Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 13, NO. 7
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 MAY 2020
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Brian Grogan
Helpful COVID-19 Information Please See Pages 4, 6, 7 & 23.
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Fire News, May 2020, Page 3
In this issue... Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer Contained Mount Vernon firefighters were dispatched to West 2nd Street for a dwelling fire.
See story on page 8
Urgent All Hands in East New York FDNY Battalion 39 transmitted an urgent all-hands for a basement fire.
See story on page 10
Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer Mount Vernon firefighters were dispatched to Cottage Avenue for a dwelling fire.
See story on page 17
Home Burns on Tokay Lane Midway volunteer firefighters get mutual aid assistance from Stanford Heights and Niskayuna Fire District 2. See story on page 19
East Greenbush Trains in Vacant Home The East Greenbush Fire Department was able to train in a very large and recently vacated home.
See story on 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 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Eight Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia Proud Member Of:
Annual Community Service Awards The Nathaniel Blanchard American Legion Post 1040 in Delmar held its annual Community Service Award.
See story on page 22
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21
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, May 2020
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Wear Your Mask! On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the WHO (World Health Organization). This is the first pandemic known to be caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus, namely COVID 19. As this disease took hold of the world, our fire rescue and emergency services were faced with educating and setting up protocols for dealing with the disease. Thanks to our doctors, research organizations and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and County EMS and FRES organizations, guidelines were set up for handling patients that were suspected of having COVID 19. I am very proud of how our first responders have been involved with this pandemic from the “get go” and set up recommendations for all departments to follow. Their daily updates on the disease have kept anyone involved with patient care informed about the progress of the disease. They have updated you around the clock with recommendations, who to call if you have problems, patient testing and personal safety. Guidelines for patient care and transport were sent to everyone. Not only have guidelines been set for our EMS providers, guidelines were set for general fire alarm response. How should you respond? Where should you sit on the rig? What should you do when you return to
quarters? These are a few of the questions that were addressed by FRES. According to the CDC, people 65 and over account for 80 percent of the deaths from COVID 19. Agencies should strongly consider not having members in that age group respond. Fire Police should not respond unless requested by the IC. Departments should consider relaxing LOSAP requirements. Members should not worry about consequences to their quota or LOSAP credit. Limit the number of vehicles that respond and the number of personnel that may be exposed to people or premises on the alarm. Keep ambulance crews staffed with a minimum crew. If more members are needed, request additional personal. Check with your county EMS and fire rescue and emergency services for recommendations. I recently listened to a Webinar about the “mask debate.” The Zoom (a means of holding group meetings over the Internet) presentation was excellent. (My compliments to Suffolk County FRES and Northwell Health EMS on providing in-depth knowledge on how this disease spreads.) In general, there is no debate. Wear your mask! Whether it is a N95 mask or a common surgical mask, wear it properly. What should you do if you do not have a mask? I am sure you have seen the creative and designer masks
people are making at home. Yes, these homemade masks help. What you want to do is to understand how COVID 19 spreads. You must keep your distance and to prevent aerosol or airborne droplets from coming in contact with your face, wear the mask. Droplets of this disease can spread through handshaking, sneezing and exhalation. It is important that the patient dons a mask. A simple sneeze can spread 40,000 particles at 100m/second. Each sneeze can contain millions of viral particles. In closing, I remind you that I am no expert on the spread of COVID 19. However, I highly recommend that you speak with the doctors and your county EMS and FRES officials. To all responders; Thank You For Your Service! - Dennis
Rye FD Dwelling Fire on Oakland Beach Ave
Around 1pm on March 22nd Rye firefighters were dispatched out to Oakland Beach Ave for the report of a dwelling on fire. First arriving units were found smoke showing from a large dwelling and a working fire was transmitted. Firefighters were able to quickly stretch lines and knock down the fire limiting damage to the home. The fire was placed under control in 45 minutes. Fire News photo by Jon Tenca / Puck Stopper Photography
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Prayers for Our Responders
Amsterdam firefighters, family and friends gathered at Saint Mary’s Healthcare in support of retired Amsterdam Firefighter David Swart who tested positive for COVID-19 the third week in March. Unfortunately, David passed away April 3, 2020. - Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
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Cover Story
USNS Comfort Arrives On March 30, 2020, the United States Naval Ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), a Mercy-class ship, arrived in the New York City Harbor to the welcome of vessels and aviation units from multiple other armed branches, the NYPD, State Police, and fireboats from the FDNY, Jersey City and North Hudson Regional.
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USNS Comfort Arrives...continued The ship began its journey from Virginia and docked at Pier 90, which is directly across from Weehawken (NJ), at around 1100. The mission of the ship was to help alleviate some of the stress on local hospitals as it takes in non-COVID-19 patients during the epidemic. USNS Comfort was placed into service in 1987 and weighs 69,360 tons (fully laden), is 894 feet long, propelled by a steam turbine developing 24,500 shaft horsepower, and has a top speed of 20 mph. Comfort has 1,000 patient beds, 63 civilian (operational crew from the Military Sealift Command) and 956 Naval hospital staff, and 258 naval support staff. She has deployed off Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War (1990-91), served as a migrant processing center off Haiti in 1994 (Operation Sea Signal), again to Haiti in 1994 (Operation Uphold Democracy), arrived in New York City on September 14, 2001, in answer to the terrorist attack (Operation Noble Eagle), served again in the Persian Gulf for the Iraq War (2002-03), served in the Gulf after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and has responded on several humanitarian missions in Central and Latin America, and Puerto Rico (Hurricane Maria). - Fire News photos by Brian Grogan; story by Mark Rosetti
Fire News, May 2020, Page 7
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Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer Contained
Beacon Multi Alarm Large Brush Fire
On the evening of March 6, 2020, Mount Vernon firefighters were dispatched to West 2nd Street for a dwelling fire. Crews arrived to heavy fire out three windows on the first floor of the home. Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the fire knocking down fire in multiple rooms, but the fire quickly spread, forcing firefighters into a defensive posture as fire ran the second floor and into the attic. A second alarm was struck as crews made every effort possible to save the exposure home located within 10 feet of the main fire building. Crews were able to contain the fire to the original fire building. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Firefighters battled a large brush fire on Breakneck Ridge in Beacon starting on March 9, 2020. Earlier in the day a train had come through producing sparks which started fires from Cold Spring to Beacon with the latter becoming the largest fire. Strong winds continued to fuel the fire spreading it rapidly as crews continued to play catch up. Multiple hikers’ cars parked at the bottom of the hill were burned. Firefighters from across Dutchess County and New York State were brought in to battle the fire. On March 18, the state Department of Conservation said the fire had burned 277 acres and been difficult to contain because of the steep, rocky terrain. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Flames Show in Orange Lake
The Orange Lake Fire Department responded to South Plank road for a house fire. The Winona Lake Fire Department engine company and the City of Newburgh’s FAST responded on the call. One person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
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Two-Alarmer in Elmhurst KO’d
Urgent All Hands in East New York
On March 15, 2020, firefighters in the Elmhurst section of Queens battled a two-alarm blaze in a row of mixed occupancies on 43rd Avenue. The fire displaced multiple residents from the apartments above the stores with only minor injuries reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FDNY Battalion 39 transmitted an urgent all-hands for a fire in the basement of a private dwelling on Montauk Avenue. Firefighters rescued one occupant from the heavily cluttered basement. Six other people suffered injuries during the March 18, 2020, blaze. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Fatal Fire in Queens Village
All Hands Operate
One person was killed and four others injured in a two-alarm fire in a private dwelling on 221st Street in Queens Village on March 13, 2020. FDNY units arrived around 0800 to find a heavy fire condition on the first and second floors. During their search, firefighters discovered an occupant who had succumbed to the smoke and flames. The incident was brought under control after 90 minutes. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FDNY Engine Company 236 transmitted an all-hands for fire on the first and second floors of a two-story brick dwelling on March 11, 2020. The fire was located on McKinley Avenue. The urgent allhands was given because heavy smoke was pushing from the first floor of the structure and fire was showing on the second floor of the structure. -Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Campbell Hall Goes to Work
The Washingtonville Fire Department responded on a mutual aid request as the FAST to the Campbell Hall Fire Department for a garage fire in a two-car garage with a man cave area above. Rescue Engine 580 responded and upon arrival was put to work as an engine company. They operated a 1-3/4 inch handline on the second
floor. Upon transmission of a second alarm, Tanker 577 was dispatched and was split and put to work as a truck company operating on the second floor and in the attic. The other half of the crew stretched a second line to the second floor. - Fire News photos by Chief Gary Hearn
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Fire News, May 2020, Page 13
Garage Fire on Wendell Avenue
At the end of March, Schenectady firefighters Aimee Keough, (above, left), and Lt. Dan Minersagen mask up to battle a garage fire on Wendell Avenue. Flames were confined to the garage and the cause is under investigation. No one was hurt in the incident. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Flashover in North Greenbush
On March 31, 2020, Defreestville Fire Company of North Greenbush was dispatched fora smoke in the basement call. Upon arrival, responders found heavy smoke and, on entering the home, there was a flashover, sending one firefighter to the hospital. There are no hydrants nearby so command requested mutual aid from
other towns. With all the responders in a small area social distancing was the rule, but pretty hard to enforce. Most of the departments were on scene for about three-hours. The home suffered heavy damage. - Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller
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Chelsea Cove Condo Fire
Beekman Fire Department along with East Fishkill, LaGrange, and after. Numerous reports of people trapped made for some signifiUnion Vale operated at a structure fire at the Chelsea Cove South cant challenges for firefighters. Fortunately, everyone was safely Condos. Crews arrived to heavy fire with a structural collapse soon removed by firefighters. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson
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Church Fire in Arlington
The Arlington Fire Department operated at a structure fire at the New Horizon Church on March 6, 2020. DC 911 initially dispatched for an automatic alarm at the church and, upon their arrival, they observed heavy smoke pushing from the soffits on the north end of
the 40- x 250-foot church. Firefighters made an excellent stop on the fire keeping the it in the area of origin and significantly reducing the damage to the rest of the structure. City of Poughkeepsie was the FAST on the incident. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
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Mount Vernon 2-Alarmer
On March 30, 2020, Mount Vernon firefighters were dispatched to Cottage Avenue for a dwelling fire. On arriva,l crews found heavy smoke showing from the basement and first floor of the home. A second alarm was struck due to the large size of the balloon frame
home. Lines were stretched and crews made an aggressive push into the basement where they were able to quickly knock down the main body of fire. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Nice Stop at Newburgh Church Fire
City of Newburgh firefighters recently operated at a structure fire at the Christ Calvary Church. This was a manpower intensive operation as numerous ceilings and walls had to be quickly pulled to stop the fires spread into the sanctuary and extinguish the fire. Newburgh was assisted at the scene by Stewart Air Guard,
Cronomer Valley, Castle Point VA, and USMA-West Point. Middle Hope and New Windsor provide coverage in the City of Newburgh during the incident. - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson
Car Hits Building in Mahopac
Rotterdam MVA Kills Two
On March 27, 2020, Mahopac Fire, Rescue and EMS, along with multiple units from Carmel Police and Paramedics from EMStar were dispatched for a car into the building at Mavis Tire on Miller Road and Route 6. Arriving units pulling into the Mavis parking lot were sent across the street behind the Olympic Diner. The driver became disoriented while backing up, hit the building and in attempt to correct, put it in drive and hit the gas sending the car across Miller Road, striking the guide rail behind the diner. Minor injuries were sustained by the driver who was transported to Putnam Hospital for evaluation. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey, PIO
On March 9, 2020, the driver and passenger of an SUV were killed instantly after colliding with another vehicle on Chrisler Avenue across from the Department of Transportation in the town of Rotterdam. Volunteer firefighters from Carman and Rotterdam District 2 were called with their heavy rescues for extrication. The driver and passenger of the car on were taken to Albany Medical Center where they were pronounced. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Fire News, May 2020, Page 19
Home Burns on Tokay Lane
On April 1, 2020, Midway volunteer firefighters got mutual aid assistance from Stanford Heights and Niskayuna Fire District 2 after flames broke out in a home on Tokay Lane. A working fire sig-
nal was transmitted after fire was discovered from the C side of the single-story ranch. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
UPDATE ON INTERSCHUTZ AND INTERSCHUTZ USA The news changes almost daily as it relates to postponements and cancellations due to the outbreak and spread of COVID19. We would like to update you on how the virus is impacting both INTERSCHUTZ USA and INTERSCHUTZ (Hannover) below: INTERSCHUTZ (Hannover) – INTERSCHUTZ 2020, scheduled for June 15-20, 2020, has been postponed. INTERSCHUTZ (Hannover) will now take place June 14-19, 2021. INTERSCHUTZ USA – INTERSCHUTZ USA 2020, scheduled for October 13-17, with exhibits October 15-17, 2020 in Philadelphia is proceeding as scheduled. We want to assure our INTERSCHUTZ USA family that we are monitoring the situation. At this time the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Philadelphia Convention Center have all increased their efforts taking precautions and creating awareness to warn against the potential spread of the virus. Please find a statement and additional pre-
ventative efforts as presented by the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Convention Center, the Philadelphia International Airport and other industry partners. At this time, preventative measures are focused on the immediate future, and indications are that COVID-19 should not have any effect on the inaugural INTERSCHUTZ USA, October 13-17, 2020, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Registration for the event continues to grow, as do exhibiting company commitments. Despite this bright outlook, we understand our nation’s fire, EMS and first responder professionals are on the front lines of this battle – as you are for every domestic challenge or catastrophe. This note is to announce that we are extending our Early Bird discounts on Attendee Registration and Exhibit Space pricing until June 15, 2020. We will reassess the situation at that time and will extend these if the situation
warrants. If you have any questions, please contact Vice-President Ed Nichols at enichols @interschutzusa.com or 773-796-4250. Continue doing the vital work you are already doing, keeping all of us safe as we navigate this challenge. We’ll be here – with your discounts still available – when you are done. Thank you and stay safe.
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Fire News, May 2020, Page 21
East Greenbush Trains in Vacant Home
Socially Distant in Amsterdam
The East Greenbush Fire Department was able to train in a very large and recently vacated home. Scenarios concentrated on smoke search and rescue, roof evolutions and ladder work. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Amsterdam Firefighters joined the 518 Rainbow Hunt with the help of Leila Brooks, Ella Brooks and their dad Amsterdam firefighter Kenny Brooks. Amsterdam Fire Battalion 4 attached the rainbow to the Amsterdam Public Safety Building. - Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Page 22, Fire News, May 2020
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Annual Community Service Awards
On March 2, 2020, the Nathaniel Blanchard American Legion Post 1040 in Delmar held its annual Community Service Awards. This is the 41st consecutive recognition night sponsored by Blanchard Post 1040. The awards were handed out to the following: Delmar Fire Department 1st Chief Daniel J. Rhatigan; Delmar Bethlehem EMS Ashley Cicchinelli; Selkirk Fire Company Lieutenant Robert Burns; Elsmere Fire Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright; Slingerlands Fire Department Commissioner Leonard M. Clickman; and Bethlehem Police Department TSI Craig Sleurs. - Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Implementations for ISOs and HSOs During COVID-19 • If personnel are off duty they should not be in the station/admin The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) recommends implementing the following actions during the COVID-19 pan- facilities. demic, if your department has not already: • Eliminate in-person, non-essential meetings. Use teleconferencing • Screen personnel when they are coming on duty and then 12 hours if possible. Promote telecommuting for non-essential personnel. later (24-hour shifts). If they have 100.4°F temperature or signs/symp• Utilize social distancing while on duty. toms of illness, send them home. Ensure your Infection Control Officer • Eliminate social functions (bingo, pancake breakfast, company is notified, if any personnel are identified. meetings, allowing the public into the station for station tours). Some agencies are just using fever/chills and signs/symptoms of a • If there isn’t a plan for reductions in workforce, then work to crerespiratory illness (dyspnea, cough), another agency is saying if they have two or more of the following: muscle aches and pain; nonproduc- ate one — this should be part of your COOP. tive cough; sore throat; runny nose; nausea; send them home. • Have a plan to quarantine personnel if directed (where will they go, what leave status will they be placed on, food, etc.). ** Check with your medical directors/hospital systems, etc. for local recommendations. ** • For volunteer companies with live-ins, have a plan to relocate them if they become ill. • Develop a maximum and minimum staffing level plan per type of apparatus • Continue to promote hygiene pracfor volunteer companies. tices and cleaning of works spaces. • Limit the number of members • Increase the frequency of wiping having patient contact to essendown door handles and all surfaces tial personnel only. at the station and in the apparatus. The virus can live on a surface for • Ensure personnel know up to three days. Make sure your when and how to don the EVT mechanics are aware of the appropriate PPE. Ensure supneed to clean all apparatus. plies of PPE are available and create a reuse protocol for N95 • Ensure that there is a plan if masks based on CDC recompersonnel test positive for mendations to manage limited COVID-19, i.e., a plan for comsupplies. munication and potential coverage during the quarantine period. • Have your communications center implement a flu/COVID-19 • Cease the use of humidifiers in screening process on calls. This stations/bunk rooms. information can be sent to responders • With all the disaster declarations, work while en route to the call so they can don with budget/procurement personnel to track all their PPE prior to making patient contact. purchases such as PPE for possible reimbursement. • When personnel respond to emergencies, have • Work to have “one voice” sending information to the them slow down and assess the scene before entering. Sometimes the department. All formal messages/direction on COVID-19 should come unknowns can be patients with flu-like symptoms. This will allow from one person. This way it avoids duplication and possibly contradicthem to stop and don PPE prior to entering the building. tive information. Reference of information should be from a reputable • A mask should be placed on patients you are concerned about and consistent source, i.e., CDC. potentially having the illness. • If your organization hasn’t set up an IMT for this situation, recom• Limit personnel entering the hospital at time of transfer of care mend one be established. If one is set up, make sure you have an and other needs to visit the hospital. HSO/ISO representative on it. • Allow units to temporarily go out of service to clean their unit, uniform and shower if they run a patient with flu/COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Ensure an exposure form has been completed for tracking purposes.