VOLUME 42 Issue #1 Friday, March 12, 2010

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

CALL 845-517-0810 TO DONATE CARS

The Rockland County Fire Chiefs’ Assn. announced a new telephone number for you wishing to donate a used car-van-boat-pickup or other “junk” vehicle. Call 845-517-0810 says Bruce Leonard, RCFCA President. Many of these old or used vehicles are used for extrication training. You will be given a tax IRS deduction receipt.

COSGRIFF & PBA WING NIGHT APR. 9 $15

On Friday, April 9, the Cosgriff Hose Co. 4 and the Haverstraw PBA present a Wing Night at the Haverstraw Elks Club in the village. Starts 7 PM.

For $15 donation, All You Can Eat Wings, Fries, Poppers, Beer Wine and Soda. There will be a DJ, 50/50, and cash bar. Join the evening with Chief Bobby Drexler, the Chapmans, “Babby” and also Ex-Chief George Crowley!

LEG. COKER & JACKSON STAY LIAISONS

Hon. Connie L. Coker and Hon. Robert D. Jackson were reappointed recently to continue to serve as liaison legislators to the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board. This was announced by Hon. Harriet D. Cornell, Chairwoman of the Legislature. Both liaisons are familiar with fire service projects, noted Advisory Board Chairman Vincent Sheridan Sr. from Thiells FD.

JOHN NORMAN SEMINAR TUES. MAR. 30

From 7 to 10 PM, you can learn with John Norman at Rockland’s Fire Training Center in Ramapo on Tuesday, March 30. The retired FDNY Chief of Special Operations will present an overview of

Rescue Operations, focusing on a structural collapse scenario. Cost is $10. Write your check payable to the RC Fire Chiefs’ Assn.

Register by March 19 thru Sheryl Rose at the Rockland Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen’s Memorial Dr, Pomona N.Y. 10970. Light refreshments will be served. The Rockland Fire Instructors Assn. is a Co-Sponsor. Flyers are printed with more details and Chief Norman’s lengthy resume of 39 yrs of service. Call 364-8800, Fax 364-8961 or rcftc@co.rockland.ny.us

HILLCREST LEADS CHIEFS ATTENDANCE

The Hillcrest Fire Co. took top honors again with the most members present at the 10 RCFCA meetings in 2009, reports Robert A. Capello (Past Pres. & current Sgt-At-Arms). Hillcrest had 90 attending. Spring Valley FD with 75 ranked 2nd, Tappan with 68 was 3rd

place, edging out 64 from South Spring Valley.

Then West Haverstraw FD 45, with Thiells and West Nyack following for 6th. Tallman, Nanuet followed with Blauvelt and Sparkill tied for 9th most. Stony Point garnered 10th just ahead of Monsey, Pearl River and New City, according to the “Sign-In Ledger”.

A total of 840 came to President Bruce Leonard’s meetings that are held on the third Thursday (except June & Dec.) at 7:30 PM. Guests tally 26 plus 37 non-members. February 2009 was highest with 96, with average monthly 84 sharing safety concerns.

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

Page 2 THE TRUMPET

GOT YOUR CO DETECTOR?

Effective Monday, Feb 22, N.Y. State Law requires having a working Carbon Monoxide Detector in your home. This mandate is known as Amanda’s Law and includes fines up to $1,000 if you lack a CO Detector at the lowest bedroom level in your dwelling.

The law is named after a 16-year-old Erie County girl named Amanda Hansen who died in 2009 from CO poisoning while asleep. From 2003 thru 2005, NYS Dept. of Health recorded 243 individuals hospitalized for CO poisoning. Nation-wide USA averages 20,636 Emergency Room responses for non-fatal CO visits. Deaths 1999-2008 were 458 known by the US Product Safety Commission.

NYS homes erected after 2008 will be required to have detectors hardwired. Other residence can use battery powered units. They must be placed on the lowest floor where any person sleeps. Any building where people stay is included, like college dorms, hotels, nursing homes, bed & breakfast, and senior citizen complexes. Check with your local building code inspector. See additional story on Page 5.

BE SURE TO BE COUNTED-USA CENSUS

You are reminded to complete your US Census form. As written in the US Constitution, a population count is done every 10 years. This affects federal aid and money grants as well as your state’s delegation to the US House of Representatives.

With about 1 million census takers (temporary employees) this head-count is expected to cost $15 billion dollars. Your census forms will be mailed in mid March. To save money, complete it and mail the form back. This will avoid needing to pay for a census taker to visit in May.

DO NOT BE SCAMMED! There are only 10 questions to answer on your census form.

HILLBURN LADIES CHILI COOK-OFF 3/13

Free admission Saturday, March 13, to the Hillburn FD Ladies Auxiliary Chili Cook-Off. This will be in the Community Room of the firehouse. Tasters donation $5 from 5 to 7 PM. All are Welcome.

For more info please call Danielle 845-721-8570. During October, the Hillburn Ladies celebrated their 75th Anniversary. Even though it was a rainy night, they had a good time. Happy 75th!

PAPENMEYER SPEAKER AT NEW CITY

The annual Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony of the New City Fire Engine Co. 1 on January 17 featured Mark Papenmeyer as their friendly guest speaker. Mark, a Past Chief of the

West Nyack Engine Co., is now the retired Fire Inspector of the Town of Clarkstown, whose office was in Town Hall across Maple Ave from the New City volunteers’ firehouse.

Taking their Office for leadership 2010 were:

Chief Arthur F. Kunz Jr.1st Asst. Chief Kenny Flynn2nd Asst. Chief James P. AvarasCaptain Dennis M. Rodriquez1st Lieutenant Timothy P. Kunz2nd Lieutenant John LatanzioAsst. Chief Eng.Bruce Harris

Michael SansoneJohn Pawelczyk

Deputy Chiefs Thomas LandanEdward HewittBrian LandauDonald Baggott

President Dennis RobertsVice-Pres Thomas HeuffelRec. Sec. Kyle HewittCorres. Sec. Michael SansoneTreasurer Robert GriffinAsst. Treas. Bruce HarrisSgt-At-Arms Andy FreedmanTrustrees John McSharar

John BennettHarold HeuffelJeff MagnattaMichael Cooney

Following the ceremony the firefighters, guests, and families enjoyed refreshments upstairs in Founders Hall.

The New City Fire Engine Co. was organized in 1888. They plan to celebrate their 125th anniversary in 2013 by hosting the RCVFA Convention Parade, notes Larry Wieber and John W Coyle IV, the two RCVFA Past Presidents from New City Engine Co.

WE MOURN THE PASSING OF:

Herman A. Steffens Jr., RCVFA Life Member (over 50 yrs. having joined in 1954) who died Feb. 10, age 83. He joined Hillcrest Fire Co. 68 years ago, being Chief 1965-1967. This NY Giants fan also served as a Moleston Fire District Commissioner. After WW-II duty in the US Army, Herm was a founder-charter member of the Kearsing & Edwards American Legion Post 1600 in Pomona. He is survived by Jean (wife 62 years), sons Craig and Todd, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Herm and Jean retired to Whispering Pines, NC. A leader that will be missed.

Page 3 THE TRUMPET

RCVFA NEW DIRECTOR

George Cich is the new Director from Town of Ramapo. He fills the vacancy left by the Sept. election of Bruce McClintock as RCVFA Secretary. Cich began his volunteer firemanic service for the Valley Cottage Fire Co., moved and is active now with the Columbian Engine Co. 1, Spring Valley FD.

His wife Carol is the incumbent President of the RCVFA Ladies Auxiliary. She graciously presented RCVFA with a generous check from the county ladies during the men’s Feb. 12 meeting held in Central Nyack. Thank You ladies for your support again!!

RIDGEFIELD PARK HOSTING NJ&NY VFA

The Friday evening June 4 Annual Convention of the NJ & NY VFA will be held in Ridgefield Park, NJ reports Ron Ciolfi and Joseph Mayo (Trustees from NYS). There will be no parade Saturday. More details will be forthcoming.

Recently, the Assn. Executive Board voted to assist future hosts of Friday evening conventions a sum of $500, as recommended by Assn. Treas. George Saigh. Ridgefield Park Mayor George Fosdick, a former Sec. of NJ & NY VFA, reminisced his borough last hosted the bi-state group convention in 1992.

Already developing plans for the 2013 parade for the Associations 100th Anniversary are Spring Valley FD Ex-Chiefs Ray Guarnuccio and Larry Bolson. Their team includes others like Don Arterburn, Ex-Chief of Pearl River and Clint Miller, Chief from Montvale, NJ. They expect to march in both states the first Saturday in June 2013.

Recent RCVFA individuals joining the NJ & NY VFA include James A. Blauvelt Sr., Paul Hylas, RCVFA Vice-Presidents Frank Voce and Paul D. Schlegel and Mike Karas.

The next NJ & NY VFA meeting is open to all on Friday, March 26, 8 PM, at the Cresskill, NJ firehouse. An educational program is scheduled with large parking area in the rear. Also at that session, President Stuart Gates will call for first nominations for the 2010-2011 Officers. RCVFA Past President Nicholas Gatti, a Piermont Ex-Chief, is endorsed for the 2nd Vice-President opening.

SWJ LADIES OFFER CORNED BEEF 3/13

A “St. Patrick’s” corned beef dinner is being sponsored Sat., March 13 by the SWJ Co. 1 Ladies Auxiliary in their Garnerville firehouse. (Eakman Dr & Bridge St). Time 4 to 9 PM Donation $15 per person, $12 Seniors, with a children’s menu. Info call 947-1131 or e-mail babcock225@aol.com

Page 4 THE TRUMPET

Page 5 THE TRUMPET

STATE LAW TO HELP PROTECT FAMILIES FROM CARBON MONOXIDE

POISONING

On February 22, a New York State law went into effect, requiring Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors be installed in all new and existing one and two-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings and rentals having a fuel-burning appliance, system or attached garage. Previously, New York required CO alarms only in new construction and upon a home’s sale

Carbon monoxide is nearly impossible to notice on your own, the best way to stay safe is with carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Recent national surveys found that half of Americans do not have a working carbon monoxide alarm in their home. It is also reported that two-thirds of Americans don’t know what common household items can emit the gas. Carbon monoxide sources include furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, gas-fueled appliances, charcoal grills, portable generators and cars in attached garages. Any home that has any kind of gas source, the most common source for most homes would be a gas furnace, is at risk. Those who have older furnaces especially should invest in a CO detector.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Produced when fuel is burned, carbon monoxide is emitted by common fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and stoves. Additional sources may include improperly ventilated generators, space heaters, fireplaces, barbecue grills, and car exhaust.

The only safe way to detect this colorless, odorless gas in your home is with a carbon monoxide alarm. Amanda’s Law will help protect other families from losing loved ones to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you don’t have a CO alarm in your home, I urge you to install one today. For more information about the new law and how to protect your family from carbon monoxide, visit www.COAlarmLaw.com.

James B. HartwickRCVFA Legislative Committee

NANUET’S 150 TH ANNIV. DINNER HONORS

The Nanuet Fire Engine Co. 1 on Feb 20 celebrated its 150-anniversary of years of dedicated service by honoring several, including David Jacobson, Co. Pres. 2008-09. The gala program began with a welcome by Ex-Chief, now Commissioner Vincent Pacella, with Jason Schlesinger the Master of Ceremonies

Receiving Awards were:Dominick Giovinazzo Top DriverMike Kubasek Chiefs AwardAJ Knapp Top ResponderJohn Fickes Firefighter of the YearJason Schlesinger Firefighter of the Year

Recognized for their many years of active service:Ernest Matern 70 yearsArthur Wagner, Ray Trojahn 55 yearsJohn Reilly 50 yearsSocky Trojahn 45 yearsRichard Colwell, Michael Krist 25 yearsJohn Leonard, Nick Pata, Brian Ready 10 yearsEverette Bierker, Chris Dunlavey 5 yearsPat Tobin. Vincent Tuzzolino 5 years

Co. Pres. Greg Tobin led the Pledge of Allegiance with an Invocation and Memorial offered by Chaplain Deacon John Maloney. Recalled were two “Dept. 8” members on duty in the US Army; Nicholas Pata and Patrick Tobin.

Many Officers were introduced:Administrative Officers

Mike Mattera ChiefAJ Knapp 1st Asst. ChiefChris Koester 2nd Asst. ChiefTodd Giraudin CaptainBill Schoenleber1st LieutenantBrian Ready 2nd LieutenantCraig Praxton 3rd Lieutenant

Executive OfficersGreg Tobin PresidentCharlie Sharon Vice-PresidentJoe Soma TreasurerMatt Younghans Rec. SecretaryMike Shumake Corres. SecretaryJim Gallagher Fin. Secretary

CommissionersHarold Straut ChairmanDomenick Giovinazzo Deputy ChairmanRobert Lacy TreasurerSocky Trojahn Secretary

Ladies AuxiliaryAmanda Trojahn PresidentMary Ann Ritrovato Vice-PresidentAllis Dunlavey TreasurerKathy Atiles Secretary

Page 6 THE TRUMPET

Page 7 THE TRUMPET

Page 8 THE TRUMPET

CALENDARLISTINGS ARE FREE 845-786-3861 Deadline for Next Issue Last Wed. 3/31/10

Tomorrow, Sat. Mar. 13 ● Hillburn Ladies Auxiliary Chili Cook-Off 5-7 PM the firehouse Community room, Free Admission. Tasting $5 donation Tel 845-721-8570.

● Rockland County Fire Chiefs Annual Old Timers Night and Awards Dinner 6:30 PM at West Nyack firehouse Blaze Room. $50.00 at the door

Sun., Mar. 14 ● Daylight Saving Time begins, set clock ahead 1 hour and check the batteries in your detectors.Tues., Mar. 16 ● Ulster County VFA meets 8 PM.Wed., Mar. 17 ● St. Patrick’s Day

● Ladies Auxiliary of RCVFA meeting 8 PM at Hillcrest 300 N. Main St with Pres. Carol Cich.● RC Safety Officers Assn. meeting 7:30 PM with President Charlie Sharon at Rockland Hook & Ladder Co, Spring

Valley, Educational Program.Thurs., Mar. 18 ● RC Fire Chiefs meet 7:30 PM at Tappan, Annual Elections with President Bruce Leonard.Fri. Mar. 19-Sun., Mar. 21 ● NYS Weekend at the National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, MD.Sat., Mar. 20 ● Joint RC Safety Officers & RCV Fire Police Seminar at Rockland Fire Training Center, Free, 9 AM – 3

PM.● Vernal Equinox, Spring begins.

Thurs., Mar. 25 ● Rockland Fire Advisory Board meets 7:30 PM at FTC with Vincent Sheridan, Chairman.Fri., Mar. 26 ● NY & NY VFA meeting 8 PM at Cresskill firehouse with President Stuart L. Gates, First Nominations for

2010-2011 Officers.Sat., Mar. 27 ● Assn. Fire Districts RC Installation Dinner 7 PM at Platzal Brau Haus, Ladentown with Pres. Harold Straut,

reservations through Gail Moggio.Sun., Mar. 28 ● Palm Sunday on Christian calendar.Mon., Mar. 29 ● Putnam County VFA meets 8 PM at Kent with Pres Harold Riesdorph.Tues., Mar. 30 ● Orange County VFA meets 8 PM with Pres. Reyn Randolph at Winona Lake Engine Co. 2.

● Seminar at Rockland Fire Training Center with Chief John Norman co-sponsored by RC Fire Chiefs and RC Fire Safety Officers Assn. Fee $10, 7-10 PM Refreshments, Register with Sheryl Rose at RCFTC 845-364-8800.

Wed., Mar. 31 ● Deadline for articles for Trumpet.● RCVFA Board of Directors meeting 7:30 PM at Hillcrest with Chairman Charlie Sharon.

Sun., Apr. 4 ● Easter.Fri., Apr. 9 ● RCVFA Next Meeting 8 PM at Blauvelt firehouse with Pres. Ken Carr, education program, bring a Buddy

or Future New Member.

CORRECTION: WRONG DATE LAST ISSUE Sun., Apr. 18th is the correct date of the Hudson Valley VFA meeting 1 PM at Lake George with Pres Donald Farrell, SORRY for Feb. Issue error. GO APRIL 18.

Future EventsWed., Apr. 14 ● Fire Police of Rockland & Orange Counties Joint Meeting 8 PM at Montgomery fire hall, Montgomery

Volunteers in 2010 are celebrating 200th Anniversary and still display their 1820 equipment rescued when their old firehouse burned.

Sat., Apr. 17 ● State Ladies Auxiliary meet at Solvay with Diane Werner of Tappan 3 yr Director of LAFASNY.Sun., May 16 ● NJ & NY VFA Annual Memorial Service 2 PM at Bergen Safety Academy in Mahwah. Honor our

deceased volunteers by your attending and accepting the resolutions for those who died in your co./dept. All are invited into the Hall of Heroes Service.

Sun., June 6 ● Rockland Fire Advisory Board Annual All-Faiths Memorial Service 7 PM at Fire Training Center, Public Welcome.

Wed., June 16-19 ● Hudson Valley Convention Lake George at Fort William Henry. Parade Saturday, step-off 1 PM.Sat., July 10 ● Port Jervis 158th Annual Parade.Fri., July 16 ● Verplanck Parade 7 PM.Sat., July 17 ● Montgomery FD 200th Anniversary Parade.Sat., Aug. 14 ● SW Pitts of Lathan 100th Anniversary Parade.

● Sullivan County VFA Parade at Bloomingburg.Thurs, Aug. 26 ● Order your Fire Prevention Week Literature/Materials now!

Please email Sheryl Rose with any Fire Department news, dates of events, fundraisers, etc. RoseS@co.rockland.ny.usTo view this newsletter on line, please go to the following web site: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Fire/default.html

Thanks to Sheryl Rose, Nancy Baker, John Kryger and Andy Best

Page 9 THE TRUMPET

FROM THE FIRE COORDINATOR’S OFFICE

On February 25 and 26, Rockland County experienced a snowstorm that deposited anywhere from 8” of snow at the lower elevations in the eastern part of our county to approximately 28” at the higher elevations of our county. The wet snow and high winds brought down numerous trees and limbs. Here at the Fire Training Center, we decided on a limited activation of the county Emergency Operations Center. As we interacted with all the town, village and county highway departments along with Orange & Rockland (they experienced several thousand outages), United Water (they came very close to losing water pressure in a large area of the county), the media and other agencies, it became apparent that 44-Control was going to be very busy dispatching numerous fire departments.

I would like to thank and commend the operators at 44-Control and the fire departments throughout Rockland County for a job well done. Many departments had firefighters in quarters for the duration of the storm, and all alarms were handled professionally and without delay. As usual, the fire service in our county comes through with flying colors! Thank you all!!