Fire news nys 7 18

VOLUME 11, NO. 9

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State JULY 2018

- Story on page 6 - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Fire News Welcomes all to the NYS Fire Chiefs Expo See Us At The Event Center Booth 1121 – New York State Edition –

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In this issue...

Over 300 Participate in RecruitNY

FASNY dedicated the last weekend in April as RecruitNY. More than 300 fire departments across NY State signed up to participate.

A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713

See story on page 5

Glenville Inferno Guts Building

East Glenville firefighters responded to a fully involved structure fire on Dorothy Lane.

See story on page 10

Brush Fire in Niskayuna

A massive brush fire kept members of Niskayuna Fire District 1 busy after vandals started the fire in a field.

See story on page 21

St. Albans 2-Alarmer

FDNY companies battled a two-alarm fire in an attached private dwelling.

See story on page 26

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 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Winona Lake Assists Cromoner Valley

The Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a serious MVA on the New York State Thruway.

See story on page 38

Stanford Heights Hosts Bowling Tournament

The Stanford Heights Fire Dept hosted the 61st Annual New York State Volunteer Fireman’s Bowling Tournament.

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:

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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 36 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45

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.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Effects of Technology on the Fire Service If I close my eyes, I can visualize our heroes of the past jumping off their rigs and running into burning buildings to search for possible occupants, locate the source of the fire, while stretching heavy 2-1/2 inch lines to knock down the fire. As a spectator, I could almost count the minutes it took for firefighters to get to a third-floor apartment. I would listen for the breaking glass as truck companies vented and I would watch for a short burst of water as firefighters neared the fire room, signaling me that the flames were about to be knocked out. As a seasoned spectator, I learned to move to a spot on the street so that I would not get hit with the spray of water as the advancing line was used to vent the room through the window. Despite seeing firefighters physically worn out and beat up from performing their duty, it was this memory that made me want to be a firefighter.

Today, the memory of the past has been modernized by the concern for firefighters’ health and safety. Yes, we are still putting the wet stuff on the red stuff, but we are doing it with the help of technology with the goal of protecting the firefighter.

Look through Fire News and study our ads. Look at the equipment that we have, which makes the art of firefighting a little

safer for us. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) has become more comfortable to wear and offers better protection with high temperature masks and air level visibility. Our personal alert safety system (PASS alarm) is built into the pack and now has the capability to let command search and locate you if your PASS alarm activates. Our gear is much more than pull up boots and a Nomex coat. Bailout systems are an important part of our personal safety for interior firefighters.

How about the equipment we use?

Hydraulic extrication tools have gotten lighter to use. They are more powerful and have specially designed cutters to handle the exotic metals used in today’s cars. The new generation of tools utilize battery power. The new tools are faster and perform better than in the past.

New lighting equipment is like a scene out of Star Wars. Handlights used by responders cut through smoke like never before and offer greater visibility for the responder.

Nighttime emergency scenes are well lit for our protection. Our gear includes highly reflective material so that you can easily be seen while you operate on scene.

I could go on and on and continue to talk

about firefighter accountability systems, new communication systems, safer vehicles, responding aps and management systems.

Once again, I urge you to read the ads in Fire News to learn what new equipment is available to you.

The new space age technology being utilized by today’s fire service is designed to improve firefighter effectiveness and firefighter safety. New technology is designed to let the responders of today do a dangerous job more efficiently with safety in mind. Be open to new ideas and new equipment.

Today’s technology has your safety in mind.

You can't argue with that!

-Dennis

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Over 300 FDs Participate in RecruitNY

FASNY dedicated the last weekend in April as RecruitNY. More of the fire service and handed out applications. Many departments than 300 fire departments across New York State signed up to par- went all out to make it a family event while others focused on makticipate in this year’s event, opening their doors to the public in ing sure possible recruits had personal one-on-one information.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn hopes of bringing in recruits to join their departments.

Departments invited people to come learn what it means to be part

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Cover Story

4-Alarm Arson in Fairview

Early on April 28, 2018, Fairview firefighters were dispatched to Fulton Street for smoke in the area. Upon further investigation, firefighters found the smoke coming from the Hudson River Psychiatric Center. The fire, which was located in the old wing of the administration building, was quickly knocked down. Upon overhaul and opening up, crews found that the fire had found voids in the building and had extended up. Additional alarms were called. The fire burned off a large section of the roof. It was released that the fire was intentionally set and there was a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. This has not been the first fire on the campus; in 2007 the men’s ward was struck by lightning starting one of the biggest fire in Dutchess County history.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Manhattan 4-Alarmer Injures 8

On March 24, 2018, just over 24 hours after the tragic loss of a brother at a five-alarm fire, FDNY firefighters in Manhattan were back answering the bell. Crews responded to 2nd Ave to find heavy smoke coming out of a first-floor business. Firefighters made entry to find heavy fire conditions on the first floor and spreading up the

wall through voids. Crews soon had fire on all floors of the building and into the cockloft. The fire ended up reaching four alarms, bringing in resources from all over Manhattan and the Bronx to battle the blaze. Four civilians and four firefighters were treated for minor injuries. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Glenville Inferno Guts Building

On May 7, 2018, East Glenville firefighters responded to a fully the residence. Four residents managed to escape the inferno that involved structure fire on Dorothy Lane in the Schenectady County gutted much of the second floor. The cause was under investigation - Fire News photos by Peter Barber town of Glenville. On arrival flames were discovered in the rear of but not suspicious in origin.

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Water Operation in Washingtonville

On May 18, 2018, the Campbell Hall Fire Department operated at a fire involving a large pile of wood chips at McNeilly Wood Products on Nelley Town Road. The Washingtonville Fire Department established a fill site and supplied numerous tankers over a five-hour period.

- Fire News photos by Chief Gary Hearn

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Planning Saves Ravena Couple from Fire

Around 0300 on May 31, 2018, Albany County departments responded to a fire in the historic, 300-year old former Bakers Inn on Main Street in Ravena. Responding firefighters could see fire in the sky on arrival. The owner of the structure had gotten one tenant out prior to the departments’ arrival. When he went to the other end of the building he found the couple in that apartment had used

a chain evacuation ladder to save themsselves, proving the value of planning an escape from a fire. Coeymans, Coeymans Hollow, Selkirk, New Baltimore and South Bethlehem also responded to help save the structure where George Washington and his men stayed in the 1770s.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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South Ozone Park All-Hands

FDNY units in the South Ozone Park section of Queens battled an minor extension to the lower floors. A clutter condition hampered all-hands blaze in a private dwelling on 109th Avenue near 131st fire operations.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com Street on May 23, 2018. The fire may have started in the attic with

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Explosions at Border City Fire

On April 23, 2018, Waterloo and Geneva Fire Departments were toned out for a reported house explosion on Moore Street in Border City in Seneca County. Chief 261 declared a working fire as crews went to work with an outside attack. There were several explosions from propane tanks as well as oxygen tanks. One firefighter was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

- Fire News photos by John Greco

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Flames Halted in Colonie

In April 2018, flames erupted on the outside of the Budget Inn on Central Avenue in Colonie. The fire was quickly brought under control and kept from extending into the interior of the structure.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Brooklyn Roof Fire Knocked Down

All hands went to work at a fire on Highland Boulevard in Highland Park, Brooklyn. Engine 233 and Ladder 176 responded to the fire on the roof of a two-story private dwelling. Tower Ladder 120 operated a 1-3/4 inch line after opening up the roof.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Never Mind the Drill ... in New City

As members of the New City Fire Department were preparing for their weekly drill, a dispatch for a structure fire on Prestwick Court was received. Chief Tim Kunz arrived and requested mutual aid from neighboring companies. Crews were able to gain access to the home and had one line on the fire within minutes of being on scene. The fire extended to the second floor up the walls and exterior siding, requiring additional hoselines and manpower on the second floor. The homeowners were not home. The fire was under investigation by the Clarkstown Police and the Clarkstown Fire Inspectors Office.

- Fire News photos by Kenny Flynn

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Brush Fire in Niskayuna

On April 23, 2018, a massive brush fire kept members of Niskayuna Fire District 1 busy, after vandals started the fire in a field between Balltown Road and the Aqueduct Road Recreation Center. The location of the fire made it difficult to get to and mutual aid for brush trucks and Indian tanks from the City of Schenectady, Stanford Heights and East Glenville fire departments were requested.

- Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Red Cross Assists Families in Canandaigua

On April 3, 2018, the Canandaigua Fire Department was toned out for a reported bedroom fire. With Engine 211 and Truck 282 en route, the police arrived on scene and confirmed a fully involved bedroom fire at the location. Truck 282 called for a second alarm.

The Red Cross was called to assist the families involved.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

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All-Hands in Cypress Hills

Engine 236 arrived at a Euclid Avenue address in Cypress Hills and transmitted an all-hands for a fire on the roof of a private dwelling. Units reported smoke in the cockloft.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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Firehouse Kitchen

The Hidden Danger Killing Firefighters

By Ray Cooney This month’s article is not about cooking. It was my fourth time asked to be on the Dr. Oz Show. This time would be different. It was not going to be on cooking or safety tips. The subject of the show was “The Hidden Dangers Killing Firefighters.”

The producers of the show contacted me the day before the shoot, in somewhat of a panic. They informed me that Dr. Oz wanted to have a group of firefighters on the set. At the end of the show, he wanted to thank them for their service and ask a few questions. I told them that I would see what I could do. I posted a Facebook message asking firefighters to show up in Manhattan on a Tuesday morning with one-day notice. With my fingers crossed, we received an overwhelming response. Thirty-plus firefighters showed up, coming from Boston to Maryland in support of a topic that hit close to home for all of them.

A guest, on this episode of Dr. Oz, was Boston news anchor, Blaire

Miller. They were discussing this hidden danger, that I’m sure you know, is cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death amongst firefighters. One case Blaire discussed, was about Firefighter Glen Preston, of the Boston Fire Department. At 39 years of age, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He is the father of four young children. Glen knew he wanted to be a firefighter since he was two-years old. He thought, the way most firefighters think, that if this job is going to take me, it’s going to be while fighting a fire. When he heard the news about his cancer, he couldn’t believe it.

Most firefighters sign up for this job without giving a thought to getting this “occupational cancer.” Yes, it’s an occupational cancer. That is how it was described on the show.

After Glen shared his story, Blaire proceeded to provide some tips on how to avoid getting the type of cancer he had. They were tips that most firefighters know but, unfortunately, become complacent about following. One main tip was wearing your SCBA mask during a fire (which we do), but also wearing it during the overhaul part of the job (which most don’t do). This is when most of the toxins are in the air. Another tip was keeping our gear clean and showering after a job to wash away any remnants left behind, thereby decreasing our exposure to contaminants.

At the end of the episode, Dr. Oz thanked us all for our service. I know Firehouse Kitchen is light-hearted and we learn mostly about cooking, but please pay attention to my safety tips and fire facts. One of them might save your life one day. A special thanks to Dr. Oz for the support and knowledge he supplies on helping and protecting first responders.

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, or how to become a sponsor, visit: firehousekitchenshow.com; 631-514-5859; ray@firehousekitchenshow.com.

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St. Albans 2-Alarmer

FDNY companies battled a two-alarm fire in an attached private dwellings on 179th Street in the St. Albans section of Queens on March 31, 2018. The blaze was believed to have started on the second floor and quickly moved into the adjoining cockloft. The blaze was brought under control after 40 minutes.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Mahopac House Fire Becomes Brush Fire

On May 2, 2018, the Mahopac Fire Department’s Brush Response unit responded. Chief Bill Nikisherret requested units 18-3-1, 18-41 nd 18-4-2. The fire was located behind a home on Shinaya Court backing up on Eleanor Drive, located in a heavily wooded tree line.

Firefighters tried to sandwich the fire between the trucks but the tree line proved too dense and a mutual aid call was put out for Battalion 16 and Mahopac Falls to roll out with a brush truck and tanker. Asst. Chief Bob Trace(19-1-3) responded directly to the Incident Command as 19-3-1 and 19-4-3 took up a position to assist Mahopac Firefighters on the Eleanor Drive side. Mahopac Falls Fire Police took control of traffic and scene safety.

-Fire News photo by Jack Casey

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All-Hands in Ozone Park

2-Alarmer in Richmond Hill

FDNY units in Queens were busy on March 31, 2018, with an allhands blaze in a private dwelling on 120th Street in the South Ozone Park section of the borough. The majority of the fire was contained to the rear of the house and the incident was brought under control within 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Four people were rescued early on April 8, 2018, when a fire raced through a home in Queens. The two-alarm fire broke out in a private dwelling on 107th Street in the South Richmond Hill section.

FDNY firefighters were on the scene within three minutes.

Firefighters from Ladder Company 142 rescued the four people from an illegal attic apartment with the use of a portable ladder.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Ready for Action

Firefighters of the FDNY stand ready for action at a recent basement fire in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Fatality in Columbia County

On May 13, 2018, Columbia County 911 dispatched the Chatham and Ghent Fire Departments to a fire alarm activation at the Chatham Manor Apartments in the Village of Chatham. Chatham Rescue Squad was also dispatched for a medical alarm at that location. Chatham Manor Apartments is a 32-apartment complex housing elderly and handicapped residents. A Task Force alarm was struck, which brought additional firefighters and equipment from Valatie, Niverville and East Chatham; the latter brought its rehab bus. Chatham firefighters made an initial attack on the first floor experiencing a heavy fire load. The fire was knocked down and search crews were able to locate a 71-year-old wheelchair-bound male trapped inside the apartment. Crews extricated the victim who was in grave condition. He was treated by Chatham Rescue

and relayed to a LZ at the Chatham Fairgrounds where the victim was flown to Westchester Medical Center. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries at the Westchester burn unit later that evening. Firefighters were able to complete a thorough search of the entire complex and located two other residents trapped in their apartments. Three victims were rescued with two being transported. The fire was contained to one apartment within the structure with heavy smoke damage to the rest of the complex. The cause was under investigation by Chatham Fire Department, Columbia County Cause and Origin Team, Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Homeland Security Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

- Fire News photos by Lance Wheeler

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Fire Destroys Niverville Home

On May 3, 2018, Chatham Cars 1, 2 and 3 with Ladder 58-51 and spaced adjacent structures. The fire structure was totally destroyed.

Engine 58-21 responded with the Niverville Fire Department’s All of the crews from Niverville, Kinderhook, Valatie, Ghent, and Kinderhook Task Force to a fully involved house fire on many more were commended for their hard work.

- Fire News photos by David Levow Kinderhook Lake. It was a warm day and all of the volunteers worked tirelessly to keep the fire from spreading to the tightly

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Fire KO’d in Seneca Falls

Awning Failure in the Bronx

On May 7, 2018, the Seneca Falls Fire Department, along with Waterloo FAST, a Fayette engine and a Geneva ladder, responded for a report of smoke from the roof and eaves of a two-story apartment house. Geneva’s ladder vented and used their ladder pipe to knock down the fire.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

FDNY companies from the Bronx responded to a reported building collapse on Sound View Avenue on April 23, 2018. First-due units found an awning failure ripped away the brick parapet façade.

Firefighters checked for structural stability in adjacent occupancies.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

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Collapse in Flatbush

On May 1, 2018, Tower Ladder 157 and Engine 255 operated at a storefront collapse at Nostrand Avenue and Church Avenue in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. One person suffered minor injuries as a result of the collapse.

- Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell

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2-Alarmer in S. Ozone Park

A two-alarm blaze did substantial damage to two private dwellings on 134th Street near 103rd Avenue in the South Ozone Park section of Queens on May 2, 2018. FDNY companies from around the borough responded to the scene where the initial fire quickly spread to the adjoining house.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

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Future FDNY Firefighter

On December 8, 2017, Jessica and Ed Florio welcome to the world Joseph Salvatore Florio.

Joseph was seven-pounds, five-ounces and 19-1/2 inches. Congratulations to Jessica and Ed Florio.

- Fire News photo courtesy of a proud mom and dad

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Albany St. Patrick’s Day

Even though the temperature was freezing and the winds were blowing, Albany held its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Hundreds of firefighters fought the elements to bring smiles to the crowds along the parade route.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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New Tiller in Kingston

Kingston firefighters trained on their new 105-foot tiller Tower Ladder Truck.

(Above): Platoon 1 firefighters after several hours of training.

- Fire News photo provided by Kingston FD

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Havoc in Schodack

Recently, Schodack Police, Fire, Sheriffs, New York State Police and ambulances responded to the intersection of Routes 20 and 150 where a tractor trailer carrying a five-cubic-foot marble block, braked to avoid a vehicle, resulting in the stone block breaking loose from its chained moorings, slamming into the tractor and ripping off its fuel tanks. The truck then brought down a pole and traffic

lights. When responders arrived, they found the driver of the car the truck had to brake for trapped in his car, hanging over a bank about 200 feet in front of the truck. It was lucky the stone block did not go farther into the cab, where a passenger was sleeping.

- Fire News photos by Martin E. Miller

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Winona Lake Assists Cromoner Valley

The Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a serious MVA on the New York State Thruway. Units were called to assist the Cronomer Valley Fire Department at an accident that involved two tractor-trailers. The Thruway was shut down for five hours while the accident was under investigation. Assisting with the call were responders from Plattekill, Orange Lake, the Town of Newburgh Ambulance, and Plattekill Ambulance. The patient was airlifted from the scene to Westchester Medical Center.

- Fire News photo by Vinnie Dominick

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Colonie Village Welcomes New Pumper

The Colonie Fire Company welcomed its newest pumper. Engine 406 is a 2018 Pierce Enforcer side-control pumper. It features a 750-gallon tank, Waterous CSU 1500-gpm pump, single-stage light tower, automatic deck gun and a 100-foot booster reel in back.

Congratulations to Colonie Village Fire Company and the Town of Colonie for the addition of Engine 406 to its fire protection services.

- Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

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FDNY at Raguso Funeral

FDNY Firefighter Anthony Desimone at Commack and FDNY Firefighter Christopher Raguso’s funeral. Raguso, a member of the 106th New York Air National Guard, was killed in a helicopter crash on the Iraq-Syria border in March 2018.

- Fire News photo by LIHotShots.smugmug.com

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Drills

Training in Mahopac Falls Recently, the members of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department and EMS had one of their own conduct an informative walk-through on school buses. The Mahopac Central School District’s Transportation Department provided a seven-passenger handicapped van and a 66passenger bus for instructional purposes. Senior Firefighter John Mulvaney, a bus driver for Mahopac Transportation, along with Bill Owsiany, took the members through the logistics of the wheelchair lift and the intricacies of the seat belts on children using wheelchairs.

Quick and safe evacuation using roof ladders, by making a ramp for a wheelchair was a game changer for a lot of new members. With the big bus, it was shown that a patient on a back board would have to be lifted above the seats and with the removal of the windshield, be handed out over the hood. There are 10 escape hatches, doors and windows on buses in the district and one recent innovation is that emergency windows are hinged on the side, where in years past, firefighters had to hold windows open with pike poles, because it was hinged on top.

- Fire News photo by Jack Casey

Training in Ontario County

On May 5, 2018, responders from Hopewell, Seneca Castle and Cheshire traveled to the Ontario County Training Grounds to practice live fire evolutions.

- Fire News photos by John Greco

Penn Yan Drills at Mill The Penn Yan Fire Department held a multidepartment drill involving several area departments. The drill was to go over and familiarize responders with the preplan for the Birkett Mills building.

- Fire News photo by John Greco

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Project Breathe The South Schenectady Fire Department was grateful to receive a donation of three pet oxygen masks from Invisible Fence as part of Project Breathe. Invisible Fence donates these masks to any department in need. These donations have helped to save close to 200 hundred pets.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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Stanford Heights Hosts Bowling Tournament

The Stanford Heights Fire Department was honored to host of the 61st Annual New York State Volunteer Fireman’s Bowling Tournament. The event was held April 20, 21, 22 and April 27, 28, and 29, 2018, at the Boulevard Bowl in Schenectady. Fire department teams traveled from all over the state, from Long Island to Lake Ontario. The event was a great way to bring the departments together for weekends of communing and displaying their bowling talents. This year’s winning team was from the Purchase Fire Department of Harrison.

- Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

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FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS ELIGIBLE FOR DISCOUNTED INSURANCE For over 16 years, Hometown Insurance Agency has helped firefighters, EMTs and their families save money on their auto and homeowners insurance.

Through The Travelers Insurance Company, you may be eligible for reduced rates on auto and homeowner insurance with the option of automatic bill paying through your bank or credit union. Plus, you’ll get personalized customer service and 24-hour claims reporting.

This special reduced group rate is not available to the general public and is being made available to give you more choices in handling your personal insurance with a greater expected savings, while still working one-on-one with experienced licensed agents at Hometown Insurance Agency.

According to a recent newspaper article, “An insurance research group forecast recently that fallout from the recession would lead to

an increase in the number of motorists driving uninsured - to more than 1 in 6 by next year.” Keeping this in mind, Hometown Insurance Agency will gladly review your policy to make sure you are properly protected against uninsured drivers.

For a no obligation quote and to see how much you can save, call Hometown Insurance Agency at 1-800-568-SAVE (7283) Even if your policy is not due to renew for some time, or if you are thinking about, Hometown Insurance Agency (the plan administrator) will be happy to give you a no obligation quote to compare with your present policy.

KUSSMAUL ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP Effective May 29, 2018, I am announcing a change in leadership at Kussmaul Electronics. After a very successful time as President of Kussmaul, it's Thomas Nugent's desire to stay in the company, focused on engineering, new products and business development.

Since Tom was instrumental in growing Kussmaul, he actively participated in the search process and will be supporting the ramp up of our new President, Dale Tompkins.

Dale Tompkins comes to us with a tremendous track record of success. Dale is experienced in the emergency, warning, and vocational vehicle space, having served as President and CEO of Code 3, a provider of lighting and warning products for emergency responders, utility service fleets, and industrial settings. Prior to Code 3, Dale was part of marine leader Brunswick Corporation, where he served in senior corporate and business leadership roles. Dale is a native of Wisconsin, has a B.S. in Finance from the University of

Wisconsin, LaCrosse, and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

In his role, Dale will be responsible for driving the profitable growth of Kussmaul Electronics including our expansion into new vertical markets such as the vocational truck market. To that end, Dale's dual title includes Market Segment President for Specialty Vehicle Power. Dale will have direct responsibility for all functions within our West Sayville facility. Dale will maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Please join me in welcoming Dale to Kussmaul Electronics.

Colin Chambless VP Sales and Marketing.

SUFFOLK TRANSPORTATION SERVICE ENCOURAGES RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS TO JOIN THEIR STANDOUT TEAM! Leading transportation provider Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc., is proud to offer retired police officers, firefighters, corrections officers and other civil servants the opportunity to become school bus drivers at this professional, family-run company, well-known for its groundbreaking safety initiatives, innovative employee training programs, cutting-edge technology, and community involvement.

Recently named by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management as one of the best companies to work for in New York State, Suffolk Transportation Service provides a rewarding second career for retirees with outstanding pay, excellent benefits and firstclass training. Many of the company’s current school bus drivers are retired civil servants, including former New York City Police Officer Allan Flaxman. Allan began his employment with Suffolk Transportation Service as a school bus driver and has recently been promoted to a management position as Transportation Supervisor for the Longwood Central School District.

“Suffolk Transportation Service is a great company to work forvery professional. I’m not just the bus driver, I’m a role model for these children and that’s something I’m very proud of,” said Mr. Flaxman. “As a former police officer, I’m very fortunate to be able to continue serving my community at Suffolk Transportation Service.”

Suffolk Transportation Service also provides training for the commercial driver’s license (CDL). The Suffolk County Police Department depends on the company’s expertise to train police offi-

cers who need this license. Police Officer John Capasso of the 5th Precinct in Patchogue and Police Officer Steven Resnick of the 6th Precinct in Selden were recently trained by Suffolk Transportation Service for their CDL licenses.

Suffolk Transportation Service is very proud of their many employees who are former civil servants. Pictured (left to right): Frank Nolan, Retired S.C.P.D.; Mirta Maldonado, Retied N.Y.P.D; Joseph Payton, Retired N.Y.S.P; Al Morgan, Retired, Dept. of Corrections; Eric Reed, Retired N.Y.P.D; Thomas Crawford, Retired N.Y.P.D.; Allan Flaxman, Retired N.Y.P.D.

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Obituary

FDNY’s, Freeport’s Keith Young On March 24, 2018, a funeral was held at St. Frances De Chantal Roman Catholic Church in Wantagh for FDNY Firefighter Keith Young who passed away one week prior from a 9/11-related cancer.

Young, a father of three, lost his wife Beth six years prior to cancer.

He was a former member of the Freeport Fire Department having served with Freeport Truck Company and Engine Company No. 1 of which he was still an associate member. Keith was known for his culinary skills, which landed him on television on several occasions, and he also put out a cookbook of his own, as well as a custom cutting board. The “Firehouse Chef” as he was known drew hundreds, if not thousands, to his funeral. Many family and friends wore white at the request of his eldest daughter Kaley. Donations can be submitted through www.gofundme.com/keithyoungfamilysupport.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com

Fire News, July 2018, Page 45

Page 46, Fire News, July 2018

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Let’s Get Ready for Drill Season

- Fire News photos by Kim Versheck

Page 48, Fire News, July 2018

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