Grand Island Fire Company

Happy Mother's Day!

Is there a Fire in YOU?!? Tomorrow (Saturday) from 11AM to 1PM. Stop by!!!

NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK, April 11-17 The calm voice in the dark night. Thank you to our dispatchers of the Grand Island Fire Company for answering the call for our residents and everything you do!

NIAGARA SAILING CLUB HEAVILY DAMAGED BY FAST MOVING BLAZE At 3:35PM on Saturday, March 20th, Grand Island firefighters responded to a structure fire at the Niagara Sailing Club on East River Rd. Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski reported that Engines #3, 4, 5, Ladder Truck 6, and fire suppression crews encountered heavy smoke and flames engulfing the building upon their arrival on location. Mutual Aid assistance was received from Sheridan Park Fire, Kenmore Volunteer Fire Departmen...t, and City of Tonawanda Fire Department. The fire was brought under control at 4:31PM. Total damage was estimated at $200,000 to the structure and $100,000 to the contents. A neighbors shed also sustained $5,000 fire damage. The exact cause remains under investigation. There were no injuries reported. All participating units returned in-service by 6:23PM except for one crew remaining on-scene to assist Erie County Sheriff Department fire investigator.

Spring Ahead!!! As the beginning of Daylight Saving Time has arrived, we are all reminded to turn our clocks ahead one hour at 2am Sunday. Whenever we turn our clocks, we want to remind everyone of some very important fire-safety tips:... Check all smoke and CO detectors to ensure they are working properly If detectors are battery-operated, install fresh batteries Keep all mean of egress free and clear of clutter NEVER overload outlets or use power strips/extension cords with space heaters NEVER leave candles unattended or placed within 3’ of any combustibles See more

BARN TOTALLY DESTROYED IN STALEY ROAD FIRE At 10:23AM on Friday, March 12th, Grand Island firefighters responded to a barn fire in the 2900 block of Staley Rd. Assistant Fire Chief John Podlucky reported that the building was fully involved when Engine #2, 3, 4, 5 and fire suppression crews arrived on location.... Mutual aid assistance was received from the Sheridan Park Fire and the City of Tonawanda Fire Department, and the fire was brought under control at 10:58 AM. Damage was estimated at $75,000 to the structure and $50,000 to the contents which included a considerable loss of livestock trapped inside. The exact cause remains undetermined according to Chief Podlucky. There were no injuries reported. All participating units returned in-service by 12:03 PM after extensive overhaul was completed.

GRAND ISLAND RESIDENCE HEAVILY DAMAGED BY FIRE At 11:37 AM on Monday, March 8th, Grand Island Firefighters responded to a structure fire at a Woodlee Ln home. Meanwhile, all occupants were able to safely exit the burning interior prior to their arrival. Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski reports that firefighters encountered heavy smoke venting from the building when they arrived on location with Engines #2, #5, and Ladder-Truck #6.... Mutual Aid assistance was received from Brighton Volunteer Fire Co #5, Sheridan Park Fire, River Road Volunteer Fire Company, Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department, and the City of Tonawanda Fire Department. Our thanks for your assistance! The fire was brought under control by 12:10PM. Damage was estimated at $100,000 to the structure and $75,000 to the contents. Cause remains undetermined according to Fire Investigator Mike DeMartin of Grand Island Fire. There were no injuries reported. All participating units were returned in service by 1:46PM after extensive overhaul was completed.

GRAND ISLAND RESIDENCE SPARED FROM GARAGE FIRE At 4:35 PM on Christmas Day, December 25th, Grand Island firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire in an attached garage on Cardinal Lane. Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski stated that initial fire suppression efforts by the homeowner and an Erie County Sheriffs Deputy were substantially successful and of great assistance to follow-up operations by the GIFC. As a result, there was no penetration into the residence itself,... and the fire was knocked down within five-minutes of the first engines arrival. Nevertheless, total damage was estimated at $5,000 to the structure and $5,000 to a vehicle parked in the garage. The cause was found to be improper disposal of fireplace ashes. There were no injuries reported. Grand Island Fire officials caution those who use wood burning fireplaces and stoves to use metal containers outside and away from buildings for ashes since they can remain live and dangerous for many hours despite their appearance. This simple precaution can save property damage and/or serious injury to occupants. All participating units returned in service by 5:11PM. Ray Pauley Public Information Officer

From our family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family.

From all of us at the GIFC, Happy Holidays to you and your family!!

SADKOWSKI RETURNED AS 2021 GRAND ISLAND FIRE CHIEF Grand Island firefighters chose firematic and administrative officers during annual elections held on Wednesday, December 2nd, at fire headquarters. Running unopposed, Mark Sadkowski returned to the position of Fire Chief and will be joined by Deputy Chief Omar Sortino, 1st assistant Chief John Podlucky, 2nd Assistant Chief Pat Hahn; Fire Captains Don Turner, Cory Rozell, Tom Shanor; Fire Police Captain Don Portik, and EMS Ca...ptain Robbie Meyer. Sean O’Donnell begins his first term as President, with Ron Warner as Vice President. Tony Mastantuono remains Treasurer with Nicole Gerber as Financial Secretary. Graciana Giambra continues as Recording Secretary and Ellen Valera as Line Secretary. The Sargent-At-Arms position was filled by Megan Stanley. Jeremy Pullano and Saed Shafie were returned to 3-year terms on the Board of Directors. Vincent Malpica filled a position on the Review Board and Butch Meyer returned as a Benevolent Association Trustee. Congratulations and good luck to these GIFC volunteers who have joined the 2021 leadership team!

A reminder to parents for the Ride 2 School entry...

From our family to yours, wishing you a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

We missed having you at Open House this year...no live burn...no fun touring the fire trucks, or trying on that heavy fire gear. We especially missed not being able to do our annual Fire Prevention presentations in-schools and in-person this year! BUT...the one thing we're keeping alive for 2020 is the Ride 2 School in a FIRETRUCK!!! GI Parents: Please send an e-mail to [email protected] with your child's name, grade, and which school they attend - to be entered into the raffle! Please send this in by Monday, Oct. 12 by 1800 (6PM). We will contact the winners via e-mail.

Did you know that cooking is the number 1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries?!? As we reflect on Fire Prevention Week 2020, here's some helpful tips to be safe in the kitchen! - Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. In fact, Thanksgiving is the leading day for fires involving cooking equipment.... - The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. - Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. - If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home. - Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s cool. - Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. - Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. - Have a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. See more

TWO NEW PARAMEDICS BOLSTER GRAND ISLAND FIRE COMPANY ALS CAPABILITIES Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski reports that the addition of two new Paramedics to the GIFC has increased this ALS team to sixteen! Katie Ireland and Tracy Yund joined the GIFC on June 6th, 2018 as the first EMS only members. They are well suited as Paramedics since Katie is an attorney and Tracy is a nurse. This solid foundation enabled them to complete their EMT qualifications (150-190 hours) in March 2019, a...nd just earned their NYS Paramedic certification (1200-1900 hours) earlier in September 2020. Completion of these advanced courses is a tremendous sacrifice given the demands of their families and careers. Please join us in congratulating them on their achievement and steadfast willingness to serve the people of this community. Congratulations Katie and Tracy! PHOTO: by Ray Pauley Tracy Yund and Katie Ireland receive congratulations from EMS Capt. Rob Meyer and Fire Chief Sadkowski

What an AWESOME lamp for Southport Fire Department!!!Thank you for helping our brother's family.

Wishing You a Happy and Safe Labor Day!

We too are missing the parade and fireworks in honor of America’s independence. We’ll make it up to you next year Grand Island, we promise! Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday!

GRAND ISLAND ACE HARDWARE DAMAGED BY NEARBY VEHICLE FIRE At 12:35 PM on Friday, July 3rd, Grand Island firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in the Ace Hardware store parking lot at 1889 Whitehaven Rd. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Mathes reported that a pickup truck was fully engulfed in flames when Engines #2, 3, 4, 5, and LT6, along with fire suppression crews arrived on location. Because the burning truck was parked next to the building itself, some exposure damage was co...nsidered inevitable. Assistant Fire Chief John Podlucky reported the fire was under control at 12:55 PM with attention to hot spots and overhaul underway. Meanwhile, Sheridan Park Fire and City of Tonawanda Fire Department provided mutual aid support. Damage to the truck was estimated at $5000, while damage to Ace Hardware was limited to $5000 due to quick response. There were no injuries reported. All participating units returned in service by 1:47 PM.

Thank You AM Buffalo, Fuccillo Chevrolet Grand Island, and Brickoven Pizzeria & Pub !!!

GRAND ISLAND RESIDENCE HEAVILY DAMAGED BY LATE SUNDAY EVENING FIRE Shortly before 11 PM on Sunday, June 14th, Grand Island firefighters responded to a Fix Rd "structure fire" called in by a nearby neighbor. The occupant, a new EMS member of the GIFC, was able to safely exit her burning home prior to the arrival of firefighters. Fire Chief Mark Sadkowski reported that the basement and first floor were fully involved when E-2, E-4, E-5, LT-6 and fire suppression crews arrived ...on location. However, after early success on lower levels, interior attack crews were unable to advance into the second floor where the fire had spread and had to be withdrawn due to the imminent danger of collapse. Meanwhile, Sheridan Park VFD assisted with exterior aerial operations at the scene while Brighton VFD and the City of Tonawanda FD also provided mutual aid support. The fire was knocked down by 12:09 AM (Monday) when a few hot spots were still being attended to and extensive overhaul commenced. Total damage was estimated at $175,000 to the residence and $75,000 to the contents. Grand Island Fire Investigator Mike DeMartin stated that the exact cause remains undetermined. There were no firefighter injuries reported. All participating units returned in service by 2:29 AM on June 15th except fire investigators. Photos provided from FBNY, The Action Niagara Falls, and other various sources.