PUTNAM COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
THE BLUE LIGHT
Volume 30, Issue 2
September/October 2015
EX-CHIEF RICHARD G. ARMISTEAD, MAHOPAC VFD
PCVFA PAST PRESIDENT, 1998-1999
REST IN PEACE
Past President Dick Armistead
shown here with Mahopac Falls’ Ladies Auxiliary
members (L)Carol Kraus and (R)Mary Delaney,
Past Presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary-PCVFA
Born in 1939, RICHARD “DICK” ARMISTEAD cared not only for his community but for his country, having
served in the US Air Force after his graduation from Roosevelt HS in 1957.
He joined the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department in 1962, serving as Chief of the Department during
the 1970’s and was a past Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. In addition, Dick was a
charter member of the Royal Order of the Blue Vests, Past President of the Putnam County Fire
Chiefs Association and Past President of our own Association, the PCVFA. He was also a member of
Hudson Valley VFA and FASNY and, later, an Associate Member of Patterson FD. Dick also
belonged to the Westchester Parade Judges Association and the Fraternal Order of Police,
Stephen P Driscoll Memorial Lodge #704. There are many good memories from those who knew him.
RIP Chief Armistead, you will be missed.
Greetings from the Editor …
Greetings everyone – long time no ‘talk’!
As you know I’ve taken much pride in this
publication and when things got a little crazy for
me earlier this year, well, I was concerned the
issue wouldn’t be up to your standard. And I let
it rest … but The Blue Light is back and once
again a source of quick and easy information!
Thanks to FASNY and the fundraising efforts of
Hudson-Mohawk VFA and surrounding Regionals,
including Hudson Valley VFA, the residents of the
Firemen’s Home can once again travel together to all
the things they enjoy! So long broken-down III,
Hellllloooo, Sweet IV!
Speaking of which … Summer has finally turned
its page and it’s now Fall, probably the busiest
time of year for us - SO MUCH goes on, just with
Open Houses alone!! Please don’t be shy! I love to
get mail! So send me your events details, flyers,
cool stories or articles, etc., so that I have your
voice! Email me at [email protected] or
call me at 845-234-3127.
Let’s face it, my
throat gets a little sore with all this talking I do
in here, LOL!
Be sure to check out the interesting little tidbits
that grace our pages this issue. Things like news
from Albany, award recognitions, upcoming
events (including a few golf outings … like three
of them! Lucky golfers!).
So kick back, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy
flipping through the pages we have to share this
issue! And please let one of your first stops be
Page 7 – our Calendar of Events supports us all!
PS – In order to get you upcoming issues in a
more timely manner, we have moved the deadline
up to the 15th of the preceding month. So,
ladies & gents … get your emailing fingertips
ready because October 15’ll be here before you
know it!!
Best regards,
(Left-Right) Board of Trustees President David Blair,
Trustee Fred Griffiths and FASNY 2nd VP Steve Klein
with the Firemen’s Home’s beautiful and customized for
the safety of the residents, BIG RED IV!
Your Next Meetings
…
Monday, September 21, 2015
Meeting 7PM … Refreshments
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TOPS BUILDING
110 Old Route 6 Carmel
Monday, September 28, 2015
Dinner 7PM … Meeting at 8PM
PUTNAM VALLEY FD
12 CANOPUS HOLLOW
(845) 526-2879
PUTNAM COUNTY
VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
P O BOX 668, Carmel, NY 10512
President Ed Butler Jr.
1st VP Mike Bishop
2nd VP Jim Croughan
Treasurer George Hill
Rec’g Secy LuAnn Edele
Sgt-at-Arms P J Ryan
845-494-2497
845-234-2160
914-482-1035
845-832-7148
845-234-3127
845-821-3141
President Carol Madden
Ladies Auxiliary
Jr. Past President Bob Bell
845-248-0037
845-878-9457
County VP Ed Butler Jr.
845-494-2497
Director/HVVFA
Charlie Eberhart
845-526-2281
Greetings from
President Ed Butler
Greetings! I hope that everyone has had a safe
and fun summer, even though it was hot one! I
would like to recap some of the things that have
been going on since our last issue …
Our installation dinner was held April 17th at
Centennial Grille Room, with HVVFA then 1st VP
Paul O’Brien swearing in the Presidential positions
and HVVFA Past President Wm. Buckmaster
swearing in the Secretary and Sgt at Arms.
Treasurer Hill was excused.
The annual EMS awards were handed out in May
and we were pleased to present the PCVFA
Provider of the Year award to Lake Carmel FD’s
Patricia Erickson. Lake Carmel FD received our
Unit Citation Award; certificates were handed out
at their monthly meeting to those involved.
Mahopac Falls’ Annual Car Show was held in June
with the PCVFA again donating (3) 1st Place
Trophies. I attended with VP Bishop, a great time!
2015 DEADLINES FOR
THE BLUE LIGHT
If you would like us to publish an article or
event, send your Association’s news, photos &
flyers by the date posted below. Please be aware
of time-sensitive material!
NEXT DEADLINE:
OCTOBER 15TH !
Email your information to:
Editor LuAnn Edele
[email protected]
Co-Editor Bob Bell
[email protected]
&/or
No computer? Mail your submission to:
PCVFA, PO Box 668, Carmel, NY 10512
The Blue Light is published bi-monthly.
Each year, the PCVFA sponsors the Cold Spring
Junior Fire Academy and Lake Carmel Explorers’
Weekend, giving $1,000 to each training program.
This year was no different and I was pleased to
attend the CSFA’s commencement brunch, as
well as spend that afternoon at the Explorer
weekend event at our Training Center.
Our 2nd Annual Renegades Game was held August
15th at Dutchess Stadium. I was very excited to
throw out the first pitch and have the chance to
go over the line-up and rules with the coaches
and umpires. About 30 members/guests attended.
We’re already looking forward to next year!
Carmel FD’s 100th Anniversary Year is going strong
with a line-up of continuing events. Look in the
Events section for updates and the Parade Recap.
Last, our next meeting is Sept. 28 at Putnam Valley
FD. I hope to see you there!
Best Appearing …
Overall
In County
Out of County
Out of State
Rombout
Mahopac
Montrose
Mill Plain
Best Appearing …
Regulation < 15
Regulation 16-30
Regulation 31<
Non-Regulation <15
Non-Regulation 16-30
Non-Regulation 31<
East Fishkill
Katonah
n/a
Pawling
Putnam Valley
Lake Carmel
Best Appearing Color Guard
Firematic
Lake Carmel
Non-Firematic
PCSO/State Pol.
Most Men in Line
Mahopac
Best Appearing …
Ladies Auxiliary
Explorer Post
Brewster
Lake Carmel
RON McCARTHY, Sergeant-at-Arms, decided to enter the age of
“Board of Directors’ Retirement” this past April when he stepped
down after (15) years of service to the PCVFA! For his years of
loyalty and service Ron was recognized at our Installation Dinner this
year when he received the prestigious PCVFA Past President’s
Award!
Ron McCarthy was also the Director for the Kent VFD and he has
passed that torch to Kent’s Past President Kevin Byrne. Lake
Carmel’s Captain PJ Ryan will now assume the Sgt-at-Arms role.
Editor’s Note: I am sure going to miss putting all my papers in front of you
my friend! I can only hope PJ is half as understanding as you were! 
Shown here with wife
Fran McCarthy, who
is a member of Lake
Carmel FD as well as
Carmel VAC. Ron took
the floor once more to
present her with the
customary “thanks for
your support” bouquet!
And congrats to Lake Carmel for winning
Best Appearing Tanker!
IN MEMORIAM
RICHARD ARMISTEAD
PCVFA & its Department Members who
have answered their final call
Past President - PCVFA
Ex-Chief Mahopac VFD
Special Recognition …
GEORGE WOOLSEY
HVVFA Director
BARBARA FETZER
Ladies Aux
Putnam Lake Aux
RICHARD HAUTH
Ex-Chief
Lake Carmel FD
EDITH MAYCOTT
Ladies Aux PCVFA
Putnam Lake Aux
Dan Leghorn Engine
Company #1
~~~~~~~
(L-R) 1st VP Bishop waits alongside President
(L-R) Secy Edele, VP Bishop, Sgt-at-Arms P J
Finally! First pitch thrown by Pres. Butler
Butler at the dugout awaiting the first pitch.
Ryan, Pres. Butler. We had a blast!
who’d been waiting since last year’s game!
August 22, 2015 – The 2nd Annual PCVFA Renegades™ Game at Dutchess Stadium couldn’t have been better
unless even more members came! Was a great day for Baseball with over 30 members and guests attending
this “free to members” event. (Guests paid an all-inclusive $25.) Some even enjoyed a comfortable bus ride
to the stadium and back, compliments of the PCVFA, if they chose! President Butler finally had the
opportunity to throw out the first pitch, which was anticipated last year but a sudden surgery forced a change
of plans. We had “Food, Fun and Fireworks” as the PCVFA promised! Best part: THE RENEGADES WON!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1970's Team … (back row, l-r) Nick Babich
Jr.,Tom Ardzinski; (front row, l-r) Walt Jackel,
Bill Woodward, Ed Dazi, Bob Ehlers. Tom Kuck
and Spence Oakley
In the late 1960's, the MAHOPAC FALLS FD knew they needed a
better way to deal with the rising number of calls to water-related
accidents/drownings. Members who were Navy veterans & sport
divers got together and made a plan for the fledgling team. Over
the years training, techniques & technology have made it safer
for the divers to do their jobs.
Today's Team has a long list of divers, tenders, scene safety
and ambulance crews, as well as a dedicated Dive Trailer.
Firefighters undergo the rigorous training throughout the year for
the good of the community and for all who may need the Team,
from other fire departments to local and State police agencies, as
well as scenes from the Hudson River in Cold Spring to the
Connecticut border.
IN TOUCH ...
News and thoughts from your 2nd Vice President,
Jim Croughan
As of this writing there are 7 days left of summer. I hope all in the Association made the most of it in a safe
and healthy way.
Before I continue please keep in your thoughts Association Past President Richard Armistead, who passed
away last week. He served as a Past Chief of Mahopac and also Commissioner (Chairman of the Board). I
will always remember and admire that he left a legacy of another Brother who carried the torch of the Fire
Service as best as he could and passed it along. Rest easy, Dick.
As you may or may not recall I am the Chairman of the Firefighter and EMS Provider of the Year
Committees. Please keep in mind I am accepting nominations for the Year 2015. Nominations may be made
by any Fire Department or EMS member. You do not have to be an officer. If you witness an outstanding
save or other act you feel is noteworthy, please bring it to my attention. This year there were several
incidents that did not even come across my desk. I found out about these wonderful acts at the EMS Council
Brunch. Please, please – the Putnam County Volunteer Firemen’s Association wants to recognize you also!
In closing, if any of our members have a personal loss or illness, hospitalization or baby, etc., kindly let
myself or an Officer know. We wish to let our fellow members know we are there for them. Thanks for your
time.
STAY IN TOUCH … Jim Croughan, 2nd VP, (914) 482-1035, 142 Fairmont Rd, Mahopac, NY 10541,
[email protected]
Congratulations, Jim Croughan!
At this year’s Hudson Valley Convention, HVVFA
President RICK PENNEY presented PCVFA’s 2nd VP JIM
CROUGHAN with the Fredrick H. Smith Award. This
Award is presented each year to the HVVFA member
who has brought in the most new members to the HV
Association. Way to go, Jim!!
On July 11th, the BREWSTER FD honored its Years of
Service recipients at the Centennial Grille Room.
Members of FASNY, HVVFA, OFPC, Sheriff Smith and
local legislators were on hand to honor these dedicated
members. PCVFA 2nd VP Jim Croughan presented
Certificates on behalf of our Association.
Shown are (forefront) Chief Tom Leather with Honorees
(l-r) CHARLES FOWLER with an amazing 60 years of
service,1st Asst. Chief PHIL MCMURRAY (25 yrs) and
Deputy Chief/Commissioner KEN CLAIR (25 yrs). Unable
to attend were: Deputy Chief Ed O’Hara (50 yrs) and
Chris Milano (25 yrs). All told, they represented 185
years of service to the Brewster Fire Department!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Greetings from Carol Madden,
President of the
Ladies Auxiliary PCVFA
Shown below are upcoming PCVFA-involved events that
will be taking place over the next two months.
SEPTEMBER
14
21
26
27
28
PCVFA Ladies Auxiliary Meeting, 8:00PM
Lake Carmel FD
PCVFA Board Meeting, 7:00pm TOPS Bldg
Royal Order of the Blue Vests Installation Dinner
Firemen’s Home, Hudson
HVVFA Legislative Meeting, 10:00AM,
Firemen’s Home, Hudson
HVVFA “Day at the Home”, 1:00PM
Firemen’s Home, Hudson
PCVFA General Meeting, 8:00PM
Putnam Valley FD (dinner 7:00PM)
OCTOBER
3
12
13
17
18
24
25
100th Anniv. “Moonlight” Bowling, 10:00PM
by Carmel FD at the Carmel Bowl
Penny Social – Brewster FD Ladies Auxiliary,
Doors open 5:00PM, Calling at 7:00PM
Memorial Golf Outing, Lake Carmel FD
Annual Golf Outing, Brewster FD
Ham Dinner – Carmel FD Auxiliary, 5:00PM
Carmel FD
HVVFA Quarterly Meeting, 1:00PM
Verplanck FPA, Verplanck
Comedy Night, Carmel FD, 8:00PM
Tickets $30, performance at Carmel FD
Royal Order of the Blue Vests, 12:00PM
Chatham FD
Carmel FD Open House
From Mike Bishop, 1st Vice-President:
Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a great summer. It’s been
warm with very little rain. Soon we will be
dealing with the falling leaves so get those
rakes ready!
Unfortunately, we are sad to announce the
passing of member EDITH MAYCOTT of the
PUTNAM LAKE AUXILIARY. She will be missed by
all.
The only fundraiser we have going on right
now is our forever Chocolate candy sale which
is going strong. If anyone is interested in
purchasing or selling candy, please contact
Past President LuAnn Edele.
Please check our Calendar of Events and
support the local Auxiliaries. This is a busy
time of year for us! As always, if there is
anything the Auxiliary can do to assist the
Association, please let us know.
Our next meeting is September 14 th at the
Lake Carmel firehouse starting at 8:00PM.
Sincerely,
Carol M Madden
President LAPCVFA
OTHER ASSOCIATION WEBSITES
www.FASNY.com
The Firemen’s Association of the State of NY
www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/
NYS Fire Prevention & Control
www.HVVFA.com
Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association
www.rcvfa.com
www.wcvfaweb.com
Rockland County VFA
Westchester County VFA
www.dutchesscountyvolunteerfiremensassociation.com
Dutchess County VFA
www.pcbes.org
Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services
www.pnwfpa.org
Putnam Northern Westchester Fire Police Association
LADIES AUXILIARY of PCVFA
40 YEARS YOUNG!
1975 - 2015
Charter President
Charter Secretary
DAVEY JEAN BESKA
‘KAY’ MURPHY
NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
BOARD OF REGENTS
MANDATES CPR TRAINING
FOR ALL NY STUDENTS
BEFORE GRADUATING FROM
HIGH SCHOOL
According to the DAILY FREEMAN NEWS, the NY
State BOARD OF REGENTS on Sept 17 mandated
that all students in the state be taught CPR before
graduating from high school.
The board’s vote — taken in the presence of
cardiac arrest survivors and the mothers of young
people who died after suffering heart stoppage —
was the final hurdle in a 15-year push by the
American Heart Association to require New York
schools to include hands-on cardiopulmonary
resuscitation
(CPR)
instruction
and
heart
defibrillator demonstrations.
New York in 2014 became the 26th state to pass
such a law, triggering a public comment and rulemaking process that culminated with Thursday’s
action.
CPR classes will start next month in some schools.
Instruction will be given to children ages 12 and
older.
Credit: Kyle Hughes, NYSNYS News
OCTOBER 3rd
BREWSTER LADIES
AUXILIARY
OCTOBER 17th
PENNY SOCIAL
Doors Open 5:00PM
Calling 7:00PM
$2,500 in Prizes
Handicap Accessible
Call 845-278-3633 for
more info!
CARMEL AUXILIARY
HAM DINNER
Served 5PM-7PM
Baked Ham, Potatoes,
Green Beans,
Applesauce,
Cole Slaw,
Apple Pie ala Mode
Adults $10, Seniors $9
ELEVEN ACTIONS FOR
PREVENTING CANCER
IN THE FIRE SERVICE
Numerous studies have shown that
Firefighters are at increased risk of many
types of cancer. The Firefighter Cancer
Support Network released a “white paper” in
2013 on cancer in the fire service and what
firefighters can do to prevent it. The paper
included 11 immediate actions you can take
to protect yourself against cancer.
Find additional resources for taking action
against cancer in the fire service from FCSN
and the NVFC.
11 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO PROTECT AGAINST
CANCER
1. Use SCBA from initial attack to finish
of overhaul. Not wearing SCBA in
both active and post-fire
environments is the most dangerous
voluntary activity in the fire service
today.
2. Do gross field decon of PPE to
remove as much soot and
particulates as possible.
3. Use Wet-Nap or baby wipes to
remove as much soot as possible
from head, neck, jaw, throat,
underarms and hands immediately
and while still on the scene.
4. Change your clothes and wash them
immediately after a fire.
5. Shower thoroughly after a fire.
6. Clean your PPE, gloves, hood and
helmet immediately after a fire.
7. Do not take contaminated clothes or
PPE home or store it in your vehicle.
8. Decon fire apparatus interior after
fires.
9. Keep bunker gear out of living and
sleeping quarters.
10. Stop using tobacco products.
11. Use sunscreen or sun block.
Attention Golfers! The 1st Annual HVVFA Golf Outing
was SUCH a huge success teams were signing up
before this year’s convention was over!! Call TODAY!
LAKE CARMEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL MEMORIAL
GOLF OUTING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
THE SEDGEWOOD CLUB, 810 Golf Ridge Road, Carmel
www.thesedgewoodclub.com
Want to play? It’s $110.00 per person and only the first 72
who pay will play!
Sponsor a Hole? Hole Sponsorships are Available @ $100
per hole or you may wish to donate a Door Prize … all
Donations Welcome!
Need more information? Contact …
Jack Keher (917) 681-5844
Donnie Pearlman (845) 494-1747
All proceeds benefit the Lake Carmel FD and
the “Rick Stimson Scholarship Fund”.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
CRONIN’S GOLF RESORT
Warrensburg, NY (Exit 23 off the Northway)
1:30PM SHOTGUN START
4-PERSON BEST BALL FORMAT
BBQ AT THE FINISH
$110.00 per Golfer includes …
Round of Golf - Golf Cart – Refreshments Prizes and post-golf Barbecue
Hole Sponsorships Available
Contact Don Farrell at 914-406-6510 or email
[email protected] for more information
HELP SUPPORT FUTURE CONVENTIONS FOR THE HVVFA
Be Careful Where You Tread
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NEWS from Albany …
Governor Cuomo recently announced that 17 counties will receive portions of $50 million in total
funding to enhance their vital emergency communications systems.
Each of the 17 counties will receive awards of up to $3.5 million to fund projects involving
infrastructure, equipment and technology upgrades, which serve important roles in localities’
emergency response.
The grants are part of the fourth round of the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant
program. “In the event of an emergency, every second counts – and this funding will help more
counties upgrade their systems in order to help them communicate faster and respond sooner,”
Governor Cuomo said. “This is part of this administration’s unparalleled investment to … have access
to the best tools to enable them to help New Yorkers in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Putnam County will receive the highest, $3,500,000, along with 7 others; 55 counties applied.
The grant program is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Services; New York is the only state in the nation with such a program.
MANAGING A MODERN AND EFFECTIVE FIRE
DEPARTMENT; PROBLEMS, PITFALLS AND PENALTIES
Presented by Firemen’s Association of the State of New York in conjunction
with VFIS
This informative three-hour program is intended for FIRE, EMS, RESCUE, HAZMAT and FIRST RESPONSE
SERVICE PERSONNEL. Topics discussed: •Ethics in Emergency Services •Role of the Company Officer
•Liability •Fiscal Responsibility •Reputation Management
Date/Time:
Location:
Thursday, October 22, 2015 – 7PM to 10PM (Registration begins at 6:30pm)
WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, ROBERT J. SCHNIBBE JR.
SUPPORT SERVICES BUILDING, 35 Walker Road, Valhalla, NY 10595
Seating is limited to 100 Attendees
FEE*:
Before October 16th - $20 FASNY members; $30 for non-FASNY members.
Walk-In Fee: $30 regardless of membership status
*No-shows and cancellations (unless cancelled 5 business days prior) are non-refundable
To Register:
(1) www.fasny.com and follow the Training and Education link
(2) Email – [email protected]
(3) Call 1(800) 2FASNY2
Attending this seminar may qualify you for LOSAP points per your Department’s LOSAP Guidelines.
NOT
A
MEMBER YET? WE’D LOVE
TO
HAVE YOU JOIN US!
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Please fill in and mail, along with your $5.00 check made payable to “PCVFA”, to:
PUTNAM COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION, PO BOX 668, CARMEL, NY 10512
Name:
__________________________________________________
Fire Dept/VAC:
__________________________________________________
Home Address:
__________________________________________________
City/State/Zip:
__________________________________________________
E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________
I hereby certify that I am an active member of the above FD / VAC and that I will do my best to attend the
meetings of this Association.
Approval will be made at the next Association meeting.
Signed: _______________________________________
Date: ___________________
Your $5 annual membership fee includes a subscription to the PCVFA “Blue Light”. Meetings are held in
March, May, July, September and November. Annual installation dinner is held in April. (rev. 3/14)
L. A. Edele, Editor
Putnam County VFA “Blue Light”
P O Box 668
Carmel, NY 10512
TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL
PUTNAM COUNTY VOLUNTEER
FIREMENS ASSOCIATION