April 2013 NYS Fire News

VOLUME 6, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

The 2013 FASNY Firefighter Winter Games were held at Greek Peak Ski Resort and the SUNY Cortland Ice Arena on February 9-10, 2013. Please turn to page 6 and 7 for more photos.

-Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars

FDNY Goes to Work in Brooklyn See Page 25 – New York State Edition –

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 3

In this issue...

Pets Perish in Latham Blaze

An elderly woman, was able to evacuate the building but tried to re-enter to save her two dogs.

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

See story on page 5

Fun at the FASNY Winter Games

The 2013 FASNY Firefighter Winter Games were held on February 9-10, 2013.

See story on page 6

Fire Spreads through Shaft in Yonkers

Firefighters from Yonkers battled a four-alarm fire in a three-story frame apartment building.

See story on page 15

Foam Utilized at Camillus Blaze

Fire destroyed an entire building and involved over 24 fire companies.

See story on page 17

Firefighters Go to Work in Brooklyn

Brooklyn firefighters responded to Bleecker Street for a report of smoke coming from a window.

See story on page 25

City of Hudson Hosts Ice Rescue Class

The City of Hudson Fire Department hosted an Ice Rescue and Awareness class at their Central Station.

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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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

See story on page 26

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25

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, April 2013

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Is Your Junior Firefighter Program Working?

Fire News has dedicated space to publicizing junior firefighter programs and activities for many years, and we have seen many juniors go on to become active members of their local department explorer or junior programs and excel as young adults to become part of their community. Over the years I have talked with young adults who could not wait to become part of their local fire department. After a few months of being a junior firefighter, I noticed a notable change in their personality. I noticed when we would meet, I was referred to as “sir, lieutenant, captain or mister.” This most certainly was due to the training that was given to the junior by the dedicated advisors who train and teach the values that junior or explorer's need to be successful in life.

Last month I received a note from the mother of one of the juniors, whose photo I ran in our Long Island edition. The story made me proud to be the editor of Fire News. I ran the photo without knowing there was a story behind it. Without going into that, the mom let me know how proud the junior firefighter was to be recognized in Fire News. The positive outcome of this photo was that an entire group of juniors were proud that one of their members made the paper. Caring about your brother and sister in any organization is what is important.

We also ran another photo of a junior captain. Once again the entire group was proud that their department made the paper. It was even more rewarding when the captain came up to me at the Long Island Mega Show and thanked me for running the photo. A simple thank you went a long way. He also offered to send future photos to us to promote a positive image of the fire service.

If your explorer or junior program does something special please let Fire News know about it. Like awards, it is important that everyone knows when a group reaches out to help their community in a special way.

Thank you also to the dedicated advisors who are grooming not only the future of our fire service, but teaching positive values to the future leaders of our country. Keep up the good fight!

Fire News recognizes your hard work!

-Dennis

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS THIRD ANNUAL ‘RECRUITNY’ WEEKEND Volunteer fire departments across New York State will open their doors and fire truck bays to local residents during the weekend of Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 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.

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. 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 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 non-emergency phone number or its website.

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, 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, April 2013, Page 5

Pets Perish in Latham Blaze

The Latham Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Eastern Avenue on February 21, 2013. High winds and extremely cold temperatures did not hamper the department from trying to control a completely engulfed two-story home. Upon arrival the heavy smoke filled the neighboring streets and could be seen as far as Troy. Mutual aid companies from Boght, Maplewood, Shaker Road-Loudonville, Verdoy, Schuyler Heights, West Albany and

Menands quickly responded to the scene. The building was a total loss. The resident, an elderly woman, was able to evacuate the building but tried to re-enter to save her two dogs that perished in the blaze. Neighbors related hearing an explosion prior to the fire. At this time, the fire is under investigation, but may have originated in the garage of the dwelling.

-Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn

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Page 6, Fire News, April 2013

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Fun at the FASNY Winter Games The 2013 FASNY Firefighter Winter Games were held at Greek Peak Ski Resort and the SUNY Cortland Ice Arena on Saturday February 9 and 10, 2013. The games were attended by approximately 350 firefighters from all over New York State. This year, participation from Long Island was light due to a blizzard that paralyzed the area. A large contingent of firefighters, led by Deputy Chief Tony McIntyre, attended the games in their entirety.

While only winning one event, they walked away with the first ever Sportsmanship Award presented by the Central New York Firemen’s Association honoring the good sportsmanship and love of the game shown by the late Captain Matt Porcari, of the Owego Fire Department who suffered a LODD on January 21, just weeks before the games.

Congratulations to Chief McIntyre and the sportsmanship they exhibited through the games.

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 7

Fun at the FASNY Winter Games (cont.)

In memory of Matt Pocari, a patch was worn by all members of the Owego Fire Department in tribute to their recently lost brother who died in the line of duty on January 21, 2013. Matt was an avid participant on the Owego Fire Department Sports team and was always in attendance at the FASNY Firefighter Winter Games. Despite the storm on Long Island, Members of the Medford Fire Department in

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Suffolk County, made the long trip upstate in less then pleasant weather conditions, as the Island and downstate areas were being clobbered by a Nor'easter. Five junior firefighters from the Moyers Corners Fire Department in Onondaga County got their first taste of firefighter competition and camaraderie at this year's game. We hope to see everyone next year! -Fire News photos by Gordy Kotars

Page 8, Fire News, April 2013

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Spraker Installs Spraker; Twice

Roger Spraker (left) president of the Onondaga County Fire Chief’s Association swears in his son Kevin Spraker as Chief of the Taunton Volunteer Fire Department in Onondaga County.

The event took place on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at the department’s Annual Installation Banquet. One week later the tables were reversed when Chief Kevin Spraker duly installed his father as president of the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association on Friday, January 18, 2013, at the Fire Chief’s Association Annual Banquet.

-Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 9

Fatal House Fire Battled in Glenmont

100 Year Old Building Burns in Yonkers

On February 20, 2013, the Selkirk Fire Department responded to a house fire on Glenmont Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully involved. Firefighters were informed that the homeowner was possibly still inside. He was found in the bathroom, unconscious and unresponsive. EMS personal attempted unsuccessfully to revive him. A family pet dog also died in the fire.

The Selkirk Fire Department was aided by responders from Delmar, Elsmere and North Bethlehem. Albany County EMS also responded to assist with the call.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

On the night of February 25, 2013, firefighters from Yonkers responded to the area of Odell Avenue, near the Old Croton Aqueduct for a reported structure fire. Units located an abandoned 50- by 100-foot structure, approximately 200 feet from the roadway, heavily involved. The building was one of two 100-year old stone and wood structures, the other burned to the ground a year earlier. A second alarm was transmitted and the fire wa placed under control in about two hours. An accelerant detection canine gave a positive indication the next day and the fire was deemed suspicious and is under further investigation.

-Fire News photo by Mike Messar

Page 10, Fire News, April 2013

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Wallkill Holds Installation Dinner

On February 23, 2013, Wallkill Hook, Ladder and Hose Company held their annual Installation and Awards Dinner at the Spruce Lodge at Colden Manor in Coldenham. The Master of Ceremonies was past-Chief Owen Corey. The invocation was given by Chaplain Reverend Toni Macon. Awards presented were as follows: Sean Dailey, Firefighter of the Year; Mark Swain, Fireman of the Year; Bob Stephens, Fire Policeman of the Year; Vinnie Simon, Junior Firefighter of theYear. Nick Walker received the Ray Haas Award of the Year. Top responder awards were presented to:

Delbe Spath, Bud Lyle, Jerry Futia, Kevin DeGraff, Rusty Wilson, Butch Grube, Nick Walker, Eric Orr and John Russo. Special awards were presented to Reverend Toni Macon and Delbe Spath. The new officers for 2013 were installed as follows: Line Officers: Dave Degraff, Fire Chief; Craig Ross, 1st Assistant Chief; Mark Swain, 2nd Assistant; Chief; Rob Malatesta, 3rd Assistant Chief; Bob Hassman, Chief of Fire Police; Bud Lyle, Captain; Jerry Futia, 1st Lieutenant; Kevin Jowell, 2nd Lieutenant; Kevin DeGraff, 3rd Lieutenant; Civil Officers: Eric Orr, President;

Kevin DeGraff, Vice President; Mike Denardo, Cooresponding Secretary; Kevin Jowell, Recording Secretary; Gidget Orr, Treasurer.

Board of Directors: Fred DeGraff, Craig Ross, Scott Annacone, Bill Cody and Bob Hassman.

Board of Fire Commissioners: Mike Denardo, Eric Orr, Butch Grube, Steve Pondi and Frank Denardo. Ladies Auxiliary: Lorraine DeGraff, President; Grace Ross, Vice President; Robin Meade, Secretary and Treasurer; Steve Lenz, Company Photographer. Good Luck to everyone in 2013.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

Page 12, Fire News, April 2013

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Commissioner Terry ‘Tag’ Muller Answers Last Alarm It is with deep regret and sorrow that the officers and members of the Rombout Fire Company announce the passing of Commissioner Terry “Tag” Muller on January 18, 2013. He was 56 years old. Tag followed in the footsteps of his father, entering the fire service by joining the Rombout Fire Company in 1974. He served the community as a firefighter for 23 years until becoming an exempt member in 1997. He was a former Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners for the Rombout Fire District and was currently serving on that board as Fire Commissioner. Tag, a lifelong Fishkill resident, was the son of the late Thomas and Jane Duncan Muller. He attended local schools and graduated from John Jay High School. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 445 and had just retired as a heavy equipment operator for Ben Ciccone, Inc. in Poughkeepsie. Tag answered his last call on Rombouts' 62-11, escorted by apparatus from Chelsea, Glenham and Hughsonville Fire Departments and with the rig he drove, a Peterbilt tractor trailer. He was then laid to rest at Fishkill Rural Cemetery where the Dutchess County 911 Emergency Response Center dispatched the final tones. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Venda, and he also leaves behind two sons, Terry Jr., and Kyle, who is a member of the fire company. A memorial donation may be made to the Rombout Fire Company, 901 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524. More information may be viewed on Rombout Fire Company Inc. Facebook page.

-Fire News photo by Kevin Barry

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: NYS@firenews.com.

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 13

Home Destroyed in the Town of Florida

The Town of Florida Volunteer Fire Department was called out at approximately 0630 on February 18, 2013, for a structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the home well involved in flames.

Mutual aid responded from Hagaman, Glen, Pattersonville, Fort

Hunter, Burtonsville and Mariaville. Extra manpower was needed because of the extreme cold and high winds that morning. The cause is still under investigation, a few minor injuries were reported. The house was a total loss.

-Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

Page 14, Fire News, April 2013

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Visit the NYC Fire Museum The New York City Fire Museum is located at 278 Spring Street The New York City Fire Museum houses one of the nation's most important collections of fire related art and artifacts from the late between Varick and Hudson Streets in Manhattan's Hudson Square 18th century onward. Our two exhibit floors trace the development district, west of SoHo. Visit www.nycfiremuseum.org for visiting of firefighting in New York from the early bucket brigades to the hours and more information. present day. On the second floor, the "romance of firefighting" is shown through paintings and prints from the volunteer era.

Displayed as if on parade are striking examples of elaborate handdrawn and hand-pumped engines, including a piano box style engine, a goose neck pumper, and a double-decker Philadelphia style engine which, aside from being used to fight fire, was at the opening celebration of the Statue of Liberty.

On the first floor, visitors will see a horse-drawn ladder wagon, early rescue gear and breathing equipment, alarm boxes from various eras, and motorized vehicles, such as a 1921 American La France engine, all of which give a sense of what firefighting was like at different times in the city's paid department era. Also on display are tools and clothing used by modern firefighters. The transition from turnout coats to all-encompassing bunker gear is shown on a series of mannequins. Tools, such as the Halligan forcible entry tool and the hydraulic extrication tools, show visitors what it is like to be a firefighter.

The NYCFM also addresses the history of fire insurance through our collection of over 2,000 fire marks - fire insurance company advertising emblems. As is the case with our other artwork and objects, we have such an extensive amount that only a small portion is on exhibit at one time. The rest is held in storage for use in temporary exhibits or for study by historians and other researchers.

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 15

Fire Spreads through Shaft in Yonkers

Recently, firefighters from Yonkers battled a four-alarm fire in a placed about 30 residents, took just over two hours to bring under three-story frame apartment building on Saratoga Avenue. The control. Firefighters rescued several dogs from the building, which first-due engine and truck, stationed only a few blocks away, will have to be demolished due to the heavy fire damage.

-Fire News photo by Mike Messar arrived to find fire in a shaft between floors. The fire quickly spread up into the cockloft and into several apartments. The fire, that dis-

Page 16, Fire News, April 2013

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Flames Travel Up Exterior Wall

Heater Ignites Newburgh Fire

Recently, Schenectady firefighters were called out to battle a twoalarm fire. The fire started on the front porch of a home and spread quickly up the outside walls of the structure and into the interior. Three occupants and five pets escaped the fast moving fire that was knocked down within minutes of first-due Engine 4’s arrival. The cause is under investigation.

-Fire News photo by Peter Barber

Recently, City of Newburgh firefighters were called to smoke coming from a building on Dubois Street. When Assistant Chief Ed Petricek arrived on the scene he called for a FAST unit from Air Guard, a truck from Cronomer Valley and an engine from Middle Hope to standby in their own quarters. The FAST unit was later canceled as Newburgh's bravest knocked the fire down within minutes. City of Newburgh's Cause and Origin Team responded to the scene. Apparently a space heater set a bed on fire. There were no reports of injuries, and the fire was contained to a second floor apartment.

-Fire News photo by John C. Miller

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 17

Foam Utilized at Camillus Blaze On February 11, 2013, What started as a small smokey fire in an abandoned factory in the quaint village of Camillus, just west of Syracuse, turned into a fully involved fire, which eventually destroyed the entire building and involved over 24 fire companies. County fire officials are calling it the largest fire in Onondaga County in over 20 years. Units that were attacking the fire from the A side and the D side used a creek for drafting, as the aged water system in the village could not supply enough water to supply the engine. The fire became a large tanker operation and foam was utilized to battle the flames.

-Fire News photo by Gordy Kotars

Two Alarm Fire in Conklin On February 12, 2013, Broome County dispatched the Conklin Fire Department to Conklin Road for a structure fire. Chiefs found smoke showing from a storage garage that was behind the Conklin Cycle Center. A second alarm was immediately requested.

First arriving units from Conklin and the City of Binghamton made an aggressive attack and knocked the fire down within minutes of arrival. Crews entering the building battled several vehicles inside the garage that were on fire with extension into the roof area of the structure. Conklin, Town of Binghamton, Five Mile Point, Kirkwood and the West Windsor departments assisted with the call. A special call was made for Engine 1 from the City of Binghamton. Port Dickinson, West Colesville and the Vestal departments were placed on standby. Coordinators from Broome County, the Broome County Fire Investigation Team, Broome Ambulance and Broome County Sheriff assisted with the call.

-Fire News photo by Nick Griswold

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Page 18, Fire News, April 2013

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Aggressive Attack Made in Plattekill

16 Left Homeless in Albany

On February 26, 2013, at 1415, Plattekill (Ulster County) firefighters were toned out to a reported smoke from a structure on Quaker Street. Upon arrival, a working structure fire was reported in a single-story, frame, vacant dwelling. A second alarm was requested with mutual aid to the scene from Modena, Wallkill, Cronomer Valley, Orange Lake and Coldenham. Additional companies were on standby for Plattekill. An aggressive attack was attempted, but the structure was a total loss. No injuries were reported for the operation. The cause is being investigated by Ulster County Cause and Origin.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

On February 26, 2013, a fire in the Arbor Hill section of Albany left 16 people homeless, and sent two firefighters to the hospital. The fire was reported around 1000. As firefighters arrived on the scene, flames were shooting out the back side and roof of a structure on Sheridan Avenue. Fire quickly spread to adjoining buildings on Sheridan Avenue. Bystanders rushed into both those buildings to make sure no residents were still inside. Albany Fire Chief Robert Forezzi stated that the fire was caused by unattended cooking. The Red Cross provided shelter, clothes and food for the displaced occupants.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 19

Spring Valley Responds to Apartment Fire On February 10, 2013, at 0640, Spring Valley firefighters were notified of a “smoke in the building� dispatch to Union Road in Spring Valley in a multi-unit apartment building. Upon arrival of Chief Larry Bolson, a working fire was transmitted and a request for a FAST unit from the Hillcrest was transmitted. As residents evacuated into the bitter cold, firefighters advanced to the second floor apartment to attack the fire. The initial crews soon realized the second floor fire was an extension of a fire directly below them in a boiler room space on the first floor of the complex. Additional lines were stretched into the first floor, and both areas of fire were quickly knocked down. Firefighters from several area departments also assisted in bringing the blaze under control. There were no apparent injuries to either residents or firefighters. A lack of smoke detectors in the apartment building is being investigated, as well as the cause of the blaze itself. Units remained on the scene for several hours.

-Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

Mid-Morning Blaze Beat in New City New City firefighters responded to a mid morning alarm of smoke coming from a window at a small florist shop in the Town Plaza Shopping Center in New City on February 28, 2013. When 1st Assistant Chief Jim Avaras arrived, he retoned for a working fire. Under a standing mutual aid request, a FAST unit from the Hillcrest Fire Department and an engine from the West Nyack Fire Department also responded on the original alarm. Crews arrived quickly and the fire, which by now had self vented through a Lexan skylight, was extinguished with one handline. No one was injured and the fire is under investigation by the Clarkstown Fire Inspectors office.

-Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

Page 20, Fire News, April 2013

New City FD Responds to Fatal Fire

An elderly woman and her handicapped daughter died early Valentine's Day morning when a fire ripped through their home at on Stratford Place in New City. Dispatched to a reported structure fire at 0013, first arriving units found a well involved single family home, and neighbors reporting the homeowners still inside. Efforts were made by firefighters on scene to gain access, but those efforts proved futile as the rapidly spreading blaze flashed over, causing the entire home to go. New City firefighters, assisted by units from West Nyack, Nanuet, Congers and Hillcrest, used a master stream and several handiness to get the fire under control. Once crews were able to enter the home, primary and secondary searches were conducted, and the two victims were found on the first floor. Units also on scene were the New City VAC, Rockland Paramedics, Clarkstown Police BCI, and the Clarkstown Fire Inspector's Office. Firefighters from Haverstraw and Thiells, NY provided standby crews in New City’s quarters. No firefighters were injured during the call.

-Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

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Up Close & Personal

Amsterdam Firefighter/Paramedic Ron Kashuba taking pride in his ride.

-Fire News photo by Mark Perfetti

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 21

Page 22, Fire News, April 2013

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Traffic Snarled in Albany On March 2, 2013, the Albany Fire Department responded to a crash on I-90 around 1515, in the west bound lanes, between exits 5 and 4. At least two vehicles were involved in the mishap.

Westbound traffic was backed up for a period of time. State police are investigating the crash.

There were no serious injuries as a result of the accident.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Contents Complicate Albany Fire On February 25, 2013, Albany firefighters fought a very dangerous chemically-fueled blaze on Spruce Street.

Chief Bob Forezzi stated that there was gasoline, oil, tires and other petroleum products, as well as acetylene and oxygen welding cylinders that complicated fighting the fire. There were several explosions inside the garage.

The fire, which was called in just after 1500, closed Spruce Street and a portion of Lark Street between Washington and Sheridan Avenues. The cause of the fire appears to be related to a mishap by one of the employees in the garage, as they were removing a gas tank from a vehicle in the garage. The garage suffered heavy fire and smoke damage throughout.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 23

Pole Hit in Newburgh

The Winona Lake Fire Department was called out to a motor vehicle accident invoving a car that ran into a pole. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the accident. The accident on Power Mill Road and Fifth Avenue occurred as a result of the weather.

-Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick

Page 24, Fire News, April 2013

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Todd Peters, Firefighter of the Year

Congratulations to Todd Peters from the Schuyler Heights Fire Department. Peters received a plaque honoring him as Firefighter of the Year. Todd received the award on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at the annual Installation of Officers Banquet. Todd also

received congratulations from Congressman Paul Tonko (left) and Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan (right). Also in the photo Chief Aaron Fandl (second from left) and Todd Peters.

Congratulations, Todd.

-Fire News photo by Lori Washburn

BUSINESSDirectory IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE, CALL 631-776-0500 EXT. 1 Dennis Whittam

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 25

Firefighters Go to Work in Brooklyn

Recently, Brooklyn firefighters responded to Bleecker Street for a report of smoke coming from a window. When the first units arrived, the fire was confirmed and a line was moved in.

The all-hands fire was quickly brought under control without incident.

-Fire News photo by Bill Bennett

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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.

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Page 26, Fire News, April 2013

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DRILLS City of Hudson Hosts Ice Rescue Class

The City of Hudson Fire Department hosted an Ice Rescue and Awareness class at their Central Station and at Oakdale Lake on Saturday, February 16, 2013.

The day began with several hours of classroom presentations, then moved to Oakdale Lake, just blocks away from Hudson’s Central Station. The students went through multiple scenarios using various types of equipment. They also tried several different techniques to rescue victims. Firefighters from Hudson, Greenport, Stottville, Stockport, and Athens from Greene County participated in the event. It was a great opportunity for all departments to cross-train with several lakes in their jurisdiction. The Athens Fire Department is each other as well as share their own experiences and techniques. now nationally certified in Ice and Water Rescue.

These departments cover the coast line of the Hudson River and -Fire News photos by John Miller

Melrose Holds Ice Rescue Drill

On Sunday, February 24, 2013, Melrose Fire Department held a multi-department Ice/Water Rescue Drill. Departments from West Sand Lake, Pittstown, Pleasantdale, Hemstreet Park, Postenkill and Hoosick Valley participated in the exercise. The departments spent hours perfecting and learning techniques to rescue victims from

frigid waters in the area. From throwing life-lines, to using a ladder as a rescue device, to using an inflatable, no one left without learning proper aid procedures, including how to remove themselves from the cold waters without the aid of equipment.

-Fire News photos by Lori A. Washburn

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Fire News, April 2013, Page 27