Saturday, July 17, 2010  The Hamlin Fire Department has two new firefighters, Hannah Deserto and Sal Magovero and one old dog that needed an old trick, Joe Burke. All three completed the 90+ hour Firefighter 1 class required for all interior firefighters which includes class work and extensive hands on training. Sal, who recently joined the department, took the class that was offered several evenings per week for the span on several months. Hannah, who has been in the Explorer program, took the shorter but more intense boot camp. Joe has been a member for almost a decade but had taken the “Basic” class which was required then but needed the Firefighter 1 class so he could continue his advanced training. Joe also opted for the boot camp class and suffered through the July heat in his bunker’s.

The graduation ceremony for both classes was held on Wednesday, July 14 at MCC. Chief Sercu awarded both Hannah and Sal their permanent helmet shields and Hannah’s brother and father (Me, and I was very proud) were on stage to witness the presentation. Department members Lt. Anthony DiNatale, Rich Breslawski and Pat Doerrer were also in attendance.

Photographs in the movie from Tom Maier
Movie and story by John Deserto
 

Thursday, July 8, 2010  On June 29, 2010 the three fire departments that protect the town of Hamlin (Walker, Hamlin and Morton) combined with the Kendall Fire Department to practice a water supply operation. In areas where there are no hydrants to supply water for firefighting activities the water must be delivered to the scene in large quantities. To start the process Hamlin Engine 243 drafted water from a portable pond and began to fill Kendall's Tanker 52 (3,000 gallons of water), Hamlin's Tanker 246 (2,000 gallons of water) and Morton's Pumper-Tanker 216 (2,000 gallons of water). The tankers delivered the water to several more portable ponds that Morton's Engine 215 and Walkers Engine 282 then drafted out of and pumped to several monitor nozzles.

Hamlin's Brush Fire Jeep, 247 was also used to draft out of the portable pond. Drivers from all the departments had the opportunity to pull drafts and dump water which are rarely used skills but not ones to be learned on the job.

Hamlin Engine 242 was on stand-by to cover calls in the district, Squad 2418 and crew combined with Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance to provide rehab. Hamlin's Fire Police protected the entire operation.

Still photo's by Tom Maier

Movie and story by John Deserto

Friday, July 2, 2010  The Hamlin Fire Department had several visits from kids from the Hamlin Recreation Program. The tour starts of with the kids getting picked up in fire trucks and brought to the firehouse. Then after a short tour of the facilities and a fire prevention presentation its out into the truck room to see the trucks and put on the gear. Then we deploy an attack line and do some target practice. When everyone is good and soaked, we load up the trucks and bring them back to the town hall.

Story and movie by John Deserto
 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010  In mid June the Hamlin Fire Department participated in the Spencerport Fire Department's parade. People in Spencerport take their parade very seriously and people start to stake out their spots the night before. Enjoy, I know we did.

Story and movie by John Deserto

Wednesday, June 23, 2010  From 10AM until 4PM on Saturday June 5 the Hamlin Fire Department collected voluntary tolls from passing motorists to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This was our longest and most successful boot drive yet and thanks to the generosity of the passing motorists the department members collected over $2800. 20 members of the department participated, several for the entire six hours. We would like to thank Marks Pizza in Hamlin for donating the food for this event.

Story and movie by John Deserto

Sunday, March 28, 2010  While Hamlin Assistant Chief Tom Maier was at work as a Kodak firefighter he came across this photo of Hamlin Engine 55 (Bertha) and crew. 55 was at Kodak Park in October 1972 as a part of Kodak's fire prevention program where fire departments from outside Kodak would present their equipment and capabilities to Kodak workers.

The crew (from left to right) are, Vin Batty, Jack Prince, a 19 year old Allen Smith, David Maar and Rob Koss. Both Vinn and Jack were Chiefs in the department at one time or another, Allen is currently the Deputy Chief and Rob was President of the department. David moved to Brockport after this photo was taken.

Special Thanks to Tom Maier for sharing this photo and Daryl Prince (Kodak and Hamlin Chief) for identifying the crew and sharing his knowledge.

Story by John Deserto