The BUGLE

James Brooks Jr. died in September after suffering a torn aorta while responding to a structure fire in Dresden four months earlier.

Joseph Ferrugia, a 30-year department veteran, is the first active FDNY firefighter to die from the illness, authorities said.

The union representing Ogdensburg firefighters has dropped a number of claims in its court case against the city. But it’s sticking with a key claim that five firefighters must be on duty every shift.

The Nedrow Volunteer Fire Department didn’t have any new applicants in 2020. Made up of around 20 volunteers, Nedrow has a looming problem that is proving to be an unfortunate trend statewide.

The City of Newburgh is pleased to announce the hiring of F.J. Spinelli as chief of the fire department. Spinelli completed a 28-year career with the Hartsdale Fire District and currently serves as chairman of the NYSAFC Codes Committee.

The City of Oneonta recently announced the retirement of Chief Patrick Pidgeon in late March.

Brad Austin has been appointed Livingston County’s new director of emergency management. He replaces Kevin Niedermaier, the county's first full-time director, who retired in December after 25 years of diligent service.

NYS EMS to Demonstrate ePCR Platform; DOH Agency Leader Briefings.

NYSAFC is pleased to announce a partnership with the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) to conduct two NYSAFC Regional Hands-On Training programs in 2021. FASNY will host NYSAFC’s popular “Flashover” training in conjunction with the FASNY Annual Convention on August 6-7 in Westchester County. “Beyond the Basics,” NYSAFC’s new regional course, will be hosted by FASNY and the Fairmount Fire Department in Onondaga County on November 6-7. Registration is now open for these and other NYSAFC Regional Hands-On Training programs at sites across New York state.

Forms must be postmarked by March 19, 2021! Nominations are being accepted for the Fire Educator of the Year, Public Education, and New York State Fire Chief of the Year Awards. Applications are being accepted for the Chief Neil McNeight Hands-On Training Award, which will fund the registration of two students in the Hands-On Training program at FIRE 2021 in Syracuse. Applications are also being accepted for the Scholarship Program, open to NYSAFC Individual Members, their spouse, or children.