Grand Island Fire Company, Inc. Website
To contact the Fire Company Dial 773-4334
Administrative Officers 2010: President Tammy Jo Gorman, Vice President Michael Anderson, Secretary Laurie Berry, Treasurer Dale Mock, Financial Secretary Anthony Mastantuono, Line Secretary Phillip Mastantuono and Sgt.-at-Arms David Khreis.
Board of Directors 2010: Chairman Stephen M. Stouter, Vice Chairman Paul D. Gorman, Secretary Raymond Pauley, Mark T. Kowzan, Donald Portik, Michael D. Braun, David C. Tolejko
Latest Island MVA Reflects Disturbing Trend - August 2010
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information OfficerGrand Island Fire Chief Greg Butcher reports that there has been no letup in a disturbing pattern of MVA incidents, which has been further complicated by local roadway construction. Although no fatalities have occurred, GIFC Rescue Personnel have responded to twelve MVA calls during July and five so far in August, he noted.
The latest took place at 10:35 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, when GIFC firefighters/medics responded to a two-car collision at the intersection of Fix and Baseline roads, where the force of impact propelled one vehicle into a 4-ft. deep, roadside ditch. Chief Butcher reported that Mark Granto, 41, of Grand Island was evaluated by GIFC Medics for various extremity injuries and transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital for additional medical attention. Occupants of the other vehicle, Molley Higgins, 17 and Jennie McCoy, 17, both of Grand Island, were treated for non life threatening injuries and transported to the Erie County Medical Center for precautionary followup.
All GIFC units returned in service at 11:12 p.m. according to Chief Butcher.
Island Marina Incident Leaves Four Boaters Hospitalized - August 2010
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information OfficerGrand Island Fire Company rescue personnel shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday August 7, responded to a reported allergic reaction incident which affected several boaters at the River Oaks Marina, 3001 East River Road. .
Fire Chief Greg Butcher reported that five individuals were treated by GIFC medics after they ate food (cookies) containing an unknown substance that produced respiratory distress and nausea. Thomas Dunne, 72, of Florida; George Kunkel, 60, of Buffalo, NY; Steven Runbold, 54, of Depew, NY; and William Klopp, 50, of Eden NY; were transported to the Erie County Medical Center for follow-up medical attention. William Ackendorf, 56, of Grand Island declined hospitalization.
Meanwhile, the Erie County Sheriff's Department has comnmenced an investigation into the circumstances of this MCI (Multiple Casualty Incident) due to the questionable nature of this suspected food poisoning.
All GIFC units returned in service at 10:50 p.m. according to Assistant Chief Matt Osinski who directed EMS operations.
Island Fire Cadet Program Gets Boost From Allstate - August 2010
Cadet O'Donnell is flanked by GIFC Assistant Chief Matt Osinski (left) and Chief Butcher (right) at graduation ceremony
(right photo) President Gorman looks on as T.O. Ed Krecisz receives check from Allstate representative Tony Mastantuono
Click photos for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
The Grand Island Fire Company received continuing support from the Allstate Insurance Co. on August 4 in the form of a $500 grant award to promote its Fire Cadet program, according to Chief Greg Butcher.
School age youths between 16 and 18 years old are given an opportunity to learn about the fire service by participating in restricted activities which are carefully tailored to develop character as well as capability. Sean O'Donnell is one of several GIFC cadets who has exhibited exceptional individual initiative. He successfully completed a 90-hour Firefighter I "bootcamp" training course on July 23 at the Erie County Training Center in Cheektowaga, NY, according to GIFC President Tammy Gorman who is a cadet training officer.
Congratulations to Sean and a heartfelt thanks for Allstate's generous support of the entire cadet program.
Collapsed Runner Revived by Island Firefighters - August 2010
Chief Butcher holds 'state of the art' Zoll AED defibrillator which was used by GIFC responders Dale Mock (left) and Saed Shafie (right) to restore cardiac function in collapsed triathlon runner
Click photo for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
The Riverside Federal Credit Union 'Summer Sizzler' Triathlon held on Saturday, August 7 at Beaver Island State Park was a fun time for many, but not so for a participant who collapsed at the end of the swim, bike, and run event.
Fire Chief Greg Butcher reported that a GIFC standby EMS crew already in the park located the victim, Bryan McGowan, 56, of Tonawanda, NY, within minutes of receiving the call at 10:04 a.m. Firefighters Dale Mock and Saed Shafie successfully applied AED and CPR lifesaving treatment, despite the fact that McGowan was unconscious and unresponsive initially. He was then stabilized further by GIFC medics and transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital for additional medical attention.
Chief Butcher noted that these firefighters were in the right place at the right time and "undoubtedly saved a life today." Such training and experience pay off "big time," he added.
All GIFC units returned in service at 10:41 a.m. according to Chief Butcher.
Island Fire Officials Cope With Construction Complications - July 2010
Interior of bathroom, showing extensive damage
(left) Lt. Dale Mock checks vital signs of a driver involved in July 28 MVA
(right) GIFC Fire Police (Anthony Mastantuono) holds up traffic while driver is removed from vehicle damaged in July 29 MVA
Click photo for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
As most Islanders are aware by now, construction on the northbound lane of the South Grand Island Bridge and a "roundabout" at Staley and Grand Island Blvd. have combined to create delays during peak rush hour traffic. As a result, Fire Chief Greg Butcher has arranged for Twin City Ambulance Co. to provide standby coverage at fire headquarters from approximately 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekly so that patient transport to local hospitals is not compromised.
Meanwhile, "roundabout" roadwork at the intersection of Staley Road and Grand Island Blvd. has contributed to further slowdowns, and MVAs related to driver confusion and and inattention.
On July 28th, a two-car MVA shortly before 9 a.m. at that location resulted in the evaluation of five persons by GIFC medics. Jennifer Rastelli, 37, of Grand Island and her three children, ages 3 and one-year-old twins were transported to Womens & Childrens Hospital as a precautionary measure. The other driver, Marla Crawford of Grand Island claimed no serious injuries and declined hospitalization.
On July 29th, GIFC Rescue Personnel again responded to that same location a few moments before 9 a.m. for a two-car collision. Weltha Rutland, 46, of Grand Island was treated for non life threatening injuries and transported to Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital for additional medical attention. The other driver, Madonna Coad of West Seneca, claimed no injuries.
Later in the day, at 2:22 p.m., several 911 callers reported a man "slumped over the wheel" of his (green) pickup truck, but he left the scene and disappeared prior to the arrival of GIFC responders.
Town Supervisor Peter McMahon expects that some of these problems will be resolved when most of the work is completed by the NYSDOT at the end of the current construction season - October/November 2010.
Two Island Families Flee Residential Fire - July 2010
Interior of bathroom, showing extensive damage
Click photo for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island firefighters, shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24, responded to an alarm of fire at 1040 East River Road. An occupant, Jennifer Rucci, had arrived home and discovered excessive heat and charring around a second floor bathroom ceiling exhaust fan. Moments later, her husband, Tim, used his cell phone to contact 911 and reached Buffalo CPS which relayed the call to GIFC dispatchers for appropriate action.
When GIFC Engines #2 and #4 and firefighting crews arrived on location, the fire had broken through into the attic space and smoke was venting from the second floor eaves, according to Fire Chief Greg Butcher. The Ruccis and next door tenants of this converted farmhouse (duplex) had already evacuated the building and fire suppression was immediately commenced. The fire was quickly brought under control by 2:05 p.m.
GIFC Fire Investigator Chuck Berlinger confirmed that a defective exhaust fan appeared to be the origin of the fire which was so intense that it burned completely through a 2 by 6 ceiling joist. Damage was estimated at $15,000 to the structure and $5000 to the contents.
Oppressive weather conditions (heat and humidity) also created excessive demands upon equipment as well as manpower, with your GIFC firefighters treated at the scene for heat exposure and dehydration and released.
During firefighting operations, Sheridan Park VFD crews provided mutual aid assistance and the American Red Cross also arranged temporary emergency housing for the displaced tenants.
All participating firefighting units returned in service at 3:11 p.m. according to Chief Butcher.
Two Families Displaced By Fire - July 2010
The Grand Island Fire Company was called
to 1042 East River Rd at about 1:40 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010 to a report of a ceiling fan on
fire in a bathroom. The first unit was on location in less than two minutes
and reported smoke coming from a two-story duplex structure owned by Grand
Island resident Marc Leffler. Further investigation revealed that the fire
had extended into the attic space of the home.
Driver Hurt in Collision With Tree - July 2010
GIFC firefighters stabilize Burgler vehicle while driver receives treatment for minor injuries
Click photo for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded at 3:25 p.m. Thursday, July 15 to an MVA on Whitehaven near Stony Point roads. Fire Chief Greg Butcher reports that Thomas Burgler, 57, of Grand Island lost control of his vehicle which left the roadway and struck a large pine tree in front of 1421 Whitehaven Road.
Burgler was treated by GIFC medics for non life threatening injuries and transported to ECMC for further medical evaluation.
Moments earlier, Burgler reportedly forced another auto off the road and into a drainage ditch culvert at Whitehaven and East River roads. That driver, Thomas Plandowski of Lackawanna, NY, claimed no injuries.
All GIFC units returned in service at 3:57 p.m.
Mesmer Aviation Event Passes With "Flying" Colors - July 2010
(left) Row of planes form backdrop for Island businessman Bob Mesmer
(center) Several visitors inspect unusual pontoon aircraft
(right) GIFC Lt. Chris Russell and Engine #2 are visited by Justin (top), Katelyn, Trevor and their mom, Kelly Palamuso
Click photos for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Bob Mesmer was joined by over one hundred friends, neighbors, and members of Chapter 46 of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.) for a Thursday evening of fun, food and thrills at his Love Road residence and airfield.
In addition to sixteen single engine planes which landed at regular intervals, much to the delight of onlookers, the U. S. Border Patrol, Mercy Flight, and the Grand Island Fire Company's Engine #2 and Rescue 7-2 with crews also attended. Another highlight was a special skydiving exhibition by four members of the Wilson, N.Y. based group.
Those who are interested in membership information can contact Local Chapter 46 Secretary Pat Pedersen at 240 Hamlin Ave., East Aurora, NY 14052 or visit their website at www.eaa46.org. You don't have to be a pilot to join EAA, "you just have to love aviation," those in attendance were reminded.
Falls Vehicle Heavily Damaged In I-190 Fire - July 2010
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island firefighters responded shortly after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010 to a vehicle fire in the southbound lane of the
I-190. According to Fire Chief Greg Butcher, the driver, Kristen Felker of Niagara Falls heard a loud "pop" near the North Bridge toll
barrier and shortly thereafter pulled over onto the shoulder when smoke began billowing into her VW 'beetle.' She then used her cell phone to contact 911 and her call for help was relayed from CPS (Central Police Services) in Buffalo to the GIFC Dispatch Center.
Her vehicle was "fully involved" when GIFC firefighters and Engine #4 arrived on location. Although extinguished within minutes, the fire caused extensive damage estimated at $5000 and was attributed to mechanical failure.
Fire officials point out that fire and EMS emergencies that are reported by cell phone will be picked up by the nearest cell tower when 911 is dialed. Such calls by Grand Islanders will usually be sent to CPS first and then relayed, as in this case, unless 773-7508 is called for a direct connection with the GIFC. This will virtually eliminate any possible delay in the dispatching of emergency personnel for those cell phone callers in need. All other requests should be made (residential, business, etc.) through the normal 911 emergency number.
Mercy Flight Called In For Island MVA Victim - July 2010
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island Fire Chief Greg Butcher reports that firefighter/medics handled ten emergency incidents between 4 p.m. July 4th and 6 a.m. July 5th, which included three MVAs.
The most serious incident involved a 1:30 a.m. July 5th MVA on East River Road near Turner's Port of Call restaurant where a vehicle failed to negotiate a sharp curve, traveled down a steep embankment, and collided with a tree, according to Chief Butcher. The driver, Donald Holdoway, 24, of Grand Island, and passenger, Michael Vallina, 24, of West Seneca, were extricated from the heavily damaged auto and treated by GIFC medics for critical injuries. Holdoway was transported to ECMC by ambulance for further medical attention and Vallina was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight in order to expedite life saving treatment.
All GIFC units returned in service at 2:41 as.m. according to Chief Butcher.
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Click photo for larger view By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
The Riverside Federal Credit Union 'Summer Sizzler' Triathlon held on Saturday, August 7 at Beaver Island State Park was a fun time for many, but not so for a participant who collapsed at the end of the swim, bike, and run event.
Fire Chief Greg Butcher reported that a GIFC standby EMS crew already in the park located the victim, Bryan McGowan, 56, of Tonawanda, NY, within minutes of receiving the call at 10:04 a.m. Firefighters Dale Mock and Saed Shafie successfully applied AED and CPR lifesaving treatment, despite the fact that McGowan was unconscious and unresponsive initially. He was then stabilized further by GIFC medics and transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital for additional medical attention.
Chief Butcher noted that these firefighters were in the right place at the right time and "undoubtedly saved a life today." Such training and experience pay off "big time," he added.
All GIFC units returned in service at 10:41 a.m. according to Chief Butcher.
Island Fire Officials Cope With Construction Complications - July 2010
Interior of bathroom, showing extensive damage
(left) Lt. Dale Mock checks vital signs of a driver involved in July 28 MVA
(right) GIFC Fire Police (Anthony Mastantuono) holds up traffic while driver is removed from vehicle damaged in July 29 MVA
Click photo for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
As most Islanders are aware by now, construction on the northbound lane of the South Grand Island Bridge and a "roundabout" at Staley and Grand Island Blvd. have combined to create delays during peak rush hour traffic. As a result, Fire Chief Greg Butcher has arranged for Twin City Ambulance Co. to provide standby coverage at fire headquarters from approximately 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekly so that patient transport to local hospitals is not compromised.Meanwhile, "roundabout" roadwork at the intersection of Staley Road and Grand Island Blvd. has contributed to further slowdowns, and MVAs related to driver confusion and and inattention.
On July 28th, a two-car MVA shortly before 9 a.m. at that location resulted in the evaluation of five persons by GIFC medics. Jennifer Rastelli, 37, of Grand Island and her three children, ages 3 and one-year-old twins were transported to Womens & Childrens Hospital as a precautionary measure. The other driver, Marla Crawford of Grand Island claimed no serious injuries and declined hospitalization.
On July 29th, GIFC Rescue Personnel again responded to that same location a few moments before 9 a.m. for a two-car collision. Weltha Rutland, 46, of Grand Island was treated for non life threatening injuries and transported to Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital for additional medical attention. The other driver, Madonna Coad of West Seneca, claimed no injuries.
Later in the day, at 2:22 p.m., several 911 callers reported a man "slumped over the wheel" of his (green) pickup truck, but he left the scene and disappeared prior to the arrival of GIFC responders.
Town Supervisor Peter McMahon expects that some of these problems will be resolved when most of the work is completed by the NYSDOT at the end of the current construction season - October/November 2010.
Two Island Families Flee Residential Fire - July 2010
Interior of bathroom, showing extensive damage
Click photo for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island firefighters, shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24, responded to an alarm of fire at 1040 East River Road. An occupant, Jennifer Rucci, had arrived home and discovered excessive heat and charring around a second floor bathroom ceiling exhaust fan. Moments later, her husband, Tim, used his cell phone to contact 911 and reached Buffalo CPS which relayed the call to GIFC dispatchers for appropriate action.When GIFC Engines #2 and #4 and firefighting crews arrived on location, the fire had broken through into the attic space and smoke was venting from the second floor eaves, according to Fire Chief Greg Butcher. The Ruccis and next door tenants of this converted farmhouse (duplex) had already evacuated the building and fire suppression was immediately commenced. The fire was quickly brought under control by 2:05 p.m.
GIFC Fire Investigator Chuck Berlinger confirmed that a defective exhaust fan appeared to be the origin of the fire which was so intense that it burned completely through a 2 by 6 ceiling joist. Damage was estimated at $15,000 to the structure and $5000 to the contents.
Oppressive weather conditions (heat and humidity) also created excessive demands upon equipment as well as manpower, with your GIFC firefighters treated at the scene for heat exposure and dehydration and released.
During firefighting operations, Sheridan Park VFD crews provided mutual aid assistance and the American Red Cross also arranged temporary emergency housing for the displaced tenants.
All participating firefighting units returned in service at 3:11 p.m. according to Chief Butcher.
Two Families Displaced By Fire - July 2010
The Grand Island Fire Company was called to 1042 East River Rd at about 1:40 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010 to a report of a ceiling fan on fire in a bathroom. The first unit was on location in less than two minutes and reported smoke coming from a two-story duplex structure owned by Grand Island resident Marc Leffler. Further investigation revealed that the fire had extended into the attic space of the home.Driver Hurt in Collision With Tree - July 2010
GIFC firefighters stabilize Burgler vehicle while driver receives treatment for minor injuries Click photo for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded at 3:25 p.m. Thursday, July 15 to an MVA on Whitehaven near Stony Point roads. Fire Chief Greg Butcher reports that Thomas Burgler, 57, of Grand Island lost control of his vehicle which left the roadway and struck a large pine tree in front of 1421 Whitehaven Road.Burgler was treated by GIFC medics for non life threatening injuries and transported to ECMC for further medical evaluation.
Moments earlier, Burgler reportedly forced another auto off the road and into a drainage ditch culvert at Whitehaven and East River roads. That driver, Thomas Plandowski of Lackawanna, NY, claimed no injuries.
All GIFC units returned in service at 3:57 p.m.
Mesmer Aviation Event Passes With "Flying" Colors - July 2010
(left) Row of planes form backdrop for Island businessman Bob Mesmer
(center) Several visitors inspect unusual pontoon aircraft
(right) GIFC Lt. Chris Russell and Engine #2 are visited by Justin (top), Katelyn, Trevor and their mom, Kelly Palamuso Click photos for larger view
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Bob Mesmer was joined by over one hundred friends, neighbors, and members of Chapter 46 of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.) for a Thursday evening of fun, food and thrills at his Love Road residence and airfield.In addition to sixteen single engine planes which landed at regular intervals, much to the delight of onlookers, the U. S. Border Patrol, Mercy Flight, and the Grand Island Fire Company's Engine #2 and Rescue 7-2 with crews also attended. Another highlight was a special skydiving exhibition by four members of the Wilson, N.Y. based group.
Those who are interested in membership information can contact Local Chapter 46 Secretary Pat Pedersen at 240 Hamlin Ave., East Aurora, NY 14052 or visit their website at www.eaa46.org. You don't have to be a pilot to join EAA, "you just have to love aviation," those in attendance were reminded.
Falls Vehicle Heavily Damaged In I-190 Fire - July 2010
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island firefighters responded shortly after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010 to a vehicle fire in the southbound lane of the I-190. According to Fire Chief Greg Butcher, the driver, Kristen Felker of Niagara Falls heard a loud "pop" near the North Bridge toll barrier and shortly thereafter pulled over onto the shoulder when smoke began billowing into her VW 'beetle.' She then used her cell phone to contact 911 and her call for help was relayed from CPS (Central Police Services) in Buffalo to the GIFC Dispatch Center.
Her vehicle was "fully involved" when GIFC firefighters and Engine #4 arrived on location. Although extinguished within minutes, the fire caused extensive damage estimated at $5000 and was attributed to mechanical failure.
Fire officials point out that fire and EMS emergencies that are reported by cell phone will be picked up by the nearest cell tower when 911 is dialed. Such calls by Grand Islanders will usually be sent to CPS first and then relayed, as in this case, unless 773-7508 is called for a direct connection with the GIFC. This will virtually eliminate any possible delay in the dispatching of emergency personnel for those cell phone callers in need. All other requests should be made (residential, business, etc.) through the normal 911 emergency number.
Mercy Flight Called In For Island MVA Victim - July 2010
By Ray Pauley - GIFC Public Information Officer
Grand Island Fire Chief Greg Butcher reports that firefighter/medics handled ten emergency incidents between 4 p.m. July 4th and 6 a.m. July 5th, which included three MVAs.
The most serious incident involved a 1:30 a.m. July 5th MVA on East River Road near Turner's Port of Call restaurant where a vehicle failed to negotiate a sharp curve, traveled down a steep embankment, and collided with a tree, according to Chief Butcher. The driver, Donald Holdoway, 24, of Grand Island, and passenger, Michael Vallina, 24, of West Seneca, were extricated from the heavily damaged auto and treated by GIFC medics for critical injuries. Holdoway was transported to ECMC by ambulance for further medical attention and Vallina was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight in order to expedite life saving treatment.
All GIFC units returned in service at 2:41 as.m. according to Chief Butcher.
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