Editor: STUART L. GATES, Stony Point, NY 10980rcvfa.com/trumpet/TrumpetDec2009.pdfEditor: STUART L. GATES, Stony Point, NY 10980 NO 2010 EXPO,NO PAST PRES. DINNER Paul Streichert,

VOLUME 41 Issue #10 Friday, December 11, 2009

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

NO 2010 EXPO,NO PAST PRES. DINNER

Paul Streichert, as President of the RC Volunteer Fire Services Museum Board, announces there is NO EXPO in Spring 2010. This decision was made due to low attendance by the public. Many of the dedicated local volunteers spent past EXPO days doing demonstrations for small crowds. Some Rockland companies did not show their antiques or apparatus as promised. “The county ladies auxiliary selling refreshments and our fire police were very supportive, so maybe in 2011 we’ll host an EXPO”, said Bob Huslinger, Secretary-Treasurer of the Museum Board.

Kenneth T. Wanakmaker, a Board Trustee, reminds all that the museum in Pomona is open daily and tours can be arranged by calling 845-364-8800. Free Admission!

“There will be No RCVFA Past Presidents dinner in the Fall of 2010”, reports 2nd Vice-Pres Paul D. Sclegel, Dinner Chairman. The RCVFA Board of Directors after discussion, so voted with agreement by the honoree, association Pres. Kenneth Carr. “Due to the recession-economic times and high unemployment dinner funds are otherwise needed, including for “Safety Training” said President Carr.

TAPPAN TO HOST NJ&NY VFA – APR. 30

You can mark your 2010 calendars now for the headlined date and place notes Ron Ciolfi, Senior Trustee for the bi-state volunteers. That 5th Friday of April will be the last regular meeting for Pres. Gates before the June 4th Convention.

We thank the Volunteer Fire Assn. of Tappan, formed in 1907 as Rescue Hose Co. 1. They still posses their original pump and leather buckets.

M. WORTENDYKE HONORARY MEMBER

A highlight of the Orangetown Fire Co. 1’s 175th

anniversary banquet was announcing MaryAnn Wortendyke as an Honorary Member The surprised and smiling lady was presented with a badge and a key to the South Nyack firehouse by Co. Pres. Steve Dizzine and anniversary chairman Brian Knecht.

Amid standing applause it was noted that MaryAnn assisted in many aspects of the celebration year projects and is a long time officer of the Orangetown 1 Ladies Auxiliary, and a parade marcher. Auxiliary charter 61 years member Eileen Colarell was present for the joyous honor.

A. FREDERICKS SEMINAR FEB. 6, 2010

“Ventilation Operations for 2010” by John Mittendorf is the theme for the Saturday, Feb. 6th Annual Lt. Andy Fredericks Memorial Seminar being held again at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown. Pre-registration is $30, at the door pay $35. Registration, refreshments and exhibits open 7:30 AM.

The program begins at 9 AM, scheduled to conclude at 1 PM, with Los Angels FD Retired Batt. Chief Mittendorf. The Marriott is on Route 119 (also 670 White Plains Rd.), Tarrytown, hosted by the Elmsford FD. Topics include “10 Most Common Fireground Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.”

Use www.regonline.com/seminar10

If you need hotel accommodations call the Marriott direct at 1-800-882-1042. Ask for the Elmsford FD Special Seminar Rate. Additional info: Syd Henry

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914-490-1981 or Joe Dorio 914-536-2235. The website is www.elmsfordfd.com/seminar.php

Andy was a WTC 9/11 LODD, nationally known well respected fire educator. He was a volunteer too with the Suffern NY Volunteer Hose Co. 1, and his son is now a “Dept 19” firefighter, too.

HV BOARD MTG. & PAST PRES. JAN 16

January 1, 2010 is the deadline for dinner tickets to the Annual Hudson Valley Vol. Firemen’s Assn. Past President’s Dinner on Saturday, January 16. Tickets are $50 per. This festive occasion will honor Junior Past Pres. Thomas McKinney. The place: Holiday Inn (Old Turf Inn), Wolf Rd., Colonie.

Reservations for dinner thru Barbara McGuirk at 518-361-4496, at 156 Jenni Jill Dr., Warrensburg, NY 12885. Write checks payable to HVVFA. Cocktail hour is 6-7 PM, dining at 7, with entertainment following.

You should contact the hotel directly for your room. Special rate is $109, if you mention “Hudson Valley VFA.”

The mid-winter Board Meeting will be held at 1 PM in the hotel run by HVVFA Pres. Donald Farrell.

RCVFA plans to support our regional association with a delegation of officers and “Rockland Table”, reports John W. Coyle IV, our HV County Vice President.

FF I & FF II GRADUATION FRI. JAN. 15

When given the opportunity to work at the FTC some years back I felt I had won the lottery. When asked, my wife tells people that "he gets paid to go play with his friends." I honestly believe this to be true. Working at the FTC I am surrounded by professionals that care very much for their "mission". Most work extremely hard but they have a lot fun doing it. However, I have come to realize that the real reward, and the energizer behind the FTC, is the volunteer fire service in Rockland County. I do not feel there is a more rewarding career than to serve the exceptional men and women of our volunteer fire service. Talk about role models.......

With our upcoming Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 Graduation ceremony on January 15, 2010, I am reminded once again how special the fire service is in Rockland County. One can talk about the "brotherhood" and "sisterhood" but I always feel actions speak louder than words. Because of your actions though, we have outgrown our auditorium. Your show of support, and the welcome our newest member receive, have been and continues to be, overwhelming. The graduates bring along their families and their support system - parents,

grandparents, friends, and fellow volunteers. How great is that!?

So going forward, our graduation ceremonies are going to be held at the theater located on the campus of Rockland Community College. The graduation on January 15th will begin at 7:30 PM. Graduates and Chiefs are requested to be there at 7:00 PM. This is a very special graduation on several fronts - our first at RCC and we will also recognize the 16 volunteers who went to receive National Certification along with the 80 or so FF1/FF2 graduates.

Thanks again for your support and for the support you show our newest volunteers.

Pete Byrne

ORANGETOWN CO. 1 SALUTES MEMBERS

Fourteen Veteran Members were recognized for their 50 or more years in the Orangetown Fire Co. 1 at the South Nyack volunteers 175th Anniversary Dinner, Nov 7th. Almost all of tem have served in office too! Saluted were:

Thomas Alworth 63 yearsDouglas Begbie 61 yearsEvan J. DeVries 64 yearsFrank Franco 59 yearsJohn Franco 57 yearsStuart L. Gates 65 yearsJames Gurrere 57 yearsJoseph Hanbury Sr. 50 yearsNils Mathen Jr. 59 yearsWilliam Motto 54 yearsWilliam Nedelka 57 yearsOtto Kimmel Jr. 60 yearsRobert VanCura Sr. 51 yearsDr. Jefferson J. Weishaar 61 years

Besides the applause and plaudits, they received certificates from FASNY and NYS OFPC, commented Steve Dizzine, Co. Pres. and Toastmaster at the gala evening.

WE MOURN THEIR PASSING

Rita K. Mariano, Life Member of Hillburn FD, died age 66, on Nov. 22. She was active in both the fire company and the Hillburn FD Ladies Auxiliary, holding various offices. Rita joined RCVFA in 1987 and founded the Blood Bank. For over a dozen years, Rita chaired blood drives and coordinated schedules and sites. The donors often received a prize or small gift from Rita (with Judy and Shelia) for giving “The Gift of Life”! She was a popular school bus driver, too.

Arthur James Hastings, age 76, died Oct. 31. A life member of Eagle Valley Vol. Fire Co., US Army veteran, retired from Ramapo Central Schools. He

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was the brother of retired Rockland County Fire Coordinator Donald A .Hastings.

Ernest R. Fisher Sr., died Nov. 9, age 70. A Life Member of RCVFA, joining in 1969, served 43 years in Cosgriff Hose Co. 4, Haverstraw, receiving in 1999 the Unit Citation Award. Ernie, a US Navy veteran, was an Honorary Member of the SW Johnson Co. 1, Garnerville, and ELK of the year in 2000.

Luciano P. Pia, died Sept. 26, at age 104. This Life Member of the Nanuet FD was reported to be the oldest volunteer fireman in age on the rolls in Rockland County. He had 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

James E. Bow, died Nov. 1, age 73, Past Chief of the Pearl River FD with 55 years active in Pearl River Hook & Ladder Co. 1. Member of Naurashank Lodge 589 Masons, serving in US Army during the Berlin Crisis. He was on the committee that erected the granite Memorial Firemen’s Monument at the Fire Training Center in Pomona.

MAY THEY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, AND THEIR LOVED ONES BE CARED FOR.

CONGERS SALUTES ITS VETERANS

At their 2009 Old Timers Dinner the, Alert, Hook, Ladder and Engine Co. 1 proudly recognized 19 of their veteran members for 40 years or more membership, happily reports Frank Voce, Fire Co. Pres. The “Surf and Turf” gala was held Saturday, Nov. 21 at the No. Harrison Ave. Fire hall.

This biannual dinner was coordinated by Lori Santulli, Michael Shields and Rich Von Ronn, notes Past Chief Joe Britney. The evening, filled with fun and reminiscing, began with a cheery welcome by Co. Vice-Pres. Scott Orser with Chaplain father Mastrolia giving an Invocation and offering Grace. Fire District Chairman Robert A. Kraft led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Honored with their years of dedicated service were: Alfred Magnetta “44-2” almost 64 years, Robert Mayo and Robert A. Kraft both 59 years. James Mutinsky 56+, John Lindemann 55, with Niles Davies Jr. 52. James Kunz has 51, with both John McGrade and Robert Smith 50 years. William Moreno 49, John Dianis 45+, with John Centofanti and Joseph Mayo both 44 years on duty. John Machold as 43, Edgar Wanamaker 42 and Joseph Britney 41. Chris Wohl and Robert Stout both 40 followed by Kevin Reynolds.

Among the guests were Albert “Bud” Conjura, New City FD Past Chiefs Ed Hewitt, Matthew Muscolino and Don Baggot, Past Chief of Rockland Lake Thomas W. Bierds, and from RCVFA Paul D. Schlegel, Nick Gatti, and Stuart Gates. (Con’t P5)

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Many enjoyed both the Butternut Squash Soup and the “Good Memories” slide show created by Jason DiSalvo. On the previous Sunday, the company in full uniform attended a Mass in memory of all its past and deceased members at St. Paul’s RC Church in the district, hosted by Chaplain Rev. Mastrolia, commented Fire Police Capt. James Kunz, who just celebrated his 50th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to All.

A Joyous Kwanzaa

FEW FIREMANIC FACTS - ROCKLAND

1. George Zayas, Asst. Chief from Vol. Hose Co. 2, West Haverstraw FD, has resigned as a State Fire Instructor. He will continue in a supplemental role.

2. Coordinator Wren reports that the RC Training Center won’t give training to the New Square individuals until it gets approval from PESH. Also, 44-1 notes Rockland got an extension on the $1.9 million radio grant. Another $1.9 million grant will be used for construction.

3. The Code Enforcement Task Force is busy gathering data about illegal housing and unsafe conditions in cooperation with the RC Health Dept., in hopes of making communities and individuals safe.

4. Frank Hutton, Chairman of the Creative Approach Committee, noted that at a recent RBA Luncheon, at least one uniformed firefighter was at each table, answering fire safety questions and explaining to private businesses why volunteer employees need to leave the workplace for major calls. From the grant money each attendee received a gift “free smoke detector.”

5. Thanks to RC Sheriff’s Dept., 10 community service workers came to the Pomona Training Center to clean the Andy Fredericks Fire Safety Building. The roof props are under construction, proclaims Bob Capello.

FIRE QUESTION –ANSWER NEXT ISSUE

A question if smoke is present in the basement and smoke is emanating from the eaves with no fire yet visible from the attic and you have an idea as to the possible location of the fire (example exposure 2), is it best to open up the walls from the outside or from the inside of the structure?

Merry Christmas

SUPPORT VAMPS SELLING TREES

Again, this holiday season, seven Rockland fire units are selling Christmas trees and decorated wreaths. You can support their fund-raising endeavors by buying at:

Tallman Firehouse, Rt. 59, TallmanEmpire Hose Co. in PiermontWayne Hose Co., Rt. 9W, Stony PointSW Johnson Co. 1, Bridge St, GarnervilleAnd three in the Nyacks:Highland Hose Co. 5,Upper Main St.Empire Hook & Ladder Co. 1, North Broadway, Upper Nyack.Orangetown Fire Co. 1, 90 Depot Place, South Nyack.

HARTELL & SARVENT NOW 50 YEARS

Louis Hartell and John E Sarvent were recently toasted for attaining 50 years active with Chelsea Hook & Ladder Co#2 in Nyack. A Sunday Brucch was hosted by their company to present them awards and tributes. Ex-Chief of Nyack FD Jay Phillips was toastmaster.

Louis Hartell is a supportive business owner of a deli and liquor store in Upper Nyack. John Sarvent has taught many to be tiller men besides being a Past Chief of NFD. John is also an Honorary Director of RCVFA for his years of service in RCVFA.

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 [email protected]

Be Safe in 2010 Peace for All

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CALENDARLISTINGS ARE FREE 845-786-3861 Deadline for Next Issue Fourth Wed. 12/23/09

Sat., Dec. 12 ● First Day of Hannukah Sun., Dec. 13 ● “Breakfast with Santa” sponsored by the Pearl River Hook & Ladder Ladies Auxiliary. $5 Adults, $3

children, 9 AM to 1 PM, for more info call Linda Bock 735-8724.Tues., Dec. 15 ● RC Fire Prevention Committee meets at 7:30 PM at David B. Roche, Rt. 202 Firehouse, Thiells. Topic:

participation at local street fairs in 2010.Wed., Dec. 16 ● RCVFA Ladies Auxiliary meets 8 PM at Congers with President Carol Cich.Thurs., Dec. 17 ● RC Fire Advisory Board meeting 7:30 PM at Pomona Fire Training Center with Chairman James Mile.Fri., Dec. 18 ● Islamic New Year.Wed., Dec. 23 ● Deadline for News/Dates for January 2010 Trumpet.Fri. Dec. 25 ● Merry Christmas to All!Sat., Dec. 26 ● Kwanzaa BeginsThurs., Dec. 31 ● “Put the Alcohol in the car radiator, NOT in the Driver!”Fri., Jan. 1 ● A Happy and A Healthy 2010. Kwanzaa endsSun., Jan. 3 ● Westchester County VFA Quarterly meeting 1:30 PM at Mellor Hose Co, Port Chester wit President

Thomas CampFri., Jan. 8 ● NEXT Meeting of RCVFA 8 PM at Empire Hook & Ladder Co. 1, North Broadway, Upper Nyack, with

President Kenneth Carr. Education program: new CADS system by Congers FD.

Future Events

Sat., Jan. 16, 2010 ● Hudson Valley VFA Past Presidents Dinner (honors Thomas McKinney) at Holiday Cold Turf Inn, Albany. Deadline for tickets Jan. 1st, Tickets $50 per person, Dinner 7 PM with entertainment following. Rooms at Turf special rate $109 (tel. 518-458-7262) Dinner tickets info: Barbara McGuirk, 518-361-4496 in Warrensburg, NY.

Fri., Jan. 15 ● FFI & II graduation at RCC, 7:30 p.m.Fri., Jan. 29 ● NJ & NY meets 8 PM at Empire Hose Co. 1, Piermont with Pres. Stuart Gates. All Volunteers Welcome!

(This is Piermont’s 51st year as host for NJ & NY VFA meeting.)Sat., Mar. 13 ● Rockland County Fire Chiefs Annual Old Timers/Awards Dinner at West Nyack Blaze Room.Sat., Mar. 27 ● RC Assn. of Fire Districts Commissioners Annual Installation Dinner with Pres. Harold Straut at Platzel

Brau Haus, Ladentown.Sun., Apr. 11 ● HV Board meeting 1 PM at Lake George firehouse with HV President Donald Farrell.Wed., Apr. 14 ● Fire Police of Rockland & Orange Counties Joint Meeting 8 PM.Sun., May 16 ● NJ & NY VFA Annual Memorial Service 2 PM at Bergen Safety Academy in Mahwah. Past President

Robert E. Kirsch, Coordinator. Public Welcome.Wed., June 16-19 ● Hudson Valley Convention Lake George at Fort William Henry. Parade Saturday, step-off 1 PM.Sat., July 10 ● Port Jervis 158th Annual Parade.Sat., July 17 ● Montgomery FD 200th Anniversary Parade.

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

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FROM THE FIRE COORDINATOR’S OFFICE

I received a memo from out Regional Rep from the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control last week indicating that we were out of training hours for all State classes until April of next year when the states fiscal year starts. I was concerned and reached out to Pete Byrne and asked how this would affect our training for the first quarter of 2010. Pete responded to my concerns as follow; “Our volunteer firefighters should see no significant reduction in the quality or volume of courses offered at the Fire Training Center.

Congratulations and Thank You to Pete Byrne, Mike Healy and Bob Capello, in these economically challenging times to keep our training going.