Last Updated: February 3, 2010

Locust Valley Fire Department Updates

• Adam Grohman
The first week of January saw the Locust Valley Fire Department ringing in the New Year with its first fire call. According to Chief Jeff Baker, “at approximately 9:45am, Locust Valley Fire Dispatch was alerted by the resident at 64 Piping Rock Road of smoke coming from their basement. What initially was thought to be a possible oil burner emergency, quickly escalated upon the arrival of Assistant Chief Dominic Scaperotta (5401). As Scaperotta reached the top of the basement stairs he encountered heavy smoke and high heat. He notified the dispatcher to transmit a 2nd alarm for more manpower and to alert Glen Cove Fire Department for an extra engine. Assistant Chief Peter Greenfield was 2nd to arrive on scene, along with Engine 544. Chief Greenfield and Lieutenant Paul Long stretched a 2 1/2 line into the house and worked their way down through the heat and smoke. They found the fire in the rear of the basement and were able to quickly knock down the main body of fire. Due to Colliers Mansion-type conditions in the basement, an extensive overhaul operation was undertaken by the crews from Ladder 546 and mutual aid Engine 528 from Glen Cove.”
While the fire fighters were fighting the fire at 64 Piping Rock Road, the department received two additional alarms which required crews to respond. “At 10:04 am they were called to Overlook Road for an automatic fire alarm and at 10:10 they received an EMS run for difficulty breathing on Johnston Street,” explained Chief Baker.
On January 21, a little after 10pm, the Locust Valley Fire Department was alerted for an auto accident at the intersection of Oyster Bay Road and Dogwood Lane. Chief Baker (5400) was on the road first and was alerted by Old Brookville Police Department that the accident was located further down Dogwood Lane. OBPD was on scene requesting a forthwith response for the Hurst tool. When Chief Baker arrived on scene he found a single car that went off the road and head-on into a tree. There was one victim, the driver, pinned inside the vehicle. Chief Baker advised the first due unit, Rescue 542, to prepare for an extrication. The crew used the spreaders to pop the door and then initiated a dashboard lift to free the victim’s legs. The victim, after being medically treated at the scene, was transported to the hospital by Ambulance 541. Also on scene were Assistant Chiefs Scaperotta, Brian, Peter Greenfield, along with Ladder 546 and Engine 543. Special thanks to Chief Baker for the above listed information.
Though just two of the calls are noted above, the volunteer force of fire fighters had a busy month. In total, the Locust Valley Fire Department responded to fifty calls during the month of January, including nineteen for fire calls/general alarms, twenty-six for rescue/ambulance response, and five for motor vehicle accidents. The Locust Valley Fire Department is currently accepting applications for membership to serve as either a Firefighter or an Emergency Medical Technician, and those who are interested should stop by the fire house to pick up an application. The LVFD also reminds all within the community that in an emergency, “save precious time” and call the fire department directly at 671-2600.

 

 

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