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sizeup ISSUE 3 • 2011 5

SIZE UP is an offi cial publication of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.

NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS

1670 Columbia TurnpikeP.O. Box 328East Schodack, NY 12063-0328Phone: (518) 477-2631 Toll-free: (800) 676-FIREFax: (518) 477-4430www.nysfi rechiefs.com

ASSOCIATION STAFF

Thomas L. LaBelle — Executive DirectorDeborah E. Boniface — Executive AssistantMary K. Hanlon — Communications CoordinatorPaul C. Melfi — Hands-On Training CoordinatorSusan R. Revoir — Conferences CoordinatorJeremy S. Rodd — Programs AssistantJudy Schmitz — Offi ce AssistantSuzanne M. Syzdek — Programs Assistant

ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

Chief Frank J. Sylvester — PresidentChief Richard A. Messina — 1st Vice PresidentChief John M. Tighe — 2nd Vice PresidentChief Alfonso J. Varlaro — Past President

ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS

Chief Donald J. CorkeryChief Joseph M. Fahd Jr.Chief Julius J. Leone Jr.EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy — EMSChief Robert P. PareseChief Harold J. PhillipsChief George A. RiversChief Daniel J. SchwertfegerChief Harold A. Smith Jr.Chief John P. SrokaChief James F. Staffo

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Mary Hanlon, SIZE UP Editor(518) 477-2631 • (800) 676-FIREmhanlon@nysfi rechiefs.com

Published by:

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PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2011/NFC-Q0311/5575

X7 The President’s View

X9 From the Executive Director

10 From the Chaplains’ Study

14 EMS Committee News

18 NYSAFC News

20 View from the Hill

23 SIZE UP Spotlight

45 The Roster

46 Index of Advertisers/Advertisers.com

contentsISSUE 3 • 2011

24 DHSES Series: NYS Offi ce of Emergency Management

27 The Volunteer Firefi ghter – “A Jack of All Trades”

31 False Readings – Carbon Monoxide or Cyanide?

35 September 11, 2001 — A Decade Later

38 FIRE 2011 Coverage

42 FIRE 2012 Registration

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

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THE PRESIDENT’S VIEW

Chief Frank J. “Skip” SylvesterNYSAFC President

A WISE MAN ONCE said, “The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests

and his own are the same.” As I begin my tenure as the 101st president of the New York State

Association of Fire Chiefs I can promise you, the dues paying members, that I only have your best

interests and that of the fi re service in mind. I will do everything in my power to earn your faith

and trust in carrying out my responsibilities as your president.

The fire and emergency services of this great state are facing many challenges that must

be dealt with head on and handled jointly with all our fire service organizations. Whether it

be legislative issues or unfunded mandates, bail out rope legislation, lightweight construc-

tion, residential sprinklers, recruitment and retention, health department regulations, or other

issues that surface in the future, we must always remember that rather than the individual

organizations, it’s the fire service as a whole that must have a united voice if we are to antici-

pate any chance of success. I promise to continue the hard work of my immediate predecessors,

Past Presidents Bill Owen, Norm Knapp, and Al Varlaro, the current board of directors, our

committees, and staff who “Provide Service to Those Who Serve.”

As your president I give you my word that I will work on your behalf to represent your best

interests when dealing with these issues, but I cannot do it alone. “I light my candle from your

torches.” The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is only as good as its members and you

the members are the lifeblood of this organization. Due to our strengths and leadership abili-

ties NYSAFC has rebounded from some very difficult financial times. While we must remain

fiscally responsible, it is the support of you the members that maintains our existence.

For that reason, it is vital that we maintain and expand our membership base. Revenue from

our dues paying members, whether individual, corporate, or fire department, is crucial to your

association’s survival. I urge you all to GET INVOLVED. “The sign on the door of opportunity

reads ‘PUSH.’ ” As an active member, please make sure your dues, as well as your company or fire

department dues, are paid so that you will continue to receive all the benefits that are due to you. I

encourage you to recruit your young members to join our association so we can involve and groom

the next generation of fire service leaders to ensure that they are prepared for the challenges that

lie ahead. Always remember strength is in numbers.

I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of FIRE 2011: our entire

staff under the guidance and leadership of Executive Director Tom LaBelle; Conferences

Coordinator Sue Revoir; Chairman John Scott and his Conference Committee;

Hands-On Training Coordinator Paul Melfi and his instructors; the

Public Education Committee under the leadership of Chairman R.

Scott Ewing for bringing in the school children from the area

again this year; the Turning Stone staff; all the volunteers;

and you the membership who made this year’s Conference

bigger and better than ever. Our all-day workshops on

Wednesday proved very successful with great atten-

dance. I urge you to start making your plans for FIRE

2012, scheduled for June 13-16, and remember your

comments and suggestions about FIRE 2011 are always

encouraged.

In closing, I am honored to have been chosen by

you my peers to lead what I believe to be the premier

fire service organization in the state and look forward

to working with all of you for the safety and well being

of all firefighters in New York. I look forward to meeting

all of you as I travel around the state as your president. God

bless you all, remain safe, and may God bless America. ●

Always Remember Strength Is in Num bers

The fire and emergency services of this great state are facing many challenges that must be dealt with head on and handled jointly with all our fire service organizations.

8 www.nysfirechiefs.com

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I T IS HARD TO believe that it has been 10 years since the tragic day of September 11, 2001.

The photograph on the front cover, taken by Michael Heller, fi rst appeared on the cover of the

Fall 2001 issue of SIZE UP. It was chosen based on the feeling of the monumental task ahead

of the entire fi re service. Even with the outpouring of support from citizens and government

at the time, there was still a great feeling of being alone as a fi re service.

It is just as hard to believe that 10 years later we are fighting over health care coverage for

workers at Ground Zero, or that the debate over the D Block to help ensure consistent radio

coverage for all first responders is just making it through the federal Legislature. Clearly, we

all knew that we would remember those days of darkness and hope longer than the general

public, but I don’t believe we knew how quickly those outside our ranks would forget.

Just as the cover states – we cannot, will not, forget those moments. But we have oppor-

tunities to use those memories of our friends, mentors, and colleagues for positive change.

Many organizations are recognizing this 10-year mark in many different ways. We’ve cho-

sen to remember it through an organization we’ve come to know and respect for their work.

On page 35, you’ll find out about the Tribute WTC Visitor Center. Located across the street

from Ground Zero, next to FDNY’s Ten House, this is a testament to those seeking a positive

outcome from so much tragedy.

Your association chooses to remember by trying to constantly improve access to educa-

tion for all the fire service. Education has been and remains the hallmark of NYSAFC. This

year we are proud to be working with leaders in the Rockland County fire service to host

the Andrew A. Fredericks Memorial Golf Tournament on September 14, 2011. In the spring

of 2001, Andy Fredericks was our association’s Seminar Series speaker and he dedicated

his life to educating all of us.

In 2001 NYSAFC hosted a Spring Seminar Series in 10 locations across New York state,

the annual Public Education Conference, and of course, our Annual Conference & Expo

in June. Since that time we’ve added a Fall Seminar Series in an additional 10 coun-

ties, the annual Emergency Services Leadership Symposium, and two annual Company

Officers Leadership Training (COLT) programs. This year we’ve offered a unique Hands-On

Training Program in conjunction with our Emergency Services Leadership Symposium.

This program will focus on company officers and prepare them to lead a team in actual

hands-on exercises. We’ve offered statewide programs on electrical safety and

fire police management. The association has opened the NYSAFC Book

Store and offers some of the lowest priced fire and EMS books in the

country. NYSAFC has also greatly expanded our educational offer-

ings available during the Annual Conference and made entrance

to the exhibits at the event free with the help of our vendors.

We’ll also shortly be announcing two exciting new pro-

grams. The first will address social media in the fire ser-

vice and how to best use it to recruit new members. The

second will be a water rescue program scheduled to be

held in Erie County in 2012 with the help of the United

States Coast Guard.

All of these efforts are based on a dedication to helping

to educate the fire service. It is why we were created; it’s

what we do. Your membership, both as individuals and fire

departments, helps make that happen. We can think of no

better remembrance we can offer. ●

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Thomas L. LaBelleNYSAFC Executive Director

Education Serves as a Remembrance

Your association chooses to remember by trying to constantly improve access to education for all the fire service. Education has been and remains the hallmark of NYSAFC.


FROM THE CHAPLAINS’ STUDY

Editor’s Note: This column is the Memorial Sermon that was preached at the NYSAFC Annual Conference Memorial Service on June 16, 2011.

ADRENALIN AND ARTHRITIS7:59 a.m. – AMERICAN Flight 11 with

92 people on board leaves Boston’s

Logan Airport for Los Angeles. 8:01 a.m. – United Flight 93 with 45 people

on board leaves Newark Airport for San

Francisco. 8:10 a.m. – American Flight

77 with 64 people on board leaves

Washington Dulles Airport for Los

Angeles. 8:14 a.m. – United Flight 175

with 65 people on board leaves Boston

for Los Angeles. 8:48 a.m. – Flight 11

crashes into the North Tower of the

World Trade Center. 9:06 a.m. – United

Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower

of the World Trade Center. 9:43 a.m. –

Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.

10:10 a.m. – United Flight 93 crashes in

a Pennsylvania fi eld .1

On that early morning of September

11, 2001, as they slid into their seats, the

message was simple, “Please fasten your

seat belts.” No one said, “Please fasten

your seat belts, we are in for a rough

ride today.” The men and women in the

emergency services were more than

likely preparing for a normal or usual

day at the office. NOT! No one knew that

day would become a day in history that

we should never forget.

We are here today to honor the men

and women in the emergency services

who have answered their final alarm

during the past year. Without a doubt,

they are foremost in our thoughts dur-

ing this memorial service. We are, how-

ever, just two and one-half months away

from the 10th anniversary of September

11. Since we as a group will not be

meeting again for another year, please

allow me to share my thoughts on all

those we honor.

In my 53 years in the fire service, I

have often wondered what might be the

motivation that keeps a person going.

What is a factor in the lives of the many

career and volunteer firefighters that

keeps them going? We have often heard

the stories of why people became fire-

fighters. “Well, my father was a fire-

fighter and my grandfather before him,

and I did not want to break the chain.”

Or how about this, “I saw those guys

riding around on the back of the fire

truck and I thought it would be a fun

thing to do.” Or, “I just wanted to serve

my community.”

While we could say any of the above

can be a reason for joining, that in

itself is not what keeps us going. This

is, after all, a very serious business.

Many would consider it one of the most

dangerous professions in the world. In

today’s language one might say only

those who have “walked the walk, can

talk the talk,” and to all others it is just

hearsay.

When a young person, one who has

chosen the f ield of emergency ser-

vices, they are certainly energized by

their youth. But what is it that keeps

Finding Motivation in Memories Chaplain Kenneth W. Palmer

It is this love of God that you show every time you respond to a call and show your loving concern for another.

Ron

Dah

ulic

h

Chaplain Kenneth Palmer delivers the memorial address at FIRE 2011.


those long timers going? What is it

within the heart of a man or a woman

to get up in the middle of the night

or step away from a family gather-

ing to answer the beep on a pager

or the sound of a f ire alarm? What

came to mind for me was “adrenalin.”

Adrenalin defined is simply a hormone

produced by the adrenal glands. It is

that inner strength that causes our

human system to get fired up and do

something. We don’t question the call

or the reason, we just react.

I am reminded though that we

are trained to act in the right way.

Nevertheless, it is a call to duty and we

rise to the occasion, whatever it might

be. In our Firefighters’ Prayer we hear

the words, “When I am called to duty,

God, wherever flames may rage, give me

the strength to save a life, whatever be

its age.”

In the scripture reading from 2 Corinthians, we heard this: “We were

under great pressure, far beyond our

ability to endure, so that we despaired

even life. In our hearts we felt the sen-

tence of death. But this happened that

we might not rely upon ourselves but

upon God.” We endure the hardships

not from our own strength but from

God. As firefighters and emergency ser-

vice workers, we face the possibility of

responding to the “final alarm” every

day. It is not something that we think

about often or dwell upon, but we know

that deep in the back of our minds it’s

always a possibility that this could be

our final alarm. One day for someone

and only the Lord knows who and when,

it may not be “just another day” around

the fire house. For today might be the

day that he or she is called upon to lay

down their life in the line of duty.

September 11, 2001, will ever change

the way we look at our jobs, ourselves,

and the way those in the community

view us. On that day our brothers and

sisters stood proud and ready to meet

the challenge at hand. No one could have

imagined the horror of that day and

the number of emergency workers who

would lay down their lives in the line of

duty. The men and women that we honor

ServiceBrother Matthew J. Levis, O. de M.

Editor’s note: This is a summation of Brother Matthew Levis’ address deliv-ered during the LeRoy Fire Department banquet on April 16, 2011. Courtesy of Past Chief Gerald Diskin.

I was asked to give a talk on what

it means to serve the community as a

firefighter. But in order for me to do this

I believe it is important to first define

what it means to serve. For our pur-

pose, I believe that to serve one must

first put the needs of another before their

own. When we can do this it is then that

we show the love of God towards our

neighbor.

You as firefighters have shown this

love every time you put your own needs

behind those needs of another person. It

is this love of God that you show every

time you respond to a call and show

your loving concern for another. This is

being kind, this is being loyal, loyal to

the community, to the fire department

and then loyal to yourselves. But most

of all this is what it means to be a true

firefighter.

As a firefighter you have chosen to

put on Christ, and in doing so you have

become selfless rather than selfish by

putting other people first. Your dedica-

tion to the fire department is held in

such high esteem because of your choice

to reach out to people who are in need,

because of your choice to become Christ

like.

As a respected profession in this com-

munity I owe you my utmost respect,

admiration and thanksgiving for putting

your life in harm’s way for the safety of

others. My respect goes to you for your

kindness and generosity towards peo-

ple in hardships. Finally, I thank you for

being loyal and self-giving to mankind

and for being their friend.

At this point I want to just say thanks

to the firefighter’s spouse for their

understanding and for the same loving

concern for the person in need every

time a call comes in and the firefighter

has to drop whatever it is he or she is

involved in. You too deserve my utmost

respect for your understanding of this

vital profession in our community.

here today stood proud and ready to

meet the challenge of the call to duty.

My friends, I relate the results of the

loss of life and even the natural death of

a firefighter to arthritis. You may chuckle

or ask, how so? Defined it is simply,

inflammation of a joint or joints. Just

ask that old timer sitting next to you or

just down the aisle what affects them the

most when they try to get out of bed in

the morning or out of a chair they have

been sitting in too long. More than likely

they will say, it’s my arthritis, the pain

that comes with age or as the result of

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injuries suffered in their youth. I relate it

to the pain and suffering left over as the

result of a line of duty death or injury, or

even the loss of a loved one due to illness

or natural causes.

Regardless of how we treat it or what

we do for it, the pain never goes away, we

must live with it every day. There is no

cure, nor is there a procedure or medi-

cine that will make it disappear. In our

hearts we can never forget a loved one,

a dear friend, or a fellow firefighter who

has stood behind us, in front of us, or at

our side in the face of danger. It may even

be the one who gave their life to save us,

as well as those who survived due to their

sacrifice in a line of duty death.

One must say the same for one who

has given a lifetime of service and has

passed on due to natural causes. They

are all heroes because they set aside

their everyday routines, and were

charged by the adrenalin to faithfully

serve their department and commu-

nity. They used their God given gift

to stand out in the midst of others to

unselfishly serve.

We are all part of a team with God

given gifts to work together. When a

member of our team is lost it brings on

that arthritis, the pain one will never

forget. We must never forget that no

one knows the future or what tomorrow

holds. However, we know and trust the

one who holds the future; our future is in

his hands. That one is God.

May God extend His hand to those

who have answered their final alarm with

the words, “Well done good and faithful

servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

May he extend his loving arms around

the families and friends who are left

behind, giving them comfort and peace

and encourage them to stand proud of the

service their loved ones gave their com-

munities. Let the adrenalin of the desire

to serve overcome the pain of arthritis in

our memory of those who have suffered

death or injury in the emergency services

of our great nation. May we honor them

by our continued unselfish service to oth-

ers with the guidance of our loving and

gracious God. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Chaplain Kenneth W. Palmer is a member of the Mohawk Reformed Church where he serves as an elder and lay preacher. A graduate of University of Buffalo, he retired after 27 years as an investiga-tor for the New York State Department of Labor. Palmer served in the New York Army Reserve National Guard from 1959-1963, reaching the rank of 2nd lieuten-ant. He joined the Alexander Hose Co. #1 and Mohawk Fire Department in 1958, served as president of the hose company, and was chief of the department from 1986-87. Since that time he has served as a training instructor. Palmer is a New York state certified fire instructor. He has served as a chaplain for Mohawk Fire Department for several years and in 2004 was appointed deputy chief chaplain. He also serves as chaplain for Newport Fire Department. Palmer is a member of FASNY and NYSAFC, serving on the Chaplains Committee. He is president of the Herkimer County Fire Chief’s Association and 1st deputy chief chaplain of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. ●

1. Bannon, Peter L. (2001). America’s Heroes Inspiring Stories of Courage, Sacrifice, and Patriotism, page 16.

FROM THE CHAPLAINS’ STUDY

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EMS COMMITTEE NEWS

News from the State EMS Council (SEMSCO)

EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, REMT-P, NYSAFC Director – EMS

THIS SIZE UP COLUMN will keep you up to date on news affecting EMS providers,

educators, chiefs, and administrators. You’ll read about signifi cant developments in

EMS policy, regulations, and legislation here. Our current representation in prac-

tically every venue impacting EMS in New York allows us not only to know what’s

happening, but to also have a voice in the process. We welcome submissions to this

column addressed to the NYSAFC EMS director at [email protected] or by mail to

the association offi ce.

The EMS CEU track at FIRE 2011 was an overwhelming success. Over 16 hours of

EMS specific training sessions were heavily attended. Look for another high quality

EMS program at FIRE 2012!

1. Looking for CEUs? Here are some upcoming conferences to

help get you caught up on your credits. Mountain Lakes EMS Initial

Assessment Conference (www.nenyems.org) will be at the spectacular

High Peaks Resort in Lake Place September 8-11. The NYS Volunteer

Ambulance and Rescue Association (www.nysvara.org) annual Pulse

Check conference is in Albany September 23-25. Vital Signs is in

Syracuse October 13-16 (www.vitalsignsconference.com).

2. Michael Tayler, RN, EMT-P, trauma program manager at the

Bureau of EMS, is leaving (will have left by the time you read this) for

SEMO. Lee Burns, acting Bureau director, noted Tayler will be greatly

missed by DOH. We wish him well, and will certainly continue to see

him in his new role.

3. Trying to keep up on Medicaid issues affecting EMS? A couple URLs

you might want to bookmark: www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/

medicaid/program/update/main.htm offers update summaries. Also,

OMIG (the feared Office of the Medicaid Inspector General) runs a com-

pliance alerts list server at www.omig.ny.gov/data/content/view/215/300/

6. On the budget subject, the current Fiscal Year

(2011-2012) $18.3 million EMS appropriation has

been subjected to a state ordered 10 percent cut. The

Bureau has been permitted to accomplish this $1.3

million reduction by eliminating optional municipal

services plan (also known as Article 6) funding. Good

news for program agencies, regional councils, and

Bureau operations. Bad news for the many county

health department budgets, some of which heavily

utilize Article 6 monies.

7. Some notes from the Legislative Committee:

SEMSCO voted to endorse Senate Bill 4765 (Assembly

companion 7244) that would eliminate the seat belt

exemption for volunteer firefighters; with a message

that the bill should be extended to include all EMS and

fire vehicles. They also endorsed S. 2491 and A. 3980

that would require CPR training in every high school

curriculum. Details can be had by entering bill num-

bers (i.e., S. 4765) into www.nysenate.gov/legislation.

5. The Finance Committee compiled budget tem-

plates from regions and program agencies and will

this summer put finishing touches on a $23.2 million

2012-2013 budget proposal, slightly less than last

year. This is, of course, a big joke since the budget is

already set at a tad over $18 million. The joke, in actu-

ality is on all of us, stemming from a flaw in Article 30

that requires this annual exercise in futility. ‘Nuf said.

4. In what may be the largest New York EMS swap ever, the Bureau

is hastily preparing to process transfers of operating authority (TOAs)

for AMR and Rural Metro following sales of both companies. The TOAs

include 10 operating certificates affecting 13 REMSCOs who will have

to review and endorse the transfers. The Bureau hopes to streamline

the process by electronically transmitting the mounds of paperwork

involved.


8. In an abrupt reversal of their 1998 decision not to include the

Star of Life on New York state EMS plates, the Department of Motor

Vehicles last month released newly designed plates with, whattayacal-

lit? The Star of Life. See www.nydmv.state.ny.us/emerg.htm

9. Here’s a little ditty for gossip mongers: the Bureau is consider-

ing using the National Registry exam for initial paramedic certifica-

tion. Note the words, “considering” and “initial.” More information is

needed such as how many medic candidates already take the Registry

exam, how many remain nationally certified, and what the costs

would be. While preliminary and largely speculative, it is about time

someone in New York state government starts to realize the inef-

ficiency of reinventing every wheel. Given our financial straits, the

Bureau clearly can’t (and shouldn’t) compete against the resources of

the National Registry to build and revise exams at every certification

level. Golly jeepers.

10. While we’re on the subject of training, a little note for students

and course sponsors: the new curriculum is not YET in place in New York

state. The Bureau is concerned that sponsors may be using new curricu-

lum textbooks and teaching materials to the disadvantage of students

given the wide gap between new and old. Caution; warning; don’t do it.

11. A snippet from the evolving ePCR situation. How will agen-

cies that can’t afford an ePCR (electronic PCR, if you didn’t catch the

lingo) system get up to snuff on the new platform? Good question for

which there is no good answer. Yet. Possibilities include an electronic

“fillable” version of the next iteration of the paper PCR, which by the

way, will be a four-page (that’s right, your eyes read that 4 correctly)

document when released (Version 6). Currently 70 percent of all PCRs

are electronically submitted. The remaining 30 percent represent a

smattering of larger services, with a majority being pretty small ser-

vices that may or may not be able to play ball in the electronic field. Yet

undecided is whether ePCRs will someday be mandated. Gadzooks.

12. A brief update on the NFPA 1917 Standard for Automotive

Ambulance Committee proceedings. A draft document was approved by

committee and is set for a final work over during an October meeting in

Baltimore. One additional opportunity for public comment will happen

before final approval next February. If all proceeds as expected, the

document will be approved at the June 2012 NFPA meeting and take

effect for ambulances built after January 2013. Keep an eye out for the

final draft document in October. Trick or treat!

13. A new Policy Statement #11-04 on Fentanyl

is up on the Bureau website. Surf to www.health.

state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/policy/policy.htm

14. The PIER Committee decided to begin

forwarding nominations for the Annual New York

State EMS Awards to the NAEMT and AAA for

consideration, starting in 2012. Because deadlines

all currently collide, next year’s NYS EMS Award

submission deadline will be March 31 instead of

the long standing June 1. Start thinking now of

a peer or colleague you could nominate for state

and potentially national recognition!

15. Medical Standards and SEMAC heard

some interesting presentations. One discussed

progress on electronic health records connecting

EMS with ED charts. The Rochester region has a

kewl electronic health record project underway

with a promising EMS interface. Another from a

couple district attorneys with statewide expertise

in DWI blood draws. Meetings are forthcoming to

potentially revise the DOH Blood Draw Policy

Statement (some feel it may conflict with usual

interpretations of the law). Yet a third, some-

what bizarre presentation came from the Cardiac

Advisory Committee, which we may affection-

ately rename as the “deaf ears and heavy heart

committee.” Having last year requested the CAC

revise their risk adjusted criteria for cardiolo-

gists treating post cardiac arrest patients in the

cath lab, it seems no action was taken. Hence,

post arrest patients resuscitated in the f ield

and brought to interventional cardiology centers

for immediate treatment rarely get the recom-

mended care in New York state, thanks to CAC

criteria that publicly penalize cardiologists if

these critically ill patients proceed to die. The

CAC, acting as though they had never heard this

before, said they would take it under advise-

ment. On another note, the CAC announced that

they have no plans to designate PCI (percutane-

ous coronary intervention) centers in New York.

This essentially gives the green light to REMACs

to designate appropriate centers for patients in

need of immediate PCI (i.e., roto-rooter or cath

lab interventions).

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16. In other business, SEMAC voted to remove thera-

peutic hypothermia post ROSC (return of spontaneous

circulation) from demonstration (research) project status.

If approved by the health commissioner, this would allow

it as a regional EMS optional protocol, giving post arrest

patient cooling a wider distribution across New York. Ice,

ice, baby!

17. The vampire who seemingly absconded with

proposed rules to allow prehospital administration of

blood and blood products has reappeared. Some three

and one-half years later, the regs have surfaced in the

Governor’s Designated Review Office and are proceed-

ing through the correct processes for approval. Perhaps

they’ll be out in time for you to celebrate as a vampire

this Halloween.

18. The Epilepsy Foundation of America, in part-

nership with CentreLearn, is offering a free training

program Online Epilepsy and Seizure Response for

EMS. This one-hour program describes seizures asso-

ciated with epilepsy, appropriate EMS response and

considerations for deciding if further medical care is

warranted. The EMS course is CECBEMS accredited for

1.5 hours of basic level CEU. A certificate can be printed

upon completion of the course. Access the program at

www.epilepsyfoundation.org/firstresponders/index.cfm,

click on the red “Access Trainings” in the right hand

column, select the EMS 1.5 CEU option. Use promo code

03-Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY to waive the

registration fee.

19. The Training and Education Committee voted to

revise the CLI course by adopting a curriculum called,

“We Play the Way We Practice,” with an adjusted time

schedule and addition of helmet removal. Don’t bother

looking for a copy; Google hasn’t even heard of this puppy.

20. Some superb roadway safety tools were released

by the Responder Safety Institute this past May. Check

out www.respondersafety.com/Training/Downloads.aspx

for the first three downloads (all dated May 2011).

21. A slate of 2012 officers has been proposed for

SEMSCO including Chair Mark Zeek (Adirondack-

Appalachian REMSCO), 1st Vice Chair Daniel Blum

(Westchester REMSCO), and 2nd Vice Chair Rich Brandt

(Hudson Mohawk REMSCO). Elections at the next

meeting.

22. SEMAC and SEMSCO meetings for 2011 are over.

On paper, that is. In reality, September 13-14, 2011, will

be the next meeting, which is part of a contract includ-

ing a January 24-25, 2012, meeting. Both are scheduled

at the Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick Street in Troy, NY

12180. Check the Bureau meeting website beforehand

for an agenda www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh /ems/

meetings_and_events.htm and to make sure your flight

(i.e., meeting) has not been delayed or cancelled. Bring

lunch money, too: the only sustenance available is water

and mints. ●

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN is the EMS coordinator for Saratoga County, a paramedic for Clifton Park-Halfmoon Ambulance Corps, a fi refi ghter and the chief medical offi cer for West Crescent Fire Department. McEvoy works in the Cardiac Surgical ICUs at Albany Medical Center and teaches pulmo-nary and critical care medicine at Albany Medical College. He was the 2005 chair of the New York State EMS Council and chaired the EMS Committee of NYSAFC before being elected to its board of directors. McEvoy is a regular contributor to SIZE UP, and the fi reEMS editor for Fire Engineering. Mike is totally convinced that battery life is directly related to how urgently you need a radio, AED, monitor, thermometer, golf cart, Volt or Prius. You can follow his adventures atwww.mikemcevoy.com

EMS COMMITTEE NEWS

P.O. Box 424, Winchester, IN 47394

www.silvertownemint.comEmail: [email protected]

Phone: 800.788.7481 ext. 561Fax: 765.584.3419

FIRE & RESCUE UNITS, LAW ENFORCEMENT & MILITARY

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NYSAFC NEWS

JULIUS LEONE JR. HAS been a mem-

ber of the Lambert Hook and Ladder

Co. of the Fredonia Fire Department

since 1980. He is currently the

director of emergency services and

fi re coordinator for Chautauqua

County, a position that he has held

since 2002. Prior to this position,

Leone was director of environmen-

tal services and safety at Brooks

Hospital in Dunkirk, NY. He served as c hief of the Fredonia Fire

Department from 1991-1995. Leone also served as chairman of

the Chautauqua County Fire Advisory Board from 1999-2001,

president of the Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs Association

from 1994-1995, and chairman of the Chautauqua County

Emergency Medical Services Council from 1997-1999. He is also

a certifi ed instructor coordinator for the emergency medical

technician course at the State University College at Fredonia

where he has taught since 1983. Leone joined NYSAFC in 1987.

He served on the EMS Committee from 1998-2007 and most

recently on the Conference Committee from 2008-2011. ●

NYSAFC IS PLEASED TO announce this year’s recipients of

association awards and scholarships.

Recipients of 2011 scholarship awards were announced dur-

ing the General Session of the Annual Conference on June 16,

2011, in Verona, N.Y. First place co-recipient of the Anthony J.

“Andy” Messina Scholarship in the amount of $1,100 is Tyler

M. Horton of the Gainesville Fire Department. First place co-

recipient of the Ward A. & Janice R. Bohner Scholarship in the

amount of $1,100 is Christopher D. Pritchard of the Oswego

Town Volunteer Fire Department. Second place recipient of the

Anthony J. “Andy” Messina Scholarship in the amount of is $750

is Cory R. Rivera of the Napanoch Volunteer Fire Department.

NYSAFC offers this scholarship program to enhance, through

academic achievement at the college level, the quality of leader-

ship in the fire and life safety field and to assist Active, Associate,

and Affiliate association members (and their spouses or chil-

dren) in their efforts to pursue academic advancement.

Beginning in 2010, scholarships have been awarded in

honor of NYSAFC Past President Anthony J. “Andy” Messina

and Executive Director Emeritus Ward A. Bohner and his

wife Janice R. Bohner for their many years of faithful and

dedicated service. The Messina Scholarship is awarded

to students pursuing an emergency services degree (e.g.,

fire science, EMS, or emergency management). The Bohner

Scholarship is awarded to those pursuing a general course of

study in any other field.

2011 NYSAFC Awards Presented

Congratulations and best wishes to this year’s scholarship

recipients! And sp ecial thanks to the Erie County Fire Chiefs

Mutual Aid Organization for its continued support of the

scholarship program.

Earlier this year, NYSAFC honored the White Plains Fire

Bureau as the 2011 recipient of the James W. Wright Public

Education Award. This award is presented annually to rec-

ognize an individual emergency services responder or orga-

nization for outstanding effort in delivering a unique and

innovative program to teach the public about fire/injury pre-

vention and safety in New York state.

The White Plains Fire Bureau was honored for its cre-

ative and comprehensive “High Rise Safety and Evacuation

THE NYSAFC 2011-2012 OFFICERS were sworn in dur-

ing the 105th Annual Conference Installation Ceremony on

June 18, 2011, at the Turning Stone Resort. Pictured from

left: 1st Vice President Richard A. Messina (Bellmore Fire

Department), President Frank J. “Skip” Sylvester (Ossining

Fire Department), and 2nd Vice President John M. Tighe (City

of Corning Fire Department).

NYSAFC 2011-2012 Officers

Ron

Dah

ulic

h

Ron

Dah

ulic

h

MEET YOUR NEW DIRECTOR — CHIEF JULIUS J. LEONE JR .


THE 38TH ANNUAL PUBLIC Fire Safety Educators’ Conference,

co-hosted by OFPC and NYSAFC, was held April 29 to May

1, 2011, at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in

Montour Falls, N.Y.

Close to 200 students traveled from throughout New York

state and from as far away as Canada and Maine to attend this

year’s fire prevention and life safety conference. Throughout

the weekend event, students attended workshops covering a

variety of public education issues for all age groups and partic-

ipated in networking activities, allowing for the opportunity to

discuss programs and share new ideas in fire safety outreach.

President Lee Ielpi of the September 11th Families’

Association and Ex-Chief Fred Sager of the Great Neck Vigilant

NYSA FC & OFPC Host Annual Pub Ed Weekend

Fire Department, representing the Tribute WTC Visitor Center,

offered the very poignant presentation, “Tribute: Honoring Those

Lost on 9/11 Through Positive Action.”

BullEx Digital Safety provided hands-on demonstrations of

a variety of tools that can be used by public fire safety educa-

tors, including the Fire Safety Trailer. Visit the NYSAFC web-

site for details on the Fire Safety Trailer program.

Pictured: NYSAFC’s Skip Sylvester and Al Varlaro with Lee Ielpi

(center). Check out NYSAFC’s Facebook page for more pictures

from the Pub Ed Conference at www.facebook.com/nysafc ●

Program.” The goal of the program is to protect the citizens

of White Plains that live and work in the city’s more than 100

high rise residential and commercial structures. The bureau

was chosen for this award in recognition of the quality of its

program, which is appropriate for audiences of all ages, its use

of new media to deliver the fire safety message, and its efforts

to develop a cost effective program for the community offset by

grant funding.

White Plains Chief Richard Lyman and Richard Nagle,

retired director of the Academy of Fire Science, who produced

the award winning life safety program, accepted the aw ard

during the opening ceremony of the 38th Annual Public Fire

Safety Educators’ Conference on April 30, 2011.

The Public Education Award was first presented by NYSAFC

in 1995. In 2010, it was named in memory of longtime Pub Ed

Committee member Jim Wright.

NYSAFC is now accepting applications for all 2012 award

programs, including these and the Chief Fred W. Singer Fire

Educator of the Year Award and NYSAFC Fire Chief of the

Year Awards. Go to www.nysfirechiefs.com for details. ●

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VIEW FROM THE HILL

This Is Going to Be “The New Normal”Director of Government Affairs Ken LaSalaInternational Association of Fire Chiefs

AS SPRING TURNED INTO summer,

members of Congress began to act on

a number of issues, including those of

importance to the fi re and emergency

services. After reaching a last minute

agreement, Congress passed into law

and President Barack Obama signed

legislation to fund the federal govern-

ment through the end of Fiscal Year (FY)

2011. In addition, Congress began work

on the FY 2012 appropriations bills. We

also saw progress on the Senate legisla-

tion to reauthorize the FIRE and SAFER

grant programs and establish a nation-

wide public safety broadband network.

However, 10 years after the tragedy of

September 11, Congress is less respon-

sive to the needs of the fi re and emer-

gency services than it was a few short

years ago.

FUNDING FOR FIRE SERVICE PROGRAMSIn a last minute deal to prevent a

shutdown of the federal government,

President Obama and the House and

Senate leadership reached a compro-

mise to fund the federal government

through September 30, 2011. The com-

promise bill (P.L. 112-8) cut federal

spending by $39.9 billion, which was the

largest single year reduction in federal

funding since the end of World War II.

Thanks to the efforts of Representative

Bil l Pascrell and many calls, meet-

ings and faxes by the fire service, the

FIRE and SAFER grant programs were

funded at a total of $810 million and

the United States Fire Administration

(USFA) was not cut.

In February, President Obama

released his FY 2012 budget, which

d id include cuts to both the U.S.

Fire Administration and FIRE and

SAFER grant programs. The House of

Representatives began work on the FY

2012 appropriations bill for the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security (H.R.

2017) in May. This bill included large

cuts to funding in most DHS grant pro-

grams and the U.S. Fire Administration.

The bill that was reported by the House

Appropriations Committee would have

funded only $200 million for the FIRE

grant program and $150 million for

the SAFER grant program. On the

House f loor, Representatives Steven

LaTourette (R-OH) and Bill Pascrell

(D-NJ) successfully offered an amend-

ment to restore some funding to the

FIRE and SAFER grant programs. After

the passage of the LaTourette-Pascrell

amendment, both the FIRE and SAFER

grant programs would be funded at

$335 million each.

The chart below summarizes the

budget picture as it currently stands:

As this article was being written,

the Senate was awaiting a deal by the

president and Congressional leader-

ship on raising the debt ceiling before

working on its version of the FY 2012

DHS Appropriations bill.

THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE FIRE AND SAFER GRANT PROGRAMS

On May 18, the Senate Committee on

Homeland Security and Governmental

Affairs reported out S. 550, the Fire

Grants Reauthorization Act. This legis-

lation would reauthorize the FIRE and

SAFER grants through 2016, and make

a number of important changes to the

programs. However, S. 550 has two

major problems:

1. The bill would terminate both the FIRE

and SAFER grant programs in 2016.

IN MILLIONS ($)

Program FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

(President’s Budget)

FY 2012(House-passed)

USFA 45.59 45.59 42.54 42.54

FIRE 390 405 250 335

SAFER 420 405 420 335

UASI 887 725 920 **

SHSGP 950 725 1,050 **

Interoperable Communications Grants

50 0 0* **

Metropolitan Medical Response System

41 35 0* **

*The President’s FY 2012 budget proposed the elimination of the Interoperable Emergency Communications and the Metropolitan Medical Response System grant programs, but allowing initiatives formerly funded by these programs to become allowable expenses under the State Homeland Security Grant Program.

** The House bill (H.R. 2017) would provide a $1 billion pool for these programs and let the secretary of homeland security fund them based on her discretion.


2. The bi l l would restructure the

SAFER grant programs, but require

local jurisdict ions to retain the

SAFER-funded f iref ighter in the

fourth year at the jurisdiction’s

expense.

The provision to sunset the bill in

2016 is the biggest problem with the

bill. It passed the committee with the

support of all eight Republicans on the

committee and only one Democrat. S.

550 also would restructure the SAFER

grant program, so that the first three

years only would require a 25 per-

cent local match. However, the f ire

service is concerned that the require-

ment for the jurisdiction to retain the

SAFER firefighter in the fourth year

will discourage fire departments from

applying for the grants. The IAFC is

working to remove these provisions on

the Senate floor.

In the House, Representative Eddie

Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced

a House companion bill (H.R. 2269).

This bill has 14 co-sponsors includ-

ing Representative Michael Grimm

(R-NY). This bi l l is based on H.R.

3791, which passed the House in the

111th Congress, but was blocked in the

Senate.

THE LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK

There has been great progress in

the effort to pass legislation to estab-

lish a nationwide wireless broadband

network for public safety. On June 8,

the Senate Committee on Commerce,

Science, and Transportation voted by

a bipartisan vote of 21 to 4 to report

out S. 911, the Strengthening Public-

safety and Enhancing Communications

Through Reform, Ut i l izat ion, and

Modernization (SPECTRUM) Act. The

bill is sponsored by both the commit-

tee’s chairman, Senator John D. “Jay”

Rockefeller IV (D-WV), and its rank-

ing Republican, Senator Kay Bailey

Hutchison (R-TX). It would allocate the

10 MHz of the D Block to public safety,

authorize over $11 billion to construct

and operate the public safety wireless

broadband network, and establish a

Public Safety Broadband Corporation

to oversee the effort.

The House Energy and Commerce

Committee held a series of hearings

on this legislation in the spring. On

May 25, Ch ief Jef f Johnson, IAFC

president (2010-2011), test i f ied in

support of a l locat ing the D Block

to public safety and establ ishing a

nationwide public safety broadband

network on May 25. Unfortunately,

the leadersh ip on th is commit tee

continues to support the idea of auc-

tioning the D Block to a commercial

bidder, which would deprive public

safety of the 20 MHz that it needs to

have an effective broadband network.


However, Representative John Dingell

(D-MI) introduced a companion bil l

(H.R. 2482) to S. 911 on July 11.

THE U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION’S ROLE IN EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTION 4 (ESF-4)

On March 30, President Obama

released Presidential Policy Directive

VIEW FROM THE HILL

(PPD)-8, which establishes his national

preparedness policy. The PPD-8 directs

the secretary of homeland security to

develop a national preparedness goal

by September 30. The directive also

sets up a national preparedness system

composed of the federal, state and local

governments, the private and non-profit

sectors, and the public to ensure the

nation’s preparedness to respond to a

future disaster, either man-made or

natural.

On May 11, the New York State

Association of Fire Chiefs sent a let-

ter to President Obama urging him to

assign the USFA as the “Emergency

Supp or t Fu nc t ion C oord i na t or”

for ESF-4. The ESF-4 is part of the

National Response Framework and

deals specifically with the coordination

of firefighting activities in response to

wildland, urban and rural f irefight-

ing operations. Currently, the U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA) is

the “primary agency” for coordinating

ESF-4, because this ESF was written

before September 11 mainly to respond

to wildland fires. For the past 10 years,

the fire service has argued that USFA

should play the lead role in coordinat-

ing the firefighting response to inci-

dents that do not involve wildland fires.

In 2006, the USDA and USFA signed

a memorandum of understanding to

allow the USFA to be the lead agency

for non-wildland fires. NYSAFC is lead-

ing an effort to strengthen the USFA’s

position and ensure that it is the lead

agency coordinating the f ire service

response to a future act of terrorism.

Over the past nine months, there

have been a number of times when

the fire service has had to step up and

contact their members of Congress in

support of funding for the FIRE and

SAFER grant programs or the passage

of legislation to establish a nationwide

broadband network for public safety.

With the increased partisanship in

Congress and declining federal bud-

get, this is going to be “the new nor-

mal.” I would like to recognize all of

your efforts to educate the New York

Congressional delegation about these

issues, especial ly the large delega-

tion from New York that attended the

National Fire and Emergency Services

Dinner in April. The IAFC and NYSAFC

will keep fighting for you on Capitol

Hi l l and keep you informed about

what happens. ●

In remembrance9.11.01

WWW.BULLEXSAFETY.COM

540829_Bullex.indd 1 7/13/11 11:21:55 AM


SIZE UP SPOTLIGHT

Patriot Flag Flies in Rouses PointLorne UlleyNYSAFC Canada Regional Representative

THE 51ST ANNUAL JULY 4th celebration for the village of

Rouses Point in 2011 was historical for Clinton County. The

community, located in the most northern part of New York

state, had the honor of displaying the Patriot Flag, which

has been touring the United States in honor of the fallen of

September 11, 2001.

History was made as a Canadian fire department, St-Paul-de-

L’ile-aux-Noix (Quebec), joined the Rouses Point Volunteer Fire

Department in flying the Patriot Flag from their aerials.

The Patriot Flag will travel to 50 states in 50 weeks, mak-

ing stops in Shanksville, Pa., at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.,

and Battery Park in New York City. The flag, which is 30-by-56

feet, is a sight to behold. ●

Fire

fight

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rd, S

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ul-d

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ile-a

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DHSES Series:

New York State Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew X. FeeneyNew York State Office of Emergency Management

The 10 -yea r a n n iversa r y of t he

September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks

provides a time for remembrance and

ref lection. We remember the brav-

ery of the first responders who gave

their lives to rescue others, and those

who remained to recover the lost. It is

also a time to reflect on what we have

learned and to recommit ourselves to

improving the way we serve the public.

We rely on the fire service and other dedicated profes-

sionals from law enforcement, public health, and emergency

medical services to respond to immediate life threatening

emergencies, and to broaden this response when disasters

strike. Supporting local government’s management of large

and complex disasters is the main role of New York state’s

emergency management program. We do this by partnering

with federal, state and local agencies. The plans we develop

collectively, the training we deliver, and the exercises we

conduct support and shape this partnership. All of New York

state’s agencies support the state’s emergency management

initiatives, with the State Office of Emergency Management

(State OEM) coordinating the program. This enables the state

to draw on great expertise to deliver a wide variety of services.

During the last decade, New York state government

has worked hard to increase and improve its capabilities.

Following the September 11 attacks, the federal government

provided substantial funding to support this effort. The chal-

lenge now is to maintain our capabilities as budgets shrink at

all levels of government. This challenge prompts us to work

more closely together to ensure that we continue to meet the

public safety needs of New York’s families and communities.

ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY, AND COLLABORATIONGovernor Andrew Cuomo set high ethical standards for state

agency leadership and staff. State OEM will meet and exceed

these standards by following the rules and regulations that

guide our conduct and programs. Transparency is essential to

fostering a culture of trust with our partners and customers. We

will conduct our business with openness and continuous com-

munication. State OEM will continue to collaborate with federal,

state, county, and local agencies to ensure that we use our

resources wisely and efficiently and, most importantly, that the

partnerships we have developed are even further strengthened.

CHANGE AND GROWTH IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTWith the national emphasis on homeland security after

September 11, 2001, states rushed to restructure public

safety programs to align with federal priorities and build

competence in the f ight against terrorism. Many states

aligned the newly-formed homeland security programs within

their emergency management offices. Others placed them

within their state police agencies. New York created an Office

of Public Security that grew to encompass a whole menu of

intelligence gathering, planning, training and exercise pro-

grams within the state’s Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT).

During this time, the State Emergency Management Office

continued to manage the state’s comprehensive all-hazards emer-

gency management program. State OEM invested heavily in its

infrastructure, rehabilitating the state’s Emergency Operations

Center, and funding technology programs to better manage

information and enhance emergency notification. State OEM also

invested in its field offices, adding additional staff to provide sup-

port for local planning and training efforts. The state’s Warning

Point enhanced its procedures and protocols to provide situational

awareness and notification services to state and local agencies.

State OEM continues to respond to numerous disasters across the

state, not only coordinating emergency support, but also working

to secure federal assistance to reimburse local damages.

A NEW FOCUSIn July 2010, the state created the Division of Homeland

Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) comprised of five

offices, including State OEM. This new agency aligned several

of New York’s primary public safety entities, building capac-

ity and increasing efficiency. Prior to this change, State OEM


(then known as the State Emergency Management Office or

SEMO), while widely recognized by our partner organizations

and holding the same responsibilities it does today, was tech-

nically an office within the New York State Division of Military

and Naval Affairs. The legislation that created DHSES for-

mally codified the state’s emergency management program,

creating State OEM in law and outlining its responsibilities.

While DHSES continues to implement the merger of the five

entities, there have been immediate benefits for the state’s

emergency management program. They include:

• Greater collaboration with the state Office of Fire Prevention

and Control (OFPC). While always having had a strong rela-

tionship with OFPC, the merger has provided for an even

closer relationship. State OEM works with OFPC leadership to

integrate each agency’s operational practices, where appro-

priate, thereby maximizing the speed and efficacy of service

delivery to our local and county partners. This will strengthen

the state’s ability to support emergency operations at both the

state and local levels. State OEM works closely with OFPC to

deploy our technology with OFPC’s codes enforcement staff to

gain a greater picture of the risks posed to the state’s build-

ing stock. OFPC’s support of the state’s Incident Management

Team program continues to enhance our capabilities.

• More robust communications support. The Off ice of

Interoperable and Emergency Communications (OIEC) works

closely with State OEM operations to support its emergency

communications system. During the last year, OIEC worked

across the state to upgrade State OEM’s radio system and con-

trol of this system from the state’s Warning Point. OIEC works

with State OEM to identify anticipated communications needs

during response and recovery operations. The access to their

expertise and their ability to singularly focus on this critical

mission has already increased the state’s capabilities to sup-

port local needs and will continue to do so in the future.

• Greater geographic information systems (GIS) capability.

The Office of Cyber Security’s (OCS) GIS component provided

consistent support to the emergency management program

during the last decade. Now part of DHSES, this function pro-

vides more support for preparedness, response and recovery

efforts.

• Greater coordination with state Office of Counter Terrorism

(OCT). State OEM works with OCT to ensure that training and

exercise programs are more closely coordinate. State OEM

participates on the State Homeland Security Working Group.

As we move forward, DHSES’s component offices are being

even more closely integrated into the state’s emergency manage-

ment program, which enables us to better serve our customers.

SUSTAINING KEY PRIORITIESThe current economic challenges faced by local, county,

state and federal governments challenge us to maintain our

capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disas-

ters. Nevertheless, our citizens will continue to face risks, and

they will expect us to meet their needs when disasters strike.

We must continue to seek greater efficiency and collaboration.

The following initiatives are essential to enhancing the

state’s ability to address our risks:

• Incident management – State OEM develops Type III and

IV incident management teams across the state to support

more complex emergencies. State OEM is planning to pro-

vide additional staffing for this effort.

• Catastrophic planning – FEMA funds catastrophic plan-

ning efforts in the tri-state/New York City metropolitan

area that address logistics management, executive decision

making, critical infrastructure, and incident management.

The lessons we learn from this effort will benefit our plan-

ning efforts statewide.

• Radiological emergency preparedness (REP) – Since

the early 1980s, the state’s REP program has served as the

backbone of State OEM’s exercise program. Following this

year’s tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, State OEM

was authorized to re-staff this program. Although only

NYS DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES INCLUDES:• Office of Counter Terrorism

• Office of Cyber Security

• Office of Emergency Management

• Office of Fire Prevention and Control

• Office of Interoperable and Emergency

Communications


seven counties are required to plan for nucle ar power plant

emergencies, all counties must increase their awareness of

the impacts from a nuclear accident, the problems it would

cause, and how they would respond. State OEM will broaden

its outreach efforts to more counties to improve these efforts.

• Disaster assistance – Natural and man-made emergencies and

disasters continue to affect communities and families across

the Empire State. Many of these incidents will not warrant fed-

eral assistance. However, State OEM continues to improve its

outreach and training efforts to county and local governments

so they can assess damages promptly and accurately.

• Hazard mitigation – State OEM continues to administer

several competitive FEMA-funded hazard mitigation pro-

grams. State OEM will continue to streamline the applica-

tion process. Additionally, we will maximize mitigation

projects identified within the Public Assistance program.

THE FUTUREThe risks and challenges that New York faces are diverse

and complicated. Our history of successfully responding to

and recovering from major crises and disasters, including

ice storms, hurricanes, terrorist attacks and transportation

disasters, should serve as a reminder and inspiration to all of

us in public safety of what we can accomplish when we work

cooperatively. On this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks

of September 11, 2001, we do not know what our next great

crisis will be. What we do know is that we will face it together

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The demands on today’s re o cers are constantly increasing. Traditional training is not enough for today’s re service leader of all ranks. NYSAFC recognizes that leadership development is necessary now if we are to protect the future of the re service. It is also crucial for chief o cers to support those individuals performing the day-to-day operations of the re department, as sharpening the leadership skills of your line o cers will enhance the overall strength of your team.

Company Of cers Leadership Training (COLT)Where do chiefs that recognize the need for leadership development send their of cers for that type of training? NYSAFC’s COLT program.

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Th e v o l u n t e e r

fire service over

the years has

evolved from the

old time, center

of the community

bucket brigades

to the unpaid

p r o f e s s i o n a l s

that today serve our communities. The

key word that has been used over the

years by many of our brothers has been

“volunteer.” Many of us have often heard

this word used as a reason why we

shouldn’t be held to a higher standard

for training, equipment, or commitment.

In the past 20 years or so we have been

forced to step up our training efforts due

to mandates that require annual train-

ing in certain areas.

The thing you have to love the most

about the volunteer firefighter is his or

her ability to put their community and

their fellow firefighters ahead of every-

thing except family. Awakening at 3:00

a.m. and fighting a fire that keeps them

up all night to then shower and go to

work a full day at their regular employ-

ment is just something that requires a

special type of person. Add to this the

hours of training and preparation that

the individual must commit to again is

nothing short of greatness.

As we begin to look into exactly

what a firefighter needs to know about

firefighting we will start with his or

her first visit to the fire house. I have

always tried to impress on the mem-

bers of my department that we always

need new people. They are the future

of the fire service. When we are in the

public eye it is important to convey an

air of professionalism. The person we

help today could be crawling down a

smoky hallway with you in a year. Many

The Volunteer Firefighter –

“ A Jack of All Trades” Coordinator of Fire Instruction Michael Healy, Rockland County Fire Training Center & Firefighter Robert LaGrow, FDNY

Colin

Mill

er


people join the fire department after having a positive experi-

ence at their place of residence. We all have to be aware that

the public is always watching us. It’s 2011 and you don’t want

to watch your department on YouTube in the morning, unless

it’s a positive video. Remember, they call us the bravest, not

the brightest.

Welcome probies with open arms. If they have taken the

step to fill out an application make every attempt to show

them around and feel at home. Help set them up with the

training they will have to complete to meet the proper stan-

dards and laws. We know what they have signed on for but

they don’t. The years of jumping on the back step of the truck

and pulling a booster line into the burning structure are

long gone, as are the days of little or no training.

Let’s take a look at what a minimum probationary fire-

fighter has to do to be properly trained in today’s volunteer

fire service. In the state of New York the Firefighter I class

consists of 84 hours of rigorous training that touches on every

facet of firefighting. Things we never heard of years ago are

taught – hazardous materials, confined space awareness, and

weapons of mass destruction. In 84 hours we have pushed

so much material into their minds, while also putting them

through the practical hands-on training that each firefighter

must know, it would be a miracle if they retained any of the

information.

At the end of the class these firefighters are turned over

to their chiefs to begin what I call their most important train-

ing. In their initial training they were taught how to stretch a

line, raise a ladder, start and operate a saw, open a hydrant,

and roll and pack hose, along with the other 19 students in

their class. Although all these skills were taught, how much

time did the student actually have on the nozzle, or how many

times did he raise an extension ladder? It’s our job to make

sure that their training continues for the entire time they are

in the fire service.

The name of this article says it all. We have to know every-

thing and be ready to put it to use at a moment’s notice. Let’s

be honest. When was the last time you cut a roof on a working

structure fire? When was the last time you raised an exten-

sion ladder and carried a roof ladder to the roof? Most volun-

teers are active folks, many who work in the trades, and all

have varied skills that they bring to the table. Let’s take a look

at what a firefighter has to know today.

HYDRANTSAs we all know the new guy gets pushed out of the rig at

the working structure fire and gets told to hook up to the

hydrant. Good Idea? I hope you regularly teach all of your

firefighters how to do this very important task. A lot of things

have changed in the fire service but water is still, in my opin-

ion, the most important thing we bring to the fire. Sending

the new guy to do this job without properly going over your

department’s procedures is incredibly dangerous. Again, ask

yourself, when was the last time you hooked a Humat valve

to the hydrant in the middle of the night? Water is our best

friend. Training on this is imperative.

FORCIBLE ENTRYHow are we getting into the house? In today’s economy

more people are worried about burglary than fire. Where

the entry is going to be made and how we are getting in are

important tasks that have to be accomplished with speed and

proper tools and techniques. 2:00 a.m. is not the proper time

for a drill on forcible entry. Did the proper tools come off the

truck? Are the skills and tools necessary for this job trained

on and serviced regularly? Quickly think again, when was the

last time you forced a door with the irons or used the Hydra-

Ram on a commercial door? Quick quiz. Which way does the

door have to swing to use the Hydra-Ram? Better do some

training if you don’t know.

INITIAL HANDLINEProper placement of the first line is imperative. As the say-

ing goes, “The fire goes as the first line goes.” No truer words

have ever been said about firefighting. We could have ropes

and bail out systems, parachutes or whatever else they want

us to carry but without an operating handline in the build-

ing we are in trouble. Am I going to stretch a 1 ¾-inch or 2

½-inch line to the seat of the fire? Am I going to stretch from

a preconnected line or a dead bed? Smooth bore nozzle or

combination? These decisions have to be made, and in the vol-

unteer service there may be no officer available to make them

for you. This is where your training pays off. No training, it’s

unlikely a proper decision will be made. If you stretch three

feet short you might as well stretch 30 feet short. Not making

that last room of fire can be problematic. Think about it, when

was the last time you had the line?

SEARCH AND RESCUEOur primary responsibility at the fire scene is the pro-

tection of life. Our first operational task always has to be to

make sure the building has been entirely evacuated. A fast

and efficient search of the fire building has to be initiated

immediately. Where should your search begin? What time

of day is it? Is it 4:00 a.m. and two cars are in the driveway, Tom

Bie

rds

The answer to all the previous questions is and will always be training.


or is it 4:00 p.m. with no cars but two bicycles outside the

house? Have the proper tools been selected for your search?

Do you have the irons, a hook, a water can, and the thermal

imaging camera? In today’s fires we have to move fast and we

also have to make sure that the line is being stretched simul-

taneously to offer us protection. Remember, once we enter

that building our lives are on the line and we have only one

tool with us to save our lives, our head and the training we

have entered into it. How many times do the rigs go out the

doors with below desired manpower? We have to make every

attempt to protect ourselves.

VENTILATIONFlashovers and backdrafts happen much more frequently

today than in the past. The products of petroleum in our

homes today have made fires that much more intense. The

superheated gases have to be removed from the building as

soon as possible to prevent these two possible fatal events.

Where am I going to open the house? Do I know by the loca-

tion of the fire where I should vent? Should I use vertical or

horizontal ventilation? Am I going to light up the building by

taking the wrong window? Is the line on the fire? Do I have to

get to the roof and do I have the manpower to do this danger-

ous task? Am I able to get a 24-foot ladder off the rig and get

to the back of the house with a hook and Halligan to get into a

second floor bedroom window to conduct a search for a miss-

ing child? Again, 2:00 a.m. is not the time to find out.

ENGINE CHAUFFERIs tonight the night I am the only driver to show up at the

call? I’m qualified but don’t really like to drive. As I start the

rig I hear over the radio that there are multiple calls on this

fire and possibly people trapped. When was the last time I

went over the pump or attended a drill and asked to drive?

Remember Murphy’s Law. If it can happen, it will, and at the

worst possible time. What gates have to be pulled immedi-

ately when I arrive? Do I stop in front of the house or pass it

so I leave room for the ladder? Where’s my nearest hydrant?

Is there another engine on the road to drop a supply line for

me? Will I have to supply the tower ladder? I hope you know

the answer to these questions because things go bad fast in

residential fires.

LADDER CHAUFFERAs a ladder chauffer I get out of my economy car and into

an 85,000-pound truck. When was the last time I operated

this monster? What tasks have to be completed before I get

the bucket out of the bed? It sounds like the guys may be cut

off by fire on the fourth floor. Where should I position the rig?

Am I going to get the ladder to where they need it? Do I have

the manpower to get portable ladders up against the building?

Have I watched for overhead power lines while positioning the

ladder? Some of these questions if not answered correctly

could be fatal.

COMPANY OR DEPARTMENT OFFICERNow that we have addressed most of the important posi-

tions on the fireground let’s talk to the officers. When was

the last time you commanded a fire or major incident of any

kind? When was the last time you attended a training session

of any kind? Being in the position to order firefighters into a

hazardous atmosphere is an awesome responsibility. Any of the

questions laid out in any of the firefighting positions previously

As the saying goes, “The fire goes as the first line goes.” No truer words have ever been said about firefighting.

Tom

Bie

rds

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discussed should be answered immedi-

ately by anyone who is expecting to lead

firefighters. Not only should he or she

be able to answer the questions, they

should be able to carry out the tasks. Are

you going to be an officer who stands

outside the building and orders people

into it not knowing if the building has

the potential to collapse? When was the

last time you took a building construc-

tion class? Do I have all the knowledge

necessary to carry out the office that I

have been elected to or am I the winner

of a popularity contest with little or no

knowledge of firefighting?

SUMMARYAlthough the volunteer f ire ser-

vice has turned around incredibly in

the past 20 years there is always room

for improvement. The answer to all the

previous questions is and will always

be training. Whether your department

has 40 members or 400, the important

jobs will always be carried out by those

who train. Most departments do not get significant fire duty to offer the priceless

experience that career departments get.

If I’m cutting roofs two or three times a

week chances are I will know how to cut

a roof at my next call. Training always

makes the difference. The science of fire

suppression is an always-changing sci-

ence. We have seen the fire service go

from smooth bore nozzles to thousand-

dol lar malfunctioning combination

nozzles, and now back to smooth bore.

Water puts out fire. Always did, always

will. Whether you are in the crew cab or

in the chief’s car you need to keep read-

ing, keep training, and keep yourself

and your brother and sister firefight-

ers safe. Hopefully you are one of those

dedicated to doing it right. Be safe! ●

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Mike Healy is a 40-year member of the fi re service, serving 13 years with Blauvelt Fire Department and 27 years with Central Nyack Fire Department, including 10 years as chief in Central Nyack. He is a New York state fi re instructor and the coordinator of fi re instruction at the Rockland County Fire Training Center. Bob LaGrow is a 20-year member of the fi re service. An assis-tant chief with the West Haverstraw Fire Department, he is also a career fi refi ghter with the FDNY assigned to Engine Co. 63 in the Bronx. Previous FDNY assignments include Ladder Co. 34 in Manhattan and the Flashover Training Program at Randall’s Island. LaGrow is also a New York state cer-tifi ed fi re instructor and has worked at the Rockland County Fire Training Center for 18 years. He has lectured throughout the country on a variety of subjects. Healy and LaGrow are both members of the NYSAFC Fire Education Committee, are NYSAFC Hands-On Training Program instructors, present Mini-Seminars for the association, and were 2010 Seminar Series lecturers.

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Carbon Monoxide or Cyanide?

Lieutenant Timothy Gaffney Jr.Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department

On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, the Shaker

Road-Loudonville Fire Department

was toned out for a “carbon monox-

ide (CO) without illness call” in its

district at 0724 hours.

The chief arrived on scene and

established command. I was on the

first due engine as officer along

with the driver and a firefighter.

I advised the firefighter to turn on the multi-gas meter while

responding non-emergency.

As I called arriving, my chief advised me to check with the

homeowner and investigate. I took the gas meter, which is

capable of detecting cyanide (HCN) and carbon monoxide (CO),

from the firefighter and my chief gave his single gas CO meter

to the firefighter so we had two meters going in.

I met with the homeowner, who was waiting outside and

had his family and the pet hamster in the car, due to the cold

weather. I asked the homeowner if he had his vehicle running

in the garage and he answered no. He explained that he has five

CO detectors in his house that went off intermittently through-

out the previous afternoon, overnight, and into the current

morning. At one point, he did take all batteries out of the detec-

tors to silence them and then notified the fire department.

After receiving some of that information, I motioned the

firefighter to follow me and investigate by going through the

attached garage entrance and into the house. We were both

wearing full PPE and SCBA, but had our masks dangling and

didn’t have our air on due to the nature of the call. I led the

way into the house with the firefighter following behind me.

I opened the door leading into the house from the garage and

took two or three steps into a small hallway when my gas

meter started to alert. The screen showed that CO was at eight

ppm, while HCN was at 50 ppm and counting even higher.

We backed out into fresh air. I ran the gas meter in fresh

air to zero out the sensors. We went back in and still got high

readings of HCN in the same area. Again, we backed out and

talked to the chief face to face to let him know that we were

getting high readings of HCN and barely getting CO. The chief

advised the fire investigator, who was still. I advised the chief

Proving the Existence of Invisible Dangers and When to Question Your Readings

False Readings –

NYSAFC Fall 2011Seminar Series

This program will provide an in depth look at the events leading up to any firefighter’s worst nightmare, a line of duty death. In this day of FAST or RIT teams, getting out alive or saving our own training, and new personal safety systems, there is really no true awareness training. Everything being taught is reactionary for when we get ourselves into trouble. Students will learn the warning signs or red flags that should alert everyone to a develop-ing problem. The program will review several line of duty deaths and call attention to several warning signs that went unnoticed. Students will examine the transmission of “maydays” and “urgents” and the information that should accompany each. Our best survival training is awareness and our ability to react to the signs of a changing fire situation; it is time to “recognize and survive.”

Tim Klett is a 29-year veteran of the fire service. He was a volunteer with the Newington (CT) Fire Department

“Firefighter Safety & Survival: Recognize & Survive” with Lieutenant Tim Klett, FDNY

before becoming a paid firefighter with the City of New Britain (CT) Fire Department until his appoint-ment to the FDNY in 1990. Klett worked in Engine Co. 69 of Harlem, one of the FDNY’s busiest engines, for 12 years. He currently works in the Bronx, assigned to Engine Co. 88 in the 7th Division. Klett served on FDNY’s research and development team, which developed the department’s new PSS safety system. He also developed the engine company operations course for FIRESCUE Interactive’s training facility and serves as the school’s lead engine instructor. Klett is a certified New York state instructor, adjunct instructor for the Connecticut State Fire School, and frequently speaks about engine company operations. The author of “Stretching and Operating the First Line” published in Fire Notes by the Fire Department Training Network, Klett has written several articles for national fire service publications.

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that the firefighter and I would be going on air to continue

with the investigation inside the house.

On air now, both the firefighter and I continued back into

the house with our gas meters at the ready. Again, my gas

meter read 70-85 ppm for HCN and 24 ppm for CO and the

other gas meter read 24-28 ppm for CO. This was consistent

on the first and second floors of the residence. We continued

our investigation by going down the staircase leading to the

basement. While walking down the stairs, my gas meter had

HCN exploding off the chart, as the screen read “+++”. CO held

steady at 28 ppm. We even checked around the furnace and

hot water tank, and the firefighter got 28 ppm for CO on his

gas meter. I advised the chief on our investigation over the

portable radio and pulled back out.

I advised the fire investigator not to enter due to the high

levels of HCN and at one point the firefighter felt lightheaded

due to being exposed the first time. I met with the homeowner

and questioned him on any other factors that could be letting

off HCN. He made mention of the natural gas fed fireplace and

that the hot water tank leaked the previous Tuesday. After

the hot water tank leaked, he called in a company to cut and

remove parts of the damp carpet and let electrical dehumidi-

fiers help dry up the basement on Wednesday. On Thursday,

the homeowner installed the new hot water tank himself and

powered it on Friday. The fire investigator and a representa-

tive from the utility company started to think that the HCN

could be coming from “fake embers” used for natural gas fed

fireplaces or that the damp carpet and synthetic matting could

be giving off HCN. The cleaning company didn’t use any chemi-

cals and there could be false readings messing up the sensors.

At this time, we had a second multi-gas meter with an

HCN sensor to assist in verifying the initial readings. Again,

HCN was still present and both multi-gas meters showed high

readings of HCN and low readings for CO. Ventilation was

performed to lower the levels to a safe atmosphere for the fire

investigator and the utility representative inside. Both had gas

meters, which were multi-gas but didn’t have HCN sensors.

They checked the fireplace and hot water tank and furnace for

leaks and to see if they could recreate the levels of HCN and CO.

The fireplace was tagged out of service by the utility company

due to a small leak. Unfortunately, the fireplace wasn’t the cor-

rect source of the HCN. The highest the levels returned to were

0-5 ppm for CO and 28 ppm for HCN in the basement. After two

hours being on scene, the chief decided to turn the house back

over to the homeowner and advised that the department would

be back later in the evening to check if everything was safe.

The chief and I went returned to the scene and checked

the readings with our multi-gas meter and single gas meter.

CO was barely 5 ppm and HCN was at around 49-50 ppm. The

family looked well and didn’t exhibit any symptoms of HCN or

CO poisoning and did have their batteries back into their CO

detectors again. Even the family’s hamster was alive and well.

This just goes to show you that you have to think outside the

box and explore every parameter before declaring the scene

safe for people. Remember, the gas meter is a valuable tool in

the fire service, which shouldn’t be taken for granted. ●

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September 11, 2001 – A Decade Later


As the nation reflects on the tragic

events of September 11, 2001, the

New York State Association of Fire

Chiefs has chosen to dedicate these

pages to the Tribute WTC Visitor

Center – a place of remembrance,

understanding, and respect – in

honor of those we have lost. During

the past several years, NYSAFC

has worked to increase the statewide knowledge of this out-

standing organization both in and outside the fire service.

Through efforts at our Annual Conference, Public Education

Conference, and other media, we have chosen to promote their

exceptional work.

The Tribute WTC Visitor Center offers visitors to the World

Trade Center site a place where they can connect with people

from the September 11 community. Jennifer Adams and Lee

Ielpi of the September 11th Families’ Association conceived of

the Tribute Center in 2003. Through walking tours, exhibits,

and programs, the Tribute WTC Visitor Center offers “Person

to Person History,” linking visitors who want to understand

and appreciate these historic events with those who expe-

rienced them. Visitors learn factual information about the

events of September 11, 2001; the people killed in the attacks,

and the unprecedented rescue and recovery operations that

arose in their aftermath.

The Tribute Center serves to welcome more than 500,000

visitors to lower Manhattan annually. Currently, there is

nowhere for them to learn constructively or to seek informa-

tion about September 11, 2001, in proximity to the World

Trade Center site. The Tribute Center offers 6,000 square

feet of exhibit and educational meeting space for visitors in

one of downtown’s historic buildings at 120 Liberty Street. It

is located next to FDNY fire house 10/10 and across from the

World Trade Center site.

The Tribute Center is located in the former Liberty

Deli, directly across from Ground Zero. In the aftermath of

September 11, the deli became a station where meals were

served to rescuers, often by celebrities who came to volunteer

and give the tired workers a boost. Later, the deli became a

distribution point for equipment such as gloves, socks, respi-

rators, eye drops, and tools.

From the start, the Tribute Center aimed to present many

diverse points of view in order to give visitors a sense of the

broad impact of the tragedy. In addition to describing the ter-

rible human toll, it was important to tell the story of residents

displaced for months, businesses shut down, and the extraor-

dinarily powerful stories of people’s resilience, and the gener-

osity of spirit that filled New York City after September 11.

The telling of these stories began with the development of

the Walking Tour program. Now, more than 300 volunteers, all

from the September 11 community, guide visitors around the

site, each sharing his or her own unique experience. The stories

told inside the Tribute Center are also based on personal expe-

riences. Exhibit film and text are based on more than 300 oral

histories collected during two years. All of the information is


In the way the

Tribute Center is

dedicated to provide

people with an edu-

cational and mean-

ingful experience of

September 11, I was

inspired to do what

I do best, to com-

municate, so I wrote

A Decade of Hope

– one of the most

challenging, inspir-

ing and ref lective

things I’ve done in

my entire life.

What I want people to remember on this 10t anniversary,

which we can’t avoid, I want people to understand that the

next milestone for the families who lost loved ones in this

horrific event is tomorrow morning. Every day is a mile-

stone for these terrif ic families of the 2,974 people who

perished.

This is the most important thing I learned. Each is a

unique story of profound tragedy. I’ve seen the greatest in

each of these families. Consequently, they, as well as those

they lost, need to be remembered for the character they dis-

play with modesty, but character that is as big as a billboard,

exemplifying the American personality.”

transmitted first-person, by those who experienced September

11. To learn more about the Tribute WTC Visitor Center and its

ongoing mission, visit www.tributewtc.org

The passage of time is a tricky thing; it is measured by dif-

ferent people in different ways. What seems a lifetime to one

is simply seconds to another. Although it has been 10 years,

on some days it feels like many more. On other days, it feels as

though merely a few months have gone by. Regardless of how

we interpret the passage of time, time has passed, and the

world of September 10, 2001, no longer exists.

As each of us in the fire and emergency services commu-

nity spends time reflecting on that day, we are reminded of all

that we have lost personally, operationally, and intellectually

from within our ranks. We hope everyone has taken the time

on this occasion to find a positive way to express how mean-

ingful each of those people were. ●

NYSAFC PRESIDENT SKIP SYLVESTER“The recollection that comes to

my mind each time I think of that

day is the col lapse of the f irst

tower. It dawned on anyone in

the emergency services that there

would be a huge loss of firefight-

ers at that moment. But, the loss

of civilians also struck me, par-

ticularly those who jumped from

the buildings in despair, and the

poignancy of Father Judge’s death

that day. These visions are hard for anyone to understand,

even for those of us in the fire service.

I remember well my f irst visit to the Tribute Center

and its portrayal of those events and people. Looking

at September 11 from a ful l perspective al lowed these

thoughts to come full circle. Now I not only think of the first

responders and civilians who died that day, but also the

families and survivors. Surviving is the true legacy of the

Tribute Center.”

NYSAFC PAST PRESIDENT AL VARLARO“I remember at tending the

funeral for Chief Ganci on Long

Island, along with other chiefs

from central New York. We then

proceeded to Ground Zero, to help

with the recovery efforts and met a

nurse named Peg McKenna, whose

father was a retired battalion chief

from FDNY. We ended up help-

ing to carry pales of eyedroppers

down Church and Vesey Streets,

doing whatever we could to assist. Everything around us was

surreal. But what I remember most was the way in which

people from all walks of life worked together, side by side.

From my viewpoint, the Tribute Center has helped tre-

mendously with the healing process and has educated the

world on what transpired in memory of all of those that

died that day.”

DENNIS SMITH, FDNY (RETIRED)“In writ ing Report From

Ground Zero, I met so many

admirable and courageous peo-

ple that my view of the world

was changed. When I saw peo-

ple dedicated the way they are

at the Tribute Center I became

more inspired. I learned what

so many there and others are

doing in the September 11 com-

munity. Each story I heard

should be remembered, as well

as the event.

AD E CA D E

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Dennis SmithWITH DEIRDRE SMITH

Dennis Smith

WITH DEIR DR E

SMITH

Stories of Grief and Endurance from 9/11 Families and Friends

AUTHOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

REPORT FROM GROUND ZERO

V I K I N G

We Remember September 11, 2001


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York State

Museum, and the National September 11 Memorial

& Museum announced locations for 30 “New York

Remembers” exhibitions that are being organized as part of a

statewide recognition of the 10th anniversary of the September

11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The exhibitions will give New Yorkers a place to remember

the victims of September 11 and honor the countless heroes

who came from all corners of the state to help in the clean-up

and recovery efforts. The exhibitions will feature historical

artifacts from the collections of the State Museum and National

September 11 Memorial & Museum. Each location will open

during the week of August 29 and continue until the end of

September. All will be open on Sunday, September 11.

Many of the artifacts being exhibited have never been seen

by the public, including: the trailer used by families visiting

Ground Zero that includes photographs and messages; damaged

emergency vehicles and other vehicle parts; aluminum and

glass from the buildings; religious “symbol steel” created by the

workers at the site; and airplane fragments including landing

gear and engine parts. The stories behind all the artifacts will

be told as part of the exhibitions.

“Every community across New York felt the impact of the

senseless acts of terrorism that claimed thousands of lives just

one decade ago,” Cuomo said. “These exhibitions will give New

Yorkers in towns, villages, and cities all across the state a gath-

ering place to once again stand as one community to make sure

we never forget those who lost their lives on September 11th and

to embrace the spirit of unity that brought us together on that

day of devastating tragedy.”

Lee A. Ielpi, president of the September 11th Families’

Association added, “I’ve committed the past ten years to ensuring

that the stories of September 11th are kept alive. I want to honor

the memory of all of the victims of those terrorist attacks, includ-

ing my son Jonathan, and I want people to remember the tens of

thousands of people who reached out to help total strangers on

the 11th and in the aftermath. I strongly believe we need to teach

young people everywhere about all aspects of September 11.”

Salvatore Cassano, fire commissioner of the City of New York,

said, “We will never forget the dedication and sacrifice of the 343

FDNY members who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. The

incredible artifacts that will go on display as part of ‘New York

Remembers’ also will ensure that the people who live in and visit

New York will never forget them, or the close-to-3,000 others who

were killed on that tragic day. We hope this exhibit will help us

all heal as we honor the 10-year anniversary of the attacks.”

With more than 2,000 artifacts, the New York State Museum

is the nation’s largest repository of objects recovered from the

World Trade Center site after September 11, 2001. Within weeks

of the attacks, State Museum staff documented the operations

at the WTC site and later spent countless hours at the WTC

Recovery Operation at Fresh Kills where all the material was

inspected. In the 10 months that followed the attacks, the FBI

and NYPD recovered more than 50,000 pieces of personal

property. The museum also documented the Fresh Kills opera-

tion with hundreds of photographs, interviews and films.

The FBI and NYPD transferred all artifacts to the museum

after they were designated non-essential to the crime scene as

neither criminal evidence nor personal property. Items include

rescue artifacts, building pieces, everyday artifacts, and other

objects from the site. No object collected from Fresh Kills by the

museum was kept if it could be identified as owned by an indi-

vidual. Vehicles such as an FDNY truck were signed over to the

museum by the FDNY via a deed of gift by the specific agency.

Forty-nine pieces of the two airplanes that crashed into the tow-

ers were transferred to the museum by the FBI. These include

fuselage, interior, and engine parts. The museum also has a sig-

nificant collection of sympathy material from across the world. ●

9/11 Exhibitions Across New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo speaks with President Lee Ielpi of the September 11th Families’ Association, at left, on August 10, 2011, following the announcement of the “New York Remembers” exhibitions.

EXHIBITION LOCATIONS:Albany: State Museum/Empire State Plaza Amsterdam: Riverfront CenterAuburn: Cayuga Community CollegeBatavia: City HallBinghamton: Binghamton UniversityBuffalo: Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State CollegeElmira: Clemens CenterGeneva: Geneva Public LibraryHudson: FASNY Museum of FirefightingIthaca: Rothschild Building at Ithaca CommonsJamestown: Jamestown Municipal BuildingLake Placid: Lake Placid Convention CenterMahopac: Mahopac LibraryMiddletown: SUNY OrangeMonticello: Sullivan County Government CenterNiagara Falls: Niagara Falls Conference CenterNorwich: Council of the Arts Oneonta: Yager Museum of Art & Culture at Hartwick CollegePlattsburgh: City HallPotsdam: SUNY PotsdamPoughkeepsie: Dutchess Community CollegeRochester: Rochester Museum and Science CenterRockville Centre: Recreation CenterSaratoga Springs: City CenterStony Brook: Stony Brook UniversitySuffern: SUNY Rockland Community CollegeSyracuse: The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & TechnologyUtica: Mohawk Valley Community CollegeWatertown: Dulles State Office BuildingWhite Plains: White Plains Library

Annual Conference Highli ghts

CLOSE TO 14,000 ATTENDEES and 325 exhibiting companies participated in FIRE

2011 (Fire Industry, Rescue, & EMS Expo), the NYSAFC 105th Annual Conference &

Expo at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y. from June 15-18, 2011.

With the opportunity for free entry to the expo, emergency services leaders from

across the Northeast had the chance to view and learn about the latest technologies,

apparatus, tools, equipment, and services for fire and EMS responders – all avail-

able to purchase or order.

And during the four-day conference – the largest emergency services event in the Northeast – registrants could participate in firematic or EMS CEU workshops,

codes and public education training, or NYSAFC’s intense Hands-On Training pro-

gram, all led by nationally renowned lecturers and instructors.

Thanks to our attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, and sponsors for your par-

ticipation! Enjoy these scenes from FIRE 2011, and check out NYSAFC’s Flickr site at

www.flickr.com/photos/NYSAFC-FIRE for more!

See you at the Turning Stone for FIRE 2012, June 13-16! Forms are included in this

issue of SIZE UP and at www.nysfirechiefs.com


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1st On Scene Fire & Emergency Services

Akron Brass Co.

Amkus

Bullard

BullEx Digital Safety

Channellock, Inc./My Channellock Tools

Churchville Fire Equipment Corp.

Cutters Edge

Delmar Cengage Learning

Elkhart Brass

Floyd Fire Department

Garrison Fire & Rescue Corp.

Gary’s Auto Parts, Inc.

HILTI

Hurst Jaws of Life

Iamresponding.com

ISG

Jerome Fire Equipment Co., Inc.

Jones and Bartlett Learning

Logs2lumber

MSA

Motorola

Niedner

Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.

Res-Q-Jack, Inc.

Scott Safety

Super Vac

Tele-Lite, Inc.

Timothy Duffy

Tyler Fire Equipment, LLC

Verona Fire Department

West Islip Fire Department

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President 2010-2011 Al Varlaro and a reporter from WKTV in Utica view a product demonstration.

David Blizzard (Markham, Ontario, Canada) talks with an exhibitor representative. Blizzard participated in this year’s special Pub Ed Committee workshop on Wednesday.

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Chairman James Harrington of the Paid Officers Committee views a de monstration.

Special Thanks to Our Hands-On Training Sponsors:

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FIRE 2011 lecturers Chief George Zayas (West Haverstraw F.D.), Battalion Chief John Salka (FDNY), Lieutenant Mickey Conboy (FDNY), Deputy Chief Jay Jonas (FDNY), and Captain Ken Begbie (FDNY). Zayas and Salka are also NYSAFC committee members.

NYSAFC’s upcoming Fall 2011 Seminar Series instructor, Lieutenant Tim Klett, FDNY, spoke about the engine company officer.

NYSAFC repres entatives meet with conference delegates from the Hong Kong Fire Services who traveled from China to attend FIRE 2011. Pictured: Cheu Yu Kok, NYSAFC Conference Committee Chairman John Scott, Director Don Corkery, and Tang Kai Ming.

Retired Chief Bobby Halton (Fire Engineering), Chief Thomas Cain (Scarsdale F.D.) of NYSAFC’s Paid Officers Committee, Retired Chief Alan Brunacini (Phoenix F.D.), Chief Richard Lyman (White Plains Fire Bureau), Deputy Chief Peter McDonald (Mt. Vernon F.D.) of NYSAFC’s Paid Officers Committee, and Fire Science Program Chair David Walsh (Dutchess Community College) of NYSAFC’s Fire Ed Committee.

NYSAFC Confe rences Coordinator Sue Revoir visits with Michael and Scott Cohen of NYSAFC’s website partner, 911Webs.com.

Alan Brunacini, John Salka, and J ohn Buckman kicked off the conference with lectures on Wednesday. Buckman, chief of the German Township (IN) F.D., also delivered the keynote address on Thursday.

Captain Jeff Facinelli, FDNY, a regular SIZE UP contributor, drew a big crowd to his lecture on Thursday.

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Chief Billy Goldfeder spoke about fire fighter survival.

Flashover t raining was a new program added to this year’s Hands-On Training Program.

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The R idge Road Fire District honor guard participated in this year’s Memorial Service to honor our deceased members and offered a very impressive and moving tribute.

Chi ef Paul Whorrall (Manlius F.D.), New York director for the IAFC Eastern Division speaks during the General Session.

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NYSAFC Past President John Cullen (White Plains F.D.), President Skip Sylvester (Ossining F.D.), and Retired Chief Henry Campbell (Mt. Verno n F.D.) following the Installation Ceremony on Saturday.

Past President Al Varlaro passes the gavel to incoming President Skip Sylvester.

Frank “Skip” Sylvester, joined by his wife Sue, was sworn in as president of NYSAFC during the Installation Ceremony on Saturday. Past Preside nt John Cullen served as installing officer.

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Registrant InformationUse one form per person. Conference Pass or One Day Tickets will be mailed to address below. Please print neatly.

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NYSAFC Member # (if applicable): ____________________________ Title: ______________________________________________________

Department/Organization: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________ State/Province: _________________ Zip Code: ________________

Country: __________________________________________________ County: _________________________________________________

Daytime Phone: ( ) ________________________________ E-Mail: _____________________________________________________

Type of Registration

Conference Full Term RegistrationRegistration: NYSAFC Member – $80 / Non-Member – $95 per person.Registration includes a four day pass that allows full entrance to the event, including exhibits (Thursday-Saturday), education programs(Wednesday-Saturday), and activities.

One Day Ticket Registration (Exhibits Only)Registration: $15 per person ($5 per day).Registration includes three One Day Tickets that allow entrance to exhibits only (Thursday-Saturday).

* Use Hands-On Training Form for Hands-On Training Program registration.

NYSAFC MembershipJoin NYSAFC or renew your association membership. $35 annual dues payment.

Membership Renewal – Member #: ____________________________

New Member – Please specify information:

Membership Section: Fire Section EMS Section Both Sections

Your Status: Career Volunteer Industrial Military

Payment Information

Check (Make payable to NYSAFC. U.S. funds only.)

Voucher

American Express Mastercard VISA

Credit Card #: __________________________________________ Expiration Date: _________ / _________ CVN #: ___________________

Cardholder’s Name: _____________________________________ Cardholder’s Signature: ________________________________________

Grand Total Fee Due: $ __________________________________

Room ReservationsIn order to reserve a room at a “participating” hotel/property, attendees must be pre-registered for the event for a minimum of three days,including those who intend on using One Day Tickets for entry. This form must be submitted with a Hotel Reservation Form.

Submit Form & Payment to NYSAFCNew York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) • 1670 Columbia Turnpike • P.O. Box 328 • East Schodack, NY 12063Fax: (518) 477-4430 • Phone: (800) 676-3473 or (518) 477-2631 • Visit www.nysfirechiefs.com for complete FIRE 2012 details.

NYSAFC 106th Annual ConferenceEVENT REGISTRATION FORMConference: June 13-16, 2012 • Expo: June 14-16, 2012Turning Stone Resort • Verona, New York

Registrant InformationUse one form per person. Conference Pass will be mailed to address below.

Name: ___________________________________________________________

NYSAFC Member # (if applicable): _____________________________________

Title: ____________________________________________________________

Department: _____________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________________________________

State/Province: ______________________ Zip Code: ____________________

Country: ___________________ County: _____________________________

Daytime Phone: ( ) ______________________________________

E-Mail: __________________________________________________________

Program Registration & FeesSelect training program(s) and indicate desired training day(s) and session(s).Only one program can be completed each day. Also includes Conference FullTerm Registration (allowing entry to exhibits and education programs).

Aggressive Interior Fire Attack (8-Hour Live Fire Program)NYSAFC Member $335 / Non-Member $385 per person, per session

Thursday Session Friday Session

Truck Company Series: Ground Ladders (8-Hour Live Fire Program)NYSAFC Member $335 / Non-Member $385 per person, per session


Truck Company Series: Roof Operations (8-Hour Live Fire Program)NYSAFC Member $335 / Non-Member $385 per person, per session


Truck Company Series: Forcible Entry (8-Hour Live Fire Program)NYSAFC Member $335 / Non-Member $385 per person, per session


Truck Company Series: Search & Retrieving Victims (8-Hour Live Fire Program)

NYSAFC Member $335 / Non-Member $385 per person, per session Thursday Session Friday Session

Advanced Vehicle Extrication (8-Hour Program)NYSAFC Member $235 / Non-Member $285 per person, per session


Rapid Intervention Team Competition Battle Drills (8-Hour Program)

NYSAFC Member $235 / Non-Member $285 per person, per session Thursday Session Friday Session

Haz-Mat “Are You Kidding Me” (8-Hour Program)NYSAFC Member $235 / Non-Member $285 per person, per session


Multifaceted Elevator Rescue (2-Day, 16-Hour Program)NYSAFC Member $335 / Non-Member $385 per person

Thursday AND Friday

Flashover (2-Hour Live Fire Program)NYSAFC Member $100 /Non-Member $125 per person, per session

Thursday Session A Session B Session C

Friday Session A Session B Session C

Saturday Session A Session B Session C

A: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. • B: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • C: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Advanced Thermal Imaging Camera Operations(8-Hour Live Fire Program)

NYSAFC Member $335 /Non-Member $385 per person, per session Thursday Session Friday Session

ICS (NIMS) “How It Really Works & Putting It To Use”(4-Day, 28-Hour Program)

NYSAFC Member $235 / Non-Member $285 per person Wednesday – Saturday

Water Supply Operations (8-Hour Program)NYSAFC Member $235 / Non-Member $285 per person

Saturday Session

NYSAFC MembershipJoin or renew your membership. $35 annual dues payment.

Membership Renewal – Member #: __________________________________

New Member – Please specify information below:

Membership Section: Fire Section EMS Section Both Sections

Your Status: Career Volunteer Industrial Military

Payment InformationCheck (Make payable to NYSAFC. U.S. funds only.)

Voucher

American Express Mastercard VISA

Credit Card #: _____________________________________________________

Expiration Date: __________ / __________ CVN #: ______________________

Cardholder’s Name: ________________________________________________

Cardholder’s Signature: _____________________________________________

Grand Total Fee Due: $ ______________________________________________

Room ReservationsIn order to reserve a room at a participating hotel/property, attendees must bepre-registered for the event for a minimum of three days. This form must besubmitted with a Hotel Reservation Form.

Submit Form & Payment to NYSAFCNew York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC)1670 Columbia Turnpike • P.O. Box 328 • East Schodack, NY 12063Fax: (518) 477-4430 • Phone: (800) 676-3473 or (518) 477-2631

Visit www.nysfirechiefs.com for sessiondescriptions and training prerequisites.

NYSAFC 106th Annual ConferenceHANDS-ON TRAINING FORMConference: June 13-16, 2012 • Expo: June 14-16, 2012Turning Stone Resort • Verona, New York

Participating Hotels/Properties & RatesAll rates are per night, single occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Minimumthree night stay.

Turning Stone Resort5218 Patrick Road • Verona, NY 13478The Villages RV Park – $45The Tower (King or Two Doubles) – $184The Hotel (King or Two Doubles) – $184The Inn (King or Two Doubles) – $100Cancellations under 48 hours and early check-outs will be charged for full stay.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott5280 Willow Place • Verona, NY 13478Standard King – $139Standard Two Queens – $144King or Queen Extended Suite – $169

Hotel Utica102 Lafayette Street • Utica, NY 13502Guest Room – $95.99Two Doubles – $95.99Master Suite – $155.99Parlor Suite – $125.99

Inn At The Beeches7900 Turin Road • Route 26N • Rome, NY 13440Single – $77Two Queens – $87

Microtel Inn Suites5118 State Route 365 • Verona, NY 13478Two Queens – $109

Quality Inn200 S. James Street • Rome, NY 13440 Double – $109.99King – $109.99

Ramada141 New Hartford Street • New Hartford, NY 13413Double – $89.99King – $89.99

Vernon Downs Casino • Hotel4229 Stuhlman Road • Verona, NY 13476Double (Standard Room) – $149

Wingate by Wyndham90 Dart Circle • Rome, NY 13441King – $139Two Queens – $139

To Reserve a Room at a Participating Property1. You must be pre-registered as an attendee for a minimum of three days(Conference Full Term, Hands-On Training Program, or One Day Ticket reg-istrant) or be a representative from an exhibiting company that has pur-chased exhibit space for FIRE 2012.

2. You must submit an Event Registration Form or Hands-On TrainingForm (or Exhibit Space Application) with this Hotel Reservation Form tothe NYSAFC office. Provide the same name, fire department/company, andphone number on both forms.

3. One set of forms must be provided for each room reserved.

4. Those that stayed in participating hotels in 2011 will have the firstopportunity to reserve rooms at the same property in 2012. You canreserve the same number of rooms used in 2011 (does not include cancel-lations). You will be guaranteed reservations at the same property only,not preference in rooming (room assignments will be handled by eachproperty). Forms must be postmarked by September 9, 2011 for this con-sideration.

5. After this deadline, rooms in participating hotels will be assigned on afirst come, first served basis.

6. If you stayed in a participating hotel in 2011 and request additionalrooms over and above what you used in 2011, you’ll be guaranteed thesame number of rooms used in 2011 and your additional rooms will beassigned after the deadline (based on availability).

7. If you stayed in a participating hotel in 2011 and request to stay in a dif-ferent participating hotel for 2012, every attempt will be made to meetyour request; however, it can not be guaranteed.

8. The hotel will contact you directly to confirm room type, number ofoccupants, special needs/accommodations, etc. upon receipt of this form.

9. A credit card number must be provided to secure a room.

Registrant InformationName: _______________________________________________________

Department/Company: _________________________________________

Daytime Phone: ( ) _____________________________________

E-Mail: ______________________________________________________

In order of preference, list your hotel choices:

Choice 1: _____________________________________________________

Choice 2: _____________________________________________________

Choice 3: _____________________________________________________

Did you stay in a participating hotel in 2011? Yes No

If so, where? __________________________________________________

Check-In Date: _______ / _______ / ________

Check-Out Date: _______ / _______ / _______ Minimum three night stay.

Accommodation Requests: ______________________________________

Credit Card #: _________________________________________________

Expiration Date: _________ / _________ CVN #: ____________________

Cancellation PoliciesConference registration cancellations must be submitted in writing toNYSAFC. A service fee of 25% will be applied. After FIRE 2012, unusedbadges (with all entry stubs intact) must be returned with a letter of can-cellation to receive a refund. The deadline for requesting refunds is July20, 2012. Hotel/lodging reservation cancellations must be made directlywith your hotel/property. Individual hotel cancellation policies apply.NYSAFC does not assume the responsibility for cancelling hotel/lodgingreservations if the association is notified of cancellation of your confer-ence registration.

Submit Hotel Reservation Form to NYSAFC1670 Columbia Turnpike • P.O. Box 328 • East Schodack, NY 12063Fax: (518) 477-4430 • Phone: (800) 676-3473

NYSAFC 106th Annual ConferenceHOTEL RESERVATION FORMConference: June 13-16, 2012 • Expo: June 14-16, 2012Turning Stone Resort • Verona, New York


THE OFFICERS OF NYSAFC are sad-

dened to announce the loss of Past

President Barry L. Sens, past chief of

the Pittsford Fire Department in Monroe

County, on July 5, 2011. Sens led NYSAFC

from 1987-1988.

A Life Member of NYSAFC, Sens

joined the association in 1972. He was

elected to the board of directors in 1978.

In recent years, he served as chairman

of the Historical Committee and worked

with committee members in archiving

documents and photographs at associa-

tion headquarters, as well as planning

displays and activities for the associa-

tion’s 100th anniversary, which was cele-

brated in 2004. Prior to joining the board

THE ROSTER – IN MEMORIAM

NYSAFC Mourns the Loss of Past President Barry Sens

of directors, Sens was a member of the

Education and Training Committee, and

he remained committed to fire service

and pubic education while on the board.

During his tenure as president, many

new seminars and workshops were intro-

duced by NYSAFC, and some are still

delivered by the association today.

A lifelong resident of Pittsford, Sens

joined the Pittsford Fire Department

in 1958 and served as chief from 1977-

1978. He also served as a f ire com-

missioner from 1979 unti l May of

2011, president in 1990, and was most

recently a safety officer with the depart-

ment. Additionally, Sens was a member

of many Monroe County and regional

and state firematic organizations.

John CobbJohn W. Cobb Jr. passed away on

April 13, 2011. Cobb was a volunteer fire-

fighter for 59 years, serving 46 years as a

member of the Adams Fire Department,

and was a life member of the Belleville

Volunteer Fire Department. He served

as chief of the Adams Fire Department

from 1974-1977, was selected Fireman of

the Year in 1990, and was most recently

serving as president of the Adams Fire

Corp. At the time of his passing, Cobb

was a Jefferson County fire coordinator

for zone 1, a Jefferson County volunteer

fire investigator, and was certified with

the International Association of Arson

Investigators, Inc. He was past presi-

dent of the Jefferson County Volunteer

Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association,

as well as a member of the New York

State Fire Investigators Chapter 23, the

Jefferson County Fire Advisory Board,

and FASNY. A member of NYSAFC since

1986, Cobb was a longtime member and

past chairman of the Volunteer Chiefs

Committee and the association’s regional

representative for Jefferson County.

Robert MauroRetired Chief Robert A. Mauro of

the Fairview Fire District passed away

on March 13, 2011. He had retired in

February 2011 after a 45-year career.

Mauro began his firefighting career in

Westchester County as a volunteer with

the Thornwood Fire Department. He

joined the department in Fairview in

1965, and served as chief for 33 years.

He was also a member of the Elmsford

Fire Company No. 1, serving as vice

president for the company. A member of

NYSAFC since 1977, Mauro served on the

Education Committee and later on the

board of directors. He remained actively

involved with the association throughout

his fire service career, mentoring fire

chiefs and officers in Westchester County

and throughout New York state. ●

NYSAFC Members Commissioner Arthur J. BlachowskiHy-View Fire Department

Ex-Chief William T. Brennan St. James Fire Department

Past Chief Edward P. BroderickBushnell’s Basin Fire Department

Deputy Coordinator/Past Chief John W. CobbJefferson County/Adams Fire DepartmentNYSAFC Volunteer Chiefs CommitteeNYSAFC Jefferson County Regional Rep

Past Chief William DuganDarien Fire Department

Past Chief George MassmanBrighton Fire Department

Chief Robert A. MauroFairview Fire DepartmentPast NYSAFC Director

Past Chief Guy L. McGowanPenfield Fire Department

Past Chief Ronald J. NemetzBullville Fire Department

Past Chief Robert E. ForestBarnard Fire Department

Commissioner Stuart HuntleyWalworth Fire Department

Ex-Chief William F. Lynch Jr.South Salem Fire Department

Ex-Chief Henry MarshWyandanch Fire Department

Ex-Chief Charles NelsonThe Firemen’s Home

Past Chief Ralph W. RobinsMamaroneck Fire Department

Past Chief William H. RossiterMenands Fire Department

Chief Barry L. SensPittsford Fire DepartmentNYSAFC Past President 1987-1988

Past Chief Anthony StagnittiCanastota Fire Department

Commissioner Larry VeselyEndwell Fire Department

Ex-Chief George WalterSt. James Fire Department


ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEMS

Penfl ex, Inc. ....................................................................................34 www.penfl exinc.comAPPARATUS - USED/REFURBISHED/CONVERSIONS/

MAINTENANCE/REPAIR

Frank & Sons Body Works ..............................................................23 www.frankandsonsbodyworks.comARCHITECTS - FIRE TRAINING BUILDINGS/ENGINEERS

Bovenzi Architects ..........................................................................13 www.bovenziarchitects.comARCHITECTS & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Bovenzi Architects ..........................................................................13 www.bovenziarchitects.comC.T. Male Associates, P.C. .................................................................6 www.ctmale.comH2M ................................................................................................34 www.h2m.comHBT Architects ....................................................... Inside Back Cover www.hbtarchitects.comMitchell Associates Architects........................................................19 www.mitchell-architects.comASSOCIATIONS

International Association of Fire Chiefs www.iafc.org ................................................................................21BILLING SERVICES

Certifi ed Ambulance Group, Inc. .....................................................19 www.certambgroup.comCOLLECTIBLES

Silver Towne Mint ...........................................................................17 www.silvertownemint.comCOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

Emergency Responder Reply System (iamresponding.com) .............. www.iamresponding.com Firecom .............................................................................................6 www.fi recom.comDATA COLLECTION

Emergency Reporting .....................................................................34 www.emergencyreporting.comEDUCATION - TRAINING MATERIALS

IFSTA/Fire Protection Publications .................................................33 www.ifsta.orgEMS EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Fire Hooks Unlimited, Inc. ...............................................................33 www.fi rehooksunlimited.netW&E Phillips Locksmith, Inc. ..........................................................26 www.phillipslock.com

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS/ADVERTISER.COM

Tactical Hands-On Training:

“Battle Ready Company Officers”

NYSAFC ANNUAL

Emergency Services Leadership Symposium

Visit www.nysfirechiefs.com for full details.

Tactical Hands-On Training

“Battle Ready Company Officers” will include:

Registration (hotel not included):

Now featuring

October 7 – 9, 2011

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EXHAUST REMOVAL - AIR PURIFICATION

Air Cleaning Systems, Inc. ..................................... Inside Back Cover www.acleansystem.comEXTRICATION EQUIPMENTAMKUS, Inc. ......................................................................................4 www.amkus.comFINANCIAL INSTITUTIONSMorgan Stanley Smith Barney ........................................................ 12 www.morganstanley.comFIRE RESCUE BOATS/LIFE RAFTSTele-Lite, Inc. .................................................................................. 12 www.tele-lite.comTele-Lite, Inc. ..................................................................................23 www.tele-lite.comFIREFIGHTER GEAR/ACCESSORIES/APPARELJerome Fire Equipment/MSA ................................. Inside Front Cover www.jeromefi re.comFOOTWEARWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.comGENERATORSTele-Lite, Inc. .................................................................................. 12 www.tele-lite.comTele-Lite, Inc. ..................................................................................23 www.tele-lite.comGLOVESWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.comHELMETS & ACCESSORIESWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.comHOSE/NOZZLES/REELS/COUPLINGS/ADAPTERSWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.comINFORMATION SYSTEMSEmergency Reporting .....................................................................34 www.emergencyreporting.comINSURANCEPERMA ............................................................................................30 www.perma.orgProvident Agency, Inc. ....................................................................33 www.providentbenefi ts.comUtica National Insurance Group ........................................................3 www.uticanational.comLAUNDRY EQUIPMENTStatewide Machinery, Inc. .............................................................. 12 www.statewidemachinery.com

LIGHTINGTele-Lite, Inc. .................................................................................. 12 www.tele-lite.comTele-Lite, Inc. ..................................................................................23 www.tele-lite.comWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.comNOVELTY/GIFT ITEMSFinal Honor ..................................................................................... 13 www.thefi nalhonor.comPERSONAL ALERT SAFETY SYSTEMSBackstop-USA ................................................................................ 12 www.backstop-usa.comPUMPS & EQUIPMENTTele-Lite, Inc. .................................................................................. 12 www.tele-lite.comTele-Lite, Inc. ..................................................................................23 www.tele-lite.comW.S. Darley & Co. ............................................................................33 www.darley.comRESCUE EQUIPMENTRock-N-Rescue ..............................................................................29 www.rocknrescue.comEastford Fire and Rescue Sale ........................................................ 11 www.efrsales.comTRAFFIC CONTROL PRODUCTSWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.comTRAILERSPaul Congelosi Sales, Inc..................................................................8 www.congelositrailersales.comTRAINING /INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS/OTHERBullEx Digital Safety .......................................................................22 www.bullexsafety.comNYSAFC Book Store www.nysfirechiefs.com ................................................................16NYSAFC Company Officers Leadership Training www.nysfirechiefs.com ................................................................26NYSAFC Seminar Series www.nysfirechiefs.com ................................................................32PennWell Corporation ..........................................Outside Back Cover www.pennwell.com UNIFORMS & ACCESSORIESWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.comVENTILATION EQUIPMENT & FANSWitmer Public Safety Group, Inc. ......................................................8 www.thefi restore.com

Air Cleaning Systems, Inc.Air Cleaning Systems, Inc.Serving NY StateServing NY State800-247-1020800-247-1020www.acleansystem.comwww.acleansystem.com

Clean Air Company, Inc.Clean Air Company, Inc.Serving Metropolitan NY/NJServing Metropolitan NY/NJ

800-738-0911800-738-0911www.CleanAirCo.comwww.CleanAirCo.com

531619_Air.indd 1 5/12/11 11:48:22 AM

Architecture | Facility Planning | Facility Assessments

16 S. Main StreetPittsford, NY 14534585.586.0490 ph.585.586.1299 fax hbtarchitects.com

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April 16-21, 2012Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

Presented by: Owned & Produced by:

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WHERE LEADERS COME TO TRAIN

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REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11 - Nxtbook Media

Documents

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11 - Nxtbook Media