fire news new york state march, 2013

ServingFire, Rescue

& EMSHeroes InNY State

W W W.FIRENEWS .COM MARCH 2013VOLUME 6, NO. 5

– New York State Edition –

Captain Matthew Porcari Mourned in Owego.

Please turn to page 9 for the story.

Extreme conditons, complicated an extricationin Niskayuna. Firefighters used the hydraulictools to free the driver from this overturned andsnowbound mini van. See page 6 for full story.

-Fire News photo by Peter Barber

FireNews.com Fire News, March 2013,

In this issue...Captain Matthew Porcari Mourned in OwegoCaptain Porcari died in the line of duty, while operatingat a fire in Newark Valley.

See story on page 9

See story on page 12



Family Escapes Fire in Cronomer ValleyA family of seven escaped a fastmoving fire, but lost their dogin a Cronomer blaze.

Trustee and Ex-Chief Ted Rosko Answers Last AlarmThe VP of the Board of Trustees of the FASNY Firemen’s Home died on January 9, 2013.

Fire Under Investigationin AlbanyThe Albany F.D. responded to a house fire at the same location twice in one day.

PLUS:Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4

Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14

Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20

Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33

Fatal MVA Occurs in MontgomeryA two-car motor vehicle accident left one person fatally injured.


Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers andphotographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right toedit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost ofadvertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placingof an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copy-righted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission fromthe publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.


High Winds ComplicateMiddle Hope FireWind fanned a fast moving fire that ripped through a five-bedroom home.

A Service for New York State Firefightersand EMS Heroes

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, Fire News, March 2013 FireNews.com

From theEditor’s

DeskDennis Whittam,

Editor

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Most of you do not know who Pete Souza is. He is a photogra-pher who takes approximately 500 to over 1100 photographs a dayof one person. He is President Barack Obama’s personal photogra-pher. Yes, for over 50 years the White House has had and continuesto have a staff of photographer who shadows the president. He doc-uments all of the president's activities and stays with him for hisentire day, no matter how long it is.

In 1861, Alexander Gardner was appointed to the staff ofGeneral McClellan as a military photographer. Today, most of ourlocal political leaders follow suit and have photographers that cometo events with them. Some are professional photographers andsome are aids who carry a camera. The intention is the same andthat is to document the activities so everyone can see the greatthings they do for us.

My first fire photographically inspiring moment came to me in1960 as I looked at images of the Fire Department of the City ofNew York in action as I read their monthly publication known asthe WNYF (With the New York Firefighter). To a child in the daysof black-and-white TV and AM radio, the photos took me to aworld that I eventually became part of. To the firefighter, theWNYF served as a teaching tool and was the inspiration for manyof the magazines and newspapers that you see today. JanetKimmerly, editor for the WNYF, continues the tradition of produc-ing a publication that is a teaching tool and a compliment to theFDNY. Nice job Janet!

Does your department have a photographer who documents yourtraining activities and calls? Does your department have photo-graphs of each member so that if the need arises you can show thecommunity who risks their lives for them? Identification card pho-tos serve a purpose, but their purpose is limited and at times unflat-tering. You should have quality headshots for everyone.

All departments should assign a member to be a PublicInformation Officer who regularly takes photographs, writes newsreleases and informs the community of what the department isdoing on a daily basis. Social media such as Facebook and photohosting sites such as Flickr can be beneficial to your departmentwhen used properly and I emphasize properly.

Remember this: If you do not take photographs yourself, some-one else will and the image that is published in the local paper maynot be a positive one. That person may know nothing about the fireservice and the photos that are used may be unflattering to yourdepartment. Get to know your Fire News photographers. They arehappy to assist you with providing photographs if you do not havea department photographer. It is time for your department to makesure everyone can see the great things that you do through the worldof photography!

PhotographersWho Needs Them?

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 theold photo with a digital camera and send it to us at: [email protected].

Share Your Departments’ Memories with Fire News

9/11 CLAIMS ANOTHER LIFEFirefighter Chuck Jones of FDNY Ladder 165 passed away on

January 29, 2013, from cancer attributed to his response on 9/11.Chuck, who was a resident of Sayville, leaves a wife and three chil-dren. He was a devoted coach of the Sayville youth football team, a lit-tlel League baseball team, St. Lawrence CYO basketball and the Rinxhockey team. A memorial service will be held this spring. Donations tothe American Cancer Society, 75 Davids Dr., Hauppaugue, NY 11788or the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation, PO Box 340949,Brooklyn, NY 11234 would be appreciated.

FASNY ACCEPTINGAWARD NOMINATIONS

Every year, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York recognizesmembers of the volunteer fire service, EMS personnel, and others for helpingmake our communities safer, whether through individual acts of heroism orby educating our youngest residents on the importance of fire safety and pre-vention. Nomination submissions are currently being considered for the fol-lowing FASNY awards; full information on the nomination process, applica-tion forms and appropriate contact(s) for information on each award can befound at www.fasny.com.

• FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR, in recognition of outstanding feats ofheroism by a member or members of the volunteer fire service.

• EMS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR, in recognition of heroic individualor team efforts performed by volunteer emergency medical personnel.

• FIRE SERVICE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD, presented to anindividual who is an outstanding member of his or her community and volun-teer fire department.

• FIRE SAFETY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR, in recognition ofexceptional efforts in presenting fire prevention and life safety education toresidents of New York State.

• TEACHER OF THE YEAR, to honor educators whose efforts in pre-senting fire prevention and life safety lessons exemplify their commitment tothe students whom they teach.

These awards are open to teachers at the elementary or secondary level,currently teaching at a public, private or parochial school in New York State.Deadlines for all award applications: March 15, 2013.

Please note that each award is decided on by a respective committee. Forcomplete information on each award, including nomination criteria and con-tact information, please visit www.fasny.com.

ENGINE COMPANY OPERATIONS SEMINARThe FDNY Honor Legion will be holding a seminar on Engine

Company Operations. The three-hour seminar will cover the followingtopics: Size Up, Building Construction, Apparatus Placement, WaterSupply, Line Placement/Selection, Fire Attack/Line Advancement, EnginePositions and Duties.

The seminar will take lace on Monday, March 4, 2013 from 1900-2200at the Westhampton Beach Fire Department. To Register: MailVoucher/Check to: Firefighter Dan Ward, PO Box 87, Bayport, NY 11705,For more Information Call: 516-524-7282. All of the proceeds from theseminar will benefit the families of our fallen brothers. Cost: $40 pre-reg-istration $50 at the door. Refreshments are included.

Lt. Mastronardi is currently working in Squad 288. His previousassignments include Rescue Company 4, Squad 252 and Engine 280. Heis a Deputy Chief Instructor with the Suffolk County Fire Academy and isan Instructor at the FDNY Technical Rescue School. Visit www.FDNYHonorLegion.org for more information about the seminar.

GET OUT & VOTE, AND VOTE OFTEN!Please help our very own Erie County Volunteer Firefighter Jessie

Roland-Bystrak from the East Aurora Volunteer Fire Department;FASNY and their marketing team at ABCideabased.com win a TellyAward for Jessie’s “Fire In You!” statewide recruitment video commer-cial. The “Jessie” spot is up for a National Telly award in the "PeoplesChoice" category. Individuals can go and vote for it — and if they getenough votes, they win this prestigious national award. By the way,you can go back and vote more than once. Please share the link belowvia all of your available social media and e-communications channelsto help Jessie, FASNY and ABC Creative Group bring home the prize.It was a lot of hard work by a bunch of real and dedicated firefighters— not actors — and they deserve to be recognized. We’re proud ofJessie and we hope you are too! Here is the link. Please share, vote,share, vote at www.youtube.com/tellyawards?x=YdY4KTzHNTY.Stay safe. Train often.


Applications Being Accepted for Phoenix Firecamp, July 21-26

at the Utica Fire Training AcademyThe 7th annual Phoenix Firecamp, a free

weeklong overnight camp for girls ages 14-19,will be held July 21-26, 2013, at the Utica FireTraining Academy. The program, conducted byFire Service Women of NYS, Inc. (FSWNYS),in partnership with the WestmorelandVolunteer Fire Department and the Utica FireDepartment, is designed to acquaint youngwomen with their opportunities in fire andemergency services.

The curriculum utilizes fireground andclassroom training to develop confidence,enhance leadership skills, foster friendly com-petition, nurture community spirit, broadenproblem solving abilities, encourage teambuilding and promote inclusiveness. Amongthe hands-on exercises are aerial ladder climb,basic engine and ladder operations, forcibleentry, search and rescue, auto extrication anddisentanglement, SCBA usage, water rescueand a propane drill. Classroom learningincludes nutrition, fitness, engine and ladderbasics, and fire safety. At the conclusion of theweek, the campers are CPR certified. The cur-riculum is based upon International FireService Training Association (IFSTA) guide-lines.

Although the schedule is rigorous, there is alot of time built in to socialize, relax, have funand make new friends from New York andother states. Camper housing is at theAcademy, a former firehouse, so the girls havea real “firehouse living” experience. ThePhoenix instructors and team leaders are pri-marily volunteer and career members ofFSWNYS, who volunteer their time and paytheir own expenses for the week.

Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, aprincipal partner in Phoenix Firecamp, donatestransportation, hosts team building exercises,an evening social event, secures donationsfrom area businesses and coordinates the par-ticipation of other volunteer fire departmentsand their auxiliaries. “The recruitment ofyoung volunteers into the fire service has neverbeen more critical,” said James Kimball, for-mer Westmoreland FD Chief and a Phoenixstaff member. “Phoenix has proven to be apowerful tool; the majority of the 119 gradu-ates are now involved in the volunteer fireservice in their hometowns.”

“Since Phoenix began in 2007, the programhas been supported in various ways by manyMohawk Valley volunteer fire departments,”

he said. “They include Clinton,Cedarville,Clark Mills, Deansboro, Deerfield, Lake Delta,Lee Center, Leonardsville, New Hartford, NewYork Mills, Oriskany, Stanwix Heights,Frankfort Center Ladies Auxiliary, WestWinfield and Yorkville.” The Frankfort FireDepartment donates its mobile flashover simu-lator for forcible entry and search and rescueexercises.

The applicants must be in good physicalcondition, have medical insurance, a positiveattitude and be willing to abide by the rules ofthe camp and participate in all the activities.Those accepted are expected to submit medicalclearance from their doctor, arrange for theirown transportation to and from Utica and comeequipped with a pair of steel-toed shoes to sub-stitute for boots. Other protective gear is pro-vided by the camp.

Phoenix Firecamp is free, except for a non-refundable $100 application fee. A maximumof 24 campers are accepted annually from anational field of candidates. Applications arenow being accepted and must be postmarkedby May 1, 2013 to be considered. All thePhoenix information and the application isposted at: www.fswnys.org

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Tools Put to Work in NiskayunaNiskayuna Fire District 1 fire-fighters used the hydraulictools to extricate the driverfrom this overturned minivanon Aqueduct Road. The driverlost control on slick pavementand hit a culvert, rolling the van onto its roof. The driver was taken by NFD1Ambulance to Albany MedicalCenter for treatment.

-Fire News photo by Peter Barber


Tax not included. Subject to availability. Not available Holiday periods. Offer expires May 31, 2013. Please mention code “Fire” to receive this special rate.

Group Packages Available through Group Sales at 570-839-7111, extension 7670

Fatal Fire KnockedDown in Albany

On January 27, 2013, the Albany Fire Department wasdispatched to Arcadia Avenue for an alarm around 0511.The first arriving company reported heavy smoke andfire and transmitted a working fire. Flames were shoot-ing out the windows on the second floor of the structure.Firefighters made entry and searched the building. A sec-ondary search located a body on the second floor. Thefire is under investigation by Albany Fire, New YorkState Fire and investigators from the Albany CountyDistrict Attorney's Office. The Albany City Mayor JerryJennings and the Albany Police Department alsoresponded to the scene.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Albany FirefightersRescue Occupants

On January 15, 2013, an alarm was transmitted at 2030, for a taxpay-er building on fire at the corner of Lexington and Central Avenues.Upon arrival, Albany firefighters reported heavy fire on theLexington Avenue side of the building with several people trapped onthe third floor. Firefighters from Truck 2 were able to reach the occu-pants and rescued two adults and three children from one apartmentand one adult from another. One other adult was rescued from theCentral Avenue side of the building. Albany Fire Chief Robert Forezzistated that two adults and two children were transported to AlbanyMedical Center Hospital for evaluation. One firefighter was treatedfor a hand injury. The fire displaced 14 people. The cause of the fireremains under investigation. -Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan


Captain Matthew Porcari Mourned in Owego

Fire News would like to offer its condolences to the Owego FireDepartment and the family of Captain Matthew Porcari who waskilled in the line of duty, while operating at a fire in Newark Valley.The fire started just before 2300 and several nearby fire departments,including Owego, were called to assist the Newark Fire Department.Owego Firefighters Matthew Porcari and Daniel Gavin were in thebuilding when the floor collapsed. Captain Porcari died in the fire.Gavin was taken to Wilson Hospital with burns before being trans-ferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Matthew Porcari, acaptain with Owego Fire Co. 3, is survived by his wife, Christina, an11-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son. We offer sincerest sym-pathy to everyone who knew Captain Porcari.

-Fire News photos provided by the Owego F.D.


Annual ‘RecruitNY’ Weekend Set

Volunteer fire departments across New York State will open theirdoors and firetruck bays to local residents during the weekend of April27 and 28 as part of the third annual RecruitNY statewide volunteerfirefighter recruitment effort. To coincide with National VolunteerWeek, fire departments will hold recruitment drives at their respectivefirehouses. RecruitNY is designed to help increase volunteer member-ship which has suffered over the last few years due to various factorsincluding the stagnant economy.

During RecruitNY weekend, fire departments will conduct tours oftheir 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 thatcome with being a volunteer firefighter, as well as conduct demonstra-tions, answer questions, and let visitors know how to join their firedepartment.

“Last year, over 430 departments in 55 counties across the state par-ticipated in RecruitNY and we expect even more counties to getinvolved this year,” said James A. Burns, president of the Firemen’sAssociation of the State of New York (FASNY). “We encouragedepartments to sign up to let their communities know of their partici-pation. RecruitNY has proven a success in past years and is a key ini-tiative to help bolster membership numbers so fire departments cancontinue to provide the optimum level of protection to their local resi-dents.”

Fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, can sim-ply log on to www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participationform. The program provides fire departments with access to recruit-ment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, etc. viahttp://recruitny.org/resources.php to help a firehouse hold a recruitmentopen house. For area residents looking for more information, or to findout if your fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visitwww.recruitny.org or contact your local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website.

Statewide Firefighter Recruitment Open Houses to be Held April 27 - 28


Family Escapes Fire in Cronomer Valley

A family of seven escaped a fast movingfire on January 29, 2013, but lost their dogwhen they woke to the smell of smoke at theirHy View Drive home in the Cronomer ValleyFire District. Cronomer Valley Deputy ChiefJorge Resto arrived on the scene and immedi-ately called for a second alarm. The father wasable to escape the home and the mother low-ered the four children through a window on thesecond floor down to the father, who brought

them to safety outside. A seventh person andthe mother were also able to escape. DeGrawsaid the family did the right thing by gettingthem through the window quickly as opposedto trying to fight their way through the acridsmoke. “There was a real potential for that tobe a fatality,” said DeGraw. Family memberswere taken to St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital inNewburgh as a precaution. A small family dogperished but a caged pet rabbit did survive. The

fire, which began on the first floor, was put outin less than 10 minutes.

Units from the City of Newburgh's FASTand Orange County Fire Coordinator CharliePiper assisted at the scene as Good Will Fireand Winona Lake departments stood by forCronomer Valley. The fire is under investiga-tion by the Town of Newburgh Fire Investiga-tors office, and no injuries were reported.

-Fire News photos by John C. Miller


Frigid TemperaturesMake for a Tough Battle

On January 25, 2013, a stubborn two-alarmfire began around 1600 in Albany and burnedout of control for over two hours before beingbrought under control, but not before destroy-ing three apartment houses. The fire started ata residence on Dove Street, between Myrtleand Park Avenues and spread to neighboring

buildings. Residents of those and other nearbyhomes — some without coats — fled into thebelow freezing temperature. Power was cut tosurrounding buildings, leaving several familieswithout heat and electricity well into the night.A tenant in the building stated that he believedthe fire got its start in the basement of his

building, where he was trying to thaw frozenwater pipes using a kerosene heater. AlbanyFire Chief Robert Forezzi stated, “It was a verytough fire to fight.” The extreme cold weatherhampered the 35-plus firefighters efforts todouse the flames.

-Fire News photos by Tom Heffernan

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Fire Under Investigationin Albany

On February 3, 2013, the Albany Fire Department responded toa reported house fire on Lennox Avenue around 2350. Uponarrival firefighters found fire in the rear of the home and extin-guished the flames. Around 0500, the department received analarm for the same location. This time firefighters found thehome to be fully involved and quickly requested a second alarm.The home was a total loss and later that morning a wrecking crewtook down the remains. Battalion Chief Bill Hummel stated thatthere were no reported injuries and that the fire is still underinvestigation by his department.

-Fire News photo by Tom Heffernan

Building ConditionsHamper Menands F.D.

The Menands Fire Department was called to a structure fire ashort distance from their department on February 4, 2013.Schuyler Heights, Maplewood, Shaker Road-Loudonville andLatham Fire Departments were also called to respond to the fire.The lath and plaster walled building, which was built in the 1900's,consisted of many small hallways and multiple renovations. Theblaze, which originated in a commercial pizza oven that wasinstalled in the residence improperly, quickly spread to multiplefloors in building. The building was highly congested, making itdifficult for firefighters to access parts of the interior.

-Fire News photo by Lori A. Washburn


Fan SparksMotel Fire

On January 4, 2013, the Boght Fire Department and Latham FireDepartment responded to a structure fire at the Green LanternMotel. A ceiling fan in one of the cabins caught fire and quicklyspread throughout the ceiling and siding of the structure. The firewas brought under control without incident.


Latham Mall Used for Trainings

The Latham Fire Department invited the Fuller Road and ShakerRoad-Loudonville departments to join them in a unique trainingopportunity. Latham Circle Mall, which is to be torn down gavethe departments permission to drill and train throughout the facil-ity prior to its demolition. The opportunity was extremely valuable.



Train Incident in the Town of Coxsackie

A fire on a CSX locomotive, a quarter mile north of the Flats Roadcrossing in the Town of Coxsackie, was quickly extinguished byCSX employees. The region’s CSX trainmaster, Wayne Deyo, saidthe fire was contained to the motor. Approximately three to fourgallons of lubricant was spilled on to the ground but was absorbedby the fire departments absorbent pads. The CSX number 4403

engine, along with three other engines were heading south pullinga large number of rail cars when the fire occurred. Respondersfrom Coxsackie Hose Company 3 stood by at the scene until theentire train past the crossing. There were no injuries reported andno damage was done to the tracks.

-Fire News photo by John C. Miller


Stubborn Blaze Battledin Middle Hope

A stubborn blaze brought several Eastern Orange County firedepartments to Carter Avenue in the Middle Hope Fire District. Asecond alarm was transmitted, bringing units from CronomerValley, Good Will and the City of Newburgh fire departments tothe incident. The Winona Lake Fire Department was initiallycalled for standby duty, but was eventually brought to the scene.The City of Newburgh FAST assignment was re-assigned to fireoperations and the Stewart Air Guard Fire Department was calledto act as the FAST unit. Orange Lake covered calls for MiddleHope. Due to balloon construction, the fire quickly spread throughthe three-story house. Town of Newburgh EMS, along with MobileLife Ambulance, Town of Newburgh police, Orange County FireCoordinator Charlie Piper, Town fire investigators and Marlborofire department assisted at the scene.

-Fire News photo by John C Miller

High Winds Complicate Blaze

A fast moving fire ripped through a five-bedroom home onLexington Drive in the Middle Hope fire district. At around 0120in the morning, crews were dispatched and upon arrival foundheavy fire and smoke showing on the first and second floors of thestructure. Within several minutes of the initial interior attack, thefire was already through the roof. Firefighters were ordered out ofthe structure and operated in exterior attack mode. Heavy windconditions helped fuel the fire. Units from Goodwill, CronomerValley, City of Newburgh, and Orange Lake assisted Middle Hope.Central Hudson disconnected and secured the electrical service tothe home, while Mobile Life Ambulance stood by at the scene incase of injury and for firefighter rehab. There were no injuriesreported for the incident. The fire is being investigated by Town ofNewburgh police and fire investigators.



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Dual Response for MVA

Car Falls Through Ice in MassenaMassena Rescue and the Massena Rescue Dive Teamwere toned out for a reported “car through the ice”near the Wilson Hill Boat Launch. Arriving units founda Chevy pickup with its front end submerged. The Massena Rescue Dive Team sprung into action andrescued a 53-year-old male from the ice. Rescue unitsreported that all that could be seen of the truck was itsroof sticking out. The driver said that he planned ontrying to retrieve his truck from the water immediate-ly or he would face fines from the Department ofEnvironmental Conservation for each day it remainedin the water. He was strongly cautioned not to return tothe site of the accident. The man refused medical treat-ment and was released to state police.

-Fire News photo by Randy Montour

Cronomer Valley and Middle Hope firefightersresponded to a one-car accident. The vehiclecrashed into trees as it was heading north onRoute 9W, near the Chestnut Lane intersec-tion. The driver was treated at the scene andtaken to the Newburgh campus of St. Luke'sHospital by the Town of Newburgh EMSambulance.No other injuries were reported.



Shawangunk ValleyGoes to Work

On January 24, 2013, firefighters from the Shawangunk ValleyFire District responded to a fully involved house fire on BruynTurnpike and Red Mills Road. Shawangunk Valley was assisted byGardiner, Walker Valley, Pine Bush and Plattekill. The Wallkilland Cragsmoor fire departments were on standby. The fire dam-aged the house. No one was home at the time and the cause and ori-gin of the fire is under investigation by Ulster County Cause andOrigin. -Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

September 11th

10 Year

CoinCommemorative

order yours todaygo to www.september11anniversaryfund.com

All proceeds from the sale of this coin will go to supporta September 11th memorial fund in Orange County NYas well as the FDNY VFW post and the New YoekFirefighters Burn Center Foundation.

The September 11 Anniversary Fund is a componentfund of the Community Foundation of Orange andSullivan and all donations are tax dedutable.

Hendrickson was recently informed by the National Institutefor Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) that Hendrickson hasbeen recognized as a Blue Seal of Excellence Heavy-Duty TruckService Center. Our service department has been reviewed andfound to meet all of the requirements set by the NationalInstitute for Automotive Service Excellence.

This was made possible by the company’s initiative to haveall Hendrickson technicians achieve ASE certification.Hendrickson currently holds 18 certifications in all heavy-dutycategories offered by ASE and meets their facility requirementsand quality service standards.

“Businesses that have earned the ASE Blue Seal ofExcellence recognition have gone the extra mile in support oftheir customers. Employing ASE-certified professionals is animportant element in their overall customer satisfaction pro-gram. We salute Hendrickson for achieving this goal and thankthem for helping promote quality automotive repair and serv-ice,” said Timothy Zilke, ASE President.

“At Hendrickson we take training seriously. We strive to keepour technicians up to date with the most current repair proce-dures and tools available. We send our technicians to factoryauthorized training schools along with national training confer-ences and repair seminars with all of our major product vendors.We also perform in-house training and require all technicians tobe ASE and EVT certified,” said Tom Probst, President ofHendrickson.

HENDRICKSONACHIEVES ASE

BLUE SEALCERTIFICATION

Fire Service Safety Testing, Inc. is now expanding our serv-ices to include fall protection. We are finding that many firedepartments with belts, harnesses and lanyards are not followingfactory recommended procedures including frequency, recordkeeping and the proper head to toe techniques of inspection.

Fire Service Safety Testing, Inc. is working with PESH andfactory representatives to develop an "in house" as well as "for-mal" inspection, training, and record keeping system for firedepartments. Here's a test … Look at your belts and harnessesto find the inspection tags. Chances are they're blank!

NEWS FROM FIRE SERVICE

SAFETY TESTING


Eggertsville Elects2013 Officers

John Buttino has been re-elected to a fifth term as Fire Chief of theEggertsville Hose Company. Other officers elected to serve the vol-unteer fire company were: First Assistant Fire Chief BrianMulterer; Second Assistant Fire Chief Kiel Gentry; Fire CaptainsBrandon Peters, Jeffrey Gilson and Ryan MacDougall; and FireLieutenants Ryan Gerevics, Justyn Moore, Dennis Hilburger, andAaron VanSchoonhoven. John Whitehead, Sr., was elected Captainof EMS and Angela Stark, Lieutenant of EMS. Patrick Galvin wasre-elected to his fourth term as President of the Company. Otherselected were: Vice President James Christopher; CorrespondingSecretary Rick Cumpston; and Treasurer Robert Brand. MichaelMaisano and Paul McDonald were elected to the board of direc-tors. James McDonald was re-elected to his long-tenured post assergeant-at-arms. -Fire News photo by John Buttino

On January 27, 2013, a Piper PA-32 made an emergency waterlanding in the Hudson River off Yonkers. Its two occupants wereable to exit the plane before it submerged and began floating southon the river. Marine and aviation units from the NYPD, FDNY,Rockland and Westchester were activated. An off-duty police ser-geant and a retired police detective began a rescue by boat.The twoformer marine unit officers responded to the Hudson River Pilotboat, docked less than a mile from the crash site. Joining themwere several off-duty and on-duty officers from the Yonkers PoliceEmergency Service Unit equipped with cold water rescue suits. Theofficers located and removed the victims from the freezing waterabout 300 yards from shore. They were transported to JacobiMedical Center in the Bronx for hypothermia.

-Fire News photo by Mike Messar

Plane Crashes intoHudson River


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Winona Lake Handles MVAResponders from Winona Lake werecalled out for a two-car motor vehicleaccident on South Plank Road and theRoute 84 over pass. A 35-year-old personwas transported to the hospital byambulance.

-Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick

Deer CausesMVA at the

Newburgh MallRecently, the Winona Lake Fire Departmentwas called out to a motor vehicle accident onRoute 300 in front of the Newburgh Mall. Oneperson was taken to the hospital with injuries.It was reported that the car hit a deer that ranacross the road.

-Fire News photo by Vincent Dominick


Recently, Route 385 in Athens was closed for about an hour after aDodge Magnum, heading North on Route 385 came over the crest ofa hill and tried to avoid a pickup truck pulling out of a driveway.The driver of the Magnum slammed on its brakes and swerved hit-ting the utility pole, snapping it in half. The crash caused electrical

wires to arc and burn. Central Hudson was called to the scene andstabilized the pole. A tow-truck removed the car from the scene. TheAthens Fire Department, Town of Catskill Ambulance and the NewYork State police assisted at the scene.


Pole Snapsin Athens

Due to the success of The Firemen'sAssociation of the State of New York's(FASNY) fall recruitment training classes,FASNY will hold additional recruitment train-ing classes in March for volunteer firefightersacross the state leading up to RecruitNYWeekend on April 27-28. FASNY's AssistantVolunteer Program Coordinators (AVPCs) willinstruct the statewide training classes that aredesigned to teach volunteers how to recruitnew members. During the classes, the AVPCswill present volunteer firefighters in the areawith information such as recruitment trainingtips and assets including posters, brochures,and DVDs of the "Fire In You" broadcast adsshould they choose to purchase advertisingspace in their local media. Volunteers areencouraged to express the benefits of volun-teering including opportunities to receivetuition reimbursement from local communitycolleges via FASNY's Higher EducationLearning Plan (HELP) initiative. Volunteersare also encouraged to develop their own pro-motional ideas to spark interest in the fire serv-ice.

The recruitment training classes are part ofFASNY's multi-pronged firefighter recruit-ment and retention efforts. These training

classes are made possible by the $4.2Million U.S. Department ofHomeland Security Staffing forAdequate Fire and EmergencyResponse (SAFER) grant awarded toFASNY in 2011.

The classes lead up to the 3rdannual RecruitNY weekend whichcoincides with National VolunteerWeek and unites departments fromevery corner of the state with the solemission of bringing in new recruits.During RecruitNY, fire departmentswill conduct tours of their firehousesand fire apparatuses, allowing visi-tors to try on turnout gear and participate inactivities at the firehouses. Members will dis-cuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as wellas conduct demonstrations, answer questions,and let visitors know how to join their firedepartment. Last year, over 400 fire depart-ments participated in RecruitNY.

Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a jointundertaking by the Firemen's Association ofthe State of New York (FASNY), the New YorkState Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC),Association of Fire Districts of New YorkState, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the

State of New York, and County FireCoordinators Association of the State of NewYork. For more information on RecruitNY,please visit www.recruitny.org. For more infor-mation about recruitment training class datesand locations in your area, please visit:www.fasny.com/signup.

FASNY was founded in 1872, the Firemen'sAssociation of the State of New York (FASNY)represents the interests of the more than 90,000volunteer firefighters and emergency medicalpersonnel in New York State. For more infor-mation, visit www.fasny.com.


State Firemen’s Association to Hold Recruitment Training Classes

Leading up to April RecruitNY Weekend Volunteers to Learn How to Recruit New Members


Fatal MVA Occurs in Montgomery

On January 21, 2013, a two car motor vehicle accident occurred onAlbany Post Road in Montgomery, Orange County. One person sus-tained fatal injuries and one of the injured was extricated and flownby helicopter to a medical facility. Montgomery firefighters assisted

at scene by Walden Fire Department. The Maybrook FireDepartment stood by in Walden's district.

-Fire News photo by Steve Lenz


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Latham Installs2013 Officers

On January 19, 2013, the Latham Fire Department held its 103rdAnnual Installation of Officers Banquet. The new line officers for2013 are: Front row; Second Captain Brian Carey, SecondAssistant Chief Michael Herritt, Chief Neil Blanchard, FirstAssistant Chief Robert King, EMS Coordinator Steve Roberts.Second Row; Safety Officer Ex-Chief Thomas Bergin, ThirdLieutenant Eric Knott, Fire Police Captain Dennis O'Brien,Seventh Lieutenant Theodore Huban, Sixth Lieutenant KatieRaso. Third Row; First Lieutenant Elizabeth Herritt, FourthLieutenant Kevin Krone, Second Lieutenant Joseph Carey, Jr.,Fifth Lieutenant Todd Gardner, Third Captain Gregory Holt,First Captain David Filarecki, Jr., Fire Police First LieutenantPaul Lavigne. Good luck to the 2013 chiefs and officers.


Fuller RoadInstalls Officers

On January 26, 2013, the Fuller Road FireDepartment celebrated its annual Installation ofNew Officers. During the ceremony Dominic"Rick" Ricciardi, Jr. was presented withFirefighter of the Year plaque. Thomas Praisnerwas also presented a plaque as the Chief's AwardWinner. In the photo from left to right are ChiefLawrence Allen, Rick Ricciardi, First AssistantChief James Savoca, Thomas Praisner and SecondAssistant Chief Stephen Savoca.



RomboutFire Company HelpsBrother FirefightersRecently, eight members of the Rombout Fire Company

traveled from Fishkill in Dutchess County to the Point BreezeVolunteer Fire Department to deliver a check for their reliefeffort. The check is to aid the department in rebuilding from theeffects of Super Storm Sandy. During Sandy, Point Breeze fire-fighters battled a firestorm which destroyed over 130 homes.They fought the fire while wading through chest high floodwa-ters. The Point Breeze firehouse sustained heavy damage fromthe floodand fire apparatus and equipment were destroyed bythe saltwater. Rombout members viewed the site of the firewhere the burnt out foundations showed how much this com-munity had endured. Rombout members spoke with the fire-fighters, toured the damaged firehouse, discussed the rebuildingplans and talked about how the community was surviving. Oneof the stories that was told was how the firefighters spent dayscleaning the firehouse to make it habitable so that the local chil-dren could have a Christmas party. A $2100 check was donatedfrom the proceeds of two of Rombout’s monthly pancake break-fasts hosted in November and December 2012. Rombout FireCompany Vice-President Marc Breimer, who helped to organ-ize the effort, commented, “Point Breeze Fire Department ini-tially received donations of food, water and clothing but nowthat the rebuilding has started their needs are more financial innature to buy building supplies such as lumber and sheetrock.Rombout Fire Company could not do this without the supportof the Fishkill community who attended our pancake breakfastsand who wanted to help the victims of Sandy.” To see more pho-tos about this story go to Rombout Fire Company Facebookpage. -Fire News story by Kevin Barry

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The Main-Transit Fire Department in Amherst has a new facade asa result of more than $500,000 in renovations following an incidentin which a 52-year-old Buffalo man struck the building in an appar-ent suicide attempt. The motorist recently pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal mischief and could face up to seven years in jailwhen he is sentenced April 9, according to the Erie County DistrictAttorneys Office. The building, which is located at 6777 Main St.,sustained heavy damage in the August 29, 2011 incident, said Fire

Chief James Lawida. Three pieces of apparatus were also damaged.During the renovations, some apparatus was housed in anotherbuilding at the rear of Station One and at Station Two, on SheridanDrive. Main-Transit is responsible for 5.2 square miles in the Townof Amherst, a protection area consisting of 16,000 residents andmore than $2.1 billion in property value. The department currentlyhas 105 members.

-Fire News photo by John Connolly

New Facade atMain-Transit

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The FDNY Honor Legion, an organization that is devoted and ded-icated to the “Bravest of the Bravest,” held a seminar recently.Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (FDNY retired) spoke on “The Strategyof Firefighting.” Deputy Assistant Chief John Norman (FDNYretired) spoke on “One and Two Family House Fires,” and

Battalion Chief Frank Montagna (FDNY) spoke on “Natural GasEmergencies: What You Need to Know.” Visit the FDNY HonorLegion website at www.FDNYHonorLegion.org for the upcomingseminar that will be held on March 4, 2013.

Seminar Raises Funds for Honor Legion


On January 27, 2013, a four alarm fire tore through a one-story tax-payer on Northern Boulevard between 104th and 105th Streets inQueens about 2200. The fire was located in three stores that werereportedly vacant and fully involved, causing a partial collapse in

the rear of the stores. All members were pulled from the buildingand went to an exterior attack. It took about two hours to bring thefire under control with three tower ladders, multiple hand lines andmultiversals. -Fire News photos by Paul Mazza

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Queens Blaze(cont...)


Trustee and Ex-ChiefTed Rosko

Answers Last AlarmVice President of the Board of Trustees of the FASNY Firemen’s

Home, Ted Rosko, Jr., of Southampton, died on January 9, 2013, at theage of 57.

A member of FASNY since 1993, Ted was appointed to the FASNYFire Chiefs Committee in 2000 and was named as Chairman in 2005.In 2006 Ted was appointed to the FASNY Firemen’s Home Board ofTrustees to fill the position of the late Wilbur Ritter. He was elected tohis first five-year term in 2007 and re-elected to his second five-yearterm at the 2012 FASNY Convention. The Board of Trustees electedTed as their Vice President in 2011 and again in 2012. Ted was a devoted volunteer firefighter and an active member of various fireorganizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs;National Fire Academy Alumni Association; New York StateAssociation of Fire Chiefs, currently serving as Vice-Chair of theConference Committee; and Southern New York Volunteer Firemen’sAssociation.

Ted was an active member of the North Sea Fire Department formore than 33 years. He served as Assistant Chief of the Departmentfrom 1992 to 1996, and later as Chief of Department from 1997 to1998. He received the Firefighter of the Year award in 1986-1987.

Ted was also a member of the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’sAssociation, where he had served as President, 2007-2008; SuffolkCounty Firefighters Emerald Society; Southampton Town Fire ChiefsCouncil; and B.P.O.E. Lodge # 1574 in Southampton. He wasemployed by the Town of Southampton Highway Department for 23years. Ted is survived by his wife of 26 years, Teri. Ted touched manylives and will be missed.

Obituary

fire news new york state march, 2013

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