VOLUME 8, NO. 7
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MAY 2015
See page 6 for full story. - Fire News photos by Brian Grogan
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Fire News, May 2015, Page 3
In this issue... .
Arlington Mixed-Use Blaze
Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of the former Raul Plumbing building. See story on page 8
Arson in Woodhaven
A tenant who was evicted set his apartment on fire on 90th Street in the Woodhaven section of Queens. See story on page 12
2-Alarmer Totals House 3 FFs Hurt
Three Albany firefighters were taken to the hospital for evaluation from fighting a two-alarm house fire on Delaware Avenue.
See story on page 16
When Everything Works Against You
During a house fire in the town of Glenville, operations were hampered by frozen hydrants, debris and several large trees. See story on page 19
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, 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, 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 2015, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
5 Die in Schenectady Blaze
Schenectady fire destroys two five-story apartment buildings, killing five, injuring seven, and displacing 60 residents.
See story on page 26
The Hearing Impaired Firefighter
If you ask any firefighter what is one of the biggest obstacles in the fire service, they will say it is communication. See story on page 30
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com Email:nys@firenews.com
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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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Limit Your Chances of Cancer Firefighters have always been proud of their toasted and dirty helmet. This holds true today, too. Years ago, I remember when my father was promoted to lieutenant in the FDNY and proudly placed his burnt and soot covered helmet shield from Engine 233 in the shadow box of our living room. He was proud of his first shield until mom, who didn't know better, took a steel wool pad and cleaned the shield, restoring it to a pristine condition. Yes, dad was quite mad when he came home from work and the bright numbers on the shield drew his attention. Let me ask our seasoned veteran firefighters - would you be mad if this happened to you? It is no secret that I have cancer. Did it come from my 20-plus years in the fire service? If it did, I would be upset if I could have prevented a disease that has changed my life. Yes, I too was one of those fire-
fighters who took pride in my dirty helmet and turnout coat. If you stay current and read about the causes of cancer, you will find articles that link what we do on a daily basis to various strains of the disease. Recently, there has been concern that our hoods, ear flaps, coat wristlets, and turnout coats could be a link to cancer. Do a search for "firefighters hoods - cancer" you will be shocked on how many articles that come up on the subject. Honeywell First Responder Products have a great article on their website about this. The IAFF has another article written by NIOSH linking cancer to our gear. What should you and your department do? Look to organizations like the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. They have suggestions that might help you prevent the dreaded disease of cancer. The types of cancer we are getting are way too
many to mention in this editorial. The suspected causes of cancer are many and you, the firefighter, are susceptible to them all. This is no joke and it is not a "maybe issue." Cancer is reaching our firefighters through what we do and it can be limited by keeping your PPE clean. As you read through Fire News, pay particular attention to our advertisements. A few of our advertisers are offering programs to help keep your gear in a condition that will protect you during a fire and after the fire. If your department does not have a program in place to keep your gear clean, it is time to put one in place. I am sure many of you are proud of your "salty" gear. It is time to change that attitude to one where you are proud that you survived your career without getting cancer. Dennis
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Chaplain’s Statement on Mourning Band Regs The New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, at its February Board of Directors meeting, has issued a statement to clarify the proper usage of a mourning band for chaplains. The official protocol states, “Out of respect for the role of the Fire/EMS Chaplain, at no time and under no circumstances is the badge of the Fire/EMS Chaplain to be covered.” The Board of Directors was asked for clarification after a number of chaplains and departments were confused over whether a chaplain should wear a mourning band when officiating or attending a service where mourning bands are worn. Chief Chaplain Ken Hessel stated, “The Chaplains badge includes a religious symbol indicating the faith of the chaplain and whether the symbol is the Cross, Star of David, Crescent, or any other identifying symbol it is disrespectful to that faith to cover up the symbol of that faith.” The mission statement of the Chaplains Association is, “to unite all Chaplains of the State of New York in order to promote a deeper and wider knowledge of one another in the true ecumenical and interfaith spirit; and to establish statewide procedures of standardization in serving our fellow firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and God, our supreme Chief.”
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Explosion, Collapse in Lower Manhattan
On the afternoon of March 26, 2015, several phone calls reported an explosion with a partial collapse in the East Village at 2nd Avenue and St. Marks Place. Engine 33 arrived first due and transmitted an urgent message of a major building collapse, and a 10-75 for people injured in the street. Division One established command and called for a third alarm. Twenty people were injured. In the end, the call reached a seven-alarm response. Four buildings were destroyed, two people were killed and at least 25 people were injured. Investigators are looking into a gas leak that fueled the explosion. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell, FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Brian Grogan
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Arlington Mixed-Use Blaze
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Arlington firefighters assisted by the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department operated at a structure fire at the former Raul Plumbing building on Main Street. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of the structure. The second floor of the structure contained apartments and the occupants had self evacuated. Firefighters were able to hold the fire to the rear of the structure and limited the amount of damage to the occupied areas. Pleasant Valley and New Hamburg Fire Departments provided station coverage during the incident. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Poughkeepsie Blaze City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, assisted by Arlington and Fairview, made quick work of this fire in a residence on Parker Avenue in the cities north side. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
Assisted Living Complex Fire A fire in an assisted living facility left 19 special needs adults homeless on March 2, 2015. The twoalarm fire began in the lobby and spread to the second floor. Mount Vernon and Eastchester firefighters brought the fire under control in about an hour. The cause of the fire was reported to be a discarded cigarette. The City of Yonkers Medical Evacuation Transport Unit (METU) responded and assisted EMS with triage and transport of the victims to another facility. - Fire News photo by Mike Messar
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Lumber Yard Blaze in Warwick
On April 2, 2015, the Warwick Fire Department responded to MidState Lumber of New York for an automatic alarm. Arriving units found a working structure fire at the yard. Three buildings on the property were quickly consumed by wind driven flames. Once the flames were knocked down, heavy equipment was needed to pull back the wood in order to extinguish hot spots. Twenty different departments were called to the scene, along with New York State Fire, Orange County Fire Coordinators, Orange County Fire Investigators, Warwick EMS, Greenwood Lake EMS, Warwick DPW, and Orange and Rockland Utilities. -Fire News photos by Gary Hearn
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Stony Point Garage Fire
On March 4, 2015, the Stony Point Fire Department responded to a working garage fire off of Route 210. Upon arrival, a large commercial garage was found heavily involved with the roof beginning to collapse. A large fuel load fed the fire, with at least two boats, several ATV/snowmobiles, a full-size pickup truck and at least one
large diesel fuel tank stored inside were lost. Mutual aid from the Thiells and West Haverstraw was needed. Due to the full collapse of the roof and the fuel load, Rockland County HazMat team assisted in extinguishing the fire, using high expansion foam. The cause of the fire was not determined. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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Arson in Woodhaven
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On March 18, 2015, a tenant who was evicted set his apartment on fire on 90th Street in the Woodhaven section of Queens. The fire started on the first floor and extended to the second and cockloft. Once in the cockloft ignited, the fire went to a fourth alarm and spread to eight other homes. One person was arrested in connection with the blaze. - Fire News photos by Brian Grogan
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Athens Puts New Truck in Service
The Athens Volunteer Fire Department acquired a new Spartan 78-foot Quint Smart Aerial, with a 400 gallon tank and 1500 gpm pump. In honor of the arrival of the new Quint, the fire department held an open house on March 28, 2015, to bless the truck and to thank everyone who was involved in the truck’s design. Athens Fire Chief Adam Greco said the truck is appropriate for serving its community, at a rate he said doesn’t afflict the taxpayers. Chief Greco thanked the hard work put in by the department’s Truck Committee, consisting of Tim Albright, Sr.; Bill Tompkins; John Greco; Dave Disbrow; Peter Alberti; and James Robinson III. State Senator George Amedore spoke of how proud he was to see a safer community for the residents of Athens. Athens Fire Department Chaplain Fredrick VanLoan led the audience in the dedication of the truck. The truck was consecrated “Truck 2-3 Rolling Thunder” by Chaplain VanLoan as he blessed it with holy water. -Fire News photos by John C. Miller
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Quick Work in Fishkill
Hy-View Takes on Modular Home Fire
Village of Fishkill firefighters assisted by Rombout and East Fishkill operated at a structure fire on Virginia Avenue in the village. Firefighters arrived to find fire coming from the front kitchen window and began their attack quickly knocking down the fire and limiting the damage to the structure. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
On March 28, 2015, Hy-View fire crews responded to a working fire in a double-wide modular dwelling. Attack crews made entry but were forced back by the truss roof falling in and heavy fire throughout. Command ordered everyone out of the structure for a defensive attack. U-Crest assisted, and Depew stood by at Hy-View. - Fire News photo by Bryan Sypniewski
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Firehouse Kitchen By Ray Cooney While attending the Long Island Fire Rescue and EMS Mega Show, I came across a table that supported the Terry Farrell Fund. Amongst New York City firefighters, Terry Farrell is well-known. He was a Rescue 4 FDNY firefighter that lost his life on 9/11. Being a 9/11 firefighter myself, this really hit home. I agreed to go to the Dix Hill Fire Department (Terry Farrell’s volunteer department) and cook with FDNY/EMS Firefighter Tom Russo. When we began cooking, Tom was quiet. I had to try and pull the words out of him by making jokes about the “rivalry” between the firefighters and EMS workers on the FDNY. I commented that I believe the EMS is a really hard job. You are dealing with people that are sick and that sometimes get sick all over you! Tom laughed and came out of his shell. He was making short ribs with risotto and a bread pudding desert. We made ribs on a few previous episodes, so let’s focus on the desert. I had no idea how easy it was to make bread pudding. But this was special bread pudding - it had a bourbon sauce. The episode started with us making the desert first because it takes time to bake in the oven. One thing I will say about bread pudding, it’s definitely not for someone on a diet. The recipe begins with two loaves of bread and heavy cream mixed together using your hands (just like my Blue Glove Tuna). Of course, sugar and vanilla extract (plus other items) are added to enhance the flavor. One spoonful of this heavenly desert is enough to set anyone back a month on their diet! After the pudding is baked, butter and bourbon are mixed together, while heating in a saucepan, to form a syrup, which is poured over the pudding. The meal we made was delicious. The ribs fell right off the bone, the risotto was al dente and the bread pudding was everything I thought it would be. I had too much and wound up ‘vegging out’ on their couch for half an hour. To find out about the Terry Farrell fund, visit terryfarrellfund.org. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, visit firehousekitchenshow.com. To view episodes of Firehouse Kitchen, go to foodytv.com or watch us on NYC TV, channel 25 Fios or channel 22 Optimum.
BREAD PUDDING WITH BOURBON SAUCE 2 loaves of cubed bread 1 quart of heavy cream 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 egg 3 sticks of butter 1 cup of sugar 1/4 cup Bourbon Mix bread, cream, vanilla extract and egg in mixing bowl. Place blended ingredients into a greased baking pan. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Then mix butter, sugar and bourbon in a sauce pan, over low heat, until it becomes a syrup consistency. When pudding is baked, pour syrup over top of pudding and enjoy!
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2-Alarmer Totals House - 3 FFs Hurt
Three Albany firefighters were taken to the hospital for evaluation with minor injuries due to falls and other injuries incurred while fighting a March 16, 2015, two-alarm house fire on Delaware Avenue. Arriving units found fire through the roof of the structure, and there were reports that people were stuck on the third floor. A second alarm was immediately requested. One woman was rescued
from the backyard of the residence, all other were accounted for. One cat was rescued. The Red Cross provided emergency aid for eight people, a single adult and a family of four adults and three children, age two, eight and nine. Fire officials ordered the building demolished. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Fultonville House Fire Recently, flames quickly consumed a house on Ann Street in the Village of Fultonville. Upon arrival, the entire house was involved and power lines were in danger of coming down. Firefighters from Glen, Tribes Hill, Fonda, Fultonville and Mohawk were called to assist. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Fire in Stephentown On February 25, 2015, Stephenstown firefighters responded to a house fire on Route 22 called in by a passerby. No occupants were found at the scene. Fire officials said the home was a total loss after the entire roof collapsed into the home. A family cat was rescued. - Fire News photo by Martin Miller
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Frozen Hydrants in Poughkeepsie
With the temperatures bitter cold, City of Poughkeepsie firefighters operating at another incident, along with Arlington and Fairview under mutual-aid, were dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Kaal Rock apartments. Upon dispatch, City of Poughkeepsie 911 advised all responding units that that they had a working fire as they could see the fire from the neighborhood watch camera atop the Walkway-Over-The-Hudson. Poughkeepsie firefighters began their attack as other crews secured hydrants. As crews were beginning an interior attack, they ran out of water as all the hydrants in
the area of the fire building were frozen. Firefighters were forced to stretch supply lines, some by hand, from neighboring streets. With the fire’s head start, the building’s truss construction, and, now, water problems, all crews were pulled from the building and the operation went defensive. The fire extensively damaged one building in the complex before being brought under control. Arlington, Roosevelt, and New Hamburg fire departments provided station coverage during the incident. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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When Everything Works Against You
Recently, Beukendaal firefighters fought a late afternoon house fire on Ridge Road in the town of Glenville. Operations were hampered by frozen hydrants, debris and several large trees which made it difficult to move hoselines and throw ladders. The house also had an unusually high fire load that fueled the flames into the twilight hours. No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. West Glenville, Stratton Air National Guard, Scotia and Glenville Hill assisted at the scene. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
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Pomona Garage Blaze
Chestnut Ridge House Fire
A vacant vehicle garage and repair shop was destroyed by fire on March 19, 2015, in the village of Pomona. The Hillcrest Fire Department responded to the working fire on Route 45, within sight of their firehouse. A three-bay garage was in flames as the first truck arrived. Master streams and several hose lines quickly knocked down the fire. Mutual aid was received from the Spring Valley and Monsey. The fire is under investigation by the Rockland County Sheriffs Department BCI. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
The Hugh Gassner Fire Company of Chestnut Ridge responded to a working house fire off Grotke Road on February 19, 2015. Firstin apparatus found a well-involved single-family home. Along with the Pearl River Fire Department, crews made an interior attack to extinguish the fire. Firefighters were hampered by deep snow around the home as well as bitter cold temperatures. Mutual aid consisted of crews from Nanuet, Spring Valley and Monsey. The cause is still undetermined, but is believed to be accidental. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
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NYSAFC ANNOUNCES FIRE 2015 SPECIAL OPENING LECTURE: “IN HONOR OF THE CHARLESTON 9: A STUDY OF CHANGE FOLLOWING TRAGEDY” The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased to announce the NYSAFC 109th Annual Conference and FIRE 2015 Expo Special Opening Lecture: “In Honor of the Charleston 9: A Study of Change Following Tragedy,” presented by Captain/ Training Officer Dr. David Griffin of the Charleston (SC) Fire Department. The education program, which is open to conference Full Term Registrants, will be held on Wednesday, June 17, from 0930 to 1130 in the Shenendoah Clubhouse at the Turning Stone Resort, Verona, New York. On June 18, 2007, nine firefighters perished in a warehouse fire in Charleston, South Carolina. What was initially dispatched as a trash fire escalated into one of the most scrutinized events in national fire service history. David Griffin had the unfortunate experience of being the engineer on the first-due engine that day. As
he operated on the fireground, he witnessed things that he will never forget. In this program, Griffin will present firsthand accounts of that day, share never before seen video footage with radio traffic, and discuss the heavy toll this catastrophic event took on his life. He will review the incredible changes that he and the Charleston Fire Department have made following this tragedy, present scientific research regarding the change process, and explain how this event and his new, innovative research have changed the national fire service. Pre-register and learn more about the NYSAFC 109th Annual Conference and FIRE 2015 Expo at www.nysfirechiefs.com. Education programs will be held Wednesday through Saturday, while exhibits will be open Thursday through Saturday. - Photo by John M. Buckman III
TRAINING OUTSIDE YOUR DEPARTMENT HAS MANY BENEFITS TRADE SHOWS OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION AND A PLACE TO MEET OTHER FIRE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS We all agree on the importance of training. It provides the opportunity for career advancement; and advances in technology, research and equipment help us stay safe on the fireground. Your department strives to keep on top of new types of training, but have you considered the benefits to training outside of your department at a fire service trade show like Firehouse Expo? Consider this: • You can meet many national fire service leaders and see their different teaching styles in action. • You can meet fire service professionals from around the country and learn about their viewpoints on fireground tactics and strategies. • You can learn about the latest tactics, strategies and research taking place outside your department. • You can meet vendors to discuss recent purchases as well as your options regarding warranties and equipment maintenance. • You can meet fellow fire service professionals and develop new contacts in the fire service. And don’t forget that there are many other activities and events beyond the educational aspects of the conference. For example, at Firehouse Expo you can participate in these great events:
• A competition where teams compete in 10 timed events run in succession to simulate a common fireground scenario. • A 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb held in conjunction with the NFFF. • The Firehouse Fit@Expo, which is designed to emphasize the importance of firefighter health and fitness. Of course, it often seems like it is too expensive to take part in outside educational opportunities. But trade shows like Firehouse Expo are proactively making it more cost-effective for fire service professionals like you to attend by offering special educational pricing. For example, this year Firehouse Expo will take $174 off a threeday package and $40 off a oneday conference package via its Discover Firehouse special educational offers. Trade shows provide a unique opportunity to learn, network and enjoy the brotherhood of the fire service. For more information visit FirehouseExpo.com
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6 FFs Injured at Brooklyn 4-Alarm
A four-alarm fire gutted three homes and heavily damaged a fourth in the Mill Basin section of Brooklyn on March 9, 2015. One-hundred-fifty firefighters battled the blaze which consumed the homes on National Drive near East 63rd Street. Six firefighters suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Apartment Complex Burns in Schenectady
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Schenectady firefighters battled a multiple alarm fire in an apartment complex on Jay Street across from City Hall. With temperatures in the single digits, firefighting efforts were on the defensive as fast moving flames quickly engulfed the three upper floors of the five-story building. Seven occupants and one firefighter were taken by ambulance to area hospitals for treatment. One went by helicopter to the Burn Unit in Westchester. Mutual aid was received from Niskayuna District 1 and Scotia. -Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber and Jason Moskowitz
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5 Die in Schenectady Blaze
City of Schenectady firefighters use water from Truck 1’s aerial platform to melt ice from cars encased in front of a Jay Street building after a multiple alarm fire destroyed two five-story apartment buildings, killing one, injuring seven, and displacing 60 residents. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tabacco and Firearms were called to the scene to aid in the investigation. A basket was lowered by a crane into the burned out shell to give investigators a look at the interior of the unstable structure. Four more residents were unaccounted for, and later discovered dead. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber and Martin Miller
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West Colesville Responds to Garage Fire
On March 5, 2015, Broome County Communications dispatched the West Colesville Fire Department to Old State Road for a reported garage fire at an auto shop. First arriving units found a well-involved garage and requested second alarm tankers. The garage was a large, several-bay garage being used as an auto shop. Once stopped, the crews spent several hours searching for, and digging out, hot spots. Freezing temperatures were a factor for firefighters. Mutual aid came from West Colesville, Sanataria Springs, Harpursville, Port Crane and Five Mile Point along with Broome Ambulance. - Fire News photo by A. Parvin
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Stubborn Fire in Albany
On December 5, 2014, Albany Fire responded to a reported house fire on Slingerlands. Upon arrival they found fire shooting out the roof and windows of the two-story wood frame home. Firefighters had their hands full for about four hours with the stubborn fire. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Page 28, Fire News, May 2015
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Structure Fire in Winona Lake
Dishwasher Fire in Winona Lake
On February 22, 2015, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a structure fire on Meadow Hill Road. On arrival the chief requested a second alarm. Mutual aid came from Orange Lake, Good-Will and the City of Newburgh; Middle Hope stood by at Winona Lake. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out for smoke coming out of a house. On arrival firefighters discovered a dishwasher on fire. Assisting were Orange Lake, Good-Will, and the City of Newburgh (FAST); Middle Hope stood by at Winona Lake. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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The Hearing Impaired Firefighter If you ask any firefighter what is one of the biggest obstacles in the fire service, they will say it is communication. Picture yourself at a fire call, sirens blaring, lights flashing, loud engines running and people blaring out instructions. Most people of normal hearing are able to block out some of these sounds and narrow their attention to the one or more on which they need to concentrate. Now imagine you are unable to block out any of the sounds and the roar of everything comes pouring into your brain. That’s what it’s like for firefighters who are hearing impaired, unable to tune anything out. “It’s like having a speaker in your head,” said Jimbo Bonesteel. “It’s hard for a person of normal hearing to hear on the fireground, but there’s an even larger challenge in the fire service for those with hearing impairments,” said David Meservey. Both Bonesteel and Meservey are hearing impaired firefighters in New York State. Jimbo Bonesteel, is a Lieutenant at West Sand Lake Fire Department, and recently held a seminar at his department to explain to his fellow firefighters how he and they can communicate better at a fire scene. Bonsteel lost his hearing at birth. He was fitted with hearing aids until he succumbed to nerve deafness in 2011 and the complete loss of hearing in his right ear. Five years ago, Bonesteel was fitted with a cochlear implant which aides him in hearing. He has been in the fire service for 29 years both in Nebraska and New York, and continues his education in hopes of becoming a fire instructor. “Every day is a challenge for someone who
is hearing impaired,” said Meservey, who has are. In 2004 he became an interior firefighter, been in the fire service for 26 years and an and was elected lieutenant in 2009; he presently holds the office of President. “Communication is important in the fire service, not just for people like me but for everyone,” said Bonesteel. “Call me Jimbo, not Jim or Jimmy, because I can’t differentiate between those names, and I could be hearing Kim or Tim or Timmy. I’m not ignoring you or mad at you when I don’t turn around. It’s because I can’t hear you,” he said. “We all use hand signals every day without even realizing it,” explained Bonesteel to the members of his department. He asked members what hand signals they would use to express certain words or phrases. “That’s exactly how you would communicate your needs to me.” Simple hand gestures that we use daily to communicate — pointing to your wrist for the time, motioning to your mouth for something to drink – are all hand gestures which can be used universally between those of normal and impaired hearing. West Sand Lake’s members were appreciative of the opportunity to better understand how they can communicate with Bonesteel while on a fire call. Learning and using some of the hand signals would greatly open up their ability to EMT for 12 years. He is presently a firefighter work on a fire scene with him. Both Bonesteel and Meservey also have the with Verdoy Fire Department. Meservey’s hearing loss became noticeable at age nine. He skill of lip reading. “Just be careful what you was given hearing aids and began taking say,” joked Bonesteel, “I may not be within speech therapy. He received his first implant in hearing distance but I can read what you’re 1997 and his second in 2007. From that point, saying.” Members of Meservey’s department know he has spent endless hours training with the members of his department to show them how and what they need to do communicate exactly what he can do and what his limitations with him while on a fire scene. “I know to stay
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The Hearing Impaired Firefighter ...continued from previous page
within physical contact with him and if I need to communicate with him, I tap him on the shoulder and turn him around so he can see me directly,” said one member. Fire departments also have an obligation to assist hearing impaired firefighters. Both West Sand Lake and Verdoy have been able to compare the needs of their members and offer suggestions on equipment that would enable their members to work more efficiently. West Sand Lake was able to purchase a lighter helmet with a shorter back so that the helmet sits more stably on Bonesteel’s head and doesn’t rest on his implant. Verdoy pur-
chased an H-web Scott Mask and a lighter helmet for Meservey. The H-webbing on the mask enables him to wear it without knocking off his implants. When the town’s radios went digital it also helped Meservey to pick up transmissions without static interference on his implants. When asked what message he would like to impart to other firefighters and the fire service, Bonesteel answered, “Don’t judge me just because I can’t hear and assume I can’t do the job. We are one family, one department, one brother/sisterhood, we are here to help each other out.” Meservey said, “We are all here to do the
same job, to protect life and property. Some people may feel uneasy about working with a hearing impaired firefighter, but be willing to give them a chance.” Both men would like to get the message about the plight of hearing impaired firefighters so that people aren’t afraid to work with them. Meservey’s message to other people who are hearing impaired but are afraid to join the fire service? “It wasn’t easy, but if you have mature people behind you who want to see you become successful, the sky is the limit.” - Fire News story and photos by Lori Washburn
Page 32, Fire News, May 2015
Winona Lake Boot Drive
FireNews.com
The Winona Lake Fire Department held a ‘boot drive’ at Stop & Shop. They packed groceries clad in their bunker pants and placed a boot at the end of each register counter. They also offered chances for a 50/50 drawing outside the store. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
FireNews.com
Up-Close & Personal
At the 2015 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City, father and son Lt. Mike Morrisey and FF Sean Morrisey just before the parade. - Fire News photo by Michael Glenn
Fire News, May 2015, Page 33
Seen at the Mega Show
At the recent Long Island Mega Show in February, Stephen L. Ruzow, chairman of the FDNY Foundation and FDNY Honorary Commissioner, got together with Fire News editor and FDNY Honorary Battalion Chief Dennis Whittam and Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad Chief and Honorary FDNY Battalion Chief Jonathan B. Kohan. - Fire News photo by Michael Heller
Page 34, Fire News, May 2015
FireNews.com
The 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade on 5th Avenue in Manhattan
At the 2015 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in New York
- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
- Fire News photo by Michael Glenn
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