1st
Asst: Jim Fuller - 2nd Asst: Jeff Rhoades
- DC-1: Mike Cicalese
Treasurer:
Rocco Giovennello - Secretary: Dick Drew
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
The Port Jervis Fire Department is
dedicated to safeguarding the lives, property,
and
environmentof our
community through exceptional services in education,
preparedness,
prevention and prompt response
to emergency incidents.
The Port Jervis Fire Department consists of nearly 400 dedicated volunteer
members.
There are 5 fire stations located strategically
within the confines of the city.
The Port Jervis
Fire Department's vehicle apparatus consists of four
pumpers,
one Squrtarticulating boom, one
105' aerial ladder truck, one Rescue & Salvage truck,
one Fire Police
vehicle, two river rescue boats, and three Chief's vehicles.
We have a High
Angle Rescue team, FAST team, and other specialized teams.
One of
the highlights of the fire department is its annual Fireman's Day
Parade
whichin
2000 celebrated it 150th parade.
. . . .
NEWS
. . . .
ORANGE COUNTY TRAINING WEEKEND AT
MONTOUR FALLS
The Orange County Fire Training Center in
cooperation with the Fire Chiefs Association of Orange County has scheduled
an "Orange County Training Weekend" at the NYS Fire Academy in
Montour Falls.
Dates are October 18 and October 19,
2008. The courses offered will be those not typically available at
local training facilities.
There are no pre-requisites for any of
these courses (except as noted in Engine Company Operations); therefore the
training weekend is open to all firefighters. The Academy has set a
minimum of 10 students per class. Register Now! Demand will be great!
Instructional Techniques for the
Company Officer
16 hours This course is designed to improve
the quality of instruction to local fire department training programs and
includes developing training programs, preparing training evolutions, methods
of instruction and the proper use of visual aids.
Engine Company Operations
16 hours - This course is
designed to increase the firefighters knowledge, skills and the safety
aspects of engine company operations. Conducted primarily on the
training ground this course will conduct engine company operations such as
deploying hand lines, water supply and live burn scenarios. All class
attendees must be interior qualified and submit a training authorization letter
in order to attend the course.
(Pre-requisite for this class is
successful completion of the Firefighter I class.)
Selected Legal Issues for the Fire Service
12 hours - This course is
designed in inform the line firefighter and officer of their legal
responsibilities in the state today. Conducted by Attorney Mark Butler,
this course is both informative and gives plain language explanations of laws
affecting our fire service today.
Highway Safety for Emergency
Responders
16 hours - Students completing
this course will have an awareness of the serious nature of highway crash
scenes and the hazards associated with them. Students will have an
understanding of the four phases of traffic control that take place in the
first hour. They will also possess the ability to select and place
appropriate traffic control devices for various crash sites. Other
topics covered are: stop sigh distance requirements for vehicles across
a broad range of speeds, how to establish various traffic control zones,
where to stand and how to direct traffic. The last unit will be a
skills performance unit.
Based
on the time frames of these courses, the cost for a two-night stay is $105.00
that includes meals, lodging and registration. Individuals may register
for this weekend by having a Chief Officer or Training Officer contact the
Training Center by calling 845-374-1900.
Registration deadline will be 1 September 2008!!
Note: Firefighters
who are not members of Orange County departments are welcome to attend.
Training
Center Manager Jim McCann, OFPC FPS Les Greenwood and OC Fire Coordinator
John Horan, Jr (OC-1) will review the number of students applying - courses
requested, then based on this information, will send out Academy Course
Registration forms and payment instructions which must be returned to the
Fire Training Center.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FORWARDED BY THE NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE FOR YOUR INFORMATION.
July 24, 2008 0708-54
Governor Signs Health Bill
Thanks to all of you who took the time to contact Gov. Paterson!
On July 22, 2008, Governor David Paterson signed into law A7699a which was Sponsored by Senator James Seward and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito and provides the opportunity for volunteer fire and EMS responders to purchase low cost health insurance at the leveraged purchase rates paid by local governments.
The new law is effective at the end of January, 2009.
Future discussion will be held with fire organizations and the Legislature to establish protocols as to how volunteer responders can arrange for this benefit through their Towns, Villages and Fire Districts. There may be interaction with the New York State Health Insurance Plan to accomplish this.
I will provide more information about this imprtant programs as I get it. Webmaster
Port
Jervis' Hooks Celebrates 150th Anniversary
By Sharon E.
Siegel from: TriStatenews.com
Aug 2, 2008, 10:43 PST
Port Jervis Fire Department and the historic companies that comprise it have
existed since the mid-1800’s—even before the city it serves was chartered.
The
City of Port Jervis was chartered in 1907 and celebrated its 100th Anniversary
last year. Maghogomock Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 (Hooks/Truck 7) will
celebrate its 150th Anniversary Celebration at the Erie Trackside Manor on
August 2, 2008.
A proclamation issued in 1983 by then Port Jervis Mayor E. Arthur Gray on the
occasion of the company’s 125th Anniversary praised the commitment, service and
courage which continue through today.
“Since the early days of the simple horse-drawn ladder truck until the present
sophisticated extension ladder truck, the personnel of Maghogomock Hook and
Ladder Company, supported by their families, have given continuous exemplary and
courageous firematic protection to our city,“ it officially read.
A history compiled by Fred L. Hammond for the 125th Anniversary and retrieved
from archives maintained by PJFD Secretary Richard F. Drew asks how to pronounce
Mag-hog-o-mock. The company’s name comes from a Native American tribe that once
inhabited the Port Jervis region. It is thought to have derived from the word
‘maghagkamik’ (mackhagkameck) which meant pumpkin field, or possibly the name of
one of the local rivers, or from ‘machacammac’ which meant great house.
While Maghogomock Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 may not be the oldest PJFD fire
company, it maintains its status as the oldest company under continuous
operation with the same name.
According to a September 17, 1954 story filed by writer Albert L. Stage in the
Union- Gazette, the Fire Department of Port Jervis dates back to 1857. Some of
its companies, like Hooks, existed even before that. Hooks unofficially dates
back to June of 1855 with Charles W. Douglas as Company Foreman. Officially, it
has been in operation since March 25, 1858—the same year its first truck
arrived.
Hammond notes conflicting reports of Hooks’ first firetruck having been actually
built in Port Jervis in 1858, either by Hiller & Schofield Wagonmakers or by
Macomber & Holt Wagonmakers. It’s cost? Two-hundred and twenty-five dollars --
$25.00 more than taxpayers had approved!
The vehicle was initially housed in a barn on Fowler Street and then at the old
Erie roundhouse, near the historic turntable which still remains.
An excerpt from Stage’s article pertaining to Maghogomock’s official formation
has been reprinted with permission from the Times Herald Record as follows:
“Original members of the Maghogomocks were Charles W. Douglas, Foreman; James
Taynton, Assistant Foreman; G. W. Potter, Secretary; W. H. Mason, Treasurer; F.
Marvin, Solomon Van Etten, F. Champion, C. A. McNish, H. White, T. J. Grey, A.
T. Wood, Enos Dodge, C. W. Davis, B. Scriber, Samuel Wood, F. F. Ribber, J.
McNaught, J.D. Carpenter, C. D. Cooper, M. Porrit, S. L. Hoit, O. Farnum, Seth
Clark, B. Quick, Thomas Gross, C. M. Lawrence, V. Bell, N. Taft, W. H. Stewart,
J. H. Parker and Austin Benson. Others who subsequently joined were J.T. Brown,
Jacob Brant, James Creegan, J. St. John, Lewis Oakley, John Strater, P. E.
Farnum, Z. G. Coykendall, S. S. Starr, Benjamin Caskey, Henry Holt, Charles St.
John, O. P. Gilson, Charles Cunningham, John Reeder, Oscar Johnson and S. O.
Dimmick, Jr.”
Hammond pointed out some interesting trivia relating to Hooks’ history. Some past problems included: On January 7, 1887 apparatus did not reach an alarm
on Pennsylvania Ave because of snow; on November 1, 1904 a truck did not respond
to an alarm on Ball Street due to no horses; and in November and December of
1804 members were fined 15 cents for not responding to a telephone pole alarm in
the 3rd district and a clothes closet fire on New Street. At the time, firemen
(there were no firewomen) were fined for not answering alarms without good
cause; 15 cents for a working fire and 25 cents for a working fire when ladders
were raised.
In 1927, a ladies auxiliary was formed with 36 members and remained in operation
until about 1960 when it was disbanded.
In 1932, Maghogomock Fife, Drum & Bugle Corp was formed and performed together
for 25 years, during which time they became champions of Orange, Rockland,
Dutchess and Putnam Counties in 1936 and Pennsylvania State Champion in 1937.
The group last performed in August of 1957 at the Port Jervis Golden Jubilee
Parade.
On July 4, 1951, the company dedicated a marble bench at the Gold Star Mothers
Memorial in Orange Square to honor the members of the company who lost their
lives in World War II.
The company is currently located at 25 Orange Street, where it shares a building
with its longtime neighbor Neversink Engine Co. No. 1. The two companies have
shared dual bay buildings on Orange Street since 1884, when they first occupied
the now historic double-bay firehouse that currently serves as a
state-of-the-art Port Jervis Fire Museum and Training Facility.
That building, which re-opened last year, has been dedicated to longtime Hooks
member and current PJFD Chief Joseph J. Kowal who for more than a decade led
restoration efforts to save it.
Hooks has had three members of its ranks serve as Fire Chief. The first was
Chief Engineer Leopold Furth from 1870-1873. Second was Roscoe Case from
1958-1959, and third is current Chief Joseph J. Kowal, Sr., who served first as
chief from 1998-1999 and again from 2006 to present.
Current Maghogomock Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 officers are: Joseph J. Kowal,
Jr. – Captain, David J. Claisse – 1st Lieutenant, and Victor J. Claisse, Jr. –
2nd Lieutenant.
Members as of July of 2008 are: Dove Bailey, Joseph Card, David Case, Sr., David
J. Claisse, Victor J. Claisse, Jr., Victor J. Claisse, Sr., Richard Coffill,
Kevin Cunningham, Chris DeVries, Stanley Drapala, Arthur Elston, Sr., Richard
Finan, Rocco Giovanniello, Richard Greer, Robert Hicks, Jr., Eugene Hughes, Chad
W. Kidney, Christopher W. Kidney, Wayne Kidney, John Kowal, Joseph J. Kowal,
Jr., Joseph J. Kowal, Sr., Daniel Lewis, Gary Lopriore, Peter Maillet, Scott J.
Morris, Darryl Ozello, Craig Perry, Robert Pierson, Donald Reiff, James Ruark,
Steven Turner, Victor Valentin, Ronald Van Auken, Chris Van Houten, Donald
Westfall, Frances Westfall, John Westfall, Wayne Wood, Albert Woolsey, Anthony
J. Woolsey, Justin Worden, Robert Worden, Jr., Robert Robert, Sr., and William
Worden.
As the officers and members of Maghogomock Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 prepare
to celebrate 150 years of service to their community, the motto for this
historic fire company remains “Always First” for the spirit of fire protection
and service it has come to be known for.
“We also have a good time together,” said a smiling Kowal, Jr. “It’s not just
about work; we also have a lot of fun.”
His 1st lieutenant agreed. “It’s hard enough to get people today,” said Claisse. “That’s why we’ve been
saving money for a long time to celebrate this day. We want to thank them for
all that they do. That’s the image that we have—fun along with the work.”
Your home should be a safe haven. But do you regularly check
for home fire hazards? If not, there is the potential for danger. Fire
departments responded to nearly 400,000 home fires in 2006. That’s why the theme
of Fire Prevention Week 2008 is “It’s Fire
Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!”
From October 5-11, 2008, fire safety advocates will spread
the word to their communities that, with a little extra caution, preventing the
leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating, electrical and
smoking-materials –
is within their power.
A
hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant
speed of 74 miles per hour or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large
spiral around a relative calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is
generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward 400
miles. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and
winds will grow in strength. As a hurricane nears land, it can bring
torrential rains, high winds, and storm surges. A single hurricane can
last for more than 2 weeks over open waters and can run a path across
the entire length of the eastern seaboard. August and September are
peak months during the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through
November 30.
BEFORE
HURRICANES START • Identify
the media sources you will need to obtain information• Include The
Emergency Email & Wireless Network at
http://www.emergencyemail.org/• Here you
can obtain data via email and text messaging sent to your cell phone or
digital pager• Share this
information with family and friends send them a link to download this
poster.• Plan an
evacuation route.•
Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross
chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This
plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and
nearby shelters.• Learn safe
routes inland.• Be ready to
drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.• Have
disaster supplies on hand.• Flashlight
and extra batteries• Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries• First aid
kit and manual• Emergency
food and water•
Non-electric can opener• Essential
medicines• Cash and
credit cards• Sturdy shoes• Make
arrangements for pets.• Pets may
not be allowed into emergency shelters• Contact
your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.• Make sure
that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.• Teach
family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.•
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department
and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.• Protect
your windows.•
Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to
put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood - marine plywood is best -
cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. • Pre-drill
holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
WETDOWNENGINE 481, M-486 AND THE NEW ZODIAC BOAT SAT. AUGUST 9, 2008 -
1pm to 6pm STATION 1, RTE 94 IN VAILS GATE FUN, FOOD AND DRINK FOR ALL TEE-SHIRT/SWEATSHIRT & MUG SALES FOG STREAMS OF NO MORE THAN 50 PSI
Sparrowbush Fire Department
7th Annual Softball Tournament
August 9 and 10, 2008
Rain
or Shine
Firemans Field -
beside the firehouse
Entry Fee: $150.00 - respond by July 7, 2008
For more information
call: 856-5047
Dave: 856-4620
Carl: 856-4994
Tom: 858-8987
Jason: 856-4469
Walton Engine & Hose Co. 1
81 Main Street
Chester, NY 10918
August 16, 2008
Engine 915
2008 KME / International 4X4
DEDICATION CEREMONY – 1900 hrs
WET DOWN – 2000 hrs to 2300 hrs
CAR SHOW
Sept 28, 2008 10am - 4pm
Howard Wheat Engine Company #4 Red
Knights Motorcycle Club Chapter 16 and Howard Wheat Engine 4 Auxiliary
The PJFD SOG's
Standard
Operating Guidelines
are
now approved and will be will be
distributed
soon to each firefighter.
Be
sure to sign and read them
when they are
distributed.
We are now getting County training class
information in emails directly from the County
