Fire news nys 11 13

VOLUME 7, NO. 1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State NOVEMBER 2013

Eleven FDNY firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling a fivealarm blaze in Queens. Please turn to page 6 for the complete story.

-Fire News photo by Lou Minutoli

Fire News Welcomes All to the Association of Fire Districts of NYS Conference – New York State Edition –

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 3

In this issue...

Five Alarms Transmitted in Queens

Eleven FDNY firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling a five-alarm blaze in Queens.

See story on page 6

Mansion Burns in Guilderland

Brick walls were seen crashing to the ground after intense heat and flames weakened the structure.

See story on page 10

Three Rescued in Menands

Multiple companies were dispatched to the Dutch Village Apartments in Menands for a structure fire.

See story on page 13

East Side Blaze Beat in Buffalo

A fire broke out on Buffalo’s "East Side” with reports of people trapped.

See story on page 23

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

Air Assist Needed at Cronomer Valley MVA

A driver was flown to Westchester Medical Center after crashing her car into a tree.

See story on page 26

Glenmont Remembers 9/11

Members of the Selkirk, Elsmere and Delmar fire departments joined to honor the lives lost on 9/11.

COPYRIGHT 2013, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 ISO News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33

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, November 2013

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Prepare for the

Holiday Season As you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, Fire News asks you to pause for a moment and reflect on the positive things that your department has been involved with all year long. When we think of November, we obviously think of Thanksgiving, Turkey Bowls, good food, great friends and prayers for our military who are not sitting with their family and prayers of strength to those who are ill or have lost a loved one are what makes this day special. Fire News commends the departments who reach out to their community to offer a home cooked meal to the unfortunate in their area. Let's face it, we are in tough times and many of the people we protect have little and could use your help to bring the holiday of Thanksgiving to them.

Food and toy drives start as December arrives. The decorations come out and the vehicles are prepped to take Santa to the children of your district. It does not matter if someone is celebrating Christmas or Hanukah. What matters is that you take the time to bring smiles to the children in your community. Nothing is more rewarding than when your department brings Santa to a fam-

ily who might be in need or who has a family member serving in the military. The planning for the holiday season is now! Give some thought and discuss how your department can help those that are less fortunate than others.

It is important that you reach out to let the organizations that directly help you as responders know you care and appreciate what they are doing for you. Fire News is more than just a newspaper. We are involved and support the organizations that are there for you when you are in need of help. Give some thought to learning more about the 9/11 WTC Tribute Center, the Terry Farrell Firefighter Fund, the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Fund, the Long Island Cancer Support Network and the FDNY Honor Legion. The Heather Pendergast Fund, who assists children of volunteer firefighters who face threatening illnesses or injury, is there for you. All of these organizations do not exist without your support.

Many years ago, I was standing at a fire in Bushwick, Brooklyn. I remember an elderly lady coming up to the pump operator and smiling. She stopped and said something in Spanish. She said, “Amamos a nuestros bomberos, que Dios los bendiga.” (I used Google translator to help me with what was said.) The pump operator asked me if I knew what she said. When I said no, he told me told me she said “We love our firefighters, may God bless you.” It was at that moment that I realized that responders are special.

Reach out to your community and bring joy to the people who love you. …Dennis

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS PUTNAM-N. WESTCHESTER FIRE POLICE PAMPHLET The Putnam-Northern Westchester Fire Police Association has produced a pamphlet highlighting the NYS Fire Police. The one page, three fold, full color pamphlet contains over 20 photos. The generic publication is suitable for all departments to use to educate the public about the role of the Fire Police in the volunteer fire service. The document touches upon: What We Do, How You Can Help, The NYS Move Over Law and Fire Police Teams. Also included are statistics of injuries and deaths related to emergency responses. Single copies and quantity ordering information, directly from the publisher, can be obtained by sending a self addresses and stamped envelope to Putnam-Northern Westchester Fire Police Association, PO Box 521, Patterson NY, 12563.

NEW YORK WILDFIRE & INCIDENT MANAGEMENT ACADEMY The New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (NYWIMA) will be holding its 16th annual Academy from October 25 through November 3, 2013, at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in Upton, NY. Many events, including wildfire field exercises and advanced Incident Command System courses, are scheduled throughout the 10-day operation.The Academy’s schedule includes many instructional opportunities not previously provided by

NYWIMA and specific advanced courses which are not frequently offered in the United States.

This fall, NYWIMA will be conducting an inaugural Brush Truck Training course, oriented toward volunteer firefighters, which is designed to provide both classroom and actual in-the-field driving, handling and operational experience.

The Academy will also be sponsoring free training for volunteer firefighters in Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior and Fire Operations in the Urban Interface. The Academy will also be offering a number of advanced-level prescribed fire classes, including Prescribed Fire Implementation and Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation.

In the aftermath of serious events which occurred during 2012, in particular Superstorm Sandy, the Academy will be offering a series of courses designed to aid first responders; municipal, state and federal entities and other organizations and agencies in responding to incidents.

These include a powersaw (chainsaw) course with a storm debris removal focus, orientation in Incident Command System (the system which forms the core of emergency response plans across the nation) for elected and senior-level executives, officials, managers and supervisors and an Interagency Helicopter Training/Basic Air Operations class. Specific training for Incident Management Teams will also be offered. Field exercises will include demonstrations on ignition operations, portable pumps and water usage and basic firefighting techniques. If you have any questions about the fall class schedule or the New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, you may e-mail the

Academy at fireacad@gw.dec.state.ny.us or nywima@pb.state.ny.us or call directly at call at 631-769-1556.

NEW GUIDELINES FOR STAR EXEMPTIONS Assemblyman Edward Hennessey announced that registration for STAR exemptions will take place August 19 through December 31, 2013.

New legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the NYS Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years.

“Homeowners are being asked to register with these new guidelines in order to combat fraudulent STAR exemptions. The fraud and abuse of the STAR program has grown extremely costly.

This new requirement will help improve the STAR program and safeguard taxpayer money,” said Assemblyman Hennessey. Resident homeowners who currently receive the Basic STAR exemption must register with the NYS Tax Department in order to receive the exemption.

The fastest and easiest way to register is through the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov.

Homeowners will need their STAR code to register. Homeowners can also call the Tax Department at 518-457-2036 to register. Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not affected by the new registration requirement because they must continue to apply annually or participate in the Income Verification Program. And resident homeowners applying for STAR for the first time are not affected by this year’s registration procedure.

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Page 6, Fire News, November 2013

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Five Alarms Transmitted in Queens

Eleven FDNY firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling a five-alarm blaze in Queens on Monday night, September 9, 2013. Approximately 200 firefighters worked for several hours to subdue the fire that started about 2000 in two-story, row house, on 68th Avenue in the Middle Village section of Queens. The fire was brought under control about 2240.

-Fire News photos by Lou Minutoli

Page 8, Fire News, November 2013

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Second Alarm Needed in Schenectady

Schenectady firefighters responded to a call of a house fire on Parkwood Boulevard in the Union College section of the city. After receiving multiple 911 calls, Deputy Chief Kurt Gerfin called for an extra engine to respond before arriving on scene. Upon arrival the chief confirmed a working fire and requested the balance of the second alarm assignment, bringing all city apparatus to the scene. Flames were seen venting from a second floor window in the back of the structure and spreading into the attic. Two firefighters were injured in the fire and taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of nonlife threatening injuries.

-Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Two Alarm Blaze Knocked Out

Phone calls poured into the Schenectady dispatch office 911 reporting an attic fire in a two-family dwelling at University Place in the Union College neighborhood of Schenectady. Two alarms were sounded as flames, pouring from an attic window, lit up the sky behind the home. No one was injured in the fire that was brought under control in under an hour.

-Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 9

Page 10, Fire News, November 2013

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Mansion Burns in Guilderland

Firefighters from several volunteer companies in Schenectady and Albany counties, battled a fire that tore through a mansion on East Lydius Street in Guilderland. The lack of water supply and the fact the fire was off of the main road and fenced in, made efforts difficult. Brick walls were seen crashing to the ground after intense heat and flames weakened the structure. The mansion, vacant and on the market for years, was once eyed for purchase by former heavy-weight boxing champion Evander Holyfield.

-Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 11

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Orange County Town of Newburgh

‘Occupants Within’ in the Town of Chenango

A quick stop was made by Cronomer Valley firefighters at an apartment fire at the Barkley Manor housing complex. Neighbors called 911, reporting smoke coming from the apartment.

Cronomer firefighters extinguished the blaze in several minutes, while mutual aid companies were on automatic dispatch for this box, due to the older, heavily populated complex. No one was injured in the blaze and a large pet bird from the fire apartment and a dog from the apartment above were removed from the structure. Town of Newburgh fire inspectors investigated. Orange Car 13 Charlie Piper and Newburgh Town police assisted at the scene.

-Fire News photo by John C. Miller

On September 1, 2013, the Chenango Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire on Castle Creek Road. Dispatch had confirmation from a firefighter that it was a working fire and that residents were trapped. The second alarm was immediately requested for tankers, manpower and a FAST unit. Chenango crews, along with neighbors and police, were quickly able to extricate several residents, some by ladder. With fire showing from the basement apartment window and from the front main entrance door, hose lines were advanced to knock down the main body of fire. Command was able to confirm that all residents had been rescued. Chenango Ambulance and Broome Ambulance transported several residents to area hospitals. Fire departments assisting on scene included Chenango, Chenango Bridge, Choconut Center, Whitney Point, and Port Dickinson.

-Fire News photo by Nick Griswold

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 13

Three Rescued in Menands

Multiple companies were dispatched in the early morning hours of October 4, 2013, to the Dutch Village Apartments in Menands for a structure fire. Upon arrival, smoke could be seen billowing from multiple apartments. Menands, Shaker-Road Loudonville, West Albany, Schuyler Heights and Latham Fire Departments worked to

help rescue three people and a dog from the apartments and quickly contained the fire which damaged two apartments and filled many others with smoke. No one was injured in the incident. The dog was given air and was returned to its owners who were overjoyed to have him back.

-Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn

Page 14, Fire News, November 2013

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ISO NEWS

Improved fire alarm systems for safer buildings A new ISO standard on the design and installation of fire detection and alarm systems will help save lives and protect property and the environment. The purpose of such systems is to be able to detect a fire inside or outside a structure as early as possible. In the past, equipment performance has often been hampered by poor system design and installation, as well as inadequate maintenance. In order to work well, a fire detection and alarm system must be installed and maintained correctly by experienced personnel. This is where ISO 7240-14:2013 steps in. We spoke to Peter Parsons, Chairman of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 21, subcommittee SC 3, which developed ISO 7240-14, about the importance of the new standard.

Why was it important to develop ISO 7240-14?

Part 14 is the missing part of the jigsaw puzzle. For the first time, we have a series of standards dealing with the equipment and its configuration and installation. This will help ensure that fire detection and alarm systems give occupants early warning of fire.

What are the benefits of ISO 7240-14?

It is great to be able to bring together the various fire detection and alarm system standards into one system design and installation standard. The earlier we can detect a fire, the more chance we have of reducing human and material losses. This standard will help save the lives of building occupants.

Who will benefit from this International Standard?

Experts from around the world pooled their know-how into this standard giving us a life-safety system solution that can be widely adopted, especially in countries where building fires continue to produce an unacceptably high death toll. Although many developed countries have national standards for fire detection systems in buildings, ISO 7240-14 is particularly suited to emerging economies, providing a solution that can be easily adopted as a national standard. For more info on ISO 7240-14 please visit www.iso.org/iso/home/news_index /news_archive/news.htm?refid=Ref1773.

Six New York Departments Earn Life Safety Achievement Awards The National Association of State Fire Marshals Fire Research and Education Foundation (NASFM Foundation) and Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company are pleased to announce 117 fire departments across the United States have earned the Life Safety Achievement Award for their fire prevention accomplishments in 2012.

For over 20 years, this award has recognized fire departments nationally for actively promoting fire prevention in the pursuit of saving lives. The Life Safety Achievement Award recognizes departments for their fire prevention programs which have proven to save lives year after year. This year’s award recipients have organized educational programs targeted to specific age groups, such as training for care providers of at-risk populations and juvenile fire-setting intervention programs. They participated in fire safety inspections and home fire safety surveys, emergency evacuation drills, smoke alarm giveaways and installation assistance, the National Gasoline Safety Project “Stop Gas Fires,” and child car seat installation and safety checks. They have provided safety information through open houses, community events, newsletters, YouTube videos, and street boulevard banners, as well as by working with local news stations to provide monthly fire safety video clips. Recipients were also active in increasing fire sprinkler coverage in homes and encouraging the adoption of fire prevention codes that require residential sprinkler systems.

The 2012 Life Safety Achievement Award recipients (named in 2013) for NYS include: Cobleskill Volunteer Fire Dept., Cobleskill Cold Spring Fire Company No.1, Cold Spring Harrisville Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc., Harrisville Henrietta Fire District, West Henrietta.

North Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., North Creek Webbs Mills Volunteer Fire Dept., and Pine City. Congratulations to all!

FireNews.com

Firefighters from several volunteer fire companies were called out in the early morning hours to battle a fully involved structure fire on Carman Road in the town of Guilderland. First arriving units found the structure partially collapsed as flames endangered a nearby home. The building was reportedly vacant and had been for several years. No injuries were reported.

-Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Fire News, November 2013, Page 15

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Two Alarmer Beat in Springfield Gardens

Heavy Rain Floods Winona Lake Quarters

Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in a private dwelling on the afternoon of September 12, 2013. The blaze broke out in the basement of a two-story house on 180th Street in the Springfield Gardens section of Queens. The fire spread to the first and second floors requiring additional units to the scene.

-Fire News photo by Lou Minutoli

In August, a stream behind the Winona Lake firehouse overflowed from heavy rain causing about a foot of water to enter the bays of the firehouse.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

FireNews.com

Fire News, November 2013, Page 17

Highland Hose Battles Fatal Fire

Highland Hose firefighters were dispatched for a report of a struc- Responders from North Evans, Brant, Lake View, Evans Center, ture fire on Hamilton Road with a victim trapped. Police arrived on and Eden assisted as mutual aid companies to the scene. Lake Shore location reporting heavy smoke conditions and a victim trapped on and Lake Erie Beach acted as fill-in companies.

-Fire News photos by Bryan Sypniewski the second floor. Highland Hose 9-1 reported heavy fire showing upon arrival. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Page 18, Fire News, November 2013

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Slingerlands Battles Fatal Fire

The Town of Bethlehem 911 started receiving calls around 1330, as a passerby stopping at the firehouse, reported a home on fire on New Scotland Road in Slingerlands.

Firefighters were on the scene within minutes, as their firehouse was less than a quarter-mile from the fire. It was quickly determined that the lone occupant, an 80- year-old female was still in the home. Firefighters were able to

make entry and pull the woman to safety, according to Brian Sleurs Chief of the Slingerlands Fire Department. She was transported to the Albany Medical Center Hospital in critical condition by the Town of Bethlehem EMS Ambulance and than was taken to the Westchester Medical Center Burn Unit where she died of her injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation

by the Bethlehem Police Department and New York State OFPC. The Slingerlands Fire Department was aided at the scene by North Bethlehem, Elsmere, Delmar, Town of Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Paramedics, and Sabic EMS. The Selkirk Fire Department was the cover company for the Town of Bethlehem.

-Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

DEUS Rescue Achieves CSA Certification, Now Offering the Industry’s Most Robust Array of Certifications for Controlled Descent Devices DEUS Rescue Now Meets All Four International Safety Standards for Its At-Height Rescue Technology Solutions DEUS Rescue, a premier provider of innovative rescue and safety solutions for individuals at height, today announced it has achieved CSA certification for its controlled descent devices. This allows DEUS Rescue to sell these products in Canada and any other region adhering to the CSA standards for fall protection related products.

"With the addition of the CSA certification, DEUS Rescue products now meet all four critical international safety standards for products in the industrial and fire rescue space, including ANSI, NFPA, and EN," said Shain Rae, chief executive officer, DEUS Rescue. "That means our DEUS descent devices are tested and certified to the most robust set of certifications for any descent solution in the market. As we continue to expand into new markets and work with multinational customers, they may rest assured that our products meet the appropriate regional standards for workers in their local markets, wherever they may be."

Achieving certification to the CSA standard, as well as ANSI, NFPA, and EN, means these products meet or exceed the design and performance requirements of those particular standards.

"Certification for each of these standards also requires ongoing production and process controls

to ensure constant attention to the safety of our customers," Rae continued. "Compliance with the CSA standard - alongside ANSI, EN and NFPA standards - introduces an additional layer of quality control to our already rigorous internal process. Our customers can be confident that DEUS carries out ongoing exhaustive testing of our entire descent device line to ensure its reliability in the most intense scenarios. In many cases, our products go well beyond the requirements of the standards to ensure safety and reliable performance."

DEUS Rescue provides a complete line of controlled descent devices, kits and accessories for use in industries such as fire service, industrial markets including telecommunications, oil and gas, electrical utilities and wind power, challenge courses, law enforcement and the military. Built around DEUS Rescue's patented SafeDescent™ Technology, the company's solutions are designed to support self rescue, assisted rescue and evacuation for people in professional or recreational at-height environments, in scenarios including oil rig evacuation, bucket truck self rescue, wind tower emergency egress, fall protection and tower rescue. Practical and easy to use, DEUS Rescue's descent technology is engineered

to last over time and use in tough environments.

AVAILABILITY DEUS Rescue offers an array of individual products as well as complete kits, coupled with expert training and technical support. To learn more about DEUS Rescue and its full line of controlled descent devices, ropes, accessories, kits and other products, visit www.DEUSRescue.com or call 866-405-3461.

ABOUT DEUS RESCUE DEUS Rescue was formed in 2004 and is a closely held Colorado company based in Boulder.

DEUS Rescue manufactures and sells controlled descent devices worldwide. DEUS Rescue's innovative technology and designs provide the foundation for descent and rescue systems, accessories and kits for people who work and play in elevated environments. This includes firefighters and individuals who work at height in various industrial markets such as wind energy, telecommunications and electric power distribution, as well as the military and law enforcement. DEUS Rescue products are also used by participants in challenge courses and zip-line tours. Visit www.DEUSRescue.com to learn more.

FireNews.com

Fire News, November 2013, Page 19

College Students Learn Fire Safety

The crew from Schenectady’s Station 4 demonstrated to incoming Union College freshmen the dangers of a dorm room fire and how quickly it can spread if you are not prepared. A mock dorm room constructed of sheet rock and two-by-fours and filled with the typical dorm room furnishings, was set ablaze in the shadow of the Historic Nott Memorial to demonstrate the dangers. Albany Medical Center’s LifeNet helicopter landed on the lawn as it passed by the Nott Memorial as part of the demonstration.

-Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Page 20, Fire News, November 2013

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Buffalo Truck 13 Responds Buffalo Fire Department’s new Truck 13, a new Spartan mid- mount aerial platform, responds to an alarm drop with Engine 36 from one of the city’s newest stations on Hertel Avenue. Engine 36 moved from their former station at Elmwood Avenue and Great Arrow just a few blocks away. Truck 13 relocated from their former station at Colvin Boulevard and Linden Avenue, where they shared quarters with Engine 38 and the 7th Battalion.

-Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Tunnel to Towers Run Some of the Long Island fire departments represented at the finish line of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run on September 29, 2013.

-Fire News photos by Lou Minutoli

FireNews.com

Fire News, November 2013, Page 21

Buffalo firefighters were dispatched to an occupied structure fire at 2306, on September 29, 2013. Buffalo Fire E-21 arrived on location and reported heavy fire in rear of a 2-1/2 story dwelling with possible victims trapped. An additional one-and-one was requested for the

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attack. The fire appears to have started on the exterior #3 side of the structure. Fire extended to all floors in rear and the attic was fully involved in flame. Two families were displaced and the fire remains under investigation.

-Fire News photos by Bryan Sypniewski

Page 22, Fire News, November 2013

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Afternoon Fire Beat in Far Rockaway

Flames and Smoke Show in Hollis

Firefighters from Far Rockaway battled a fire on the first floor of a two-story private dwelling on Edgemere Avenue on the afternoon of September 2, 2013. The blaze was safely brought under control within 20 minutes.

-Fire News photo by Lou Minutoli

Fire companies in the borough of Queens responded to the report of a fire in an occupied multiple dwelling on 195th Street in the Hollis section, on the afternoon of September 2, 2013. Flames and heavy smoke from a second floor apartment could be seen on arrival. Firefighters quickly attacked the blaze, bringing it under control.

-Fire News photo by Lou Minutoli

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 23

East Side Blaze Beat in Buffalo

Building Burns in Buffalo

Recently, a fire broke out on Riley Street on Buffalo’s “East Side.”

Engine 21 went on location with heavy fire showing from the rear of an occupied structure and reports of people trapped. Rescue 1 did a primary search which proved negative. The blaze was brought under control without incident.

-Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Firefighters from Buffalo went to work at a Guernsey address in the 7th Battalion. Engine 26 arrived on location and was met with heavy fire from a 1-1/2 story, vacant dwelling. The fire was brought under control without incident.

-Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

Page 24, Fire News, November 2013

FireNews.com

Family Corner

Jayson Moffre was surprised when his dad Eric stoppped by to say hello with Engine 437. Congratulations to the Midway Fire Department as they celebrate their 75th year of serving their community.

Up Close & Personal

Cronomer Valley firefighters James Leghorn, Jr., and Evan DeGraw at the scene of an apartment fire in the Town of Newburgh.

-Fire News photo by John C. Miller

FireNews.com

Fire News, November 2013, Page 25

Pole Snaps in Cronomer Valley

Recently, the Cronomer Valley Fire Department was called out to single-car accident. A car ran into a pole on Mountain Road at Mill Street. One person was taken to the hospital by the Town of Newburgh Medical Emergency Services.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Page 26, Fire News, November 2013

FireNews.com

MVA’s Winona Lake Handles Two Car MVA

Always on the Job

Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to two-car accident on Meadow Hill Road near the local school. One person was treated and taken to the hospital.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Wallkill firefighters extricated the driver from head-on motor vehicle accident on Route 9W in Cornwall on September 28, 2013.

Wallkill firefighters were on their way to the Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Association parade in Highland Falls.

Firefighters in the Class A uniforms came upon the accident and immediately went into action.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

MVA’s Keep Winona Lake Busy

Air Assist Needed at Cronomer Valley MVA

Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a three-car accident on Route 300. A flatbed truck rear ended a vehicle, causing the mishap. One person was taken to the hospital.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Recently, a driver was flown to Westchester Medical Center after crashing her car into a tree on Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh.

Cronomer Valley firefighters extricated the patient through the rear of the vehicle. She was treated at the scene by Town of Newburgh EMS and Mobile Life Ambulance personnel. The patient was then flown by a New Jersey medical helicopter to Westchester. Route 300 was closed for over an hour as emergency and police personnel worked at the scene. Orange Lake Fire Department was called to set up the landing zone and the Plattekill Fire Department stood by at Cronomer Valley. The accident is being investigated by Town of Newburgh Police.

-Fire News photo by John C. Miller

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 27

Heroes Honored in Greene County The Greene County Volunteer Firemen’s Association 2013 Firefighter of the Year award went to Eric Hulbert of the East Durham Volunteer Fire Company for his spontaneous and heroic actions in helping to rescue two people from a car crash in Durham on July 8.

Hulbert was off duty and at home when he heard the crash near his house. “Without the protection of any firefighting gear, Hulbert and [step father] Scott Powell were able to knock down the fire enough with extinguishers to attempt to remove the occupants,” said George Stacey, chairman of the Firefighter of the Year Committee and financial secretary of the Greene County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. “The quick action of firefighter Hulbert and Scott Powell helped save the lives of both victims of this accident and should be recognized,” he said.

Twenty-three unit citations of “Firemen of the Year” were awarded to firefighters from the Athens Volunteer Fire Dept., the East Durham Volunteer Fire Dept., the Greenville Volunteer Fire Dept., Cairo Hose Company, the Leeds Volunteer Fire Dept., the Catskill Fire Company, the West Athens Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Medway-Grapeville Volunteer Fire Dept., for their assistance to Long Island in the wake of Superstorm Sandy last fall. “They all had less than a couple hours’ notice to be ready and leave their families for up to 72 hours not knowing what they were going to be doing down there,” said Stacey. “These people, on short notice, have given their time to help brother firefighters in need.”

-Fire News photo by John C. Miller

Page 28, Fire News, November 2013

FireNews.com

Car Club Remembers 9/11

The Saturday Night Cruisers Car Club held there 6th Annual of their past members/firefighter, who was a member of the 9/11 Car Show in Vails Gate, with over 100 cars attending the Orange Lake Fire Department.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick event. Under the leadership of Mike Mutz, the group honored one

Cobleskill FD Wins Education Award

The Cobleskill Fire Department and its Fire Prevention Program are the recipients of the 2013 James W. Wright Public Education Award, as unanimously voted upon and agreed to by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs in March 2013. The award states that the departments fire prevention program "…shows the time and commitment that is needed to provide the safety information our communities need in a time of emergency." The award was pre-

sented to the department at the New York State Fire Academy's 40th Annual Public Fire Safety Educators Conference in Montour Falls. In the photo Cobleskill Fire Chief Richard Cooper presents the letter announcing the winner of the 2013 James W. Wright Public Education Award to William Johnson, Department President and Fire Prevention Coordinator. Looking on is Firefighter Daniel Johnson.

-Fire News photo by John Copland

FireNews.com

Rope ‘Ops’

Amsterdam Firefighters Ken Brooks and Ron Kaszuba review tying a prusik cord on a main line rescue rope.

-Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Fire News, November 2013, Page 29

Cronomer Valley Firefighters Awarded Unit Citation

At the 98th Annual Convention meeting for the Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association held at the Highland Falls Fire Department, 9 Cronomer Valley firefighters were recognized and received a Unit Citation for their efforts at delivering a 9 pound baby boy in their truck house. This was not your ordinary delivery. There was a snow storm that afternoon and the roads were barely passable. A driver was bringing her pregnant sister to St. Luke's Hospital in Newburgh and on their way her sister started to go into labor. She called 911 and the operator told them to pull over and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. The sister was passing the Cronomer Valley firehouse and pulled into the parking lot. She then went to the truck house door to get help. Cronomer Valleys Deputy Chief Jorge Resto, who is an EMT-B , decided that the delivery was going to happen any minute and instructed Assistant Chief Rich Tuttle, firefighters Dom DeRobertis, Robert Dorrmann, Kris Hamilton, Jeff Miller, Robert Quackenbush, Marvin Kent and Tim Lewis to assist him in getting an area in the truck house cleared for a makeshift delivery room, placing a tarp on the truck house floor and retrieved all necessary equipment off their rescue truck for delivering a baby. While the mother was giving birth, the baby's umbilical cord was wrapped around the infant's neck and the baby was not breathing. Resto then used his fingers to unwrap the cord and suctioned the infant’s mouth.

Thankfully the baby boy began to breath. Town of Newburgh EMS and Mobile Life Support Services transported the baby and his mother to the hospital.

-Fire News photo by John C. Miller

Page 30, Fire News, November 2013

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Greene County VFA Convention Trophy Winners 125th Greene County Volunteer Fireman's Association Convention

Hosted by the Catskill Fire Company, Inc. on Saturday September 7, 2013.

Best Appearing Overall Drum Line 2nd Place Cornell Hook and Ladder (New Baltimore) Best Appearing Firematic Color Guard 1st Place Palenville Fire Department 2nd Place Athens Volunteer Fire Department 3rd Place Cornell Hook and Ladder (New Baltimore) Best Appearing Unit Out of County 1st Place East Greenbush Fire Department (Rensselaer County) 2nd Place Sparrowbush Engine Company (Orange County) Best Appearing Unit 5 - 8 In Line 1st Place Oak Hill Durham Volunteer Fire Company Best Appearing Unit 9 - 15 In Line 1st Place West Athens Limestreet Fire Company 2nd Place Haines Falls Fire Company 3rd Place Earlton Fire Department Best Appearing Unit 16 - 24 in Line 1st Place D.M. Hamilton Steamer Co. No. 2 (Coxsackie) 2nd Place Kiskatom Fire Department 3rd Place Cairo Hose Company Best Appearing Unit 25 and Over in Line 1st Place Palenville Fire Department 2nd Place Athens Volunteer Fire Department Best Appearing Junior Firefighter/Explorer Unit 1st Place Prattsville Hose Company Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary 5 - 7 In Line 1st Place East Durham Volunteer Fire Company 2nd Place Greenville Fire Department Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary 8-10 In Line 1st Place Kiskatom Fire Department 2nd Place Coxsackie Hose Co. No. 3 Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary 11 and Over in Line 1st Place Palenville Fire Department Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary 5 or More without Music 1st Place Haines Falls Fire Company Best Appearing Apparatus 1 Year to 5 Years 1st Place Palenville Fire Department 2nd Place Cornell Hook and Ladder (New Baltimore) Best Appearing Apparatus 6 Year to 12 Years 1st Place Earlton Fire Department 2nd Place D.M. Hamilton Steamer Co. No. 2 (Coxsackie) Best Appearing Apparatus 13 Year to 20 Years 1st Place West Athens Limestreet Fire Company 2nd Place Kiskatom Fire Department Best Appearing Apparatus 21 Year and Older 1st Place Leeds Hose Co. No. 1 2nd Place Athens Volunteer Fire Department Best Appearing Motor Driven Apparatus Out of Service 1st Place Hunter Fire Company Best Appearing Overall Ladies Auxiliary Out of County 1st Place J.W. Hoystradt Hose Co. No. 8 (Hudson, Columbia County) Best Appearing Overall Ladies Auxiliary In County 1st Place Earlton Fire Department Best Appearing Overall Unit Out of County 1st Place J.W. Hoystradt Hose Co. No. 8 (Hudson, Columbia County)

-Fire News photos by John C. Miller

Millennium Memorial Award - Best Appearing Overall Units in County 1st Place Palenville Fire Department

FireNews.com

FDNY Promotes 44

Recenlty, two deputy chiefs, 10 captains and 32 lieutenants were promoted at a ceremony held at the Christian Cultural Center in the Flatlands section of Brooklyn. Chief of Department Edward Kilduff and Commissioner Salvatore Cassano were on hand to promote the 44 firefighters who, combined, had over 550 years of firefighting experience.

-Fire News photos by Brian Grogan

Fire News, November 2013, Page 31

Page 32, Fire News, November 2013

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Glenmont Remembers 9/11

On September 11, 2013, members of the Selkirk, Elsmere and Delmar fire departments joined in a ceremony honoring the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The names of the 343 firefighters that perished were read by fellow firefighters and their families. “It is meant as a way not only to remember fallen brothers,” said Selkirk District Chief Bill Asprion, “but also to pay respect to the 2977 victims of the terrorist attacks.” The ceremony had to be held inside Selkirk Fire Station #2, due to the inclement weather.

-Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

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Fire News, November 2013, Page 33

Responders Honor Fallen Soldier

Susie the Parrot ‘Flew the Coop’ in Schenectady

Route 17 in the Town of Newburgh was lined with fire companies from around the country to honor Staff Sergeant Todd Lobraico Jr., 22, a soldier killed in Afghanistan. Responders from Ohio, New Jersey and Connecticut attended the funeral to pay their respects to the soldier.

-Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

Schenectady firefighter Captain Gregory Braungart of Truck 2 tries to capture a Quaker Parrot as it takes off from the roof of the U.S. Post Office on Altamont Avenue and Schuyler Street, after it escaped from its cage in a house on Schuyler Street. The parrot, named Susie, is still at large.

-Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 34, Fire News, November 2013

FireNews.com

FOOLS Hold Seminars

On September 28, 2013, the Capital Region Fools, who were recently awarded the 2013 Chris Blackwell Award for most active chapter, held its first training seminar at the Fuller Road Fire station.

The speakers, Captain Willie Wines, Jr. ( IronFiremen.com), and Lt. Rhett Fleitz (FireCritic.com) from the Roanoke Fire Department, brought their knowledge and personal experiences for an educational and enlightening seminar. Topics included Professional Wellness, Social Media, Motivating Firefighters and Improving Morale. More than 30 FOOLS members attended the six hour event.

-Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn

Helping our Brother in West Crescent

Hundreds stood in line outside the West Crescent Fire Department on September 8, 2013, to help support West Crescent firefighter Allen Ayotte, who was injured at an auto accident call in August. Ayotte was backed over by a tow truck, and remains in the hospital with critical injuries and will need to undergo multiple operations to correct his injuries. There was a tremendous show of brotherhood from the firefighting community as firefighters from more than four counties as well as members of Red Knights Motorcycle Clubs Chapters 3 and 12, along with members of the Capital Region Fools participated in the All-You-Can-Eat breakfasts that were held at both the West Crescent and neighboring Clifton Park departments.

There were t-shirts and bumper stickers for sale as well as silent auctions and 50/50 events to raise money. All food and prizes were generously donated by local business and residents.

During the event, Allen's wife and in-laws walked around thanking people for coming and supporting him.

-Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn

FireNews.com

Fire News, November 2013, Page 35