Serving NEW YORK S TATE Serving Fire, Rescue
VOLUME 15, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973
NOVEMBER 2021
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
Fire News’ Looking Back: Colonie, Rotterdam & Orangeburg See page 20
FireNews.com
Fire News, November 2021, Page 3
In this issue... Smoke Shows in Mahopac On September 13, 2021, the Mahopac Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire. See story on page 8
Rotterdam Roll-Over South Schenectady firefighters responded to a report of a roll-over of a tandem tractor trailer. See story on page 12
Three-Alarmer in Brooklyn Firefighters battled another multi-alarm fire at the Preston Court Junkyards on September 16, 2021. See story on page 14
1 FF Injured in Latham Garage Fire Latham, Schuyler Heights, Verdoy, Boght, Shaker Road and Watervliet Arsenal responded to a structure fire. See story on page 26
Lightning Destroys East Greenbush Home A very strong storm crossed the Hudson, dumping heavy rain, high wind and huge bolts of lightning on the area. See story on page 28
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.
Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com Email:nys@firenews.com
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:
Working Fire in Rochester Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Lennox Street after receiving a report of a fire in the area. See story on page 29
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, November 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Ready for Winter Whoa’s? The other day, I responded to a call, only to find that my car windows were totally fogged up and I was unable to safely drive. While I was waiting for my car windows to clear, I realized that before we know it, we will be dealing with horrendous weather conditions that affect our response to the firehouse. I thought it would be fun to share some of the remedies that firefighters shared with me over the years. So, let’s have some fun. Reminiscing over my past 50 years of driving, I thought of some of the advice I received on the topic of dealing with the cold conditions of winter. Many of the experienced drivers I talked to had to deal with weather conditions in areas like Alaska, the Dakotas and the Adirondacks. My first real lesson on the adverse effects of weather was in the early 70s. I learned how members of the military in Alaska kept their cars from freezing. I learned that drivers had to install battery warmers, oil warmers, coolant warmers and interior warmers. Interior warmer? Yes, the vinyl seats in cars would crack into pieces if the seats were not kept warm. Thankfully, Long Island only must deal with frosted windows, weak batteries losing their charge and black ice.
In 1979, I learned that cold conditions, even on Long Island, created havoc for my Volkswagen diesel engine. A few of my truck driver friends suggested installing coolant heaters to keep my engine block warm. Voila! The problem of starting my car was solved. The downside was that I had to plug my car in at night. I joined the volunteer fire service in 1992. It didn’t take me long to figure out that my response in the wee hours of the morning was detained because my car’s windshield had to be defrosted before I could respond. Thankfully, remote starts came into play. When a call came in at 0300, I reached over, hit the remote start, got dressed and ran out to my car which was starting to warm up. I also kept a spray bottle of windshield washer fluid that I added a few ounces of dry gas to. Dry gas is an alcohol-based liquid that further lowered the freezing temperature of my windshield washer fluid. It worked well to rapidly defrost my windshield. I also learned not to turn on my windshield wipers right away. Turning the wipers on would remove the fluid and the windows would fog up again. If you go to your local auto parts store,
you will find windshield covers, spray deicer, and other items to help you overcome frosted windows. If you are in a cold area, do a search online to find all kinds of heaters that can keep your car warm at night. Why am I sharing my stories of winter whoa’s with you? Over the years, I have seen members scrape a small hole in the frost that covered their windshield. Then, they would drive to the firehouse only realizing that the ice that was scraped off reappeared halfway to the firehouse. Be smart and safe. Don’t respond to the firehouse until your car’s windshield is clear. Have a safe winter. Think of winter whoa’s before they happen. - Dennis
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Announcements FRANK TROTTA RE-ELECTED TO SUFFOLK FEDERAL BOARD
Mr. Trotta is Publisher and Owner of Fire News, which serves fire, rescue and EMS departments since 1973 on Long Island as well as 12 states. He also is the Publisher of Suffolk Lawyer and the Legal Brief Magazine for the Suffolk County Bar Association. Mr. Trotta is a Principal in a family-owned real estate company and has served as an elected official of the Village of Bellport for 31 years, including 27 years as its longest-serving Mayor. Additionally, he serves on the Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency Board, as Chaplain of the Bellport Fire Department and as Chaplain for the Fire Chiefs Council of Suffolk County. “Frank contributes so much to the Long Island community and beyond, through his publications, his real estate enterprise and his political leadership,” said Michele Dean. “With an astute understanding of communications, business and government sectors, he offers a remarkable range of expertise to our Board.” uffolk Federal Credit Union is a local not-for-profit cooperative financial institution owned and operated by its members. It was chartered in 1967 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The volunteer-directed credit union has assets in excess of $1.5 billion, 10 branches and over 63,000 members, including partnerships with Suffolk County employees and unions. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or regularly conducts business in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as immediate family members of current membership. Suffolk Federal Credit Union was named the #1 credit union on Long Island and the #2 credit union in New York State in a recent report from Forbes. To learn more, visit www.suffolkfcu.org or call 631-924-8000.
Fire News, November 2021, Page 5
Firefighter 1 Bootcamp
On July 21, 2021, a dozen of young people completed Firefighter I, Boot Camp. This firefighter course was and intensive three-week long class from 0800 to 1600. At graduation the students were give a certificate of completion by their instructors and awards for all those who stood out in class. Last but not least, the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Association was there to provide the class and their families with lunch, a certificate congratulating them on their work and a year membership in the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. -Fire News photos by Vinny Galvin
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Cover Story
Hillcrest FD Greeted with Heavy Flames
The Hillcrest Fire Department was dispatched to an “unknown type” fire early in the evening of September 22, 2021. As they were enroute to the Conway Court address, they were advised of additional calls, now reporting a structure fire. The first chief arrived to heavy fire blowing out of the first-floor garage doors and secondfloor bedroom windows, as well as an advanced fire in the attic. The initial hose lines were used to knock down the heavy visible fire
from the exterior, and then crews went interior to battle the blaze, which had gained headway into a good portion of the home. With crews from several area departments on mutual aid, they were able to control and extinguish the fire. The residents of the home escaped the fire without injury, and the cause of the fire was under investigation, but believed to be accidental. - Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn
Page 8, Fire News, November 2021
Hardware Store Fire in Rensselaer County
Rensselaer County received a report of black smoke in a hardware store on Route 7. Arriving companies entered the building but were soon pulled out. Mutual aid brought several more companies to the scene. Firefighters re-entered the structure, but were again called out due to a lack of water. Portable tanks were set up to create a water supply. The fire was safely brought under control by firefighters. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
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Smoke Shows in Mahopac
On September 13, 2021, the Mahopac Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire on Drewville Road. First arriving units called in mutual aid from the Carmel and Yorktown Heights. Mahopac Falls and Croton Falls responded with tankers. Multiple units from the Carmel Police, Medic 3 and Battalion 16 also responded. Mahopac Chief Jim Stasiak took the lead as Incident Command as Assistant Chief Andy Roberto handled Operations and Safety. On arrival, responders found a single-family dwelling enveloped in heavy smoke with occupants out of the home. Interior crews made entry with handlines as the ladder crew took to the roof. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey, PIO
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Flames Rage in East Harlem
FDNY companies in East Harlem battled a raging three-alarm blaze in the rear apartments of a six-story occupied multiple dwelling on East 120th Street on September 4, 2021. The fire originated in a third-floor apartment but quickly spread to the upper floors. Additional trucks were required due to a heavy smoke condition throughout the building. A total of 13 people suffered minor injuries at the scene. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Monroe Joint Handles House Fire
Rochester Commercial Fire
On September 5, 2021, the Monroe Joint Fire Department responded to a fully involved structure fire. After an assessment of the conditions and with no life threats, it was determined that an exterior attack would be placed into action. A tower ladder, along with two handlines were used to extinguish the fire. About 40 firefighters extinguished the fire within 90 minutes. Washingtonville assisted by providing a FAST. - Fire News photo by Rich Lenahan, Chief
As companies worked a house fire on the east side of the city, an engine and truck on Rochester’s West Side were dispatched to a report of a smoke in the area. Upon arriving, the crews had a light haze and smell and started to canvas the area for the source, which was eventually found on Lincoln Avenue in a large three-story commercial building. Crews would take multiple attempts at finding and accessing the fire before locating it in the middle of the building in a maze type room. A second alarm was struck due to the size of the building and amount of hose that needed to be laid. The fire was knocked down shortly after and crews worked to vent the smoke from the building. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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MVAs
Rotterdam Roll-Over
South Schenectady firefighters responded to a report of a roll-over of a tandem tractor trailer truck on the entrance ramp to Interstate 88 in Rotterdam. The driver reported his load shifted causing him to lose control. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Jeep SUV Winds Up On Front Lawn
Sleeping Driver Crashes Into Church
Schenectady firefighters attempt to disconnect the battery to a Jeep SUV that lost control at the intersection of Mynderse and Victory Avenues causing it to roll over and come to rest on the front lawn on Mynderse Avenue. The driver was treated for a head injury and taken to Ellis Hospital for treatment. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Schenectady firefighters responded to the Zion Lutheran Church on Nott Terrace after a motorist fell asleep at the wheel, careened over a curb and come to rest near the front entrance to the church. The driver self-extricated and was transported to Ellis Hospital for right side pain. - Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
Page 14, Fire News, November 2021
Three-Alarmer in Brooklyn
Firefighters battled another multi-alarm fire at the Preston Court Junkyards on Preston Court on September 16, 2021. Units used several hoselines and three tower ladders to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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West Haverstraw FD Discovers Fire
Late in the morning of September 13, 2021, a West Haverstraw captain was standing on the front ramp of the Volunteer Hose Co.mpany 1 and saw what he thought was smoke in the area of a home on East Railroad Avenue. Upon further investigation, he discovered smoke and fire coming from a large, multi-family home and immediately reported the fire . As he investigated further, he found a well-advanced fire on the third floor of the building. As firefighters arrived, they made quick work of the fire via interior attack and were able to extinguish most of the fire within the first few minutes of the alarm. No residents of the building were injured and the cause was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn
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Fire News, November 2021, Page 15
Lancaster Commercial Fire
Town Line Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Miller Environmental Group on Walden Avenue for auto mutual aid to Lancaster Village Fire for multiple heat detector activation. Before crews arrived, an update from the alarm company indicated additional heat detectors as well as calls from employees reporting a fire. Lancaster 9-3 arrived to smoke from multiple garage doors with heavy smoke toward the south end on the B side. Town Line 9-1 took over command with several mutual aid fire chiefs assistance. The exposure on the C side was another commercial lot with equipment and a 250-gallon gas tank close to the fire building. All equipment was moved by the owners. On the B side there was overhead electrical
wires and transformers hazards until electrical was disconnected. Because of work that Miller Environmental Group conducts Clarence and Brighton were called for hazmat concerns of large amounts of oil and other chemical on scene. Lancaster established water supply from a hydrant. TLFD Engine 1, Ladder 6, Lancaster Engine 5 and Ladder 4 all positioned on the B side. TLFD Engine 1 used a 1-3/4 inch and 2-1/2 inch hose. The fire was contained to a dumpster inside the building and extinguished Lancaster Town highway brought a high lift out to drag the dumpster outside of the building. - Fire News photos by Jim Lepard
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Search Turns Up Empty
Car Fire at Repair Shop
The Port Chester Rescue 40, Rescue 41, Marine 40, Engine 64 were requested mutual aid to Purchase, to search for a woman who went missing during Tropical Depression Ida. Crews searched the woods on foot and by boat along with the Westchester County Police Department Aviation Unit. Members from the New York State Police Dive Team use their assets to search as well. All efforts came up empty. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon
The Verdoy and Latham fire departments were called to Keeler Motor Company for a vehicle fire. A tow service was delivering a BMW for repairs to the business, which was closed at the time. As he was unloading the car he realized it was on fire. He unloaded it in the parking lot where it became completely engulfed. One other vehicle was damaged due to the intense heat of the fire. No one was injured in the incident. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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Looking Back Colonie – 2015
Rotterdam – 2015
The Colonie Village Fire Company with the assistance of Fuller Road, Midway, Verdoy and Latham responded to a fully involved, single-family home on Roberts Drive in Colonie. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
In 2015, firefighters responded to a four-alarm barn fire at Currybush and Scotch Ridge Roads in Rotterdam. Tankers from several area departments were utilized to battle the flames. - Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Orangeburg 2015 The Orangeburg Fire Department recently held a multi-department drill, concentrating on a friendly hoseline deployment competition. The winners, a crew from New City, would be responsible for hosting the fun, friendship-building event in the following year. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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4-Alarm Fire in Sunnyside On August 12, 2021, FDNY Engine Company 325, Ladder Company 163 and the 46 Battalion transmitted an all-hands for heavy fire conditions in a single-story commercial building containing a Japanese delicatessen on 44th Street. All hands went to work and stretched four hoselines to knock down the fire. The fire ultimately grew to four alarms, as units battled heavy heat and humidity with temperatures in the high 80s. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
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Working Fire on North Goodman St. In the evening of September 7, 2021, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to North Goodman Street for multiple calls reporting a house on fire. On arrival, the first engine company found heavy fire showing from the second-floor rear of a large two-story wood frame dwelling. Upon making entry, companies found fire in the rear second-floor apartment and worked to put the fire out before it could do more damage. The fire was knocked down in under 15 minutes. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
House Fire on Epworth St. In the afternoon of September 2, 2021, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Epworth Street for a report of a house on fire. The first company arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a large two-story dwelling. Upon doing a 360, firefighters found a heavy volume of fire in the rear of the house and quickly went to work to get a handle on the fire. Big lines were stretched and both exterior and interior firefighters were able to get ahead of the fire and keep it from spreading throughout the home. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Mamaroneck House Fire On September 9, 2021, Mamaroneck Village was dispatched to First Street for a fully involved structure fire. Engine 38 and Car 2241 were first to arrive to fire blowing out the second-floor windows. Car 2241 requested Town of Mamaroneck FAST to the scene. Multiple handlines were stretched and placed in operation. Fire was placed under control at 2307. The fire is currently under investigation. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon
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Fire News, November 2021, Page 23
New toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus
BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.
2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.
2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.
BEFORE BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER AFTER
We are looking forward to our new monthly feature
Sold by Command Apparatus
“It’s New to THEM”
AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus
To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly
631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com
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Sinking Boat in Athens The Athens Fire Department, along with Greene County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Hudson River for a boat taking on water and unable to start. The vessel was located just south of Catskill. The boat was towed safely to the Catskill boat launch. None of the occupants were injured. - Fire News photo by John C Miller
Tech Rescue at Mamaroneck Sewer Mamaroneck Village, along with units from Westchester County and New Rochelle operated on Old White Plains Road and Madison Street, for a technical rescue operation. A person was trapped after falling three-feet down into a sewer. Mamaroneck Village Police were first on scene and confirmed that a person was indeed trapped in the sewer. Car 2242 requested the Westchester County Technical Rescue Team and New Rochelle Rescue 4 and Collapse 54 to respond the scene to remove the individual. The individual was safely removed from the sewer transported to an area hospital. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon
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Fire News, November 2021, Page 25
Brooklyn 2-Alarmer
FDNY firefighters in Brooklyn made quick work of a second-alarm fire on Alabama Avenue on July 5, 2021. Engine 290 requested the 10-75 on arrival and ran a line into the first floor of a 2-1/2 story private dwelling while crews from Ladder 103 and Tower Ladder 170 vented the roof. Division 15 requested a second alarm due to hoarding conditions and excessive ambient heat, but returned all special units before their arrival. Firefighters operated three lines on the fire, which extended slightly to the second floor before being knocked down. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
Boght Road Fire
Latham, Boght and Maplewood fire departments responded to a structure fire on Boght Road. Items were left in the oven when it was turned on and melted the plastic, catching the stove on fire, while filling the home with smoke and fumes. Crews removed the oven and helped ventilate the home. No one was injured and there was minimal damage to the kitchen. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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1 FF Injured in Latham Garage Fire Latham, Schuyler Heights, Verdoy, Boght, Shaker Road and Watervliet Arsenal responded to a structure fire on Arnold Avenue in Latham recently. An attached garage was fully involved upon arrival. Two Latham firefighters happened to be passing by when the call came in, and they helped the residents evacuate. A lawnmower being re-fueled caught fire when the tank overflowed. One firefighter was transported to the hospital. The homeowner had flameresistant drywall applied to the wall between the garage and the home which saved the home. There was minimal damage to the ceiling in the home. - Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
2-Alarmer on East 49th Street On August 31, 2021, firefighters from Engine Company 309 and Ladder Company 159 responded to a house fire on East 49th Street. The arriving units were met with heavy fire conditions in the basement with fire running up the first and second floors of a two-story dwelling. While making entry, units had a hose line burst and had hydrant issues. A second alarm was transmitted as five hoselines were put into operation. Several firefighters were injured battling the intense blaze. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
FIREHOUSE EXPO BRINGS OPPORTUNITIES TO COLUMBUS, OHIO Firehouse Expo, owned and produced by Endeavor Business Media, announced today that fire service professionals from 48 states participated in their event held September 14 through 18 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. As a first-time host of Firehouse Expo, the city of Columbus was extraordinary in their efforts to provide a positive experience for both attendees and exhibitors. Based on feedback received at the event and in post-event survey responses, Columbus was highly rated for its vibrant atmosphere, abundance of restaurants and nightlife, and welcoming environment. “We would like to express our sincere thanks to the attendees, instructors, exhibitors and sponsors who supported this year’s event, as well as the city of Columbus for their warm hospitality. Additionally, we would like to thank the Ohio Fire Academy
and the Columbus Division of Fire for the use of their exceptional training facilities in conducting multiple hands-on training classes where attendees received individualized training and opportunities to learn from top experts,” said Bill MacRae, Vice President and Group Publisher of Firehouse magazine. An annual event, Firehouse Expo provided important training, education, product awareness and networking opportunities for hundreds of departments across the country. Respondents to the attendee post-show survey shared this feedback: • 94% of attendees rated the quality of training opportunities as Good, Very Good or Exceptional; • 86% of attendees rated the quality of exhibitors as Good, Very Good or Exceptional; • 83% of attendees who visited the exhibit floor either made a purchase or are consid-
ering a purchase; • 96% of attendees rated the city of Columbus as Good, Great or Exceptional; • 95% of attendees are either planning to or considering attending again in 2022. “Our focus in 2022 will be to grow the number of exhibitors and attendees and continue to evolve the format of the show to best serve the fire service with a world-class training and networking event. We are already hard at work on implementing changes for next year to further build on the momentum achieved at this year’s event,” said Peter Matthews, Conference Director and Editor-in-Chief of Firehouse. Firehouse Expo will return to Columbus, OH in 2022, September 27-October 1, 2022 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for more information, visit www.firehouseexpo.com.
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Up Close & Personal Family from New Hampshire, Owen and Addy, visit Firefighter Johnny Fagan at the Lake Placid Fire Department. - Fire News photo provided
Captain Brian McGorman and his wife Heather of the Winona Lake Engine Company. - Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
Alex and Steve Bennett of the Winona Lake Engine Company. - Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
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Lightning Destroys Home in East Greenbush A very strong storm crossed the Hudson, dumping heavy rain, high wind and huge bolts of lightning on the area. The East Greenbush storm brought down trees and power lines. Reporter Martin E. Miller responded to Route 28B as he saw lightning strike the area. Upon his arrival, the road was blocked with tankers and portable tanks. Thank you to the responders from about 20 departments who gave it their all in the 90-degree heat. Unfortunately, the home was lost. - Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller
1 Fatality, 4 FFs Injured in Queens Penthouse Blaze One person was found dead after an explosion and fire in a penthouse apartment in the Elmhurst section of Queens on August 10, 2021. The incident on 41st Avenue near 73rd Street went to four alarms with the fire extending to lower floors and extensive damage to exterior walls. Rescue companies provided extensive shoring as one of the rear walls of the building was severely comprised. At least four firefighters suffered minor injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
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Fire News, November 2021, Page 29
Working Fire in Rochester
On August 29, 2021, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Lennox Street after receiving a report of a fire in the area. The first arriving company found heavy fire showing from the first floor extending up and showing from all three floors of a dwelling. Entry was made and searches were started as there reports of an occupant
unaccounted for. Crews found no victims in the building and then worked to open up as engine companies got water on the fire. The fire was quickly knocked down and firefighters worked hard to open up and get to hard-to-reach areas to knock down the remaining fire. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Mahopac 2-Car MVA Recently, Mahopac Fire, EMS and multiple units from Carmel Police and Putnam County Medic 3 were dispatched to a two-car MVA. EMTs and medic units found two vehicles involved, one in the lane of traffic and the other off the road. Both drivers were triaged by EMTs and Medic 3 and one driver was transported to Putnam Hospital while the other was an RMA. Skyline and Stillwater Auto Body removed the vehicles. - Fire News photo by Jack Casey, PIO
No Fire, No Pin in Mamaroneck Village MVA On August 30, 2021, Mamaroneck Village Engines 38, 41 and 42; 66-A1; and Cars 2242 and Car 2243; were dispatched to the 1600 block off Harrison Avenue for an MVA with injuries. Reported as a possible pin and car fire, first arriving Chief 2242, advised control that he had no car fire and no pin. Ambulance 66A1 had one RMA (refused medical attention). Car 2242 held the call with Engine 42 and Engine 38, while units waited for the tow truck to arrive. - Fire News photo by Brandon Colon
1 Injury in Rte. 385 MVA Athens Fire along with Town of Cairo Ambulance responded to an MVA on Route 385. One vehicle went off the road striking a utility pole, and hitting a parked pickup before nearly crashing into a home. The driver was taken to Columbia Memorial Hospital with a shoulder injury. - Fire News photo by John C Miller
Watervliet Rollover on I-787 On September 26, 2021, Watervliet Fire and EMS responded to an MVA on I-787 south of exit 8 around 1130. Upon arrival they found a car had rolled onto its roof and (2) other vehicles were involved. The operator of the rollover was removed and sent to Albany Medical Center Hospital, condition unknown, and the operators of the other two vehicles were not injured. The cause of the crash was being investigated by the New York State Police. - Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
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2021 CCVFA Firefighters Convention/Awards Ceremony
On July 30, 2021, the CCVFA and the Firefighter of the Year Committee announced the 2021 and the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Awards. The following Columbia County firefighters were awarded these honorable merits and were inducted into the Columbia County Firefighters Hall of Fame. 2020 CCVFA Firefighter Lifetime Achievement Award : Chief William ‘Bill’ Blaauw - Philmont Fire Company and Chief Randi W. Shadic of the Copake Fire Department. The 2021 CCVFA Firefighter Lifetime Achievement Award went to Chief William ‘Bill’ Hunt - Ancram Fire Department and
retired Columbia County Fire Coordinator. Each year at the annual convention, the CCVFA and the committee of members review nominations submitted from the 32 fire departments in Columbia County. The committee utilizes a strict set of guidelines to choose and recognize members of the fire service that have given a lifelong commitment to the betterment of the volunteer fire service. These seasoned veterans have dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to serve their communities and the greater Columbia County area. At the awards ceremony, which in 2021 was attended by nearly 200 firefighters, dignitaries, families and friends, the awardees were present-
ed with a plaque, a citation from the Columbia County Board of Supervisors and inducted into the Firefighters Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame is a series of special large plaques, displayed at the County Training Facility where all current, new and future firefighters can view the accomplishments of those that came before them. For additional information on the CCVFA or this awards ceremony contact the CCVFA secretary Laura Foster at ladyfire@gtel.net or the Firefighter of the Year Committee Chairperson Eric Barnes at ejb58005 @aol.com. Note: Due to Covid 19, awards ceremonies for both years were held in 2021. - Fire News photos provided
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Fire News, November 2021, Page 33
WCVFA County Convention
On September 16, 2021, the Westchester Volunteer Firemen’s Association held their Annual Convention in Ossining, hosted by the Ossining Fire Department. The meeting started off with the education session with Chief Bobby Halton talking about Improving fire ground operations. The session lasted about 90 minutes, was attended by over 150 people and was very informative. Next was the memorial service in which the association remembered all those who answered their final alarms. Assistant Chief Michael Scarduzio, Captain Dan Farrell and ex-Foreman Patrick Wheeler were awarded the Firefighters of the Year award for Westchester County, for the heroic rescue of an individual from his burning home in June of last year. FASNY President John P. Farrell, Jr., presented them with an honorable mention certificate from FASNY. The heroes were also presented with certificates from local leaders. Then came the elections and the slate that ran all won without a challenge. Good luck to them all. - Fire News photos by Vinny Galvin
Page 34, Fire News, November 2021
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FASNY Golf Outing Fundraiser On August 3, 2021, FASNY held their annual golf outing at the Sprain Brook Golf Course in Yonkers. Around 144 golfers attended this event to help support the FASNY Firemen’s Home and the FASNY Scholarship program. In attendance were President John P. Farrell, Jr.; 1st Vice-President Edward Tase, Jr.; 2nd Vice-President Eugene J. Perry; and immediate past-President Steve Klein. Also participating in the tournament was New York State Senator John Brooks — a great supporter of the fire service and an ex-Chief of the Seaford Fire Department. FASNY Chaplain Barrie Lynn Foster opened the day with a symbolic blessing of the helmets and the golfers were led in a salute to the Flag, which was hoisted by the Hastings Fire Department with their ladder truck. Patrick Perry played his bag pipes as he led the Hastings color guard in, and the National Anthem was sung beautifully by FASNY’s April Rounds. A big Thank You goes out to the golf committee — especially Don Farrell and Robert Outhouse — for a job well done. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin
FASNY Memorial Service On August 5, 2021, the Firemen’s Association State of New York (FASNY) along with LAFASNY held a joint memorial service. Each year at the convention we remember all those FASNY members who answered their final alarm, including officers of the association, the Firemen’s Home members and the Line of Duty Deaths. The ceremony was a real tribute to those who were lost. The bagpipes, scripture readings, necrology, candles, hymns, flowers, and the ringing of the bell made it a great remembrance. A job done well by the committee. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin
New Officers in Greene County The Greene County Volunteer Firemen’s Association held their Annual Convention this year at Cornell Hook and Ladder Company in New Baltimore. Due to Covid last year the association was unable to hold their convention. At this year’s convention two year’s worth of work needed to be done. The attendance was great with around 150 in attendance. FASNY President John Farrell, Jr., also a past-President of the Green County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, had the honor of swearing in the new officers. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin
Dutchess County Firefighting 1 Graduation On September 15, 2021, Dan Shultz a New York State Fire Instructor had his first graduating class of 20 students. It was a grueling four months for these students, but they were able to finish what they started. At this graduation they were give their New York State certificate of completion by Instructor Shultz. In addition, the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Association gave out a certificate of completion by 1st Vice-President Robert Boyles along with their patch and a year membership in the organization. After the graduation ceremony food and refreshments were provided by the Unionvale Fire Department along with the Dutchess County
Volunteer Firemen’s Association. Congratulations to these new firefighters ... and never stop learning. - Fire News photo by Vinny Galvin
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Fire News, November 2021, Page 35
