http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/rss News articles published on bedfordfire.com using RSS 2.0 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:45:28 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=198 At 3:18 p.m. on Thursday, January 12th both members of Bedford Fire and EMS were alerted to a two car motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries in the area of the Park and Ride at Route 172 and Exit 4 on ramp. The accident was called in by 45-Medic 2, who was in the area at the time, and was able to start care immediately. Both Ambulance 52-B1 and Rescue 44 expedited to the scene, as requested by the medics and Car 2043. One patient was transported by our ambulance and crews, and a second ambulance from Mount Kisco was called to the scene for the second patient. Bedford Police and Car 2043 kept the traffic down to one lane to allow for removal of the vehicles, debris, and fluids from the roadway. The scene was eventually reopened, and Bedford units returned to service before 4 p.m. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:44:24 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=198 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=197 The tables were set, turkey's waiting, the wheel had its first spin...The Bedford Fire Department's Turkey Night was fully underway! November 19th was a fun filled evening if you attended. Many community members, as well as people from near and far gathered on the truck floor of the firehouse to support the volunteer members of the BFD. The night turned out to be one of the most profitable Turkey Night's the department has seen in a while. Prizes were donated from local businesses of Bedford, Mt. Kisco, Pound Ridge, Armonk, Bedford Hills, Katonah and Greenwich; they included a chainsaw, many gift baskets and gift certificates, an air compressor, TV and an Ipad2; and of course, we gave away a lot of turkey! Much of the food was generously donated by the Village Green Deli, and was cooked up and served by the wonderful Kitchen Crew of the BFD. The committee would like to thank everyone who came out to support us, as well as all the generous businesses who donated. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:38:11 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=197 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=196 This November, the popular fundraiser Turkey Night will return to the Bedford Fire Department. It will be held at the firehouse at 7pm on November 19th, just in time to win a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner! Win prizes that have been donated from businesses in the area, and eat delicious burgers, hot dogs and chili. Everyone is welcome! If you have questions, or would like to donate to Turkey Night, please contact the Turkey Night committee by calling 914-523-8300 or email inanny3@yahoo.com. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:51:54 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=196 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=195 Due to weather and road conditions, the Halloween Parade will be cancelled for today. We remind you to please take care when driving on the roads, as there is still ice, snow, trees and wires down. We also ask that you be careful if you and your family trick or treat this evening, and remember to wear something reflective and use flashlights. If you need non-emergency assistance, please call us at 234-0624. If you have an emergency, please dial 911. Stay safe, and Happy Halloween! Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:21:26 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=195 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=194 The Bedford Fire Department is dedicated to fire prevention every week of the year. But "It's Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!" is the perfect time for us to reach out to your community and empower the citizens to have a hand in preventing on home fires and protecting their families with life-saving technologies and planning. House fires do happen in Bedford, on average we have a full structure fire about once a year and many other minor house or chimney fires. Below we've provide a few tips and facts regarding fire prevention:  FAST FACTS ABOUT FIRE Home Fires  One home structure fire is reported about every 90 seconds. On average, seven people died in home fires every day. Adults 65 and over face the highest risk of fire death. U.S. fire departments respond to over 350,500 home structure fires per year. These fires caused 12,650 civilian injuries, 2,565 civilian deaths, $7.6 billion in direct damage. Smoke Alarms  Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. About one in five smoke alarm failures was due to dead batteries. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half. In fires considered large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 91% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated only 75% of the time. Home Fire Sprinklers Automatic home fire sprinklers cut the risk of dying in a home fire by about 80%. Home fire sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene. Sprinklers are highly effective because they react so quickly in a fire. They reduce the risk of death or injury from a fire because they dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke produced, allowing people time to evacuate the home. Cooking  Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and associated injuries, and was tied for the third leading cause of home fire deaths. Unattended cooking was by far the leading cause of these fires. Households using electric ranges have a higher risk of fires than those using gas ranges. Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking than being burned in a cooking fire. Nearly half (45%) of microwave oven injuries seen at emergency rooms in 2009 were scalds. U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 155,400 cooking-related home fires each year between 2005-2009, causing an average of 390 deaths, 4,800 injuries and $771 million in direct property damage. Heating  Fires involving heating equipment peak in December, January and February, as do deaths from these fires. Overall, homes fires and home fire deaths are also more common in the cooler months of the year. Heating equipment was the second leading cause of all reported home fires and home fire deaths. The leading factor contributing to heating equipment fires was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys. Half of home heating fire deaths resulted from fires caused by heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding. U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 64,100 heating-related home fires each year between 2005-2009, causing an average of 560 deaths, 1,620 injuries and $904 million in direct property damage. Smoking Materials  The risk of dying in a home structure fire caused by smoking materials rises with age. In recent years, Canada and the United States have required that all cigarettes sold must be "fire safe," that is have reduced ignition strength and less likely to start fires. U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 18,900 smoking-relate home fires each year between 2005-2009, causing an average of 660 deaths, 1,270 injuries and $492 million in direct property damage. Electrical  41% of home electrical fires of involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment. 53% of home electrical fires involved other known types of equipment, including ranges, washers/dryers, fans and space heaters. During 2005-2009, electrical distribution and lighting equipment was involved in the ignition of 23,400 home structure fires, on average, per year. These fires caused an average of 390 deaths, 970 injuries and $822 million in direct property damage. Candles  On average, there are 35 home candle fires reported per day. Roughly two-fifths of these fires started in the bedroom. More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle. During 2005-2009, candles caused an average of 12,900 home fires, 140 home fire deaths, 1,040 home fire injuries and $471 million in direct property damage.  MAKE YOUR ESCAPE! Be a home fire escape planner. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room. Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they've escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan. Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan. Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home. Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday. Smoke alarms and home fire escape planning If there is a fire in your home, there will be smoke. A smoke alarm will let you know there is a fire. A smoke alarm makes a loud noise – beep, beep, beep. When the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Go to your family outside meeting place. Be a smoke alarm detective Show your family where the smoke alarms are in your home. Test the smoke alarms to make sure they are working. DEVELOP YOUR FAMILY CHECKLIST EVERYONE in your family has a role to play in your home's fire safety. Both adults and kids should be familiar with smoke alarms and home fire escape planning. Click on or cut and paste the link below to download the fire safety checklist. http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//FPW11/FPW2011_FamilyChecklist.pdf WHAT'S YOUR FIRE SAFETY 1Q? Take this quiz to find out! http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=2220&itemID=52182&URL=Safety%20Information/Fire%20Prevention%20Week/Fire%20Prevention%20Week%20quiz Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:25:16 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=194 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=193 A fun day had by all. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:44:34 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=193 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=192 Uniform: Class A Dress Uniform Venue: Bedford Village Memorial Park – 9/11 Memorial Order of events: Start Time: This Sunday Evening @ 7:30 PM National Anthem: Golden Apple Chorus Introductions: Chief Siemers Invocation: Rabbi Greenberg Remarks: Lee Roberts 2nd Musical Number: Moment of Silence: Chief Siemers Speaker: Reverend Elsberry Closing Remarks: Chief Siemers Benediction: Monsignor Thompson 3rd Musical Number: Transportation from the Village Green to and from the Park will be available for any of you that require it. As of today, the weather forecast is good for Sunday evening. We will monitor it throughout the weekend. In case of heavy rain, we will move the Ceremony to the Village Green, under our tent. All members are encouraged to attend. Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:28:05 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=192 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=191 Gear up for Fire on the Green. A family fun day at the Bedford Village Fire Department Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:00-8:00 PM Save the Date!! Live musical acts Games and Fair Attractions Fire Safety Trailer Live Demonstrations Barbecue and Beverages Off street parking available behind Presbyterian Church. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:19:23 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=191 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=190 BEDFORD VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT HURRICANE RESPONSE REPORT UPDATED 8/26/11 AT 12:OO PM The Bedford Village Fire Department is instituting a severe weather response plan to make sure that all emergency calls will be answered as promptly as possible. Please note the following important points – 1. The Department responds to medical, fire and vehicle emergencies. 2. With the volume of calls anticipated please understand that we will have to prioritize our responses given the type and number of emergencies. We will also have to navigate through expected flooding and downed trees, wires, etc. that may block roadways. 3. Unless posing an immediate hazard to people or homes, downed wires will be referred to the local power companies (NYSEG, CON ED) for repair. Arcing and smoldering wires cannot be handled by fire service personnel until they have been de-energized by power repair crews. 4. The Bedford Village Fire Department does not have pumps, generators, or tarps for general use or to loan to individual households. These may be obtained through general contractors, plumbers, and rental centers. It is important to understand the need for your family and neighbors to be prepared for what could be a storm that has the potential for heavy wind, rain and property damage. Please follow these crucial tips - High winds and heavy rain will take its toll on power lines, trees, unsecured furniture, blocked street drains and areas prone to flooding. The Bedford Village Fire Department is expecting a higher than average call volume to our emergency dispatch center during this time of severe weather and is preparing to meet this challenge as safely and as expeditiously as possible. Please keep in mind that we are 100% volunteer and it may take additional time for us to respond to the firehouse from our homes and families. We ask residents to do the following prior to the arrival of severe weather: Be prepared for power outages. Have batteries, flashlights, candles, etc. at the ready. Charge all items that you may need to in the event of a power outage. When using candles, make sure they are used in a safe manner that does not pose any fire hazard. Fuel any generators and make sure they operate safely. Clean any drains in front of your homes. Ensure that sump pumps are operational. Secure any outdoor items that may become airborne during high winds. Check trees and shrubbery for any limbs and branches that may need to be trimmed so they do not break during a storm. Have a supply of non-perishable food and drink. Make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. During the storm: Stay in a sheltered area. Do not venture outside during high winds. Stay away from fallen wires and anything they may be contacting. For example, a wire fallen against a fence may cause that fence to be electrified causing danger to anyone who touches the fence. Do not operate generators or other fuel operated equipment indoors. This can cause a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide and possibly cause a fire. Please use 911 and call the Department for emergencies only. Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:41:00 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=190 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=189 This Friday, July 29, the Bedford Fire Department will hold its Annual Fireman's Parade. The parade will kick off at 7:00pm on Route 22 where it meets The Farms Rd. From there it will head towards town down Route 22 ending at the firehouse. Afterwards there will be hotdogs and drinks, as well as trophies for Best Overall, Best Antique Truck and More! There will also be t-shirts and model antique seagrave firetrucks on sale. For more information, call 914-234-0624. Hope to see you there! Tue, 26 Jul 2011 01:59:41 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=189 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=188 Members of the Beford Fire Department hosted a mutual aid drill with KBH VAC on Thursday, June 16. The drill involved recognizing and dealing with deadly hazards as well as extrication and incident command. Members "responded" to multi-car motor vehicle accidents that were set up with scene hazards such as down power lines, fallen trees, car fires, and even bank robbers. Firefighters worked with EMS personel from KBH VAC to care for the patients involved and quickly and safely extricate them from their vehicles. In some cases the use of our hydraulic tools off Rescue 44 was required to cut the patients out of their vehicles. Engine 110 was used to block the scene for added protection as well as a primary attack engine for car fires. All crews were debriefed following the drill and members were able to talk about how to improve operations on a scene. Special thanks to Captain Jerome Newman for planning and executing the drill and to Katonah Fire Department for the use of their extrication pad. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:24:48 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=188 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=186 At approximately 15:00 hours the Bedford Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Bishop Road and Pine Brook Road for a motor vehicle fire. Upon arrival, Car 2043 updated 60-control to a fully involved school bus fire, requested one tanker from Pound Ridge, and confirmed that all occupants were safely off the bus. Minutes later E-109 arrived on scene, stretching two 1 3/4" hand lines. The remaining crew members from E-109 stretched a 3" supply line to Pound Ridge's Tanker 3 for a water supply. After flowing both water and foam for several minutes and attacking the bus fire from the front and the back, the fire was knocked down. To assist in the overhaul and breakdown of the operating hand lines, a crew from E-110 arrived on scene. Bedford and Pound Ridge police also assisted in shutting down and redirecting traffic around the scene. The fire was determined to have started in the engine compartment and quickly advanced through the entire bus out the the back door. NYSEG was also on hand to check on the integrity of the power lines above the bus. The bus is currently being examined and investigated by both the bus company and by New York State DOT officials. For more photos of the incident, be sure to check out Pound Ridge Firefighter Kevin Schilling's (who provided our "arrival" picture) article at http://poundridgefire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=37 Fri, 27 May 2011 02:49:07 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=186 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=185 Sunday May 22, the Bedford Fire Department will be holding its Annual Pancake Breakfast! Come out to support the volunteers of our department by eating pancakes, participating in raffles, buying t-shirts or looking at our trucks. Its a fun day for the whole family! The breakfast will be held from 8-11am at the Bedford Fire House. Fri, 13 May 2011 12:24:55 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=185 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=184 On the night of April 8, 2011, the Bedford Fire Department members came together at The Kettle House in Mt. Kisco to celebrate the Annual Installation of New Officers with a night of Dinner and Dancing. Members along with a guest of their choice were able to enjoy delicious food, as well as dance the night away to the sounds of Bon Jovi, Black Eyed Peas, Elvis Presley, and many others thanks to the DJing of "Next Generation Entertainment. The night was also full of acknowledgments and awards: Chief Jason Siemers thanked Ex Chief Joanne Aquilino for her past 2 years of service as chief with a plaque; President David McCabe thanked our previous President, Joseph Iantorno, for his past two years of service; and Vice President John Clark gave high praise to Ex Chief Allan Wiltse Sr. who has recently entered the club of "50 Year Members". Present at the dinner along with members were Bedford Town Justice Erik Jacobson with his wife Janet, as well as Town Supervisor Lee Roberts and her husband Ken. The Annual Dinner Committee would like to thank Banksville Independent Fire Co. and Mt. Kisco VAC for their hours of standby during the dinner, and to everyone who helped make the night possible. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 01:51:49 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=184 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=182 On Saturday March 12th, a second wave of nearly 20 interior certified members with the Bedford Fire Department received training on our newly-purchased bailout harness and descent systems. The equipment is now mandated in departments across Westchester, and allows for firefighters to escape from dangerous and potentially life threatening situations when battling structure fires. Training for the systems was held by Fire Ground Technologies, which focuses specifically on the Gemtor harness, and Petzl descending equipment (both currently in use by the FDNY). The equipment is proven to work well and last in tough situations, and includes a hook made of forged steel and 50 feet of Kevlar roping kept at the waist of the bunker gear. Each member practiced tying the hook and rope off to structures, and also performed straight hooks of window sills to simulate bail out situations. These evolutions were conducted on the company's two story trailer, and were performed in full bunker gear with SCBA packs, and eventually blindfolded. After an eight hour day of training and ten "slides" per each member, 19 members of the Bedford Fire Department successfully received their training and certification in the new equipment. Photos are courtesy of Junior Corps members Tommy Farrell and Juan Cardenas. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:47:35 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=182 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=183 They say "when it rains, it pours", and pour it did. The first round of heavy precipitation brought about 4 inches to the region Sunday March 6th in Monday March 7th. The rains not only melted the remainder of the pre-existing snow pack, but also overwhelmed many drains and culverts, creating flooding conditions on roads across Bedford. In less than 24 hours, the BFD responded to multiple pump outs on Hickory Lane, Pound Ridge Road, Bayberry Lane, Bishop Road, Long Ridge Road, Dogwood Road, Bedford Center Road, Pleasant Street, The Farms Road, and Appleby Drive. Some basements had several feet of water, and many had compromised electrical and oil burner systems. A Dogwood Road resident had a ruptured heating oil tank, which led to hazardous conditions, and required a response from the WCDES Hazmat Team, as well as the Department of Health. Three motorists also drove past barricades into high waters on Greenwich Road by Millbrook Road, and had to be extracted by Bedford Fire Department personnel. In this period, 12 pump outs were handled, as well as two water rescues, a police traffic assist, commercial fire alarm, and an EMS call (17 calls total). PART TWO As if Monday wasn't bad enough, more rains inundated the area Thursday March 10th into Friday March 11th, which resulted in a full day-full department response from the BFD. This resulted in an additional 6 basement pump outs, a residential alarm, and EMS call. Members also assisted at an exposed in-ground propane tank, a working Con-Edison electrical vault fire, and three more water rescues of motorists who had driven past the barricades at Greenwich Road and Millbrook Road (same location as earlier in the week). In this period an additional 13 calls were handled. Even in a short amount of time, water can back up and flood a roadway. Please remember that you should never drive through water that covers or conceals the roadway. More importantly, remember that although an inconvenience, "road closed" or "road flooded" barricades and caution tape should always be obeyed. To keep yourself and others safe, take the time to think, turn around, and find an alternate route. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:18:22 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=183 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=179 On Tuesday, March 8th, members of the Bedford Fire Department participated in the 29th annual East Coast Firefighters ski race at Hunter Mountain. We are pleased to announce that we had our best finish to date, ranking 9th overall in the tournament. All of the proceeds went towards benefitting various charities! It was a great day for a great cause! Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:48:24 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=179 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=181 To keep our fleet of chief's vehicles up-to-date, the Bedford Fire Department has recently taken delivery of a new 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe. This truck is essentially a twin to our 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, and will be used by department Chief Jason Siemers, with the designation "Car 2041". The truck is outfitted with a hi-tech light and siren package, and includes 60-Control and Bedford Police radios, rear chevron striping, a receiver hitch, and a full cubby and command board slide-out, mounted in the trunk. This vehicle has put our 2002 Chevrolet 2500 pick up out of service, and leaves the 2009 Tahoe to First Assistant Chief Peter Aquilino (Car 2042), and the 2003 Tahoe to Second Assistant Chief Peter Lazaro (Car 2043). Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:24:12 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=181 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=180 As the sun was setting on Tuesday, March 2nd, a passerby walking along Greenway Road in Armonk noticed smoke and flames pouring from the roof and second floor of a home. 60-Control immediately dispatched Armonk for a reported fire, which was upgraded to a working structure fire bringing Mount Kisco, Banksville, and North White Plains Ladder 47 to the scene. As per protocol, Bedford Engine 110 was requested to backfill and standby at Armonk headquarters to cover any additional calls. With a jump-start on firefighters, the fire quickly spread throughout the second floor of the house, and more units were brought to the scene to battle the blaze. Initially, finding a water source was tough so four tankers were brought to the scene from Bedford Hills, Katonah, Pound Ridge, and Pleasantville in addition to the two operating from Banksville and Armonk. Once a viable water source was located, Engine 110 was requested to the scene as an in-line relay pumper between Banksville Engine 157 and the fire scene, with a lay of 5" supply hose just over six-tenths of a mile. Although it took several hours to combat the fire, the blaze was eventually extinguished, and most of the house was saved from the fire. The cause is still under investigation. Special thanks to Mount Kisco Captain Eric Hartmann, who provided the photos. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:05:21 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=180 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=177 At 8:46 a.m., a cell phone call was received by 60-Control reporting a working structure fire at 535 Cantitoe Street, the Bedford Golf and Tennis club. Shortly after dispatch for the call, Car 2042 arrived to confirm a working fire by the platform tennis courts, in an attached paddle tennis building. Crews from Engine 109 and Bedford Hills Tanker 5 arrived to quickly douse the fire, and knock down the main body of flames. Engine 109 was fed by both BHFD Tanker 5 and KFD Tanker 6, which provided ample water to extinguish the fire. In accordance with our mutual aid plans, BHFD Tower Ladder 57 and MKFD Utility 13 (FAST) were dispatched, but returned shortly there after. Banksville Engine 158 provided coverage at our headquarters, while Engine 108, Rescue 44, and Ambulance 52-B1 responded to the scene for additional members and equipment. While the Zone 5 Cause and Origin team was investigating the cause of the fire, NYSEG arrived to cut power to the building and surrounding property. Overhaul was completed to find any remaining hot spots, and all Bedford units were returned to service at 10:30 hours. Photos are courtesy of firefighter Zach Grossbaum. Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:17:49 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=177 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=176 With the winter season and temperatures now in full effect across our region, ice forms among many of the ponds, pools, lakes, and even the reservoir in our district. With this hazard, our department trains to properly handle ice emergencies, rescuing people, animals, and sometimes property that have fallen through or become trapped on the ice. Recently, the Bedford Fire Department suited up and headed out to Blue Heron Lake with our ice rescue gear to put our members to the test. After ensuring safety with proper harnesses and ice equipment as well as an EMS standby, evolutions were conducted to rescue a "trapped" person out on the ice. Various techniques were used to reach and recover the person, utilizing our rescue sled, ice picks, float rings, and webbing harnesses. All members present rotated through tending, rescue, and victim positions to get a feel for each role. Being out on the ice can be fun, but please remember to always check for sufficient ice depths and wait for adequate freezes before going out. Most importantly, never go on the ice alone. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:34:00 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=176 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=175 At 12:09 p. m. on Friday November 26th, Bedford EMS and Fire were dispatched to the area of mile marker 11.5 northbound on Interstate 684 to a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Arriving Car 2042 and Car 2043 with NYSP found a two vehicle accident in the center median turn-around, and determined three patients needed to be transported for evaluation. Armonk EMS was dispatched to the scene for a second ambulance, and arrived in 51-B3 along with our ambulance, 52-B1. All three patients were packaged at the scene, and transported with minor injuries to Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York. Engine 110 also responded to help with traffic control and debris clean up after the accident. Pratow was on location to remove both of the heavily damaged vehicles. Fortunately for holiday weekend travelers, because of the location of the accident, all lanes of traffic going both northbound and southbound remained open. All Bedford units cleared as the vehicles were removed from the roadway. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:21:26 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=175 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=174 On Thanksgiving morning most people usually wake to the smell of fireplaces burning or turkey cooking in the oven. However, when a group of Bishop Road residents smelled a noticeably strong odor of smoke outside their homes, the Bedford Fire Department was alerted to respond. At 12:09 p.m. Car 2041 and a crew on Engine 109 responded to the area in front of 37 Bishop Road to find a fully involved brush fire, quickly advancing over dry leaf and organic materials to the size of about 30 x 60 feet. Members immediately stretched a cross lay and trash line off of Engine 109 and moved to extinguish the fire in a matter of minutes. The remaining area was overhauled with shovels and picks to find any hot spots, and NYSEG was notified as it was suspected a telephone pole and arcing lines had started the fire. All Bedford units returned to service by 13:00 hours. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:02:52 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=174 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=173 On the morning of Sunday November 21st, members of the Bedford Fire Department assembled to perform a rope rescue drill utilizing structures at the Bedford Village Elementary School campus. Using a medical dummy as our patient and mock worker, we simulated an injury on the roof requiring full immobilization and removal utilizing ropes and ladders. Led by Lieutenant Jerome Newman, ladders and ropes from Rescue 44 and Engine 110 were used to gain access the patient, and create a haul system to remove the victim. After strapping down and harnessing the patient with webbing to a back board, the unit was affixed to a ropes with a series of knots and carabineers, and was anchored to a large tree behind the building. Coordinating between members on the ground and on the roof, the patient was slowly lowered down an extension ladder to safety using a break bar rack and two rescue ropes to guide him down. Thanks to the Bedford Central School District and BVES for allowing us to use their facilities for this drill. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 22:50:59 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=173 http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=172 Bedford Fire Department held its annual Inspection Dinner on Friday, October 22, 2010. The dinner was the end point of the week long cleaning of both the firehouse and apparatus. Each truck was cleaned by the foreman and their crews so perfectly that Chief Aquilino said it was the closest competition in quite some time. The best apparatus award ended up going to the Mini Attack 7, and its foreman Aric Bittker, as well as it's determined crew; the entire BFD Jr. Corps. The dinner was held at the Kittle House in Mt. Kisco, NY, and many neighboring departments sent representatives to show their support for Bedford Fire. Officers from BFD recognized long term members, including two 60+ year members, Ernie Henker and Joseph Progreski. The award for Firefighter of the year went to Eileen Sacharewitz; EMT of the Year was awarded to Heather Feldman; Rookie of the Year was William Keiser; Ex-Chief of the Year was given to Joseph Iantorno, and the Jr. Corp Member of the year went to Thomas Farrell. The dinner was made possible by the Bedford Village Board of Fire Commissioners, especially John Clark, the Inspection Dinner Chairman. Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:33:02 GMT http://www.bedfordfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=172