Wednesday August 11th the personnel at Station 57 were alerted to respond with department 56 for a report of a kitchen fire.The PT went enroute with a crew of 4 personnel the squad followed closely behind with another crew of 4 personnel. Chief 56 B arrived to find a 1 1/2 story wood frame residence with smoke showing from the B side. The PT went to work conducting intial engine company operations the crew made a good hit on the well involved kitchen fire. The squad handled the truck work opening up ceilings and checking for fire extension.

Thursday the squad would be requested to respond two times during the day as part of the Northern Broome FAST for reported fires in the Maine Fire District only to be returned to service with no fire at either location 
 
 

Another training program planned Task Force 1, Inc. to present to Squad/Truck: Special Services in December Lead Instructor: Sean O'Brien, FDNY, Tower Ladder 131 This is a "hands on" program that will cover a wide array of subjects including various truck and squad company functions including search and rescue, ventilation, laddering, and forcible entry and Rapid Intervention. Following a short classroom session, the program will take to the street with several hands on drills planned.  Note: Full PPE and SCBA required.  See the flyer

Squad runs RIT assignment in WP 
Monday evening, July 26,  just before midnight Squad 57 was dispatched as part of the first alarm assignment for a reported garage Fire Chief 24 was first to arrive finding a large garage with a workshop above. Upon arrival the fire had extended into a multiple family dwelling located on the B side of the fire building. Squad 57 went en route with 6 volunteers and handled the RIT assignment. Chief 24 had command of the incident. Chief 57 had the operations for the fire building and Chief 61 handled the exposure.  Units operated for about 4 hours to extinguish the fire. 
Units on scene: C24,PT24,SQ24,SQ23,PT23,SQ36,E61,Q66,Q271,SQ57,R33,401,401C 

Weekend wraps with great training efffort

Sunday afternoon, June 27, was the climax to a great training weekend hosted by Station 57 and presented by Task Force 1, Inc. The intense  "RIT 1407" training program started off slow on Saturday morning but it was full speed ahead from then on. The program is designed to emulate the new NFPA training requirement for Rapid Intervention Teams.  The training program instructor included Lt. Jason Blake, Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue Department, Chief Ron Richards from Wayne County, PA and Jim Ogle from FDNY's Truck 14.

The program attracted over 25 students. In addition to the crew from Station 57, firefighters from Maine, Whitney Point, Port Dickinson Fire Deparments rounded off the participants from Broome County. Additionally the class attracted personnel from  S. Corning (NY), East Haven (CT) and Browndale Fire Company in Wayne County, PA. Thanks to all who sacrificed their weekend to participate! Look at the photos

Bradley "the Vern " Stimak 
It is with our deepest regret that we annouce the passing of Firefighter Bradley "the Vern" Stimak. "The Vern" has been a long time member of the Choconut Center Volunteer Fire Company holding positions as high as vice president and treasurer of the company. With "the Vern's" hard work and dedication the company was awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in 2008. 

Bradley is survived by his wife Pam and children Assistant Chief Brian Stimak, Firefighter Ben Stimak, son Brad Stimak, and Daughter Bethany along with his grandchildren. The Brothers at Station 57 offer our deepest condolenses to the family.  "The Vern" will be missed deeply by the brothers at 57 for his service and dedication as well as his deep love for the department fishing outings. Rest in Peace brother. 

BBQ a success: Thanks to all
The Fallen Angels FOOLS  (www.fallenangelsfools.com ) would like to thank everyone who attended its first Chicken BBQ. The event proved to be a huge success with some help from mother nature who held off with her afternoon windstorm long enough to allow us to sell out. Thanks to all that attended. All proceeds from this event will go to benefit our fall training weekend. During the BBQ Department 24 answered two service calls and Department 57 handled one. Both Departments were later dispatched as part of the Northern Broome FAST Team for a structure fire in Department 33's first due. Both agencies were returned to service as the fire was contained to the chimney.

Crews go to work early in the morning
Early morning on  5-6-10,  the volunteers at Choconut Center were alerted to a smoke investigation. While en route, the 911 center received several calls stating the woods to be on fire. With the initial dispatch being for a large brush fire the initial apparatus assigned was Squad 57, U57, B63. Chief 57 arrived to find a large smoke condition in the area of Rhodes Road upon further investigation what was left of a 20' x 40' mobile home was found well involved and already on the ground a defensive operation with 4wd Vehicles was used to contain the stingy fire.  A 4 wheel drive Midi- Pumper was requested from Department 39 (Chenango Bridge) to deliver enough water to put the fire out. Units operated for 2 hours mopping up hot spots. The fire was declared out 2 hours into the operation with all apparatus returned to service. Our thanks to Department 39 for use of there specialized apparatus. Chief 57 had the command. 

Engine715 visits 57

Past Choconut Center Member FF Justin Carpenter and members of the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department located in Montgomery County, Maryland dtopped by the 57 house on there way back home from a special detail in Sherburne. NY. FF Carpenter .a Honorary member of Station 57 and member at Burtonsville, is also a career firefighter in Houston, Texas. Each agency took some time to look over each others new apparatus and spend some time catching up . We thank the brothers at Burtonsville for there visit and hope to see them again soon you can visit there website at www.bvfd.com.

Busy weekend in Choconut Center This weekend proved to be a busy one with the hosting of our first Task Force 1, Inc., training program. The program, "Managing the MAYDAY" drew nearly thirty students from  Broome County and Pennsylvania.  The class, which was an "eye-opener" for the students, culminated Sunday with a series of MAYDAY events at our training center.  Busy with the class the weekend, we also ran a few RIT assignments on Saturday and Sunday.  Photos

First run for the squad At 20:19 hrs on Wednesday,  February 3rd, the volunteers at Coconut Cnter were dispatched to a report of a chimney fire in the first due district. Chief 57 arrived first on the scene to find a large 2 1/2 story wood frame residence with fire showing from the chimney. the pumper tanker went enroute with 6 volunteers. The pumper tanker secured its water source and the crew went to work on the  interior operations. The squad followed close behind with 5 volunteers and took the D side and went to the second division to check for extension. Quint 63 due on the alarm took the A side of the building and was assigned the roof division. Chief 57 hd the command all units cleared in about an hour. Units on the scene included PT 57, SQ 57, Q63.

Fallen Angels FOOLS Chapter
With the loss of Chief Shear's son Hayden and Chief Sculley's son Gavin in 2009 several departments in Broome and Tioga Counties have joined together to start the Fallen Angels FOOLS Chapter. 

The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS) is an organization that was started in 1995 by a group of Central Florida Firemen. This group, known today as the Founding Fools, had a passion for not only the camaraderie and brotherhood that is forged between firefighters, but the rich tradition and heritage of the Fire Service. Since 1995, this brotherhood has grown to over seven thousand strong. There are chapters all over the world, with new chapters starting almost every day.

The Leatherhead is a term used for a firefighter who uses the leather helmet for protection from the hazards we face everyday on the streets. The Leather Helmet, is an international sign of a Firefighter, a symbol that is significant in not only tradition from the early years of firefighting, but one of bravery, integrity, honor and pride. The helmet is a sign of who we are, not what we are. 

The FOOLS, like the traditional leather helmet, has always existed throughout the brotherhood of the Fire Service, and will continue to grow and flourish as long as there are fires to fight and emergencies to respond to. The FOOLS are about the brotherhood and tradition that the fire service is based on. When we are in our gear, and trying to make our way down the dark Smokey hallway, we are all the same. All that matters is that you have my back, and I have yours. We do not care if you are a chief, a recruit, a volunteer or a career firefighter, a male, a female or the color of your skin. All we ask is that you are true to your brother and sister firefighter, and to the fire service. All firefighters are welcome to be a part of this great organization; one does not have to own a leather helmet to be considered a "Leatherhead". Our membership is growing everyday, and we encourage you to start a FOOLS chapter in your department. 

The FOOLS are not a political organization. We will not be involved in union, management, or any other political issue. We are about preserving the tradition and heritage of the fire service and taking care of our brother and sister firefighters. We have been involved with fundraisers, charity events, and helping disadvantaged children receive gifts for Christmas. We believe that this part of what being a member of the FOOLS is all about.

The FOOLS also believe in providing real fire training for real firefighters. We believe that it is our duty to be as well trained as we possibly can. This can only keep us, and our brothers and sisters safe on the fire ground. We owe it to ourselves, our brothers and sisters, their families, and to the citizens we protect.

We believe in Pride: In our departments, in our stations, in our apparatus, and pride in ourselves.

One last thing that we as the Founding Fools ask of each and every one of you, let us never, ever forget those that have gone before us in the line of duty. Because those brave souls have given all, it is up to us to keep them alive in our hearts and our memories. 

The Fallen Angels FOOLS will now be hosting the training weekend that was started in memory of Hayden M. Shear. The training weekend that was known as the Hayden M. Shear Memorial Firefighters Training Weekend will now be the Fallen Angels Memorial Firefighters Training Weekend in memory of Hayden Miles Shear 9/18/08 - 3/7/09 and Gavin Nicholas Sculley 11/24/09 - 11/26/09. Rest in peace our angels your are gone but never forgotten.
 

PT 57 On House Fire in  66's First Due A 10:34 hours on Friday,  January 8th, Pumper Tanker 57 was due on the second alarm in department 66"s first due for a well involved house fire.  The pumper tanker stretched a line to protect exposures and help knock down the large body of fire in the fire building.

Officers for 2010 

Fire chief - Randy Shear  1st Ass't Chief- Brian Stimak  2nd Ass't Chief - Chris Steed  Captains - Chris Cooper, Graham Macdonald  Lieutenant - P. J. Malenda

Business officers President -Al Shear Vice president -Bill Holmes Secretary- Samantha Lindow  Treasurer - Otis Kaufman

New Squad Delivered 
After staffing the Central Region Engine 99 with two runs for the day, the members returned to have the new squad arrive. The 2009 Sutphen will replace both the old squad and the previous rescue truck now in service in Deer Creek, Illinois . After some intense training and some extra tool mounting,  we look to have the truck in service within the next month. 

Some of the features include: 425 hp Cummins Motor  1750 GPM Hale Pump  Seating for 6 firefighters  Wil Burt Night scan Tower  Onan 15KW generator  Full Compliment Genesis Rescue Equipment  2 Respond Ready Tool boxes  Roto Ray  Power Call Siren Upper Hatch Compartments

 

New addition to the family at 57 On Monday morning at 11:30 hours  the family at Choconut Center received a new addition.  Mackenzie Lee Shear was born. Mackenzie is the daughter of Firefighter Samantha Lindow and Chief Randy Shear . Mother and baby are doing well . Congratulatios on the new baby and welcome to te family!

Busy Friday for the volunteers 

On Friday, September 25th, the volunteers at Choconut Center started the day with a EMS alarm for a male who had fallen. Units cleared the scene only to return moments later for a car vs. tractor trailer MVA.  Originally called in with entrapment in Department 56's area. Squad 57, due on the alarm responded with 5 volunteers to find a male patient self extricated from the vehicle. The squad handled vehicle hazards and helped with patient care.

While units were taking up to go in service from the MVA the assignment was struck in Department 57s first due for an activated fire alarm in the new First Baptist Church.  Pumper tanker 57 responded within minutes with a crew of 5 volunteers. While responding the pumper tanker was advised of an alarm malfunction by alarm workers on scene, The assignment was reduced to PT 57 only. Al units were cleared and back in service.

Memorial Training Weekend a success
The Choconut Center Fire Company and Hayden Family would like to thank all that attened and all who helped make the event a success. A special thank you to the Whitney Point Fire Department and Past Chief Chuck Franklin and the Broome County Fair Board for use of the grounds, and to Ron Richards of Task Force 1, Inc. Without these people help the event would not have been a success stay tuned for event photos and video thanks to all and we hope to see you next year.

Our Sponsors

Garys U Pull It Lantz Salvage Yard  Howell rescue systems  Al Smith Rigging  Five Star Equipment  JC Smith  ESIP Saturn Software Elizaco  Melankos Body Shop Dougs Towing  Rockwell Collins  Gault Toyota  Roberts Scrap Yard  Delorenzo Body Shop  Terrenzis Auto Body

NYSEG  Bert Adams Disposal  Belknap Lumber  Broome County firefighters  Team World  Subway of Whitney Point  Gregs Big M  Calleo Logo Wear  Union Center Fire Company  Chenango Fire Company  Port Dickinson Fire department  Mike and Sue Rasmussen  Austin Lindow Castle Creek Fire Company   Chief Nick Sculley Whitney Point Department  Deputy Chief Mike Sura Whitney Point Fire Department   Captain John Hickey Campville Fire Department

Annual 9/11 memorial event 
We will never forget the fallen brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice  The volunteers  at Choconut Center will once again go on duty for 24 hours at the firehouse in remembrance of the 343 fallen New York City Firefighters. The members will participate in a memorial service at @ 08:46 hours  at the station and also will staff the Central Region Engine 99. The same events will be mirrored at the Whitney Point Fire Department.
 

House fire, first due this time At 14:33 hours, Department 57's first due area for a working fire units arrived to find a working fire on the 2nd floor of a 2 story wood frame residence, upon arrival PT 57 confirmed the working fire and stretched a 1 3/4 inch line to the fire floor.  The second alarm assingment was struck bringing two additional engines and a truck company. The intial companyies made a quick hit on the fire, keeping the fire in the room of origin. Due to a broken hydrant, a tanker assignment was started with T64, PT3. They were returned to service as the hydrant problem was fixed.  Chief 57 had the command,units on scene included PT 57, SQ 57, U57, Q63, E63, Q66, R33, PT56, C24, and C24A.  Endicott fire provided the fast team. An album for the incident is posted on the photos page.