Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 14, 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 2021
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Never Forget 9/11/2001
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Fire News, September 2021, Page 3
In this issue... Geymer Drive House Fire The home sustained significant heat and smoke damage throughout and was deemed uninhabitable. See story on page 8
Rochester House Fire Firefighters were dispatched to Madison Street for the report of a fire. See story on page 10
Explosion Felt in Schodack Upon the arrival of firefighters, a fire was found in a barn and a large bus. See story on page 12
Five Mile Point Handles Car Fire Crews were on scene for roughly 90 minutes before returning to service. See story on page 22
Chatham Wins 5 Trophies at 2021 CCVFA Convention Chatham FD took home five trophies at the annual Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters' Association convention and parade. See story on page 28
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, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ 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 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:
Chester Moscicki, 99, Honored in Westhampton The 99-year-old WW II veteran was recently honored at the VFW Post 5350 in Westhampton Beach. See story on page 30
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 18-19 Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29
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, September 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
9/11 — 20 Years Later I still remember driving to work on September 11, 2001. Traffic was your usual Long Island bumper-to-bumper mess. As I listened to the morning news on my favorite radio station, a reporter commented on what was thought to be a private airplane that had crashed into the World Trade Center. I had no idea that all of our lives would change as a result of this incident. Twenty-years have passed since that terrible day. As I gave thought to this editorial, I wondered what my fire company’s new firefighters knew about 9/11. I did some quick math and realized the majority of my company’s probies were infants at the time of this attack on the United States. What could they know about this horrible day? I sat with five probies one night and realized that, thanks to the yearly memorial services and other yearly activities over the past 20 years, they knew more than I had given them credit for. They had a pretty good idea of what 9/11 was like. Of course, I interjected what my department did on 9/11 and what the atmosphere was like when every member showed up at the firehouse ready to be called into NYC. Our new
young members never realized we sent a crew to Alley Pond Park in Queens to stand by in case we were needed at the World Trade Center. I explained there was no hesitation by any member to jump onto the truck and help. My departments rescue truck was called into the South Street Seaport to set up lights. I explained to my audience that once Con Edison was able return electric to the Seaport, our members proudly rode home. I also noted that if there was anything positive that came out of this attack, it was that our nation pulled together to support the families of the fallen. Firefighters from all over the world offered support for the comfort of the families who did not know what the future held. Is that support still there? We cannot let our first responders down by walking away from the health problems that developed after 9/11. Exposure to toxins on that day, continue to take away the lives of our responders. We must continue to support all first responders in their time of need. Thanks to the Steven Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, the FealGood Fund and other organizations,
our fallen members are remembered. The Johnny Mac Foundation coined the phrase, “Whatever it takes.” Look into and support the organizations that support us. Every year we remain vigilant on the anniversary of 9/11. I recently heard on the news that this year, we must remain extra vigilant due to the current situation in Afghanistan. President Biden is slowly returning our military to this area, because things have quickly gotten out of hand with the removal of our troops. Until the world is at peace, we must remain vigilant at home. Let’s set the example! It is time to bring the respect and love back between Americans that we had 20 years ago after the attack on our country. - Dennis
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In Remembrance Of September 11, 2001
NEVER FORGET
Fire News, September 2021, Page 5
Ever present and all loving God, twenty 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.
Page 6, Fire News, September 2021
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Cover Story
Lightning Strikes in West Webster
In the early morning hours of July 2, 2021, firefighters from West Webster and Webster were dispatched to a home on Sunningdale Rise for a fire in a residence. First arriving companies found a large amount of fire showing and began to stretch lines. An interior attack was attempted but command determined that the fire was too far advanced and pulled all companies from the building for an
exterior attack. An additional ladder from Penfield was called as big lines were flowing. It would be announced later that night that the cause of the fire was from a lightning strike that hit the house 30 minutes earlier during a severe storm and was never checked. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Page 8, Fire News, September 2021
Geymer Drive House Fire
On July 15, 2021, at 1917, the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, along with Carmel Police, were dispatched to a structure fire on Geymer Drive. First Assistant Chief Robert Trace while en route observed heavy smoke from approximately half-mile away and confirmed a structure fire. Upon arrival, he transmitted a second alarm. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire on the front and B side of the two-story wood frame ranch, as well as engulfing an unoccupied vehicle located next to the structure. Crews immediately went to work to extinguish the fire on the exterior of the building and
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performed an aggressive interior attack in an attempt to suppress the fire. Mutual aid came from Putnam Valley, Mahopac and Mohegan; Somers provided in-quarters coverage for MFVFD, and Carmel provided coverage for Mahopac. One firefighter and one civilian were RMA on scene. The home sustained significant heat and smoke damage throughout and was deemed uninhabitable. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team. - Fire News photos by Ellen Nistico, PIO
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Passing the Torch
At the Mahopac Falls Fire Department’s monthly meeting there was a passing of the torch. For as long as many of us can remember, Jack Casey, a Life Member of MFVFD has been the driving force to keep the public up to date with what is going on within our department. Whether it was a structure fire in single-digit temperatures, or the acquisition of new apparatus, Jack was always present to capture the images that will last a lifetime. During our last meeting, Jack stepped down as Public Relations Officer and passed on that role to Elle Nistico. Elle’s work has been pivotal in the success of our social media and we have no doubt that she will be successful in her new role. On behalf of Chief Boyle, and President Schweizer we want to thank Jack Casey for all he has done for us and would like to congratulate Elle Nistico on her new position. Fire News would also like to thank Jack Casey for his dedication and commitment in spreading positive press throughout NYS about the Mahopac and Mahopac Falls Fire Departments. We look forward to working with Ellen Nistico.
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Rochester House Fire
On June 21, 2021, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Madison Street for the report of a fire in a dwelling. On arrival, first-due crews found heavy smoke showing from a large two-story dwelling and went to work on an interior attack. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire in under 10 minutes keeping the fire from extending. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Downed Power Lines in Mahopac
Early on July 17, 2021, the Mahopac Fire Department was dispatched, along with Carmel Police, to Crafts Road off Drewville Road. Within minutes,the call was upgraded to a confirmed working fire and calls went out for tankers and Yorktown FAST. Responding with equipment were Mahopac Falls, Carmel, Croton Falls, Somers, Kent, Medic 3, Carmel Ambulance and the Putnam Fire Investigation Team. Carmel Police closed Drewville Road for the safety of responding units. - Fire News photos by Jack Casey, PIO
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Jamaica 2-Alarmer
All Hands on Jamaica Avenue
A second alarm was transmitted by FDNY companies on June 23, 2021, for a fire in two private dwellings on South Road in the Jamaica section of Queens. The blaze was believed to have started in a corner building and quickly spread to the house next door. No serious injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Engine Company 294 and Ladder Company 143 responded for heavy smoke throughout a two-story mixed-occupancy building on Jamaica Avenue on July 13, 2021. It was the third multiple alarm fire on Jamaica Avenue this year. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Page 12, Fire News, September 2021
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EXPLOSIONS Explosion Felt in Schodack On July 5, 2021, neighbors in the Town of Schodack felt an explosion. Upon the arrival of firefighters, a fire was found in a barn and a large bus. Tanker trucks were utilized for the water source. The structures and vehicle were a total lose. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
Gas Explosion in Bed-Stuy
1 Fatality; 4 FFs Hurt
On August 4, 2021, an FDNY ladder company was flagged down by residents on Myrtle Avenue. The unit found a burn victim in the street from a gas explosion in an apartment on Myrtle Avenue. Searches throughout the building were negative, as units used a hoseline to knock down the fire. National Grid and Con Edison turned the supplies off in the building. The victim was transported to Cornell Burn Center. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
An explosion in a penthouse left one person dead and four firefighters hurt. Units from the 46 Battalion responded to 41st Avenue. Engine Company 292, Rescue Company 4 and Ladder Company 138 arrived first due. They arrived to heavy fire in a penthouse apartment on the sixth floor. The building rattled by an explosion so hard it caused a wall to collapse and be comprised. It took four alarms to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Page 14, Fire News, September 2021
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Hoarding Conditions at Doyle Worker
Firefighters from the Doyle Fire Department were called to Harlem Road on July 23, 2021. Upon their arrival, a working fire was transmitted for fire in the rear of the structure. Due to hoarding conditions and rapid deterioration of the structure, crews eventually went into a defensive operation as fire was seen coming through the roof. - Fire News photos by Donald Kilianski
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FIREHOUSE EXPO PREVIEW
Why Columbus?
Columbus was selected as the new home for Firehouse Expo after taking many points into consideration. We sought an area that has strong, progressive fire departments to support us. Like the pricing for the conference, we wanted a city that provides affordable travel and lodging and a location that offers plenty of activities in the days before and after Firehouse Expo and in the evenings during the event. Columbus offers all of that and much more. We are excited to work with the strong and progressive Columbus Division of Fire, with fire departments in Franklin County and with the Ohio State Fire Academy. It’s easy to fly into Columbus through John Glenn Airport (CMH), with more than 40 nonstop flights daily. The drive time from the New York City area is less than nine hours; points including Nashville, Chicago and Upper Michigan are less than six hours on the road.
Firehouse Expo’s Opening Ceremony
You won’t want to miss Brian Brush’s keynote, “Mission, Metrics and Vision.” Brush, the chief of training in Midwest City, OK, and founder of the Firefighter Rescue Survey, will look at metrics of fires compared to 50 years ago when the America Burning report was first published. While the number of fires is down, the threat of complacency is real when it comes to a fire service that is prepared to battle the next blaze and rescue victims, preventing a tragedy. Brush’s keynote will share how the fire service can recalibrate its mission and support the vision of vigilance that the firefighters and citizens expect of today’s firefighters. Firehouse will honor the Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor recipient, George O. Mueller and induct four longtime Firehouse contributors into the Firehouse Hall of Fame: Steve Austin and Curt Varone from the Class of 2020 and Ron Moore and Tom Shand from the Class of 2021.
Chicago Water Reclamation Plant Explosion-Join Tim Walsh, who was chief of special operations for the 2018 explosion, as he details the incident, including rescue operations to remove several trapped workers and the command structure that was needed to handle the incident.
Exhibit Floor Demonstrations & Roundtables
Between classroom sessions, visit the exhibit hall to meet with manufacturers. In addition to spending time with our sponsors, check the schedule for the various daily roundtables and product demonstrations and roundtables. We also partnered with the Illinois Fire Service Institute, All Hazards (A University of Findlay Training Center) and Insight Training to host various demonstrations in their respective booths each day. Demonstrations include rapid intervention and search techniques, thermal imaging skills and railroad tank car tactics.
Social Activities
First Annual FireFest Friday, Sept. 17, 1730-1930. We’re excited to host FireFest, which is a new annual social event that features food, drinks, and networking with firefighters and exhibitors from across the country, at Columbus Fire Fighters Local 67 union hall, Station 67. The renovated train station is packed with CFD history and provides a great view of downtown Columbus, where the free event will allow you to reconnect with or meet new brothers and sisters. Madison Township Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2507 9/11 Charity Event Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1800-2200. Madison Township Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2507 will host a special 9/11 Charity Event to help Motts Military Museum raise funds for its facility, which includes FDNY Tower Ladder 18, which was crushed by the collapsing buildings at the World Trade Center. The museum is home to the second-largest collection of 9/11 artifacts in Learning from Incidents the United States. This event is exclusive to During the 37th annual Firehouse Expo, Firehouse Expo attendees and includes a visit several presenters share what they learned at to the museum as well as to the local BrewDog incidents that captured national headlines: brewery. Limited tickets are available. Nashville’s Christmas Day Bombing-Capt. Exhibit Floor Networking Reception Scott Burgess, who was the initial incident commander for the vehiThursday, Sept. 16, 1500-1600. cle-borne improvised explosive device that detonated in downtown Kick off the opening of the Firehouse Expo exhibit floor at the Nashville on Dec. 25, 2020, will look at how EMS, suppression, hazmat and USAR crews operated at the blast. Burgess will share how Welcome Reception with food, drinks, and access to all of the venwork with local, state and federal authorities was key to bringing the dors, suppliers and manufacturers who will showcase the latest products and services. incident under control. Firehouse Expo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb LODDs, Close Call Incident Save Ohio Firefighters-Chief Allen Friday, Sept. 17, 0730-1030. Walls will share the lessons learned in Colerain Township, OH, folFirehouse and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) lowing the death of two firefighters as well as a close call, which were put to use years later to save the lives of several firefighters. have partnered to host a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Huntington “Tribulation, Tragedy and Triumph: A Close Call, a Double LODD Park, which is home to the Columbus Clippers Triple-A baseball and the Lessons Learned” is an in-depth look at these incidents and team. The fundraiser, which mimics the 110 flights of stairs that firehow you can apply the elements of them to prevent firefighter fighters faced inside of the World Trade Center’s North and South Towers on 9/11, allows climbers to reflect on the 20th anniversary of injuries or deaths. Ohio Middle School Shooting-Deputy Chief Kai Rieger will the terrorist attacks with each step that they take. explain how the tragic self-inflicted shooting of a teenager activated several agencies for a possible mass shooting at the Jackson Memorial Middle School in Jackson Township, OH. Rieger will share the outlines as the event went from a suicide to a large-scale operation and look at each layer of the response.
Page 20, Fire News, September 2021
Man Rescued from Buttermilk Falls Gorge
A man was rescued by the Ithaca Fire Department after he fell roughly 75 feet inside the gorge trail in Buttermilk Falls State Park. Tompkins County Dispatch received a 911 call just before 0800 from hikers on the gorge trail stating there was a man off the trail who needed help. First responders found the man on a ledge atop a waterfall inside the gorge. Crews roped down to the victim and discovered he had an ankle injury. The man was secured inside a rescue basket and raised back up to the gorge trail where he was immediately attended to by paramedics. NYS Parks employees transported the man out of the park to a waiting ambulance by UTV. Along with personnel from Bangs Ambulance and NYS Parks staff, NYS Park Police also assisted. - Fire News story and photo by Ithaca FD
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Fire KO’d in Red Hook
At 1208 on July 20, 2021, the Red Hook Fire Company and Tivoli Fire Department were dispatched for a stove fire on Garden Street in the Village of Red Hook. Engine Lieutenant Todd VanBuskirk, Jr., observed smoke coming from several locations in the structure and immediately initiated an interior attack. Shortly after, command requested a second alarm, bringing crews from Rhinebeck and placing Milan on stand-by. Due to the rapid and aggressive interior attack the bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 12 minutes. Overhaul, salvage and cleanup of the fire was finished at approximately 1600. The Red Cross responded to support the occupants of the structure which was deemed uninhabitable. Also responding were Red Hook Police, New York State Police, Northern Dutchess Paramedics and Central Hudson Gas & Electric. Dutchess County 911. - Fire News photo by John Lauffer
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Five Mile Point Handles Car Fire At 2036 on the evening of July 19, 2021, Broome County Communications began taking calls of a vehicle fire on Bevier Street. The Five Mile Point Fire Company (59) was dispatched. The Broome County Sheriff’s Department arrived and reported a small SUV well involved on the shoulder of the road. Engine 59-2, Squad 59, and Chief 59b all responded with a total of 11 firefighters. Engine 59-2 stretched from the rear hose reel and was able to control the fire with only a few hundred gallons of water. Squad 59 arrived an assisted with overhaul of the vehicle. Broome County Fire Investigation team was called to investigate. Crews were on scene for roughly 90 minutes before returning to service. - Fire News story by Nick Griswold
Geneseo Airshow Plane Crash
Warwick Mutual Aid Assignment
On July 10, 2021, during the Geneseo Airshow at the National Warplane Museum, a Canadian World War II-era plane ran off the runway into a cornfield. Geneseo firefighters were quick to respond to the scene where they found the plane stuffed into the corn field with only minor damage and the pilot uninjured. After evaluation, the plane was left in the corn field for the rest of the day and the show was able to continue. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Recently, the Warwick Fire Department, responded to a mutual aid call for a fire in the Florida Fire District. The WFD also responded to 13 calls for service. The Warwick Fire Department is comprised of four firefighting companies including the Warwick Fire Police Unit in the Warwick Fire District. - Fire News photo provided by Chief Michael Contaxis
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New toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus
BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.
2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.
2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.
BEFORE BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER AFTER
We are looking forward to our new monthly feature
Sold by Command Apparatus
“It’s New to THEM”
AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus
To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly
631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com
Page 24, Fire News, September 2021
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90 And Still Pumping Strong!
The fire boat John J. Harvey reaches its 90th birthday this fall and is still able to pump water over the deck of the George Washington Bridge like she did at the bridge’s opening in 1931. This former FDNY boat was one of the most powerful fireboats ever built. Built by Todd Ship Yards in Brooklyn, she is capable of pumping up to 18,000 gallons of water a minute. Commissioned on December 17, 1931, she faithfully served the department until 1994 and then was auctioned in 1999 to its present private consortium of marine preservationists who sought to save her from being scrapped. Among the famous marine fires she fought includes the Cunard Line pier fire in 1932, the burning of the French liner Normandie in 1942 during its conversion to a troop ship, the El Estero ammunition ship in Bayonne (if she was not purposely sunk, the explosion would have destroyed most of midtown Manhattan), and the oil tanker collision of the Alva Cape and Texaco Massachusetts in 1966 on the East River. Her marine characteristics are a displacement of 268 net tons, a length of 130 feet, beam of 28 feet, and draught of nine feet. Originally fitted with five gasoline-electric motors, they were replaced in 1957 with five Fairbanks-Morse opposed piston Model 38F51/4 which consist of eight cylinders with 16 pistons. She has twin screws and can reach a speed of 18 knots. The Harvey has eight deck monitors and 24 large connections for fire hoses which were greatly appreciated when called to serve on 9/11. In 2018 to mark the centenary of World War I’s end, the John J. Harvey was repainted in a “dazzle” tribute to mark the era's most colorful camouflage. A project of the Public Art Fund in collaboration with 14-18 NOW, a World War 1 centenary arts program in the UK, the Harvey represented a series of ships inspired by World War 1 dazzle camouflage. It was not designed to hide but confuse German U-boats that were regularly sinking British and American vessels. The paint scheme was to paint ships in a way that broke up their forms, using stripes, curves, and
bright colors to baffle U-boat gunners as to which way a vessel was heading. Influenced by Cubism and Vorticism, “dazzle camouflage” was applied to thousands of ships in the UK, and soon adopted by the United States Navy which dazzled its World War I vessels in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. On the morning of September 11, 2001, the attack on the World Trade Center brought crew members rushing to the John J. Harvey to help assist in the evacuation of thousands of persons from Ground Zero. While carrying as many individuals as possible to safer locations, the New York Fire Department officials spotted the Harvey and asked if her pumps still worked. She returned to Ground Zero and moored along the Battery Seawall by tying herself to nearby trees. There was no water available at the World Trade Center, so crew members helped cobble together adapters to hook new hoses to old outlets to help supply water from the river. Crew worked for over 80-hours non-stop and were joined by active FDNY fireboats John D. McKean and Fire Fighter. As a result of her efforts, the Harvey was presented with a special National Preservation Award for its role in 9/11. At the present time, her homeport is the North River Maritime Pier 66, a part of the Hudson River Park in New York City. Each year the John J. Harvey travels the region to promote waterfront vitalizations, water displays, and tours of her crew's onboard preservation efforts. A few locations she has recently been are: the Oyster Bay Festival in Long Island, Tugboat Roundup in Waterford, NY, Roundout Valley School District in Kingston, NY, and the FASNY Fire Museum in Hudson, NY. For more information on the John J. Harvey, upcoming trips and events, or to sign up for our newsletter, The SPLASH, contact www.fireboat.org. - Fire News story and photo courtesy of Chuck Parodi; Deckhand, John J. Harvey
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Looking Back Baseball After September 11
Westchester - 2016
On July 19, 2016, a construction crane being used to build the Tappan Zee Bridge’s replacement bridge collapsed across six lanes of traffic. Miraculously, only four people (some reports say five) three motorists and a construction worker - were injured, all receiving minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Eddie Coppa
Jackson Heights - 2016
Fifteen years after the horrific events of September 11, 2001, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum paid tribute to baseball’s role in the healing process with a six-month exhibit, as well as with a special recognition during the recent Hall of Fame Weekend. - Photos by Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame
FDNY companies in the Jackson Heights section of Queens arrived at a multiple dwelling on 83rd Street on July 12, 2016, and found flames shooting from a third floor window with auto exposure to the floors above. Engines quickly stretched their handlines, while truck companies searched and vented. Several minor injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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McShane Receives FASNY Scholarship
West Sand Lake Fire Department came together to congratulate member Daniel McShane as he received a scholarship check from FASNY. Daniel was presented with a check from FASNY in recognition for his outstanding accomplishments with his department and in high school. The department also held a graduation party for him at their monthly meeting. Congratulations, Daniel! - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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Central NY Firemen’s Elects Officers; 2 Twins Get FFs of the Year
Congratulation to the newly sworn in officers at the Central New tured are the Firefighters of the Year, which was given to twins (left York Firemen’s Convention, which was held in Owego from July 9 to right) identical twins Jacob and Jordan Ryan and fraternal twins to 10, 2021. Congratulations to President Paul Rieben. Also pic- Domenick and Angelo Camerota. - Fire News photos by Jim Lepard
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Chatham Wins 5 Trophies at 2021 CCVFA Convention
The Chatham Fire Department took home five trophies at the annual Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association convention and parade held July 30-31, 2021, hosted by the Stuyvesant Falls Fire Company. The all-volunteer department won Best Overall In County Without Auxiliary, Best Appearing in 17-22 Division, Best Appearing Color Guard Firematic, Best Musical Unit (Yankee Doodle Band) and tied for second place Best Appearing Apparatus 2016 and older. Responding to a mutual aid structure fire call from a neighboring department during the event did not prevent Chatham from earning its well-deserved trophies. - Fire News photos provided by the Chatham FD
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★★★
★★★
Fire Commissioner Nigro Appoints Richardson as Chief of Department, Hodgens as Chief of Fire Operations
Chief Richardson
Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today appointed Thomas J. Richardson as Chief of Department, the highestranking uniformed position in the FDNY, and John J. Hodgens as Chief of Fire Operations. “Tom Richardson has served our city with valor for four decades. He's battled fires, rescued New Yorkers from life-threatening emergencies, and served as Chief of Operations and Chief of Training during his distinguished career,” said Commissioner Nigro. “John Hodgens has led by example at every level of our Department and has excelled at our lifesaving mission throughout his 35-year career. Together, their leadership will ensure the safety of the more than 8-million New Yorkers our Department is sworn to protect, and the members of the FDNY who bravely serve our city each day.” - Fire News photos provided
Chief Hodgens
Page 30, Fire News, September 2021
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Chester Moscicki, 99, Honored in Westhampton A 99-year-old WW II veteran was recently honored at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5350 in Westhampton Beach. Chester Moscicki was presented with a special ribbon as others honored him for his service during the war. Chester was a tail gunner on a B-29 and flew 35 missions over Japan. He was wounded and crash landed on the island of Tinian. Chester was honored for shooting down a Japanese plane and received numerous awards from the Army Air Corp and France. After the war, Chester joined the FDNY in 1946 and retired as the Captain of Engine 241. As a member of the FDNY, Chester Moscicki received a Class III medal and a several citations for heroic actions. On hand to honor Chester were members of the VFW and members of the FDNY. A thank you to Colonel Sam Volkman of the Army Corps of Engineers; Colonel Terry Holliday of the NYC Department of Veterans Services; Lt. Colonel Paul Tanghe, professor of Military Science at Fordham University; and FDNY Deputy Assistant Chiefs Joseph Ferrante, Kevin Brennan and Battalion Chief Thomas Martin (ret.) for making presentations at the ceremony. Thank you also to Bill Hayes of VFW Post 12033; Lynda M. Thomson, FDNY Community Coordinator; and the Suffolk County Police Department Aviation Unit for making this day special for Chester Moscicki. - Fire News photos by John Neely
