Over the past 8 weeks, we, the Fayetteville Fire Department, have held three widely publicized "Neighborhood Forums" to exchange information on the proposed station upgrades.  In our discussions with the residents, we have learned that there are key facts not fully understood by the voting public.  We would like to encourage EVERY voter to come to the poll on Tuesday with an accurate understanding of the proposed project and to cast their vote accordingly.  To that end, we would like to share some of the concerns from our forums and address them to all Community members.

1) If the Village of Fayetteville and the Village of Manlius both build a new station, will I pay for both?

No.  The cost of each prospective project will only affect taxpayers that reside within that fire protection district.  No taxpayer will incur a tax increase for both proposed stations.

2) Will the proposed plan eliminate green space between the existing station and Friendly's?

The initial schematic designs will reduce the existing green space by approximately 10 feet.  The proposed site plan will enhance the existing Memory Tree and pedestrian safety in the area.

3) Has the design of the building been decided, and are we voting on the final design?

No.  The conceptual designs presented at the "Neighborhood Forums" are an effort to demonstrate the exterior construction of the project.  Final design approvals will be a culmination of public, Village and Fire Department approval.

4) Will the formation of an F-M Fire District change the facility needs of the Department?

No.  Both the Fayetteville and Manlius fire stations have been strategically placed to deliver timely emergency services.  The merging of these departments will revise the management of the departments, but will not change the location or facility needs of each building.

5)  Is the significant increase in call volume a result of Mutual Aid to neighboring communities?

Fayetteville's call volume increase is spiking for EMS calls.  EMS calls are a small percentage of the mutual aid responses.  Mutual Aid calls are approximately 10% of the overall call volume for the Department.

6) What are the most demanding deficiencies in regards to the existing station?

There are 2 critical issues that need to be addressed.  First, the existing EMS bay is too small to safely operate the vehicles.  Secondly, the Department needs improved facilities that will support the day-to-day functions and encourage the continued support of the volunteer fire and EMS personnel in the community.

Click on the story header to see power point presentation on the building renovation and needs assessment.

PLEASE SUPPRT US ON TUESDAY, JUNE 16TH!!

Shortly after 1930hrs on Tuesday evening crews from Fayetteville and the Eastern Section were activated for a possible structure fire in the area of Brooklea Dr. and Limestone Plaza.  The Town Police arrived with a fire in an abandon structure at the end of Feeder St.  Engine 7 arrived on-scene within a few minutes confirming a Signal 99 with outside operations.  They laid out 1000 feet of supply line knowing that a relay would be in order since there are no hydrants in the immediate area.  20Car1 (Hildreth) arrived and assumed command advising crews of power lines down in the area.  Engine 7 hit the fire with its wagon pipe knocking down a large amount of fire but its water tank was quickly emptied and while a draft was being established the fire took hold of the structure.  Engine 7 drafted from the shallow canal feeder and a tanker shuttle was set-up at the head of Feeder St. behind the town hall by Fayetteville Engine 5.  The fire was quickly knocked down with the renewed water supply using the wagon pipe and Blitz Fire.  Crews operated for approximately 2 hours before returning to service.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As the day was winding down for Station 20 the alarm was sounded for a possible structure fire at 5109 Hoag Lane.  Dispatch reported a possible upper floor fire and that residents were evacuating.  20C1 (Hildreth) arrived 2 minutes later and transmitted a "Signal 99."  Engine 7 arrived seconds later and brought in their own supply line.  As the officer performed a quick size-up the pipeman and back-up stretched an attack line.  The fire was quickly located on Division 3 in a sewing room on the C-side of the structure.  A quick knockdown brought the fire under control and crews began overhaul.  DeWitt Truck 3 had the "Vent Group" and brought up a second line.  Minoa, Manlius, East Syracuse and Lyncourt were also on scene with Kirkville and Jamesville on stand-by.  Crews operated for approximately 2 hours to assist the investigators.  (Photos courtesy of the TMPD)

As the day shift crews were coming on duty the 911 center alerts Fayetteville, Manlius, DeWitt and Kirkville for a report of a chimney fire at 5701 Townsend Road.  The structure, located on the Gridley Farm is in one of the few non hydrant-ed areas of the district.  20C1, (Chief Hildreth) arrived to find a fire in the flue and cap area of the chimney of a 2 story wood frame residential structure.  Engine 7 arrived with a crew of 5 and began suppression efforts at the firebox and clean out of the chimney.  DeWitt Engine 8 took the roof assignment.  Crews found a large amount of creosote burning in the chimney.  Crews worked for 90 minutes clearing the chimney and opening up walls to check for extention.  Manlius Truck 2 and Kirkville Engine 3 also arrived and operated on the scene.

After 23 years of service to the Village of Fayetteville, Firefighter/Paramedic Lyle Mason retires today.  The Fire Department hired Lyle as its first paid Paramedic in August of 1985.  During his time with the department he saw numerous changes including the transition from Paramedics to Firefighter/Paramedics and saw the number of full-time Career Firefighters grow from 1 to 13.  We wish Lyle all the best as he moves onto the next stage in his life.

At approx 12:37 hrs Fayetteville, Manlius and DeWITT stations were dispatched to the Pizzeria Uno Restaurant at 520 Towne Drive for an odor investigation. Fayetteville Engine 7 under the command of Master Firefighter Mike O'Connor was the first arriving unit and communicated a full size up. The crew of Engine 7 discovered charring behind the main grill and fryer in the kitchen area along with an odor of natural gas. Utilities were secured and the resturant was evacuated. With the assistance DeWITT's Truck crew the source of the gas leak was pinpointed and the matter was turned over to National Grid. Crews cleared the scene at 13:42. Manlius Car 1 (Whorral) had the Towne Drive command.

On Saturday morning Fayetteville Engine 5 responded to a reported garage fire at 107 Teaslewood Lane in Minoa.  Car 1 and Engine 5, staffed with a crew of 4, responded and as the second arriving piece secured the water supply for the first arriving engine from Minoa.  Crews then performed a primary search of the residence with negative results.  Crews cleared within 40 minutes.  Minoa Car-1 (Flannery) had the "Teaslewood Lane" command.

Long time member and former Fire Police Captain Kenneth Cooper passed away on Friday February 6, 2009.  Captain Cooper served the Fayetteville Fire Department for 25 years beginning in January of 1984.  Ken served the department in numerous capacities in addition to his Fire Police duties, some of which include; Ambulance Driver and House Committee Chairman   The Fayetteville Fire Department extends its deepest sympathies to the Cooper Family.

FFD would like to welcome a new addition to our Firehouse Family.   Sarena Maria Colvin born January 6, 2009 at Crouse Hospital.  Sarena weighed 8 lbs 5 Oz's and was 21.5 inches.   Our warmest wishes go out to family! 

Department member Doug Koe and his wife Kim welcomed Colin Nicholas Koe to the world on Wednesday January 21st at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse.  Colin weighed in at 8lbs 3oz and measured 22 inches.  Everyone is doing well.  Congrats to the entire Koe family!

At approx 07:38 on the morning of January 14, 2009 , Engine 7 was special called  to a signal 80 with entrapment at Tuscarora Rd and W Genesee St in the Village of Chittenango. Engine 7 arrived and began extrication of a patient trapped in a Jeep Liberty. Extrication was complete withinn 10 min's and the patient was transported by Rural Metro ambulance.

Governor David Paterson gave his first State-of-the-State address to a packed Assembly Chamber in Albany this afternoon.  While speaking about the tough economic times ahead for New Yorkers he singled out a family from Central New York.  The family featured in the Governor's speech was that of Career Fire Captain John Falgiatano.  The Governor spoke of John and wife Jessica's desire to provide for their three children in the current economic environment and the difficulties that they, and other families like them face.

A link to this story can be found here: news10now.com/content/top_stories/131206/paterson-mentions-cicero-couple-in-speech/Default.aspx

The FFD welcomes a new addition to our family this morning!  Cori Renee' Hulchanski was born a healthy 7 pounds 5 ounces at 06:50.  Cori is the newest daughter of Career Firefighter EMT-P Jason Hulchanski and his wife Vanessa. 

The first of December began with 2 fire alarm activations.  At 1004 hrs crews were called for a motor vehicle accident with injuries on South Manlius Street near Old Farm Road.  The Town Police arrived and reported an overturned vehicle with a female occupant complaining of chest pain.  Engine 7 arrived and began extrication efforts.  After stabilizing the vehicle with the Rescue42 struts crews attempted to remove the roof of the vehicle to access the patient.  Due to the high strength metals used in the vehicle construction the hydraulic cutter broke one of its blades.  Another cutter was utilized but progress was slow.  After 53 minutes crews were finally able to extricate the patient who was transported to the hospital by Minoa Ambulance for evaluation.  Fayetteville, Manlius, DeWitt and Minoa were activated for the alarm.

Shortly after 2300 hrs Fayetteville and Manlius crews were dispatched for a reported chimney fire at 7515 Highbridge Road.  Manlius Car-1 (Whorral) arrived and reported an active chimney fire.  As the first arriving unit the 20 Truck took the driveway and ascended to the roof to check fire conditions while the Manlius crew worked inside.  The fire was contained to the chimney flue and quickly extinguished.  Fayetteville crews operated for just under an hour before returning to service.