when it's time to work. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Be there with them. Fourth, be their spiritual advisor in their time of need, whether they believe in God or not. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

(James 1:19, KJV). Fifth, take care of yourself. Every time we gather and every scene that we as a fire service are on brings something unexpected to the table.

Approximately a year ago, I joined the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team of Montgomery County and what a difference it has made for me. It has been beneficial to obtain the tools needed to cope with the things that we see in the fire service, and it has been rewarding to be able to help other first responders deal with crises in their lives. Recently, our department was hit with a crisis no one could foresee. Within a few months of each other, two of our longstanding, active firefighters were diagnosed with cancer, and both quickly succumbed to the disease. These men were older, wiser sages and mentors to everyone, including me. But more than that, they were father figures.

They knew how to lighten up a room when the mood was too serious. They were the ones who would get things done. This is still a struggle for me and my family.

To all of you who are struggling in the fire service with critical incident stress management, I want to tell you that drugs and alcohol are not the way to go. Please don’t keep it in. Find someone to talk with, so the healing process can begin.

This piece is an edited version of Thomas Flander’s story which ran in Fire Chiefs Size Up column.

Page 12, Fire News, April 2019

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Spring Valley Commercial Building Fire

On January 17, 2019, firefighters from Spring Valley were dispatched to Lawrence Street for the report of smoke coming from a building. Firefighters were met with heavy smoke and fire showing from the A side of the vacant building. Crews made an initial push but were pushed back by heavy fire conditions and parts of the building becoming unstable. Shortly after, part of the roof in the front section of the building collapsed. Firefighting efforts contin-

ued as fire still burned in the basement and on the first and second floors but crews were severely hampered as work on water mains in the area caused extreme water pressure issues. The cold weather also caused trouble as ice started to quickly form at the scene.

Collapse zones were established as tower ladders knocked down the last bit of fire and the fire was brought under control.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Fire News, April 2019, Page 13

Good Rescue at Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer

On January 21, 2019, Mount Vernon firefighters responded for a house fire in the area of Garden Avenue and East 5th Street with a person possibly trapped. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke.

During their searches, crews found a bedridden female on the first floor. Firefighters rescued the woman and brought her out to EMS waiting on scene. She was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation. Crews pushed on with an interior attack to try to knock down the fire, but wind gusts of 30-to-40 mph fanned the flames and spread them throughout the home. Evacuation tones were sounded and crews went to defensive operation to try and control the fire.

The scene was just as treacherous outside as it was inside. With temperatures in the single digits and windchill below zero, ice became a major issue. Mutual aid came from Eastchester and Pelham. Deputy Chief Lang was the incident commander.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Page 14, Fire News, April 2019

Brooklyn 4-Alarmer

FDNY crews responded to Schenck Avenue in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, on January 21, 2019, for a residential structure fire.

Engine Company 332 and Ladder 175 encountered heavy fire on the first and second floors of wood framed attached private dwellings. Arriving units encountered frozen hydrants on the block on a 12-degree night. Six firefighters and one civilian suffered minor injuries. Units were withdrawn from the building after primary searches were completed. The fire went to four alarms.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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East New York House Gutted

A raging fire gutted a Brooklyn house on February 17, 2019. The call came in for a fire in a two-story home on Essex Street in East New York. FDNY firefighters arrived to find a heavy smoke condition blanketing the neighborhood. Fire operations were hampered by a large amount of clutter throughout the building. The rear of the house eventually collapsed and Department of Building officials were called to the scene to determine the stability of the remaining portion of the house. The blaze was brought under control after nearly two hours.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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NYC 2-Alarmer

On January 11, 2019, firefighters from the borough of Manhattan responded to a second-alarm fire on West 83rd Street.

- Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CT Fire Photographers Association

Fire News, April 2019, Page 15

Gorham Multi-Use Fire

On January 26, 2019, the Gorham Fire Department, with help from Stanley and Hall, responded to Route 245 for a structure fire.

The first units arrived to smoke showing and crews immediately went to work and brought the fire under control. Fortunately all occupants and animals safety escaped the fire from the apartments above, as well as the person working in the diner below. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

Page 16, Fire News, April 2019

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1 Rescued at College Point 3-Alarmer

During freezing temperatures on January 21, 2019, Queens firefighters battled a three-alarm fire on 14th Avenue in the College Point section. The structure housed a wholesale toy and medical supply business. Firefighters rescued one civilian just moments before multiple oxygen tanks exploded. The explosions caused a section of the exterior wall to collapse. No serious injuries were reported to any firefighters.

- Fire News photos by Groganphotos.com

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Fire News, April 2019, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, April 2019

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White Springs Kitchen Fire

Mahopac Falls Handles Smoke-in-Building Call

On March 2, 2019, the White Springs Fire Department was toned out for a kitchen fire. Within minutes Truck 3181, Engine 3112 and Chief 31-0 were en route and arrived to smoke showing. A second alarm was requested, bringing Nestor Hose Engine 1113 from Geneva to the scene. The fire was brought under control quickly, thanks to the action of a Sheriff’s deputy who hit the fire with a extinguisher, and the quick response from the fire departments.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

On January 24, 2019, the Mahopac Falls Fire Department was dispatched to the Mahopac Middle School for a smell of smoke in the building. Chief Brian Sacher was first to arrive and immediately took charge of Operations; Assistant Chief Bob took Incident Command. Going in with the first interior crew, Chief Sacher conducted a search as they made their way to the area in question, taking firefighters to the lower section of the building, where a malfunctioning exterior light was found to be the culprit.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

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Fire News, April 2019, Page 19

Mahopac Ice Rescue Training

On February 16 and 17, 2019, 13 members of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department participated in basic and advanced ice rescue training. The training consisted of both classroom training and practical live ice rescue both day and night. The Ice Rescue

Team trained on Lake Mahopac in the use of an infrared camera to track victims and rescuers at night. Additional captioned photos may be viewed on the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.

- Fire News photos by Tom Beatty

NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER Syracuse University Football Coach Dino Babers will Deliver Keynote Address at Annual Fire Chiefs Conference Hosted by the Salt City

(Albany, N.Y.) - The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased to announce the 113th Annual Conference & FIRE 2019 Expo Keynote Address, “My Story and Philosophy,” as delivered by Syracuse University Football Coach Dino Babers. The program, open to all attendees, will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter - Crouse Hinds Theater, Syracuse, N.Y. The event will be returning to the Salt City for the first time in fourteen years.

Coach Babers led the Orange through a great season, restoring the team’s standing as a forceful NCAA presence, with the team ranking 15th by the end of the season and defeating West Virginia in the Camping World Bowl. The lessons he has learned and his mastery of the football field apply to the challenges and opportunities that await the fire chief.

As NYSAFC adopts Syracuse as the “home” of its Annual Conference and Fire Expo for at least the next three years, the association is excited that an individual whose persona resonates nationally, as well as with the Syracuse community, will help welcome attendees

and relay his own story of the transformation of another Syracuse tradition--SU football.

Coach Babers will be speaking about his background in coaching-where he came from and his inspiration on the field. He’ll also talk about the culture of his program, his coaching “philosophy,” and lessons learned that apply to leaders in all fields, including the fire service.

“We couldn’t be more proud to announce Coach Babers as our keynote speaker,” said Chief Julius J. Leone Jr., President of NYSAFC. “We know how much the Orange means to the community of Syracuse, and we wanted to show our respect to the region for hosting us this year by including someone who makes the city proud.

We can all take in something from his model for success and ability to guide others.”

The annual conference will take place at the Oncenter from June 12 through 15, 2019. Attendee information can be found here. The keynote address is sponsored this year by VFIS.

Page 20, Fire News, April 2019

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East Fishkill Electrical Fire

Schenectady Car Fire

East Fishkill, assisted by Village of Fishkill FAST, New Hackensack, the East Fishkill Police and Mobile Life Paramedics, operated at a structure fire on South Hillside Road. The homeowner awoke to find the electrical service lines burning on the exterior of the residence and the electrical panel burning on the interior.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire upon their arrival.

LaGrange and Rombout provided station coverage.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Schenectady firefighters responded to Parkwood Boulevard for an SUV fully involved. Flames were knocked down in a matter of minutes and damage was confined to the vehicle of origin.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

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Fire News, April 2019, Page 21

Schenectady 2-Alarmer Leaves 5 Homeless

On January 23, 2019, Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a two-alarm house fire that sent five occupants out into the cold as flames swept through the second floor and into the attic.

Firefighters made a quick knockdown in spite of a heavy fire load and modified rooms in the two-family duplex. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Page 22, Fire News, April 2019

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Stanford Hts. FD Nabs People’s Choice Award in Chili Cookoff Congratulations to Stanford Heights Fire Department for their fourth People’s Choice win at the Colonie High’s ICare Chili Cook-off.

Pictured are Chef's David Meservey and Dan Burnetter. Congratulations also go out to the West Albany’s Ladies Auxiliary and Explorers who won the Judges Choice. Each year the ICare group raises money for local charities.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

Florida Barn Fire The Florida Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on McGraw Road in the Town of Florida on January 26, 2019. A barn was heavily damaged, but first crews put a stop to it going any further. There were no animals in the barn. Mutual aid came from Fort Hunter, Tribes Hill, Fultonville, Cranesville, Fort Johnson, Burtonsville, Mariville, Pattersonville, Montgomery County EMO, Montgomery County Fire Coordinators, GAVAC and Town of Florida Highway Department.

-Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Page 24, Fire News, April 2019

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