Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State
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VOLUME 6, NO. 4
FEBRUARY 2013
Firefighter Tomasz Kaczowka
Firefighter Michael Chiapperini
Thousands turned out to attend the LODD funeral of two West Webster firefighters. Please turn to page 10 for the full story. -Fire News photo by Al Home
Visit Fire News at the Long Island Mega Show February 23-24 in the Lobby – New York State Edition –
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 3
In this issue... Cats Saved at Newburgh Fire
A firefighter located and rescued two cats from a residence.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 6
Citizen Locates Schenectady Fire
A passerby alerted firefighters to flames in an attic window. See story on page 8
Van Burns in the City of Newburgh
The City of Newburgh Fire Department responded to a van fire. See story on page 14
F.O.O.L.S Bring Santa to Child
The Capital Region Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society helped Santa bring joy to a 19-month old boy. See story on page 18
Rombout F.D. Helps Driver and Dog
The Rombout Fire Company, located in Fishkill, was dispatched for a single car MVA on Route 82. See story on page 21
Good-Will F.D. Handles MVA
The Good-Will Fire Department was called out to a two car motor vehicle accident on Route 17.
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, R. Thomas Atkins, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Mark Bellew, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, George Brophy, Liz Burke, Robert Byrnes, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White.
Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka COPYRIGHT 2013, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 17 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 30
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Page 4, Fire News, February 2013
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Don’t Let Your Guard Down Everyone was horrified when two firefighters were killed by a deranged killer who opened fire on responders as they arrived on scene to battle a fire in Webster, NY. Two other firefighters were wounded in this horrible incident. This incident should heighten your awareness that as first responders you are always at risk of being attacked. In the mid 1990s firefighter training required yearly Haz-Mat and OSHA refresher classes. If you ever sat through these required classes, you might recall discussions about risk and terrorism. I can remember sitting in a class and having the instructor tell us of possible scenarios that could happen that would have tragic consequences. He cited examples of individuals renting a small plane, filling it with biological chemicals and flying it into a building. Do you see where I am going with this editorial? When the WTC Bombing Incident of 1993 and 2001 occurred, I thought of those refresher classes. Let’s face it, as responders you are at risk of personal attack. Look back to the late 1960’s when tillermen and firefighters riding the back step had to be covered by metal enclosures and wooded canopies so that they were not hit by rocks and bottles as they responded to calls in deprived areas of many cities. Not too long ago a fire truck was firebombed in NYC, while members were sitting inside of their truck. The Molotov cocktail hit the steel screened window and exploded, severely burning the firefighters that were sitting on the other side of the window. Every time you respond to the “routine” call, you are at risk. Do you remember ever seeing a video of a routine dumpster fire where firefighters started to attack the fire and another dumpster close by exploded for an unknown reason? Was this explosion detonated by a deranged individual? You should always expect the unexpected. As we remember firefighters Michael J. Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka of the West Webster Fire Department, let their deaths serve as a reminder that you are always at risk. Take your Haz-Mat and OSHA training seriously. Store what you have learned in your memory so that you can subconsciously be reminded that there is no “routine” call. Never let your guard down! - Dennis
2013 LONG ISLAND FIRE, RESCUE & EMS MEGA SHOW The 2013 Long Island Fire Rescue & EMS Mega Show is coming to the Expo Center at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, Saturday February 23 and Sunday, February 24. This is the Tri-state’s fastest growing show. The latest and most innovative turnout gear and newest product lines for the fire and rescue community will be on display. Hundreds of vendors will be present to explain and demonstrate their products and services. There will also be a two-day extrication competition. Competing at this year’s competition on Saturday are Hagerman, North Babylon, Montauk, Ridge, Nesconset and Great Neck Alert. On Sunday it will be Sayville, West Babylon, North Bellmore, Blue Point and Selden. Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale at the door the day of the show; $13.50 for General Admission or have your department call for a pre-registration form. Children under 12 are free. Don’t miss the 2013 Fire, Rescue& EMS Mega Show on February 23 and 24 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.
ANNOUNCEMENTS THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM CHIEF DEISENROTH The West Webster Fire District family would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to our loving and caring community. We are enormously overwhelmed with the generosity of each and every one of you and as unbelievably amazing as you have all been, we should not be surprised. We have witnessed the true meanings of honor, community, brother and sisterhood, and family. Our family extends well beyond our firehouse and our community well beyond Webster! To thank you all for each and every gift of love you have given would be impossible as we are still learning of the many ways people have shown and continue to show their support. You have visited our home with cards, monetary gifts, food and drinks, flowers, candles, teddy bears, plaques, hand-crafted crosses, drawings, and even coffee and treats from Abbott's. Facebook Groups have been formed by many to show support, share comforting words and pictures, and even arrange for transportation and housing for the funeral services. We notice signs in front yards and we see your flags are lowered. We notice when you tell us to be safe and we know those words hold more weight than anyone could ever explain. We appreciate each and every person who stood outside to watch the funeral processions and every vehicle that stopped on the side of the road. We saw flags waving, people saluting, hands over hearts, and we have seen so many tears. Each and every one of you not only reminded us but also taught us what it truly means to be a strong and loving community. Brothers and sisters came from all over, including other countries, to pay their respects and to share in our grief. Each and every one of you not only reminded us but also taught us what Brotherhood and Sisterhood truly means. You have prayed for us and with us and we know that you will continue to pray, as will we. "Thank you" doesn't begin to express our appreciation to all of you. Please know that the good you have all shown will always be remembered and cherished by all of us. You have truly honored our brothers! We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the various media outlets for respecting the wishes of the families through this difficult time. We appreciate them working with us to make sure the highest level of respect was shown during all of the events that they attended. May you all have a safe and happy 2013. James Deisenroth District Chief West Webster Fire District
FASNY ACCEPTING AWARD NOMINATIONS Every year, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York recognizes members of the volunteer fire service, EMS personnel, and others for helping make our communities safer, whether through individual acts of heroism or by educating our youngest residents on the importance of fire safety and prevention. Nomination submissions are currently being considered for the following FASNY awards; full information on the nomination process, application forms and appropriate contact(s) for information on each award can be found at www.fasny.com. • FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR, in recognition of outstanding feats of heroism by a member or members of the volunteer fire service. • EMS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR, in recognition of heroic individual or team efforts performed by volunteer emergency medical personnel. • FIRE SERVICE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD, presented to an individual who is an outstanding member of his or her community and volunteer fire department. • FIRE SAFETY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR, in recognition of exceptional efforts in presenting fire prevention and life safety education to residents of New York State. • TEACHER OF THE YEAR, to honor educators whose efforts in presenting fire prevention and life safety lessons exemplify their commitment to the students whom they teach. These awards are open to teachers at the elementary or secondary level, currently teaching at a public, private or parochial school in New York State. Deadlines for all award applications: March 15, 2013. Please note that each award is decided on by a respective committee. For complete information on each award, including nomination criteria and contact information, please visit www.fasny.com.
Share Your Departments Memories with Fire News Does your department have any photos from the past? If you would like to share your memories from the past, please send a scanned image or photograph the old photo with a digital camera and send it to us at: LI@firenews.com.
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 5
FASNY Gives 50K Grant to NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund to Help Volunteers Impacted by Sandy Association calls on others to donate necessary funds to help first responders in need Every day, volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel put their lives on the line to protect their communities, but what happens when the tragedy strikes home? Many first responders are impacted each year by disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, and others. These men and women dedicate themselves to serving their communities. When their homes and families are affected by tragedy, they rely on the community to give back. The National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund provides a stipend of $250 to volunteer first responders whose homes have been impacted by a large-scale disaster. The stipend helps these firefighters and emergency personnel meet their basic needs in the aftermath of the disaster. However, the requests received in the wake of Super Storm Sandy exceeded the availability of funds. The Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has stepped up to support first responders in need by awarding a grant of $50,000 to the NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund. FASNY joins the NVFC in ask-
ing others to help support the fund. According to FASNY Director to the NVFC, David Jacobowitz, there are many unfunded requests currently awaiting donations. Help these first responders in need by contributing to the NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund. "To date, the NVFC Volunteer Firefighter Support fund has helped over a hundred volunteer firefighters impacted by Sandy, totaling over $31,000 in donations," said FASNY President Jim Burns. "FASNY felt that it was important to replenish the funds in order to help more volunteers that need support after the storm." "We are grateful for FASNY's generous contribution and are thrilled to be able to continue helping volunteers who have been struck by a devastating tragedy such as Super Storm Sandy," said NVFC Executive Director Heather Schafer. "These volunteers need assistance to get back on their feet. We hope FASNY's contribution will inspire others to give as well so we can keep providing support to those who protect their communities every day." The Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund was
created in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Since then, the fund has assisted volunteer first responders impacted by flooding in New York and along the Mississippi River, tornadoes in different parts of the country, and other largescale disasters. So far, over half a million dollars have been distributed to volunteer firefighters in need. To qualify for assistance, individuals must be from an NVFC member state as an individual or department member of the state association; be an active volunteer firefighter, rescue worker, or EMS provider; live or have housing in a state- or federally-declared disaster area; and have incurred an uninsurable loss in excess of $5,000. The fund relies entirely on the support of individuals and organizations to assist volunteer first responders in need. The NVFC donates all administrative costs associated with the fund, so 100% of contributions go to help volunteer first responders impacted by disaster. To make your contribution to the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund please visit: http://www.nvfc.org
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Page 6, Fire News, February 2013
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Sprinklers Save the Day in Scotia Scotia firefighters raised their aerial platform to the roof of Norampac in the Glenville Industrial Complex, after heavy smoke was discovered shortly before 0200. Several sprinkler heads activated after combustible materials ignited inside the building causing minor damage to the facility. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Cats Saved at Newburgh Fire Recently, Winona Lake responders were called out to a grease fire in a residence located on South Plank Road. One person was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and with minor burns. One firefighter located and rescued two cats that were in the structure. -Fire News photos by Vincent Dominick
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 7
Partial Collapse Occurs at Schenectady Blaze
Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Rugby Road. Flames were found venting from the second floor porch of a twofamily dwelling. As firefighters prepared to advance up the rear staircase, a partial collapse of the second floor prevented them from reaching the seat of the fire. One firefighter sustained a minor leg injury and was treated at a local hospital. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber
Page 8, Fire News, February 2013
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Citizen Locates Attic Flames
As Schenectady firefighters operated at an accident scene at Elm and State streets in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 5, 2013, a passerby pointed to the attic of a house on Elm Street and noticed flames in the attic window. With the attic well involved, Engine 2 and Truck 2 already on scene, barreled through snow banks to put themselves into position to start fighting the fire. A second alarm was sounded bringing all Schenectady apparatus to the scene and Niskayuna Fire District 1 and Scotia Fire Department was put on stand by in their stations. After Truck 2 vented the roof, interior crews used three hand lines to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Aggressive Attack Made in Walden On January 4, 2013, a two-alarm fire occurred in a two-story, wood frame dwelling on 46 Seeley Street in Walden. Mutual aid to the scene was provided by the Coldenham and Montgomery fire departments. Wallkill and Maybrook stood by at Walden’s firehouse. An aggressive interior attack by firefighters brought this fire under control without incident. The cause of the fire is being investigated by Orange County fire investigators. -Fire News photos by Steve Lenz
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We Mourn With the West Webster F.D.
Funeral services were held for Michael J.Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka. Both firefighters were mortally wounded by gunfire on December 24, 2012, while operating at a fire on Lake Road in Webster, NY. We offer our condolences, along with thousands of fire, EMS and law enforcement personnel from across the United States and Canada, who attended the services to pay respects to their fallen brothers and to the families of these two heroes. We also would like to welcome firefighters Joe Hofstetter and Ted Scardino home after recovering from being wounded at this incident. We wish you well on the road to recovery. -Fire News photos by Al Home and Mitchell Brown
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Flames Beat in Manhattan
On November 19, 2012, firefighters responded to East 80th Street in Manhattan to battle flames in an occupied multiple dwelling. The fire sent flames and smoke up the air shaft to adjacent floors of the structure. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control. -Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 13
Aggressive Attack Stops Fire
Schenectady firefighters were just beginning to settle in after their three-alarm State Street fire, when an attic fire on Strong Street came in. Quick and aggressive work by firefighters brought flames under control with one firefighter treated for burns to his legs. -Fire News photos by Peter Barber
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Page 14, Fire News, February 2013
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Van Burns in the City of Newburgh
The City of Newburgh Fire Department Truck 1 and Engine 1 responded to a van fire at 1004. The fire was caused by driving with the parking break on. No injuries were sustained as a result of the incident -Fire News photo by Joseph LoCicero
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 15
Frozen Hydrants Complicate Fire
Recently, Schenectady firefighters received a call for a kitchen fire. of the structure. The fire was knocked down quickly. Niskayuna Fire When the first due engine arrived, responders found a split ranch style District 1 firefighters assisted at the scene, laying into Engine 1 due to -Fire News photo by Peter Barber home that was fully involved with an exposure problem on the B side frozen and broken fire hydrants.
Page 16, Fire News, February 2013
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City of Syracuse Chooses
KME
KME is pleased to announce that the Syracuse Fire Department has awarded KME and its sales representative Gorman Emergency Vehicles, the contract for a new 55’ KME FirestixTM elevated master stream ladder. KME extended the offering for 2012 and 2013 with options for future apparatus purchases and to also allow other department’s to tag-on to the Syracuse order. Further, KME has offered the tag-on availability in both pumper and aerial design for flexibility of vehicle designs desired. The Syracuse base unit will be built on KME’s PredatorTM Severe ServiceTM chassis with a 500hp Cummins ISX engine. The Severe Service™ concept is about a well-planned design created to fully accommodate the needs of operators, crews and mechanics and have a rig that’s ready to respond, every time. The cab is designed, manufactured and tested to perform under the most rigorous demands and is recognized as the fire service’s safest cab by meeting and exceeding, to a fire service best, all crash/crush and front/side impact testing standards. Syracuse’s cabs will include side facing gear and equipment storage compartments and the most rugged interior available. The pumping system includes a Syracuse specific low mount crosslays (60” off ground), side mount pump panel with 2000gpm pump, duplicated governor and relief valve controls, KME 55’ FirestixTM ladder, 500/50 gallons of water/foam and a Class A foam system. The KME stainless steel body was custom designed to meet the unique needs of Syracuse fire department in rigorous and harsh climatic operating environments. The body features roll-up style doors, triple style SCBA compartments and all LED scene lighting systems. Fire departments in both the US and Canada are invited to “tag-on” to this award taking advantage of the deep discounts offered to the City of Syracuse. With over 200 options in both PUMPER and AERIAL units, this order can surely accommodate any unique protection area needs you may face. Contact your local KME sales representative for additional details.
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Massena Rescue and Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance Assist at the Border Massena Rescue’s A-212 and Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance’s Unit 3 responded to a request made by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the US Customs and Border Protection to stage during an “Idle No More” march on Saturday January 5, 2013 at 1000. Massena’s A-212 reported to the US Port of Entry, which was the start of the march. They joined NY State Police and CBP officers in keeping the marchers safe from traffic. Akwesasne’s Unit 3 reported to the old Canadian Port of Entry on Cornwall Island, which was the half way point for the marchers. Unit 3 joined the Akwesasne Mohawk Police and the Emergency Management team to ensure that the marchers were warm, safe and hydrated. The march is part of the “Idle No More” movement, which has quickly spread across Indian communities via social media in recent months. The movement has spawned rail blockades and flash mobs with dancing and drumming across the United States and Canada. The movement speaks out against a bill by Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, known as omnibus C-45. The bill alters regulations on the environment and waterways and on companies seeking to buy reservation land. The march started at 1000, near the site of the former General Motors on State Route 37. Approximately 300 men, woman and children marched passed the US Port of Entry onto the International Bridge and down the other side to Cornwall Island. They continued up Three Nations Bridge past the Canadian Port of Entry and into the city of Cornwall, Ontario and then marchers performed a dance at the Brookdale Avenue traffic circle. The entire event lasted five hours and resulted in zero injuries with the exception of a few cold fingers and toes. -Fire News photos by Randy Montour
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F.O.O.L.S Bring Santa to Child
The Capital Region Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society gathered together on December 22, 2012, to help Santa bring a little Christmas joy to Cooper Lare. Cooper Lare is a 19-month old little boy, who is going through cancer treatment. Members of the Capital Region F.O.O.L.S brought fire apparatus from Fort Hunter, Guilderland Center, Jonesville, Shaker RoadLoudonville to help transport Santa and his gifts to surprise Cooper and his little sister. The vehicles arrived at the Lare home lights and sirens blaring. Cooper repeated "Ho, Ho" as Santa, aboard Truck 29, was transported directly to his front door. Dozens of "leatherheads" followed into the Lare home, where they all wished Cooper a merry Christmas. -Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn
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Sun Blinds Driver in Niskayuna A highway worker, who was injured while working as a flagman on a construction zone on Rosendale Road in Niskayuna, had to be airlifted by LifeNet helicopter to Albany Medical Center. The worker was struck by a vehicle whose driver was blinded by the sun as they approached the work zone, striking the worker. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
MVA Handled in Winona Lake Firefighters from Winona Lake were called out to a morning two-car motor vehicle accident that occurred on Route 300. No injuries were sustained as a result of the mishap. -Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 21
Rombout F.D. Helps Driver and Dog
The Rombout Fire Company, located in Fishkill, was dispatched for a single car MVA on Route 82, near the Brinkerhoff Elementary School, at 1221 on December 23, 2012. Past Chief Charles Kuehner was the first to arrive on the scene and found the lone driver of a compact car, conscious and responsive. The driver had suffered a medical incident, while driving west bound on Route 82, causing her to hit a guard rail twice before finally hitting a telephone pole head on. Her injuries were consistent with the airbag deployment and appeared to be non-life threatening. The driver was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie by MobileLife for treatment and evaluation.
The driver was not alone in the vehicle; her young Rottweiler dog was in the back seat and was injured during the crash. A passerby removed the dog from the car before firefighters arrived on the scene. A resident in the neighborhood upon seeing the injured dog at the accident scene informed their neighbor Mary Beth Vasillo, a retired Veterinary Technician, about the dog and she rushed to the accident scene. She determined the dog sustained serious injury to its rear legs and needed medical attention. With the assistance of the firefighters she helped prep the animal for transport. New York State Police are investigating the cause of the accident. -Fire News photos by Kevin Barry
Page 22, Fire News, February 2013
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Tanker Overturns in Duanesburg
Recently, firefighters had to spread absorbent in front of an over- er in order to lighten the load when they attempted to roll it back turned tanker truck that lost control as it crossed an ice-covered onto its wheels. The driver was taken by ambulance to a local hosInterstate 88 overpass on the Schoharie Turnpike in the Town of pital with non life threatening injuries. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber Duanesburg. Fuel was transferred from the rolled tanker to anoth-
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 23
Cold Water Rescue Performed in Akwesasne
On December 15, 2012, Massena Rescue and the Massena Rescue Dive Team were toned out for mutual aide to Adams Marina in Akwesasne to assist the Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance and the Hogansburg Fire Department in a search and rescue that was in progress for a reported person in the Snye Channel. Arriving Akwesasne units were told that an unknown patient had fallen into the 50 degree, fast moving water, at approximately 0730. The Hogansburg Fire Department launched two rescue boats into the water and commenced with the rescue operation. The Akwesasne
Mohawk Ambulance staged at the marina with the fire command center. Massena Rescue's A-214 responded to the scene to assist with Advanced Life Support. The patient was located and rescued from the freezing water at approximately 0830. EMS units worked to stabilize the patient. The patient was rushed to Massena Memorial Hospital for treatment of severe hypothermia. -Fire News photo by Randy Montour
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Page 24, Fire News, February 2013
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Valuable Lessons Learned
The Arvin Hart Fire Company of Saratoga County was dispatched to an early morning accident with one vehicle under a tractor trailer on Route 4, just outside the city of Mechanicville. The department responded with a heavy rescue, three utility units for traffic control, and received mutual aid from the City of Mechanicvill, which responded with an engine company. Upon arrival an older model Dodge Dakota pickup was found solidly wedged under a trailer. Fortunately the driver of the vehicle ducked and was able to leave the vehicle by the passenger door without requiring extrication. The John Ahearn Rescue Squad treated the patient and transported him to Albany Medical Center for evaluation. The driver of the vehicle admitted that he failed to clear his windshield of frost and did not see the truck pull out of a parking lot. The trailer contained 46,000 pounds of beer and was blocking both lanes. The department consulted with the truck driver and determined that the trailer jacks would hold the weight of the cargo, so the jacks were lowered enabling the tractor to pull out from under the trailer. A yard tractor from DeCrescente Beverage Distributors, located across the street, was able to back under the trailer and raise the height of the adjustable fifth wheel enough to allow the pickup to be rolled from under the trailer. The yard tractor backed the trailer into the staging yard and firefighters were able to push the truck out of the road and reopen the road. The two lessons learned were, it pays to ensure your windshield is cleared before driving and a fifth wheel on a yard tractor is invaluable for under the trailer extrications. -Fire News photo by Tom Rinaldi
September 11th 10 Year Commemorative
Coin All proceeds from the sale of this coin will go to support a September 11th memorial fund in Orange County NY as well as the FDNY VFW post and the New Yoek Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. The September 11 Anniversary Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan and all donations are tax dedutable.
order yours today go to www.september11anniversaryfund.com
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 25
Broad Channel Receives Replacement Truck
The Broad Channel Fire Department recently received a replacement rig from North Tarrytown. If the measuring tape is correct the truck will the clear the house by half an inch. Broad Channel trucks were destroyed after being submerged in 15-feet of water during Hurricane Sandy. The fire department lost everything. -Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington
Page 26, Fire News, February 2013
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Santa Brings Toys to NYC Fire Museum On December 22, 2012, Santa visited the NYC Fire Museum on Spring Street in Manhattan and brought smiles to the children of FDNY firefighters who lost their homes as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The event was organized by Maureen Flaherty and with the assistance of Cohen's Fashion Optical, the NYC Fire Museum and firefighters throughout the area, Santa was able to bring toys and smiles to children that suffered through the hurricane. -Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 27
Family Corner
FDNY Commissioner Cassano gets together with his son Michael at a recent FDNY Toy Drive, which was held at the NYC Fire Museum. Good luck to Michael on his recent appointment as an FDNY EMT. -Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
Lt. Andy Fredericks, FDNY Memorial Seminar & Exhibits Hosted by the Elmsford Fire Department Saturday, February 2, 2013 Registration, refreshments & exhibits begin at 7:30 AM, Program: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
“Fireground Sizeup� Presented by Lt. Mike Terpak Jersey City Fire Department
Proceeds donated to Lt. Andrew Fredericks Scholarship Fund Lt. Tyler Rush Memorial Scholarship Fund Burn Care Everywhere www.burncare.org Firemen's Home, Hudson, N.Y. www.fasny.com Pre-registration: $35, at the door: $40 www.regonline.com/seminar13
Westchester Marriott Hotel 670 White Plains Road (Route 119), Tarrytown, N.Y. For overnight accommodations, please call Mariott Hotel reservations @ (800) 882-1042, and ask for the Elmsford Fire Department seminar rate. For additional information please contact: Syd Henry at shenry@elmsfordfd.com or (914) 490-1981 Joe Dorio at jdorio@elmsfordfd.com or (914) 536-2235 Website: www.elmsfordfd.com/seminar.php
FDNY firefighter Danny Alfonso shows his son Dennis the rig at a recent Christmas party for the families of Engine 75.
Page 28, Fire News, February 2013
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ATV Transports Injured Sledder in Wallkill On January 6, 2013, the Wallkill Fire Department and Wallkill Ambulance responded to a sledding accident at Ostrander Elementary School. The Wallkill Fire Department assisted with Unit 64-30, an ATV that responded to the scene. The injured sledder was transported to St. Lukes Hospital. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Brother’s Forever Ten members of the Halfmoon Fire Department located in Saratoga County, recently had the privilege of working alongside the men of Freeport's Vigilant Hose Company #2 on Long Island. What started as a mission to provide storm relief ended up as a bond between the two departments. Brothers forever! -Fire News photo by John D'Alessandro
BUSINESSDirectory IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE, CALL 631-776-0500 EXT. 3 Dennis Whittam
New York Fire Photos
www.nyfirephotos.com Phone: 631-473-3821 Email: dwhittam@optonline.net
Visit your photos and purchase them online.
Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Brian J. Farrell Chairman 516-840-8839 cell 516-783-1996 office terryfund@verizon.net TerryFarrellFund.org
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 29
Good-Will F.D. Handles MVA Recently, the Good-Will Fire Department was called out to a two car motor vehicle accident on Route 17, in front of Newburgh Park Motors. One person was taken to the hospital with a leg injury. -Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
Wires Downed in Newburgh Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to handle a motor vehicle accident in Newburgh. The car hit a pole and took wires down, creating an unsafe condition. -Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
Page 30, Fire News, February 2013
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Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess First Responders Honored Congresswoman Nan Hayworth presents a congressional citation to Westchester Technical Rescue Team Leader Joseph Nickischer. Joe is a Chief of New York State Search and Rescue and a member of the Patterson NY Fire Department. In addition, Nickischer is a retired New York Police Department Detective. The contingent was honored by Hayworth for their heroic actions in rescuing a number of white water rafters following perilous activity in a late summer episode that claimed the life of Peter Engel, 53, of Cross River. Engel died after he and three of his fellow boaters were pulled from the raging river by the rescue team and Croton police divers.
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Terry Farrell FireFighters Fund “Surplus Equipment Program” has assisted fire departments throughout upper New York State with much needed turnout gear, hoses, tools and even several vehicles. All of this is possible through the generous support of Long Island Fire Departments. We now need the help of volunteers to assist us with • Equipment deliveries • Drive our vehicles in parades • Man our booths at Fire Dept. tournaments, festivals & functions • Assist with the collection of gear from donating department No one is paid in our organization but the feeling of helping firefighters who receive our donations and assistance and the gratitude they show to us is payment enough. To Volunteer of for more information about our fund please go to our website terryfarrellfund.org. Or email terryfund@verizon.net Thank You, Brian Farrell
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Fire News, February 2013, Page 31