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2nd Annual ESFD Burn Run / Walk 2008
To benefit the Clark Burn Center at University Hospital
Sunday, September 28th, 2008
East Syracuse Firefighters fight commercial blaze
07/23/08
On Wednesday, July 23rd, at approximately 04:00 hours East Syracuse firefighters were dispatched to TruGreen Lawn Care at 6700 Commerce Boulevard for a reported commercial building fire. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire showing from the alpha side of the building.
Engines 1, 2, 3, 4, Trucks 1 and 2, and Squads 1 and 2 responded. Chief Cramer (Car 1) was command and Chief Russel (Car 2) ran operations.
Units from Mattydale, North Syracuse, and Dewitt were called into the scene to assist with RIT and overhaul duties. Minoa stood by at East Syracuse Station 1.
Members complete NYS accident victim extrication course
06/19/08
On Saturday, June 14th, seven members completed the New York State Auto Extrication course which instructed by NYS Fire Instructors Mike Heide and Norm Carroll. The course was hosted at the Belgium-Cold Springs fire station.
Members completing the 16 hour course were Lieutenant David Brewster, Lieutenant John Rhode, Firefighter/EMT Chris Shields, Firefighter Chad Peters, Firefighter Randy Capriotti, Firefighter Mark Cramer, and student bunk-in Firefighter/EMT Nate Baker.
Accident victim extrication is the procedure of removing victims from an automobile that has been involved in a motor vehicle collission.
Two more transfers brings us two more members
06/18/08
The East Syracuse Fire Department is happy to announce the addition of two new members, both of which are already trained firefighters.
Firefighter Jason Haas, who has 5 years of experience with the Wampsville Fire Department in Madison County, and 2 1/2 years as a student bunk-in with the East Syracuse Fire Department, decided to make East Syracuse his home after graduating from the US Air National Guard where he is also a firefighter at their Molloy Road base.
Firefighter/EMT Stephen Kalmbach came to us from the Minoa Fire Department. Before serving 2 years with Minoa, Firefighter Kalmbach was a firefighter for the Chili Fire Department in Monroe County for 18 years.
Both members will be operating primarily out of Station #2.
73 Years of Service
05/30/08
Bill Lewis joined the East Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department in 1935 when he was just a teenager. It was a department his grandfather helped create and one his father and uncles helped support.
Little did Lewis know that 73 years after he joined, he would be honored for his work.
The Onondaga County Volunteer Firemen's Association recently bestowed its inaugural Red Jacket Award to Lewis for his seven decades of fire service.
"Really, it was the right guy for this award," said Gordon Kotars, the association's public relations chair. "This fellow has just lived, eating and breathing the fire service."
Kotars said the Red Jacket Award honors fire personnel within the county who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
"We present it to a firefighter nominated by the department's chief or president for something he did on behalf of the organization," Kotars said. "It doesn't have to be heroic. Whatever the individual fire department wants to set up for ground rules. They send a letter to us and that gives us the opportunity to come to their fire station when they have their business meeting."
And that's exactly what Kotars and other association members did May 6. The team presented the plaque, which features a bust of a fireman and a cloisonne pin in the shape of a red jacket, to an unsuspecting Lewis.
"We lied to him to get him there, essentially," said East Syracuse fire chief Mike Cramer. "It was our business meeting and we come casual dressed. But I had everybody come in their Class A uniforms that night. To get Bill to do that we told him we were going to practice marching in the parade. He said he didn't feel up to marching and maybe he'd ride in the truck."
When Lewis arrived and realized what was happening, he was overcome with emotion.
"We got there at 7 o'clock and I went to where our meeting room was," Lewis recalled. "They opened the door and my family was there and I said uh-oh. To see all of those men in all of their uniforms standing around that room. I couldn't make much of a speech. It was quite a surprise to me really and I felt very much honored."
Though he can no longer fight fires or perform the medic services he did for years, Lewis still joins the department's fire police during calls, helping direct traffic and keeping crowds away from fires.
"They put up with me, and as long as they need me I'll probably be there," Lewis said.
Of the East Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department's 65 members, most average about 10 years of service, Cramer said. Hands down, Lewis has them, as well as most volunteers in Onondaga County, beat.
Such longevity is something any department would appreciate having, Cramer said.
"Obviously, physically he doesn't have the speed of a 30-year-old," he said. "If he's got his mind about him and can drive and help out, there's always something for him to do here. If we had another 25 or 30 like him kicking around, this place would be a lot nicer. The little things get done and he's always willing to tell a war story. It gives the place great morale."
Lewis's career could, indeed, inspire just about anyone.
After learning first aid as a Boy Scout, Lewis applied his skills within the fire department, working his way up the ranks as time passed. Eventually he became a first aid instructor, training fire personnel throughout Onondaga County and beyond.
When an emergency medical technician course was first offered in the county in 1970, Lewis was one of the first to graduate. He then brought his skills to an up-and-coming ambulance corps later called the East Area Volunteer Emergency Services, or EAVES.
Demand for his teaching skills grew. Lewis and a fellow instructor were invited to teach the first EMT refresher course at Syracuse University in the 1970s. More than 250 participants attended from throughout Central and Upstate New York.
"He's got quite a history," Kotars said. "The man has just been a model firefighter."
Even while devoting his free time to the fire department and ambulance corps, Lewis managed to invest 27 years designing special equipment for General Electric and stayed married to his high school sweetheart, the late Ellen Lewis, for 68 years.
All of it combined kept Lewis on his toes and, as he recalls the many Christmas dinners interrupted by fire calls, he says he's especially grateful for the support of his family.
"It was a lot of work and I'm thankful my wife put up with me, God bless her," Lewis said with a laugh. "All in all, when I look back on the things we did I'm very grateful. I look at what has been done today and to think I was a part of it makes me feel pretty good." 22
Multi-car vehicle fire
05/13/08
On Tuesday, May 13th, at 08:09 hours, East Syracuse firefighters were dispatched for a vehicle fire in New Venture Gear parking lot. Seconds after dispatch, the 911 center advised that they were receiving many calls for this fire, and that a second vehicle was now burning.
Engine 3 and Engine 4 arrived to find one vehicle fully involved, a second vehicle with fire proceeding into the engine compartment, and two other vehicles showing signs of heat damage. Two handlines were stretched and the fires were extinguished.
Photos by: Steve Hathaway (NVG Employee)
Thank you for your support
05/10/08
The members of the East Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department Inc. would like to thank those of you who supported us during our first annual Mother's Day spaghetti dinner and flower sale. Because of you, it was a huge success and we were very happy with seeing everyone having a great time.
Two more Haz-Mat Tech's certified
04/16/08
Congratulations to Firefighter David Paul and Firefighter/EMT Chris Shields for recently completing and passing the New York State's Hazardous Materials Technician course.
The course prepares emergency response personnel to effectively and safely respond to and stabilize incidents involving hazardous materials in an offensive mode. Includes the chemistry and toxicology of hazardous materials; the dangerous properties of chemicals; the use of detection instruments, confinement and containment procedures, including hands-on application; incident management and safety procedures; decontamination; and the selection and use of chemical protective clothing with hands-on practice.
The East Syracuse Fire Department currently has approximately 15 Hazardous Materials Technicians and one Hazardous Materials Specialist.
Thank You Chief McAllister, Welcome Chief Cramer
04/11/08
After four straight years of serving as the Fire Chief for the East Syracuse Fire Department, Chief Joe McAllister was presented with a plaque by newly elected Chief Michael Cramer during the departments annual installation banquet on Saturday, April 5th, at the Double Tree Hotel.
Other gifts presented to Chief McAllister included a painting of an antique hose cart, tickets to the New York Yankees, and a smaller version of the hand made firefighter statues which can be found outside both stations.
Oswego County BOCES Public Safety Program visits ESFD
04/09/08
On Thursday, April 3rd, students from the Public Safety Program at Oswego County BOCES made the trip to East Syracuse to tour both stations. These students are juniors and seniors from Oswego County who are persuing careers in either firefighting, police, or EMS. This visit also gave us the opportunity to explain our student bunk-in program for college students enrolled in the fire protection technology program at Onondaga Community College.
(Left to Right) Jacob Johnson, Bobby Dotte, Sean Wood, Joe Hart, Jeff Russ
New member transfers from Cortlandville FD
04/02/08
The month of March brought a new member to the East Syracuse firefighter family. Firefighter / EMT Maryam Ek came to us from the Cortlandville Fire Department after moving into her new home located within the East Syracuse Fire District.
Maryam has already taken her Firefighter 1 course and is a NYS certified EMT. Having new members come onboard with this type of training already completed is a huge plus to the department.
When she isn't volunteering her time at the fire station, Maryam is a full-time teacher and coach for the Syracuse School District and a part-time EMT for WAVES ambulance in Camillus.
East Syracuse firefighters elect new officers
04/02/08
On Tuesday, April 1st, the annual election of officers was held. The following members were voted into office which went into affect immediatly. All firematic positions are a one year term.
Chief - Mike Cramer, 1st Assistant Chief - Robert Russell, 2nd Assistant Chief - Jeff Conrad.
1st Captain - Bill Pulaski, 2nd Captain - Leonard DiBello
1st Lieutenant - John Rhode, 2nd Lieutenant - David Brewster, 3rd Lieutenant - currently vacant, 4th Lieutenant - James Brody.
Non-firematic election results include Tim Marcely and Donald Russell to the positions of Fire Warden; and Scot Cramer, Charles Gray, and Paul Knierman to the positions of Director.
East Syracuse FD signs on 6th bunk-in for Fall '08
03/17/08
The East Syracuse Fire Department is proud to announce our 6th live-in student that just recently signed on to move in for the 2008 semester.
Firefighter Lucas Perkins from the Middle Falls Fire Department located in Washington County, New York, signed on with the East Syracuse Fire Department for the 2008 & 2009 school year. Firefighter Perkins will be studying Fire Protection Technology at Onondaga Community College.
Other live-in students who will be starting this Fall include Firefighter Jeffrey Allen from the Tribes Hill Fire Department (Montgomery County), Firefighter Brian Carr from the Cazenovia Fire Department (Madison County), and Firefighter Jacob Polovchak from the Endwell Fire Department (Broome County)
Current firefighter bunk-in's who will be staying with us this Fall include Firefighter Andrea Herubin from the Yorkville Fire Department (Oneida County) and Firefighter Scott Collins from the Wampsville Fire Department (Madison County).
Change your Clocks, Change your Batteries
03/08/08
The East Syracuse Fire Department would like to remind you to change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks this Sunday, March 9th. Smoke detectors play a very important role in keeping you and your household safe from fire, but 1 in 5 American homes have non-functioning smoke detectors. Over 80% of house fires deaths occur in houses without detectors, so make sure yours are working! It can be done in less than 5 minutes – here’s how…
1. On your next trip to the pharmacy or grocery store, pick up some new batteries. You will likely need 9 Volt batteries – one for each smoke detector.
2. Also consider picking up replacement batteries for carbon monoxide detectors and flashlights.
3. If your detectors are more than ten years old, consider replacing the whole detector. You can find these at hardware, home improvement, or general stores like Home Depot & Lowes.
4. Make sure that your detectors are in good locations. You should have at least one on each floor, one in each bedroom and one outside of each sleeping area. There should be one carbon monoxide detector per floor and flashlights easily accessible in each bedroom.
5. Standing on a safe and stable ladder, inspect the detector and vacuum or clean it if needed.
6. Remove the detector cover and change the battery.
7. Once you replace the cover, push the test button to be sure that it is working. It should beep loudly for a few seconds.
East Syracuse provides heavy extrication in North Chittenango
03/07/08
On Friday, March 7th, at approximatly 15:14 hours, the East Syracuse Fire Department was requested by Madison County 911 to assist the North Chittenango Fire Department with a serious motor vehicle collision on the NYS Thruway at mile marker 271.
Rescue 1 from Station 1 and Engine 4 from Station 2 responded. East Syracuse Assistant Chief Conrad arrived and advised units that a caravan had gone off into the woods and that it was on it's side between trees with one female patient out of the vehicle on the ground and another female patient still pinned inside.
Rescue 1 and Engine 4 arrived, with North Chittenango Rescue arriving just a minute later. Rural Metro Ambulance was on the scene packaging the female already out of the vehicle. EAVES Ambulance was the second rig requested to the scene. Crews from Rescue 1 and Engine 4 started stabilizing the vehicle and a handline was stretched and charged off of Engine 4. Once stabilized, crews from Rescue 1 and Chittenango Rescue 685 started heavy extrication cutting it's way from the back of the van towards the front, removing seats.
After approximatly 30 minutes of heavy extrication, the victim was removed and turned over to EAVES Ambulance for transport to University Hospital. As of 10pm Friday, the passenger who was already out of the vehicle upon fire departments arrival was listed in critical condition at University Hospital. The driver was upgraded to serious condition.
Firefighters drill for water rescue emergencies
02/27/08
On Tuesday, February 26th, the members of the East Syracuse Fire Department practiced thier cold water rescue skills utilizing some new cold water suits that were recently purchased.
Unless you're familiar with our district, you would be surprised at the amount of places were a person or a car could go into the water. Not only is it important to have the suits to make a rescue in a semi-frozen body of water, but if a vehicle goes off the road into a body of water and the occupants need to be rescued, our members will be fully prepared to go into the water and assist with getting the victims out of the car and onto land.
Both Rescue 1 and Rescue 2 have cold water suits on board, along with water rescue rope bags, rope tethers, and water rescue slings.
A special thanks to the members of the Cazenovia Fire Department for coming out and assisting us with the training!
Group home residents have lunch at Station #2
02/21/08
On Tuesday, February 19th, staff members and residents from Liberty Resources human services agency made another visit to Station 2, this time for some lunch.
The two in-house crews manning the station cooked up grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade chicken soup, and a fresh chef salad for our guests. After lunch, the residents were given use of our firefighters lounge where they watched a movie on the big screen.
A special thanks to Liberty Resources staff members Nicole VanZandt, Stephanie DiMarco, and Tracey Weaver for bringing Chris, Michelle, Amy, and Amber over for the afternoon.
East Syracuse FD Houses Police Recruit Firefighter
02/16/08
For the past couple of weeks, a new face has been seen over at Station #1, and that new face is Trumansburg Firefighter Jeremy Vann.
Firefighter Vann is a police recruit currently attending the Central New York Police Academy here in Syracuse. The East Syracuse Fire Department was proud to offer assistance to Firefighter Vann by giving him a place to stay at Station #1 during his time in the academy so that he doesn't have to travel the 140 miles daily. In return, Firefighter Vann has become a mutual-aid member answering calls with the East Syracuse Fire Department whenever he is not in recruit class.
Firefighter Vann is 23 years old and has been a firefighter with the Trumansburg Fire Department for 4 years. Firefighter Vann is also an Emergency Medical Technician and a Hazardous Materials Technician.
East Syracuse firefighters assist at Mattydale fire
02/11/08
Monday morning, the East Syracuse Fire Department was dispatched to repond with Truck 2 to a structure fire in Mattydale. Zen, a thai and sushi restaurant on Lemoyne Avenue had heavy smoke coming from the second floor when initial units arrived. A "Signal 99" was transmitted, and additional crews were added to the box alarm.
Upon the arrival of East Syracuse Truck 2, Lt. Brewster, Firefighter Haynes, and Firefighter Baker were assigned to the roof to check for fire extension.
Officials say the fire started in the kitchen and quickly spread to the second floor. Fire departments that assisted Mattydale included Lyncourt (Truck 2 & Engine 1), North Syracuse (Engine 4), East Syracuse (Truck 2), Liverpool (Truck 2), and Moyers Corners (Rescue 3). Minoa stood by on Mattydales floor during the fire.
Watching Over Things
01/19/08
With over 100 years of firefighting experience between the both of them, fire department members Ron Russell Jr. and William Lewis Sr. are still committed to attending weekly training drills with the rest of the members.
Both Ron and William answer alarms working within the Fire Police unit. Both are very familiar with the history of the fire department and are always willing to tell war stories to the younger guys within the department.
Ron Russell Jr. and William Lewis Sr. keeping an eye on things!
Student Bunk-Ins Wanted
01/08/08
Firefighter / Student Bunk-In Nate Baker takes some photos outside of Station #2 after eating a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast.
The East Syracuse Fire Department is always looking for out of County firefighters who would like to become part of our student bunk-in program.
Students must be members of a fire department outside Onondaga County, already have NYS Firefighter 1 training, and must be enrolled in the Fire Protection Technology program at Onondaga Community College.
Limited openings are available for the Fall 2008 semester.
For more information on our program, call our business office Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm, at (315) 671-3380.
Four Crews in service during Fayetteville 99
01/05/08
On Saturday, January 5th, a structure fire in the Fayetteville Fire District created a need for East Syracuse firefighters to put multiple crews in service.
During the initial Fayetteville dispatch, East Syracuse Engine 1 was requested to the scene. When Fayetteville command gave a SIGNAL 99, East Syracuse Truck 2 was requested to move up to Fayetteville's station and cover their district for any additional alarms.
Minutes later, the 911 Center asked if we had any personnel that could put a third unit in service and available to cover for DeWitt Fire Department which had their Truck-3 at the fire. We did, and East Syracuse Engine 2 was ready and available for any alarms in the DeWitt Fire District.
During the stand-by for DeWitt from our quarters, East Syracuse Engine 2 was dispatched to a medical call within the DeWitt Fire District. At this time, a fourth crew manned East Syracuse Engine 4 ready for anything else that came our way.
Fire Damages Home Just Two Doors From Station #1
12/15/07
Eight family members escaped a house fire this morning just two doors away from East Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department's station.
A family member who escaped the fire got the attention of Firefighter Scott Cramer, who was in the fire station at 1:30 a.m., Chief Joe McAllister said. Cramer turned in the fire call and ran to the home at 110 E. Ellis St.
The home's second floor was heavily involved when firefighters arrived. Initial reports had people trapped inside, but Cramer and village police rounded up everyone who left the fire and found no one was missing, McAllister said.
Firefighters got the fire out in about 20 minutes, McAllister said. DeWitt Fire Department assisted East Syracuse at the fire, he said. "The crews did a great job," McAllister said.
The house is a two-family home with members of the same family living in the two apartments, McAllister said. He was not able to identify the family. There were no injuries to the family or firefighters, McAllister said.
The fire is believed to have started in the second-floor living room, McAllister said. The Red Cross was assisting the family with living arrangements tonight.
Spark Ignites Fuel Causing Repair Shop Blaze
11/30/07
On Friday, November 30th, 15:38 hours, East Syracuse Firefighters were dispatched to 6080 Court Street Road for a reported fire at Wayne's Radiator. Seconds after dispatch, Onondaga County 911 dispatchers announced that a second caller states that the entire side of the building is engulfed in flames. Chief Joseph McAllister radioed "heavy smoke showing from Carrier Circle" and requested a reactivation. Upon the arrival of both Chief Joseph McAllister and Assistant Chief Jeff Conrad, a SIGNAL 99 was transmitted. Due to the buildings use, the fact the there were still vehicles up on lifts, and how heavily the building the involved, an outside operations tactic was announced.
The first company to arrive was Engine 1 under the command of Lt. John Lang. Student bunk-in firefighter Scott Collins wrapped the hydrant while Engine 1 proceeded a long lay into the scene. Student bunk-in firefighter Jason Haas and Lt. John Lang stretched a 2 1/2" handline which knocked down a good bulk of the fire. Firefighter Chauffer Jack Gross was the engine operator.
Truck 2 being operated by Past Chief / Caretaker James Brewster was the first due truck company to arrive which set up and placed the first master stream into operation knocking down most of the fire within the roof area.
Other apparatus to arrive included Engine 2, Engine 3, Truck 1, and Squad 1. An Engine Company from Mattydale moved up to East Syracuse Station #2, and an Engine Company from DeWitt stood by on their own floor due to the fact that their currently running out of a temporary fire station within East Syracuse Station #1's first due while their new fire station is being built.
Four workers and three customers were in the shop at the time that the fire erupted.
It appears that a fuel leak caused an explosion at the shop. A mechanic was working on a Chevy Blazer in one of the shop bays when a spark ignited gasoline. The fire spread across the floor and onto the walls and roof, which caved in. Two other vehicles in the shop were safely removed.
Fire Damages Garage Behind Home
11/23/07
East Syracuse Firefighters spent part of Thanksgiving night getting a garage fire under control behind a home on Court Street Road in the Town of DeWitt, just north of the Syracuse City line.
The fire started around 5pm Thursday, and it took crews about a half-hour to get it under control. A fire chief at the scene says a wood stove in the garage might have started it, but they're still investigating.
No one was injured. There was lots of smoke in the area due to the fire.
Daytime house fire knocked down quickly
10/30/07
On Tuesday, October 30th, the East Syracuse Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 6600 block of Route 298 between Fly Road and Law Drive. Upon arrival, East Syracuse Chief Joe McAllister found a 2 1/2 story, wood frame multi family home with fire on the first floor extending up the front of the house into the second floor and attic.
With apparatus already on the road due to a fire alarm activation at Anaren Microwave which was dispatched just minutes before, a quick knock down was achieved keeping damage to the home minimal.
The home has a balloon construction and the cause was electrical which started on the first floor to raced it's way up the wall between two studs and then let loose in the attic area.
Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Truck 1, Truck 2, Rescue 1, and Squad 2 responded. All units were back in service in approximately two hours.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Meghan Rubado
The Post-Standard
Two people are dead and a 5-year-old is being treated at University Hospital today following a crash at 1 a.m. on the Thruway near Carrier Circle, state police said.
The driver of an eastbound 2007 Ford Escape crossed the median and struck a 1995 Subaru Legacy head-on in the westbound lane. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The child was traveling in the Ford and neither the child's nor the driver's names from that vehicle have been released.
The driver of the Subaru was identified as Robert L. Stergas, 71, of Granville St., Syracuse.
The westbound driving lane of the Thruway was closed for about five hours.
Driver, victim identified in James Street hit-and-run
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Steven Billmyer
The Post-Standard
A Kirkville man was the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed an East Syracuse man Friday night, Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin Walsh said today.
Christopher R. Proulx, 24, of Kirkville was driving a 2000 Dodge Caravan when he struck the man on James Street in DeWitt, Walsh said today. After hitting the man, he left the scene, deputies said.
Proulx did not know he had struck a person, his lawyer, Edward Menkin, said today. He knew he struck something, glanced around, but didn't see anything and kept going, he said.
No charges have been filed; the investigation is continuing, deputies said today.
Dead is Gerald L. Krak, of 326 East Ave., East Syracuse. He was found dead in a driveway at 4505 James St., just east of the intersection with Thompson Road near the Wegmans.
Friday night deputies said the man was probably struck a couple of hours earlier and flung about 30 feet from the south side of the street.
A group of teenagers and one adult walking on James found the body, deputies said..
People with information about the crash can call investigators at 315-435-3082.
05/12/07 - Live Burn Evolutions & Burn Down
On Saturday, May 12th, members of the East Syracuse Fire Department took advantage of single story wood frame residence donated to the department for live fire training. This structure was originally utilized in the Winter for live fire evolutions. On Saturday, after several successful live fire evolutions, we burned the structure to the ground.
During the evolutions, NFPA 1403 was closely followed.
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