FIRE 2012 in Review

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Over 14,000 people and more than 320 exhibiting companies participated in FIRE 2012 (Fire Industry, Rescue, & EMS Expo), the NYSAFC 106th Annual Conference & Expo at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y. from June 13-16, 2012.

Emergency services leaders from across the Northeast enjoyed warm weather and sunny skies throughout this year’s event, the largest fire service  show in the region.

Attendees could enter the exhibits for free with One Day Tickets available from FIRE 2012 vendors and view the latest fire, EMS, and rescue apparatus, tools, equipment, and services, all available to purchase or order. Conference Full Term Registrants could also choose to attend the over 40 educational programs offered this year, including classes where EMS CEUs could be earned. With esteemed lecturers from across North America such as John Buckman, Steve Chikerotis, James Clack, Dennis Compton, Mickey Conboy, Billy Goldfeder, Rick Lasky, Peter McBride, John Mittendorf, John Salka, Curt Varone, Timothy Wall, and so many more, attendees will be hard pressed to find such a knowledgeable group of instructors and fire service leaders assembled together at one venue so close to home at such an affordable price (only $80 for NYSAFC members to attend the full four days).

Over 330 students were sharpened their skills during this year’s enhanced Hands-On Training Program, which always features some of the nation’s top instructors in an intense, realistic fireground environment. Sessions offered included: "Aggressive Interior Fire Attack," "Truck Company Series: Ground Ladders," "Truck Company Series: Roof Operations," "Truck Company Series: Forcible Entry," "Advanced Vehicle Extrication," "Haz-Mat ‘Are You Kidding Me,’" "Multifaceted Elevator Rescue," "Flashover," and "Advanced Thermal Imaging Camera Operations." Special thanks to our many sponsors, who donate equipment and supplies for this program each year.

The NYSAFC Annual Conference always provides opportunities to network with other leaders from the Empire State and beyond. This year’s General Session was no exception, as many of New York’s top department leaders and state fire service officials were in attendance and participated in an informative discussion. The event and venue offered many opportunities for industry leaders to stay connected.

Highlights of the Annual Conference included the inspirational keynote address, "Mind Over Matter" – The Mark O’Brien Story, delivered by Corporal Mark O’Brien of the United States Marine Corps. At the age of 21, while serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, O’Brien’s Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Although he would lose both his right arm and leg as a result, O’Brien didn’t lose the amazing attitude that enabled him to overcome the challenges that stood between him and the productive and fulfilling life he leads today. His message related closely to those serving in the fire service, as he addressed the importance of leadership, teamwork, wearing PPE, training and following proper procedures, watching out for each other, and how your attitude makes a difference. Special thanks to Dival for sponsoring this remarkable address.

Another highlight included the always-moving Memorial Service, where NYSAFC honors its deceased association members. Participation by the Ridge Road Fire District Honor Guard, the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, and soloist Firefighter Justin Caliguri (Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department) accompanied by Captain Benjamin Siracuse (Fredonia Fire Department) on the piano, made for an especially poignant ceremony this year. Special thanks to NYSAFC Past President John Cullen, piper, the Binghamton Downtown Singers, Trumpeter Danielle Glynn, and Jerome Fire Equipment, who have continued to make this ceremony so special for many years.

The first ever "Cookin’ in the House: Chili Challenge" was well received by conference-goers. Six fire house chefs from across New York state battled it out for the title of "Chili Challenge Champion" and prizes were awarded to the top three finishers. Competitors were judged by the many attendees and exhibitor representatives who turned out to sample the fare. Guest judges Robert Painter (FDNY Engine 63 and NYSAFC Hands-On Training instructor) and John Sierp (FDNY Ladder 169), veterans of TV shows such as "Chopped," "The Rachael Ray Show," and the "24 Hour Restaurant Battle," were also on hand to provide cooking demonstrations. Plans are already underway for next year’s "Cookin’ in the House" competition!

"Cookin’ in the House: Chili Challenge" Winners:
1st Place – Southwood Volunteer Fire Department – "Chili Challenge Champion"
2nd Place – Lyncourt Volunteer Fire Department
3rd Place – Hagerman Fire Department

Congratulations to all of our competitors for sharing their delicious chili:
Floral Park Fire Department – Robert Kloepfer
Hagerman Fire Department – Jeffrey VanHouten
Lyncourt Volunteer Fire Department – Vincent Cicero
Southwood Volunteer Fire Department – Mark Swing
Sylvan Beach Fire Department – Christopher Smith
Wynantskill Fire Department – John Hanlon

Attendees and exhibitors alike enjoyed the 4th Annual Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association Clambake sponsored by the Oneida County Fire Chiefs and the Floyd Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary. This outing, held on Thursday during the conference each year at the nearby Floyd Fire Department, is always a great time.

Look for photos from FIRE 2012 in the upcoming Issue 3 of SIZE UP magazine. We’ll also be posting pictures on our Facebook and Flickr pages in the near future, so check back frequently.

Attendee and exhibitor event registration and hotel reservation forms are already available for FIRE 2013, which will be held at the Turning Stone from June 12-15, 2013! Submit your forms early for the best chance of reserving a room at Turning Stone! Click here for more information.

In closing, Chairman John Scott and the Conference Committee would like to offer special thanks to all association committee members, ad-hoc members, and the many volunteers who worked so hard to make FIRE 2012 a great success for NYSAFC. We hope to see you in 2013!