VOLUME 44 Issue #5 Friday, July 13, 2012

“COMPLIMENTARY COPY” Editor: STUART L. GATES, Stony Point, NY 10980

RCVFA Awards Scholarship to: Kristen A. Sandberg, Bridget Kunz, Sarah Mistele and Kevin Brelesky, worth $5,000 total. Congratulations to each – full story on page 2

AWARDS LETTERS DUE BY JULY 31

RCVFA Secretaries Bruce McClintock and John “44-11” Kryger remind RC local chiefs that their letters to award deserving heroes and individuals that the deadline is soon! July 31!

Firefighter of the Year goes to Howard F. Schweitzer in Garnerville. Kenneth T. Wanamaker of Central Nyack awaits Unit Citation nominees. These along with other honors, will be announced at the 100

th

Convention, Friday Sept. 7. Your promptness is appreciated.

ANDY KOLESAR HV FIREMAN HERO

Andrew Kolesar, Ex-Chief of the West Haverstraw FD was honored for his Jan. 14, 2011 rescue of Capt. Ken Patterson by being announced as the HVVFA Firefighter of the Year during the Friday, June 22

nd

session of the HVVFA Convention. Andy, in full dress Chief’s Regulation Uniform, received a long and loud thunderous standing ovation, noted Mike Dolan, company president.

A color guard and delegation of his Volunteer Hose Co. 2 escorted their honored peer into the ceremony with presentations from the HV by Pres. Delbe Spath.

Andy has been selected as the State Firefighter of the Year and will be honored/applauded by FASNY during its convention in Liverpool on Wednesday, August 15

th.

RCVFA NIGHT AT BOULDERS JULY 26

RCVFA Night is Thurs., July 26th at the Rockland

Boulders game 7 PM. This centennial anniversary event is sponsored by the Wayne Hose Co. 2012 Convention Committee.

Tickets $14, $1 beers, Fireworks Show. OK to bring your apparatus and color guards/banners. The RCVF Pipe and Drum Band is scheduled to play.

Come see WHO will throw out the First Pitch!

Gates open 5 PM at Provident Bank Park just south of the Fire Training Center in Pomona. The Boulders baseball team is in the Can-Am League.

Tickets and info contact July 26th Game Coordinator

Kristen Wicks at 845-629-9332 or go to spfd2012contention@gmail.com

RED BOOK & BLUE BOOK AVAILABLE

Now available and free are two new sources for Rockland’s responders thru the RC FTC in Pomona.

The annual re-covered RC Fire Services Directory updated for 2012 has been complied by Sheryl Rose. Each department, organization, village and town fire inspectors, officers with addresses and telephone/cell/e-mails etc are included in this 124 pages of resources. Also included, fire apparatus and some neighboring mutual aid and out of county FD’s. To secure your copy call FTC 845-364-8800.

New this year is the Blue Book compiled by the RCVFA, thanks to Mike Kramar, John Kryger and Ken T. Wanamaker. This is a guide to all the firefighter’s organizations in Rockland County. It is not

Page 2 THE TRUMPET

a history, rather you’ll read their mission, activities, meeting times, dues, awards and an application for those qualified and wishing to join and interested in attending a meeting.

The first presentation was one to each of the 14th

FTC graduating FF I and FF II classes on June 26th.

This guide about firemanic organizations on how and who can join, was suggested by Central Nyack FD Ex-Chief Ken T Wanamaker. Also included in the Blue Book is information about FASNY, Hudson Valley VFA, the NYS Fire Chiefs and the NJ & NY VFA.

COSGRIFF WING NIGHT FRI. JULY 27

“Again All You Can Eat” reports Linda Heath, RCVFA’s Haverstraw Town Vice-Pres., about the Wing Night at the Haverstraw Elks Club on Friday evening July 27

th, hosted by Cosgriff Hose Co.4.

Donation $15 for Wings, Fries, Poppers, Wine, Soda, Tap Beer. DJ Rockin’ Richie will be there! 50/50 Raffle, Cash Bar, 7 to 11 PM “Chance for you to support local volunteers”, notes No. 4 Ex-Chiefs Thomas Babcock and George Crowley.

RCVFA BOARD VOTES 4 SCHOLARSHIPS

Thanks to generous donations and support from Barry Dorfman of Liberty Mutual in New City, the Board of Directors of RCVFA approved a recommendation by Scholarship Chairman James B. Hartwick to award a total of $5,000 for four RCVFA Stuart L. Gates 2012 Scholarship, reports Board Chairman Chris Nau.

There were 13 applications received and reviewed and evaluated again. Two scholars received $1,500 each and two others are granted $1,000 each.

Winners are: Kristen A Sandberg, Clarkstown South HS graduate headed to Marist College; active with West Nyack FD Ladies Auxiliary, winner of Girl Scouts Gold Award, Lifetime Member of the American Quarter Horse Assn. as an owner of two horses.

Bridget Kunz, graduate of Clarkstown North HS plans to enter Binghamton University being Team Captain for Varsity Lacrosse, helper at Congers FD Pancake Breakfasts, Pres. of Art Honors that paint mural at Kindor North, being both a Blood Donor and volunteer at Blood Drives.

Sarah Mistele of Clarkstown South HS going to Penn State Schreyer Honors College, won Girl Scouts Bronze Award, also Pres. of Center Stage Drama, Director of the Children’s Choir at St .John’s Episcopal Church.

Kevin Brelesky from North Rockland HS plans to attend Mary Mount Manhattan for Theatre or Vocal Performance, being a Cantor at St. Mary’s Church, in a cappella Choir, an Honor Society Tutor, Youth Police Academy and Snack Shop Volunteer at football games.

ALEX BRUZZI WINS FASNY SCHOLARSHIP

Alexander Bruzzi of the Pearl River Hook & Ladder Co. 1 has been announced as one of the winners of the 2012 Gerard J. Buckenmeyer FASNY Scholarship.

Alex is a recent honor graduate from Pearl River High School and an Eagle Scout residing at 250 East Central Ave. He’s been a volunteer firefighter in Dept. 12 for two years, with plans to attend RCC this fall. His community service includes help at the Buddy Ball Sports Program with Challenged Youth.

Alex’s scholarship award of $1,000 is one of only 10 granted statewide by the FASNY Scholarship Committee (Brian E McQueen, Chairman). Mr. Buckenmeyer inaugurated recognizing youth’s leadership when he was FASNY President 1994-1996.

RCVFA congratulates Alex Bruzzi, said RCVFA Pres. Frank Voce.

4 ROCKLAND VOLS. 50 YRS. IN HVVFA

During the Friday morning session at the HVVFA Convention, four veteran firefighters from Rockland County were recognized for their 50 or more years membership in the 16-counties sectional organization.

Honored were: Joseph P. Gordon, Senior Ex-Chief of the Haverstraw FD with 60 years, having joined in 1952. He was escorted into HV Pres. Delbe Spath by his son John “Bart” Gordon (currently an HFD Asst. Chief) and son-in-law Ex-Chief Andrew Connors with grandson Matthew, also a volunteer firefighter.

Also 50 years from, Haverstraw, George H. Blizard. Now 50 years were two from Nyack FD Ex-Chief’s John Sarvent and Andrew Kolb III and also another Jackson No. 3’s “War Veteran” Raymond McBrien.

Ernest E. Dunn Sr., an honorary member of RCVFA was also recognized.

“Ye Editor” served as Chairman for this HV 50 yrs. Members Recognitions Committee, inaugurated by Hillcrest’s Fred A. Bagley in the mid 1990’s. With the 10 added to the list HVVFA has over 60 loyal 60+ years members.

Page 3 THE TRUMPET

HUDSON VALLEY CONVENTION 2012

John W. Coyle IV of New City was re-elected Rockland County Vice-Pres. Liaison to the Hudson Valley 16-Counties Sectional VFA at the June 22 caucus.

John announced that the 2013 HVVFA Convention will be hosted by West Glenn Falls VFD June 19-22, 2013.

For the first time (123 years) the HVVFA elected a female Pres., Ex-Chief Marilyn L. Schfader from West Athen-Limestreet FD in Greene County. Her sister Vickie Dichiar was also elected Pres. of the HVVFA Ladies Auxiliary the day before.

Other HVVFA Officers elected were; Joseph Mellam of White Sulphur Spring to be First Vice-Pres.., Rick Penney from Walden FD won the contest for 2

nd Vice-

Pres. June Gunza is Secretary again. George H. Hill stayed Fin. Sec. with Michael Karashay, Treasurer again.

A by-laws amendment was presented by Chairman John Gunza that passed after discussion that the HVVFA Board of Directors could vote to drop an individual from the association rolls if their co./dept. submits a letter noting that a member was expelled, dropped from the co./dept. rolls, due to committing a crime or such serious behavior. Such vote to be taken at any Board Meeting. Adopted.

RCVFA LADIES 2012-13 OFFICERS

Debby Sandberg reports:

Pres. Marilynn Lobbe, SWJ 1st Vice-Pres. Ceil Blumfield, Hillcrest

2nd Vice-Pres. Eleanor DeGraw, Hillburn

Sec. Debby Sandberg, West Nyack Fin. Sec. Linda Wanamaker, Central Nyack Treas. Dianne Werner, Tappan Chaplain Jean Diller, Tappan Asst. Chaplain Elizabeth Knower, Tappan Directors: 5 year Roberta Doremus, Tallman 4 year Carol Cich, SV Columbians 3 year Rosemarie Ciolfi, Tappan 2 year Holly Haman Congers 1 year Barbara Call, SWJ Sgt-at-Arms Barbara Call, SWJ

If you would prefer to receive your copy of “The Trumpet” in an electronic version rather than the paper version, please send us your e-mail address. We will add you to our e-mail list and remove you from the snail mail list. Please contact Sheryl Rose at 845-364-8800 or RoseS@co.rockland.ny.us

VOCE & MARTUSCELLI INSPIRE GRADS

Frank Voce and Vincent Martuscelli Sr. each challenged and truly motivated the 70 graduates during the June 26, 14

th RC Firefighter Graduation

held at RCC. Speaker Voce is the Pres. of the RCVFA. Ex-Chief of South Spring Valley FD Martuscelli Sr. gave the Commencement Address.

Frank Jewett, NYS Fire Instructor and an Ex-Chief of Nyack FD was Master of Ceremonies. Fire Coordinator “44-1” Gordon W. Wren Jr. welcomed all after the invocation by the Rev. Warren R. Brandt (SWJ).

Valley Cottage FD had the most grads – nine, with Nanuet congratulating right newly trained. Haverstraw FD gained seven newly trained. Besides the Rocklanders there were trainees from the Croton-on-Hudson, Harriman and the West Hamilton Beach (Queens) FD’s graduating.

Congratulations to all graduates, instructors, coordinators, FTC Staff and NYS OFPC. Stay Safe!

NYS ASSEMBLY HONORS KNAPP/PATTERSON

On Thurs., May 15 the NYS Assembly read a resolution on the floor in Albany to Gerald (Jerry) Knapp and Kenneth (Kenny) Patterson for their heroic acts, prompt and appropriate actions and caring concerns in their efforts to preserve other lives on Jan. 16, 2012, when a gas leak caused a massive explosion on Zariello Lane in West Haverstraw.

Also honored were two O&R workers Lee Stipek and Ian Mackey. All four were injured while evacuating safely almost 100 residents from their townhouses.

Jerry is WHFD Training Officer. Kenny is a Capt. of Volunteer Hose Co. 2 of West Haverstraw. Chief George O. Zayas was the busy Incident Commander.

The legislative resolution was sponsored by Assembly members Nancy Calhoun, Ellen Jaffee, Annie Rabbit, and Kenneth Zebrowski. Others at the ceremony and time of tribute were; West Haverstraw Mayor John Ramundo, and the honorees families from Rockland County.

Page 4 THE TRUMPET

KORNFELD, REW, NEWMAN & SIMEONE

Attorneys & Counselors at Law _____________________

Providing legal services to fire districts and fire

departments for over 40 years.

Also concentrating in Personal Injury, Real Estate, Estates,

Matrimonial and Family Law *****

Frank T. Simeone Robert E. Rew Jr.

Thomas J. Newman Jr (1912 – 1960)

William S. Badura

Scott A. Dow Thomas J. Newman

Jerome S. Jefferson (1928 – 2012)

Jerome M. Kornfeld

(1923 – 2012)

46 Washington Ave 845-357-2660

PO Box 177 Fax: 845-357-6977

Suffern, NY 10901 KRNE@KRNE.com

Page 5 THE TRUMPET

ROCKLANDERS WIN AT HVVFA PARADE

More shouts of joyous surprise and with out-stretched high arms to collect their winning HVVFA 2012 trophies were Hillcrest, Sparkill and Orangetown No. 1 South Nyack (both men and Ladies Auxiliary),

Hillcrest won 3rd in the Tug-of-War and First Place

Regulation 8-19 Marchers.

John Paulding Engine of Sparkill-Palisades scored 3rd

place in Blouse Uniforms.

Orangetown Fire Co. 1 South Nyack took home 3rd

Best with 20-26 Marchers. While its Ladies Auxiliary rated 3

rd Best Ladies with 5-10 in line and coming the

farthest distance. Men also won 2nd Best Color

Guard.

Accomplished all in the downpour rain, reports Head Judge Orangeburg Ex-Chief Ken Gordon. Rockland won six of the 55 trophies at South Glens Falls.

It was Plattekills weekend as it won Best Overall Men, Best Overall Ladies Auxiliary and 2 Mardi Gras Awards: Best Theme, the Most in the Mardi Gras Parade and Auxiliary with most in line on Saturday. Ossining, too Most inline of March. Best Drum Corp or Drum Line; Tarrytown VFW with the Mahopac FD. Best Fife and Drum; The Regulators with the Mahopac FD.

Watch the HVVFA paper from Editor John Balling for all the winners and categories.

The Hon. Harriet Cornell, Chairperson of the RC Legislature, is now the Legislative Liaison to the RC Fire Advisory Board reports Board Chairman Frank Hutton. Mrs. Cornell “years ago” served as liaison concerned about the volunteers, their training and public safety, note “44-1” Gordon W. Wren Jr.

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

As of this report, legislation on the FASNY Score Card agenda that have passed in the Assembly and Senate include:

• The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Recognition passed and is expected to be signed by the Governor since the new bill addresses flaws in last year’s bill which he vetoed.

• The Utility Rate Reduction bill, which we have been working on for over 10 years, has finally passed in the Assembly and Senate and hopefully will be signed by the Governor.

• Bail-Out Rope Reform amends the “safety ropes” law in order to provide firefighters with appropriate equipment and procedures for above grade floors in structure fires.

• Consolidation Amendments changes the Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act regarding post plan mandatory referenda for consolidating and dissolving local government entities

• Some of the other bills on the Scorecard have passed in only one legislative house or are still languishing in committee.

• Details of all the Score Card bills can be reviewed on FASNY.com

Respectfully submitted, James Hartwick, Legislative Committee.

RCVFA SEEKING HOST FOR 2014

John Intrieri, RCVFA 2nd Vice-Pres., expressed the

concern of the headline. The 2014 convention and parade is still open. Financial assistance is available from the RCVFA. Future Conventions: 2012 – Stony Point, 2013 – New City, 2014 – OPEN, 2015 – West Haverstraw Vol. Hose Co. 2, 2016 – SWJ, Garnerville.

Page 6 THE TRUMPET

George M Mulligan, CPA

Tax Return Preparations, Auditing

Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

New Business Set UP

Financial Planning

Stony Point, NY

942-1186

He’s a Wayne Hose Co Driver &

Treasurer Stony Point Fire District

Page 7 THE TRUMPET

CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE 845-786-3861 Deadline for Next Issue Last Wed. 7/25/12

Sat., July 14 ● Wayne Hose Bazaar 5-11 PM at Patriot Hills, PIP Exit 14.

● Hudson-Mohawk VFA 85th Convention parade celebrating 200th Birthday of the Knickerbocker

Steamer Co.1, Waterford.

Sat./Sun., July 14-15 ● Piermont FD Carnvial, Sat. 9 PM Fireworks.

Sun., July 15 ● Rockland Westchester Day at Hudson Home, Paul Schlegel Chairman, FREE bus and food, bus

leaves Orangeburg Firehouse Dutch Hill Rd 7:30 AM, Hillcrest Mt Ivy Station 8 AM, Vol. Hose 1,

Suffern 8:30 AM, Families Welcome!

Tue., July 17 ● Firehouse EXPO at Baltimore MD Convention Center thru Fri. July 21.

Wed., July 18 ● RC Safety Officers Assn. 7:30 PM Mtg at Congers Harrison Ave, Don Arterburn President.

Thur., July 19 ● RC Fire Chief’s mtg 7:30 PM at Tallman with Pres. Harold Straut, scholarships night.

Fri., July 19 ● First Day of Ramaden.

Tue., July 24 ● RC Fire Districts Assn. Mtg 7:30 PM with Pres. Evan DeVries at Pearl River Excelsior .

Wed., July 25 ● RCVFA Bd of Directors meet 7:30 PM at Rt. 9W Wayne Hose Co. with 2012 Convention Host

Committee, Chris Nau Bd Chairman.

● Annual Parade 7 PM at Brewster.

● Deadline for articles for Trumpet.

Thur., July 26 ● RCVFA Night at Rockland Boulders Baseball Game, Gates open 6 PM, Program starts 7 PM,

Tickets $14, Kristen Wicks 629-9332, Fireworks!

Fri., July 27 ● Cosgriff Hose Wing Night $15 at Haverstraw Elks Club.

● Summer Olympics Open in London England thru August 12.

● Firemanic Parades 7 PM in both Patterson, Putnam County and Bedford Village, Westchester.

● Ulster County Convention.

Sat., July 28 ● Annual Punkin Town Fair at New Salem firehouse, Rt. 85A in Albany County.

Tue., July 31 ● Orange County VFA at Mechanicstown firehouse 8 PM with. Pres Mike Clancy.

● RC Fallen Firefighter Memorial Meeting 7:30 PM with Rich Silverberg & George Cich,

Chairmen.

Fri., Aug. 3 ● Pawling FD Parade 7 PM.

Sat., Aug. 4 ● Catskill Fire Cats Muster 10 AM.

● Explorers Post Annual Weekend at Lake Carmel, thru Sun., with Training, contact Mike Conklin.

Wed., Aug. 8 ● RCV Fire Police meeting 7:30 PM with Pres. Mike Leitner at John Paulding Eng Co, Sparkill FH.

Fri., Aug. 10 ● RCVFA Next Meeting 8 PM at Rockland Hook & Ladder Co, Spring Valley firehouse with Pres.

Frank Voce, Annual Nominations for Officers to be elected at Sept. 7 Convention, Bring a Buddy or

Future New Member

Township Caucas Known at Press Time:

Mon., July 16 ● Orangetown at Tappan 7:30 PM

Tues. July 17 ● Ramapo at SV Columbians, 7:30 PM

Wed., July 18 ● Haverstraw at Cosgriff Hose 7:30 PM

Mon., Aug. 6 ● Stony Point at 9:15 PM

Please check with your Town Vice-President

Future Events

Fri., Sept. 7 ● RCVFA 100th Convention at Stony Point hosted by Wayne Hose Co. 7:30 PM @ Kirkbride Hall.

Sat., Sept. 8 ● Parade 2 PM step-off

To view this newsletter on line, please go to the following web site: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Fire/default.html Thanks to Sheryl Rose, Nancy Baker, John Kryger and Andy Best

Please email Sheryl Rose with any Fire Department news, dates of events, fundraisers, etc. RoseS@co.rockland.ny.us

Please note: that “ye editor” Stu Gates had an accident at home on Fri, July 6 and is currently in Westchester Medical Center,

as of Sunday, July 8 he was doing better. You can send regards to him at 29 Jay Street, Stony Point, NY 10980. Let’s keep him

in our thoughts and prayers.

FROM THE

FIRE COORDINATOR’S OFFICE

On the evening of June 26th, the 14th Firefighter Graduation took place at Rockland Community College. The families and friends of

approximately 70 firefighters were recognized for graduating Firefighter I and II. New York State Instructor Frank Jewett did a great job as

Master of Ceremonies. Ex 25-1 and Fire Advisory Board member Vinny Martuscelli, Sr. delivered an excellent keynote speech, and overall

it was a great evening. One of the highlights of the graduation took place at the very end after the graduates had received their certificates.

Several months ago, Neil Kane, M.D. joined the Piermont Fire Department. Soon after he enrolled in Firefighter I, one of his state

instructors, Mike Healy, noted that he stood out due to his enthusiasm and energy. Unfortunately, Dr. Kane never completed his Firefighter I

Classes. He suffered a life-threatening medical condition, and his chances for surviving were very slim. Thankfully, he did survive and is in

the process of recovering. Dr. Kane was in attendance at the graduation and was surprised when his former classmates, represented by Class

President Hyun D. Cho from the Sparkill Fire Department, presented him with a plaque and some inspiring words. In addition, the Chief and

many of his line officers and members from Department 13 were there as Assistant Chief Bill Cavanaugh eloquently explained how the

service was one big family and how we take care of each other. Neil (Doc) Kane approached the podium and received a well-deserved

standing ovation. Well done to all who were involved!

Written on Plaque

Neal “Doc” Kane

Our Brother Our Friend

Keep on Fighting

Winter Class 2012

Firefighter I

Class President Hyun D Cho, Neal “Doc” Kane, MD,

Back Frank Voce, RCVFA Pres.