Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Rosedale Street for a house on fire.
See story on page 6
Schenectady firefighters responded to multiple calls of several cars burning.
See story on page 9
Crews found heavy smoke showing from the attic of a 2-1/2 story home.
See story on page 10
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See story on page 16
Boght Fire Department, along with Latham and Colonie Village FAST, responded to a vehicle fire only to find the fire was involving multiple vehicles and a structure.
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Shaker Road, Latham, West Albany and Fuller Road responded to a call for a brush fire behind a church.
See story on page 19
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Members of Tower Ladder 157 rescued and removed an occupant trapped in a heavily involved three-story private dwelling.
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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, NY11713.
January 28, 1953 - July 7, 2023
Fire News’Editor Dennis Whittam passed away on July 7, 2023, after a 14-year battle with cancer.
We here at Fire News mourn the passing of our friend, colleague and the face of Fire News. Afull firematic service was held as this issue went to press, of which there will be further coverage in the September issue. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and and by the staff of Fire News.
On April 24, 2023, members of the Mottville VolunteerFire Company (MVFC) were engaged in theirregularMonday evening drill (training on fire suppression and patient transport with their UTVat the Skaneateles TransferStation) when, at 2000, they were dispatched to a possible house fire on West Lake Road in Niles. MVFC Car1, Car2, Car3, Car400, Squad 5, Engine 2, RescuePumper1, and Fire Police responded. Originally called into Cayu ga County as a chimney fire, MVFC units arrived on scene to find a
working residential structure fire with flames through the roof Firefighters were pulled from the house when the roof suffered a partial collapse. Crews from Skaneateles, Moravia, Scipio, Sennett, New Hope, Locke, West Niles, Fleming, Marcellus, Owasco, Sempronius, FourTown Ambulance, and SAVES also responded. One firefightersuffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Blauvelt firefighters responded to a house fire on June 28, 2023. Afew of the fireifghters almost stepped on what appeared to be a dead wire. One firefighterdid step on it, and the line arced and started to burn. Luckily, no one was injured.
In the early morning hours of June 1, 2023, Rochesterfirefighters were dispatched to Rosedale Street fora house on fire. On arrival, companies found heavy fire showing from multiple floors of a 2-1/2 story wood frame dwelling extending to homes on both sides. Crews stretched lines and made an aggressive interiorattack but were forced to go defensive when the main fire building started to
become untenable due to extremely heavy fire conditions. The delta exposure would also turn into a defensive operation as the fire entered the attic and went through the roof. Crews saved the bravo exposure from serious damage.
- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
On the morning of June 11, 2023, East Rochesterfirefighters responded to West Commercial Street forthe report of an MVA. Crews arrived to find a carthat had hit the side of a church. Crews rendered medical aid to the victim and found no signs of structural damage to the church.
- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Alithium-ion battery exploded in a public hallway on Vandalia Avenue in the Starett City section of Brooklyn, on July 3, 2023. Units used two watercans to knock down the fire that sent smoke throughout the hallway and into apartments. Members of Squad Company 252 removed the battery from the 16-story building. An all-hands assignment was used.
Arlington Fire Department operated at a structure fire on May 25, 2023, on Brookland Farms Road. Quick response and work by AFD limited the damage to the structure. Arlington was assisted at the scene by the City of Poughkeepsie, Mobile Life Paramedics, and the Town of Poughkeepsie police.
The City of Newburgh operated at a structure fire on South Miller Street on May 16, 2023. Crews arrived to heavy fire in the rear of the structure. The fire quickly spread to adjoining structures before being brought undercontrol. Newburgh was assisted at the scene by Stewart AirGuard and West Point fire departments, Mobile Life Paramedics, and the City of Newburgh police. Cornwall on Hudson and Middle Hope provided coverage.
Engine Company 248 and Battalion 41 traveled two short blocks forfire in a five-story mixed occupancy building on Nostrand Avenue on June 3, 2023. The fire extended to the second floorof an apartment building.
Schenectady firefighters responded to multiple calls of several cars burning at Interstate Towing on Kings Road on May 26, 2023. Three vehicles and a U-Haul truck were completely engulfed in flames. Truck 2’s towerladderwas utilized to bring the fire under control. Volunteers from neighboring Carman Fire Department in Rotterdam were initially dispatched, but assisted SFD at the scene.
On June 5, 2023, Stanford Heights, Midway and Colonie Village were called to a structure fire on Berwyn Court. Upon arrival the garage was fully involved. The structure was within a few feet of a deck and home. Luckily, with the quick action of the departments, the home only incurred some melted vinyl siding. The garage, which held bicycles and mowers, was completely destroyed. The fire also spread to the trees and ground coverbut no furtherstructures were damaged.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck
In the afternoon of May 21, 2023, Rochesterfirefighters responded to Normandy Avenue fora house fire. On arrival, crews found heavy smoke showing from the attic of a 2-1/2 story home. The fire was knocked down and placed undercontrol within 15 minutes.
- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Firefighters from the 58th Battalion battled a house fire on Flatlands Avenue on June 5, 2023. Units were met with heavy fire from the first and second floors, and a carfire. Units used three hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
One civilian was injured in this private dwelling fire on 215th Place in Queens Village on the evening of June 7, 2023. FDNYcompanies were on the scene and the incident was brought undercontrol within 30 minutes. Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
TowerLadder120 transmitted a 10-75 forfire showing from the second floorof a multiple dwelling on Pacific Street in the Ocean Hill section of Brooklyn. Units were able to rescue a man from the second floor. Members used two hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
On May 25, 2023, Engine Company 317 and LadderCompany 117 arrived at a 24th Street address just after0100, to fire showing from the rear. Units rescued a civilian from the fire apartment. A firefighterwent down and a Mayday was transmitted. He was removed from the building. Five otherfirefighters were injured. The fire went to a third alarm. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Boght Fire Department, along with Latham and Colonie Village FAST, responded to a vehicle fire. The first arriving chief dispatched the call again explaining that the fire had expanded and was now involving multiple vehicles and a structure. Additional help was called from Saratoga County from West Crescent, Clifton Park, Vischers Ferry and Halfmoon. The small used carlot had an RVin the rearof the property which seemed to be where the fire originated. The fire was underinvestigation. One firefighterwas treated forheat exhaustion.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck
Wynantskill played host to the North Greenbush Memorial Day Parade. The large parade has hundreds of participants who pass by even more residents that line the streets. Dignitaries, marching bands, pipe bands and a plethora of fire departments participate in the event.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck
The Maplewood Fire Department coordinated theirannual Memorial Day Parade on May 26, 2023. The annual parade has been going on forover30 years. Neighboring departments, Town of Colonie SupervisorPeterCrummey, as well as othertown officials, joined not only the parade but also the ceremony held after. The ceremony includes laying of wreaths, music by a marching band and Albany pipe band, honoring veterans. Residents lined the streets as the parade passed, receiving flags from participants. The evening concluded with everyone, including residents, returning to Maplewood FD forhot dogs and hamburgers.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck
It was a lovely day forthe Town of Sand Lake as it held its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Averill Park and West Sand Lake were a few of the departments that participated in this year’s event. The parade ends at the Sand Lake Veterans Memorial where honored guests expressed what Memorial Day means to them.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck
The Town of Niskayuna comes togethereach yearforNiska Day. Schools, businesses, dignitaries and fire departments start the day with a parade through the town. The parade leads to the Niskayuna High School where more events take place throughout the day. It is a wonderful event that brings a close-knit community together.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck
ShakerRoad, Latham, West Albany and FullerRoad responded to a call fora brush fire behind a church on Old Maxwell Road. The brush fire spread quickly and ignited a large storage garage behind the church. The church received minimal damage, but the garage was completely destroyed. This brush fire was just one of many
which occurred within days of each other. It was laterdetermined that one man had been setting them as he walked home from his job at a local newspaper.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck
FDNYfirefighterArturPodgorski of LadderCompany 108 received the FDNY’s highest honorforbravery, the Chief of Department PeterJ. Ganci Medal, at FDNYMedal Day in Queens on June 7, 2023. FirefighterPodgorski was instrumental in the rope rescue of trapped residents at a Manhattan highrise apartment building in November2022. Pictured are FDNYFire CommissionerLaura Kavanagh, FirefighterPodgorski, and FDNY Chief of Department John J. Hodgens.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
The Watertown Fire Department in Jefferson County wanted to introduce theirthree longest serving members to Fire News readers. Left to right: Robert Johnston; James Randall, Sr.; and Richard Tanner. Bob has over56 years, Jim has over47 years and Dick has over45 years fora combined over148 years of service and all three are still currently active.
- Fire News photo courtesy of Leon VanWie
It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of NY(AFDSNY) must announce that our immediate pastPresident Kenneth B. Preston passed away on June 7, 2023, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Carter Preston; his children, Tammy (Jeffrey) Branagan and Todd (Jane Ellen) Preston; his grandchildren, Lauren and Alan Branagan and Natalie, Jack and Luke Preston; his brother, Eugene Preston; his brother-in-law, William (Donna) Carter; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Adrianne Preston and by his brother, Edward Preston. Ken had retired from Eastman Kodak where he was a Department Manager. He was past-President of the North Greece Fire Department with over 60 years of active service in the departme nt. He was also past-President of the Monroe County Fire District Officers Association; pastPresident of the North Greece Exempts; and a North Greece Fire Department Commissioner for 32 years. He will be greatly missed by his family, his North Greece Fire Department family, his many friends and our association. Ken served as President of our association, but also as 1st and 2nd Vice President, and as a Director. He chaired and served on numerous AFDSNYcommittees. Ken was a dedicated and hard-working contributor to every volunteer organization that he participated in. We miss those efforts and contributions, but more importantly, we miss his fellowship, friendship and the kindness and caring he brought to all he worked with. Ken was a unifying force in our organization. Ken’s family has noted that donations can be made to the North Greece Fire Department, 1766 Latta Road, Rochester, NY14612 in Ken's honor. - Fire News photo provided
It is with regret that the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, announces the death of FirefighterStewart G. Hunt, age 37, of the Ancram VolunteerFire Company, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. FirefighterHunt, a 21-yearmemberof the Ancram Fire Department, suffered a medical event while performing traffic control duties at an incident. Stewart was a motoreqipment operatorforColumbia County Highway. he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and being in the woods. He was also a frequent golfer, who would try to swing the club at least twice a week.
- Fire News photo provided
The Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is sad to announce the passing of FatherJoe Bayne. FatherBayne was best known forrunning South Buffalo’s Franciscan Center- a home fortroubled youth - and serving as Chaplain forthe Erie County Emergency Services and the Buffalo Fire Department. You will be dearly missed, Brother. FatherJoe was a memberof ourNYSAFC since 1992. During the Chaplains Training Conference in 2017, held in Niagara Falls, Fr. Joe worked with Gary Hunt and Howard Morgan, and provided a training program forfuneral home visitations. Not only was he a friend of the fire service, but he was a personal friend to many of us as well. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
- Fire News photos courtesy of William Miles
Besides the love of serving our communities, there is one thing we have in common as members of the fire service. At some point we will reach Entitlement Age and begin collecting LOSAP. When that time comes, our life circumstances will determine how we spend that money. Now is the time to evaluate this “life event” so you get the most out of your payments.
If you are fortunate enough to have no debt or financial obligations, spending the money as you wish may be the best option for you. But if you’re like most of us, you’re looking to protect your family’s future. That's where life insurance comes in. How much do you have? Do you need more? Or do you have any at all? Why not use your LOSAPbenefit to buy a policy that will provide financial freedom to your family when you pass?
I met with two life insurance agents to obtain some facts. I told the first agent about a 55-year-old, non-smoking male firefighter. He withheld the most taxes from his LOSAPpayment of $600 per month, leaving him with $414 per month. She suggested a whole life policy, payable to the age of 100, with a face value of $100,000. The monthly payment on that policy was $322.16 per month.
She noted that by age 75, the firefighter
would have contributed $77,318 worth of premium into that policy. The net death benefit would have grown to $157,851; and by age 95 the policy would have grown to $289,207. That’s a sizeable tax-free payment to his heirs.
I met with another agent. He recommended a 20-year, convertible term policy with a dis-
ability waiver. This policy can be converted to a whole life policy after the first year, and up until the firefighter’s 65th birthday. The face value was $100,000 guaranteed for 20 years. The premium was 80.91 per month (or $64.73 per month without the disability waiver). If the firefighter becomes disabled, the carrier pays the remaining premiums.
The most intriguing thing about this policy is the conversion option. If the firefighter became disabled, they could convert the policy to a whole life policy. After the conversion, he would notify the carrier of the disability. The approved disability would then force the waiver to kick in, covering the premiums for the life of the policy, not just the 20-year term.
Your LOSAPmoney, of course, is yours to do with whatever you choose. But I hope these scenarios inspire you to get the most out of your benefit by bolstering your financial situation. Finance and insurance can be complex, and different for everyone. Review your personal finances to be sure you aren’t leaving your family with a financial hardship when you’re gone.
Please call me if you would like more information. - Kevin S. Parrett, Senior Account Executive, Hometown Firefighter & EMS Services; 631-589-2929. extension 319
The Boght Fire Department was called to Bruce Fence on Loudon Road fora brush fire that was overtwo acres in size. With high ambient temperatures and very little moisture, a tossed cigarette quickly set the ground coverablaze. Boght was down the road at anotherstructure fire when the call came in. Mutual aid companies
from Saratoga County, Hillcrest, Vischers Ferry, West Albany, Maplewood North Bethlehem and Cohoes, were called in to assist. It took overtwo hours to get the fire undercontrol.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck
MacBoston 18 Truck Memorial held a stablization training session on May 13, 2023. MacBoston 18 training sessions is forfirefighters from around New York, as well as otherstates. These training courses feature instructors who are able to give one-on-one training
in unique yet pertinent topics. The full-day training was held at the Colonie Municipal Training Centerin Latham.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck
- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Battalion 18 transmitted a 10-75 forsmoke in an apartment building on Noble Avenue in the Bronx. Units found heavy smoke throughout the top floor. Members used six hoselines and four towerladders to what would become a five-alarm fire on June 11, 2023.
Just before midnight on June 8, 2023, crews from Colonie Village, Stanford Heights, West Albany, Midway, Boght FAST, Shaker Road and FullerRoad were dispatched to a structure fire on Debbie Court. The departments realized that the fire had been burning forwell overan hourpriorto being called in. Flames from the basement were shooting through the roof and most of the rear portion of the dwelling was completely gone. It took the departments overan hourjust to get the hot spots extinguished.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photo by Photos By Truck
On June 12, 2023, members of TowerLadder 157 rescued and removed an occupant trapped in a heavily involved three-story private dwelling on East 23rd Street in Brooklyn. Asecond alarm was transmitted on arrival of the chief, as units had fire throughout three floors of the wood framed. structure
Glenn Usdin is a professional photographer and a firefighter for over 40 years who has been photographing fires and firefighters in NYC since the mid 1970's. Dan Potter is a retired FDNYfirefighter with the ability to tell the stories that bring the reader right into the firehouse or on the fireground. Together, Usdin and Potter conceived, photographed and told the stories that captures a wide range of firefighters in They Saved New York.
In the late 1960s, through the 1980s, the New York Fire Department experienced a historic rapid amount of fire duty. The firefighters who worked those years saw more actual fires in a week than most firefighters across the country saw in a year. Usdin felt strongly that these firefighter's legacies needed to be preserved and honored in a unique way. That was the inspiration for the
project that became They Saved New York.
Dan Potter spent hundreds of hours interviewing featured firefighters and then crafted their stories for the book with his deft writing style. Usdin captured evocative por-
traits of each of them, as well as hundreds of action photos he shot at fire scenes over 40 plus years. The result is a large format photo documentary that honors the profession as well as the featured individuals.
They Saved New York is filled with photographs and stories of tribute and remembrance from 90 members of the New York City Fire Department, ranging from brand new firefighters to some of the most seasoned veterans. "It is a story of resiliency and perseverance ……"--Frank Leeb, Deputy Assistant Chief, FDNY.
Aportion of the proceeds from this book will support four foundations that serve the needs of retired and current firefighters. You may find out more about those foundations and the book here: www.TheySavedNY.com Dan Potter and Glenn Usdin are available for virtual and in-person interviews.
Three groups of sessions will be offered between 80800-1230. There will be a break for lunch and then the opening ceremonies will begin at 1400. The day then will transition to the exhibit floor, where there will be a welcome reception, a Tailboard Talk and a roundtable.
New Classes
“Incident Command: Defining the Expectation.” “Engine Company Operations at Apartment Fires.” “RIT? FAST? RIC?
WHO?” “Flying into a New Era: Building a Drone Program and Utilization in the Fire Service.”
VolunteerDays
Firehouse Expo will offer special programs for volunteer firefighters with a special discounted rate of $75 registration for either Wednesday or Friday. And don’t miss “CPR for the Volunteer Fire Service," and “AFG Strategies for Success.”
Lessons Learned
Attendees of Firehouse Expo in 2022 requested more classes/speakers that concentrate on lessons learned and that p rovide examination of close calls and fireground incidents. “Out of Air, Can YOU Make It to Safety?” and “I Was Not Ready for This!”
Our in-depth pre-conference workshops will allow participants to take a deep dive into leadership, tactics and the human side of firefighting, among other topics.
This new class conference includes several “Thru-the-Lock, the Not-So Forcible Entry Method.”
One of the many tasks firefighters must be proficient in is
forcible entry. The Thru-the-Lock method of forcible entry conserves property damage while obtaining the goal of gaining entry. This method is utilized when life safety and property conservation come together to make access to buildings and homes for a vast array of incident responses. When seconds count and lives hang in the balance, it takes trained professionals to do their job and get it done right. Thru-the-Lock has proven effective to access patients, making entry for water flow activation, as well as maintaining door control for smoke conditions. An additional benefit of Thru-theLock is the ability to secure the entry point upon termination of the incident. Thru-the-Lock is a skill every firefighter needs in their proverbial toolbox.
Fire departments across the country face many challenges in the post-COVID-19 era, including leadership changes, culture issues and exhaustion, which all can bring down morale in firefighters
Find the full list of pre-conference workshops here: firehouseexpo.com/2023/workshops.
You must preregister for these four- and eight-hour workshops, so do it today.
people who head into burning
when everyone else is running out.
Red Knights ChapterIII held its annual Americade Ride on May 30, 2023. Each yearthe ride brings togetherRed Knights from multiple states and chapters fora charity ride. This year’s ride, held in honorof members who have passed, traveled 175 miles around
Sacandaga Lake. Over79 riders and 52 bikes, from 12 chapterparticipated in this year’s ride.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; photos by Photos By Truck
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Greater Monroe County Events Committee hosted the 16th Annual and the final Tournament. The tournament was held June 4 and 5, 2023, at the Deerfield Golf and Country Club on Craig Hill Drive in the Town of Clarkson. Over 500 golfers played and over 30 Fire Hero Families attended each day of the tournament.
Mr. Victor Stagnaro, recently appointed Executive Director for the NFFF, greeted the golfers and the families during the opening ceremony on Monday.
The Fire Hero Families joined the over 80 volunteers to make the event the success that it was. The families stationed themselve s at various holes on the course sporting tags that read “Ask me about my firefighter.” When you did, they would tell you all about them. One mom told a Channel 8 reporter it was part of her healing from the loss when she first joined us and shared her story of the person behind the loss. “I
want people to know who my son was, the amazing individual he was,” said Stacy Morse, mother of fallen firefighter Peyton Morse.
Stagnaro was selected following a national search. He is succee ding retiring Chief Ron Siarnicki as Executive Director of the Foundation. Stagnaro, a former Deputy Chief with Prince George’s County, Maryland, spent the day with us on Monday during the tournament.
The local events committee is pleased to have raised in excess of $500,000 during its tenure hosting the previous 15 tournaments. The proceeds for this tournament are projected to near another $100,000 over the two-day event; the largest held to date. The team is p roud to partner with the NFFF in supporting their mission. For more information about the NFFF, see https://www.firehero.org. For more information, call 585-747-5581.
- Submitted by/written by and photos by NFFFRochester Area Events Team Christopher Martin, PIO
