VOLUME 5, NO. 12
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State OCTOBER 2012
We regret to announce line of duty death of Assistant Chief Timothy J. Lamere who passed away on August 20, 2012 at 2130. Please turn to page 7 for information regarding the recent funerals in New York State.
WWW.FIRENEWS.COM
Always Remember September 11, 2001 – New York State Edition –
Fire News, October 2012, Page 3
In this issue... Exposure Problems Complicate Buffalo Blaze Buffalo firefighters responded to a structure fire across the street from Engine 23's quarters. See story on page 5
Never Forget Our Fallen The wounds of 9/11 have not fully healed and continue to bring pain to the families that lost loved ones. See story on page 9
Flames Destroy Douglaston Home It took four hose lines and three tower ladders to bring this blaze in Queens under control. See story on page 11
Fatal Head-on MVA Kills Driver in Niskayuna A two car, head-on crash, took the life of a Schuylerville teen. See story on page 12
Firecamp Graduates 22 Teenage Girls Phoenix Firecamp graduated 22 teenage girls from their intensive annual training week. See story on page 23
Manlius Junior Fire Academy Challenges Kids A group of youngsters get the opportunity to find out what it is like to become a firefighter.
A Service for New York State Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, 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, Depauville Fire Company, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Half Moon Fire Company, Hannibal Fire Department, 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, NYS Fire Academy, Brian Natoli, Pine Bush Fire Department, 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 2012, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22
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Page 4, Fire News, October 2012
From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Is Your Fire Prevention Program Ready to Go? Summer is over and students and teachers have returned to school for another exciting year of education. Now is the time to meet with your fire prevention committee to review what you are going to do to educate the kids on the importance of fire safety. Fire safety programs should be kept simple. Have you ever thought of how much information a child can hold onto in a 45-minute lesson? Keep in mind that every child is unique and will learn in their own way and at their own pace. I encourage you to visit www.pbs.org/parents/goingtoschool/grade_by_grade.html. This website gives you some insight on how kids learn. Teachers spend years perfecting their craft. Don't be afraid to ask the teacher for recommendations on working with specific groups of students. As a teacher of Fire Safety, you can benefit from understanding how children learn. At an early age, explaining the difference between a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke alarm can be extremely confusing. Keep it simple by making sure the kids understanding that when they hear the beep coming from any detector or alarm, they need to respond in a specific way. Older children might enjoy a scientific lesson on the differences between the two detectors. Know your audience. Our goal is to educate and to reeducate the basic principals of fire safety in the home. Whether you do it at the school or at the firehouse, remember the knowledge that you instill in children on the topic of fire safety will stay with them for the rest of their lives. A successful education about fire safety is up to you. Fire Safety Educators Associations say it the best, fight fires through education.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE YOU A PIO? We would like to remind our Public Information Officers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from your department. E-mail your photos to NYS@firenews.com. Send two to three full size photo files per E-mail. Do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos. Include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news. We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue
COMING SOON The All New
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ANNOUNCEMENTS SMOKE EATERS: FIREFIGHTING IN THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY From the volunteer era, to the first professional department, firefighting has been an integral aspect of life in Schenectady. The exhibit Smoke Eaters: Firefighting in the City of Schenectady shows the evolution of firefighting in the City of Schenectady from the early 1700s on through to the 20th century. At the same time this exhibit highlights the influence that local Schenectady companies like Westinghouse and the American Locomotive Company had on the fire industry. The exhibit is informative and full of objects that span the history of firefighting. The Schenectady County Historical Society is open 0900-1700, Monday-Friday and from 1000-1400 on Saturday. The cost for admission into the museum is $5, free to members of the Historical Society. The Schenectady County Historical is located at 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305. The Society is wheelchair accessible and does have off-street parking. The exhibit will be on display until November 1, 2012.
FDNY HONOR LEGION TO HOLD SEMINAR The FDNY Honor Legion, an organization that is devoted and dedicated to the "Bravest of the Bravest," the families of members who have made the supreme sacrifice protecting lives and property of the citizens of the City of New York, will be holding a seminar. Come and learn from Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (FDNY retired) as he speaks on "The Strategy of Firefighting." Deputy Assistant Chief John Norman (FDNY retired) will speak on "One and Two Family House Fires," and Battalion Chief Frank Montagna (FDNY) will speak on "Natural Gas Emergencies: What You Need to Know." All three legends will speak on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Suffolk County Community College-Michael J. Grant Campus, Van Nostrand Theater, located on Crooked Hill Road in Brentwood. The cost for the seminar is $75 and includes lunch and refreshments. To pre-register, mail your check to FDNY Honor Legion, Dan Ward, 79 Rita Drive, East Meadow, NY, 11554. For further information contact Battalion Chief Tom Richardson (FDNY) at 631-831-6231. Visit the FDNY Honor Legion Website at www.FDNYHonorLegion.org.
SUFFOLK FIRE JOINT TRAINING Get ready for the Fall 2012 and Winter 2013 Suffolk Fire Joint Training. The hands-on Mini Indy evolutions will be on March 3, 2013. We are looking for the following from your department: Are you interested in participating for the one time fee of $600 per department, which includes three lectures and the Mini Indy? Let us know if you are interested in hosting a lecture. Mike Dugan will host one of the lectures on November 4, 2012, "This Firehouse Rocks." Mike Ciampo, Truck Company Tactics and Tips and Tricks on January 13, 2012.Send us your contact name, number and e-mail address for updates to current events. For details and more information, please contact Jim McDermott at 631413-5286 or jpmcd7766@yahoo.com or Rudy Sunderman at 631-4846041 or rsunderman@centereachfd.org.
PRINCETON STREET FOR PATRICK BENEFIT The members of FDNY Engine Company 303 and Ladder 126 are hosting The Princeton Street for Patrick Benefit. The benefit is to help and support firefighter Marty Gajovczyk's four-year-old son Patrick, who is battling a rare form of brain cancer - Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal. Come to Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, located in Wantagh, NY, on September 22, 2012. The event starts at 1500 and ends at 1900. The $50 admission charge will include an open bar, food and live music from Ready in 10, I4NI and Ryan Hunter. There will also be a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. Presale tickets are available by contacting 347-4448229. Also visit www.princetonst4patrick.com for more information. Please help support a firefighter and his family in need.
EMS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD The Mountain Lakes Regional EMS Council is holding their 3rd Annual Initial Assessment EMS Conference on September 14, 15 and 16, at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid. For more information, please visit www.nenyems.org/initalassessment.htm or www.highpeakresort.com.
Fire News, October 2012, Page 5
Buffalo Firefighters Kept Busy
On August 25, 2012, Buffalo firefighters responded to a structure fire in an auto shop across the street from Engine 23's quarters. The company started defensive operations immediately due to the volume of fire and exploding propane tanks. Engine 23 requested the balance of the second alarm assignment since multiple exposures were involved. Chief B-56 requested an additional two and one reponse, which brought E21, E28 and L15 to the scene. B-46, E4, E35, and L10 also responded as relief companies to the scene. The fire was declared under control in two hours and 24 minutes. During this fire another fire started about a block away in a vacant funeral home that was the scene of a previous fire. -Fire News photo by Bryan Sypniewski
Exposure Problems Complicate Buffalo Blaze
On August 26, 2012, at 0322, Buffalo Fire Department Chief B-44 and Engine 19 reported smoke in the area of Galeston Street. B-44 requested the balance of the first alarm assignment to respond to the area. Engine 37 reported a fire at West Avenue and Auburn Avenue. B-44 reported that there was fire on the second floor of a two-and-a-half-story dwelling, with an exposure problem on the number two side of the structure. A request was made for a second alarm assignment to respond to the scene. The blaze was brought under control after B-44 ordered all crews out of the main fire building for a defensive operation. The fire was declared under control in 68 minutes. -Fire News photo by Bryan Sypniewski
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Page 6, Fire News, October 2012
Fire News, October 2012, Page 7
Passings NYSAFC Remembers Past President Don Magin The officers of NYSAFC are saddened to announce the loss of Past President Donald G. Magin on July 30, 2012. A past chief of the Spencerport Fire Department, Magin led NYSAFC from 19971998. Don was a life member of the Spencerport Fire Department with 57 years of service. He was chief from 1972-1976, held numerous line officer positions, and was a past president of the department. Magin was also a member of Spencerport Fireman's Exempts, past president and life member of the Monroe County Fire Chief's Association, a life member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the IAFC Eastern Division, and a life member of the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Association and the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY). A life member of NYSAFC, Magin joined the association in 1967. He served on the Public Education and Resolution & By-Laws Committees, as well as a Monroe County regional representative for many years before joining the board of directors in 1988. Magin served as NYSAFC president from 1997-1998. Don and his wife, Eileen, were very active participants in the annual Public Fire Safety Educators' Conference and volunteers at the NYSAFC Annual Conference for decades. They both assisted in planning displays to commemorate the association's 100th anniversary in 2004, and spent many hours archiving photos and documents to preserve the history of NYSAFC. Magin was named "Spencerport Community Citizen of the Year" in 1998 and was a veteran of the Korean War.
Paramedic David Restuccio Killed in Eltingville Ambulance Accident On August 27, 2012, retired FDNY EMS Lieutenant David Restuccio, a first responder on 9/11, who was working as a paramedic for the LIJ North Shore, Staten Island University Hospital died hours after a horrorable headon accident that happened on the 4300 block of Hylan Boulevard near the intersection of Seacrest Avenue in Eltingville. A car jumped the divider of the roadway and hit the ambulance head-on. The ambulance flipped onto its side. The paramedic in the ambulance, David Restuccio, died following the crash. From 1981-2006 Restuccio worked as FDNY EMS. He responded to the attack on 9/11 and was interviewed in a Youtube.com clip of NBC News coverage of the attacks.
Firefighter Sebastian Costello Answers His Last Alarm It is with great sadness that the West End Hose Company #6 of the Depew Fire Department announces the passing of active member Sebastian Costello. Mr. Costello has served the West End Hose Company #6 and the Depew Fire Department for 37 years. He served as Alternate Warden for six years. He answered his last alarm on September 1, 2012. -Fire News photo by Bryan Sypniewski
Constable Assistant Chief Timothy J. Lamere Dies in the Line of Duty We regret to announce that Assistant Chief Timothy J. Lamere passed away on August 20, 2012 at 2130. Assistant Chief Lamere was a member of the Constable Volunteer Fire Department. He collapsed at home following a department training. Firefighters from the Constable Fire Department and EMTs from Northern Ambulance transported Assistant Chief Lamere to Alice Hyde Medical Center, where he later died from a cause that is still to be determined.
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Fire News, October 2012, Page 9
Never Forget Our Fallen The wounds of 9/11 have not fully healed and continue to bring pain to the families that have lost loved ones from illnesses that developed and continue to surface more than a decade after the World Trade Center attack. As we remember our fallen on September 11, 2012, think of the families who have lost loved ones. Keep them in your prayers so that they may continue to grow strong as we honor everyone who lost their life on 9/11. Take the time to visit the 9/11 Tribute Center (www.tributewtc.org/index.php) and the New York City Fire Museum (www.nycfiremuseum.org/ ).
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.� - Quoted by Rudy Giuliani from Laurence Binyon's Ode of Remembrance from his poem For the Fallen.
-Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam and Mickey Edwards
Page 10, Fire News, October 2012
Hi Temps Complicate Menands Blaze
During the early morning hours of August 11, 2012, six fire companies were called to respond to a fire at the Albany Sewage Treatment Plant in Menands. The fire was contained to the third floor area, where a belt that transported materials through the building caught fire igniting the surrounding materials. Due to the heat factor in the building and the ambient temperature outside, multiple firefighters were treated by the Colonie EMS for multiple problems, but all recovered without serious injury. -Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn
Montgomery Blaze Destroys Home
On August 13, 2012, The Montgomery Fire Department battled a multiple alarm fire in two-and-a-half-story frame house used as a group home. The structure was fully involved upon arrival. Mutual aid was needed from numerous neighboring fire departments to bring the fire, on Route 211, under control. The fire destroyed the structure; fortunately there were no injuries to responders. The cause of the fire is under investigation. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Fire News, October 2012, Page 11
Flames Destroy Douglaston Home
On August 14, 2012, firefighters from Queens were called to 39th Avenue and Douglaston Parkway for a fire in a wood frame structure that was under construction. Heavy fire was found throughout the new addition. It took four hose lines and three tower ladders to bring the blaze under control. -Fire News photos by Kyra Neeley
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Page 12, Fire News, October 2012
Niskayuna Head-on MVA Kills Teen
Flames Show in the Town of Amherst
On August 4, 2012, a two-car, head-on crash, that occurred on Aqueduct Road, took the life of a Schuylerville teen and sent the driver of the second car to the Albany Medical Center Hospital by Med-Flight with serious injuries. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said preliminary contributing factors causing the crash were the "apparent speed of the car" and failure to stay within a lane. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to police. Niskayuna Fire Districts 1 and 2, Schenectady Fire Department and Mohawk Ambulance Service assisted at the crash scene. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan
On August 20, 2012, Ellicott Creek firefighters responded to a report of an apartment fire on Chestnut Ridge Road in the town of Amherst. The Ellicott Creek Assistant Chief arrived on location and reported heavy fire showing from the second floor of the structure. The chief requested an additional engine and ladder to the scene. Mutual aid companies that responded were from Brighton, Getzville (FAST Unit), and North Bailey. North Amherst provided stand-by at the Ellicott Creek fire station. The fire was brought under control in 29 minutes and remains under investigation. -Fire News photo by Bryan Sypniewski
Fire News, October 2012, Page 13
Fatal Plane Crash Occurs in Clifton Park On August 15, 2012, a Beechcraft Bonanza, six-seater airplane crashed shortly after taking off from the Albany International Airport, killing a Troy developer. His business-partner pilot was critically injured when the aircraft crashed off Van Vranken Road in Clifton Park. The pilot was transported to the Albany Medical Hospital with a serious head injury. According to New York State Police Captain John McCarthy, Jr., the plane had just taken off from the airport and within four minutes the plane’s single engine stalled and the pilot looked for a place to land. The plane crashed into a front yard but missed two nearby homes. The following resources were on the scene of the crash: the Vischer Ferry Fire Company; the West Crescent Fire Department; the Jonesville Fire Department; Saratoga County Car 1, Car 4 and Car 5; the New York State Police Department; the FAA; the NTSB; the Clifton Park/Halfmoon EMS; and the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. -Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan
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Page 14, Fire News, October 2012
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Brotherhood Pizzeria has recently opened in Amsterdam. It is owned and operated by Justin M. Ball, a volunteer firefighter. The pizzeria is located in Kelly's Imperial Lanes. Justin explained how the idea stemmed from plans that he and a past "brother volunteer firefighter," Howard D. Cole, had discussed prior to his passing in August of 2010. "It was a venture that we had talked about several times, but never had the chance to act upon," said Ball. The pizzeria features specialty pizza, alongside several firefighter created favorites. Contact them at 518-212-5368 or e-mail brotherhoodpizza@gmail.com. Check them out on Facebook. In the photo is Eric Ball, Justin Ball and Jeff Ball. -Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Fire News, October 2012, Page 15
Abandoned Factory Fire Challenges Frankfort Firefighters
The Frankfort Fire Department responded to a structure fire at around 1330 on August 1, 2012, in a building on the former Union Fork and Hoe factory site. The factory has been closed since 2006. Responding crews found a fully involved structure fire. Mutual aid went out for the Schuyler Fire Department. The fire quickly spread to adjacent buildings and more mutual aid calls went out to departments in both Herkimer and Oneida
Counties. Nearly three dozen departments ended up responding to what became a massive blaze. Tankers were repeatedly filled at a nearby marina on the Barge Canal. Heavy black smoke was seen for many miles with flames shooting at least 30 feet into the air, and the three-story brick structure began to crumble from the intense heat. The battle raged into the evening hours; in the aftermath it was reported that about 15 of
the 35 buildings on the site were a total loss. Many local businesses and residents provided food for the heavily burdened firefighters. Ambulances were brought to the scene in case of firefighter injury. The Maynard Fire Department Air Van was on hand to fill SCBA bottles. Besides the many departments there, many more were on standby at stations to cover any additional calls. -Fire News photos by Jack Zwijacz
Page 16, Fire News, October 2012
Port Jervis Fire Department Parade
Once again, the Port Jervis Fire Department hosted the annual Port Jervis Parade. Many departments came to the parade despite the strong storms that blew through the area before the start. Trucks from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania participated in the parade that ran through the center of the city. Excelsior Engine 825 was led by the marching members, Millrift Engine 341 was from Pennsylvania. Suffern Tiller 19-99 and Greenville displayed there 1975 Mack CF Baker Tower 700 in the parade. -Fire News photos by Matt McKim
Fire News, October 2012, Page 17
Keeping the Lights Burning at the Training Grounds Instructor Tom McLane and Deputy Fire Coordinator Car 7 install new lights at the Franklin County Training Grounds this past spring. This was made possible with the help of the Malone Volunteer Fire Departments Tower Ladder 104. -Fire News photo by Tom McClane
Verdoy Wins Championship Congratulations go out to the Verdoy Fire Department for winning the championship trophy in the 2012 Town of Colonie Firefighter softball league. The team posed for a photo following their victory with Fuller Road firefighter Wayne Dragon (seated center), whom they dedicated their win to. -Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Page 18, Fire News, October 2012
Fire News, October 2012, Page 19
Relaxing with the Amsterdam Mohawks
Amsterdam Fire Department Battalion 1 firefighters Mike Demars, Tim Miller, Andy Iannotti, Lieutenant Andy Castler and Battalion Chief Mike DePasquale get together at a Amsterdam Mohawks game. -Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti
Brian Farrell Receives Award at the Firehouse Expo
Brian Farrell was selected as the 2012 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award winner for his efforts as Chairman of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. Brian was chosen from nominees from across the nation. The nomination was submitted by Denise Schmidt of the Hicksville Fire Department. Denise noted that “Brian has led the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund from its roots in tragedy to a fund that helps firefighters and their families everywhere.” With over 35 years of service Brian has served his community through local sports programs and the Wantagh Fire Department. After 9/11 Brian started the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund to honor the memory of his brother who perished at Ground Zero. Started as a scholarship fund, the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund has grown to eleven chapters across the United States. “Through Brian’s leadership and hard work, firefighters and their families from communities all over the United States have been provided assistance that they would not have received otherwise,” stated Fire News Publisher Frank C. Trotta. Brian received his award at the Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Maryland.
Page 20, Fire News, October 2012
NYS Motorized Drill at Main Transit August 18, 2012
Fire News, October 2012, Page 21
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- Fire News photos by Bryan Sypniewski
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Page 22, Fire News, October 2012
PL Custom and Rescue 1 Launch 2 New Websites
Wedding Bells Sound for Eggertsville Chief
PL Custom and Rescue 1 are proud to announce the launch of our two new Web sites. You will still find all the things you loved about our old site-the recent delivery photo gallery, the Winner's Circle photo contest, and the ease of navigation. What's new is an expanded vehicle showroom with specs and photos for all our models along with downloadable drawings and product literature. There is information on available factory demos, stock units and dealer demos for sale. The contact page now has an interactive Google map so you can find us easily for your next factory visit. Visit www.plcustom.com and www.rescue1mfg.com today and enjoy the new browsing experience.
Tempest Technology Corp Welcomes a New President As promised, this year continues to be a monumental one for Tempest Technology Corp. On June 25th Tempest welcomed a new company President, Johan Gidstedt. He comes to Tempest with over 15 years' experience in the manufacturing industry. In addition, Johan's engineering background, Master's degree in Business Administration and years of operational experience as President of Borga Steel Buildings and Components, located in Fowler, CA, will be an asset to Tempest. Hailing originally from Sweden, Johan has been a long time resident of the San Joaquin Valley in California. He just completed his second official week at Tempest, and has already begun to fit in seamlessly with the culture of the company which roots deep into the fire industry. Much of Johan's past two weeks have been spent diligently studying the industry, the company, and planning for the road ahead. He has large shoes to fill as Leroy Coffman, the previous Tempest President, was a strong catalyst in the company's tremendous success. Tempest's employees are looking toward Johan to continue the fast paced growth the company has experienced throughout its 25 years of service. "Johan brings experience and expertise in the areas of manufacturing and engineering that will allow Tempest to take full advantage of new market opportunities. His style of customer-focused management is well suited to the culture of Tempest Technology Corp," Previous Tempest President Leroy Coffman states. Leroy is just weeks from finishing his Master's degree in Business Administration and is taking this time to pursue other interests and more time with family. He will still be involved with Tempest Technology Corp. in an ownership role as time moves forward. If you have any questions about this story, Tempest Technology Corp. or the products and services in which we offer, please don't hesitate to contact us at 800.346.2143 or emailing us at response@tempest-edge.com.
The Eggertsville Hose Company is proud to announce the marriage of their Fire Chief John Buttino. Chief Buttino and his new bride, the former Ms. Michelle Anderson, met in 2007, while standing up at a fellow Eggertsville firefighter's wedding. The Buttinos were married at St. Benedict’s Church in Eggertsville on Saturday, August 18, 2012. An honor guard, as well as apparatus from the Eggertsville Hose Company, was on hand to congratulate the happy couple. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Joseph Bayne, who is also the chaplain of Erie County Emergency Services. Chief Buttino is completing his fourth year as Chief of one of the areas oldest and busiest volunteer fire companies. -Fire News photos provided by John Buttino
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Phoenix Firecamp Graduates 22 Teenage Girls Phoenix Firecamp 2012 graduated 22 teenage girls, ages 15-19, from the intensive annual training week conducted by Fire Service Women of NYS, Inc.(FSWNYS), which is aimed at getting young women interested in joining fire and emergency services. Twenty graduates are from New York State; one camper is from Philadelphia and another, Ontario. Nine NYS Explorer Posts, the largest number to date, were represented in the 2012 graduating class. Camp Director Lt. Anna SchermerhornCollins (FDNY) said this year’s campers were the most diverse group since the program began in 2007; to date there are 119 graduates. “We had three young women who are members of volunteer fire departments, nine from Explorer Posts, three with limited EMS training and the other seven had no prior exposure to fire and emergency services.” Schermerhorn-Collins said that the staffing complement this year was equally diverse and included four Phoenix Firecamp graduates. Of the 21 female instructors and team leaders, 14 were from NYS volunteer departments, five from the FDNY, one each from Rochester and Buffalo FDs and one from a corporate FD. “We were joined by members of volunteer departments in Vermont, Alabama and Pennsylvania and a Maryland career firefighter. We welcome
qualified women firefighters from throughout the US and Canada to apply for a staff position, understanding this is entirely volunteer and staff pay all their own expenses,” she said. The 2012 New York State graduates are: Brandy Anderson, Newburgh; Rebecca Braya, Rochester; Kristen Brehmer, Thiells; Nicolette Carroll, New Hartford; Alana Columbus, Selkirk; Donna Davis, Rochester; Ashleigh Gornishek, Newport; Corene HendricksonGadsden, Wappingers Falls; Veronika Jachimek, Middletown; Bridget McHale, Melville; Devin Murphy, Albany; Adele O'Rourke, Ithaca; Jennifer Pignone, Pound Ridge; Nichole Ponticello, Homer; Michaela Schuyler, Fort Plain; Kathleen Tyrel, Fayetteville; Kellie Unger, Spencerport; Nicole Wahlers, Holmes; Angela Ward, Herkimer; Rachel Wright, East Schodack. Tess Glennon, Philadelphia, PA; and Lindsay Martin, Athelstan, Ontario, were the out-of-state grad-
uates. The City of Utica FD and the Westmoreland Volunteer FD partner with FSWNYS in producing the camp. Utica provides camper housing, logistical support, equipment, EMS coverage and the use of its apparatus, firehouses and the training grounds. Westmoreland donates transportation, hosts two evening social events, secures donations from area businesses and coordinates the participation of other Mohawk Valley volunteer fire departments and their auxiliaries. The Frankfort FD again contributed its mobile flashover simulator and the Yorkville FD made its aerial ladder truck available. Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a nonrefundable $75 application fee. A maximum of 24 campers, ages 14-19, are accepted annually from a field of candidates and no prior experience with the fire service is required. Only those who have not attended previously may apply. Applicants must be in good health, have medical insurance and come equipped with a pair of steel-toed shoes. Those 17 years old or younger must be transported to and from camp by a responsible adult. Phoenix 2013 will be held July 21-26; the deadline for applications is May 1, 2013. Photos and information about Phoenix Firecamp can be found at: www.fswnys.org The 2013 applications and specifics will be posted after January 1, 2013.
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Golf Outing Held in the Town of Colonie On August 17, 2012, the Town of Colonie celebrated its 30th Firefighters Golf Tournament at the town's golf course. Over 100 firefighters from across the town joined together for a day full of friendly competition. In the photo below, Maplewood Fire Department members eye up a putt. Photo left: Steve Mapes and Joe DellaRocco watch William Childs putt. -Fire News photos by Lori Washburn
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FASNY Holds 140th Annual Convention in Syracuse
On August 14-17, 2012 the Firemen's Association of the State of New York holds its 140th annual convention in Syracuse. FASNY outgoing President David Jacobowitz, Mattydale Fire Department Junior Explorer Chief Richard Picolo and incoming FASNY President Jim Burns appeared live on 9WSYR's Bridge Street Talk Show on Tuesday August 14, 2012 to discuss Youth in the Fire Service and FASNY's SAFER Grant program highlighting the college tuition reimbursement plan. FASNY President Jim Burns congratulated FASNY Past President Bernie Boulio who presided over the 1972 FASNY Convention 40 years ago. Boulio was honored by the local convention committee from Onondaga County for his accomplishments. President Burns had just read and presented a proclamation to Bernie. -Fire News photos by Gordy Kotars
Manlius Junior Fire Academy Challenges Kids
During the week of July 16- July 21, 2012, 47 young students in grades 4-8 had the opportunity to find out what it was like to become a firefighter at the Manlius Fire Department's 1st Ever Junior Firefighter Academy. Throughout the week, junior firefighters were able to experience what it is like to be a firefighter/EMT in a fire academy like atmosphere. Each junior firefighter received a uniform shirt and official photo ID. Junior firefighters received training from
firefighters, EMT's and paramedics in the areas of: History and Tradition of the Fire Service, Fire Prevention/Safety, CPR/AED use, Fire Service Tools and Equipment, Fire Safety Trailer demonstration from the NYS OFPC, Search and Rescue demonstration from dogs and their handlers from NYS OFPC, Fire Suppression, Search and Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Truck Company Operations, Engine Company Operations, a trip to the NYS Fire Academy, History of EMS, Ambulance
Operations, First Aid for Fractures, Bleeding, and Spinal Injuries, Auto Extrication, Physical Fitness and a visit from and tour of the Onondaga County Sheriff Department's Air-1 Helicopter. The junior firefighters wrapped up the week by participating in a graduation ceremony on Saturday, July 21, 2012. The Manlius Fire Department was able to put this camp together based on a model program by the Cold Spring Fire Department (Cold Spring, NY).
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