At 1453 hours units were alerted to a motor vehicle crash on E. Genesee St in front of Wegmans. Engine 8, staffed with 4, arrived to find the 2 vehicle crash at E. Genesee St and Cleveland Blvd. Engine 8 assumed a blocking position and the crew evaluated 3 patients, stabilized 2 vehicles and checked for hazards. One patient with minor injuries was transported by Rural/Metro Medical Services.

Units were dispatched to Lyndon Road in the area of Cedar Bay after arriving DeWitt Police units found a two-car crash requiring extrication.  Engine-8 handled extrication and packaged one, Rescue-7 was assisted with packaging two by Fayetteville Engine-7. 

Celebrate the holiday season safely, and get the New Year off to a good start! During the holiday season, the use of fireplaces, candles and Christmas garlands increases considerably the risks of fire. The DeWitt Fire District wishes to remind you a few basic safety rules.


Christmas decorations should not be an open invitation to fire! At home, decorate safely!

• Make sure that your decorations and lights bear a certification seal.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to the interior or exterior use of the equipment.
• Do not overload the power system.
• If you decorate a natural Christmas tree, be extra cautious!
• Never let a tree lit unattended.

In private dwellings: never omit keeping your Christmas tree hydrated, and keep a watch on your decorations! If you decorate a natural Christmas tree, you must take certain precautionary measures:

• Chose a freshly cut tree. If the needles fall off easily, look for another one.
• Cut the base of the trunk tapered, then place the tree in a recipient full of water.
• Do not let your tree lit and unattended. In other words, turn off the chaser lights when you go to bed and before you go out.
• Avoid overloading the power system.
• Another advice that shouldn’t be ignored: never buy and decorate your tree several weeks in advance. Not only by the time the holidays come in full swing, will the tree have seen better days, but it will also become a serious potential fire hazard! If you opt for an artificial tree made of metallic material, do not decorate it with any electrical light sets!

Heating systems: beware of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning! We recommend having your direct-fired heating system verified by a qualified contractor.

Whatever the type of fuel used (wood, pellets, anthracite [stone coal], fuel oil, natural gas or propane), a good over-fire draft and a full combustion venting is necessary for your heating system to operate correctly.

Beware of CO! Carbon monoxide (CO), which can be given off by a heating system, is an odourless gas that is potentially deadly!

The installation of a carbon monoxide detector is recommended to detect the presence of this gas. An investment of only a few dollars… that can save lives!

Chimney sweeping A chimney should be cleaned at least yearly. Have you done it this year?

Elimination of ashes When you remove the ashes from a fireplace or a solid fuel-fired equipment, store these outside of the house, away from all combustible surface (walls made of vinyl or wood, wooden patio, garden house, etc.).

Thanksgiving doesn't just bring turkey and family time. Reports of burns, kitchen fires and other holiday-related emergencies often increase. Simple precautions can ensure firefighters won't need to join your holiday celebration.  We share with you some important safety tips:

•Turn pan handles in when you're cooking something on the stove.

•Don't wear loose clothing. If you must, pull up your sleeves or wear gloves.

•Be sure to clean out your oven before and after cooking. Drippings can catch fire.

•Don't keep flammable items such as hot pads or plastic tools close to the oven.

•Stay in the kitchen whenever something is cooking. If you must bake a pie while you're eating Thanksgiving dinner, check on it often throughout your meal.

•Keep a fire extinguisher within reach when you're cooking.

•If you choose to fry your turkey, do it outside. Set up your supplies in the middle of your backyard rather than right next to your home.

•Establish a safe zone around your oven or fryer. Tell children they need to stay outside of your cooking area.

•Be sure to turn off your oven when you're finished cooking.

Firefighters know the importance of home fire safety. That's why we encourage participation in the home fire safety program called: Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery!
Sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Energizer brand batteries, the program urges you to adopt a simple lifesaving habit: Change all of your Smoke Alarm batteries when you change your clocks on November 6, 2011.
 
Protecting your home is simple: Change, Check, Count and Clean!™
 
 Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries! 
We encourage you to change Smoke Alarm batteries twice each year. An easy way to remember is to change these batteries when you change your clock to and from Standard Time each Spring and Fall. Replace old batteries with fresh, high quality batteries to keep your Smoke Alarms ready to protect you all year-long.
 
 Check Your Smoke Alarms! 
After inserting fresh batteries in your Smoke Alarm, make sure the Alarm is working by activating the safety test button. We recommend that you test all of your Smoke Alarms at least once each month. If you have any doubt regarding the working condition of a Smoke Alarm, we recommend you replace it.
 
 Count Your Smoke Alarms! 
We recommend that you have a properly functioning Smoke Alarm in every sleeping room -and- in the hallway directly adjacent to those rooms. If sleeping rooms are on an upper level, a Smoke Alarm should also be installed in the center of the ceiling directly above the interior stairway.
It's best to have at least one working Smoke Alarm on every level of your home, including the basement and family room. To assure optimal protection and avoid false alarms, your Smoke Alarm must be mounted properly. You'll find simple instructions included with every Smoke Alarm you purchase. Should questions remain, we encourage you to visit or contact us.
 
 Clean Your Smoke Alarms! 
Help your Smoke Alarm remain sensitive and ready to protect you by gently using a vacuum cleaner once a month to remove dust and cobwebs. If your Smoke Alarms have been accidently painted or contaminated, replacement may be necessary.

Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires.
During the four-year-period of 2003-2007, NFPA estimates that decorations were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 1,240 reported home structure fires per year. These fires caused an estimated average of seven civilian deaths, 53 civilian injuries and $20 million in direct property damage per year.
Flame Resistant Costumes: When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
Costume Designs: Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.

• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.
• To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes . Mother' s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
• Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
• Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.

Pedestrian Safety: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.
Choosing Safe Houses: Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

• Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.
• People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited.

As always, use caution when placing candles in or around displays or jack-o-lanterns. For additional Halloween information visit:
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/public%20education/halloweensafetytips.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

October 9-15 is National Fire Prevention Week.  While fire safety is a year-round endeavor, this particular week in October is an annual event which brings school children into the fire station and firefighters into the schools to reinforce those fire safety habits.

The history of National Fire Prevention Week has it roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 8, 1871. This tragic conflagration killed some 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The origin of the fire has generated speculation since its occurrence, with the fact and fiction becoming blurred over the years. One popular legend has it that Mrs O'Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting the O'Leary barn on fire and starting the spectacular blaze. How ever the massive fire began, it swiftly took its toll, burning more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. The city of Chicago quickly rebuilt, however, and within a couple of years residents began celebrating their successful restoration to memorialize the anniversary of the fire with festivities.

Intending to observe the fire's anniversary with a more serious commemoration, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA), the oldest membership section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decided that the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. 

When President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week, October 4 - 10 1925, he noted that in the previous year some 15,000 lives were lost to fire in the United States. Calling the loss "startling", President Coolidge's proclamation stated, "This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented... It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth". 

NFPA continues today to make National Fire Prevention Week a priority and counts on the participation and efforts of tens of thousands of fire and safety professionals, emergency volunteers, and other individuals working to reduce the risk of fire and the toll it takes on our society.  

Please stop by the fire station any time with questions about fire prevention and safety.   Also visit the following websites for more information:  US Fire Administration for Kids (www.usfa.dhs.gov/kids)  National Fire Protection Organization (www.firepreventionweek.org)   Sparky the Fire Dog Family Fun Site (www.sparky.org)

DeWitt Fire will join the town of DeWitt , DeWitt Police and all town fire departments tomorrow for the annual observance of the September 11 terrorist attacks. On that day 343 brother firefighters were killed in the line of duty at the World Trade Center.

In early 2002 the DeWitt Fire District and Dewitt Fire Department retired badge number 343 in honor of those brothers of the FDNY.  As part of our continued remembrance as an organization, a September 11 Memorial flag is being flown at the fire station, and each apparatus bears a commemorative emblem.
 
Each year we reflect on the events of September 11, 2001 when our nation was attacked by terrorists.  The overwhelming patriotism and pride that followed this event has faded for many, while the pain and loss that others experienced continues daily.  It is important for us all, and especially as emergency services personnel to remember the sacrifice that was made by the responders that day and all of the victims of the senseless attack.

Each year, hundreds of children are injured or killed by motor vehicles, on foot or when riding bicycles, according to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration.

With summer coming to an end, the school session begins. Children don't always pay attention while walking, biking, or crossing the street. Driving defensively can prevent a tragedy.

Buses are equip with warning devices. Don't depend on these alerts solely, as children may be running late and run in front of your vehicle or approach from behind your vehicle. Always use extra caution around buses.

Many children wear headphones, hooded sweatshirts, or hats that may decrease their ability to hear traffic. Children may also cross the street not at an intersection. Stay alert and be prepared to stop.

Drive Safe!

The DeWitt Fire District is pleased to announce the appointment of Glen LeComte to the International Association of Fire Chiefs Environmental Sustainability Committee. The newly formed Environmental Sustainability Committee is concerned with both environmental and financial sustainability and serves as a clearing house for all environmental sustainability issues affecting the fire service. The committee promotes best practices that reduce the environmental footprint and economic impact of emergency services operations. Environmental sustainability is a growing issue in the fire service with positive impacts on both the communities we serve and the departmental budgets. LeComte, a Fire Protection Engineer, serves as the DeWitt Fire District as both a volunteer firefighter and a fire commissioner. He will attend a panel discussion in late August with chiefs and fire service officials from across the country who will highlight departmental best practices and lessons learned. The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide and boasts the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety policy. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for fire and emergency service leaders to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.

DEWITT, N.Y. -- Emergency crews were investigating a possible hazardous materials situation in DeWitt this morning. Around 8:40 a.m., a substance was found on Kimber Road behind Christian Brothers Academy. Officials say a dog ingested the substance and had a reaction to it. They say the substance was not airborne, and a human in the area was not affected. The substance was collected, and the Department of Environmental Conservation will analyze samples to determine exactly what the substance is.

The Central New York Regional EMS Program recognized DeWitt Fire District Firefighter/Paramedic James Pienkowski at its annual awards dinner on July 19 at Drumlins Country Club. Pienkowski was named Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year. The award was among several that were presented and is given based on contributions by an individual to the community as a Paramedic for dedication, responsibility, professional behavior, ingenuity, special skill or insight in the EMS environment. Jamie began his EMS career as an Explorer with the Taunton Fire Department and at Rural/Metro Syracuse. He became an EMT while attending Broome Community College and began working as an EMT, later receiving his Paramedic certification through SUNY-Upstate, joining the DeWitt Fire District staff in 2004. He was recently awarded three regional commendations for his direct involvement in three separate EMS calls resulting in full cardiac arrest victims being transported to the hospital with return of spontaneous circulation and subsequent discharge from the hospital. 
 
The Central New York Regional EMS Council agency represents agencies and providers Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego, Cortland and Tompkins counties.

At 16:03 hours DeWitt was dispatched to a motor vehicle collision at the Lyndon Corners. Paramedic Engine Co. 8, Rescue 7, and Car 1 arrived to find a 4 vehicle crash with all occupants self extricated. Crews did a triage of all the patients and determined there were 5 BLS patients to be transported to the hospital. Crews assisted Rural/Metro in loading all the patients, and returned to service in a little over 30 minutes. Chief Green (14C1) had the "Lyndon Corners Command"

May 15-21 was National Emergency Medical Services Week. EMS Week is designated annually to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line." The DeWitt Fire District has 26 career and volunteer EMS providers answering close to 1,000 EMS calls annually, with around-the-clock ALS first response. DeWitt was one of the first agencies in Central New York to provide pre-hospital advanced life support to our community over thirty years ago.
 
During EMS week, we are pleased to announce that the DeWitt Fire District received three regional EMS Commendations which were awarded Monday May 16, 2011. These awards were presented by Central New York Regional EMS Council Chairperson Warren Darby and CNYEMS Executive Director Susie Suprenant to Lt. John Hogan (3 awards), FF/AEMT Scott Clark, FF/Paramedic Jamie Pienkowski (3 awards) and FF/Paramedic Pat Maguire. These awards represent the actions of the those providers for three separate incidents occurring in November 2010, January 2011 and March 2011 resulting in full cardiac arrest victims being transported to the hospital with return of spontaneous circulation and subsequent discharge from the hospital. 
 
These three patients are alive today because of the EMS system in action. Considering the fact that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has a 2-8% survival rate, this accomplishment shows what a tremendous benefit we have realized from our investment in continued training for our personnel. This recognition also shows how fortunate the residents of the DeWitt Fire District are, to have some of the best EMS providers in the Central New York region at their disposal. These personnel exemplify the high standard of care which we all strive to provide. The DeWitt Fire District congratulates these providers on their accomplishment. We also send a big thank you and job well done to all of our EMS providers for their constant commitment and effort.

DeWitt Fire joined the Town of DeWitt for its 1st Annual Earth Day Fair and “Clean-up to Green up” Campaign, on Saturday April 30 to help clean-up our community. In conjunction with many other Earth Day activities and programs designed to promote environmental conservation, five fire department crews covered a variety of areas around town including the Orville Cemetery. Displays and demonstrations were presented at the Town Hall in order to increase awareness of ways we can all contribute to our planet.