VOLUME 6, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MARCH 2013
Extreme conditons, complicated an extrication in Niskayuna. Firefighters used the hydraulic tools to free the driver from this overturned and snowbound mini van. See page 6 for full story. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Captain Matthew Porcari Mourned in Owego. Please turn to page 9 for the story.
– New York State Edition –
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 3
In this issue... Captain Matthew Porcari Mourned in Owego Captain Porcari died in the line of duty, while operating at a fire in Newark Valley.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
See story on page 9
Family Escapes Fire in Cronomer Valley
A family of seven escaped a fast moving fire, but lost their dog in a Cronomer blaze. See story on page 12
Fire Under Investigation in Albany The Albany F.D. responded to a house fire at the same location twice in one day.
See story on page 14
High Winds Complicate Middle Hope Fire Wind fanned a fast moving fire that ripped through a five-bedroom home.
See story on page 17
Fatal MVA Occurs in Montgomery A two-car motor vehicle accident left one person fatally injured.
See story on page 27
Trustee and Ex-Chief Ted Rosko Answers Last Alarm
The VP of the Board of Trustees of the FASNY Firemen’s Home died on January 9, 2013.
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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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, March 2013
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Photographers Who Needs Them? Most of you do not know who Pete Souza is. He is a photographer who takes approximately 500 to over 1100 photographs a day of one person. He is President Barack Obama’s personal photographer. Yes, for over 50 years the White House has had and continues to have a staff of photographer who shadows the president. He documents all of the president's activities and stays with him for his entire day, no matter how long it is. In 1861, Alexander Gardner was appointed to the staff of General McClellan as a military photographer. Today, most of our local political leaders follow suit and have photographers that come to events with them. Some are professional photographers and some are aids who carry a camera. The intention is the same and that is to document the activities so everyone can see the great things they do for us. My first fire photographically inspiring moment came to me in 1960 as I looked at images of the Fire Department of the City of New York in action as I read their monthly publication known as the WNYF (With the New York Firefighter). To a child in the days of black-and-white TV and AM radio, the photos took me to a world that I eventually became part of. To the firefighter, the WNYF served as a teaching tool and was the inspiration for many of the magazines and newspapers that you see today. Janet Kimmerly, editor for the WNYF, continues the tradition of producing a publication that is a teaching tool and a compliment to the FDNY. Nice job Janet! Does your department have a photographer who documents your training activities and calls? Does your department have photographs of each member so that if the need arises you can show the community who risks their lives for them? Identification card photos serve a purpose, but their purpose is limited and at times unflattering. You should have quality headshots for everyone. All departments should assign a member to be a Public Information Officer who regularly takes photographs, writes news releases and informs the community of what the department is doing on a daily basis. Social media such as Facebook and photo hosting sites such as Flickr can be beneficial to your department when used properly and I emphasize properly. Remember this: If you do not take photographs yourself, someone else will and the image that is published in the local paper may not be a positive one. That person may know nothing about the fire service and the photos that are used may be unflattering to your department. Get to know your Fire News photographers. They are happy to assist you with providing photographs if you do not have a department photographer. It is time for your department to make sure everyone can see the great things that you do through the world of photography!
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS GET OUT & VOTE, AND VOTE OFTEN! Please help our very own Erie County Volunteer Firefighter Jessie Roland-Bystrak from the East Aurora Volunteer Fire Department; FASNY and their marketing team at ABCideabased.com win a Telly Award for Jessie’s “Fire In You!” statewide recruitment video commercial. The “Jessie” spot is up for a National Telly award in the "Peoples Choice" category. Individuals can go and vote for it — and if they get enough votes, they win this prestigious national award. By the way, you can go back and vote more than once. Please share the link below via all of your available social media and e-communications channels to help Jessie, FASNY and ABC Creative Group bring home the prize. It was a lot of hard work by a bunch of real and dedicated firefighters — not actors — and they deserve to be recognized. We’re proud of Jessie and we hope you are too! Here is the link. Please share, vote, share, vote at www.youtube.com/tellyawards?x=YdY4KTzHNTY. Stay safe. Train often.
9/11 CLAIMS ANOTHER LIFE Firefighter Chuck Jones of FDNY Ladder 165 passed away on January 29, 2013, from cancer attributed to his response on 9/11. Chuck, who was a resident of Sayville, leaves a wife and three children. He was a devoted coach of the Sayville youth football team, a littlel League baseball team, St. Lawrence CYO basketball and the Rinx hockey team. A memorial service will be held this spring. Donations to the American Cancer Society, 75 Davids Dr., Hauppaugue, NY 11788 or the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation, PO Box 340949, Brooklyn, NY 11234 would be appreciated.
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.
ENGINE COMPANY OPERATIONS SEMINAR The FDNY Honor Legion will be holding a seminar on Engine Company Operations. The three-hour seminar will cover the following topics: Size Up, Building Construction, Apparatus Placement, Water Supply, Line Placement/Selection, Fire Attack/Line Advancement, Engine Positions and Duties. The seminar will take lace on Monday, March 4, 2013 from 1900-2200 at the Westhampton Beach Fire Department. To Register: Mail Voucher/Check to: Firefighter Dan Ward, PO Box 87, Bayport, NY 11705, For more Information Call: 516-524-7282. All of the proceeds from the seminar will benefit the families of our fallen brothers. Cost: $40 pre-registration $50 at the door. Refreshments are included. Lt. Mastronardi is currently working in Squad 288. His previous assignments include Rescue Company 4, Squad 252 and Engine 280. He is a Deputy Chief Instructor with the Suffolk County Fire Academy and is an Instructor at the FDNY Technical Rescue School. Visit www.FDNY HonorLegion.org for more information about the seminar.
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 5
Applications Being Accepted for Phoenix Firecamp, July 21-26 at the Utica Fire Training Academy The 7th annual Phoenix Firecamp, a free weeklong overnight camp for girls ages 14-19, will be held July 21-26, 2013, at the Utica Fire Training Academy. The program, conducted by Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS), in partnership with the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department and the Utica Fire Department, is designed to acquaint young women with their opportunities in fire and emergency services. The curriculum utilizes fireground and classroom training to develop confidence, enhance leadership skills, foster friendly competition, nurture community spirit, broaden problem solving abilities, encourage team building and promote inclusiveness. Among the hands-on exercises are aerial ladder climb, basic engine and ladder operations, forcible entry, search and rescue, auto extrication and disentanglement, SCBA usage, water rescue and a propane drill. Classroom learning includes nutrition, fitness, engine and ladder basics, and fire safety. At the conclusion of the week, the campers are CPR certified. The curriculum is based upon International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) guidelines.
Although the schedule is rigorous, there is a lot of time built in to socialize, relax, have fun and make new friends from New York and other states. Camper housing is at the Academy, a former firehouse, so the girls have a real “firehouse living” experience. The Phoenix instructors and team leaders are primarily volunteer and career members of FSWNYS, who volunteer their time and pay their own expenses for the week. Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, a principal partner in Phoenix Firecamp, donates transportation, hosts team building exercises, an evening social event, secures donations from area businesses and coordinates the participation of other volunteer fire departments and their auxiliaries. “The recruitment of young volunteers into the fire service has never been more critical,” said James Kimball, former Westmoreland FD Chief and a Phoenix staff member. “Phoenix has proven to be a powerful tool; the majority of the 119 graduates are now involved in the volunteer fire service in their hometowns.” “Since Phoenix began in 2007, the program has been supported in various ways by many Mohawk Valley volunteer fire departments,”
he said. “They include Clinton,Cedarville, Clark Mills, Deansboro, Deerfield, Lake Delta, Lee Center, Leonardsville, New Hartford, New York Mills, Oriskany, Stanwix Heights, Frankfort Center Ladies Auxiliary, West Winfield and Yorkville.” The Frankfort Fire Department donates its mobile flashover simulator for forcible entry and search and rescue exercises. The applicants must be in good physical condition, have medical insurance, a positive attitude and be willing to abide by the rules of the camp and participate in all the activities. Those accepted are expected to submit medical clearance from their doctor, arrange for their own transportation to and from Utica and come equipped with a pair of steel-toed shoes to substitute for boots. Other protective gear is provided by the camp. Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a nonrefundable $100 application fee. A maximum of 24 campers are accepted annually from a national field of candidates. Applications are now being accepted and must be postmarked by May 1, 2013 to be considered. All the Phoenix information and the application is posted at: www.fswnys.org
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Page 6, Fire News, March 2013
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Tools Put to Work in Niskayuna Niskayuna Fire District 1 firefighters used the hydraulic tools to extricate the driver from this overturned minivan on Aqueduct Road. The driver lost control on slick pavement and hit a culvert, rolling the van onto its roof. The driver was taken by NFD1 Ambulance to Albany Medical Center for treatment. -Fire News photo by Peter Barber
Page 8, Fire News, March 2013
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Fatal Fire Knocked Down in Albany On January 27, 2013, the Albany Fire Department was dispatched to Arcadia Avenue for an alarm around 0511. The first arriving company reported heavy smoke and fire and transmitted a working fire. Flames were shooting out the windows on the second floor of the structure. Firefighters made entry and searched the building. A secondary search located a body on the second floor. The fire is under investigation by Albany Fire, New York State Fire and investigators from the Albany County District Attorney's Office. The Albany City Mayor Jerry Jennings and the Albany Police Department also responded to the scene. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Albany Firefighters Rescue Occupants On January 15, 2013, an alarm was transmitted at 2030, for a taxpayer building on fire at the corner of Lexington and Central Avenues. Upon arrival, Albany firefighters reported heavy fire on the Lexington Avenue side of the building with several people trapped on the third floor. Firefighters from Truck 2 were able to reach the occupants and rescued two adults and three children from one apartment and one adult from another. One other adult was rescued from the Central Avenue side of the building. Albany Fire Chief Robert Forezzi stated that two adults and two children were transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital for evaluation. One firefighter was treated for a hand injury. The fire displaced 14 people. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
Tax not included. Subject to availability. Not available Holiday periods. Offer expires May 31, 2013. Please mention code “Fire� to receive this special rate.
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Captain Matthew Porcari Mourned in Owego Fire News would like to offer its condolences to the Owego Fire Department and the family of Captain Matthew Porcari who was killed in the line of duty, while operating at a fire in Newark Valley. The fire started just before 2300 and several nearby fire departments, including Owego, were called to assist the Newark Fire Department. Owego Firefighters Matthew Porcari and Daniel Gavin were in the building when the floor collapsed. Captain Porcari died in the fire. Gavin was taken to Wilson Hospital with burns before being transferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Matthew Porcari, a captain with Owego Fire Co. 3, is survived by his wife, Christina, an 11-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son. We offer sincerest sympathy to everyone who knew Captain Porcari. -Fire News photos provided by the Owego F.D.
Fire News, March 2013, Page 9
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Annual ‘RecruitNY’ Weekend Set Statewide Firefighter Recruitment Open Houses to be Held April 27 - 28 Volunteer fire departments across New York State will open their doors and firetruck bays to local residents during the weekend of April 27 and 28 as part of the third annual RecruitNY statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment effort. To coincide with National Volunteer Week, fire departments will hold recruitment drives at their respective firehouses. RecruitNY is designed to help increase volunteer membership which has suffered over the last few years due to various factors including the stagnant economy. During RecruitNY weekend, fire departments will conduct tours of their firehouses and fire apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide visitor activities and stations throughout the firehouse. Members will discuss the volunteer requirements and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to join their fire department. “Last year, over 430 departments in 55 counties across the state participated in RecruitNY and we expect even more counties to get involved this year,” said James A. Burns, president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). “We encourage departments to sign up to let their communities know of their participation. RecruitNY has proven a success in past years and is a key initiative to help bolster membership numbers so fire departments can continue to provide the optimum level of protection to their local residents.” Fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, can simply log on to www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participation form. The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, etc. via http://recruitny.org/resources.php to help a firehouse hold a recruitment open house. For area residents looking for more information, or to find out if your fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org or contact your local fire department via a nonemergency phone number or its website.
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 11
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Family Escapes Fire in Cronomer Valley
A family of seven escaped a fast moving fire on January 29, 2013, but lost their dog when they woke to the smell of smoke at their Hy View Drive home in the Cronomer Valley Fire District. Cronomer Valley Deputy Chief Jorge Resto arrived on the scene and immediately called for a second alarm. The father was able to escape the home and the mother lowered the four children through a window on the second floor down to the father, who brought
them to safety outside. A seventh person and the mother were also able to escape. DeGraw said the family did the right thing by getting them through the window quickly as opposed to trying to fight their way through the acrid smoke. “There was a real potential for that to be a fatality,� said DeGraw. Family members were taken to St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh as a precaution. A small family dog perished but a caged pet rabbit did survive. The
fire, which began on the first floor, was put out in less than 10 minutes. Units from the City of Newburgh's FAST and Orange County Fire Coordinator Charlie Piper assisted at the scene as Good Will Fire and Winona Lake departments stood by for Cronomer Valley. The fire is under investigation by the Town of Newburgh Fire Investigators office, and no injuries were reported. -Fire News photos by John C. Miller
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 13
Frigid Temperatures Make for a Tough Battle
On January 25, 2013, a stubborn two-alarm fire began around 1600 in Albany and burned out of control for over two hours before being brought under control, but not before destroying three apartment houses. The fire started at a residence on Dove Street, between Myrtle and Park Avenues and spread to neighboring
buildings. Residents of those and other nearby homes — some without coats — fled into the below freezing temperature. Power was cut to surrounding buildings, leaving several families without heat and electricity well into the night. A tenant in the building stated that he believed the fire got its start in the basement of his
building, where he was trying to thaw frozen water pipes using a kerosene heater. Albany Fire Chief Robert Forezzi stated, “It was a very tough fire to fight.” The extreme cold weather hampered the 35-plus firefighters efforts to douse the flames. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Page 14, Fire News, March 2013
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Fire Under Investigation in Albany
Building Conditions Hamper Menands F.D.
On February 3, 2013, the Albany Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Lennox Avenue around 2350. Upon arrival firefighters found fire in the rear of the home and extinguished the flames. Around 0500, the department received an alarm for the same location. This time firefighters found the home to be fully involved and quickly requested a second alarm. The home was a total loss and later that morning a wrecking crew took down the remains. Battalion Chief Bill Hummel stated that there were no reported injuries and that the fire is still under investigation by his department. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
The Menands Fire Department was called to a structure fire a short distance from their department on February 4, 2013. Schuyler Heights, Maplewood, Shaker Road-Loudonville and Latham Fire Departments were also called to respond to the fire. The lath and plaster walled building, which was built in the 1900's, consisted of many small hallways and multiple renovations. The blaze, which originated in a commercial pizza oven that was installed in the residence improperly, quickly spread to multiple floors in building. The building was highly congested, making it difficult for firefighters to access parts of the interior. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 15
Fan Sparks Motel Fire
Latham Mall Used for Trainings
On January 4, 2013, the Boght Fire Department and Latham Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Green Lantern Motel. A ceiling fan in one of the cabins caught fire and quickly spread throughout the ceiling and siding of the structure. The fire was brought under control without incident. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
The Latham Fire Department invited the Fuller Road and Shaker Road-Loudonville departments to join them in a unique training opportunity. Latham Circle Mall, which is to be torn down gave the departments permission to drill and train throughout the facility prior to its demolition. The opportunity was extremely valuable. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
Page 16, Fire News, March 2013
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Train Incident in the Town of Coxsackie
A fire on a CSX locomotive, a quarter mile north of the Flats Road crossing in the Town of Coxsackie, was quickly extinguished by CSX employees. The region’s CSX trainmaster, Wayne Deyo, said the fire was contained to the motor. Approximately three to four gallons of lubricant was spilled on to the ground but was absorbed by the fire departments absorbent pads. The CSX number 4403
engine, along with three other engines were heading south pulling a large number of rail cars when the fire occurred. Responders from Coxsackie Hose Company 3 stood by at the scene until the entire train past the crossing. There were no injuries reported and no damage was done to the tracks. -Fire News photo by John C. Miller
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 17
Stubborn Blaze Battled in Middle Hope
High Winds Complicate Blaze
A stubborn blaze brought several Eastern Orange County fire departments to Carter Avenue in the Middle Hope Fire District. A second alarm was transmitted, bringing units from Cronomer Valley, Good Will and the City of Newburgh fire departments to the incident. The Winona Lake Fire Department was initially called for standby duty, but was eventually brought to the scene. The City of Newburgh FAST assignment was re-assigned to fire operations and the Stewart Air Guard Fire Department was called to act as the FAST unit. Orange Lake covered calls for Middle Hope. Due to balloon construction, the fire quickly spread through the three-story house. Town of Newburgh EMS, along with Mobile Life Ambulance, Town of Newburgh police, Orange County Fire Coordinator Charlie Piper, Town fire investigators and Marlboro fire department assisted at the scene. -Fire News photo by John C Miller
A fast moving fire ripped through a five-bedroom home on Lexington Drive in the Middle Hope fire district. At around 0120 in the morning, crews were dispatched and upon arrival found heavy fire and smoke showing on the first and second floors of the structure. Within several minutes of the initial interior attack, the fire was already through the roof. Firefighters were ordered out of the structure and operated in exterior attack mode. Heavy wind conditions helped fuel the fire. Units from Goodwill, Cronomer Valley, City of Newburgh, and Orange Lake assisted Middle Hope. Central Hudson disconnected and secured the electrical service to the home, while Mobile Life Ambulance stood by at the scene in case of injury and for firefighter rehab. There were no injuries reported for the incident. The fire is being investigated by Town of Newburgh police and fire investigators. -Fire News photo by John C. Miller
Page 18, Fire News, March 2013
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Car Falls Through Ice in Massena Massena Rescue and the Massena Rescue Dive Team were toned out for a reported “car through the ice” near the Wilson Hill Boat Launch. Arriving units found a Chevy pickup with its front end submerged. The Massena Rescue Dive Team sprung into action and rescued a 53-year-old male from the ice. Rescue units reported that all that could be seen of the truck was its roof sticking out. The driver said that he planned on trying to retrieve his truck from the water immediately or he would face fines from the Department of Environmental Conservation for each day it remained in the water. He was strongly cautioned not to return to the site of the accident. The man refused medical treatment and was released to state police. -Fire News photo by Randy Montour
Dual Response for MVA Cronomer Valley and Middle Hope firefighters responded to a one-car accident. The vehicle crashed into trees as it was heading north on Route 9W, near the Chestnut Lane intersection. The driver was treated at the scene and taken to the Newburgh campus of St. Luke's Hospital by the Town of Newburgh EMS ambulance.No other injuries were reported. -Fire News photo by John C. Miller
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 19
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HENDRICKSON ACHIEVES ASE BLUE SEAL CERTIFICATION
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Shawangunk Valley Goes to Work
Hendrickson was recently informed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) that Hendrickson has been recognized as a Blue Seal of Excellence Heavy-Duty Truck Service Center. Our service department has been reviewed and found to meet all of the requirements set by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This was made possible by the company’s initiative to have all Hendrickson technicians achieve ASE certification. Hendrickson currently holds 18 certifications in all heavy-duty categories offered by ASE and meets their facility requirements and quality service standards. “Businesses that have earned the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence recognition have gone the extra mile in support of their customers. Employing ASE-certified professionals is an important element in their overall customer satisfaction program. We salute Hendrickson for achieving this goal and thank them for helping promote quality automotive repair and service,” said Timothy Zilke, ASE President. “At Hendrickson we take training seriously. We strive to keep our technicians up to date with the most current repair procedures and tools available. We send our technicians to factory authorized training schools along with national training conferences and repair seminars with all of our major product vendors. We also perform in-house training and require all technicians to be ASE and EVT certified,” said Tom Probst, President of Hendrickson.
NEWS FROM FIRE SERVICE SAFETY TESTING Fire Service Safety Testing, Inc. is now expanding our services to include fall protection. We are finding that many fire departments with belts, harnesses and lanyards are not following factory recommended procedures including frequency, record keeping and the proper head to toe techniques of inspection. Fire Service Safety Testing, Inc. is working with PESH and factory representatives to develop an "in house" as well as "formal" inspection, training, and record keeping system for fire departments. Here's a test … Look at your belts and harnesses to find the inspection tags. Chances are they're blank!
On January 24, 2013, firefighters from the Shawangunk Valley Fire District responded to a fully involved house fire on Bruyn Turnpike and Red Mills Road. Shawangunk Valley was assisted by Gardiner, Walker Valley, Pine Bush and Plattekill. The Wallkill and Cragsmoor fire departments were on standby. The fire damaged the house. No one was home at the time and the cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by Ulster County Cause and Origin. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
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, March 2013, Page 21
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Eggertsville Elects 2013 Officers
Plane Crashes into Hudson River
John Buttino has been re-elected to a fifth term as Fire Chief of the Eggertsville Hose Company. Other officers elected to serve the volunteer fire company were: First Assistant Fire Chief Brian Multerer; Second Assistant Fire Chief Kiel Gentry; Fire Captains Brandon Peters, Jeffrey Gilson and Ryan MacDougall; and Fire Lieutenants Ryan Gerevics, Justyn Moore, Dennis Hilburger, and Aaron VanSchoonhoven. John Whitehead, Sr., was elected Captain of EMS and Angela Stark, Lieutenant of EMS. Patrick Galvin was re-elected to his fourth term as President of the Company. Others elected were: Vice President James Christopher; Corresponding Secretary Rick Cumpston; and Treasurer Robert Brand. Michael Maisano and Paul McDonald were elected to the board of directors. James McDonald was re-elected to his long-tenured post as sergeant-at-arms. -Fire News photo by John Buttino
On January 27, 2013, a Piper PA-32 made an emergency water landing in the Hudson River off Yonkers. Its two occupants were able to exit the plane before it submerged and began floating south on the river. Marine and aviation units from the NYPD, FDNY, Rockland and Westchester were activated. An off-duty police sergeant and a retired police detective began a rescue by boat.The two former marine unit officers responded to the Hudson River Pilot boat, docked less than a mile from the crash site. Joining them were several off-duty and on-duty officers from the Yonkers Police Emergency Service Unit equipped with cold water rescue suits. The officers located and removed the victims from the freezing water about 300 yards from shore. They were transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for hypothermia. -Fire News photo by Mike Messar
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 23
Winona Lake Handles MVA Responders from Winona Lake were called out for a two-car motor vehicle accident on South Plank Road and the Route 84 over pass. A 35-year-old person was transported to the hospital by ambulance. -Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
Deer Causes MVA at the Newburgh Mall Recently, the Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a motor vehicle accident on Route 300 in front of the Newburgh Mall. One person was taken to the hospital with injuries. It was reported that the car hit a deer that ran across the road. -Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 25
Pole Snaps in Athens
Recently, Route 385 in Athens was closed for about an hour after a Dodge Magnum, heading North on Route 385 came over the crest of a hill and tried to avoid a pickup truck pulling out of a driveway. The driver of the Magnum slammed on its brakes and swerved hitting the utility pole, snapping it in half. The crash caused electrical
wires to arc and burn. Central Hudson was called to the scene and stabilized the pole. A tow-truck removed the car from the scene. The Athens Fire Department, Town of Catskill Ambulance and the New York State police assisted at the scene. -Fire News photo by John C. Miller
Page 26, Fire News, March 2013
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State Firemen’s Association to Hold Recruitment Training Classes Leading up to April RecruitNY Weekend Volunteers to Learn How to Recruit New Members Due to the success of The Firemen's Association of the State of New York's (FASNY) fall recruitment training classes, FASNY will hold additional recruitment training classes in March for volunteer firefighters across the state leading up to RecruitNY Weekend on April 27-28. FASNY's Assistant Volunteer Program Coordinators (AVPCs) will instruct the statewide training classes that are designed to teach volunteers how to recruit new members. During the classes, the AVPCs will present volunteer firefighters in the area with information such as recruitment training tips and assets including posters, brochures, and DVDs of the "Fire In You" broadcast ads should they choose to purchase advertising space in their local media. Volunteers are encouraged to express the benefits of volunteering including opportunities to receive tuition reimbursement from local community colleges via FASNY's Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP) initiative. Volunteers are also encouraged to develop their own promotional ideas to spark interest in the fire service. The recruitment training classes are part of FASNY's multi-pronged firefighter recruitment and retention efforts. These training
classes are made possible by the $4.2 Million U.S. Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded to FASNY in 2011. The classes lead up to the 3rd annual RecruitNY weekend which coincides with National Volunteer Week and unites departments from every corner of the state with the sole mission of bringing in new recruits. During RecruitNY, fire departments will conduct tours of their firehouses and fire apparatuses, allowing visitors to try on turnout gear and participate in activities at the firehouses. Members will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to join their fire department. Last year, over 400 fire departments participated in RecruitNY. Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), Association of Fire Districts of New York State, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the
State of New York, and County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of New York. For more information on RecruitNY, please visit www.recruitny.org. For more information about recruitment training class dates and locations in your area, please visit: www.fasny.com/signup. FASNY was founded in 1872, the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 90,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 27
Fatal MVA Occurs in Montgomery
On January 21, 2013, a two car motor vehicle accident occurred on at scene by Walden Fire Department. The Maybrook Fire Albany Post Road in Montgomery, Orange County. One person sus- Department stood by in Walden's district. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz tained fatal injuries and one of the injured was extricated and flown by helicopter to a medical facility. Montgomery firefighters assisted
Page 28, Fire News, March 2013
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Latham Installs 2013 Officers On January 19, 2013, the Latham Fire Department held its 103rd Annual Installation of Officers Banquet. The new line officers for 2013 are: Front row; Second Captain Brian Carey, Second Assistant Chief Michael Herritt, Chief Neil Blanchard, First Assistant Chief Robert King, EMS Coordinator Steve Roberts. Second Row; Safety Officer Ex-Chief Thomas Bergin, Third Lieutenant Eric Knott, Fire Police Captain Dennis O'Brien, Seventh Lieutenant Theodore Huban, Sixth Lieutenant Katie Raso. Third Row; First Lieutenant Elizabeth Herritt, Fourth Lieutenant Kevin Krone, Second Lieutenant Joseph Carey, Jr., Fifth Lieutenant Todd Gardner, Third Captain Gregory Holt, First Captain David Filarecki, Jr., Fire Police First Lieutenant Paul Lavigne. Good luck to the 2013 chiefs and officers. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
Fuller Road Installs Officers On January 26, 2013, the Fuller Road Fire Department celebrated its annual Installation of New Officers. During the ceremony Dominic "Rick" Ricciardi, Jr. was presented with Firefighter of the Year plaque. Thomas Praisner was also presented a plaque as the Chief's Award Winner. In the photo from left to right are Chief Lawrence Allen, Rick Ricciardi, First Assistant Chief James Savoca, Thomas Praisner and Second Assistant Chief Stephen Savoca. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 29
Rombout Fire Company Helps Brother Firefighters Recently, eight members of the Rombout Fire Company traveled from Fishkill in Dutchess County to the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department to deliver a check for their relief effort. The check is to aid the department in rebuilding from the effects of Super Storm Sandy. During Sandy, Point Breeze firefighters battled a firestorm which destroyed over 130 homes. They fought the fire while wading through chest high floodwaters. The Point Breeze firehouse sustained heavy damage from the floodand fire apparatus and equipment were destroyed by the saltwater. Rombout members viewed the site of the fire where the burnt out foundations showed how much this community had endured. Rombout members spoke with the firefighters, toured the damaged firehouse, discussed the rebuilding plans and talked about how the community was surviving. One of the stories that was told was how the firefighters spent days cleaning the firehouse to make it habitable so that the local children could have a Christmas party. A $2100 check was donated from the proceeds of two of Rombout’s monthly pancake breakfasts hosted in November and December 2012. Rombout Fire Company Vice-President Marc Breimer, who helped to organize the effort, commented, “Point Breeze Fire Department initially received donations of food, water and clothing but now that the rebuilding has started their needs are more financial in nature to buy building supplies such as lumber and sheetrock. Rombout Fire Company could not do this without the support of the Fishkill community who attended our pancake breakfasts and who wanted to help the victims of Sandy.” To see more photos about this story go to Rombout Fire Company Facebook page. -Fire News story by Kevin Barry
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Page 30, Fire News, March 2013
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New Facade at Main-Transit Fire Department
The Main-Transit Fire Department in Amherst has a new facade as a result of more than $500,000 in renovations following an incident in which a 52-year-old Buffalo man struck the building in an apparent suicide attempt. The motorist recently pleaded guilty to seconddegree criminal mischief and could face up to seven years in jail when he is sentenced April 9, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office. The building, which is located at 6777 Main St., sustained heavy damage in the August 29, 2011 incident, said Fire
Chief James Lawida. Three pieces of apparatus were also damaged. During the renovations, some apparatus was housed in another building at the rear of Station One and at Station Two, on Sheridan Drive. Main-Transit is responsible for 5.2 square miles in the Town of Amherst, a protection area consisting of 16,000 residents and more than $2.1 billion in property value. The department currently has 105 members. -Fire News photo by John Connolly
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Fire News, March 2013, Page 31
Seminar Raises Funds for Honor Legion
The FDNY Honor Legion, an organization that is devoted and dedicated to the “Bravest of the Bravest,” held a seminar recently. Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (FDNY retired) spoke on “The Strategy of Firefighting.” Deputy Assistant Chief John Norman (FDNY retired) spoke on “One and Two Family House Fires,” and
Battalion Chief Frank Montagna (FDNY) spoke on “Natural Gas Emergencies: What You Need to Know.” Visit the FDNY Honor Legion website at www.FDNYHonorLegion.org for the upcoming seminar that will be held on March 4, 2013.
Page 32, Fire News, March 2013
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Four Alarms Needed at Queens Blaze
On January 27, 2013, a four alarm fire tore through a one-story taxpayer on Northern Boulevard between 104th and 105th Streets in Queens about 2200. The fire was located in three stores that were reportedly vacant and fully involved, causing a partial collapse in
the rear of the stores. All members were pulled from the building and went to an exterior attack. It took about two hours to bring the fire under control with three tower ladders, multiple hand lines and multiversals. -Fire News photos by Paul Mazza
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Four Alarms Needed at Queens Blaze (cont...)
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Page 34, Fire News, March 2013
Obituary
Trustee and Ex-Chief Ted Rosko Answers Last Alarm Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the FASNY Firemen’s Home, Ted Rosko, Jr., of Southampton, died on January 9, 2013, at the age of 57. A member of FASNY since 1993, Ted was appointed to the FASNY Fire Chiefs Committee in 2000 and was named as Chairman in 2005. In 2006 Ted was appointed to the FASNY Firemen’s Home Board of Trustees to fill the position of the late Wilbur Ritter. He was elected to his first five-year term in 2007 and re-elected to his second five-year term at the 2012 FASNY Convention. The Board of Trustees elected Ted as their Vice President in 2011 and again in 2012. Ted was a devoted volunteer firefighter and an active member of various fire organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs; National Fire Academy Alumni Association; New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Conference Committee; and Southern New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association. Ted was an active member of the North Sea Fire Department for more than 33 years. He served as Assistant Chief of the Department from 1992 to 1996, and later as Chief of Department from 1997 to 1998. He received the Firefighter of the Year award in 1986-1987. Ted was also a member of the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, where he had served as President, 2007-2008; Suffolk County Firefighters Emerald Society; Southampton Town Fire Chiefs Council; and B.P.O.E. Lodge # 1574 in Southampton. He was employed by the Town of Southampton Highway Department for 23 years. Ted is survived by his wife of 26 years, Teri. Ted touched many lives and will be missed.
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