Fire News, New York State, March 2019 edition

VOLUME 12, NO. 5

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MARCH 2019

Story on page 6 - Fire News photo

by Kenny Flynn

Fire News Welcomes Everyone to the Long Island Mega Show at SCCC in Brentwood Visit us at Booth BB – New York State Edition –

Page 2, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

Poughkeepsie Structure Fire

City of Poughkeepsie firefighters recently operated at a structure fire on Smith Street.

See story on page 5

Amsterdam Structure Fire

With the temperature at 10 degrees, Amsterdam Fire responded to a structure fire with a burn victim.

See story on page 7

Schenectady 2-Alarmer

Schenectady firefighters battled sub-zero temperatures at a house fire that gutted a home.

See story on page 11

Tough Day, Good Save at Mt Vernon Fire A series of multiple-alarm fires broke out across Westchester County.

See story on page 14

Patterson Horse Rescue

The Patterson Fire Department was dispatched to Wonder Lake State Park to extract a horse stuck in the mud.

See story on page 16

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 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 2019, 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

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

Fatality at Fishkill MVA into Building The Village of Fishkill, Mobile Life Paramedics, the Village of Fishkill Police operated at a car-into-building MVA.

See story on page 21

Garage Fire in Beacon

City of Beacon assisted by BVAC, Castle Point VA, Glenham, and the Village of Fishkill operated at a structure fire.

See story on page 24

PLUS:

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24

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, March 2019

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

You Have a Voice!

It always amazes me how little people know about the fire service. The people in your community see your apparatus responding to calls, but really have no understanding what those manning the emergency vehicles go through to be allowed to respond to assist them. Many people are misinformed and actually think all responders are paid.

So many people, including members, do not realize that according to NFPA, approximately 70 percent of America’s firefighters are volunteers, and 85 percent of the nation’s fire departments are all or mostly volunteer.

The smallest communities — those with fewer than 10,000 residents — are almost always served by volunteer departments, according to the NFPA. Our Canadian neighbors have a fire service that is made up of 69percent volunteers. Yes, it is hard to believe that in this day and age the fire service is primarily made up of a force that is put together by dedicated people who are trained professionals.

Many years ago, the job required little training and it was easier for community members to volunteer. Today it is a different story. As you know, all first responders are required to take extensive training to become a firefighter or EMT. Like professional responders, you also are required to take

yearly refresher courses to maintain your status. In the early 90s, OSHA recommended yearly refresher courses in HazMat awareness and other important areas such as Violence in the Workplace, Sexual Harassment, and Bloodborne Pathogens. If you drive your department apparatus, you must take awareness and skill-based courses to show you are competent in the operation of your department vehicles. We live in changing times.

If I ask you what CFSI is, can you tell me?

The Congressional Fire Service Institute is an organization that is made up of people and organizations whose mission is, “To educate members of Congress about fire and life saving issues. Established in 1989 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute, CFSI is designed to educate members of Congress about the needs and challenges of our nation's fire and emergency services to help them understand how the federal government can support the needs of our local first responders.”

This organization holds a yearly symposium and dinner that draws over 1500 fire and emergency service leaders from all over the US. Their mission is to get together with members of Congress and discuss the current issues and concerns in the fire service.

I urge you to visit CFSI.org to learn about this aspect of the fire service. Read the biographies of the people that lead this wonderful organization and watch out for all responders. The 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner in Washington, DC, will be held on April 24-25, 2019. Speak to your leaders in Congress and urge them to participate in the CFSI Symposium, so that they are better educated about the challenges and needs of our nation's fire and emergency services. Make sure your department members realize that they have a voice on Capitol Hill that is watching out for them - Dennis

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 5

Poughkeepsie Structure Fire

City of Poughkeepsie firefighters, assisted by Arlington, Fairview, Mobile Life Paramedics, and the City of Poughkeepsie Police, recently operated at a structure fire on Smith Street.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

Page 6, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Cover Story

Fatality at State Border Fire

In the early afternoon of December 23, 2018, the Pearl River and Nanuet Fire Departments were toned out for a structure fire, with several 911 calls reporting smoke in the area of North Road. The location they were responding to is an area where several fire districts border each other, as well as right on the state line between New York and New Jersey. As more 911 calls were received, it became clear that the fire was indeed in Montvale’s (NJ) response area, and they were also dispatched. With Pearl River arriving first, they encountered heavy fire at the rear of a single-story house. As firefighters from Pearl River began stretching lines, Montvale

arrived and both were alerted that someone may have been inside the home, and searches were immediately started. Due to the advanced fire on arrival, and the fact that it had gained significant headway in the attic space, crews were ordered to evacuate the house as heavy fire began breaking through the roof. Once water from the exterior started to darken down the blaze, crews reentered and continued the search for the resident. Sadly, the 77year-old woman was found deceased in the rear of the home.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 7

Amsterdam Structure Fire

On January 22, 2019, with the temperature at 10 degrees, transmitted and upon the Chiefs arrival a general alarm was called Amsterdam Fire responded to Church Street for a structure fire and mutual aid was called for standby from surrounding volunteer with a burn victim. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were vis- departments.

- Fire News photos by MarkPerfettiPhotography.com ible in the rear of the structure, the patient was found with burns and Peter Barber and Life Net was called for transport. Second and third alarms were

Page 8, Fire News, March 2019

Brooklyn Taxpayer Fire

FDNY companies from all over the city battled a five alarm fire in a mixed occupancy building on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn on January 19, 2019. The alarm came in for a fire in a store, with apartments above, and responding companies encountered heavy smoke and fire on arrival. The blaze began to spread both horizon-

FireNews.com

tally and vertically until it reached the cockloft area. Multiple handlines and tower ladders were put in operation to knock down the fire. The incident was brought under control after nearly three hours of operations.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Page 10, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Fatality at West Haverstraw Blaze

The West Haverstraw Fire Department responded to a house fire on January 6, 2019, on Route 9W in West Haverstraw. The fire was venting out several first-floor windows before the first engine arrived. An aggressive attack was started, and an unconscious male

was removed from the fire building to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. A dog was also killed in the fire.

Several area departments were called on for mutual aid. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 11

Schenectady 2-Alarmer

On January 21, 2019, Schenectady firefighters were called out into floor of a 2-1/2 story wood frame duplex. All occupants escaped sub-zero temperatures to battle a house fire that gutted a home on safely and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber Avenue A in the Goose Hill section. Frozen hydrants and equipment hampered efforts to control the blaze, which began on the second

Page 12, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Rough Day in College Point

Firefighters in College Point, Queens, had their hands full as they battled a fire in the basement of a commercial building just before 0800 on January 21, 2019, in frigid conditions with one-degree ambient temperature and windchill in the teens. Company 288 rescued and removed a civilian from the structure just as a propane tank exploded. Units were driven out of the building during a partial roof collapse that caused several Maydays, which were quickly handled successfully. The fire eventually went to three alarms.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell and FirstOnScenePhotos.com

FireNews.com

Up Close

Rombout Chief Chris Mazzuca (right) and Assistant Chief Robert Schultz strike a pose as they prepare to clear the scene of a mutual aid structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Fire News, March 2019, Page 13

Page 14, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Tough Day, Good Save at Mt Vernon Fire

On January 21, 2019, a series of multiple-alarm fires broke out across Westchester County as near-zero temperatures blanketed the region. One of these fires occurred just after 1500 in the City of Mount Vernon. Companies were dispatched to the corner of East 5th Street and Garden Avenue for a house fire with an elderly female trapped. Members found heavy fire on the first floor and

quickly accounted for the resident, who was transported to a nearby hospital. Firefighters switched to exterior operations and flowed water for more than four hours. High winds and low water pressure hampered efforts of Mount Vernon, Eastchester and Pelham firefighters, some of which had responded to an earlier multiple alarm fire in the Village of Scarsdale. - Fire News photos by Mike Messar

Page 16, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Patterson Horse Rescue: Not Like We Haven’t Done It Before!

On December 29, 2018, the Patterson Fire Department was dispatched to the Cushman Road area of Wonder Lake State Park to assist a horse stuck in the mud. Heavy Rescue 22-6-1 responded, along with Patterson's 6X6 off-road vehicle 22-8-4, Chief 22-1-3, Fire Police 22-8-1 and Ambulance 22-7-2. Putnam Lake Fire Department was dual dispatched and Chief 23-1-1 was on scene. Upon speaking to the riders and a scouting party responding a mile into the forest, it was confirmed that a 24year-old horse named Tucker, was badly stuck, belly deep in swampy mud, a few feet out into a lake, and was showing early signs of hypothermia. Knowing from previous experience that this would be a long and difficult task, no time was wasted in calling for assistance from the Westchester County Technical Rescue Team, and crews from Carmel, Pawling, Putnam Lake, Town of Patterson Ambulance and veterinarians from New England Equine Practice. With great care, ropes and slings were placed around and under the horse. Firefighter Zachary Mulkins donned an ice rescue suit and had to get in the swampy water to assist with proper placement of the rescue equipment.

Backboards and plywood were also used to keep rescuers from sinking into the quicksand-like muck. With much difficulty, the hypothermic horse was slowly and carefully removed from the mud and transported to the New England Equine Practice for emergency treatment. A great big thank you is extended to all the emergency responders who assisted with this rescue, as well as the riders, horse owner and local residents who went out of their way to assist us. We are happy to add that, by the next morning, Tucker was standing on his own and eating! On a side note, Tucker the horse is the grandson of famed racehorse Secretariat. This is the third horse rescue performed by the Patterson Fire Department in the past four years.

- Fire News photo by Andrew Akin and Joey Nickischer; AC Patterson FD

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARENESS CREATE A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR NY-AREA FIRST RESPONDERS A company spokesperson tells us: many NY Metro area first responders and pre-hospital care workers can consider themselves among the best protected from the spread of infectious disease caused by contaminated surfaces. This is because their departments have contracted with ClinicalClean, Inc., a company that provides highly specialized cleaning and sanitizing services. Decades of medical grade sanitizing expertise, combined with the most up-to date-disinfecting equipment assures that fire, rescue and transport apparatus is safe for workers and patients.

Due to a merger of these commonly owned corporations, ClinicalClean now allies with its sister company, healthEhabitatstm, to bring Indoor Environmental Wellnesstm products and services to all commercial, industrial, institutional and residential potential clients.

To expedite the company’s growth, healthEhabitatstm is now offering franchise licenses nationally. Fire fighters, EMTs and other first responders may find they are well suited to own and operate a healthEhabitatstm franchise business in the NY Metro area.

Management of healthEhabitatstm suggests that the nature of first responders — selfless service to others, high energy, and can-do attitude — makes them ideal candidates. A healthEhabitatstm spokesperson stated that many NY area first responders are already familiar with the company and its reputation for quality workmanship and outstanding service.

Research shows that people spend over 90 percent of their time indoors between home, work and play. healthEhabitatstm believes that the time is just right for Indoor Environmental Wellnesstm to be the next

great business opportunity!

Health and wellness are already a multi-trillion-dollar business space that is growing at a rate of 20-percent annually. Nutrition, exercise and alternative healthcare are already mainstream business sectors generating multi-billons in sales. The facts seem to indicate that Indoor Environmental Wellnesstm may well be the next great market opportunity. healthEhabitatstm claims it is positioned to be this business sector’s leading service provider. Their market research shows that health-minded consumers lack an all-inclusive source for indoor environmental products and services. healthEhabitatstm meets this need with a robust program of proven services, products and e-commerce solutions. The management at healthEhabitatstm expects that they will emerge as a brand and market leader over the next several years.

Today, healthEhabitatstm seeks qualified investment partners and franchisees to accelerate their growth. The principal owners of healthEhabitats have worked with firefighters, EMTs and first responders for many decades. They ask that you call to start a conversation.

Call 877-861-3662 or e-mail toomas@healthEhabitats.com, or tony@healthEhabitats.com.

Franchises are offered by prospectus only.

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Fire, Partial Collapse in Nassau

Airport Inn Destroyed By Fire

On January 14, 2018, the Town of Nassau emergency crews responded to a report of flames showing at an auto repair shop along Route 20. Firefighters were confronted with a well-established fire on the first and second floors, and a metal roof which had started to collapse. Mutual aid responded from surrounding areas.

- Fire News photo by Martin E. Miller

Just after 0400 on January 29, 2019, Broome County Communications dispatched the East Maine (56) and Choconut Center (57) Fire Departments to Airport Road in the Town of Maine, for a fire at the Airport Inn Tavern. Chief 56 found smoke showing from the rear of the building and quickly requested a second alarm. Responding were Maine Fire (33), Prospect Terrace (63), Chenango Fire (66), Endwell Fire (31), Maine Ambulance (85). Very cold temperatures, slick road conditions, and high winds hampered operations. Roughly 45 minutes in Command 56 requested an evacuation. The bar was a total loss. Among those responding or on standby were Chenango Bridge, Glen Aubrey, Union Center, West Corners and others.

- Fire News photo by Nicholas Griswold

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 19

NYC 2-Alarmer On January 11, 2019, Manhattan firefighters responded to a twoalarm fire on West 83rd Street.

- Fire News photo

by Jim Peruta; CT Fire Photographers Assn.

Fatality at Hyde Park Fire On January 8, 2019, at approximately 0118, Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response dispatched Hyde Park and Fairview firefighters to Farm Lane for a structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to fire blowing out the kitchen windows. After the initial fire was knocked down, members found a 52-year-old male DOA in the living room. Hyde Park firefighters reported no smoke detectors in the building. The cause of death was under investigation by the Hyde Park Police Department and the Dutchess County Medical Examiner. Northern Dutchess Paramedics were also on the scene.

- Fire News photo by Steven S. Wilcha, District Chief

Page 20, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Roll Over Accident Pins Driver

Onesquethaw Handles Feura Bush Rollover

On January 15, 2019, Schenectady Lieutenant Brian Heaney attends to the driver of an SUV after he hit a utility pole on Sanford near Albany Streeet and rolled onto its side.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

On December 13, 2018, the Onesquethaw Fire Department, Onesquethaw Ambulance and Albany County Paramedics responded to a rollover crash on Route 32. Upon arrival, a vehicle was located on its side in a ditch. The lone occupant was extricated through the rear hatch and transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 21

Patroon Island Bridge MVA

Fatality at Fishkill MVA

On January 5, 2019, Albany Fire and Rescue Squad along with Rensselaer Fire Department responded to a rollover crash on the westbound side at exit 6A on I-90 on the Patroon Island Bridge.

The driver had to be extricated and was treated at the scene by paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries, then transported.

State Police were investigating the cause of the crash, but speed was considered a factor.

- Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

The Village of Fishkill, Mobile Life Paramedics, the Village of Fishkill Police, and the DCSO recently operated at a car-intobuilding MVA on Main Street. The incident occurred when the driver of the vehicle apparently experienced a medical event as he was turning from Church Street onto Main. The vehicle then went out of control and struck the front of a building and became lodged in it. Fishkill firefighters extricated the driver and assisted Mobile Life Paramedics in rendering medical aid. Despite everyone’s best efforts, the driver did not survive. Main Street remained closed for several hours as the investigation into the incident was completed.

Rombout firefighters assisted. - Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Page 22, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

MVA’s Keep Niskayuna Busy

Firefighters from Niskayuna Fire District 1 worked to free the driver of a minivan after he struck a utility pole on Union Street.

He was taken by NFD1 Ambulance to Ellis Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Niskayuna Fire District 1 and District 2 firefighters responded to a rollover accident at the intersection of Route 7 and Balltown Road.

The driver of a pickup was taken by ambulance to Ellis Hospital for treatment. The driver of the other vehicle was cited for failure to obey traffic control device.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Garage Fire in Beacon

City of Beacon assisted by BVAC, Castle Point VA, Glenham, and garage fire extending to the residence. Firefighters were on the the Village of Fishkill operated at a structure fire on Chiusano scene within several minutes and found a working fire in a garage - Fire News photos by Bill Johnson Drive. The initial call came into DC911 reporting an attached extending to a residence.

FireNews.com

Fire News, March 2019, Page 25

Rochester Roof Training Drill

Buffalo Firefighters at Turkey Trot

Rochester Fire Department Truck 3’s Captain Dave Compton and his crew do some roof training at the Monroe County Fire Training Grounds.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

Firefighters from Ladder 2 and Ladder 13 hung an American flag for the annual Turkey Trot at Delaware Avenue and Allen Street on Thanksgiving Day. Some of the nearly 11,000 runners show their appreciation by high fiving firefighters from Truck 13 in the frigid 15-degree weather.

- Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Page 26, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com

Beekman FD’s Nunez and Conklin Graduate

Two volunteer firefighters from the Beekman Fire Department, Angel Nunez and Tyler Conklin, graduated from the 52nd Training Academy Class of the Providence (RI) Fire Department. The ceremony was held at the Rhode Island Convention Center on November 20, 2018. Angel and Tyler were selected from a list of 1100 applicants to attend the class which added 74 new firefighters to the ranks of the Providence Fire Department. Congratulations to Angel and Tyler and we wish them both rewarding and exemplary careers.

- Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

Page 28, Fire News, March 2019

FireNews.com