VOLUME 44 Issue #11 Friday, Jan 11, 2013

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

WICKS READS ORIGINAL 1912 MINIUTES

Michael A. Wicks, an RCVFA Past-Pres., and Chairman of the 2012 RCVFA Centennial Committee, read aloud the minutes of the Dec. 14, 1912, organizing meeting held exactly 100 years ago that day to start last month’s regular RCVFA meeting and Christmas party hosted by Nanuet at the Prospect St. firehouse. Sheriff A.J. Gross was 1914’s temporary Chairman at the gathering in the court house.

RCVFA Pres. Paul D. Schlegel opened the 2012 session with a minute of silence and memory for the 26 shot at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, earlier that Friday morning.

A birthday cake was cut, after the meeting refreshments, by Pres. Schlegel, senior member present Stuart L. Gates and RCVFA’s newest member Luke Hansen of Nanuet. The large cake decorations included the RCVFA 100

th anniversary

circular logo. Nanuet Ex-Chief Vincent Pacella coordinated the food and kitchen/hospitality crew that offered dinners of turkey or pork with trimmings.

Howard F. Schweitzer, the most senior living RCVFA Past Pres., was present along with Past Presidents Tom Bierds (who took many photos), Dig Mann, John Coyle, Frank Knower, Gates, Wicks, Charlie Sharon, Nick Gatti and Bob Burton.

Happy 100 Years Birthday during 2013 to Orangeburg “Dept. 11” and the NJ & NY VFA. RCVFA salutes your longevity and good help to your neighbors.

Also in 1913 the first motorized apparatus in Rockland County arrived. It was for Relief Hose Co. 3, Haverstraw and housed in its one-year-old new firehouse on Conklin Ave.

CICH & GREEN HEAD MUSEUM BOARD

Paul Streichert, as retiring Pres. of the RCVF Services Museum board, reports the new officers are:

Carol Cich, Pres. and Lisa Castaldo-Green the Vice Pres. Robert J. Huslinger was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer.

Mike Leitner and Mike Karas remain as the Co-Curators of the Museum in the north wing at the FTC, Pomona. They can be contacted for tours and memorabilia donations or loans for display.

NEW ADDRESS FOR CHAPLAIN KNOWER

Franklin H. Knower, long serving Chaplain from Tappan, has a new address. He is now living at Sunrise Senior Living, 195 Old Tappan Rd., Room 250, Old Tappan, NJ 07675. Tel: 201-750-1110.

Frank was RCVFA Pres. elected 1983 and later serving as a Chairman of the RC Fire Advisory Board. Among his several chaplaincies are long service to FASNY, NJ &NY VFA, RCFCA, RCV Fire Police, VFA Tappan, and Orangeburg.

Frank is also an honorary member of Hudson Valley VFA Ladies Auxiliary.

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NYACK FD 150 YEARS IN 2013

During 2013 the volunteers of the Nyack FD will be observing the eight companies’ 150

th Anniversary.

The “United and Strong” NFD (Dept. 10) was formed in 1863 by the then Orangetown #1, Mazeppa Eng. 2, and the newly-formed Empire H&L 1 in Upper Nyack. (Thus 2013 is also Empire’s 150

th anniv. year!) A

parade is planned for Sat., Oct. 5, says NFD Deputy Chief James Weck (an Ex-Capt. of Empire H&L, Upper Nyack).

Firemanic RC Historians noted that about 35 years later there was, for about two years, an Empire H&L Co. of Nyack, a fore-runner of the Chelsea H&L Co. 2 of Nyack formed 1891. All were horse drawn. In the 1880’s Eagle Hose Co. merged with Orangetown and during the early 1900’s Defender Engine melded with Empire H&L in Upper Nyack. The Central Engine Co. 6 of Central Nyack was often considered for becoming part of the Nyack FD. The last formed in 1915, Nyack Fire Patrol is the “youngster” in NFD – 98 years!

CORRECTING LAST MONTH ABOUT 4TH

LT

There is a 4th Lt. in the Officers at the David B. Roche

VF Co. The 2012 incumbent is Daniel Coughlin. He joined RCVFA during 2010.

We were in error in the Dec. 2012 issue listing Stony Point with Rockland’s first and only 4

th Lt. position.

Many thanks for the calls to correct and salute the Thiells volunteers.

HEATH THANKS BLOOD DONORS

Linda Heath (Haverstraw Town Vice-Pres.) happily thanks the 52 donors who donated blood recently at Cosgriff Hose Co. to aid member Brian Dolan.

RCVFA’S 60 YR. MEMBERS ROSTER

At the 100th Anniversary we were asked who were the

“Top 10” most senior firemanic members. Who?

Well, Financial Sec. Robert A. Capello keeps the RCVFA membership records. Thus we now know the answer: 15.

1933 Robert Trumper FD 6 1941 Gordon Wren Sr. FD 6 1943 James L. Minford Mazeppa 1945 Stuart L. Gates FD 18 1946 John Nawoschik FD 9 1947 William H. Brubaker FD 20 Howard Brooks SWJ 1948 Albert “Bud” Conjura Columbians Joseph Marino FD 6 1949 Arthur R. Hopper Sr. FD 9 1950 Joseph A. Etzel FD 11

1951 Albert Covert FD 9 Richard J. Clark Lady Warren 1952 Walter A. P. Gordon Gen. Warren

ORANGEBURG 2012 HOLIDAY PARADE

On Saturday, December 15th, the streets of Orangeburg turned into a Winter Wonderland. The Orangeburg Volunteer Fire Association hosted its annual Holiday Parade and this year was bigger and better than last. More emergency service and town DPW organizations participated this year and more of our neighbors were on the streets enjoying it. The weather cooperated and everyone seemed to have had a wonderful experience. Mr. and Mrs. Claus enjoyed seeing all of the good little boys and girls and promised to come back again next year. Next year’s parade will be Saturday, December 14th. SAVE THE

DATE....

Parade Participants: Blauvelt VFC, Central Nyack VFD, Congers VFD, Hillburn VFD, Hillcrest VFD, Mahwah VFC, Monsey VFD, Nanuet VFD, New City VFD, Orangetown Highway, Orangeburg VFD, Pearl River Excelsior VFD, Pearl River Hooks VFD, Piermont VFD, Rockland Lake VFD, Rockland Paramedics, Sheriff Arson Unit, Sloatsburg VFD, South Orangetown Ambulance, Sparkill VFD, Suffern VFD, Tallman VFD, Tappan VFD, West Haverstraw VFD

Awards; Presidents Trophy Blauvelt VFD Chiefs Trophy Piermont VFD 1st Place Truck Suffern FD 2nd Place Truck Tallman FD 1st Place SUV/FLOAT Hillcrest FD 2nd Place SUV/FLOAT Excelsior (Antique)

WE MOURN THEIR LOSS

Sadly we report the passing on Dec. 20th of Negrette

“Greta” E. Doucette, mother of RCVFA Honorary Member Denise Schegel and mother –in-law of RCVFA Pres. Paul D. Schlegel.

Greta was 88 and a former member 1959-1969 of the Wayne Hose Co. Ladies Auxiliary. She had three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and also a son Bernie.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. Ever In Our Hearts and Memories.

NEW LAWS FOR 2013

Among the new laws that took effect in NYS on Jan. 1 was a ban on the sales of electronic cigarettes to minors (under age 18), The law was a bill passed by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor in

Page 3 THE TRUMPET

Sept. They are usually battery operated and produce a nicotine-laced vapor rather than smoke.

Another bill Gov. Cuomo signed prohibits smoking within 100 ft. of school entrances.

Were you One of the One’s who voted? The last tally of the US Presidential elections was: Obama 62,611,250 Romney 59,134,475

12/14/12 100TH

ANNIVERSARY MEETING

Nanuet Eng Co. Pres. Matt Bowler welcomed all. Sgt-at-Arms Jerry Richardson made sure all signed in. Among the guest were Hudson Valley VFA Officers (Past & Present) Wm Buckmaster, Tom Totten, John Cassidy, and Duncan Wilson.

RCVFA Chaplains Rich Silverberg and Donald Schreeck offered the traditional prayers.

RC Fire Coordinator Gordon W Wren Jr. noted that county Presidents in attendance included Frank Hutton, Chair of the FAB, Mike Leitner of the Fire Police, Harold Straut from RCFCA,, and RCVFA Past Pres. Club Howard F. Schweitzer.

The meeting adjourned in memory of Life Member Robert Babcock from the Wayne Hose Fire Co. Fire Police.

A Happy Birthday Celebrations, noted Chairman Michael A .Wicks.

1ST

SUFFERN H&L CHILI COOK-OFF

On Sat., Feb. 23 from 3 – 7 PM, join Suffern Hook & Ladder for its 1

st annual “Chili Cook-Off.” a friendly

competition between local fire depts. Which department/company will earn the right to say that they made the best Chili in the county? The winning Chili Team will get the “Chili Cup” and bragging rights for a whole year! Each person in attendance will get to vote for their favorite!

$10 includes Chili samples and Beverages. It will be at Suffern H&L, 143 Lafayette Ave, Suffern.

For more information call: Chris Poole 570-3258 or Rob Stevens 536-2908.

DAYTONA 500 WING DAY FEB. 24

On Sun., Feb. 24 the Stony Point Fire Dept will be hosting a Wing Day at the firehouse on Rt. 9W. Doors open at noon, party ends one hour after completion of race. Pre-sale tickets $10 until Feb. 17, at door $5, includes unlimited Wings, Draft Beer, Wine, Soda, 50/50, raffles. Race on large projection TV with multiple TV’s throughout the firehouse.

For more info contact: Kristen 629-9332

.

Page 4 THE TRUMPET

KORNFELD, REW, NEWMAN & SIMEONE

Attorneys & Counselors at Law _____________________

Providing legal services to fire districts and fire

departments for over 40 years.

Also concentrating in Personal Injury, Real Estate, Estates,

Matrimonial and Family Law *****

Frank T. Simeone Robert E. Rew Jr.

Thomas J. Newman Jr (1912 – 1960)

William S. Badura

Scott A. Dow Thomas J. Newman

Jerome S. Jefferson (1928 – 2012)

Jerome M. Kornfeld

(1923 – 2012)

46 Washington Ave 845-357-2660

PO Box 177 Fax: 845-357-6977

Suffern, NY 10901 KRNE@KRNE.com

Page 5 THE TRUMPET

FEW FIRE FACTS FROM FRIENDS

New apparatus has been received by neighbors up in two Orange County FD’s. Lakeside of Monroe, a 2011 Seagrave 2250 gpm/1250 gwt pumper with eight- man cab. A new vehicle is in Kiryas Joel FD, an E-One tradition model 1500 gpm/1000 gwt pumper red with white top cab.

******* We in Rockland County point with pride that a reason why the three “Chief Engineers” of Nyack in Fall of 1912 promoted a county organization was to promote acquiring motorized fire apparatus and that the first motorized came in 1913 for Relief Hose Co. 3 of Haverstraw. The “Big City” FDNY received its first motorized fire pumper in 1911! FDNY’s was a 750 gpm Waterous. By 1972 first-line pumpers were Mack’s. As of Oct. 2012, 239 of FDNY 244 pumpers were Seagraves. KME won a recent bid to supply 91 rigs.

******* Thanks to ALL the volunteers for their, compassionate and incredible professional quality efforts and gifts of time during and after the Oct. 29

th

“Super storm/Hurricane Sandy”. You all deserve awards and meritorious recognition! Local firehouse open for shelter, collecting supplies, providing food, clothing, haven, warmth. May GOD bless you again.

******* When Super storm Sandy belted our NY-NJ-PA East Coast, the West Hamilton Beach VFD suffered major damage to its station loosing three fire trucks and two ambulances. Thus one of the hardest hit FD’s in Queens. The Hooversville FD of Somerset County in PA, donated a 1984 American LaFrance truck. The 340 mile trip to deliver it, took 6 ½ hrs by the Berlin

PA VFD (200 members). It has a cab, white top over red, four SCBA and fully equipped. Also Dix Hills VFD on Long Island was devastated by Super storm Sandy. Thanks to the Blue Rock Fire District in PA which gave its surplus 1983 Pierce fire engine to the Dix Hills VFD as “an early Christmas gift” to help restore fire protection. Among the relief reports the KME performed free routine maintenance to NJ costal storm hit by Sandy. 33 trucks were serviced by KME, donating parts, labor, fluids and filters doing a full safety inspection. KME also went to Long Island with its mechanics. For further details call 570-669-5141 or www.kovatch.com. KME put storm damaged vehicles back in service.

******* RCVFA is a 501c3 Exempt Organization. Your donations ARE tax deductible notes RCVFA Treasurer Mike Kramar.

******* Putting in home sprinklers creates Jobs.

******* Dedication to helping others is important, commendable, BUT your health needs to be well to serve help others! Take Care.

******* Boston, MA has the lowest fire fatality rate of any US city.

******* The Rescue H&L Co.1, Haverstraw alert us that there will be no more f-99 Peter Pirsch as that co. went out business in 1991.

Page 6 THE TRUMPET

George M Mulligan, CPA

Tax Return Preparations, Auditing

Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

New Business Set UP

Financial Planning

Stony Point, NY

942-1186

He’s a Wayne Hose Co Driver &

Treasurer Stony Point Fire District

Page 7 THE TRUMPET

CALENDAR LISTINGS ARE FREE 845-786-3861 Deadline for Next Issue Last Wed. 1/20/13

Sun., Jan. 13 ● Westchester CVFA meeting 1:30 PM with Pres. Robert Moon at Mellor Engine and Hose Co.,

Port Chester, 46 So. Main St.

Wed., Jan. 16 ● County Radio project Information Meeting 7 PM at FTC, Pomona, Motorola reps will be there to

answer your questions.

● RCVFA Ladies Auxiliary meet 8 PM with Pres. Marilynn Lobbe at Orangetown, 90 Depot Place,

South Nyack.

Thur., Jan. 17 ● Hudson-Mohawk VFFA meets quarterly at South Schenectady District 6 with Pres. Kathy Wood.

● RC Fire Chiefs meet 7:30 PM with Pres. Harold Straut at Congers Harrison Ave. Station.

Tue., Jan. 22 ● RC Fire Districts Assn. meets 7:30 PM at Orangeburg with Pres. Evan DeVries.

Thur., Jan. 24 ● RC Fire Advisory Board 7:30 PM Meeting at FTC, Pomona with Chairman Frank Hutton.

Fri., Jan. 25 ● NJ & NY VFA meets 8 PM with Pres. Robert Kirsch at Empire Hose Co., Piermont.

Sat., Jan. 26 ● HVVFA at Holiday Inn Kingston, Board meets 1 PM with HV Pres Marilyn L. Schrader, Past

President’s Dinner honors Delbe Spath, Rockland’s table check with John Coyle IV, Hotel phone

845-338-1299.

Tues., Jan. 29 ● RC Fallen Firefighter Memorial Assn. meets 7:30 PM with Rich Silverberg and George Cich.

Wed., Jan. 30 ● RC Fire Safety Officer meeting, BOD 6:30 PM, regular 7:30 PM with Pres. Don Arterburn at

Pearl River H&L.

● Deadline for articles for Trumpet.

Sat., Feb. 2 ● Lt. Andy Fredericks Memorial Seminar hosted by Elmsford FD, also exhibits, contact Syd Henry

914-490-1981 or SHenry@elmsfordfd.com.

Fri., Feb. 8 ● RCVFA Next Meeting.7:30 PM with Pres. Paul Schlegel at David B. Roche VFC, Route 202 fire

hall, Come with a firemanic friend.

Future Events

Wed.-Sat., Feb. 13-16 ● SPAAMFAA National Winter Conference Jacksonville, FL at the Holiday Inn and Conference

Center, 9150 Bay Meadow Rd., Jacksonville 32256, Exit 341 off I-95. Special rate $69 per night

including breakfast buffet, Hotel tel. 904-737-1700, Bob Romig Chairman 863-427-4717 or

bobfire@aol.com or go to www.fabbfire.org.

Fri., Feb. 15 ● Spring Valley FD Pasta Night at Columbian Eng Co. 1 7-11 PM $15 person, $25 couples.

Sat.-Sun., Mar. 9-10 ● NYS Weekend at National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, MD Contact Diane Caves

dianecaves@aol.com or Nicholas Perrotta nperrotta@dhses.ny.gov or 518-474-6746.

Sat., Apr. 13 ● FASNY hosts at Binghamton NY the Cumberland Valley (multi-states) VFA Presidents Council

Meeting.

Wed.-Thur., May 8-9 ● The 25th Annual National Fire & EMS Services Dinner/Seminar, visit with Congress in

Washington DC Info at www.cfsi.org.

Fri.-Sat., May 17-18 ● Southern NY VFA Convention at Bay Shore with Pres. William Murray.

Fri.-Sun., May 17,18,19 ● Fire Expo at PA State Farm Complex, Harrisburg, More info 717-464-3291, While in Harrisburg

you can visit the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, 1820 No 4th St, Tues.-Sat. 10 AM – 4 PM,

Sun. 1-4 PM, Museum is $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $4 Students, call 717-232-8915 or www.PNFM.org.

Fri., June 7 ● NJ & NY VFA 100th year Convention hosted by Spring Valley, Pearl River and Montvale.

Sat., June 8 ● Centennial Parade 2 PM starts in Pearl River ends in Montvale njny100.2013@gmail.com.

Wed.-Sat., June 12-15 ● NYSAFC 107th Annual Conference Fire 2013 at Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY, Info at

www.nysfirechiefs.com or 518-477-2631, Also 1-800-676-3473, In Rockland see “14-2” Thomas

W. Bierds.

Sat., June 15 ● 125th Anniversary Parade of the Selllersville, PA FD, Info www.sellersvillefd.com.

Thur.-Sat., July 25-27 ● Firehouse Expo at Baltimore MD Convention Center.

Fri.-Sat., Sept. 13-14 ● NJSFA Conference at Wildwood, NJ Convention Hall with Pres. George H. Heflich Sr., for more

info contact 800-852-0137.

Thur.-Sat., Oct. 31-Nov. 2 ●NVFC Fall meeting at College Station TX. To 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

Please email Sheryl Rose with any Fire Department news, dates of events, fundraisers, etc. RoseS@co.rockland.ny.us

FROM THE

FIRE COORDINATOR’S OFFICE

The year 2012 was one of major challenges and emergencies. As we begin the new year it makes sense to

ask the county fire service to address the major issues that effect our individual organizations and the fire

service as a whole.

Peter Byrne has sent out a request to the 26 Fire Department Chiefs and Commissioners to identify the top

three (3) issues they will face in 2013. In addition, each fire association was requested to submit their

2013 goals in an effort to see if the leadership of the Rockland County Volunteer Fire Service are all

aligned.

Working as one team with the same purpose, I am confident that we can not only meet the challenges, but

overcome them as well.