At about 1224 this afternoon Fairview firefighters were dispatched to a report of a gas leak on the Marist College Campus near the Dyson Center.  On arrival crews found a gas line had been struck by a contractor drilling holes in the soil between Dyson Building and Fontaine Building rupturing the gas line spraying fumes into the air.  Crews went to work quickly to place a BlitzFire line into operations to disperse the emitting gas fumes and they checked surrounding buildings for any levels of gas that may have seeped in.

Crews had to lay a LDH Supply line from the north end of the campus to maintain a constant water flow to feed the stream in operations.   While operating at this scene an engine from City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department (Local #596) was relocated to the Fairview Fire Station for stand-by.

Our condolences go out to our Brothers in the Rye Fire Department, IAFF Local #2029 in Westchester County for the loss of Brother Firefighter Bruce Kerr.  Many of us here at Local #2623 had the pleasure of either knowing, meeting or learning from Bruce. 

You will be missed Brother Kerr,  Rest In Peace...

A link to the Rye Fire Department's website with a release on Brother Kerr;

http://ryefire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=80

On June 18, 2010 at 10am Firefighters Justin Bohlmann and Matt Pelak graduated from the Utica Fire Academy after 15 weeks of require firefighting training.  This 15 weeks of training that Justin and Matt have completed is required training for all newly hired career firefighters and mandated by New York State.

During their time at the academy they learned skills in fire supression, fire behavior, fire safety education, pump operations, Haz-Mat, building construction and proper opersations of ground ladders and aerial devices to mention a few.  The classes are comprised of both classroom and hands on sessions taught by Utica fire officers and New York State fire instructors.

Firefighters Pelak and Bohlmann were both presented their duty badges by Chief Tory Gallante at the graduation ceremony which was attended by several members of the local and the district administration.  The firefighters were among 14 firefighters from various fire departments across the state that were recognized for thier hard work and dedication to the fire service by joining a great rewarding career. The ceremony was attended by the State Fire Administrator,  Utica Mayor, Utica Fire Officers and class instructors as well as several Chiefs of the departments representing firefighters graduating, and their family members too.

We all wish Firefighter's Bohlmann and Pelak a rewarding,  wonderful and safe career with the Fairview Fire District.

National EMS week will be celebrated May 16-22, 2010. EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize public safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical "front line.” EMS Week is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Fairview's Firefighters wish to extend our thanks and support to our fellow EMS providers in Dutchess County.