http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on riverheadfd.org using RSS 2.0 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:58:55 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=364 On January 31, 2012, Boy Scout Troop 94 of Wading River, NY worked on their Fire Safety Merit Badge with the help of the Riverhead Fire Department. The troop leaders, scouts and parents arrived at the Riverhead Fire Department headquarters at 7:00 pm. The evening started off with the Pledge of Allegiance. Introductions were made between the scouts and firefighters who attended. Ex-Chief Frank Darrow taught the classroom session explaining principles of firefighting, fire equipment and fire safety. The next stop was a hands on demonstration on the use of fire extinguishers using a controlled fire source the demonstration led by Lt. Sean Brenann, FF Branden Ceckowski and Capt. Baycan Fideli. The next area was a demonstration of fire trucks which included engine 6-2-1. Capt. Kyle Watts explained the operation of an engine at a fire scene and the scouts were able to use a fire hose. The tower ladder 6-2-6 was demonstrated by Capt. Kevin Burgess and its operation was explained. The ladder was raised to show how high it could go and the ladder's bucket was lowered to the ground to allow the scouts to stand in it. Finally 6-2-9, the Fire Police truck, demonstration and operations were done by Capt.Baycan Fideli and Ex-Capt. Phil Kenter. The scouts thanked all the firefighters for their time. The members of the Riverhead Fire Department were very happy to spent time with the scouts and provide knowledge and experience needed for the scouts to get their Fire Safety Merit Badge. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:19:11 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=364 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=363 Riverhead Fire Department received a call at around 22:15 hours for a car fire in the proximity of the chase bank on Main St. The first chief on scene reported a working vehicle fire in the rear parking lot of the bank. Upon arrival the crew from 6-2-1 stretched the first line to attack the fire while the other line was pulled to protect a nearby exposure. Manpower from 6-2-4 was used for assistance. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:35:11 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=363 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=361 At 21:17 HRS the Riverhead Fire Department was activated for a signal 23 unknown type of fire on Deep Hole Road, Calverton. Upon the arrival of 6-2-33 observed a chimney fire with flames showing from the top of the chimney. A ladder truck, 6-2-5, was sent up the driveway and raised to the chimney top where the chimney cap was removed to get a better look. The fire was removed from the wood stove on the first floor and chimney flares were used to extinguish what fire remained. A fan was used to remove smoke from the home. All equipment was released at 22:18 HRS. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:51:32 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=361 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=360 Around 1:20 am on Friday night Riverhead Fire Department responded to a heavy rescue call in front of the Suffolk County Jail on RT 24. 6-2-11 and 6-2-4 were on scene. Riverhead Ambulance and Southampton Town police were at the scene. It appeared a silver convertible may have lost control and hit a large oak tree in the median in front of the Jail. The two occupants in the vehicle were removed using the Hurst tools from 6-2-11. The passenger door was removed and the dashboard was rolled off of the patients. Both patients were transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center. Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:07:56 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=360 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=359 Riverhead Fire Department was called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at the intersection of Kroemer Ave. and Main St. The heavy rescue truck, 6-2-11, was on scene for the extrication. Two passengers from a silver sedan were trapped in the car. Both doors were removed and the dashboard was displaced. Neither victim sustained life threatening injuries. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:24:27 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=359 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=358 A Firefighter's Wife By Jennifer Raynor I'm a Firefighter's Wife proud and scared and true I stand by your side when the smoke clouds the blue The children look up to you when you run out the door because they know that their daddy is doing more than a chore I'm a Firefighter's Wife and I know how you feel You want to be a hero because that's what is real A hero to your family and to the family you save A hero to your community that you are part of to the grave I'm a Firefighter's Wife and I know I'm one of many We may complain from time to time but on the inside we support you plenty Your courage is admired by so many in town In the face of a fire you would never back down I'm a Firefighter's Wife and at times it can be trying I hold down the fort while another family might be crying You want to be the best you can be so there are classes and meetings and morning coffee I'm a Firefighters Wife and you know I could not be more proud to honor, love, and support just as we have vowed Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:59:38 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=358 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=357 Riverhead Fire Department is a way of life. Becoming a member of the Riverhead Fire Department entails time, commitment and sacrifice. It is not always about the "big one". It is about preparation and repetition for when the "big one" comes. Every week firefighters are committing time and energy to becoming a crucial part of the safety and persona of Riverhead Town. Firefighters painstakingly check the engines and trucks weekly to be sure that all apparatus is in top working order. Along with maintenance and preparation comes training. Companies have monthly training as well as weekly training. Every Sunday firefighters meet at headquarters to participate in practices set up by the officers. The time and dedication committed shows itself when RFD is called on for assistance to the town. Being a Riverhead Firefighter is not only about being the best firefighter you can, but it is also about hardwork, dedication, and time to get to that point. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:29:58 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=357 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=356 Saturday morning, a little after 6 am, Riverhead Fire Department received a call for a structure fire on the corner of Maple and 2nd Street. The first chief on scene immediately radioed to 6-2-0 a working structure fire. The crew from the first engine on scene immediately stretched a line to the rear of the home. The second due truck hit the nearest hydrant to supply the engines with water. The crew on the first line was met with heavy fire at the rear of the home. As they pushed in they were met with a locked secondary door. Once the door was forced the line was able to push farther in as crews on the outside began ventilating. Search teams began a primary search as the hose team continued to hit the fire. Lines were also pulled from 6-2-4 and directed to the second floor. 6-2-6 was set up and began ventilation on the roof. Once the fire was extinguished a thorough overhaul was performed to check for fire extension. The trucks were our back in order and returned to their respective stations at around 8:30. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:43:50 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=356 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=355 At 04:25 AM the Riverhead Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the corner of Maple and 2nd St. The police and the 1st arriving chief found a heavy smoke condition in the basement. Upon forcing the basement door open the chiefs found that the oil burner was malfunctioning. After further investigation high levels of CO were found in the basement and 1st floor. All residents were evacuated and check over by Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance for Carbon Monoxide. Fans were used to remove the smoke. The scene was turned over to Fire Marshals office at 05:31 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:37:29 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=355 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=354 Just before daybreak on Thursday December 15 Riverhead Fire Department Chiefs were called to an automatic alarm in the Riverhead Center. Upon arrival 6-2-31 requested a signal 23 for a compactor fire. A cardboard compactor was smoking and on fire. The chiefs, along with engines, requested that 6-2-12A roll. The brush truck was needed to pull the compactor away from the building. The crew off 6-2-4 was at the scene and waiting for the the brush truck to pull the compactor out. Once clear 6-2-4 began dousing the fire. Crews also hooked 6-2-4 up to the nearest hydrant, around 600' away using the 3" filler hose. The carboard was manually pulled out piece by piece to access all fire. A signal 5 was soon given and the engines were put back in service. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:12:17 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=354 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=353 On Friday December 9th Vincent "Governor" Golembeski was honored by the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce for his years of service to Riverhead Town. Vinnie is a member of the Washington Engine Company and is a consistent top responder for the Riverhead Fire Department. Affectionately known as "Gov" Vinnie has been involved in the fire service for 67 years. Gov has run the ranks of RFD serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, Chief and Commisioner. In typical Gov fashion, his speach was short and to the point, "thank you, thank you, thank you". All who know the Gov know him as a no nonsense, but very caring and thoughtful person. The Lifetime Service Award was given to an appropriate and outstanding member of the Riverhead Community. Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:58:26 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=353 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=352 There will be a blood drive at the Riverhead Fire Department Headquarters on Roanoke Ave. Tuesday December 6, between 1-7 PM. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:20:45 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=352 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=351 On Tuesday November 29th Riverhead Fire Department received a call for a car fire at the scene of a motor vehicle accident where the vehicle struck a house on the northern part of Roanoke Ave. The first chiefs on scene relayed that there was no vehicle fire. The SUV drove into the east side of the home by the garage. Upon further inspection of the vehicle if became evident that the SUV had driven directly into the circuit breaker, which was beginning to cause an electrical fire. The electricity was still live while LIPA was responding, so the fire was kept in check with a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Once the power was shut off to the home the garage door and other remaining debris were removed to allow firefighters to secure the structure above. The garage door header was supported and the winch from 6-2-11 was used to free the vehicle from the home. The electrical box was wet down to assure the fire was extinguished. Infrared cameras were used to search the home for the spread of fire before a signal 5 was given. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:19:52 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=351 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=350 Wednesday night November 16th Riverhead Fire Department was dispatached to a car fire on the Long Island Expressway. Multiple calls were received that there was a car on fire on the shoulder of the eastbound lane. The first chiefs on scene reported that the fire was a working car fire. The expressway was closed down to allow the firefighters to work safely. The first crews on scene pulled 1-3/4" lines from both 6-2-1 and 6-2-3. Both lines attacked the car to extinguish the blaze. The crew from 6-2-1 worked on the front of the car and engine compartment, while 6-2-3 worked on the back. Once extinguished a signal 5 was given and the expressway was opened back up. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:35:52 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=350 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=349 Riverhead Fire Department was called to secure the area at the RFD training grounds for a Medivac landing zone. Pumpers, chiefs and traffic trucks were at the scene to secure the area for the helicopter to land. The patient was injured during a motorcycle accident and was flown to Stonybrook University Hospital for treatment of injuries. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:21:13 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=349 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=348 Riverhead Fire Department attended car fire training at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yapank. There was a good turnout of young members along with a few officcers. The instructors went over proper attack methods on a car fire as well as tractor trailer fires. All members were given the opportunity to perform various tasks during the different evolutions. Car fires offer numerous risks and proper attack methods minimize the danger. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:46:57 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=348 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=347 On November 9th FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System test. This test will kick off at 1:00 p.m. (CST) (2:00PM EST). The test will be nationwide, running concurrently across all time zones. This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. There have been tests in the past but none to all parts of the Nation at the same time. The test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band and the message will run for three minutes. Most messages in the past were anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute. There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test. Below is additional information, along with two websites, that will provide more information... What will people hear and see during the Test? During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." Although the EAS Test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will be the same for all EAS participants; however due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that "this is a test." This is due to the use of the live EAN code - the same code that would be used in an actual emergency. The text at the top of the television screen may indicate that an "Emergency Alert Notification has been issued." This notification is used to disseminate a national alert and in this case, the test. In addition, the background image that appears on video screens during an alert may indicate that "this is a test," but in some instances there might not be an image at all. There are several limitations to the current EAS for individuals with access and functional needs. FEMA and the FCC are committed to providing organizations and the EAS community with information well in advance of the Test. FEMA and the FCC will further engage the EAS community to better understand the wide range of information and access needs in preparation for the national EAS. IPAWS has been performing outreach to access and functional needs organizations in several different forums, including working groups and roundtables led by the FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, with representation from multiple FEMA program offices, other Department of Homeland Security components, and other Federal Departments and Agencies. http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm https://nationaldialogue-emergencyalertsystem.ideascale.com/ Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:03:48 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=347 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=346 On Monday October 17 the Reliable's held an open practice to demonstrate the difference in burn rate between conventional timber construction and engineered I-joist construction. A side by side demonstration was set up to show a direct comparison. The joists were loaded and a fire was ignited below simultaneously. As the fire load began to grow it quickly became evident that the I-joists were burning at a hotter, higher rate. As expected the I-joists failed first, at around 24 minutes. The bottom chord of the joist burned out and at that point failed. The time was skewed because it was loaded as a static, dead load. In a working structure fire where firefighters will be present the joists will fail much quicker because of the oscillation caused by movement above. More and more homes are being constructed using wood I-joists and need to be evaluated differently than a conventional stick frame home. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:22:26 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=346 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=345 Shortly before 1 PM on Wednesday October 12 Riverhead Fire Department received a call for a structure fire. The initial call was soon upgraded to a working structure fire. The first engine on scene, 6-2-1, stretched a handline to the side of the house where flames were visible from the exterior. After the initial knockdown entry was forced through the front door to attack the fire from the interior. Initial reports came across that a victim was trapped in the residence. A primary and secondary search teams were immediately formed and put into work. Both search teams found no residence. One firefighter was able to rescue the family pet, a rabbit. The home was saved thanks to a quick initial attack, but it did suffer fire damage to one of the sides as well as significant smoke damage inside. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:11:03 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=345 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=344 This weekend Riverhead Fire Department received two heavy rescue calls. The first was Friday night close to midnight. The call was for an extrication at the scene of a single car accident on Route 25, just west of Edwards Ave. The first chiefs on scene reported that the roof would have to be removed to access the victim. The first engine on scene was 6-2-3. The crew from 3 began removing doors until the heavy rescue truck 6-2-11 arrived on scene. Once on scene the crew from 6-2-1 began cutting the posts to remove the roof. The victim was removed and transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for their injuries. The second call was also just west of Edwards Ave. on Route 25, almost in the exact location as Friday's call. This accident was a 2 car head on collision. Upon arrival Riverhead Chiefs called for door removals, a roof removal and a dashboard displacement. The first engine on scene was 6-2-3. 6-2-11 was shortly behind. Hurst tools were pulled from both sides of 6-2-11. The crews began cutting and opening the car up to rescue the victim. Once the roof was removed the rams were used to displace the dashboard and free the victims legs. The driver of the car was removed and transported via Medivac to Stonybrook Hospital. The other car also had to have the door removed to free the victim. That victim was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:48:03 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=344 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=343 Riverhead Fire Department will be hosting it's annual open house at our headquarters, 540 Roanoke Ave, Riverhead, on Sunday October 2, 2011, from 1-4. We invite you and your family to this community event. The day will consist of demonstrations, apparatus viewing, the fire prevention trailer, and facility tours. Scheduled demonstrations: Oven Fire Roof Ventilation Hurst Tool Car Fire Please come out and enjoy a fun, educational, family oriented Sunday afternoon. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:03:13 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=343 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=341 Saturday night there was an MVA on Route 25 west of Edwards avenue at approximately 11:30PM. The Riverhead Fire Department responded to a reported of a car fire at the scene of an MVA. It appeared that ther was a head on collision, which resulted in two victims that were transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center by the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance. Both victims were out of their vehicles when Riverhead Fire Department units arrived. 6-2-11 and 6-2-3 where at the scene 6-2-4 and 6-2-2 stood by. A hand line was deployed from 6-2-3 for protection of the members working on the vehicles. 6-2-11 set up scene lights and used the winch to upright one of the vehicles. Both vehicles were secured, batteries removed and speedy dry spread to contain any leaking fluids. Fire Police along with Riverhead PD ensured traffic was stopped on the east and west sides of the scene. The cause of the accident was under investigation by the Riverhead Police Department. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:12:25 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=341 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=342 The date of September 11 will always hold a special spot in the hearts of firefighters. This September 11 marked the 10th anniversary of that awful day. While New York City unveiled it's new memorial at ground zero, Riverhead Fire Department was busy remembering and honoring in our community. The day started with the opening ceremonies for the PAL football team. 6-2-1 was on hand with 6-2-33. The chiefs car and the engine took a slow solemn ride in front of the crowd with the Red, White and Blue proudly flown from the deck gun. The second memorial was a parade in Calverton which began at Riley Ave School and concluded with a ceremony at the 9/11 memorial on the corner of Riley and Edwards. The memorial was highlighted by speeches and and patriotic songs as well as boy scouts laying flowers on the memorial. 6-2-3, 6-2-32, and 6-2-33 participated in the event. The final ceremony was at Reeves Park off of Sound Ave. This was to honor the FDNY Lt. Thomas Kelly. The entire Reeves Park community showed up for the event. 6-2-6 was there flying the flag along with engine 6-2-1. The memorial reminded us of the great sacrifice given by so many on that day. September 11 is one of those days that has changed the world. Everyone knows where they were, everyone remembers what they were doing. Firefighters have an extra special spot in their hearts for the 343, because this service is not a job, it is a brotherhood. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:51:06 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=342 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=340 Riverhead Fire Department received two calls for structure fires this weekend. The first was a reported electrical fire on West St. in Polish Town. The chiefs on scene immediately asked the crew from 6-2-1 for their thermal imaging camera. The location of concern was an outlet in a second floor bedroom. The outlet was melted and the wall just above was warm. The camera was able to determine that the fire had not spread. The second call of the weekend was at around 6:30 am Saturday for a structure fire on Riverleigh Ave. by the trooper barracks. The first chief on scene reported a smoke condition coming from an abandoned building. The first crew off 6-2-4 began a search, while crews from 6-2-2 and 6-2-1 began removing the plywood panels covering the windows to allow the interior crews escape if needed. The crew off 6-2-1 removed a panel in the North-East corner and found the source of the fire just below the window. An office chair had been smoldering, causing an incredible amount of smoke. The chair was removed and a final search was done before a Signal 5 was given. Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:14:31 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=340 http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=339 On August 27, 2011 Riverhead Fire Department had a standby at our headquarters for Hurricane Irene. The department had about 30 members in the house along with 5 members of RVAC. While on standby RFD handled 17 alarms, two of which were back to back working structure fires. List of alarms 8/27/2011 09:33-09:55 Automatic Alarm - Atlantis marine world 11:42-13:54 Misc. Alarm - South River Road 12:41-14:29 Evacuation for Hurricane Irene 20:23-20:33 Elevator Rescue - Hyatt on East Main Street 22:10-22:20 Automatic Alarm - Atlantis Marine World 8/28/2011 03:20-03:30 Automatic Alarm - Tanger west Main Street 03:41-03:50 Automatic Alarm - Tanger west Main Street 04:32-05:48 Working Structure Fire - 31 Northville Tpke. 04:44-05:00 CO alarm - Howell Ave. 05:01-05:09 Automatic Alarm - Hotel Indigo West Main Street 05:07-05:28 Automatic Alarm - Riverhead Building Supply, Mill Road 05:30-05:39 Tree Fire - 23 Green Tree rd 05:52-07:04 Working Structure Fire - Flanders Rd 08:52-09:02 Pole Fire - 158 Edgar Ave 09:07-09:10 Wires Burning - 67 sigal Ave 09:31-10:33 Mutual Aid to Hampton Bays Fire Dept. for Working Structure Fire 10:58-11:07 Wire - Lakeview Drive 11:02-11:21 Automatic Alarm - Amen Court 11:11-12:04 Automatic alarm - Riverhead Care Center 11:31-11:59 Pole Fire - Ann ave. The events were highlighted by two working structure fires in which the call for the second alarm came in 4 minutes after the first was finished. Firefighters had to content with pouring rains and heavy winds while responding during hazardous conditions. Luckily most Riverhead residents heeded the warnings and remained in their homes. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:28:01 GMT http://www.riverheadfd.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=339