Fire News New York State, June 2023

Abandoned Building Fire in Port Chester

The Port Chester Fire Department was dispatched to South Main Street for a structure fire.

See story on page 6

Cooking Oil Left on Stove in Niskayuna

Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters battled a two-alarm kitchen fire.

See story on page 10

Fatality in Bayside Fire

One occupant lost his life after a fire broke out in his home in Bayside, Queens.

See story on page 20

Working Fire in Rochester

Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Portland Avenue for a report of smoke coming from a house.

See story on page 29

49th FDNY-NYPD Hockey Game

Enjoy a few photos from the FDNYNYPD hockey game

See story on page 30

Firefighter Chili Cook-Off

On March 26, 2023, Brown’s Brewing held its annual Firefighters Cook-off.

See story on page 38

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Dennis Whittam, Editor

ADay of Remembrance From the Editor’s Desk

To many Star Wars buffs, May 4 has meaning. In 2019, California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 Star Wars Day to commemorate the opening of Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge — a Star Wars theme park. But, what does this day have to do with the May 4 I prefer to think about? The answer is nothing.

I prefer to remember May 4 as St. Florian’s Day and International Firefighter’s Day. International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). Today, many firefighters wear a religious medal of St. Florian. St. Florian was the commander of a firefighting unit in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, with his unit while protecting life and property, just as firefighters all over the world do today. His feast day is May 4. St. Florian is remembered in many parts of central Europe. Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession, and he is remembered as a powerful protector to those in danger from fire or water. Take the time to read about St. Florian.

International Firefighters Day came about after a tragedy occurred in Australia. On December 2, 1998, firefighters in Australia were fighting a large wildfire and needed assistance. Their urgent call for help brought in firefighters from all over the area. Not knowing what was in

store for them, a crew formed a five-man strike team and responded. As the five headed out from the fire to refill their tanker with water, a sudden violent wind change hit the area, engulfing the truck in flames, and killing all five members.

J.J. Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, Australia, was moved by this tragedy and wanted to start a movement to remember the firefighters killed in this tragedy and other tragedies throughout the world. Her New Years resolution in 1999 was to organize an internationally recognized symbol of support and respect for all firefighters and a date for which this could be coordinated worldwide. The date chosen for International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian. The International Firefighter Day ribbons are linked to the colors symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with. The ribbon is similar to the pink breast cancer awareness pin, the firefighter’s ribbon is red for fire and blue for water.

On May 7, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation marked International Firefighters Day by encouraging everyone to Shine Your Light for Firefighters. Buildings and homes were lit in red as a remembrance of International Firefighters Day. In many areas, memorial services were held to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.

In conclusions, I leave you with Lt. J.J. Edmondson’s quote from 1999:

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice, no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy fire no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”

- Dennis

Abandoned Building Fire in Port Chester

The Port ChesterFire Department was dispatched to South Main Street fora structure fire. Chief Melillo arrived to heavy fire showing on all floors. When Car2391 arrived, the chief immediately transmitted a second alarm due to the heavy fire conditions. Multiple handlines, deck guns, portable deck guns, towerladders and aerial ladders were placed into operation. Car2391 requested tankers to setup draft-

ing operation at a nearby marina due to the low waterpressure in the area and hydrants out of service. The fire was knocked down within six hours and was underinvestigation by WestchesterCounty Cause and Origin Team.

- Fire News photos by Brandon Colon and Mike Messar

Occupant I njured in Bronx 2-Alarmer

At least one person was critically injured in a two-alarm fire in the Bronx on the afternoon of April 24 , 2023. Firefighters from the Bronx responded to the blaze, which was in an attached private dwelling on Balcom Avenue. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Shore Acres 2-Alarmer

FDNYcompanies in the Shore Acres section of Staten Island battled a raging two-alarm fire on HarborView Place on April 2, 2023. Units were faced with heavy fire on arrival with narrow streets and long stretches making fire operations more difficult. The fire was brought undercontrol without incident.

-Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

-Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

-Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

-Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

-Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

-Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

-Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

-Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Cooking Oil Left on Stove in Niskayuna

NYC Fire Museum Hosts 3rd Annual Golf Outing

The New York City Fire Museum will host its 3rd Annual Golf Outing Fundraiseron June 22, 2023, at the Muttontown Club in East Norwich, Long Island, to raise funds to support the Museum’s mission to preserve, educate, and celebrate the history and modern-day heroism of the FDNY. At the event, the Museum will honor John J. Hodgens, Chief of Department at the FDNY, and Matt Duthie, RPAChairman, Building Owners & Managers Association NYSeniorVP, Newmark Property Management. The outing begins at 1100 with registration and brunch. Throughout the day, attendees can meet with sponsors offering amenities, participate in a silent auction and raffle, and enjoy plenty of opportunities to network and relax. The day will be capped off with a cocktail and dinnerreception at 1800. Attendees can registerat https://www.nycfiremuseum.org/golfouting orvia regularmail (via check orCC) by downloading and printing the invitation on the website and following the instructions on the form. Different levels of sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, visit https://www.nycfiremuseum.org/golfouting oremail JenniferBrown at director@nycfiremuseum.org.

On April 21, 2023, Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters battled a twoalarm fire on Algonquin Avenue, afterfire was discovered at around 1630. Upon arrival, flames were venting from a kitchen window on the

D-side of the 1-1/2 story dwelling. City of Schenectady E2 and Truck 2 along with volunteers from Niskayuna Fire District 2 assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Bipartisan Legislation Passes to Extend Federal Support for Local Fire Departments

U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) in passing bipartisan legislation to extend federal pro grams that help support local fire departments across the country. The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The programs are set to expire and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. The bill now moves to the H ouse of Representatives.

“The brave firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to serve the First State deserve the tools and training they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Carper, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Firefighters do so much more than fire safety, responding to over 36 million emergency calls every year. Just last month in Delaware, our first responders led people to safety when a tornado struck the south of our state. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation and I will always work to ensure our firefighters have what they need to keep our communities safe."

“Fire departments rely on critical federal resources to keep fi refighters and emergency responders safe, and these heroes need our support as they continue protecting our communities in Michigan and acr oss the country,” said Senator Peters. “Now that the Senate has passed my bipartisan bill, the House must quickly send it to the President’s desk so

brave firefighters can continue to count on these programs for up-todate equipment and trainings that save lives."

“Firefighters across Maine and the country courageously and selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their towns and cit ies,” said Senator Collins. “I helped create FEMA’s firefighter grant programs in 2003 as part of a bipartisan effort to ensure that firefighters have adequate staffing, equipment, and training to do their important jobs as effectively and safely as possible. By reauthorizing these programs, we can continue to deliver this critical assistance to fire depart ments.”

“Last year, three million acres of land burned in Alaska, accou nting for nearly half of the acres burned in the entire United States. Wildfires are becoming more prevalent throughout the country, and resources are stretched. Alaska’s vast geography makes response difficult, whether it’s our first responders heading to a wildfire hundreds of miles away or helping with a house fire in the next village during a snow storm with no plowed roads,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “As Fire Caucus CoChair, I’m working hard to ensure our first responders have what they need to keep our communities safe. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill which helps provide funding opportunities to help our fire departments with the resources they need to do their critical work in protecting Alaskans and their communities.”

Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and reta in additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also use the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and the USFAuntil 2030. It authorizes $95 million for USFA— a nearly $20 million increase from current levels — and maintains currently authorized levels of funding for the SAFER and AFG programs.

Earlier this week, the Senator spoke on the floor to urge passage of the bill and today, thanked his Senate colleagues and the organizations advocating for the legislation.

Quick Stop at Apartment Fire

In the evening of March 22, 2023, Rochesterfirefighters responded to a report of a fire on Monroe Avenue. On arrival, companies found heavy fire showing from a window of a four-story taxpayer. Crews stretched lines and a second alarm was struck due to the amount of fire showing and size of the building. Firefighters were able to quickly make the fire apartment and knock down the main body of fire, keeping the damage contained.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Smoke Shows at Penfield Condos

In the evening of April 24, 2023, Penfield firefighters were dispatched fora house fire on Penbrooke Drive. Units arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the first and second floors of an end-ofthe-row condo unit. As crews started to stretch lines fire auto-

exposed out the front of the unit. Crews were able to make entry and knock down the main body of fire quickly limiting the fire to the unit of origin.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Historic Building Destroyed in Albany

On March 23, 2023, the south end of Albany lit up with a huge fire in buildings built in the 1870s burning and collapsing. Help was called to the scene from around the county to lay hose from Route

9W. The fire that destroyed the historic Kenwood Convent and formerDoane Stuart School is believed to have been an arson.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

Heavy Fire in Port Chester

Columbia County 2-CarMVA

On April 20, 2023, the Port ChesterFire Department was dispatched to Madison Avenue fora reported structure fire. Chief Sposta arrived to heavy fire showing and transmitted an all-hands. Engine 62 stretched two lines to the front doorand checked forany extension to the second floorand the attic. The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes and members conducted overhaul and primary and secondary searches. The fire was underinvestigation of WestchesterCounty Cause and Origin team.

- Fire News photo By Brandon Colon

At 1113 on April 2, 2023, Columbia County 911 dispatched Chatham Fire Department fora two-vehicle MVAat the intersection of State Route 203 and County Route 61, adjacent to the Taconic State Parkway exit. Responding units were Rescue 58-42 and Utility 58-72, along with Fire Police fortraffic control. Chatham Rescue Squad evaluated three patients and transported one to a local hospital. The New York State Police assisted at the scene. Two flatbeds removed the disabled vehicles and Chatham was back in service in approximately one hour.

- Fire News photo by David Levow

2-Alarmerin Cypress Hills

Battalion 39 transmitted an all-hands forheavy fire in a flat roof private dwelling on Nichlos Avenue on April 14, 2023. Units encountered fire in the cockloft and a second alarm was transmitted. The fire took two hours to bring undercontrol.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Batteries Blamed forFatal Fire

Two young people were killed on April 10, 2023, in a fast-moving fire on 46th Street in Astoria, Queens. FDNYofficials say a father and his five children were in a second-floorapartment when a fire broke out on the first floor, reportedly caused by an e-bike battery.

Three of the children and the fatherwere able to jump and be rescued from a second-floorwindow but two otherchildren perished in the front room of the apartment.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Fatality at Bayside Blaze

One occupant lost his life aftera fire broke out in his home on 36th Avenue in Bayside, Queens, on the morning of April 16, 2023. FDNYunits arrived at the two-story home to find a heavy fire condition throughout. Three alarms were transmitted as the radiant heat caused the blaze to extend to an adjoining home. There were no otherserious injuries reported forthe incident.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell

4-Alarm Blaze in Bath Beach

LadderCompany 168 transmitted a 10-75 forheavy fire in a vacant building on Bay 25th Street. Units were withdrawn from the building during the fire and were forced into defensive operations. The fire went to fouralarms. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Shed Fire Creates Havoc in Flushing

Brooklyn Blaze Extends to Cockloft

On April 12, 2023, FDNYcompanies in Flushing, Queens, responded to an outdoordining shed that was ablaze on 37th Avenue. The fire generated heavy flames, which quickly spread to an adjacent five-story building that housed businesses and apartments. The shed was reduced to rubble and extra truck companies were needed to search the numerous occupancies involved.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Engine Company 290 and Ladder103 transmitted an all hands for heavy fire in a private dwelling on MillerAvenue on April 25, 2023. Members found that the fire extended to the second floorand cockloft of the building. They used fourhoselines to knock down the main body of fire. Searches throughout the structure were negative.

Happy Birthday Lou Andrade

On

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

April 17, 2023, a group of FDNY“WarYears” firefighters took legendary FDNYFirefighterOfficerLou Andrade out to lunch for his 90th birthday. Fire News will talk more about the careerof this

gentleman, who has served the FDNYand the Setauket Fire Department well. Happy birthday to ourfriend Lou Andrade!

- Fire News photos by Harry Loud

Street Renamed forSlain FDNYEMS Captain

AHuntington Station street was renamed for New York City Fire Department EMS Captain Alison Russo-Elling, of Huntington, who was killed in a random attack in Queens last fall.

Part of Railroad Street near the Huntington Community First Aid Squad (HCFAS), where Russo-Elling volunteered for 30 years, was renamed Captain Alison Russo Way in an April 2023 ceremony to honor her life.

Russo-Elling was a 61-year-old FDNYEMS lieutenant who served for 25 years and was only six months away from retiring when she was murdered while on duty on September 29, 2022. She was posthumously promoted to captain during her funeral on October 5, 2022.

Russo-Elling was on duty and buying food near 20th Avenue and Steinway Street in Queens when she was stabbed multiple times in a vicious, unprovoked attack in broad daylight. According to the FDNY, she was the 1,158th FDNYmember to die in the line of duty.

It is estimated that Russo-Elling responded to 25,000 emergency calls throughout her career. Her colleagues and loved ones have described her as having a kind, caring nature, and was someone who was selfless, helping others both on and off the job.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez

Joint Drill in Newburgh

On April 18, 2023, Winona Lake Engine Company held a joint drill with Battalion 3 on the Sears Building in the Town of Newburgh. - Fire News photos by Vincent Dominick

Working Fire in Rochester

In the early morning hours of April 24, 2023, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to Portland Avenue fora report of smoke coming from a house. Engine 16 arrived to find heavy smoke and declared a working fire. Crews quickly stretched lines and, as they made

entry, found fire on multiple floors. The fire would go through the roof but was quickly knocked down from the interior.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

49th FDNY-NYPD Hockey Game

Enjoy a few photos from the FDNY-NYPD hockey game, which was played at the UBS Arena on April 15, 2023. Congratulations to the FDNYon theirwin against the NYPD. Out of the last six games played, the FDNYhas won five, with a tie in 2019. The FDNYwon the 2023 game by a score of 8 to 5.

- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

Cover Story

High Winds Fan Flames

Around 1300 on March 26, 2023, the Rochester911 Call Center started receiving multiple calls reporting a fire on Bloss Stre et. On arrival, crews found heavy smoke showing from a boarded up vacant building. Crews made a strong push into the home but were quickly pushed out by the heavy fire conditions on all floors. The fire was fueled by high winds sweeping the fire across the home. A second alarm was struck bringing in extra units as firefighters worked to stop the fire from spreading to the exposure home next door. Multiple large lines were used along with a masterstream to knock down and bring the fire undercontrol.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Midway’s 85th Inspection and Awards Dinner

On April 29, 2023, the Midway Fire Department held its 85th inspection dinnerushering in its 2023 civil and firematic officers. This year’s officers are Chief Eric Obermayer, 1st Assistant Chief Diane Suits, 2nd Assistant Chief Todd Lawson, 1st Captain Jeremy Krosky, 2nd Captain ChristopherDeVall, Lieutenants TylerGansfuss, Sean Lawyer, Jasen Surprenant Fire Police Captain William Teatorand Fire Police Lieutenant Raymond Roland. During the ceremony Ruthanne Bergemann was honored by being named Firefighterof the Year. The members of the Engine 437 squad were named the winnerof the Chief’s Inspection, led by Lieutenant Jasen Surprenant.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

Awards DinnerHeld in Athens

The Athens Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards dinner at their social hall on April 29, 2023. The following members were recognized for their years of service.

Seventy years: Edward Mickey, 60 years: John C. VanValkenburg and Thomas Tompkins.

Fifty years: James H. Robinson, Jr., and David Robinson, Sr., 40 years of service: John Greco and Dale Lubera.

Twenty-Five years: Emmanuel ‘EJ’Olivett.

Fifteen Years: Phyliss Dinkalacker, Mark Dinkalacker, David Disbrow and Chris Frisbee.

Five Years: Nate Brady and Seth Dillworth.

The Chiefs Merit Award went to Robert Schrader.

The Timothy Albright Sr. Memorial Most Improved Firefighter was awarded to Sam Mozzillo, Jr.

The Harold VanShaack Memorial Leadership Award Posthumously

Awarded to Timothy Albright, Sr.

The Eugene Fandozzi Memorial Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Firefighter Ethan Young.

Line officers for 2023 are Chief Wayne Butterworth, First Assistant Chief Anthony DelVechio III, Second Assistant Chief James Robin son III. Captain Antonio Fuentes, and Lieutenants Chris Frisbee, Dave Disbrow and Donald Weingard. Fire Police Captain is Greg Walker

House officers are President Alan Frisbee, Vice President John C. Miller, Financial Secretary George F Stacey, Secretary Emily Lu bera, Recording Secretary Tom Borfits. Sergeant-at-Arms Ethan Young and Chaplain Randy VanValkenburg.

Situated on the east bank of the Hudson River in Greene County, the Athens Volunteer Fire Department has been serving its community since 1805.

- Fire News photos by John C. Miller

NATIONALFALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION AND FIRSTRESPONDER CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE SELECTNEW CHIEFEXECUTIVE OFFICER

Following the recent retirement announcement of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki, the NFFF and FRCE Board of Directors began a nationwide search for a replacement. Utilizing the services of Vetted Solutions, a Washington DC-based executive search firm specializing in non-profit work, the Board-established search committee has selected NFFF Managing Director Victor Stagnaro to lead the organization after Chief Siarnicki finishes his term in December of 2023.

Victor Stagnaro joined the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff in 2010 and serves as the Managing Director, overseeing NFFF’s Family and Fire Service Programs, Marketing, and Business Management. Prior to that, he served for 25 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department and retired as the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations in early 2010. His involvement with the Foundation dates back to 1998, when he served as the Incident Commander for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend for several years; he also served as a member of the initial Ne w York Response Team on 9/11 for the Foundation.

“We are delighted to have Victor take the reins of our organization as he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to the mission of both the NFFF and FRCE since joining our team. It was an exhaustive process, and he clearly exhibited the capabilities to take over this leadership role. We look forward to what he will do to move both organizations forward,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.

“I have known Victor back to the days when he served with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department and his level of professionalism and commitment to excellence has been his mainstay in all that he has been involved with. I know he will take the FRCE to new levels as it continues to service our Public Safety Partners,” said Chief Ernie Mitchell, Chairman of the FRCE Board of Directors.

NAVRAEXTRICATION TRAINING

MAY24-26, 2023 ATSUBARU PARK, CHESTER, PA

The North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) will present Patient-Centered Extrication Training, taking place at Subaru Park, in Chester, PA, on May 24 to May 26, 2023. The training features a two-day workshop on skills and tactics as well as a Q&A with technical, medical, and command assessors. This will be followe d by a one-day mini rescue challenge. This will be the first time NAVRA training will take place in the Northeast, providing an opportunity for emergency responders up and down the East Coast to get involved in this impactful and fun event.

Subaru of America, Inc., ESI Equipment, Inc., Turtle Plastics and Fire News are proud to sponsor NAVRA’s Patient-Centered Extrication Training at Subaru Park. Extrication Teams involved in the training play a vital role in the operational objective and function as their agency’s liaison with the vast networking opportunities associated with these extrication challenges.

NAVRA’s experienced industry expert members work tirelessly to train all of our emergency responders with innovative techniques, advanced equipment, and authentic competitions — all of which are based on the NFPA1670 guidelines and exceed the State of Florida for Fire Service Instructors standards. Fortunately, we’re able to do this by integrating corporate support into public service and subsidizing training costs.

This is a free event for all. You can participate in the traini ng and competition or just be an observer. This training seminar is focused on the Team Challenge Concept, and is ideal for potential extricat ion teams and departments that are interested in forming teams to l earn new skills and techniques from leaders in the field. What is le arned can be brought back and shared with their departments to improve skills and decreases rescue times.

Teams will consist of six to eight people: a captain, medical t eam, and a technical team. All scenarios are run with live patients in the vehicles. The training will be three days, split as follows:

-Day 1: Educate participants on extrication options through multivehicle scenario using current model Subaru vehicles. An instructor and an assessor for each discipline will be with the team guidi ng and coaching. At the close of day one, the team will work a multivehicle scenario through completion.

-Day 2: Using learnings and scenarios from day one, teams will perform a live scenario without stops while the Instructor Team evaluates performance. The instructor team will hold a debrief with the team and cover important learning points in incident command, technical rescue and medical treatment.

-Day 3: The culmination of the event will be the Rescue Challenge. Each Team will perform a live scenario under Rescue Challenge conditions, without stops, while the instructor team evaluates performance. Multi-vehicle scenarios utilizing current model Subaru vehicles will provide top-level training that teams can bring back to their departments. Day 3 spectators are welcome to watch the challenge activities and enjoy food trucks, music and other local attractions. To sign up for this event or to lean more visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navra-training-seminar-tickets568671591037.

NAVRAis a non-profit organization committed to preparing today’s rescuers for tomorrow.

For more information on North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) visit www.navraus.org.

Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt

On April 1, 2023, the Midway Fire Department held its largest fundraising event forthe community. The Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt and Craft Fairallowed the community to participate in an egg hunt to win prizes. The hunts are geared to various age groups. Thousands of eggs were scattered across theirsoftball field and in a small room forthe little ones. Spiderman and the EasterBunny were both on hand forphotos and to learn how to do hands-on CPR by Colonie EMS.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

FirefighterChili Cook-Off

On March 26, 2023, Brown’s Brewing held its annual Firefighters Cook-off. This was the first cook-off since before Covid and the turnout was fantastic. The event benefits the FASNYFireman’s Home in Hudson. More than 18 fire departments from around the area participated including the FASNYLadies and FASNYHome.

This yearhad a fantastic variety of chilis including super-hot from West Albany to this year’s winner; a chicken chili by Speigletown. Otherwinners were FullerRoad, Watervliet and Cohoes fire departments. It was a great time foreveryone to join fora great cause and commune again. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn