June Issue #6 - Westchester County Volunteer Firemen`s Assn.

Volume 1 • Issue No 6
The Voice of Westchester’s Fire Service
June 2016
The Westchester County Volunteer Firemen’s Association
Editor: Tom Bock
This Issue's Highlights...
2-Year Fire Death
Baldwinsville Fire Chief asks
why a 2-year old died in a new
building that could have been
sprinklered.
Sprinkler Coalition
Fire Sprinkler Initiative Summit
makes effort to change
sprinkler laws.
Robert Outhouse Seeking
Directorship with
Hudson Valley
Volunteers
Life member of Buchanan
Engine Company, Vice
President, Deputy Chief and
more seeks position.
Firefighter Funeral
Etiquette
Helping to clarify some
information for firefighter
funerals.
Becoming A Volunteer
A two-part insiders look.
DES Radio System
Update in our next issue
Stay tuned.
We’re back with a new look,
and new plan to keep you
informed by using the
updated WCVFA paper,
along with our online
presence at
www.WCVFAweb.com and
on www.FaceBook.com
We’ll get the word out
about your upcoming events
if received one month
before the event’s date. Or,
send us what took place and
we’ll try to publish that for
you.
Send info to:
[email protected]
President: Lawrence Lee, Sleepy Hollow FD
Founding Editor: C.J. Becker
Fire Chief: “Why are we not giving the
fire death of a two year old in a new
home the attention it deserves?”
It took the
Baldwinsville, New York,
Fire Department only
three minutes to arrive
at the scene of a recent
home fire. The fire had
already intensified to
the point that a veteran
firefighter couldn't make
entry. He waited for the
engine company's
arrival.
Inside the home was
two-year-old Nora
Lamirande, who was
napping in an upstairs
bedroom while her
mother and brother were outside enjoying the spring weather. The brother headed to a
neighbor's home as the mother followed, only to return to see the structure in flames.
Something left on the stove was the apparent catalyst, per a report on the incident.
Despite a valiant effort by firefighters, Nora died--in a home built only two years ago. Why
this story, which highlights all the reasons why sprinklers in new construction are necessary,
hasn't gotten more attention has baffled Fire Chief Rick Ennis, chair of the Missouri Fire
Sprinkler Coalition.
He has shared a personal essay on the tragedy with NFPA:
Today marks one week since two-year-old Nora Lamirande's funeral, who died in a fire that
occurred in a new home, in a new subdivision. A fire in a home that should have had a
home fire sprinkler system. A fire that would have undoubtedly had a much different
outcome had a home fire sprinkler system been provided and installed by the homebuilder.
Last night, I was checking online to see if there had been any updates regarding this fire. I
was checking to see if any of the fire service agencies or fire service publication sites had
picked up on the incident. Still nothing (again, if anyone can show me that I am missing
something, please do so). I came across a story on Syracuse.com posted May 5 that
reported that a Gofundme account set up for the family had raised more than $50,000 in
one day. The report cited there had been 860 donations, ranging from $5 to $1,000, with
one donor writing, "no one should have to bury a child."
I admire each and every person that made a donation to that account. But I find it sadly
ironic and quite frustrating that we have allowed the National Association of Home
Builders to convince everyone from consumers to politicians that a small fraction of that
amount of money is “too much” to invest upfront to rapidly get water on a fire and keep
this type of tragedy from occurring in the first place.
continued on page 2
Volume 1 • Issue No 6
June 2016
Fire Chief: “Why are we not giving the fire death of a
two year old in a new home the attention it deserves?”
continued from page 1
I realize this story is no longer “news”. The fire occurred nearly two weeks ago. Nora’s funeral was a week ago. Several other
fire deaths, injuries, rescues and “big fires” have since made headlines. The story now is how in the world this fire seems to
be passing under the fire service’s radar. I did get a reply from the NFPA that assures me they are looking into the fire. I
realize that will take considerable time and effort to do so with the thoroughness required. I am just glad to know it is
happening. I've received some interesting and valued feedback from others.
I wrote an initial response to this tragedy, where I stated "a home fire sprinkler system could have changed the outcome of
this fire. We encourage all to research and learn more about this fire and ask the question: Why, in 2015, does a fire like this
take a life in a newly built, single-family home?" I am not suggesting that reevaluating our perspective on fire sprinklers is
the only way to improve fire suppression, firefighter safety, and service delivery, but I will not back off that it would be an
improvement to all of these critical areas of the fire service.
In eighteen years as a fire chief, I have consistently avoided using the emotional “burning baby” appeal to justify anything. I
am reluctant to allow this incident to be used in such a manner. I cannot claim to imagine how the mother or the family feels
right now, nor how they will be moving forward. My intent is simply to use the opportunity this fire offers to create dialogue,
to question the status quo. My hope is that at some point in the near future, this fire gets the attention it is worthy of,
within the fire service, within the courts, and within political chambers. My hope is that positive change in the future can
result from Nora’s death. My challenge to us all is that we all help ensure this happens.
Reprinted with permission.
Looking to Make Fire Sprinklers
in All New Homes a Reality,
Sprinkler Coalitions Attend
Fire Sprinkler Initiative summit
What can be accomplished when some of the top advocates for home fire sprinklers throughout the U.S. and Canada are brought
under one roof?
In an effort to bolster the use and acceptance of this safety technology, chairs of the nearly 30 state sprinkler coalitions and key
sprinkler supporters from Canada attended a special summit hosted by NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative (FSI). Differing in scope
from previous summits hosted by FSI, the recent event held at NFPA headquarters aimed to energize these influencers in their
push to lead effective coalitions while addressing common stumbling blocks.
The summit specifically addressed:
•
keeping coalition members engaged while bringing other key parties to the coalition table
•
how traditional media and social media can powerfully promote fire sprinklers and coalition efforts
•
engaging and persuading the opponents about fire sprinklers
•
how the fire service can use personal stories of fire and loss to their advantage
•
Honored at the summit was the Maryland State Firemen's Association via the Bringing Safety Home Award. Distributed by FSI and
the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC), the award recognized fire service members and other safety advocates who use HFSC's
educational materials and FSI resources to ensure that decision makers have accurate information when updating or adopting
their fire sprinkler codes. The association was honored for their efforts in successfully defeating an anti-sprinkler bill in Maryland.
The summit was also coupled with the HFSC board meeting, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Check this blog
frequently for updates on this celebration.
WCVFA
Page 2
Volume 1 • Issue No 6
June 2016
1st Vice President Bob Outhouse
Candidate for Director’s Position.
On June 16 -18 2016 the Hudson Valley
Volunteer Firemen’s Association
Convention will be held in Lake George.
WCVFA is proudly supporting our 1st
Vice President Bob Outhouse for the
position of Director. He is currently the
Sergeant at Arms for Hudson Valley. Bob
is a life member of the Buchanan Engine
Co.#1 Inc. currently serving as the
company President and Deputy Chief.
Bob is a certified NYS EMT and a
member of the Croton EMS, Croton-onHudson NY. He is Life Member of the
Cortlandt Engine Co. Montrose, NY; Associate member of Riverview Manor
Hose Co. of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY and a life member of WCVFA. He is
a member of the NYS Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire
Investigators, Chapter 23, Firemen’s Association State of New York,
Southern Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Life Member of The Putnam
Northern Westchester Fire Police Association, International Association of
Bomb Technicians and Investigators, and a member of the Red Knights
Chapter #8. Bob is a past member of the NYS Arson Board and a former
NYS Fire Instructor. Voting will be held on Friday June 16, 2016 at 10:00
a.m. – 11:30 p.m. at the West Glens Falls Fire Station. Please come out and
support our candidate.
WCVFA
Page 3
Volume 1 • Issue No 6
June 2016
Firefighter Funeral Etiquette
Firefighting, rich in history and tradition, extends its history to a
firefighter's funeral, especially for a firefighter who dies in the line of
duty. The National Volunteer Fire Council notes that while each
company has its own traditions, the funeral for a firefighter is marked
by a number of standard rituals. We offer this as a guideline for those
without a policy or are just unsure as to how to proceed at an event.
Uniform
The funeral detail for both a formal and a semiformal funeral should
be outfitted in Class A uniforms. Class A uniforms are composed of
department-issue navy blue coats, dress shirts, slacks, belt, and tie.
The only exception to this is for pallbearers and for members of the
color guard. In all cases, firefighters should be sure to coordinate
their outfits. In the event of a nonformal or a private service, the
entire department as a unit should wear either uniforms or civilian
clothes.
Ranks
Traditionally, in a formal or semi-formal funeral, the department will
enter the church or funeral home together and sit together once the
service has started. Department members should stand according to
rank, with senior officers on the inside. Attendees should be seated in
the following order: fire chief; union president; international principal
officer; local union officials; deceased's company; delegation of
department's chief officers; members of department; and members of
other fire departments.
Removing Cover
Firefighters in Class A uniform often wonder when to remove their hat
during a funeral service. For all officers not in the color guard or
serving as a pallbearer, the firefighter's department-issue hat -sometimes called the firefighter's "cover" -- should be removed when
entering a building, including the church in the which the service is
being held. However, when offering a salute, the hat should be
temporarily replaced, as it is improper to offer a salute without wearing
his cover. An exception to removing cover is for a ceremony held
outdoors. Then the decision to remove or not remove cover is up to the
discretion of the officer in charge of the ceremony.
Decorations
Deaths of department members are often commemorated by placing
flags at half-staff. At fire stations, the flag should run at half-staff from
the date of the death until 30 days have elapsed. In additional, funeral
bunting, if used, should remain on the station and the union hall for this
same time period. Badge covers should also be placed on each
member’s badge for 30 days from the time of notification of the death.
Bell Ceremony & The Fireman's Prayer
Many firefighter funerals close with a bell ceremony and a reading of a
prayer. In the ceremony, a bell is rung three times, as was traditionally
done to signal the end of an alarm. In this case, the ringing signals the
end of the deceased's duties. It is also traditional to have a member of
the fire service read "The Fireman's Prayer."
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WCVFA
Volume 1 • Issue No 6
June 2016
Becoming A Volunteer Part 1
I’ve slowed down a bit as I’ve gotten older, but when the pager goes off, I still get that twinge and feel the excitement of going to a call.
Nowadays, I don’t lift the stretcher as often as I used to. I don’t drive to the scene as fast as I once did, nor do I put on an air-pack and
do interior operations like I used, but I still need that “fix”. I also have to thank my wife, my biggest supporter, who continues to tolerate
it all. I always wonder if and when the next call is coming? Hah! Who am I kidding? I know it is.
It Starts
“When they interview you, just don’t tell them you’re joining for the excitement,” my sponsor John had said, “Tell them you want to
help the community and things like that,” he suggested. About a week or so later the fire company’s Board of Directors interviewed me.
From there I would have to be voted in by the general membership at a regular monthly meeting. I tried to get a feel for it all and began
going to alarms while awaiting their decision. Most of the time I simply got lost because I didn't understand the whistle system or know
the streets.
“Can you play pool?” Stan asked while we were hanging out, days before the membership would vote.
“A little bit,” I said modestly. “Rack ’em up and see!” Truth be told, I was actually quite a good pool player and would often hustle
drinks from time to time while barhopping. I was usually able to “run” the table and spend very little money for drinks.
“You’re as good as in,” said Steve, as I won the game sinking the eight ball. The following Tuesday, I was voted in as a one year
probationary member.
There was a constant stream of tidbits and information offered from numerous members with different levels of experience or skill. It
was never as one block of instruction, just bits and pieces. It was reassuring that everyone wanted me to do a good job.
“The bell has to be wound every couple of days based on how many “hits” (calls) we have,” I was told, “Just don’t over-wind it or
you’ll break the spring.” It turns out there were two bells in our firehouse, one upstairs and one on the apparatus floor. “When we get an
alarm, the bell rings the same as the number of blasts that the fire whistle is blowing. Count the bell and you’ll get the vicinity of the
alarm.”
“These ramps are to raise the trucks so we can put the chains on in the winter. Don’t worry, you’ll be assigned to a chain gang.”
“There’s a fine if you don’t make the cleanups or drills.”
“Stick with an old-timer at calls and he’ll show you the ropes.”
“Be smart, train well and you’ll be okay. Rely on your training, it’ll keep you alive.”
Enough already, I wanted to go to a fire.
Anxious For A Call
All of this was good, but inside I felt I was dying a slow death. At nineteen, I needed action; I needed a call. What I soon realized was
the more I hung around the firehouse waiting for a call, the fewer calls we seemed to have. We tell that to rookies to this day.
“I’m going away for a couple of days, do you want to borrow my Plectron?” my sponsor John asked. Plectron was the brand of radio
receiver given primarily to drivers and long-time members – never to rookies. Plectron’s were few and far between in our department.
Knowing there wasn’t one in my near future, I leapt at the opportunity, “Yes!”
“Huh!” It was the Plectron tones waking me up; I had had a good night at the pool tables. I heard, “The fire department is needed for a
car in the river by...” That woke me up as I got dressed, jumped in my car and sped to the scene. After parking and getting to the crowd
of other firefighters on the riverbank, I watched as one of our own burst to the surface in street clothes from under the water gasping for
air. He inhaled and went back under only to re-emerge with a man. He had the driver. Wow! I was addicted – this was definitely for me!
I didn’t care what I was supposed to say in any interview, this was exciting!
I went back to waiting.
Early Days in EMS
“Congratulations, you are now certified in CPR,” as I was handed my Red Cross Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation certificate. I brought
it home and put it in my desk drawer with my Advanced First Aid and various fire certificates I was constantly earning. By now though,
WCVFA
continued on next page
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Volume 1 • Issue No 6
June 2016
Becoming A Volunteer
continued from Page 5
I had established my activity but would still hang out at the firehouse, waiting.
And waiting. Then it came.
“The ambulance is needed for a woman having a heart attack on the second floor of the restaurant at Main Street...” Faster than Jesse
Owens, I hustled my butt to the ambulance, which the fire department operates and rode it to the scene. Back then we had a portable
oxygen tank with a flow mask, some bandages, feminine napkins for big bleeds and a few wooden splints. This was the Jurassic Days of
emergency medicine, affectionately referred to as “crash and carry”. I asked bystanders a few basic CPR questions I’d learned in class
about the victim and began compressions while another member did ventilations.
We put the patient onto our Reeves stretcher and carried her down the two flights of stairs. The Reeves stretcher is a soft, flexible
stretcher that is lighter and more maneuverable than a conventional metal stretcher. Resuming CPR for a minute at the landing, we then
put her into the ambulance. It was one of those original Hearse-style meat wagons. I maintained compressions for the trip to the ER. I
was 19 or 20 years old with a big red “S” on my chest. I could do this forever. Another member was holding my belt and pants to steady
me as I continued CPR as the ambulance weaved in and out of traffic. What stood out the most was the atomic wedgy I had gotten!
Then, I went back to waiting for another call.
Another ambulance call came in the following day. It was a non-emergency sort of call.
“Any word on the woman we brought in yesterday with the heart attack?” I asked the same emergency room nurse while putting fresh
sheets on our stretcher.
“She’s in intensive care,” she said, obviously remembering the call. It was easier back then because the ER didn’t have the volume of
calls and people they do now.
“Wait, she’s alive?”
“Yes, she is, because of you guys.”
“YES!” I said out loud. I recall feeling as though I was walking on a cloud for about a week after having actually saved my first patient
using CPR. I was hooked. The hunger for more seemed to grow after each call. I had definitely become hooked!
To be continued...Part 2 will appear in next month’s edition.
WCVFA
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Volume 1 • Issue No 6
WCVFA
June 2016
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Volume 1 • Issue No 6
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June 2016
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Volume 1 • Issue No 6
June 2016
Lost In The
Shuffle
Presorted
Standard
US Postage
Paid
Permit No 9617
White Plains NY
Help Us
Find these
Missing Members
IF YOU KNOW ANY OF THESE MEMBERS OR YOU
KNOW WHERE THEY HAVE MOVED, PLEASE
CONTACT LINDA BENDER WITH THEIR NEW
INFORMATION.
William J. Carpino
Warren J. Clark
Philip A. Dreeland
George E. Griggs Jr.
Robert J. Irwin Jr.
Clarence Jenkins Jr.
William H. Logan II
Salvatore Mazzullo
Steve Reyes
109 Elk Ave.
New Rochelle
NY 10804
Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department
29 Acorn Ave.
Middletown
NY 10940-1665
Columbian Engine Co. #1, Inc. (Peekskill)
27 Bari Manor
Croton on Hudson NY 10520-2337
Croton Fire Patrol #1
17 Cottage Place Katonah
NY 10536-1905
Katonah Fire Department
765 Bronx River Rd. Apt. 3J
Yonkers
NY 10708-6909
Clinton Hook & Ladder Co. #1
23 Vernon Ave.
Mt.Vernon NY 10553-1604
Mount Vernon Vol. Fire Department
PO Box 158
Tarrytown NY 10591-0158
Riverside Hose Co. #4
14 Clinton St.
Pleasantville
NY 10570-3152
Daniel P. Hays Hose Co. (Pleasantville)
112 Chatsworth Ave.
Larchmont NY 10538-2901
Larchmont Fire Department
Dates For WCVFA Events
June 23 Katonah
July 10 South Salem
Aug. 18 Somers
Sept. 22 – 24
Sept. 29 Buchanan
Oct. 20
Nov. 17 Larchmont
Dec. 15 Mamaroneck
Katonah Fire Department
South Salem Fire Department
Somers Volunteer Fire Dept.
110th WCVFA Convention Hastings on Hudson, Hastings FD.
Buchanan FD
To Be Announced
Larchmont Fire Department
Town of Mamaroneck Fire Dept. Weaver St.
FUTURE WCVFA CONVENTION SITES
All Site/Dates published on approval of Chairman Peter G. Saracelli
(WFC) = Waiting for Confirmation.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
WCVFA
Hastings on Hudson
Briarcliff Manor
Open
Cortlandt Engine Co., Montrose
Ossining VFD (WFC)
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