VOLUME 7, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MARCH 2014
Firefighters from Walden (Orange County) responded to a structure fire at Walden Mobile Home Park on North Montgomery Street. Please turn to page 6 for the complete story. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Fire News Welcomes All to the Long Island Mega Show – New York State Edition –
Page 2, Fire News, March 2014
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 3
In this issue... Flames Destroy Burnt Hills Lanes
Flames destroyed the Burnt Hills Lanes on Saratoga Road on January 12, 2014. See story on page 7
Flames Beat in Bennington
Bennington firefighters responded early on January 29, 2014 for a structure fire. See story on page 9
All Hands Operate in Brooklyn
Firefighters from Brooklyn were at the scene of an all-hands fire on Miller Avenue in East New York. See story on page 14
Intense Heat Pushes Back Firefighters Firefighters from Schonowe Rotterdam Fire District 6 were called out to a garage fire.
See story on page 18
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, EVELYN ALOISIO 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, 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, 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
Multiple Extrications in Yorkville
On January 2, 2014, Yorkville Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a three-car MVA on Oriskany Boulevard. See story on page 24
NY Wildfire Academy Announces Brush Truck
The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy will hold its Brush Truck Training Course.
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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, March 2014
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
‘No Building is Worth a Firefighters Life’ It is no secret that building construction has a direct impact on firefighters. For years, Frank Brannigan and Vincent Dunn have written books and talked about the direct correlation of lightweight truss construction, fire and collapse. All firefighters should pick up a copy of their many books on the subject and read them. Oh, you read it? Then re-read it to refresh yourself on a topic about which many have become complacent. Share what you know, visit construction sites to familiarize yourself with the ever changing construction techniques that are used to lower the cost of construction and then ask your local politician their viewpoint on the Safe Buildings Codes Incentive Act. For the past few years, the Congressional Fire Services Institute has been asking Congress to take action. Visit CFSI's website and read what they are trying to do about building codes. There is a piece of legislation pending in both the House and the Senate titled the Safe Building Code Incentive Act (HR 1878 and S. 924) that will offer an incentive to states for adopting and enforcing model building codes. The operative word in this measure is “incentive.” This is not big government forcing its will on states and local communities; instead, this measure creates an incentive for states to adopt model building codes. It does not penalize states, but instead, rewards them for good
policy. These states would become eligible for an additional four percent in post-disaster FEMA grants. The Congressional Fire Services Institute is part of an advocacy group called the BuildStrong Coalition. This group is composed of experts from every aspect of the construction field who have one goal in mind: to make buildings safer for everyone, especially firefighters. This is a no brainer. What is stopping it? The cost of building a safe structure.. Sound dumb? I think it is. The House and the Senate needs to encourage jurisdictions to clear bills that the members of Congress can support. Remind them of the disasters that have wiped out communities. If the leaders in government hear from Public Safety, I am sure they will support the Safe Building Code Incentive act. Visit www.BuildStrongAmerica.com and www.CFSI.org to fully understand what you can do to make a difference in changing the laws that directly affect you, the firefighter. Try to attend the CFSI Annual Dinner and Seminars in Washington DC on April 30 and May 1, 2014. Remember what Chief Vincent Dunn has said, “No building is worth a firefighter’s life.”
-Dennis
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS WE MOURN THE LOSS OF ASSISTANT CHIEF JAMES C. WILBER It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the Line of Duty Death of Assistant Chief James C. Wilber of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Wilber suffered an apparent cardiac event while responding to a call the morning of February 9, 2013. He was transported to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney by the Unadilla Emergency Squad and Cooperstown Medical Transport where he was declared deceased a short time later. Assistant Chief Wilber was a dedicated member of the fire service with over 40 years invested in volunteering, 39 years of which he served with the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. Please remember his wife, Sue, his son, Ken and his sister, Debbie in your prayers. The staff at Fire News offers its condolences to all affected.
NORTH BABYLON FIRE COMPANY STATION 3 SEMINAR LT. RAY MCCORMACK “THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ENGINE COMPANY”
This class will cover how to locate, confine and extinguish fires in private dwellings, apartments and commercial occupancies. We will discuss sizeup, hose line stretches, positions on the attack line, nozzle and attack techniques, engine emergencies and how to overcome them, leadership and the impact of the current UL studies. This seminar will include a BBQ after the seminar. Ray McCormack is a 31- year veteran of the FDNY and a Lieutenant with Ladder 28 the “Harlem Hilton.” The event will be on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Registration is at 0830. The seminar is at 0900 and BBQ to follow. Come to North Babylon High School, 1 Phelps Lane, North Babylon, NY 11703. The cost per person is $50 preregistered and $60 at the door. For additional information or to pre-register: Email Sta3Seminars@northbabylonfire.org or call Peter Alt (631) 433-5157 or Joe Russo at (516) 807-7665.
Page 6, Fire News, March 2014
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Mobile Home Burns in Walden
On January 18, 2014, firefighters from Walden (Orange County) knocked down the majority of the fire in short order. No injuries responded to a reported structure fire at the Walden Mobile Home were reported for the blaze. Orange County Fire Investigator Park on North Montgomery Street. Walden Car 1 arrived and responded to the scene to determine cause of the fire. -Fire News photos by Steve Lenz reported that a trailer home was on fire and requested a second alarm with a tanker task force. Walden’s first due engine crew
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 7
Flames Destroy Burnt Hills Lanes
The Burnt Hills Lanes on Saratoga Road was completely destroyed by a fire on January 12, 2014. Flames broke out shortly after closing at 0130. Tower ladders from East Glenville and Eagle Matt Fire Companies were special called to the scene. Numerous handlines and deck guns were deployed to contain the fire to the original
building, before spreading to neighboring buildings. In a little more than an hour, the building was a hollow shell. The cause of the fire is not known. A firefighter suffered a minor injury after falling on the ice. Several other mutual aid companies responded to assist with the fire. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
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Heavy Fire Spreads Quickly in Rome The Rome Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Bouck Street at 1826 on January 25, 2014. Upon arrival they found a 2-½ story wood frame house with heavy fire coming from the front of the building. All occupants were reported to be out of the building. The fire spread quickly throughout the structure due to balloon construction. There was also an exposure issue at the BC corner. A defensive attack was initiated. The exposure was protected and an aerial device was deployed to access the second floor and attic. The fire was brought under control in a little less than an hour with no reported injuries. -Fire News photos by Mark Kohlbrenner
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 9
Fireplace Fire Extends in Fishkill
On the evening of January 4, 2013, the Rombout Fire Company was dispatched to a report of smoke in the attic area at a residence on Main Street in Fishkill. The first responding crew advanced a handline into the 1-1/2 story structure, finding a fire in and around the fireplace. With an aggressive attack, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within 20 minutes. Due to the extension into the floor firefighters needed to remove the concrete hearth and to shore up the floor joists under the fireplace. The two tenants home at the time suffered no injuries but a total of five people were displaced until repairs to the house could be made. This house fire was the first of two serious house fires in Dutchess County in the same night and both homes did not have smoke alarms. The bitter cold temperatures caused icing conditions around the surrounding fire scene and roadway so NYS DOT needed to respond to the scene to sand. Departments that provided mutual aid were Glenham with fire police, Village of Fishkill, North Highlands, City of Beacon for stand-by at Rombout Station 1, Mobile-Life, Town of Fishkill Building Inspector and Police Department, New York State DOT, Central Hudson Gas & Electric and the Duchess County Fire Investigation Division. -Fire News photo by Kevin Barry
Walden Photog Put to Work Steve Lenz, who is the Wallkill Fire Department company photographer, assisted in stretching a line at a recent Walden second alarm fire that occurred on January 18, 2014. -Fire News photo by Robert A. Reynolds Jr.
Flames Beat in Bennington
Bennington firefighters responded early the morning of January 29, 2014, for the report of a structure fire on Route 354 in the Town of Bennington. An automatic second alarm was dispatched. Bennington Fire Chief Jim Dick arrived on location and reported a working fire. Command further reported heavy fire conditions and requested a third alarm tanker assignment to the scene. With temperatures in the minus 0-10 degrees range and with windchills near
-20, firefighters were in for a tough battle. The fire was brought under control with the help of Attica, Cowlesville, Harris Corners, Strykersville, Sheldon, Varysburg, Wyoming Correctional, Alden, Wales Center, Alexander, Darien, and Marilla, who responded as mutual aid companies to the scene and/or fill in companies. -Fire News photos by Darcy Bohlen
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-20째 at Buffalo Blaze
Buffalo firefighters were called out to battle a structure fire on E. Multiple handlines and a tower ladder were used to bring the blaze Amherst Street in the Kensington Heights section of the city. Engine under control. With temperatures in the minus 20s, companies were Company 23 arrived and reported a 2-1/2 story, frame dwelling rotated throughout the fire and for overhaul. -Fire News photo by Don Murtha, III fully involved and requested a second alarm. The two exposures were involved and a request for a third alarm was transmitted.
Fatal High Rise Fire in Manhattan
One man was killed and another critically injured in a high rise fire on the west side on Manhattan on Sunday, January 5, 2014. The fire on West 43rd Street went to three alarms before being brought under control. The fire apartment was on the twentieth floor, but the victims of the fire were both found on floors above the fire. EMS performed CPR on one of the victims as startled residents looked on. -Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 11
Albany is Kept Busy with Work
On January 3, 2014, the Albany Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Dove Street at around 1230. Upon arrival firefighters found a heavy smoke condition throughout the building. Firefighters made quick entry into the building and located an occupant and three dogs overcome with smoke inhalation. Firefighters attempted CPR on the male and than rushed him to the Albany Medical Center, where he was pronounced. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Albany Fire Department with the assistance of New York State Fire Investigators. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
On January 13, 2014, the Albany Fire Department responded to a reported working structure fire with flames shooting out of the windows on Central Avenue. Upon arrival, the first units reported a working fire with heavy fire on the second floor of a threestory building. According to Battalion Chief William Moore, the fire was brought under control in about 20-25 minutes and the second and third floors were unoccupied. The building housed Central News on the first floor of the structure. The fire was under investigation. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Tough Conditions in Yorkville
In December, the Yorkville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the Scooby Dog Food Plant just off of Oriskany Boulevard. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming out of several parts of the processing plant. The fire appeared to have started in the loading dock area and an interior attack was started. The initial attack was difficult due to a lot of debris. The fire took over two hours to bring under control. The building suffered extensive damage. The situation was made more difficult by a layer of ice coating everything, making walking and driving very difficult. Drivers needed to be aware of passing trains as they crossed the tracks to get to the plant. Mutual aid departments that responded to the call included NY Mills, Whitesboro, Deerfield, Willowvale, and Air Van 279. The operations were led by Chief Joe Morosco. -Fire News photos by Jack Zwijacz
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 13
Apartment Fire in the City of Newburgh
Stove Fire Contained in Winona Lake
More than a dozen people were forced out of their home in the City of Newburgh, after a fire ripped through an apartment building on Johnston Street. The fire broke out at around 1230 on February 3, 2014. The fire started on the top floor of the three-story building, and quickly spread to a neighboring home. Eighteen people living in the building got out safely. The Newburgh Fire Department was assisted at the scene by West Point, Stewart Air Guard and Good Will, Orange County Fire Coordinator Charlie Piper and Mobile Life Ambulance. Cronomer Valley and Middle Hope stood by at the Newburgh station. -Fire News photo by John C. Miller
Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a stove fire at Tot’s R Us, a day care for children. The Orange Lake Fire Department responded with one engine and one rescue unit. Everyone exited the structure safely. The cause of the fire was a faulty burner in a stove. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Page 14, Fire News, March 2014
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Flames Rage in Howard Beach
All Hands Operate in Brooklyn
In the early morning hours of January 30, 2014, firefighters from the Howard Beach section of Queens were called to a working house fire in a home on 102nd Street near 157th Avenue. Flames were raging in the rear of the two-story house and it took a second alarm response to handle the blaze. Freezing temperatures and frozen hydrants hampered firefighting efforts. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Firefighters from Brooklyn were at the scene of an all-hands fire on Miller Avenue in East New York on the afternoon of December 4, 2013. The fire was originally in the basement of the structure, but extended to the first and second floors before being placed under control. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fourth Floor Fire KO’d in Forest Hills Firefighters from Queens were on the scene of an all-hands fire in the Forest Hills section of Queens on February 1, 2014. The fire broke out in a fourth floor apartment of a building at Queens Boulevard and 76th Avenue. The blaze was under control within 20 minutes. -Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Back to Back Hits in Yonkers
Yonkers firefighters responded to two multiple alarm blazes within hours of each other on January 7, 2013. Temperatures were in the single digits and wind chills well below zero, which made for a difficult battle. The second fire on Beech Street, reached four alarms. The blaze displaced nearly 30 occupants with eight people rescued from the building by ground ladders and a tower ladder.
Companies arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of the threestory, wood frame dwelling that was on a dead end street. Nine firefighters were injured, none seriously. Mutual aid from three surrounding departments, as well as the city’s Medical Evacuation and Transport Unit responded to the scene. -Fire News photos by Mike Messar and David Dronzek
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 17
Sub-Zero Temps Hamper Operations in Perth Perth firefighters were called out in sub zero temperatures to battle a house fire on Nadler Road in the Fulton County town of Perth. Perth is a very small community about 35 miles west of Albany. Upon arrival, they found a 1-1/2 story frame house with fire on the first floor. Firefighters had to lay several lengths of 5-inch supply line up a long driveway to pumpers that were in front of the home. Port-a-ponds and tanker relays were required due to the remote location and no hydrants. With temperatures hovering at -13º F, efforts were hampered by low water pressure and frozen pump gates. Two people were left homeless from the blaze. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Page 18, Fire News, March 2014
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Intense Heat Pushes Back Firefighters
Firefighters from Schonowe Rotterdam Fire District 6 were called out to a garage fire on Groveland Avenue at 1300. Upon arrival, responders found the garage completely involved and the house that was about 20-feet away catching fire. Mutual aid companies from Rotterdam District 2, South Schenectady, Pine Grove, and Carman responded to assist with the call. Firefighters tried numerous times for an interior attack but the extreme heat pushed firefighters back. The flames were brought under control without incident. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 19
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Flames Travel Through Cockloft in New Rochelle
Twenty-four people from five families were displaced from a three- exterior operations commenced. The fire was brought under control story multiple dwelling on Drake Avenue in New Rochelle. The first in about five hours. One firefighter suffered a minor injury. Mutual due engine company found scrap wood burning in the basement aid covered New Rochelle fire stations. -Fire News photos by Mike Messar and quickly put water on the fire, which had already extended up a shaft to the cockloft. Units were removed from the building and
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 21
Second Alarm Needed in the City of Newburgh
City of Newburgh firefighters were called out to a structure fire on Broadway. A second alarm was transmitted to battle the blaze. Firefighters made a quick knockdown on the flames. Two people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The fire was under investigation by the fire marshals. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Page 22, Fire News, March 2014
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Two Alarmer Battled in Richmond Hill
FDNY Firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze in a mixed occupancy in the Richmond Hill section of Queens in the late evening of December 21, 2013. The fire, in a converted private dwelling on Myrtle Avenue, was brought under control after 30 minutes of operation. -Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Mayday Transmitted on Staten Island
Firefighters on Staten Island battled a two-alarm blaze in a row of garden apartments on the November 25, 2013. The fire broke out at the complex in the Grasmere section around 1300 and brought about 60 firefighters to the scene. During the operation there was a collapse of the third floor and a Mayday was transmitted. Fortunately all members were accounted for. -Fire News photo by www.FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Plow Overturns in Schenectady A full-sized snowplow lost control on Hillside Avenue which wascovered with a sheet of black ice. It was trying to get an early jump on ice covered roadways in Schenectady. A utility pole was also taken down in the accident, causing a power outage in the neighborhood. The driver escaped injury. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Multiple Extrications in Yorkville On January 2, 2014, Yorkville Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a three-car MVA on Oriskany Boulevard. There were three people injured in the crash. Two of the victims needed to be extricated. Rescue equipment was quickly set up and extrications began immediately. Rescuers worked in three coordinated teams in blizzard like conditions, as winter storm Hercules passed through the area. The temperature was around four degrees with a wind chill of -11. The three victims were quickly moved to waiting ambulances and taken to area hospitals. The rescue efforts were directed by Chief Joe Morosco. -Fire News photo by Jack Zwijacz
HARRISON HYDRAULIC ADDS TIM ALLABAND WILL SERVICE NORTHEAST REGION Harrison is pleased to announce that Tim Allaband has been added to Harrison Hydraulic Solutions as the Northeastern Region Manager. In this position, Tim will be responsible for the forecasting, marketing, training and sales of Harrison products into all the business segments that Harrison serves in the Northeastern region. Tim will also be responsible for integration of Harrison Products and Services into new markets outside of the traditional fire and emergency segment. Tim most recently served as Vice President of Redstorm Fire & Rescue Apparatus, Gainesville, VA, from 2010 to 2013, where Tim was responsible for overall sales and service to five states; focusing on both career and volunteer fire departments. Tim spent 2004 to 2010 as the Vice President of Sales and Service, at Singer Associates Fire Equipment, the largest fire apparatus dealer in the U.S. From 2000 to 2004 Tim served as the District Manager for Pierce Manufacturing, Appleton, WI, where he was responsible for overall sales and dealership management in seven Mid-Atlantic States. Tim can be contacted at timallaband@harrisonhydragen.org or at 281-897-3626.
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2014, Page 25
Into the Woods in Winona Lake On January 26, 2014, responders from Winona Lake were called out to a two car motor vehicle accident, reporting that a car crashed into the woods. Upon arrival, one person was examined by EMS at the scene. There where also twochildren in the car, who were fortunately okay. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Head-on Collision Occurs in Glenmont On January 2, 2014, a head-on collision occurred on River Road at Glenmont Road in Glenmont. The mishap sent one person to the hospital with minor injuries. Road conditions were extremely slippery due to the heavy snow falling. Selkirk Fire Department, Albany County Paramedics and the Town of Bethlehem Ambulance Service responded to the scene of the accident. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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Page 26, Fire News, March 2014
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Two Cars Collide in Newburgh
Truck Hits Car on Route 84
The Good-Will Fire Department was called out to a two-car motor vehicle accident in front of the local I-Hop. One person was shaken up as a result of the accident. Firefighters and EMS personnel went to work to secure the scene and assist the drivers. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
Winona Lake was called out for a tractor-trailer that crashed into a car on Route 84 at the westbound bridge crossing and the Thruway overpass. When units arrived on the scene, they found one car that the tractor trailer hit. The car spun around three times; however, the driver walked away without injury. Traffic was backed up for an hour. -Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 27
Installation and Awards Dinner Held in Greenwood Lake
The Greenwood Lake Fire Department held its annual awards dinner at the GWL American Legion on January 11, 2014. New officers were sworn in and awards were presented. Fire departments from Warwick, Monroe, Florida, Pine Island, Goshen GWL Ambulance and police departments gave retiring GWL Chief John Rader awards and gifts. -Fire News photo by Ed Bailey
Page 28, Fire News, March 2014
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Get Well Lt. Frank Ellsworth
The lines at the Schuyler Heights Fire Department began to form before the doors even opened on January 19, 2014, as the department and the community joined together to help a brother in need. Lt. Frank Ellsworth (pictured seated in the front row with his wife) was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer and surmounting medical bills. Schuyler Heights Fire Department reached out to the fire community, which responded with donations,
labor and equipment to help make the fundraiser possible. The falling snow and cold temperatures did not deter the hundreds of firefighters and residents who came to support Frank. Firefighters from Latham, Menands and Maplewood assisted with the event as well as Boy Scout Troop 99. Firefighters came from Schagitcoke, Clinton Heights, Watervliet Arsenal, Elsmere and neighboring Stanford Heights, which used
their newly acquired 28-person bus to bring firefighters from their stations. In all, over five counties were represented as well as the Capital Region Fools. With the support of the firefighting community and residents, Schuyler Heights Fire Department was able to raise over $14,000 to help reduce the stress on Frank so he can concentrate on getting well. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Fire News, March 2014, Page 29
New York Wildfire Academy Announces Brush Truck Training Program for Volunteer Firefighters The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy will hold its second ever Brush Truck Training Course for the Volunteer Fire Service in March 2014. The brush truck course, which will be taught by a combination of local and national instructors, is based on a national training program, but has been specifically adapted to the unique situations found in Long Island’s fire-prone Pine Barrens region. The Brush Truck Training Course will consist of two days of classroom training on March 15 and 16, 2014. On the following weekend volunteer firefighters will spend approximately three hours on either March 22 or 23 maneuvering brush trucks through forested and sandy areas. The Academy is holding this course in late March in order to better prepare volunteer firefighters for the wildland firefighting season on Long Island which reaches its peak in April. For more information on these or other courses offered please go to www.dec.ny.gov/education/73.html. Class registrations must be received by the close of business on March 7, 2014. If you have any questions about the Brush Truck Training Course Academy, you may e-mail the Academy at NYWIMA@pb.state.ny.us or call directly at 631-769-1556. In the photo, firefighters from the Eastport Fire Department negotiate a forested driving course on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation property in Ridge at last fall’s Brush Truck Training Course sponsored by the New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy. The Brush Truck course was created by the Academy in order to allow volunteer firefighters the opportunity to practice their driving skills before a wildland fire erupts. Volunteer firefighters from Eastport, Flanders, Lakeland, North Babylon, Orient and Westhampton Beach departments participated in the course. -Fire News photo by Bill Fonda
Page 30, Fire News, March 2014
FireNews.com
Santa Visits Greenwood Lake
Wallkill Creates Ice Rink
For over 20 years, the Greenwood Lake Fire Department has made an all day Santa Run in the Village of GWL. The year was no different. On December 21, 2013, responders passed out toys and candy canes to children in the area. Assistant Chief Marty Hickey drove Santa in the old fire truck. -Fire News photo by Ed Bailey
The Wallkill Fire Department assisted the Wallkill Lions Club in preparing the Popp’s Pavillion as a skating rink. Wallkill’s 3,000 gallon pumper/tanker supplied the water for the ice skating rink. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Comproski Family Honored
The Comproski family has a long history of outstanding firefighters in the Maplewood Fire Department. The tradition began with Robert Comproski, Sr., who received the honor of being Firefighter of the Year prior to his passing. Next followed Robert Comproski, Jr., receiving the honor, followed by his brother Christopher. Next to receive the honor was Chief Paul Comproski who on February 1, 2014, had the honor of bestowing the title of Firefighter of the Year to his son Nicholas Comproski, the third generation to receive the award. (From left to right): President Robert Comproski, Jr., Nicholas Comproski, Christopher Comproski and Chief Paul Comproski. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Sherrill-Kenwood F.D. Kicks-off 100th Year Dedicating Room to Past Chief Fred Evans The members of the Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department kicked off the start of their 100th year of service to their community with a special ceremony dedicating their newly renovated rec room to past-Chief and Life Member, Fred Evans. The 84-year-old Evans was the fifth chief to serve the department in its history. The Sherrill-Kenwood Fire Department first started out in 1914 as the Oneida Community Volunteer Fire Department serving the Oneida Ltd. Silverware offices and manufacturing facility. It was renamed with the incorporation of the City of Sherrill in 1916. Today, the Sherrill-Kenwood Fire Department is one of the few allvolunteer fire departments serving a city in New York State. (Left to right): Past-Chief Terry Hill, past-Chief Bill Vineall, past-Chief Fred Evans, current-Chief Dan Davis, past-Chief Doug Ray and past-Chief Rob Healy. -Fire News story by Colleen Bennett
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2014, Page 31