Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 14, NO. 7
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 MAY 2021
See story on page 14. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
NYS Mourns Peyton Morse and Jared Lloyd See pages 26-27.
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Fire News, May 2021, Page 3
In this issue... Fire Destroys Stony Point Home Firefighters arrived to an advanced and quickly moving fire showing from a 2-1/2 story home. See story on page 5
Busy Day for Lancaster The Lancaster Fire Department was alerted for their second structure fire in less than 18 hours. See story on page 8
2 Trailers Destroyed in Albany Fire Latham and Verdoy responded to Albany RV for a camper/trailer fire. See story on page 13
Barn Fire Levels Several Buildings An out-of-control barn fire in the town of Rotterdam leveled several structures.
See story on page 22
Major Fire in Philmont A major apartment building fire spread to at least one adjacent structure. See story on page 31
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:
Collier’s Mansion Conditions Hamper Fight Yonkers Fire received calls for a mattress fire in a private dwelling. See story on page 32
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 9 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, May 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Ready for a Hazmat Call? I recently had to refresh my yearly Hazardous Materials Safety Training. I will admit that many years ago, firefighters dealt with Hazmat situations in ways that today, would turn heads and get us in some serious trouble. In the 60s, it was commonplace to see a hose line used to wash away fluids at a scene. At the end of the call, the scene was clean, but nowadays we have learned to be just as concerned with the environment. Thankfully, as we entered the 1990s, firefighters were required to sit down and take a lengthy Hazmat awareness class. As I sat in this class for the first time, I realized that we were entering a different era. Not only were we concerned with firefighter safety, but we were also concerned with the safety of the environment. Yes, Hazmat safety has been around for a long time and will continue to be part of our yearly certification. In 1976, a firefighter was killed in a rapidly advancing fire in Ridgewood, Queens. The fire broke out in a beauty supply store. What fueled this fire was acetone that was unknowingly being disposed of improperly. A leaking container was poured down a drain and the
fumes built up in the store. As the heating system kicked in, it ignited the vapors that had built up in the storage room. Could this happen today? The answer is probably yes. You need to take your training seriously. How many of you have actually reviewed the Hazmat Training Manual that is stored on your rigs? Yes, I know that working with the book was part of your Firefighter I training. Let’s face it, for many of us, that was a long time ago. I would bet that even our newer members are probably weak in using the manual and following the procedures in the manual. Think about it. Are you really familiar with following the safety guidelines for handling corrosives, reactives and irritants? Are you comfortable with handling a scene where flammable and explosive placards are present? Your yearly refresher course is only designed to make you aware of the things you learned during basic training. What the refresher class should be doing is motivating you to take out the Hazmat procedure manual and study it. We live in peculiar times. I am sure you are aware that many of the calls you
go on could involve chemicals that could kill you or your fellow firefighters. As first responders, you need to take the training necessary to identify and mitigate any situation that arises. In many areas there are buildings that should present red flags in your mind, if you are the officer on a first-due truck. I compliment the chiefs who have set policy for dealing with a response to dangerous structures that may contain remnants of hazardous materials. Have you downloaded the Hazmat Emergency Response Guidebook app for your cell phone, tablet or computer? There is no excuse for any of us to lack the knowledge to handle Hazmat situations safely. Please review the manual and download the app! -Dennis
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Fire Destroys Stony Point Home
The Stony Point Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Rosetown Road in the Tompkins Cove area, just before 0800 on March 13, 2021. Firefighters arrived to an advanced and quickly moving fire showing from the 2-1/2 story wood framed home. The initial attack on the fire was severely hampered by several obstacles - a live downed power line in the driveway, a broken and burning natural gas meter feeding the fire, and a steady breeze off the nearby Hudson River. With the nearest hydrant just under a mile away,
crews were also forced to set up a portable pond and request neighboring tankers to supplement their water supply via a shuttle operation. The residents of the home were able to self-evacuate before the fire department's arrival, and are not believed to have suffered any injures. Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the home was a total loss. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Stony Point Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff's Department BCI. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn.
Page 6, Fire News, May 2021
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Yonkers Fire Thought Suspicious
A suspicious fire destroyed a two-story private dwelling on the Yonker’s North End on February 28, 2021. After receiving numerous calls, some from blocks away, the first-due engine company arrived to a fully-involved house and low water pressure. Neighbors reported hearing explosions and then seeing the home involved in
flames. A second alarm was requested and long stretches for water were required. Seventeen companies and 74 firefighters worked for four hours to extinguish the fire. - Fire News photos by Michael Messar
Page 8, Fire News, May 2021
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Busy Day for
Lancaster
The Lancaster Fire Department was alerted for their second structure fire in less than 18 hours; this one on Livingston Street. The first arriving unit radioed in a working structure fire with fire venting in multiple spots. The fire was bought under control in about
two-and-a-half hours. Several other departments responded to assist including Depew, Bowmansville, Town Line, Twin District (FAST), Harris Hill and Marilla \ (portable cascade system) - Fire News photo by Jim Lepard
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Up Close
FDNY Battalion Chief Scalone of the 53rd Battalion at a fire in Queens. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Peter Alberti has been Greene County Deputy Fire Coordinator for 15 years. Former Chief of Athens Fire Department, and former President of the Greene County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. Peter has held numerous officer positions in his 22 years in the fire service. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
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Penfield Battles Garage Fire
On March 12, 2021, Penfield firefighters were dispatched to Edenfield Road for the report of a garage on fire. Additional units were added to the call when the dispatch center started receiving multiple calls on the incident. On arrival, Penfield units found a well involved attached garage that had extended to a 2-1/2 story
dwelling. Companies stretched multiple lines into the dwelling and were able to hold the fire from consuming the rest of the home, which was a tremendous feat with high winds fueling the fire and pushing it into the home. The fire was knocked down shortly after. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Car vs. Dump Truck in Coxsackie
Linseed Oil Blamed for Fire
Coxsackie Fire was dispatched to a car versus dump truck MVA with possible injuries and 75 gallons of diesel fuel leaking into the Coxsackie Creek near the intersection of Route 9W and Plank Road. Greene County HazMat Unit responded along with ECON, NY State DOT, NY State Police, Coxsackie Ambulance, Greene Car 5 Peter Alberti, and Greene County Sheriffs. Scene command was under the direction of Coxsackie Fire Chief Stephen Salluce, Jr. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
On March 14, 2021, Latham and the Shaker Road Duty Crew responded to a structure fire. Upon arrival, Assistant Chief Greg Holt found the residents had pushed the burning items out of the garage into the driveway, saving their home. The residents had been using linseed oil on doors for their home. The rags that were soaked in linseed were placed in a wastebasket in the garage surrounded by paperwork. The rags ignited and caught the surroundings which included plastic tools and books. The garage door opener was unplugged and the residents, an older couple, had to try to open the door manually. Once opened, the couple used a garden tool to push as much outside preventing the fire from spreading up the wall. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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2 Trailers Destroyed in Albany Fire
On March 5, 2020, the Latham and Verdoy fire departments responded to Albany RV for a camper/trailer fire. Upon arrival, the fire from one of the trailers had moved to the adjoining trailer due to the wind. The crews worked quickly to contain the fire and were
able to prevent any of the closely parked campers from receiving any damage. Two trailers were completely destroyed. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
Page 14, Fire News, May 2021
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Cover Story
Spring Valley Fatal LODD Blaze On March 23, 2021, at 0053 hours, the Spring Valley Fire Department responded to an odor of smoke call on Lafayette Street in Spring Valley. The address is home to the Evergreen Court Adult Care Facility, and consisted of one large wood frame building, built in the 1950s. Over the years, several other extensions were built onto the main building. At the time of the fire, there were just over 110 residents and staff inside. Upon arrival of Spring Valley Chief Kenny Conjura, he transmitted a working fire with fire showing through the roof of the one-story kitchen area on the 1 side, and immediately requested manpower from several area departments, as he now faced a massive rescue effort. With staff and police already removing residents through the front door, numerous 911 calls were also starting to come in from several trapped residents on various floors. As the first Spring Valley firefighters began arriving, they immediately went into rescue mode, entering and removing several older residents, some ambulatory, some not. Many of the first-in firefighters made several trips in and out of the building, with rescued residents, while under heavy smoke conditions. As the rescues were being made and arriving mutual aid companies joined the fight, attention now shifted to controlling the growing fire, as it spread vertically to the upper floors, with fire and heavy smoke on all three floors. Hampered by severe water pressure issues from village hydrants during most of the fire, crews struggled to contain the fire, while the separate rescue operation was still ongoing. During this time, the fire dramatically worsened, and shortly after a Mayday was transmitted from a firefighter, Lieutenant Jared Lloyd, a member of the Columbian Engine Company, that he was trapped and running out of air. Valiant attempts to rescue him were made from several sides of the fire building but tragically, those efforts were ended by the fire that was now consuming the building, overwhelming the extinguishment efforts, and forcing all firefighters out. [See story on page 27. — Ed.] As those final crews were clearing the building, they also removed what would turn out to be the final trapped resident, an older male who was pronounced dead at the hospital. Within about five minutes of the last firefighter clearing the structure, there was a catastrophic collapse of the building. In the hours that followed, the fire was extinguished and the search for Lt. Lloyd began. Using dogs from the NYSOFPC, firefighters dug through the rubble of the collapsed building with excavators and hand tools, finally locating Lt. Lloyd’s body about 18 hours after the initial call. The efforts made by the Spring Valley Fire Department, especially the initial crews that arrived on the scene — Lt. Lloyd among them — rescued an untold number of the residents. The fact that every resident there was removed from the fire building, the last one with just minutes to spare, is the most lasting legacy that will come from the Line of Duty Death of Lt. Lloyd. Lt. Lloyd leaves two small boys, family and friends devastated by his loss, and brother firefighters who will mourn his death for years to come. The investigation into the cause of the fire and the sequence of events that lead to the deaths of Lt. Lloyd and the resident is ongoing, and being handled by several local and state agencies. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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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
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“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 16, Fire News, May 2021
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CHANGE OF DATE: FDIC INTERNATIONAL RE-SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 2 TO 7, 2021 The upcoming FDIC International, scheduled to take place on August 19-24, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium will now take place August 2-7, 2021. Recently the Indiana Convention Center presented us with the opportunity to move FDIC International two weeks earlier. After speaking to many of our community members and partners over the past few days, we agreed the move is appropriate. Moving FDIC International to August 2-7, 2021, means: • More hotels will be available (no other events will be in town at the same time), as opposed to limited hotels available during the previous dates. We are working to open our hotel blocks as quickly as possible and will notify you with more details ASAP. • All of FDIC’s conference and keynotes will take place in their historical locations. Moving allowed us access to our full space at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The previous dates would have forced us to use neighboring hotels for our program. • FDIC International will be back to our traditional day pattern/schedule: • Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions & Pre-Conference Workshops: Monday, August 2 - Tuesday, August 3, 2021 • Conference Classroom Sessions: Wednesday, August 4 - Friday, August 6, 2021 • Exhibition Halls and Outdoor Demonstration Areas: Thursday,
August 5 - Saturday, August 7, 2021 • This move gives us greater flexibility and less time pressure for Move In/Move Out saving exhibitors overtime labor costs. Move in schedules will become available April 12. This decision, like the others we’ve made in the past year, was not an easy one. We continue to prioritize your experience, and that includes the health and safety of each person joining us at the event. We will continue to monitor and comply with state and local health department COVID-19 guidelines. This situation will remain fluid and more information and updates can always be found on our website. With respect to our obligations to each other under the contract for the Event (the “Contract”), kindly note the following: • The change of date is made pursuant to clause 26 (Cancellation or Changes to Event) to re-schedule the dates of the Event, as referenced above; and • By way of reassurance, pursuant to clause 27 (Consequences of Variation) your booking for the Event under the Contract remains unaffected and continues to apply to the new dates of the Event. Should you have any queries about the re-scheduled dates, please contact your account manager for more information. Thank you again for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at FDIC@clarionevents.com.
WATERWAY OF THE HUDSON VALLEY UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP New York and New England Territory A recent change of ownership occurred at Waterway of the Hudson Valley. After years of running a successful fire equipment testing company, Steve Jackson is retiring and handing the keys of the business to the new owner, Matt Rosenfeld. Waterway of the Hudson Valley has traditionally tested Hoses, Pumps, Ladders, Suction, Nozzles and other fire equipment in the New York and New England region. They will continue to do so under Matt’s leadership. Matt has retained the work crews. The hose team is led by Kyle Vansteenburgh and the pump team is led by Tyler Hildwein. Together, they plan to add the list of services offered to support our fire departments. We recently added Parade Racking as a service. We can do this year-round. The transition is going very well as we have already completed jobs
for fire departments in 2021 under the new leadership. To ensure a smooth transition, Steve Jackson will remain on as a consultant. Matt is excited for the opportunity to build the business and provide top level services. “My goal is to ensure the brave fire-fighters are working with the safest equipment so they have peace of mind that the equipment they are using will not fail.” Waterway of the Hudson Valley is ready to serve. For more information, or to receive an estimate for service, please contact: Matt Rosenfeld Waterway of the Hudson Valley 845-242-6114 mrosenfeld@waterwayinc.com
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Looking Back Cohoes 2011
Schenectady 2011
On October 25, 2011, Cohoes firefighters fought a fire in a two-story duplex apartment on Hamilton Street. - Fire News photo by Jeff Couch
Mt. Vernon 2011
On December 8, 2011, the Mount Vernon Fire Department lost Firefighter Kevin E. Townes, while he was operating at a basement fire on Lorraine Avenue. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller
Schenectady firefighters arrived to find a house fire on Strong Street in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood shortly before 0200. The cause of the fire was listed as suspicious. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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2-Alarmer in Schenectady
In February 2021, Schenectady firefighters were called out to a two- attic. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. No injuries alarm fire that heavily damaged a home on Chrisler Avenue. Heavy were reported. smoke was pouring from a second-floor kitchen fire that extended to the - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Barn Fire Levels Several Buildings
On April 1, 2021, an out-of-control barn fire at River Road in the town of Rotterdam leveled several structures, including an apple cider mill, destroying farm equipment, and killing an unknown number of livestock. Multiple calls were received at the county dispatch center bringing several mutual aid companies to the scene. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber
Page 24, Fire News, May 2021
Smoke Detectors Work!
On March 20, 2021, the Lancaster Fire Department had two house fires within 18 hours, resulting in a total loss of both structures. The first fire came in at 2319 on March 20, as a house fire. Upon arrival, the fire was venting through the roof and the front window. There
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were two occupants at home at the time, who got out safely due to the smoke detectors going off. The fire was believed to have started in the attic. Mutual aid came from Depew, Twin District and Bowmansville. - Fire News photos by Jim Lepard
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LODD • LODD • LODD • LODD Peyton Morse On Wednesday, March 3, 2021, Firefighter Peyton Morse suffered a medical emergency at a training exercise at the NYS Fire Academy. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he remained in the Critical Care Unit. He passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021. Firefighter Morse was a firefighter with the City of Watertown. He was also an Associate Member with the Shaker Road- Loudenville Fire Department. Peyton passed at the Guthrie Hospital in Sayre, PA. He joined the LaFargeville Fire Department in 2017, where he became an Assistant Chief. While in college, he joined the Albany-area Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department. And just last month, he became a firefighter for the City of Watertown — his dream job. Please keep Peyton’s family, friends, the City of Watertown Fire Department and the Lafargeville Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers. Details for Peyton’s wake and funeral will be announced as soon as they are complete. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
Peyton Morse
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LODD • LODD • LODD • LODD Lt. Jared Lloyd The funeral service for Spring Valley Fire Department 2nd Lieutenant Jared Lloyd was held on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at the Palisades Credit Union Park in Pomona, NY. Attended by thousands of firefighters from across the country, The procession for Lt. Loyd was led into the park by the Rockland County Firefighter’s Pipes and Drums. Joined by other pipers and drummers from as far away as Boston, New Hampshire, Rochester (NY) and Virginia, their ranks swelled to almost a hundred strong. Lt. Lloyd’s casket, carried atop Columbian Engine Co. No. 1’s 17-Tanker that he rode to what would be his final fire, arrived at the stadium under a radiant American flag hung over the entrance to the park. He was carried in by his brother firefighters for the beautiful service that followed. Under brilliant blue skies, several speakers who knew Jared as a friend, co-worker, brother firefighter or beloved family member, spoke of Jared’s kindness towards others, his easy smile, his love and dedication for his two young sons, his bravery that night, and his love for the fire service. During the ceremony, attendees were treated to a video montage of Jared through the years, heartfelt sermons, and several songs sung in his honor. At the conclusion of the services, an American flag was placed over his casket, and he was once again walked out by his brother firefighters to the waiting rig which then proceeded to his firehouse for a Final Call and then ultimately the cemetery for his final rest. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn and Mark Giller
Lt. Jared Lloyd
Page 28, Fire News, May 2021
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Heavy Smoke at Boght Hills School In the early morning hours of April 1, 2021, prior to the school opening, alarms went off at Boght Hills Elementary School. Boght and Lathamfire companies were first to arrive to a heavy smoke condition. Upon entry, the first crews found a large fire in the stage area of the school. Shaker Road-Loudonville, Colonie Fast, West Crescent, Halfmoon, Fuller Road, West Albany, Menands and Verdoy all responded. More than 60 firefighters were on the scene to help reduce the damage to the school. The area above the stage was opened up to aid in venting. No one was injured. All classes were cancelled for the remainder of the week. Later in the evening crews returned for a rekindle of the roof area. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Martin E. Miller
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Major Fire in Philmont
On April 6, 2021, multiple departments responded to assist the Philmont Fire Department at the scene of a major apartment building fire that spread to at least one adjacent structure. - Fire News photos by Ed Harvey
Page 32, Fire News, May 2021
Collier’s Mansion Conditions Hamper Fight
On February 23, 2021, just before 1800, Yonkers Fire received calls for a mattress fire in a private dwelling on Scott Avenue, on the city’s East Side. First-due companies, arriving in less than four minutes, found fire showing from the front windows. As members forced entry, they encountered severe Collier’s Mansion conditions throughout the 1-1/2-story home. Every door and window was blocked with clutter and debris. After several attempts at a primary search, the residents of the structure were located by police at a neighbor’s home. After being pushed back to exterior operations, the fire was brought under control in just under two hours. - Fire News photo by Michael Messar
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Smoke Shows in Mount Vernon
Just after midnight on March 7, 2021, Mount Vernon firefighters were dispatched to East 5th Street for a report of smoke coming from a dwelling. On arrival, companies found heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of a home, extending from the ground to the attic. Crews quickly stretched lines to knock down the heavy fire and make an interior attack on the home where they found fire on all floors. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Obituary
Slingerlands’ Walter Eck, Jr.
The fire service and Slingerlands Fire Department mourn the loss of a great influence and mentor to the fire community. Walter ‘Bill’ Eck, Jr., passed away suddenly on March 19, 2021. Chief Eck had worked for the Navy at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory for 35 years as a fire protection engineer as well as being a past Captain of their firematic unit. Chief Eck’s greatest joys were his family, helping others and the fire service. He had a warm and generous heart and always made people feel special. He was never without a kind work or a treat in his pocket. He lived by the motto, “Deeds not words.” Chief Eck was a devoted member of the Slingerlands Fire Department for 44 years, serving as the past-Chief, current President, and current Chairman of the Slingerlands Fire District Board of Commissioners. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the FASNY Firemen’s Home and Second Vice-President of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He was also the past-President of the Royal Order of the Blue Vests, past-President of the Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fire Association, past-President of the Night Hawks and past-President of the Albany County Volunteer Fire Association. The Chief was a 9/11 first responder, of which his family was immensely proud. He was the current Chairman of the Albany County Advisory Board and Secretary of the Albany County Volunteer Fire Association Burn Fund. Hundreds of firefighters and departments from New York City and throughout the Capital Region stood for hours and fell into line to pay their respects to a devoted firefighter, mentor, father and friend. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn and Tom Heffernan
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Heavy Fire in Haverstraw
The Haverstraw Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on West Street around 1500 on March 19, 2021. When Haverstraw Fire Chief Gordon arrived, he was met with heavy fire out the rear of a multi-family home, threatening two other similar homes on either side of the fire building. As firefighters made an aggressive interior attack on the original building, several mutual aid departments were called in to assist as the fire in exposure 3 had
begun to make headway in the second floor and attic. With the additional help in place, crews worked for over an hour to finally get the blaze under control, with the fire severely damaging two out of the three homes. The fire that spread to the 2 exposure was extinguished before it could do much damage. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
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FDNY
Fatal Fire in Queens
Recently, one person was killed and two others were injured in an afternoon fire in the Woodside section of Queens. The alarm came in just before 1530 for a fire in a house on 56th Street near 39th Avenue. The fire quickly spread to the house next door prompting a second alarm for FDNY units. One victim was transported to Elmhurst Hospital and pronounced dead. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
5-Alarmer on Staten Island
On March 31, 2021, Engine Company 156 while en route to a call on Davison Street reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story commercial. A second alarm was called on arrival. The fire ultimately went to a fifth alarm. Five firefighters were slightly injured and an EMS responder was seriously injured. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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4-Alarmer in Jackson Heights
FDNY Engine Company 292 and Rescue 4 arrived to fire in the basement and cockloft of 73rd Street building on March 4, 2021. The fire eventually went to four alarms. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Bronx Six Story Blaze
Firefighter in the Bronx battled a raging three-alarm blaze in a sixstory, occupied multiple dwelling on Woodycrest Avenue near West 163rd Street on March 21, 2021. Heavy fire was showing from the fifth floor on arrival and the fire quickly spread to adjoining floors and into the cockloft. Companies from throughout the boroughs responded. The incident took almost two-hours to bring under control. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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