fd rant new may 2015

The #1 Publication for the Long Island Fire ServiceThe #1 Publication for the Long Island Fire ServiceThe #1 Publication for the Long Island Fire ServiceFD RANT NEWS

EAST FARMINGDALEBattles Building FirePage 5

Volume 4 Editi on 5 May 2015

ROOSEVELTHouse Fire with Fatality4

JERICHOMulti ple Units DestroyedPage 16

SOUTHOLDHistoric Church DevastatedPage 7

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Welcome to our Print Edition

The time has fi nally come. After over 3 years of delivering our subscribers the MOST and the BEST coverage in our digital edition, the FD Rant News has arrived in print format. This is a direct result from the feedback we have received from our loyal readers. Just like when we launched our 1st ever edition on February 1, 2012, many people were unaware that there was a new form of media to bring them fi re and emergency scene coverage from across Long Island. Over the years our publication grew from a …”cute little newsletter…” with a half dozen ‘unknown’ correspondents into an industry leader in covering the Long Island Fire Service. Now, those very correspondents are seasoned veterans who are well respected for the work they perform. We have changed the industry because we have been committed to improving our content and deliver it in a form and style that our readers want to see.

As you could probably tell from our cover page, our debut is loaded with some of the biggest stories that have occurred over the past month or so in both Suffolk AND Nassau Counties. That is not by accident. In addition to the best correspondents in the business, we have also seen a huge spike in the amount of user submitted material in both the digital and the print editions. Why is that? Well, frankly, it’s because we are better than the others in our business.

As you read our print edition, please be sure to take advantage of the features we have included for you to make your experience even better. Use your smartphone to scan the QR Codes that are embedded into the stories so that you may see even more of the correspondents’ photos from a particular incident. Also, we make it easier for you to contact us by scanning those codes to open your mail browser. Also, our newly designed marketing and advertising techniques use state-of-the-art strategies to get our vendors optimum exposure for their goods and services.

In closing, I would like to thank all of our loyal subscribers and I would also like to welcome our new subscribers to the FD Rant News PRINT edition. We hope you enjoy our publication as much as we enjoy delivering it to you.

Ex-Chief Jeff DiLavore Publisher

All news articles, photographs, images, illustrations, audio clips, video clips, trademarks, designs, graphics, logos, icons, images, user interfaces, visual interfaces, advertisements and computer code (“Content”) contained in FD Rant News is either owned or used under license by Sophan Publishing, LLC with ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Content contained in this publication is protected by United States Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without prior permission of Sophan Publishing, LLC or the owner of that Content. Companies advertising in the FD Rant News agree to hold harmless Sophan Publishing, LLC beyond cost of advertising space for errors. FD Rant News is a print and digital publication produced monthly by Sophan Publishing, LLC, Northport, N.Y. 11768.

For Advertising and Subscription Information call 516.852.4965Email Address: [email protected]

Website: www.FDRantNews.com

FD Rant News

Jeff DiLavore Editor/PublisherBrian Welliver Associate Editor

Dave Cook Associate Editor Holly Luscher Graphic Editor

Jodi May Copy Editor

Andrew CarpenterKen BradburyKevin BurkeChris Colletti Kevin Conn

Jeff DiLavoreRobert DeNaro

Eric DevineLauren ChenaultRobert Garofalo

Fred KopfPaul Krussmann

Tom LambuiKevin MadiganDevin Malloy

Ralph MonielloBrian Olsen

Dominic OrlandoEvan Rolla

Chris Sabella

Ron SchankinChris Seidensti cker

Matt ThomasKim VersheckJohn Walthers

Mike CapozielloTom Cronogue

Phil LichtenbergerJim McNamara

Don Prince

Cover Photo by Chris Colletti

The #1 Publication for the Long Island Fire Service

Contributi ng AuthorsCorrespondents

ROOSEVELT

House FireWith Fatality

Photo by Kevin Madigan

SOUTHOLD

Historic ChurchDevastated

Photo by Katherine Drum

JERICHO

Multiple UnitsDestroyed

Photo by Kevin Madigan

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On March 17th at approximately 10:30PM, the East Farmingdale Fire Company was requested to A&S Coat and Apron Supply located at 124 Marine Street for an automatic fire alarm. East Farmingdale Fire Company Assistant Chief Matt Joseph [1-5-31], Assistant Joe Iuzzini [1-5-32] and Assistant Chief Duane Welliver [1-5-33] arrived on scene and were met with smoke showing. They quickly upgraded the call to a general alarm. Engines 1-5-2 and 1-5-6, along with Ladder 1-5-15, responded to the scene. A fence lock needed to be broken and a side door was forced to gain entry to the building. Firefighters secured a hydrant and stretched a hand line into the building, making an aggressive attack to try to knock down the fire. A working general alarm was then activated, and mutual aid was requested from the North Amityville Fire Company’s RIT team as well as an ambulance. South Farmingdale Fire Department was also called for their RIT team and they went to work. Farmingdale Fire Department sent a truck, and additional engines were dispatched from the North Lindenhurst Fire Department and the West Babylon Fire Department. Due to strong winds, fire conditions became worse and the decision was made to halt interior operations. Manpower was assembled for a “surround and drown.” As the fire load went through the roof, numerous hand lines were placed into operation along with three ladders flowing water from above. Two firefighters were transported to the hospital with undisclosed injuries.

EAST FARMINGDALEAutomatic Alarm Turns into WorkStory and Photos by Chris Colletti - LNBN Photos

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Members of Farmingdale Fire Department SQ924 after a recent structure fi re in Jericho. Kev

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Members of Yaphank on the scene of a recent MVA with overturn.

Members of Westhampton Fire Department after a recent house fi re.

Members of Bohemia operate on the roof a commercial structure fi re.

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On Saturday night March 14th, the Southold Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the building at 2331 hours. First officer on scene was 2nd Assistant Chief Craig Goldsmith [8-4-32] and called for a 13/35 (working fire). Mutual aid from Mattituck, Cutchogue, Greenport, East Marion, Orient and Shelter Island Fire Departments responded either to the scene or to standby during the alarm. An excavator was called in to assist with the overhaul and salvage after the fire was knocked down during which time the church bell was located and returned to the church’s pastor.

SOUTHOLDHistoric Church Devastated Story by Chief Peggy Killian Photos by Katherine Drum

Author’s Note: First Universalist Church donated a bell to the Southold Fire Department in 1889 which has since been mounted on a rock alongside our firehouse. At a ceremony on April 6, 1963 the bell was put in service to notify the members of the department that they had an alarm. I would like to thank our neighboring departments for their help. I especially want to thank the members of Southold Fire Department for doing an outstanding job– Peggy [8-4-30]

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On Thursday, April 9th, Companies 2, 3, and 5 of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, and the Ambulance Unit, were dispatched to the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Norgate Road in Manhasset for a reported motor vehicle accident with overturn and entrapment. Multiple apparatus responded, however, while en route the dispatcher notified them that the incident was actually located in front of 220 Community Drive. Units on scene at the corrected location confirmed a three-car accident with one person trapped and multiple aided. Deputy Chief Candan [8704] arrived on scene shortly after and reported that Hurst tool equipment was being placed into operation for extrication and there were a total of five aided. The victim was freed from the vehicle and transported to North Shore University Hospital. All units were released from the scene by Deputy Chief Garrigan [8703]within 25 minutes. Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to their injuries.

MANHASSET-LAKEVILLEThree-Car MVA with OverturnStory by Kirk Candan Photos by Daniel Arce

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On the morning of March 20th, around 10:30am, the Copiague Fire Department received a call for a reported vehicle fire in front of 114 East Clearwater Road. Reports from Suffolk County PD on scene confirmed a fully involved auto. Chief Dan Campion [1-3-30] and Assistant Chief Dominick Nuzzi [1-3-33] arrived on scene quickly and were advised that a child was removed before fire engulfed the vehicle. The child was uninjured. Upon arrival of Engine 1-3-5 and Engine 1-3-9, firefighters stretched a 1¾’’ hand line to quickly knock down the fire. A second hand line was stretched as a precautionary measure. All units operating on scene took up within 45 minutes of the alarm.

COPIAGUE Fully Involved Vehicle Story and Photos by Chris Colletti - LNBN Photos

On Tuesday, March 17th, just past 1:30pm, the Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a reported MVA on Hawkins Avenue, just north of the “Five Corners” intersection. Suffolk County PD advised that one car crashed into a telephone pole, with the driver heavily pinned and suffering severe head trauma. Crews went to work using multiple tools to remove the roof and doors in order to gain access while EMS personnel attempted to stabilize the driver. Once the victim was extricated, Ronkonkoma ambulance transported to a landing zone for a medevac, however, upon arrival the flight medic advised that the patient could not be stabilized enough to fly. The patient was then transported by ground to Stony Brook Hospital, listed as critical. Unfortunately, about a week later, the patient succumbed to his injuries.

RONKONKOMAHeavy PinStory and Photo by Chris Sabella

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15 KINGS PARKMulti ple Tools In Acti onStory and Photos by Brian Welliver

On Saturday afternoon March 14th the Kings Park Fire Department was alerted for a 16/23 MVA with entrapment at the intersection of Pulaski Road and Avenue K. A driver had lost control of his car, crossed into oncoming traffi c and struck a utility pole heavily entrapping him in the vehicle. Under the direction of Chief Dan Guilfoil [4-1-30] the crew of Rescue 4-1-9 used multiple extrication tools to remove the driver’s door and roof of the car before they had to roll the dashboard in order to remove the victim. The extrication took nearly 30 minutes as the patient was transported by Kings Park FD EMS to St Catherine’s Hospital.

Kings Park Fire Department Heavy Rescue 4-1-9 operates multiple tools during the extrication.

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WESTHAMPTON BEACHCar Fire Leads To House Fire Story and Photos by Kevin Raynor Westhampton Fire Department

On Friday March 21st the Westhampton Beach Fire Department was activated for a reported structure fire at 10 Jennifers Path near Deborah Drive in Quiogue. The initial call was for a vehicle fire in close proximity to the house. Assistant Chief Bill Dalton [7-8-32] arrived on scene and confirmed an involved vehicle with extension to the home. Engine 7-8-1 arrived and stretched a hand line. Firefighters performed a search of the home, and as additional manpower arrived, a second hand line was deployed. Crews utilized a thermal imaging camera to check for further extension. Assistant Chief Halsey Stevens [7-8-33] also directed operations on scene. Both Quogue and Eastport sent an engine to the location, and Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance sent an EMS crew. East Quogue had an engine standby for the duration of the alarm. The Southampton Fire Marshal was notified for an investigation.

SELDENDoor Pop Story and Photo by Chris Sabella

On Saturday April 4th just before 6:00 pm, the Selden Fire Department responded to an MVA at the intersection of Middle Country Road and Rosemary Drive. Crews put the hydraulic rescue tools to work to free a victim trapped in one of the vehicles who was later transported with minor injuries to the hospital.

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BOHEMIANo Luck at Chinese Restaurant Story and Photos by Ken BradburyAdditi onal Photos by Robert Garofalo

On Sunday, March 22nd at 2:43pm the Bohemia Fire Department was toned out for a structure fi re at a strip mall located on Veterans Highway. Chief Michael Stankunis [3-12-30], Chief Sterling Haynes [3-12-31], and Assistant Chief Brian O’Neill [3-12-32] responded and confi rmed fi re from the roof of the New Ming Restaurant. The fi re originated in the restaurant’s stove exhaust and extended to the surrounding tarred roof area, creating plumes of thick, black smoke. Crews quickly extinguished the blaze with minimal damage to neighboring stores. Mutual aid was called from Bohemia, West Sayville, Sayville, Lakeland Holbrook, and Bayport Fire Departments, as well as Sayville Community Ambulance.

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DIX HILLSBusy Year Conti nues Story and Photos by Ken BradburyAdditi onal Photos by Chris Seidensti cker

On Saturday, April 4th the Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a reported structure fi re at 12 Kenmore Street. Units were advised of reported heavy fi re and a possible victim within. Chief Robert Fling [2-8-30] requested that mutual aid plans be initiated and called for the Cyanide Kit from East Northport Fire Department. The fi rst engine crew on scene advanced two lines, located and removed the victim from the back bedroom. Life support operations were performed, as the victim was in cardiac arrest, and he was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. Unfortunately two pets were lost in the blaze. 70 fi refi ghters needed 45 minutes to bring the fi re under control and the Suffolk County PD Arson Squad was notifi ed. Assistance was provided by the Deer Park and Melville Departments, as well as Greenlawn, Huntington Manor, and North Babylon. EMS was provided by Wyandanch and Brentwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps. One fi refi ghter suffered a hand laceration.

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15 ROOSEVELT Fatality and Multiple Injuries Reported Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan - K2M Photography

At 0237 hours on Friday, April 3rd, the Roosevelt Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire at 87 Debevoise Avenue off of Charles Street. When units arrived on scene they were met with heavy fire throughout a two-and-a-half story private dwelling. Firefighters attempted an interior attack; however, the fire was too far advanced. Several hand lines were put into operation so an aggressive exterior attack could be initiated. During the overhaul phase, crews discovered one deceased occupant on the second floor. Three other civilians received minor injuries when they jumped from windows in the residence. Mutual aid units were provided by Hempstead, South Hempstead, Uniondale, and North Merrick Fire Departments. Standby units included Freeport, Baldwin, North Merrick, North Bellmore, and Merrick Fire Departments. All units were under the command of Roosevelt Chief Derrick Fennell [7300]. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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COMMACKAft ernoon Pin Job Story and Photo by Evan Rolla

On April 3rd at 1454 hours, the Commack Fire Department was dispatched to an accident in front of 3023 Jericho Turnpike. Units arrived to fi nd a two-car MVA. One driver, who had sustained serious facial injuries, was trapped in their vehicle. Under the command of Chief Andrew Babajko [2-11-30], fi refi ghters used the Jaws of Life to remove the trapped driver. Crews from Rescue 9 and Engine 12 removed the driver’s side door and secured both vehicles involved. The victim was transported by Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corp to a nearby hospital.

HOLBROOKMajor Injuries AvoidedStory and Photos by Robert Garofalo

The Holbrook Fire Department responded to a one-car MVA on Saturday, March 28th, at approximately 1845 hours. The wreck occurred in the westbound express lanes of Sunrise Highway, east of Broadway Avenue. A minivan left the roadway, striking the right shoulder guardrail. The force of the crash caused the minivan to take out approximately 20 feet of guardrail. A section pierced the fi rewall, with intrusion into the compartment by about one foot, directly in line with the driver’s lower extremities. Under the command of Chief Chris Heinssen [3-15-31], members from Rescue 7 and Engine 6 accessed the vehicle and reached the victim. Members from EMS Unit 16 then tended to the female driver who luckily sustained only minor, non-life threatening injuries. EMS personnel transported the patient to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital.

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15 JERICHO Wind Gusts

Fan the Flames Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan - K2M Photography

A windy afternoon, Saturday, April 4th brought the Jericho Fire Department difficult work as they were dispatched to a fire at the Westwood Village Apartments. A Nassau County EAB technician who called it in stated that fire was through the roof. Early reports of people possibly trapped proved to be false. Westbury Engine 966 and 9602 were in the area at the time taking up from a prior call and quickly responded. Jericho Engine 942 transmitted a second alarm, and additional tower ladders were requested to the scene and put into position immediately. Additional mutual aid to the scene consisted of units from Glenwood, Farmingdale, Plainview, and East Norwich Fire Departments, with an eventual full-department response from Westbury. Standby units were called for both Jericho and Westbury during the operation. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital with only minor injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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FREEPORT Car Fire at BJ’s

Story and Photos by Kevin Madigan - K2M Photography

At 1217 hours on Tuesday, April 7th, the Freeport Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire at BJ’s Wholesale Club located at 100 Mill Road. When units arrived on scene they confirmed a car fire in the parking lot. Freeport Engines 211 and 216 operated on the scene under the command of Chief Billy Walsh [2100]. One line was stretched and the fire quickly extinguished. No injuries, member or civilian, were sustained.

MEDFORD Heavy Rescue

Story and Photo by Chris Sabella

Just after 1200 hours on April 7th the Medford Fire Department was activated for a reported heavy rescue on Granny Road. The male driver lost control of his vehicle and struck two telephone poles, becoming trapped within the car. Crews used hydraulic tools to extricate the victim and he was transported to a local trauma center.

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15 SELDEN Smoky Apartment FireStory and Photos by Chris Sabella

On Tuesday afternoon, April 7th, a smoky fire in the Vista View Apartments on South Bicycle Path in Farmingville brought work to the Selden Fire Department. Crews encountered a stubborn fire seated in the walls of two units with extension to the roof. Five other area departments were alerted, and firefighters used multiple hand lines to contain the fire and prevent damage to neighboring apartments. Two firefighters were injured on scene, and both were treated for minor injuries and released from a local hospital the same day.

BROOKHAVEN MVA with Extrication Story and Photo by John Walthers – Suffolk Fire Photos

On April 14th at 1208 hours, the Brookhaven Fire Department was activated for an accident on the southbound side of William Floyd Parkway near Flowerhill Drive. Upon arrival Assistant Chief Giuseppe Loiacono [5-3-31] advised responding units that he had two cars to secure and requested that Fire Police shut down the road. EMS personnel were treating victims in one of the vehicles when the crew from Rescue 3 was notified that they needed to remove all four doors of the vehicle so patients could be extricated. The crews went to work with the Hurst Tool and were able to assist in removing both occupants. A total of three patients were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

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PATCHOGUE Heavy Fire on ArrivalStory and Photos by Robert GarofaloAdditi onal Photos by John Walthers

The Patchogue Fire Department was alerted for a reported house fi re Saturday, April 11th, at approximately 1730 hours on the corner of River Avenue and Fordham Street. Chief Jeff Baer [5-19-30] heard an explosion and, while enroute to that location, saw a column of smoke and had dispatch transmit the signal for a working fi re. Mutual aid to the scene came from Bayport for their RIT, North Patchogue for a tower ladder and rescue truck, and Patchogue EMS for an ambulance. Hagerman Fire Department stood by for the duration of the operation at Patchogue headquarters. No injuries were reported and the Suffolk County PD Arson Squad is investigating the cause of the fi re.

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Brookhaven members on the scene of a recent MVA. Jo

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Copiague Firefi ghter operating on scene of a vehicle fi re. C

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Selden 30+ year Firefi ghter Vincent Ammaratti at a recent MVA. C

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COPIAGUE Quick Hit on Taxi Fire Story and Photos by Chris Colletti – LNBN Photos

Around 12:30am on April 2nd, a Suffolk County Police First Precinct sector car reported a vehicle fire to their dispatch in the parking lot near 744 Montauk Highway. Copiague Fire Department Chief Dean Campion [1-3-30] arrived to that location and confirmed a well-involved auto. Within minutes, Copiague Engines 1-3-10 and 1-3-7, accompanied by Heavy Rescue 1-3-3, arrived on scene. Crews stretched both a hand line and a trash line, resulting in a quick knock down. All units operating on scene took up and were back in service within 30 minutes of the initial alarm.

LEVITTOWNOne Injured in Head OnStory and Photos by Kevin Conn

On Wednesday, April 15th, at about 1245 hours, the Levittown Fire Department and Wantagh-Levittown VAC were alerted for an MVA on Gardiners Avenue in front of the Levittown Post Office. Assistant Chief Thomas Steinwall [6201] was first on scene and found a two-car accident, each occupied by a driver only. A Wantagh-Levittown ambulance and a Levittown Fire Department ambulance responded. One victim was transported to the hospital and the other refused medical attention. Levittown Heavy Rescue 6218 also arrived on scene to secure both vehicles and apply Speedy Dry to engine fluids that had spilled on the roadway.

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15 HAUPPAUGEPursuit Leads to EntrapmentStory and Photos by Devin Malloy

On Saturday, April 4th, at approximately 1645 hours, the Hauppauge Fire Department was alerted for a motor vehicle accident with reported heavy rescue at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Hwy (454) and Wheeler Road (Route 111). As a result of a police pursuit, a car struck a utility pole and overturned. Assistant Chief Eugene Oliver [3-8-31] arrived at that location and confirmed the early reports of an overturn with entrapment. Hauppauge Heavy Rescue 3-8-9 arrived on scene and the crew immediately went to work with hydraulic tools to remove the roof and doors of the vehicle, as well as move the dashboard, in order to free the driver. Suffolk PD Aviation was requested, and the victim was transferred to an East Brentwood Fire Department ambulance for transport to a landing zone. The victim was flown to Stony Brook University Medical Center. All units were back in service by 1730 hours.

8th Annual Chuck Varese Vehicle Extrication Tournament

Saturday, May 9, 20159:00 a.m.

Northport Fire Department Training Grounds - Steer’s Pit

Please come out and support the teams that are competing in the

Town of Hunting tournament!

For information call Beefy Varese 516-658-0699

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SMITHTOWN Overturn at Country Club

Story and Photos by Jeff DiLavore

On Tuesday April 14th, the Smithtown Fire Department was alerted for a 16/23 MVA with overturn and heavy rescue on Landing Avenue near the Smithtown Country Club. While responding, Assistant Chief Mike Landrigan [4-2-31] was advised by Smithtown Communications [4-2-0] that Suffolk PD were on scene confirming entrapment and that the accident was located near the clubhouse at that location. A driver had struck a fence with her vehicle rolling onto the driver’s side. Upon arrival, Chief Landrigan directed Heavy Rescue 4-2-9 to stabilize the car and use a Sawz-All to cut through the windshield in order to gain access to the victim inside the vehicle. Within minutes, the victim was removed from the vehicle, treated by Smithtown Fire Department EMS personnel and transported to Saint Catherine’s Hospital with undisclosed injuries.

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15 WESTHAMPTON Multi ple Departments Batt le Condo Blaze

Story by John Walthers and Kevin RaynorPhotos by John Walthers, Mark Yakaboski and Chris Bugge

On April 15th, around 1508 hours, the Westhampton Fire Department responded to the Sandpiper Condos on Dune Road for what came in as an automatic alarm. Upon arrival, Chief Ross Donneson [7-8-30] and Assistant Chief Bill Dalton [7-8-32] encountered heavy fi re showing from the condominium complex. A working fi re was transmitted, with mutual aid requested from multiple surrounding departments. East Moriches and Riverhead Fire Departments sent a ladder to the scene, while Eastport, Flanders and Quogue dispatched engines. High winds caused the fi re to grow rapidly, and along with structural failure and collapse the decision was made to conduct a more aggressive exterior attack with tower ladders and master streams. Several lines were directed to protect the other exposures close to the fi re building. The Suffolk County FRES Command Center and MERVE were brought to the scene to assist in operations, and ambulances from all over Suffolk County participated in fi refi ghter rehab. By around 5:40pm it appeared that fi refi ghters had the blaze under control, however, the building was a total loss. The cause of the blaze is being investigated by police and fi re offi cials. During the next 24 hours crews responded back to the scene to extinguish hot spots in the rubble.M

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Scan the QR Code to Request More Information

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15 NASSAU COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION AWARDS CEREMONY

Story by Andrew CarpenterPhotos by Andrew Carpenter, Kim Versheck, Kevin Madigan

On Wednesday, April 15th, the Nassau County Fire Commission hosted their Annual Awards Ceremony at the Nassau County Firefi ghters Museum & Education Center in Garden City. The evening was emceed by Assistant Chief Fire Marshal John Priest and included an address by Chief Fire Marshal Scott Tusa. Members of the Nassau County Fire Commission were also on hand to assist in the presentation of the awards. This year’s awards honored several individuals and Departments for various incidents over the past year.

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Garden City Fire Department

Port Washington Chiefs [center] with their department’s Unit Citation A

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This year’s awards were:

Silver Medal of Valor awarded to Lieutenant Kevin Nicoll of the Mineola Fire Department for his actions at the Port Washington Marina Fire at the Manhasset Bay Marina on August 20, 2014. Lieutenant Nicoll, who works at the marina, shut down the gas supply to the fuel pumps after a boat exploded while refueling and also rescued a victim who was thrown into the water.

Bronze Medal of Honor awarded to Captain Joseph Scales, Firefi ghter Russ Fincher, Firefi ghter John Finneran, and Firefi ghter Michael Morgan of the Garden City Fire Department. On October 17, 2014, these members of the Garden City Fire Department responded to a building collapse with workers trapped and rescued 2 victims who were trapped in the collapse.

Civilian Citation awarded to Jose Mauricio. Jose, a worker at the Manhasset Bay Marina prevented further damage to the docks and other boats by towing a boat that had exploded during refueling into open water.

Unit Citations were also awarded to the Port Washington Fire Department for their response to a house explosion on August 5, 2014 as well as the Garden City Fire Department for their response to a building collapse at the former Nassau County Social Services building on October 17, 2014.

Editor’s Note: From all of us here at the FD Rant News, we would like to congratulate all of the members of the Nassau County Fire Service and also Mr. Mauricio for their bravery and for their lifesaving actions. The residents of Nassau County are lucky to have such dedicated men and women to protect them each and every day.-Jeff D

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Lieutenant Kevin Nicoll of Mineola received the Silver Medal of Valor

Mineola and West Hempstead provided ladders for an American Flag arch

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15 KINGS PARK Overturn with Pin

Story and Photos by Jim LoDuca - Kings Park Fire Department

On Thursday, April 2nd, at 1634 hours, the Kings Park Fire Department received a call for a Signal 16/23, MVA with overturn and possible entrapment, in front of 64 Rosewood Road near Cypress Drive. Upon arrival of Assistant Chief Tim Clark [4-1-32] he confi rmed one car, on its roof, on the front lawn, with an occupant trapped inside. The crew from Heavy Rescue 4-1-9 arrived on scene and put hydraulic rescue tools to work in order to free the victim while members of Kings Park EMS Company #5 were treating the victim. A hand line was also stretched during the operation as a precautionary measure. After removing both of the driver’s side doors, the patient was removed from the vehicle and transported to the hospital with undisclosed injuries. All units were back in service within 30 minutes.

FARMINGVILLEHot MessStory and Photos by Robert Garofalo

The Farmingville Fire Department responded to a vehicle fi re Wednesday, April 15th, at approximately 0930 hours on South Bicycle Path and Mount McKinley Avenue. Under the command of Chief Al Licata [5-18-30], fi rst due Engine 2 stretched the primary attack line and made quick work of the involved Jeep. Second due Engine 3 assisted with fi re suppression and relayed tank water to Engine 2. All units were up and available a short time later. No injuries were reported.

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APPARATUS OF THE FIRE SERVICE

Roosevelt Ladder 735 operates a recent fatal residential fi re. K

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Jericho Engine 943 operates at a recent working fi re.

Patchogue Engine 5-19-2 operates on the scene of a working house fi re.

Kings Park Engine 4-1-2 operates on the scene of a recent dumpster fi re.

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Some history stuff for ‘ya. I like to mix it up from time to time. After a 28 year hiatus, the Gamewell fi re alarm box is back in Elmont. Well, sort of. They are no longer standing guard on the street corners of the district, but have been installed on the departments 7 fi rehouses and facilities (photo 1). The massive 289 box system (largest on Long Island) was removed in 1986 in favor of a radio controlled box system by King-Fisher. The 70 ugly Yellow boxes were only installed on main streets and in target buildings. They were put on most of the fi rehouses as well.

The tired and faded old King-Fisher boxes remained on the fi rehouses after the last of the street boxes were removed in 2010. When it came time to replace the fi rehouse boxes, the District made the decision to replace them with brand new Gamewell boxes. Although not a telegraph box when pulled the signal will go to an alarm company which will call Nassau County Fire communications for dispatch.

A few historical notes on the old Gamewell system. When the then 5 separate Elmont fi re companies formed the Elmont Fire Department and Fire District on August 20th 1928, one of the priorities of the newly elected fi re commissioners was to install a “modern” fi re alarm system for the district. On May 3rd 1929 a Gamewell representative surveyed the district and recommended 44 boxes for the coverage area. Belmont Race Track was contacted for installation of boxes as well but declined at the time. The system went into service February 1931 with the fi rst alarm received on February 5th 1931. Box 343 Plainfi eld Ave and Chelsea Street came in at 18:25. This was a false alarm. Back in 1931, the fancy red boxes must have been a large curiosity and an attraction to the public; especially the children. On February 23rd the department played its fi rst “cat and mouse” game responding to 9 false alarm box calls in 6 hours. The suspected alarm puller, or pullers, was never caught. The fi rst actual box received for a fi re was on February 10th at 20:10 for a small fi re on School Street.

The Elmont area was mostly farmlands back in the 30’s and as the community was being developed the need for more alarm boxes also increased. In 1940 there were 58 boxes, 1944-72 boxes, 1958-240 boxes, 1976-285 boxes. All connected to an audible alarm system of one Diaphone horn and sixteen - 2 ½ and 1 horse power federal sirens.

An interesting home alert system was created by the Elmont Fire Alarm Bureau. The system called the “Oscolarm” was essentially a speaker box that was installed in all the fi refi ghter’s homes. (photo2) The speaker would “beep” out the same box number of the alarm being sounded though the regular transmission line of the alarm system working on a low voltage of 3 volts. The unit had a battery backup in case of power failure. These speaker boxes would remain as a “home alert system” until Plectron units were purchased in the mid 1970’s. There is rumor that the Elmont alarm personnel worked on the Bellerose village alarm system and these units may have been used by Bellerose fi refi ghters as well. Can any Bellerose village members out there confi rm this?

The 289 box system, including 37 at Belmont Race Track, was slowly taken out of service (photo3) and, by 1985, there were only 46 boxes left (not including the Belmont boxes which would remain). Belmont Race Track still has small model Gamewell boxes in the barn area (photo 4), however they are radio controlled, switched over during the King-Fisher changeover. These boxes send a signal to Belmont Race Track security “Gate six,” who in turn calls Firecom with the box location. Although the bells and audible alarms are silent a piece of fi refi ghting nostalgia is back in Elmont.

Until next time..Be Safe and Keep Em’ Rolling!

TALKIN’ FIRE STUFFBy Mike Capoziello

THE LITTLE RED BOX IS BACK IN ELMONT

Mike Capoziello has over 30 years as a member of Hook and Ladder Co. #2 and former Chief [2011-12] of the Elmont Fire Department. He serves as a Department Training Offi cer, Public Information Offi cer and Historian. He has 20 plus years’ experience as a houseman and dispatcher in various Nassau County departments and is currently a Supervising dispatcher with Nassau County Firecom, training offi cer for the Fieldcom unit, member of the Nassau County Fire Service Critical Incident Stress team for the past 11 years and is a liaison for the team to the Nassau County Fire Commission.

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