The BUGLE

New York State Association of Fire Chiefs

Association News
 
   
Final reminder! Applications for the Firefighter Risk Reduction MiniGrant Program, offered by PERMA in partnership with NYSAFC, are due by November 2, 2025. 20 grants of $5,000 will be awarded to help fire departments purchase gear washers and dryers – critical equipment for reducing firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens. To be considered, applicants must be members of both PERMA and NYSAFC (Department Members only).

Visit https://www.nysfirechiefs.com/blog_home.asp?Display=151 to view the full article online.

 
NYSAFC Hands-On Training Coordinator Paul Melfi talked about the association's Regional HOT program at the recent Flashover course held in Erie County.

Visit https://www.beenews.com/clarence_bee/news/harris-hill-volunteer-fire-company-hosts-regional-training/article_9b53d689-4a03-4cd7-8f1f-008be20c9025.html to view the full article online.

 
Wendel
HAAS Alert
Government Affairs News
 
Emergency Services News
 
   
An important reminder from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: New York state firefighters – stay compliant with New York state reporting laws! Onboard to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) by January 1, 2026, and unlock critical benefits for your department.

Visit https://www.dhses.ny.gov/NERIS to view the full article online.

 
 
   
The 28th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was held on October 7, 2025, at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. A recording of the ceremony and a tribute video for these 126 fallen firefighters are available via the NYS DHSES website.

Visit https://ny1.com/nyc/inside-city-hall/news/2025/10/07/new-york-fallen-firefighters-memorial to view the full article online.

 
FDNY firefighters who died of post-9/11 illnesses were officially honored on a nationwide level during a special tribute ceremony hosted by the NFFF in partnership with the FDNY.

Visit https://www.silive.com/news/2025/10/fdny-heroes-who-died-from-post-911-illnesses-added-to-national-memorial-during-staten-island-tribute.html to view the full article online.

 
The fire on October 6 in Albany claimed the lives of three children and two adults. After a traumatic scene, providing firefighter wellness was critical. Albany Fire Chief Joseph Gregory says the department has a peer support team that helps in these situations.

Visit https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/twiller-street-fire-probe-continues-as-departments-unite-for-support-and-prevention-albany to view the full article online.

 
Chief F.J. Spinelli says he was pushed out after years of unaddressed staffing requests and claims the city used a technicality in state law to force his resignation.

Visit https://longisland.news12.com/newburgh-fire-chief-says-he-was-forced-to-resign-after-speaking-out-about-staffing-safety-concerns to view the full article online.

 
After nearly a decade with the district, David Johnston is out as the Town of Watertown fire chief, and not by choice. Johnston’s removal wasn’t a disciplinary issue; it actually had to do with paperwork.

Visit https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/10/24/why-town-watertowns-fire-chief-was-removed-his-position/ to view the full article online.

 
Recommendations, including those for emergency medical services, were presented at Canandaigua City Council’s finance committee meeting.

Visit https://yhoo.it/4oft5Xa to view the full article online.

 
The decision to shut down the district was finalized on August 18 during a special meeting.

Visit https://www.fingerlakesdailynews.com/local/ontario-seneca-wayne/fishers-fire-district-officially-dissolves to view the full article online.

 
The Barneveld Fire Department is nearing the final stages in the process of rebuilding their firehouse after it collapsed in February.

Visit https://www.wktv.com/news/we-see-light-at-end-of-tunnel-barneveld-fire-house-re-construction-in-final-design/article_16b580bb-7e01-4498-9c9e-e8e5583a36f3.html to view the full article online.

 
Sheridan Park Fire Company officials said James Hoffman stole much if not all funds raised during the company's 96-year existence.

Visit https://www.firehouse.com/leadership/news/55322776/jail-for-ex-treasurer-who-stole-450k-from-tonawanda-ny-fire-department to view the full article online.

 
M. Norris and Sons, Inc.
Naylor Association Solutions
Firemedically Speaking
EMT-CC Sunset Delayed; New American Heart Association Guidelines.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/nfc-nwl/articles/index-v3.asp?aid=901533&issueID=107741 to view the full article online.

 
Around the State
East Meadow Fire Department is using new virtual reality training to simulate life-or-death situations.

Visit https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/long-island-east-meadow-virtual-reality-firefighter-training/ to view the full article online.

 
Every firefighter undergoes extensive training, but military firefighters at the Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia have additional requirements.

Visit https://www.news10.com/news/inside-aircraft-fire-training-at-stratton-air-national-guard/ to view the full article online.

 
The Syracuse and Onondaga County Fire Museum, located in the former home of Engine 4, is preserving the rich history of firefighting with a collection that has been growing for 35 years.

Visit https://www.localsyr.com/community/tell-me-something-good/tell-me-something-good-syracuse-and-onondaga-county-fire-museum/ to view the full article online.

 
For 50 years, the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department has had a gateway for young people to explore a career as a first responder.

Visit https://wnyt.com/top-stories/local-volunteer-fire-department-celebrating-50-years-of-opening-doors-for-teenagers/ to view the full article online.

 
C.T. Male Associates
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs
www.nysfirechiefs.com
1670 Columbia Turnpike | P.O. Box 328
East Schodack, NY 12063-0328
Phone: (800) 676-FIRE | (518) 477-2631
Fax: (518) 477-4430