Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 13, NO. 11
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973
SEPTEMBER 2020
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
Never Forget 9/11/2001
Page 2, Fire News, September 2020
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 3
In this issue... Never Forget... Remembering the fallen on the 19th Anniversary of the WTC attacks. See story on page 5
2 Alarm Fire in Schenectady Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that tore through a 1-1/2 story vacant dwelling. See story on page 9
Brownsville 2-Alarmer Tower Ladder 120 and Engine Company 231 spotted fire from the second and third floor of a wood framed mixed-occupancy building. See story on page 10
Selkirk Car Fire
Selkirk Fire and Delmar Bethlehem EMS were dispatched to a vehicle fire. See story on page 14
Flames Spread in Albany The Albany Fire Department handles a house fire that extends on both sides. See story on page 17
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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All-Hands Fire in Springfield Gardens Firefighters battled an all-hands blaze in a private dwelling. See story on page 24
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 New to Them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26
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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Fire News Will Always Remember The last few months have been trying for all of us. You have been dealing with the changes in your lives that have been brought forth by the corona virus. Yes, Covid-19 has certainly changed the way we must think as we train, drill, fight fires and socialize. Recently added to your work load was a serious storm that challenged many departments up and down the East Coast. Quite a few, if not all, departments had their work cut out for them dealing with the destruction of Hurricane Isaias. Once again, many of you had to respond to hundreds of calls during the high winds. On top of Isaias you had to deal with your “normal” everyday calls. Every department had their hands full this month and you performed flawlessly. Sitting back and reflecting on what's next in our lives, I could not believe that September has arrived. September 2020 is the 19th Remembrance of 9/11. No matter what I am doing on September 11, I stop and give prayer to the families who have suffered over the last 19 years as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center. Stop and think of the staggering statistics that have changed the lives of so many responders and innocent civilians who had the misfortune of being murdered in the attacks of September 11, 2001. For those of you who lived, worked, responded, or were curious and visited the site, the smell cannot be for-
gotten. The smoky mix of burnt plastic and smoldering materials can instantly bring back memories for many of the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center towers that day. May I remind you of some facts: 91,000 liters of jet fuel and 1,200,000 tons of building materials burned at 1000 degrees for a very long time. There were 23,000 fluorescent light bulbs in the World Trade Center. The bulbs contained small amounts of known carcinogens which vaporized for everyone to breathe. Then there were 75,000 telephones reportedly in the buildings, attached by 19,000 miles of cable — think PCBs. The coatings on the cables and 300 main frame computers that were pulverized and burned gave off toxic gases that many inhaled for many weeks. (Visit the “Let’s Roll Forum” for some incredible facts about the WTC. Sadly, we continue to lose responders and civilians to 9/11 related cancers. Never forget that our fallen heroes have set the example of being true American heroes by continuing to make everyone aware that the diseases related to the attack on this country still have a horrible impact on us. Remember, Firefighter Jimmy Lanza of Ladder 43, Firefighter Ray Pfeifer and so many other responders for all they did to make sure our government does not walk away from a situation that is predicted to get worse. As we pray for the
families affected by 9/11 cancer and now Covid-19, stay vigilant and continue to monitor the aftermath of 9/11. Just a quick note on this year's ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum; according to what I have read, the coronavirus pandemic rules mean that no live family tributes can be held at the 9/11 memorial. As we near September 11, 2020, visit the 9/11 Memorial website for information regarding this year's ceremony and listen to the local news regarding the 2020 changes. Dennis
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In Remembrance Of September 11, 2001
NEVER FORGET
Fire News, September 2020, Page 5
Ever present and all loving God, nineteen years ago we vowed that we would never forget. For many the tragic events of September 11, 2001, seem like yesterday as we watched our colleagues bravely run into buildings that thousands were attempting to evacuate. 343 is etched in our hearts. We have not forgotten, O Lord. Today we are ever mindful of the horrific after effects on the health for those who worked the rescue and recovery. Our prayers are with those who struggle daily — we pray for wholeness, comfort and healing. We pause to lift up the families of all those who lost loved ones as a result of those terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in rural Somerset County, Pennsylvania. We humbly ask that you would continue to bring comfort and strength to our nation. We ask that you watch over and protect our fire, EMS, law enforcement and our United States military serving around the world. Gracious God, keep us safe. We offer this, and every prayer in your most holy name, Amen.
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Cover Story
1 FF Injured at Spring Valley Apartment Fire
The Hillcrest Fire Department was toned out to a structure fire on Ibeck Court, around 0200 on July 7, 2020. Incoming 911 calls stated that people may be trapped in the building. Under the command of Chief Frank Youngman, firefighters arrived to find heavy fire in the front and rear of the home, and flames showing through the roof. Firefighters mounted an interior attack and began searches with the help of incoming mutual aid depart-
ments. Luckily, all occupants of the apartment building were able to evacuate prior to the fire department’s arrival. One firefighter was removed to the hospital by EMS and is believed to have suffered heat related injuries. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office BCI and the Ramapo Police Department. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 7
Scarsdale 2-Alarm Dwelling Fire
Just before 1630 on July 6, 2020, Scarsdale firefighters were dispatched to Rochambeau Road for a report of smoke in a dwelling. On arrival, crews found a heavy smoke condition in the area, not coming from Rochambeau but from a house on Church Lane. Crews moved quickly and found heavy smoke and fire showing from the third floor of the home and began to stretch lines to attack the fire. The fire was knocked down within 20 minutes and crews began a meticulous overhaul due to the home being under construction and the extremely high heat and humidity outside. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and Dave Kempter
Page 8, Fire News, September 2020
Two-Alarmer on Broadway
On July 22, 2020, Schenectady firefighters sounded two alarms to battle a fire in an occupied 1-1/2 story dwelling. Upon arrival, flames were venting from the first floor, extending to the second. The crew from Engine 1 quickly stretched handlines, knocking the main body of fire down in minutes. All occupants made it out safely. The 0435 fire was brought under control in less than an hour. - Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 9
Bronx Car Fire Escalates to 4 Alarms
2 Alarm Fire in Schenectady
In the early morning hours of July 1, 2020, the Bronx Communications Office received a phone call for a car fire on Jerome Avenue. While companies were en route, numerous calls were received reporting the car was on fire inside a building. Units arrived and quickly found heavy fire conditions throughout the second floor. The fire escalated to a fourth alarm. Numerous tower ladders and handlines were placed in operation. - Fire News photo by Brian Grogan
On June 14, 2020, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that tore through a 1-1/2 story vacant dwelling on Campbell Avenue. Deputy Chief Chris Keough reported flames through the roof on arrival. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. The cause of the fire was considered suspicious. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Page 10, Fire News, September 2020
If You’re Gonna’ Have a Fire…
FDNY companies in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn battled a two-alarm blaze in a three-story, wood framed, mixed-occupancy on July 22, 2020. The fire building was directly across the street from the quarters of Engine 231/Ladder 120 on Watkins Street. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Brownsville 2-Alarmer
On July 22, 2020, Tower Ladder 120 and Engine Company 231 returning to quarters, spotted fire from the second and third floor of a wood framed mixed-occupancy building on Watkins Street in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. A second alarm was struck as units knocked down the fire and conducted searches. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 11
It’sNewtoTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus
2001 FORD/E-ONE PUMPER From West Niles Fire Department with a 1250 GPM pump and 1000 gallon booster tank delivered to the Damascus Arkansas Sold by Command Apparatus FD.
2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.
2003 SPARTAN CRIMSON GLADIATOR Middle Hope Fire District District Engine E-338. 1,000 Gal 2,000 GPM. Served Middlehope NY from 2003 - 2015. Now belongs to the Cowan Fire Department located in Cowan Tennessee. Sold by Red Truck Sales Inc.
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2010 PIERCE QUANTUM RESCUE PUMPER Dix Hills Fire District Engine 7. 750 Gal 1,500 GPM 40 Gal Foam Light Tower Generator. Served Dix Hills NY from 2010 - 2018. Now belongs to the Hydro Fire Department in Hydro Oklahoma. Sold by Red Truck Sales Inc.
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We are looking forward to our new monthly feature
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To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly
631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com
Page 12, Fire News, September 2020
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Rye Brook Garage Fire
Quick Stop at Ossining Fire
On the early afternoon of July 4, 2020, members of Rye Brook and Port Chester fire departments were dispatched to Wilton Road for the report of a dwelling fire. On arrival, companies found heavy fire conditions coming from an attached garage. Crews made quick work of the fire, keeping the fire to the garage and making sure the fire did not damage the living areas of the dwelling. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
On the evening of July 4, 2020, the Ossining Fire Department was dispatched to a garage fire in the area of Campwoods Road. Deputy Chief 50 reported fire showing from the rear of a private dwelling. Crews arrived, stretched up a lengthy driveway and found a 2-1/2 story garage well involved. Crews stretched three lines and put the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Dave Kempter
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 13
5 Families Displaced, 3 FFs Injured at Yonkers Blaze
4.75"Capping off a raucous July 4, 2020, holiday, Yonkers firefighters responded to Buena Vista Avenue shortly after 0100 for a house fire. Companies found fire on the second floor, extending to the third and into the cockloft of a three-story, frame multidwelling. Five families were displaced and three firefighters were transported to a nearby hospital for various injuries. It took firefighters over two hours to extinguish the fire. - Fire News photos by Mike Messar
Page 14, Fire News, September 2020
Selkirk Car Fire
Recently, Selkirk Fire and Delmar Bethlehem EMS were dispatched to a vehicle fire on Jericho Road and Elm Avenue. The location later changed and was reported to be north of Jericho Road, with the car fully involved. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the fire and it was quickly extinguished after the arrival of Selkirk’s engines. - Fire News photo by Simon Lindmark
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Structure Fire in Claverack
On July 24, 2020, crews from Claverack in Columbia County responded to a early-morning structure fire that destroyed a home and several vehicles. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 15
2-Alarmer in Mount Vernon On July 22, 2020, Mount Vernon firefighters were dispatched to Lafayette Avenue for a house fire. Companies arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a 2-1/2 story dwelling. Firefighters made a strong push in and found heavy fire conditions on multiple floors in the walls. A second alarm was struck due to the high temperatures and humid conditions. The well-advanced fire quickly reached the attic and firefighters were pulled from the building and transitioned to a defensive attack due to structural instability. A ladder pipe and multiple large handlines were used to knockdown the heavy fire in the attic. Eastchester and Larchmont responded as mutual aid. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Gas Line Struck in Washingtonville At 1406 on July 17, 2020, the Washingtonville Fire Department was dispatched for a report of a gas leak at the Village of Washingtonville DPW Sewer Plant. Upon arrival, fire units found that a village contractor had struck a gas line while driving a stake into the ground. Crews checked the exposed building for a buildup of natural gas, with negative results, then stood-by with a charged hoseline until Orange and Rockland Gas responded, shut down the gas line and declared the scene safe. - Fire News photo by Chief Gary Hearn
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Chatham Fire Receive Improved ISO Ratings The Village of Chatham and the Chatham Fire Department proudly announced the recent review by the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) resulted in an improved rating from Class 4 to Class 3/3Y. The classification, known as the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program, assesses the fire-protection efforts in a community. Effective September 1, 2020, the jurisdiction’s improved rating score may help residents and businesses within the Chatham Fire Protection Districts achieve lower insurance costs. Property owners are urged to contact their insurance company regarding this new ISO rating. A copy of the official letter from ISO is on the Village’s website. The rating is based on four factors — the Fire Department’s ability to receive and respond to fire alarms; review of the fire department’s equipment, personnel and training; the water supply system; and communications. Insurance companies then use this ISO rating for underwriting and calculating premiums for properties. There are only 3,583 fire departments with a Class 3 rating in the country and only 423 with a Class 3 or higher in New York State. Chatham Fire Department is now in the top nine-percent of rated fire departments in the country. “This is a very proud moment for the CFD,
the Village and the community,” said Chatham Mayor John Howe. “This was a group effort. The Village’s support for infrastructure improvements, such as the water system; to the DPW’s efforts in maintaining the hydrant system, to the Building Inspector’s office; and ultimately to the tremendous efforts of our volunteer fire department members and officers. Because of the work by our ISO project team, there is a potential for community financial savings in insurance premiums.” “Our volunteers spend hundreds of hours training, responding and maintaining equipment, to ensure we are operating at the highest level possible,” said Chief Eric Barnes. “The ISO rating is a report card of sorts. Chatham just scored an A (if you will) and it validates the commitment of the volunteers. I cannot express how proud we are to know that all of the hard work over the past four years has paid off. We hope our community can benefit from the work put in by our volunteer.s” ISO is the leading supplier of data and analytics for the property/casualty insurance industry. If you have questions about the new ISO classification or the rating process, please contact the Chatham Fire Chief Eric Barnes at 518392-2751 or ejb58005@aol.com
Lightning Possibly Source of Church Fire in Queens As storms tore through the area on July 23, 2020, a fire at a church in Queens is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike. The FDNY responded to the fire at the Spirit and Truth Christian Church on Sutter Avenue just after 1930. Crews worked hard to save the house of worship as flames raced up the front of the building beneath the steeple. Witnesses said the steeple took a direct hit from a lightning bolt. Firefighters ripped giant holes at its base to attack any trace of flames. Fortunately the church was empty when the storm passed through. Pastor Daniel Marimuthu said he was very disappointed because it was only two weeks ago that his congregation returned to physical services after spending months apart due to Covod-19. - Fire News story courtesy of NYSFCA
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Flames Spread in Albany
A ‘Ping’ Saves the Day
On August 1, 2020, at approximately 0600, the Albany Fire Department was dispatched for a house fire. The fire was on the second floor of a Western Avenue home. On arrival, firefighters found fire spreading to the homes on both sides of the fire building. The center home suffered heavy damage as a result of the blaze. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
On July 5, 2020, in the City of Rensselaer, police received a call from two people lost on a trail running from the river up to Route 4. The individuals did not know where they were or what direction they were walking. The police “pinged” their phone and were able to locate their cell phone signal. Together, fire and police found the people off of a trail. The gentleman took his 90-year-old mother out for a walk in 90-degree weather and became disoriented. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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CAMPBELL SUPPLY COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2 SENIOR APPOINTMENTS Campbell Supply Company, a leading commercial and fire truck dealership with five locations in the northeast region is proud to announce two seniorlevel appointments. Keith Wortman will be joining Campbell Supply Company as Business Development Manager. Keith will be responsible for supervising all sales and marketing efforts of Campbell’s outside sales parts team, setting parts sales objectives, identifying product offering gaps, and business development with our OEM partners. Keith will be reporting directly to Phil Solomine, Campbell Supply Parts Director. A veteran sales and service representative in the medium and heavy-duty truck market, Keith has worked as sales manager, dealer account representative and territory manager for Cummins. In 2017, Keith received the Legendary Sales Award for Cummins North America and has been the recipient of the Cummins Dealer Incentive Program for nine out of 10 years. “Keith is well-regarded in the heavy-
duty trucking industry for delivering the highest standards of quality and service. His extensive sales background and strong operations leadership are great assets for Campbell Supply Company, especially during this time of expansion and acquisitions” said Scott Campbell, President, Campbell Supply Company. “We are excited to welcome Keith to the Campbell Supply Company family.” Rick Van Haaster has been named Sales Manager at Campbell’s Montgomery, New York, location. In his role, Rick will continue to build on the momentum Campbell has established in the medium and heavyduty truck market in the Northeast region. Rick started his career as an apprentice mechanic in 1980 and brings with him over 25 years of sales, and service experience in the medium and heavy-duty truck markets. Prior to joining
Campbell, Rick earned progressive positions in the transportation industry including LP Transportation, Inc., Bradco Supply, MidHudson Mack, Gallagher Truck Center, AMI Truck Leasing and Yellow Freight Systems Inc. Rick has been responsible for the management of multi-million dollar fleet maintenance programs and parts inventories over his distinguished career. Rick graduated from the Goshen Central High School in 1979 and holds an AAS degree in Business Management from Orange County Community College where he graduated with honors. Campbell is pleased to have these two highly regarded trucking veterans joining the Campbell team.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS This is an extraordinary year with great loss and a myriad of challenges. The global pandemic has upended lives and countless plans. We are all adapting, including the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Our volunteers, staff and Board of Directors evaluated many options to continue the tradition of gathering in front of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial this October to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. But with the uncertainties and challenges of planning this important event, while the coronavirus is still spreading in our country, our priority is ensuring the health and safety of the families of the fallen and all who attend the National Memorial. While we are disappointed to postpone the 2020 Memorial Weekend events, it is important to know that the nation’s fallen firefight-
ers will not be forgotten. On October 4, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will broadcast a National Tribute to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Most importantly, our Fire Hero Families will be invited to attend a ceremony in 2021, where we will once again gather in Emmitsburg as a grateful nation honors and remembers the sacrifices of America’s fallen firefighters.
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 19
Faรงade Collapse in Manhattan
Bronx Hi-Rise Blaze
The facade of a five-story parking garage at East 38 Street and 3rd Avenue recently collapsed. A 10-60 (Major Emergency Response) was called. One person suffered minor injuries as a result of the collapse and one car was destroyed by the rubble. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
A fire broke out on the sixth floor of a residential high-rise building on Story Avenue in the Unionport section of the Bronx on July 18, 2020. Sweltering weather conditions made FDNY fire operations especially difficult. Several firefighters and civilians suffered minor heat related injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Queens House Fire
Basement Fire in East New York
FDNY dispatchers received multiple calls for a private dwelling fire on 220th Street in the Cambria Heights section of Queens on July 16, 2020. Arriving companies found heavy fire conditions in the two-story wood framed home. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
On July 7, 2020, FDNY units responded to multiple calls for a basement fire on Logan Street in East New York. Engine Company 225 arrived to smoke coming out the basement rear. Units used one line to knock down the main body of fire. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Long Stretch at Greenburgh Greenhouse Fire
On the evening of July 22, 2020, the Hartsdale Fire Department was dispatched to a reported column of smoke coming from the woods off Secor Road. While units were responding, Greenburgh Police advised they had a fire in the area of Westchester Greenhouse on West Hartsdale Avenue. Crews arrived to find a greenhouse 40-percent involved. Firefighters had to stretch hose almost half-mile to a water source. Mutual aid was called to the scene from Greenville, Scarsdale and Fairview. - Fire News photo by Dave Kempter
Fire News, September 2020, Page 21
Mt. Hope 2-Alarmer
FDNY companies in the Mt. Hope section of the Bronx battled a two-alarm blaze in occupied multiple dwelling on East 178th Street on June 28, 2020. The fire was in a top floor apartment and extension into the cockloft was a major concern. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Rev. Leon VanWie Elected Chief Chaplain NYS Association of Fire Chaplains Every local fire department, county and state organization has been affected by COVID-19. The New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. is no exception. The 2020 annual training conference and meeting was to be held in Watertown, New York, at the end of April. Obviously, that meeting, along with most all New York State meetings and trainings have been cancelled or postponed. However, the work of the Chaplains’ Association continued and on May 12, through a video meeting, Reverend Leon VanWie moved into the position of Chief Chaplain for the association, becoming the 27th Chief Chaplain to serve in the position. Chaplain VanWie began in the fire service in 1976 and became a chaplain within a year. He was an EMT for over 15 years and currently serves as the Chaplain and President for the Town of Watertown Volunteer Fire Department, Chaplain for the City of Watertown Fire Department and is a Deputy Fire Coordinator in Jefferson County, in the role of chaplain. He also belongs to numerous other county and state fire organizations. Chaplains are called upon for a variety of important tasks: Invocations/Benedictions at banquets, dedicatory prayer/blessing of apparatus, planning a Memorial Service for a firefighter, and many other important responsibilities. However, one of the most challenging tasks chaplains are called upon to handle are tragic events with people who are hurting emotionally and
spiritually. Chaplain VanWie succeeds Mr. William Mayo, who served as Chief Chaplain from 2018 - 2020. Regarding Chaplain Mayo, Director Emeritus Reverend Canon Samuel P. Lundy said, “We, as chaplains, are diverse in belief, as well as in practice. We must be prepared to minister to all faiths. Bill helped us immensely.” The South Regional Director, Mark Little, appreciated the new perspective that Bill brought, as many of us are unfamiliar with the Jewish faith and traditions, as the vast majority of Chaplains in the association are Christians. Joseph McCarthy, the NYS At-Large Director, appreciated Chaplain Mayo’s sense of humor and how he not only talked about perseverance, but showed it, by example. Past Chief Chaplain Barrie Lyn Foster (2009 2012) stressed the training that Chief Chaplain Mayo brought to the fire chaplains — the diversity of faiths represented in the association and diversity tolerance, as all chaplains must serve with sincerity, grace and dignity. Chaplain Leon appreciates the leadership that Chaplain Mayo provided the last two years and how Bill was a great mentor to him. Chaplain VanWie, along with his wife, Margie, look forward to the next two years serving the chaplains of New York State. For information: LeonVanWie@gmail.com
Chief Chaplain Reverend Leon VanWie and Margie
Past Chief Chaplain William Mayo
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MVA’S
Fire News, September 2020, Page 23
Maybrook Two-Truck MVA Injures 4
Joy Ride Results in MVA
On July 24, 2020, two tractor-trailers and a NYS DOT dump truck, collided on Interstate 84 in the Maybrook Fire District. Four people were transported — one by medevac to Westchester County Medical Center and three by ambulance to Orange Regional Medical Center. To extricate the driver of the tractor-trailer, Maybrook cut a hole in the rear wall of the tractor to get to the driver, who was pinned under the dashboard, then used a small ram to displace the dashboard to remove him. - Fire News photo by Chief Gary Hearn, Monell Engine
The Selkirk and Elsmere fire departments, along with the DelmarBethlehem EMS and Bethlehem Police Department, responded for a call stating that a car had gone over an embankment down out of sight behind the Glenmont Walmart Store. Upon arrival emergency crews found the car about 60-70 feet down the embankment with a 13-year-old female behind the wheel. She had taken her mother’s car while she was in the store. Her mother declined to press charges. The driver was just shaken up. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Greenbush Truck Rollover
4th of July Bang in Winona
On July 23, 2020, the East Greenbush Fire Department was called out to close Port Road, an area with millions of gallons of gasoline stored in large tanks. There are also very large overhead power lines. The driver of a dump truck pulled out of a sand bank and felt the truck being pulled to the left and starting to tip. When it came to rest he knew the fuel tank ruptured. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
The Winona Lake Engine Company responded to a two-car accident in front of the local Walmart on July 4, 2020. No one was injured in the MVA. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Page 24, Fire News, September 2020
Winona Lake 2-Car MVA
On July 15, 2020, the Winona Lake Engine Company responded to an MVA at the intersection of Meadow Hill Road and Route 300. Responders found two cars involved in the incident. Firefighters made the scene safe and used absorbent to contain the leaking fluids. No injuries were reported for the incident. - Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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All-Hands Fire in Springfield Gardens
Firefighters battled an all-hands blaze in a private dwelling on 143rd Avenue near 181st Street in the Springfield Gardens section of Queens on July 19, 2020. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, September 2020, Page 25
FASNY Museum Of Firefighting Reopens
The FASNY Museum of Firefighting, in Hudson, reopened on July 8, 2020, after months of being closed due to Covid-19. The museum is doing everything it can to adhere to CDC guidelines to make sure its visitors and staff have a clean and comfortable experience. Hand sanitizing stations are set up throughout the galleries, and all staff are wearing masks throughout the building. Families, firefighters, or history enthusiatsts can see past and present-day firefighting up close, and explore a premier collection of firefighting equipment, apparatus, artifacts, and interactive exhibits anywhere. The museum is now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for cleaning, and is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday from 1000 to 1630. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez
Page 26, Fire News, September 2020
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Crews Search for Missing Swimmer
On August 6, 2020, the Luzerne Hadley Fire Department, South Glens Falls Fire Company, Queensbury Central Fire-Rescue, Bay Ridge Fire Company and Corinth Fire Department responded for a reported water rescue on Lake Luzerne. Dispatch was taking numerous calls stating a man swung off a rope, into the lake, and did not resurface. Units accessed the lake from a private driveway on Bay Road, sending in multiple dive teams and boats to search for
the victim. Eventually the rescue effort turned into a recovery mission. A New York State Police helicopter assisted crews in the search. The body of a 38-year-old male was found approximately two hours later by crews. This is the second fatal swimming accident in the area in less than a month. -Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez
Page 28, Fire News, September 2020
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