Fire News New York State May 2013

VOLUME 6, NO. 7

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes In NY State MAY 2013

In the early morning hours of morning of March 24, 2013, the Village of Wappingers Fire Department, was dispatched by Dutchess County 911 for a reported house fire on Downey Avenue. Turn to page 7 for the full story.

-Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Fire News Welcomes All To FDIC Visit us at Booth 5871 – New York State Edition –

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 3

In this issue...

Fully Involved in Catskill

A Hamburg Road Extension home was engulfed in flames on March 25, 2013.

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

See story on page 6

Multiple Calls Received in Schenectady A request for a second alarm brought all of the city's apparatus to the scene.

See story on page 10

Abandoned Building Burns in City of Beacon Crews remained on location until the next day to extinguish hot spots.

See story on page 18

Arlington Gas Explosion

A gas explosion blew windows out into the front yard of an Arlington home.

See story on page 21

James ‘Senior’ Cole Answers Last Alarm James “Senior” Cole passed away suddenly on February 21, 2013.

See story on page 27

Fire Department of the City of New York

Coverage of the FDNY begins with a three-alarm blaze in the borough of Manhattan.

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 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29

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, May 2013

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Do You Know How CFSI Helps You? Fire News recently learned that under current law, contributions into certain LOSAPs (Length of Service Award Program) cannot be guaranteed to volunteers, meaning that they are vulnerable to creditors if the department goes bankrupt. Also, according to the Congressional Fire Service Institute, a federal cap established in 1996 on annual contributions into a LOSAP has never been adjusted for inflation, reducing the value of the LOSAP funds for many departments. CFSI also pointed out that LOSAPs that are treated as private plans are subject to stringent reporting requirements.

Thanks to, Congressman Peter King a bill, known as the Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act was introduced (H.R. 1009). The bill will clarify the tax treatment of LOSAPs. In addition, Senator Susan Collins (ME) and Senator Charles Schumer (NY) introduced S. 506, companion legislation to King's H.R. 1009.

Collins and Schumer also introduced S. 501, the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act, a distinctly separate piece of legislation. This measure would exempt from federal income tax any property tax benefit and up to $600 per year of any other type of benefit that a state or local unit of government provides to volunteer emergency responders as a recruitment or retention incentive.

It is imperative that you follow the Congressional Fire Service Institutes (CFSI) coverage of these bills. You should visit www.cfsi.org on a regular basis to provide you with information and updates as CFSI works with the bill sponsors, the national fire service organizations and the relevant House and Senate committees on these important bills.

By visiting CFSI.org on a regular basis you will learn what political leaders are the fire service's true friends in government.

Thank you Congressman Peter King, Senator Susan Collins and Senator Charles Schumer for the support you are giving to the fire service. …Dennis

Where Are Your Department’s Photos?

We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories.

Feel free to e-mail your photos to Tim@FireNews.com.

We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us.

Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.”

We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue.

- Ed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FIREFIGHTER JOHN JANOS ANSWERS LAST ALARM Fire News regrets to announce that Binghampton (Broome County) Firefighter John M. Janos passed away while on duty at Quint 21-3. He had 24-1/2 years of service with the Binghamton Fire Department.

According to the Binghampton Fire Department, FF Janos, along with his department, had answered a call during the overnight (0021 hrs) at 23 Henry Street for an automatic fire alarm and they climbed the stairs to check the building. After the call he was not feeling well. They checked on him at approximately 0730 this morning and found him deceased in the bunk room. Fire News offers its sincere condolences to all affected by this tragedy, especially the officers and members of the Binghampton Fire Department, his friends and most importantly, Firefighter Janos' family. Visit the City of Binghampton Fire Department website: http://tinyurl.com/d79j6ma, the IAFF Local 729 website: www.iaff729.org/ and the Broome County Emergency Services website: www.gobroomecounty.com/e911/ for more information. Fire News hopes to bring you coverage of the funeral in our next edition.

ANNUAL PHOENIX FIRECAMP 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.

Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a non-refundable $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 are posted at: www.fswnys.org.

TRAINING SEMINAR SUPPORTS JOSEPH P. DIBERNARDO FOUNDATION

The First Annual Training Seminar to benefit the Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will be held on June 29 through June 30, 2013, at 0800 to 1700. In honor and memory of “Joey D,” the foundation is presenting a two-day training seminar. Learn from some of the top fire department instructors in America. Speaking will be Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn, FDNY (ret.), Firefighting in Private Dwellings and Strip Malls; Battalion Chief Frank Montagna, FDNY, Utility Emergency Tactics; Battalion Chief John Salka, FDNY (ret.), Get Out Alive training; Captain Mike Dugan, FDNY (ret.), Truck Company Operations; Capt. Bobby Morris, FDNY, Forcible Entry Tactics; Capt. Tony Tricarico, FDNY (ret.), Elevator Emergencies; Firefighter John O'Connell, FDNY (ret.), Collapse Shoring Updates. There will be a special introduction by FDNY Chief of Department Ed Kilduff. The seminar offers 16 hours of solid training from the best of the best. All of the proceeds go to the foundation for the purpose of saving firefighters lives through training and the purchase of personal life saving ropes.

The cost for the two-day seminar, which will be held at the Brookhaven National Lab, is $200, paid in advance. To get to the Brookhaven National Lab take exit 68 on the Long Island Expressway (LIE), north on the William Floyd Parkway, County Road 46, 1.5 miles north of the LIE. Send checks to the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 47, East Setauket, NY 11733 or pay via PayPal/credit card on our website www.joeydfoundation.org. Please include the name, address and email of attendee(s).

Photo identification is required to enter BNL. There is limited seating so register early for this event. Contact Chief DiBernardo at joeydfoundation@gmail.com or 631-689-7484 with questions.

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 5

‘The Ultimate Sacrifice’ National EMS Memorial Service Releases Names of 2013 Honorees The National EMS Memorial Service released the names of the 19 individuals from 10 states to be honored at the 2013 National EMS Memorial Service to be held Saturday, June 22, 2013, in Colorado

Springs, CO. The 19 individuals being honored this year join 601 others previously honored by the National EMS Memorial Service. The 2013 National EMS Memorial Service will be conduct-

ed at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs. Additional information can be found at http://nemsms.org.

NATIONAL EMS MEMORIAL SERVICE 2013 HONOREES Ethan Lynn Amsbaugh, of Priority Response Ambulance, Mount Union, PA, who died in the line duty on June 2, 2012, of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision.

Ruben Berrios, of FDNY EMS, Brooklyn, NY, who died in the line duty on December 10, 2012, of complications from working 9-11 WTC site.

Luis Bonilla, of Mayo Organ Transplant Team, Rochester, MN, who died in the line duty on December 26, 2011 of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Peter P. Carbonneau, of Van Buren Ambulance Service, Van Buren, ME, who died in the line duty on April 8, 2012, of a on-duty cardiac event.

James M. "Jim" Dillow, of REACT, Rockford, IL, who died in the line duty on December 10, 2012, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Gene Grell, of Mercy Air Med/Med-Trans, Mason City, IA, who died in the line duty on January 2, 2013, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Billie J. Grills, of Carter County EMS, Grayson, KY, who died in the line duty on November 11, 1986, of an intercerebral hemorrhage while on-duty.

David Hines, of Mayo Organ Transplant Team, Rochester, MN, who died in the line duty on December 26, 2011, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Karen Marie Hollis, of REACT, Rockford, IL, who died in the line duty on December 10, 2012, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Justin Michael Hueston, of Vernon County Ambulance District, Nevada, MO, who died in the line duty on September 25, 2012, of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision.

Shell Lair-Langenbau, of Mercy Air Med, Mason City, IA, who died in the line duty on January 2, 2013, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Andrew H. “Andy” Olesen, of REACT, Rockford, IL, who died in the line duty on December 10, 2012, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Russell Piehl, of Mercy Air Med, Mason City, IA, who died in the line duty on January 2, 2013, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

David Restuccio, of LIJ/Staten Island University Hospital EMS, Staten Island, NY, who died in the line duty on August 27, 2012, of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision.

Joseph V. Schiumo, of FDNY EMS, Brooklyn, NY, who died in the line duty on December 9, 2013, of complications from working 911 WTC site.

Ray Shriver, of Teton County Sheriff's Search & Rescue, Jackson, WY, who died in the line duty on February 15, 2011, of on injuries sustained in a SAR aviation accident.

E. Hoke Smith, of Mayo Organ Transplant Team, Rochester, MN, who died in the line duty on December 26, 2011, of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident.

Timothy Kyle Southern, of Priority Patient Transport, Harrisonburg, VA, who died in the line duty on January 6, 2012, of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision.

Joshua A. Weissman, of Alexandria Fire Department, Alexandria, VA, who died in the line duty on February 9, 2012, of injuries sustained in a fall from a bridge while operating at the scene of an MVC.

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Page 6, Fire News, May 2013

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Three Alarm Blaze Beat in Circleville

On March 27, 2013, a three-alarm fire broke out in a 2-1/2 story frame structure on King Road in the Circleville Fire District (Orange County). Upon arrival of firefighters, a working fire was declared. Mutual aid from Bullville, Pine Bush, Washington Heights, Silver Lake, Coldenham, Montgomery and Mechanicstown responded to the call. An excellent aggressive interior attack with three lines knocked down the flames with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Orange County Fire Investigators.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

Fully Involved in Catskill

A Hamburg Road Extension home was engulfed in flames on March 25, 2013, at about 1230. Catskill Fire reported that there was a possible chimney fire at that location. An additional second call reported that the house was fully involved. The fire had extended to the roof of the home. Apparently the homeowner attempted to put out the fire before calling the fire department.

The lack of water, high winds and exploding acetylene tanks hampered the firefighting operation. The home was a total loss and one firemen received minor burns. He was treated at the scene.

-Fire News photo by Chuck Adsit

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 7

Cover Story

Village of Wappingers Fatal Fire

On March 24, 2013, the Village of Wappingers Fire Department, Mobile Life Support Paramedics, and the Village of Wappingers Police were dispatched by Dutchess County 911 for a reported house fire on Downey Avenue. In less than a minute, Village Police Officer Matt Kemlage arrived at the location and advised DC911 of a working

fire. There were also reports of a person possibly trapped in the structure.

Due to the heavy fire on arrival, it made it impossible for firefighters to enter the structure as well as unlikely that anybody could survive.

The New Hamburg Fire Department was requested to the scene to supply additional water and manpower.

Three people escaped the residence and a fourth person was later found deceased in a second floor bedroom. The fire’s cause is under investigation by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Fire Investigation Division and the Village of Wappingers P.D. -Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Page 8, Fire News, May 2013

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Early Morning Structure Fire in Valhalla On March 17, 2013, at 0200, the Valhalla Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Livingston Avenue and Entrance Way for a structure fire. Upon arrival units found heavy fire coming out of a second floor window and through the roof of a vacant house. Valhalla's mutual aid assignment was immediately called, which brought in a ladder from North White Plains, an engine from Thornwood, a FAST unit from Elmsford, an engine from Hawthorne on standby and a tower ladder from West Harrison on standby. A crew from Valhalla Volunteer Ambulance

Corp also responded. Crews began an interior attack on the second floor fire as fire spread throughout. The blaze was complicated by a roof collapse, which lead to the evacuation of firefighters. An exterior attack with a master stream from the tower ladder ensued. Firefighters were eventually able to re-enter the house and extinguish the fire. Westchester County Cause and Origin and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department are investigating the cause of this fire.

-Fire News story by Daniel Lester -Fire News photos

by Anthony Ciancio

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 9

Kitchen Fire Knocked Down at the Valleyview Apartments On March 16, 2013, Boght, Latham and the Maplewood fire departments responded to a structure fire at the Valleyview Apartments.

Upon arrival, a heavy smoke condition coming from both sides of the apartment complex was observed. The departments worked

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-Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn

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Page 10, Fire News, May 2013

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Multiple Calls Received in Schenectady Schenectady firefighters received multiple reports of a house fire on Avenue A near Station 4's quarters. Upon seeing smoke from the apron of the firehouse, a request for a second alarm was made, bringing all of the city's apparatus to the scene. Flames on the second floor had extended into the attic. Firefighters knocked down the flames in less than an hour. All occupants of the home escaped the smoke and flames.

-Fire News photos by Peter Barber

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 11

Bullville Goes to Work

March 21, 2013, at 1130, Bullville (Orange County) firefighters from eight departments assisted at the blaze. Firefighters were hamresponded to a reported structure fire on Long Lane in the Bullville pered by lack of water and utilized tankers for a water supply. The Fire District. Upon arrival, firefighters reported a 2-1/2 story frame fire destroyed the home. No injuries were reported for the operation.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz dwelling was fully involved. A third alarm was transmitted with a request for a tanker task force. Approximately 60-100 firefighters

Page 12, Fire News, May 2013

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Three-Alarm Blaze Battled in Plattekill

Plattekill firefighters responded to a three alarm structure fire on Quaker Street in Plattekill on March 10, 2013. The fire was in a duplex-style frame building. Mutual aid was requested to the scene from Modena, Wallkill, Cronomer Valley, Orange Lake and Coldenham. Numerous neighboring departments were placed on

standby for companies that were out at the fire. An aggressive attack was made by all companies, which prevented the fire from spreading to an attached building. The cause of the incident was investigated by the Ulster County Cause and Origin Unit.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 13

New Windsor Third Alarm On March 21, 2013, New Windsor Fire Department was toned out for a structure fire on Windsor Highway. Upon arrival, command reported a fully involved structure fire with heavy fire and smoke consuming a commercial establishment. A request for a second alarm was made to battle the flames. It was necessary to bring in a third alarm assignment to battle the blaze that was hampered by cold weather conditions. Once

the fire was knocked down, overhaul operations commenced and the fire was declared under control. Responding departments included New Windsor, Vails Gate, the City of Newburgh, Stewart Air Guard, Cornwall, Cornwall on Hudson, Dan Leghorn, Good-Will, Washingtonville and West Point and New Windsor EMS, as well as the New Windsor Police Department.

-Fire News photos by Gary Hearn

Page 14, Fire News, May 2013

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Seminar Held at the Rexford Fire Department Fire News photographer Lori Washburn recently spent a day with firefighters from around the state at the Rexford Fire Department as they learned techniques and information that could help make sure they come home after a fire. MacBoston 18 Truck is an organization dedicated to the memory of New York State Fallen Firefighters, who have died in the line of duty. Drawn together by tragic calls resulting in the loss of firefighter lives, career and volunteer firefighters from state-wide joined together and formed MacBoston in 1996. The not-for-profit organization has grown since its inception and has purchased 5 pieces of retired apparatus. The group attends funerals, parades, musters, memorial ceremonies and conventions of fire service groups. Their trademark is the huge American flag that they proudly fly from their ladder trucks.

Besides providing support to fire department families, they also provide support in their commitment to the fire safety by organizing large training symposiums geared towards saving firefighter lives.

MacBoston 18 Truck recently held its 2013 Annual Seminar at the Rexford Fire Department. The day long winter training seminar consisted of multiple topics. The morning seminar Thermal Insult Recognition (a fresh look at modern fuels; fire dynamics and the limitations of P.P.E.) was lead by Lt. William Greenwood, City of Keene Fire Department. The afternoon session included "From Xbox to the Box Alarm: Understanding, Motivating, Training and Leading Today's Firefighters. This was lead by Chief Tiger Schmittendorf, author, instructor and emergency manager. Chief Schmittendorf serves the County of Erie (Buffalo, NY) Department of Emergency Services as Deputy Fire Coordinator, managing three training academies and 45 fire instructors in coordinating the training of 97 fire departments and over 5000 firefighters. He created a recruitment effort that doubled his own fire department's membership and help net over 525 new volunteers.

The second afternoon session was conducted by Chief Gerald Paris, Jr. Chief Paris is Past Chief of the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department. He is currently the First Deputy Chief Fire Coordinator for the Town of Colonie. He is a Nationally Certified Instructor 2 and Fire Officer 3 and specializes in Mayday, F.A.S.T and Firefighter Survival training. The session was called Advanced SCBA Skills. Beginning with the basics of mask confidence the class progressed into an in depth

instructional program of the firefighters most important piece of equipment, the SCBA. Firefighters spent hours crawling through a variety of obstacle courses, each meant to test their ability to escape from various conditions. The grueling obstacles pushed each firefighter, new or seasoned, to manage their stress, think outside the box, while watching out for themselves and their partner. Firefighters were taught to exit hazardous situations with air and without air. Each firefighter left with more knowledge to share with their fellow brothers and sister.

-Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 15

2013 Jems Games Advanced Clinical Competition Winning Teams Announced Team FDNY Earns Gold Medal in EMS Clinical Competition at EMS Today Conference & Expo, Washington, D.C. PennWell today announces the winning teams in the 2014 JEMS Games Advanced Clinical Competition held during the EMS Today Conference & Expo, a PennWell event; the conference is a leader in providing quality education for emergency medical services (EMS) worldwide.

Each year, the JEMS Games are produced as a special event at the EMS Today Conference & Expo. The goal of the games is to provide EMS professionals with a valuable combination of education and competitive rivalry. Teams from around the U.S. competed in the preliminary rounds of the competition on Wednesday, March 6, 2013. The top three teams competed in the final round on Friday evening, March 8, 2013, attracting a crowd of over 450 people.

The games present competing teams with patient care scenarios that test each three-person team’s skills as EMS professionals. Each team had 20 minutes to manage five challenging patients.

The game’s final scenario involved a multiple-patient incident involving a pediatric seizure in the audience of a dignitary speech. While crews cared for the child, his father suffered a massive heart attack and became progressively worse, forcing teams to split up and care for the extra patient. The mother and wife of the involved victims returned from the restroom to find her family in distress and became hysterical, causing the teams to also manage her emotional condition.

When all seemed to be under control by each team, a sniper in the rear balcony fired several “shots” at the dignitaries on the stage, striking one in the chest and upper leg, resulting in severe bleeding, shock and a collapsed lung that had to be managed rapidly. Security personnel returned fire and critically wounded the sniper who tumbled over the balcony to the floor below. He was mortally wounded but still required a rapid assessment by each team.

The realistic, complex and challenging scenario was developed by industry experts and JEMS contributors who know the obstacles professionals face on a daily basis.

Emergency services personnel look to the JEMS Games to create realistic situations in which they can test their skills and compete against fellow EMS professionals. Additionally, the final competition grants attendees in the audience quality continuing education based on the scenario and accompanying mini-lectures presented in between each team’s participation.

The EMS Today Conference & Expo provides training, which is one factor in the key to professional success, and the JEMS Games bring that training to life, providing a hands-on teaching aspect.

The JEMS Games Founding Sponsor is Laerdal Medical Corp. Supporting sponsors for 2013 JEMS Games were: Ferno, Hartwell Medical, Innovative Healthcare Corporation, Moulage Concepts, QuickClot and Karl Storz.

Prizes for the teams were donated by Ferno, Laerdal Medical, QuickClot and Vidacare.

More information on the EMS Today

2013 JEMS GAMES WINNING TEAMS 1st Place (gold medal) team: Team FDNY EMS, from the Fire Department of New York The 2nd Place (silver medal) team: Cumberland County (N.C.) EMS The 3rd Place (bronze medal) team: Sussex County (Del.) EMS The 1st Place, gold medalist team receives a $1,000 cash prize and each team member receives a complementary three-day registration to the 2014 EMS Today Conference and Exposition, which will be held in Washington, D.C., February 4-8, 2014.

THE 2013 JEMS GAMES TEAMS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE SEMI-FINAL COMPETITION WERE: Bensalem EMS (Pennsylvania) Cumberland County EMS (North Carolina) Harpur's Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service (New York) Humboldt General Hospital (Nevada) Lucas County EMS (Ohio) New Britain EMS (Connecticut) Queen Anne's County Dept. of Emergency Services (Maryland) Surry County EMS (North Carolina) Sussex County EMS (Delaware) Team FDNY (New York)

Conference & Expo or the JEMS Games may be found at EMSToday.com.

PennWell Public Safety, a PennWell business located in La Jolla, Calif., produces public safety products and services including JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services), FireRescue Magazine, Law Officer, EMS Today Conference and Exposition, JEMS.com, FirefighterNation.com, LawOfficer.com and other products.

About PennWell Corporation Founded in 1910 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, PennWell Corporation is a privately held and highly diversified business-to-business media and information company that provides quality content and integrated marketing solutions for the following industries: Oil and gas, electric power generation and delivery, hydropower, renewable energy, water and wastewater treatment, waste management, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, optoelectronics, fiber-optics, aerospace and avionics, LEDs and lighting, fire and emergency services, public safety, and dental.

PennWell publishes over 130 print and online magazines and newsletters, conducts 60 conferences and exhibitions on six continents, and has an extensive offering of books, maps, websites, research and database services. In addition to PennWell's headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Company has major offices in Nashua, New Hampshire; London, England; Houston, Texas; San Diego and Mountain View, California; Fairlawn, New Jersey; Moscow, Russia; and Hong Kong, China. www.pennwell.com.

Page 16, Fire News, May 2013

Rescue 42 Product Growth Prompts Relocation to Larger Facility

FireNews.com

Chief Perkins Recognized for 50 Years of Service

New location quadruples floor allows for huge expansion Rescue 42, Inc. recently relocated its offices and factory to accommodate the planned manufacturing expansion for both the rescue product division and the new VAULT product line. The new building, located at 370 Ryan Avenue, was once a

Fleetwood Motorhome manufacturing plant. Rescue 42's portion of the facility encompasses nearly 20,000 square feet of manufacturing floor and 3,000 square feet of office space.

In business since 1995, Rescue 42 has undergone numerous moves as the company continues to expand production of its popular fire/rescue tools including the TeleCrib Stabilization System and Shark Collapsible Cribbing. The last facility was custom built for the company five years ago, but was quickly outgrown. "We are astounded at how much growth Rescue 42 has experience over the years," said owner Tim O'Connell. "With every move we've doubled or tripled our space, and outgrown it within just a few years forcing us to lease secondary warehouse spaces offsite."

This move, once again, brings all of Rescue 42's operations under one roof and gives everyone a bit of elbow room. "We had people and equipment piled up to the ceiling in both the factory and in the office," said O'Connell about the old building. "We had simply run out of room to increase the volume of our current rescue products and could not begin production on our new VAULT line".

The expansion of the production lines will be executed in stages to minimize down time, but several upgrades to the existing system were executed during the move. New power systems were installed to support the machinery and welding stations, while the compressed air and vacuum systems got a much needed upgrade. Future plans include adding more manufacturing machinery and expanded welding and assembly stations.

Production on the new VAULT Mobile Solutions line is expected to begin shortly.

As a tight-knit, family-style operation, everyone at the company pitched in to help pack, run new wiring, assemble furniture and make countless truck laden drives between the two locations (which were only about two miles apart). Despite all their hard work, the employees made sure to have fun with it too. "We had a very rainy November/December in Chico, so before the move, we set up some cones in one of the empty shops and let our kids ride their bikes for a few hours," said Sales and Marketing Manager Lydia Agurkis. "The kiddos were very disappointed when we moved a whole bunch of equipment into their race track!"

Because of the enormous size of the overall property, as Rescue 42 continues to grow, more space can be acquired on site, hopefully eliminating the need for another move in the future.

Visitors are welcome to stop by for a tour of the new facility at 370 Ryan Avenue, suite 120 near the Chico Airport. Please call Lydia Agurkis, Sales and Marketing Manager at 888-427-3728 for additional information or to request a tour.

FASNY Second Vice-President Kenneth M. Pienkowski (right) shakes hands and congratulates past-Chief Tom Perkins of the Baldwinsville Fire Department in Onondaga County, as he prepares to hand over an official FASNY Proclamation honoring Chief Perkins for his 50 years of service to the Baldwinsville Fire Department. The event was at the Departments Annual Installation Banquet held at the Double Tree Hotel in East Syracuse on January 12, 2013.

-Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 17

Haz-Mat Responds in East Greenbush

On March 29, 2013, a small fire broke out in a room that contained hazardous materials. The incident brought Haz-Mat teams from all over Rensselaer County to the University Place address in East Greenbush. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. The haz-mat teams were dispatched to the scene to address concerns over the chemicals that were being used in the building. The incident was safely brought under control.

-Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

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Page 18, Fire News, May 2013

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Abandoned Structure Burns in the City of Beacon

The City of Beacon Fire Department, Volunteer Ambulance, and Police Department, along with the Village of Fishkill responded to a fire in the administration building at the former Craig House Psychiatric Hospital off Route 9D on March 20, 2013.

The two-story building was located off a snow covered, un-maintained road that made

access for apparatus impossible. Village of Fishkill firefighters were able to get their ladder up the driveway near the building and a five-inch supply line was laid to Route 9D for water. The fact that the building was abandoned and all its doors and windows were securely boarded up, complicated the battle.

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Crews remained on the scene until late in the afternoon the next day as crews worked to extinguish hot spots and investigators worked to find a cause. The Rombout and Glenham fire departments stood by in Beacons quarters during the incident.

-Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, May 2013

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On March 14, 2013, the New Hackensack Fire Department was dispatched for and residential fire alarm at home on Cedar Hill Road. Assistant Chief Paul Bucher arrived on scene and found that the house was heavily charged with smoke. He requested a full structure fire assignment as well Hughsonville’s FAST Unit. Chief Bucher forced the front door and as he began to make his way down the hallway, located an unconscious female. He dragged the female to the front door where he was assisted by Firefighters Fred Smith and Chris Morely in removing her. The victim was the turned over to waiting Town of Wappinger/TransCare Medics who stabilized and transported her to St Francis Trauma Center. Once there, she was immediately flown by Stat-Flight to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. Firefighters searched the residence and found no other occupants other than two greyhounds who did not survive. The fire was investigated by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Fire Investigation Division and the New York State Police-Wappinger Barracks. The victim was released from the hospital after three weeks of treatment and is reportedly doing well.

-Fire News photos by Bill Johnson

FireNews.com

Arlington firefighters were dispatched during blizzard conditions for a reported explosion and fire in a residence on Marple Road. Firefighters arrived to find a well involved two-story, raisedranch with several windows that apparently were blown out in the explosion, laying in the front yard.

As firefighters began their attack on the fire,

Fire News, May 2013, Page 21

Arlington paramedics began treating two occupants who were in the residence at the time of the explosion. Both occupants were stabilized at the scene and the transported to St Francis Hospital Trauma Center for further treatment. As crews made their attack, the smell of natural gas became stronger and all personnel was ordered to remain

outside of the structure. Central-Hudson Gas and Electric sent numerous gas crews to the scene and they shut down gas to the area as they tried to locate the leak.

The City of Poughkeepsies FAST unit stood by as Arlington worked to extinguish the fire.

-Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

Page 22, Fire News, May 2013

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Good-Will Responds to Explosion

Recently the Good-Will Fire Department responded to a morning call on North Plank Road for an explosion. It turned out that a gas tank at a local station exploded when work crews were putting in new tanks. The call was handled by Good-Will Car 1. The Town of Newburgh Fire Department and the Town of Newburgh Police Department responded to assist with the call.

-Fire News photos by Vincent Dominick

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 23

Occupant Escapes Flames in Schenectady

Schenectady firefighters were alerted to a house fire on Grand Boulevard. The occupant of the home escaped the fast moving fire and ran to a neighbor's house to call 911. Engine 4 was the first unit to the scene and discovered the living room was well involved. A second alarm was sounded for extra man power to respond to the scene. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. No injuries were reported for the operation.

-Fire News photos by Peter Barber

Page 24, Fire News, May 2013

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Plattekill Command Command at the Plattekill three-alarm fire: From left to right are: Rick Cameron, Charlie Piper and Chief Chris Mancuso.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

Well Done in Plattekill Wallkill's bravest pose for group shot following three-alarm fire in Plattekill.

From left to right are firefighters May, Walker, Belarge and Lt. DeGraff -Fire News photo by Stephen Lenz

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 25

New Hackensack Firefighters Receive Propane Training

Firefighters in New Hackensack were recently educated about propane by Dutchess Community College Fire Science Program Director Dave Walsh, and Rich Muellerleile of Star Gas Corporation. The two went over the properties and hazards of propane gas, showed examples of various storage containers, and reviewed the safety mechanisms built in to the modern gas grill

propane tanks. Firefighters were then shown how effective the new safety mechanisms were in the event a tank is involved in a fire, compared to a tank that did not feature the newer safety upgrades.

At the end of the class, there was a review of an educational propane delivery truck, which featured a cut-away tank.

-Fire News photo by Bill Johnson

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Page 26, Fire News, May 2013

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Woodstock Receives Pet Masks

The Woodstock Fire Department received a donation of three pet oxygen mask kits. These kits were donated by Oxygen Masks for Pets, a non-profit organization. These specially designed masks come in a range of sizes allowing them to be used on many different animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets and even birds. The Oxygen Masks for Pets organization was started by Janet Fincannon. Veterinary News Oxygen Masks for Pets is a completely non-profit organization that runs solely off of donations. If you are interested in making a donation visit www.oxyenmasks4 pets.com. Several departments in the Hudson Valley are currently using these masks. Most recently, in the City of Newburgh, a cat was rescued from the first floor of a second alarm structure fire.

This same oxygen system was used and the cat appeared to be making a good recovery.

-Fire News photos by John C. Miller

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 27

Obituary

James ‘Senior’ Cole Answers Last Alarm

It is with deep regret that the Old Forge Fire Department announces the passing of active firefighter James “Senior” Cole. He suddenly passed away on February 21, 2013. He was 70-years-old.

“Senior” was a dedicated American, first serving in the US Army on active duty from 1964-1966 and Army Reserve until 1970. He was a retired sheet metal worker with Local 38 in Brewster. “Senior” joined the Montrose Fire Department at the age of 18 and rose to the rank of chief and fire commissioner. He was recently awarded his 50-yearsof-service pin. Jim eventually moved to Old Forge, where he continued his passion for the fire service by joining the Old Forge Fire Department. He served as captain, training officer and provided great food for the members at their meetings. He enjoyed seeing the new recruits advance and safely execute the skills he taught them with his booming instructional voice.

A firematic funeral was held by the Old Forge and Montrose fire departments. This was a fitting location for the wake and was a tribute to his legacy. Covey-Pashley Post 893 provided taps, while his department provided the traditional 5-5-5-5 ringing of the bell. James “Senior” Cole will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. A memorial donation can be made in his honor to the Old Forge Fire Department, PO Box 1170, Old Forge, NY, 13420.

Page 28, Fire News, May 2013

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Three-Alarm in Manhattan On Monday, March 18, 2013, firefighters in Manhattan went to work to battle a three-alarm fire on Fulton Avenue in downtown New York City. The blaze broke out around 0200. This was the second time they were called to this location in a week. This time, a fire was started on the second floor and went up to the fifth floor and continued through the roof.

Heavy black smoke and flame resulted in firefighters being pulled out to make an aggressive exterior attack. The fire was safely brought under control without incident.

-Fire News photo by Wayne Carrington

Flames Beat in the North Bronx

Firefighters went to work in the Wakefield section of the North Bronx on March 18, 2013. Battalion 15 arrived on location, only to find heavy fire showing on the first floor of a two-story, frame private dwelling that was on a dead end street. A second alarm was transmitted and the fire was safely knocked down in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported for the call.

-Fire News photo by Mike Messar

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 29

Haz-Mat Responds in Brooklyn On March 21, 2013, the Belt Parkway came to a standstill when a van overturned and went on fire. Firefighters from Brooklyn responded to the westbound Belt Parkway at the drawbridge near the Flatbush exit to handle the incident.

The van was from a graffiti cleaning service.

New York Police Department ESU units also responded to assist with the call. FDNY haz-mat and Squad 252 responded to the incident because of the chemicals the van was carrying.

The driver escaped the incident with only minor injuries.

-Fire News photo by Bill Bennett

News from the NYC Fire Museum Engine 93's original rig, a 1912 American-LaFrance Metropolitan tractor-steamer. The steamer made its first run with Engine 93 in 1913, and has returned to quarters for their Centennial Celebration on March 20, 2013. The vehicle will then be returned to the NYC Fire Museum for everyone to see. At the same time the museum also moved their 1959 Mack Searchlight to the shops to be checked out. Hopefully, this vehicle will end up as a parade vehicle. Visit www.nycfiremuseum.org to learn about the NYC Fire Museum.

-Fire News photo by Damon Campagna

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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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Page 30, Fire News, May 2013

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FDNY Motley Crews on Ice King of the Ice Teams — April 2, 2013

Engine 14 - Engine 65

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Engine 315 - Ladder 125

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Fire News, May 2013, Page 31