For the second time this year a brook that runs from the DEP Property becomes contaminated with construction debris from their site. Valhalla was toned out for an unknown substance in the brook behind 6 Suzette Ln. Upon arrival units found the same cloudy white substance in the brook that was there the last time. This substance was affecting wildlife in the brook too. Units once again discovered the pollution of the brook to come from the DEP property where they have been breaking down and filling in the old aerators.  Battalion 11 was on scene along with 2480, Rescue 9 and Engine 84. The scene was turned over to the Town of Mount Pleasant and DEP officials to resolve the problem.

Valhalla and Hawthorne were dispatched for a possible structure fire at the Valhalla High School today. Mount Pleasant Police were receiving multiple calls for a fire on the roof of the school. Upon arrival units found that an air conditioning unit had caught fire and was out upon arrival. Crews checked the interior of the school for extension with negative results. Crews also went to the roof to shut the unit down and secure the scene. Units on scene were 2481, 2482, 2483, 2484, 2487, Engine 82, 84, Tower Ladder 49, Rescue 9, 2192, 2193 from Hawthorne, and Ladder 56.

Valhalla was dispatched to assist the Grasslands Fire Brigade in a large dumpster next to a structure. The dumpster fire occured at 110 Woods Road, the Ruth Taylor Care Center. Units assisted with extinguishing the fire, checking for extension, and overhauling. A call was also made to the County Cause and Origin Team to investigate the fire. Most of the fire was contained to the dumpster with minor damage to a loading dock overhang. Units on scene were 2481, 2482, 2483, 2484, 2488, TL49, Engine 84, Ladder 7, Engine 8 plus other Brigade vehicles were on the scene.

Valhalla Fire Dept and the Valhalla VAC were dispatched to the Sprain Brook Parkway Southbound south of the Hospital Rd. Bridge. Upon arrival units found a one car motor vehicle accident into the median guardrail. The driver of the vehicle was transported by Valhalla VAC to the Westchester Medical Center. The driver apparently fell asleep at the wheel and drove into the guardrail. Units on scene were 2482, 2484, 2487, Rescue 9 and Engine 84.

With the holiday weekend fast aproaching the Valhalla Fire Department would like to provide you with some information so you can have a happy and safe holiday. Fireworks can be dangerous and deadly if used improperly or illegally. Please click on the following link from the U.S. Fire Administration to learn about firework safety: www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/     Once again Have a Happy 4th of July!

Did you know?:
-The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees – this is hot enough to cause third degree burns.

-Over 90% of fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involve fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.

Valhalla and Hawthorne were dispatched out to the Sprain Brook Parkway just north of the Grasslands Road Bridge for a motor vehicle accident with extrication on Monday. Upon arrival units found a one car accident with the car off the road and into the woods. The vehicle had broadsided a tree on the driver side front door . To gain access to the patient members of both departments had to cut away trees and excess brush around the vehicle. The patient was then removed through the passenger side of the vehicle and taken to the Westchester Medical Center by the Valhalla VAC.

As crews stood by for the tow another car accident occurred on the northbound side of the Sprain. Units from the previous car accident cleared the scene and responded to the other scene to assist the State Police. Units on both scenes were 2481, E-84, R-9, U-59 and Hawthorne FD, as well as Valhalla VAC, Transcare Medics and New York State Police

Valhalla Fire was dispatched to the intersection of Lakeview Ave and Commerce St for a motor vehicle accident with extrication. Upon arrival units found a Honda CRV off the road with two patients trapped in the vehicle. Mount Pleasant Police removed the driver side door with their spreader tools. The medic than requested F.D. units to extricate the second patient due to the patient having a previous spinal injury from another event.  Firefighters than removed the passenger side back door and cut away the b-post to make an easier opening to get the patient safely removed from the vehicle. Both patients were transported by Valhalla VAC. Units on scene included 2481, 2484, 2488, E84, R9, and U59.

At 1700 hours Valhalla was dispatched to assist Mount Pleasant Police with another motor vehicle accident on Columbus Ave by Zeiss Dr. Rescue 9 and Engine 84 responded with 2482. Units assisted with cleaning up fluids in the roadway. One person was transported by Valhalla VAC(More photos can be seen in the gallery)

The Valhalla Fire Department would like to welcome two new members to the department. They are Brendan Murphy, and Brian Olay.Brendan is a member of the Independent Fire Company and Brian is a member of the Valhalla Fire Company Number 1. Good luck to the new members and welcome.

The annual inspection of the Valhalla Fire Department was held today at the Independent Fire Company and The Traveler's Rest in Millwood. The members worked hard these past few months to get ready for today's event. The day started off with the apparatus being photographed by Bob Buchanan at the Kensico Cemetery Office. The members than gathered at the Independent Fire Company for a Departmental photo also done by Bob Buchanan. The apparatus and members next were inspected by guests from neighboring fire districts, town, county, and state officials, as well as family members. A ceremony was held at The Traveler's Rest to honor and thank the men of the department past and present. A special honor was given to Commissioner Rocco Buonassisi, where today's date, June 6, 2009, was named his day in the Town of Mount Pleasant as well as Westchester County. Town Supervisor Robert Meehan and County Legislator John Nonna presented him with this honor. The Commissioners than honored Supervisor Meehan and the rest of the town board members for the work they did for us in getting a ten percent property tax reduction amongst other benefits. Also honored was State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins for the work she has down for us like providing us with a $10,000 grant for extrication tools. The event was well attended and the members and apparatus looked superb. Photos are also posted in the galleries.

At 1342 Valhalla and Hawthorne were dispatched to a shed fire next to a structure on the property of 462 Lakeview Ave. Upon arrival 2481 noticed heavy smoke coming from the structure and called for a working fire assignment, which called for an Engine from Thornwood, a FAST team from Elmsford and a tanker from Pocantico Hills due to the lack of water in the area. A Briarcliff Tower Ladder and an Engine from North White Plains stood by in Valhalla's quarters. The first arriving units knocked the fire down quickly and kept the fire damage to a minimum. Mutual Aid units were canceled due to the quick knock down also. Units on scene were 2481, 2483, 2486, 2488, 2191, TL 49, L56, E83, Bat 11, Mt Pleasant Police, Valhalla Vac and Transcare Medic.

As soon as units returned to their quarters a large dirt hauler broke down in front of the Independent Fire House. The hauler began to leak oil on the roadway. A crew from Rescue 9 placed absorbant pads down to prevent the spread of oil until they were able to tow the truck away. The breakdown caused a major traffic backup also.