Squad responds to  two extra alarm fires April 12th -  The morning started off for a request for the Northern Broome FAST team to respond to the Chenango Forks Fire District for an extra alarm house fire, Squad 57 responded with a staffing of 6 firefighters personnel. It arrived to find units operating defensively. The squad assumed the RIT duties and operated for an hour before returning to service.

Squad gets rescue tool upgrade Tuesday morning Station 57 took delivery of a new Genesis All 9 cutter . Thetool tabbed the "All 9"  because it has maxxed out the NFPA charts for cutting force is Genesis's most powerful cutter.

Joint training session with Station 63
 Monday evening the members at Station 57 teamed up with members from Station 63 (Prospect Terrace) for a joint training session. After a short classroom session,  personnel participated in several company based engine / squad truck based-scenarios with the emphasis on a coordinated fire attack.  Fun was had by all and we look forward to making this monthly effort for training together a success.
 

New Engine 57 Ordered 

The Choconut Center Volunteer Fire Company has entered into contract once again with Sutphen Fire Apparatus to construct our new engine. The engine will be constructed on a 2012 International Work Star Chassis 4x4 with a 1250 GPM hale pump and a 500 gallon water tank. The apparatus features a Williams around the pump foam system, large hose bed capacity and pre-piped Task force tips blitz fire master stream.

The apparatus is expected to be delivered in early July. The apparatus was sold by Vander Molen Fire Apparatus from Syracuse, NY. This apparatus will replace Pumper  Tanker 57. 

Member Gets Commodation for Life Saving Efforts 
Station 57 member Chris Cooper was granted an accommodation from County Executive Debbie Preston for his efforts in saving the life of a young boy from a drowning accident.  Firefighter Cooper was working for Superior Ambulance at the time of this call.  The young boy was transported to the hospital and recovered fully because of the effort of the rescuers involved. The members from Station 57 would like to extend a large congratulations and good job to firefighter Cooper ! Good job Coop. 

Fire Confined To The Chimney In The First Due 
On Monday evening, March 12th,  prior to the start of regularly scheduled monday night training,  the assignment was struck for a reported chimney fire in Station 57's first due for a reported fire in the chimney of a residence. 

With the station staffed for training apparatus responded quickly Chief 57 marked on scene with a 1 story ordinary constructed home with fire showing from the chimney and smoke from the ridge line of the roof. 

The chief quickly filled out the assignment for a working fire.  Squad 57, the first due piece of apparatus, was tasked with opening up and searching for extension. The PT had the primary line and fire control. Quint 63 was tasked with handling operations on the roof . with no extension to the residence the balance of the alarm was returned to service. Chief 57 held the command Units on scene included C57, SQ57, PT57, Q63, C63, Northern Broome RIT. 

Squad Handles One Pinned 

On the evening of Wednesday, March 7th, Station 57 was alerted to a single car rollover with a female occupant still in the vehicle. Within minutes of dispatch Chief and Squad 57 responded with a staffing of 5 volunteers. 

Units arrived to find a single vehicle rolled over vehicle still on its side with one female occupant still trapped. The Squad went to work stabilizing the vehicle and the extrication , the pumper tanker followed closely behind and handled the hazards. units operated for approximately 15 minutes to free the trapped occupant. Due to the nature and position of the vehicle a extra alarm assignment was started but was returned quickly. Union EMS transported the single female patient to the local trauma center. 

Parade Day Weekend Was Busy 

While the members of Station 57 were preparing the apparatus for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade,  units were alerted to respond with Station 66 (Chenango ) for a report of a barn fire. Within minutes of dispatch, Pumper Tanker 57 and Chief 57 went en route with supplemented staffing from our brothers from Station 43, Wayne County PA .

Agencies arrived to find a totally involved barn fire Pumper Tanker 66 was the first due piece and committed to the long drive way and layed a supply line , Pumper tanker 57 being the second due piece assumed the water supply responsibilities drafting from portable ponds and supply the attack engine. 

Chief 66A held the command . The PT and chief operated for over three hours to control the fire. Saturday personnel turned out for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Binghamton. The Squad and Utility marched through  the parade route. After the festivities concluded downtown, Station 57 personnel along with the Fallen Angels Fools returned to Station 57 to enjoy a traditional ham and cabbage dinner prepared by resident chef Sergeant Todd Shear and wife Beth. The personnel of Station 57 would like to thank our brothers from Station 43 for enjoying the weekend with us as well as their help at the fire. 

 Squad and PT take in extra alarm fire 

`	On  Wednesday,  January 18th,  Squad and Pumper Tanker 57 responded as part of the house fire assignment in Prospect Terrace.

Chief 63,  the first arriving unit,  reported heavy smoke showing from a 2 story wood frame home. The squad went responding minutes later followed closely by the pumper tanker. The squad arrived and begin primary searches of the fire building.

The pumper tanker stretched the back up line and was requested to the fire floor. The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes of the first arriving units. Units operated for 2 hours. Chief 63 had the command. 

Year begins with a tragedy in the first due area
On Saturday,  January 7th,  Station 57 personnel were dispatched to a 2 car MVA with injuries and multiple people trapped. The squad responded withing minutes of dispatch followed closely by the pumper tanker. 

Units arrived to find a 2 car accident head-on with 2 people entrapped, 1 patient ejected from the vehicle and 2 with serious injuries but not entrapped.

EMS resources arrived quickly to attend to the patients not in need of extrication. The squad and mutual aid companies went to work dilligently trying to free trapped occupants from their vehicles. The pumper tanker secured the hazards. Despite the best efforts of all involved, the accident resulted in the deaths of four occupants.  Chief 57A (Mcguane) had the command. Uunits on scene Included Sq 57,PT5 7,R 66,R 31,R 63, B 56 ,Union EMS , Chenango EMS, Superior EMS, 402, New York State Police and the Broome County Sheriff's Office. The members of Station 57 would like to offer our most sincere condolenses to the families of those affected by this tragedy.

Squad handles afternoon pin job 

Nov. 19- Saturday afternoon Squad 57 was due on the MVA assignment in Station 63's (Prospect Terrace) area for a two  car MVA. Initial reports from NY State Police on the scene indicated a female occupant trapped in the vehicle. The squad responded with 4 personnel. Upon arrival the crew deployed the Genesis rescue tools. Personnel  worked for 25 minutes to free the trapped occupant.

With a newer vehicle involved presenting some unique challenges. Units
on the scene included Chief 63 , Rescue 63 , Squad 57. All units returned to service in an hour.
 

Double pull on working fire Nov. 8 - The fire, which was reported at 5:22 p.m., started toward the back corner of the house that is located near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Glenwood Road and a short distance from the Broome Developmental Center.  More

Squad due on MVA,  one heavily pinned Sept 13 -Tuesday morning at 00:04 hrs the MVA assingment in Department 56's (East Maine) was struck for a 2 car motor vehicle accident with reports of a male occupant trapped in the vehicle.  The squad went enroute within minutes of the dispatch. While enroute. Chief 56 arrived on scene and reported the male occupant  heavily entrapped in the vehicle.

The squad arrived and deployed the Genesis rescue tools to free the male occupant. Crews from R56 and Maine ambulance assisted with the extrication and patient care while PT56-1 handled the hazards. Units operated for over an hour at the scene before returning to service.

Chief 56 had the command. units on scene included R56, PT56-1, SQ57, U57, Maine  and Superior EMS. 

Flooding ravages area
Company 57 with hundreds of other responders dealt with devastation caused by extensive flooding in Broome County. While some of our area was spared damages, many areas surrounding us were not so fortunate. 

Our volunteer members responded to countless call related to flooding, filling in at neighboring fire stations and other related services.

As the waters recede, the cleanup begins. We'd like to thank our members who provided staffing throughout the event even while many of them had flooding issues to deal with at their residences.
 

Never forget Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family members of those who perished on September 11th, 2001. Condolences to the families, friends and loved ones who lost someone that day.  May you rest in eternal peace.

Squad runs car fire 

Squad 57 responded along with Department 56 personnel for a reported car. Chief 56 arrived on scene and reported an active fire at the location with several exposures. The squad went enroute with a staffing of 3 firefighters and arrived on scene quickly the members quickly knocked down the fire in the car  with no extension to the exposures. The squad returned to service a short time later .

Squad runs pin job in 56's first due

At 16:20 hours, Tuesday, the MVA assignment was struck in Department 56's area for a one car crash with reported entrapment. The squad was due on the alarm responding with 4 volunteers. Squad 57 arrived to find one car that struck a telephone pole with one female patient well entrapped in the vehicle. The staffing from the squad went to work extricating the female patient and securing the hazards.

The members of the squad made quick work of removing the driver's door and freeing the trapped occupant. All units were returned to service in 30 minutes. 

FOOLS to host chicken BBQ at 57 May 7th 11-3
The Fallen Angels FOOLSs will host their annual chicken BBQ at Station 57. This event serves as a fundraiser for the fall training weekend. A whole dinner is 8 dollars and includes 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw and a dinner roll. Chicken halves are also available for 6 dollars . 

Pre sale tickets are available by contacting a FOOLS member or calling the fire house at 607-797-0914. You can find more information about the Fallen Angels FOOLS by visiting our website at www.fallenangelsfools.com

We hope to make this year's training weekend the most exciting yet with some of the nation's best instructors coming right here to binghamton to demonstrate theire craft. Courses planned include heavy vehicle extrication,  Squad/Truck Special Services, Engine company operations, and Incident Commander.

New sergeant promoted
Firefighter Todd shear has been promoted to sergeant. Todd's duty as sergeant include apparatus treventative maintainence and overseeing the chauffer training program. Congratulations on the promotion.

57 spends the day at the burn building 

On Saturday, April 16th members from Station 57 spent the day conducting live fire exercises at the Vestal Fire Training Facility with our brothers from Wayne County,  PA, Company 43 Browndale. The focus of the day being riding assignments, engine and truck/squad companies  responsibilities,  and coordinating a fire attack.

The members from 57 would like to extend a special thank you to the instructors from Task Force 1, Inc for for evaluating and giving us their "best practices" during the day. 

The day concluded with a lunch at Station 57 prepared by one of our resident chefs, newly promoted Seargent Todd Shear. We would like to thank members from the Maine and Whitney Point Fire Departments for providing RIT services during the training program as well as Chief Sculley from Whitney point for being our fire setter. It was a great day! 
 
 

SPECIAL DETAIL  Thursday Evening a call was received from the Broome County Office of Emergency Services regarding a gas leak in the millennium pipe line.  Multiple agencies along with Station 57 initiated an emergency action plan to eliminate and mitigate any associated hazards with the controlled release of natural gas.  The substation located along East Maine Road was staffed with 5 volunteers.  The Pumper Tanker was detailed within the "warm zone" to facilitate an immediate response to any potential hazards.

Squad 57 stood by on the floor with 6 volunteers to respond to service calls and back up PT-57 should an emergency be declared.  Personnel operated for 7 hours crews from Columbia Gas bleed off the natural gas in the line to make necessary repairs.  Chief Shear held the incident command.  Assistant Chief Steed ran operations.  Captain Malenda was the OIC for PT-57.  Safety Officer McGuane was the OIC for SQ-57. 

Dept. 57 would like to extend a special thank you to all agencies involved in safely managing this incident.  / Broome County Office of Emergency Services , Columbia Gas , NYSEG, Broome County Sheriffs Department, Broome County Highway Department, and East Maine Fire Company. 
 

SQUAD and PT 57 take in afternoon house fire Dec -16. The Squad and Pumper Tanker 57 were due on the assinggment for a house fire in department 56's first due.  The squad went en route with 6 members and the pumper tanker follwed closely behind with a staffing of 5. First arriving units arrived to find a 2 1/2 story balloon frame home with heavy smoke showing.

Occupants and law enforcement on the scene indicated the fire was located in the basement. The squad went to work conducting squad operations. The Outside Vent (OV) position forced a basement door and the fire was quickly found

PT 57's line was directed to the basement. The rest of the squad company proceeded to the first divison to begin searching. The squad officer quickly ordered everyone out of the structure as they encountered colliers mansion type conditions. A defensive operation was ordered. Units operated for 8 hrs to extinguish the fire. 

Units due on the alarm: PT56-1,PT57,Sq57,E63,Q63,R66,E98,PT33,T66-1,T66-2,E31-2 Fast team , Chief 56A had the command. Chief 57 handled operations  and Chief 33 was the Safety Chief.   PressConnects

Crew completes Squad/Truck: Special Services program
Dec. 6 -  Station 57 in conjunction with Fallen Angels FOOLS and Task Force 1, Inc.
was the site for an exciting new program that focused on Squad/Truck Company operations this weekend.

Often referred to as "special services", this program dove in head first into the true issue of a squad or truck company..... rescue, then property conservation.  With the focus on special services, it became very clear that a good squad or truck will help the engine company do its job more effectively.  Several drills using one engine company and one special services company consisting of only eight firefighters were executed at two different locations.

Lead instructor Sean O'Brien, FDNY Ladder 131, proved even to the "doubting Thomas's" that following riding assignments, having each company complete it's objective ( i.e engine is an engine company, squad works as a squad not trying to  split crews  and do both functions) is the key to safe and effecient fireground operations!  The training confirmed we are on the right track, not the crazy uncle in the basement!

Crazy Uncle

We' like to thanks Task Force 1, Inc. for another great training opportunity. Check back later for photos! 

MVA'S keep the squad busy
On Monday while the squad was staffed as the Central Region Engine 99 , the squad and crew took in a single car motor vehicle accident with personal injuries in Department 66's area. The squad handled the hazards and helped package a female patient.

At 01:58 hrs the squad would be requested to respond along with department 63 for a single car MVA rollover on Route 17. The squad went enroute with 6 volunteers and arrived to help aid Department 63 in securing the many hazards caused by the accident.

RIT training held  Nov. 7 - Various departments from Broome County and Browndale Fire Company from Wayne County, PA  spent Sunday morning at our training center.  RIT crews completed to very difficult Mayday event including a floor collapse with three downed firefighters and as second event that replicated "Collier's Mansion" condition with a narrow basement stairwell with very tight quarters.  Both exercises resulted in completed rescues with favorable outcomes!  Thank you to all you gave up part of their Sunday to train.

Sunday Brings a Search Detail to 57 
On Sunday, October 10, Station 57 was alerted for a missing persons search resources were staged at Station 57 for deployment . Quick deployment of resources from Station 57 found the 82 yr old male within the first 20 minutes of the operation. Units on scene included personnel from Station 57, Broome County Wildland Search Team, 401,401C, New York State Police, ATV 66 , Brush 63, Brush 56, Broome County Dive Team,  Chief 57 handled the command. 

57 Pays there respects to local EMS chief
On Friday,October 8th, the members from Station 57 participated in the funeral services for local Chief of Broome Volunteer Emergency Squad Chief karen Hand who lost her life in the line of duty while caring for a patient while the utility and crew participated in the services. The Squad and Chief 57 handled a landing zone for Lifenet helicopter. The membership would like to express our sympathy to Chief Hand's family and the agencies she served. May she rest in peace. 

Squad Runs MVA in 56's area with one pinned 
Early Tuesday morning at 02:06 hours Squad 57 was due on the alarm for a one car MVA rollover with one patient trapped. The Squad went en route with 5 personnel. The squad handled stabilization and assisted in extricating one male patient. Units were on scene for approximately 30 minutess before returning to service. Units on the scene included R56,  PT 56-1, B-56,  Squad 57, Maine EMS and Union EMS. Chief 56 had the command. 

PT and Squad Double Pull on house Fire in 56's First Due

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.

 The assingment was upgraded not long after the arrival of the squad to include the balance of the 2nd alarm. Units operated for 2 hours to extinguish the fire  Units On scene included PT56-1 PT57, SQ57 , U57 , R66 , E33 , PT 33 , T31(fast team ) T64 Chief 56 had command of the incident. 

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.

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.

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

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.
 

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.