The Valhalla Fire Department was dispatched to the Sprain Brook Parkway for a motor vehicle fire. Upon Car 2482's arrival he found heavy fire in the engine compartment of an SUV. The car fire was found on the Northbound side of the Sprain Brook Parkway near the Hospital Rd exit. Crews from Engine 82, Rescue 9 and Utility 59 extinguished the fire.

The Valhalla Fire Department swore in five new members at the April 2013 Commissioners Meeting. Jason Vigiletti joined Valhalla Fire Company #1, Travis Andreu, Dominic Dimiceli, Elliot Eccleston, and Nasir Rashad joined the Independent Fire Company. Elliot and Nasir will be members of the fire explorers. We welcome all our new members and wish them good luck.

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Life Member Eben (Bud) Turnure. Eben was a 55 year member of the Independent Fire Company. Eben is the father of Eben A. Turnure, Past Chief from 2000 to 2002. The Valhalla Fire Department will be meeting at Hawthorne Funeral Home on Sunday May 5, 2013 at 19:30 hours to perform it's department service. May Buddy Rest in Piece.

The Valhalla FAST was dispatched to 235 Lake Shore Dr in Pleasantville for a working structure fire. Crews responded with Rescue 9 to the scene. Upon arrival Pleasantville Command requested the FAST to assist with an exterior attack. Propane tank explosions contributed to they heavy damage of the house. A crew from the FAST also assisted removing a firefighter from the bucket of a tower ladder, who was suffering from heat stress. The Valhalla FAST continued to assist at scene with extinguishing the fire and overhaul. Departments on scene included Pleasantville with a full department response, Thornwood TL-1, an engine from Chappaqua, tankers from Millwood and Pocantico Hills, and a second FAST from Sleepy Hollow.

The Valhalla Fire Department was dispatched to the Taconic State Parkway at Cleveland St for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Upon arrival units found a two car accident with minor injuries. Crews assisted with accident clean up and scene safety. Valhalla VAC was on scene treating patients.

The Independent Fire Company held it's annual remembrance to past member Bert Lorenz today at the Valhalla Fire department Statue. Bert Lorenz was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a motor vehicle on March 25, 1952. A wreath was placed at the memorial statue which bears Bert's name. President Ciancio and Commissioner Deegan said prayers and talk of remembrance and safety during the ceremony as well.

Members of the Valhalla FAST were invited to train with Elmsford Fire Department at a house they acquired through donation. The Harstdale Fire Department also trained with the two other departments. Members went over the Denver Ladder Removal System, where firefighters use a ground ladder and rope to rescue trapped firefighters. The other training lesson they went over was removal of a trapped firefighter through a hole in the floor. The Valhalla FAST really appreciated the opportunity the Elmsford Fire Department provided to train with them and the acquired structure. Thank you Elmsford FD! (Photos Provided by Elmsford FD)

Over the weekend members of the Valhalla and North White Plains Fire Department attend a joint ladder ops class taught by FDNY Lt. Mike Wilbur. The course was held at the 330 Columbus Ave firehouse. Firefighters learned about positioning of the apparatus to operations of the ladders and tower ladders. Lt. Wilbur also went over different types of occupancy and what to do in certain situations during a fire. There was a day of classroom and a day of hands on training. The class was well attended and very informative to all. We would like to thank Lt. Wilbur for teaching and sharing his knowledge with our firefighters.

The Valhalla Fire Department was dispatched to the Westchester Medical Center for an automatic alarm on the seventh floor Sunday. Upon arrival members met with engineering in the lobby who stated there is a heavy smoke condition on the seventh floor. Crews went to the seventh floor to investigate and found an extinguished microwave fire with a heavy smoke condition. Crews requested that patients in adjoining rooms be relocated due to the smoke. Crews than worked on ventilating the room with multiple fans. 2481, 2482, TL-49, Engine 82, Rescue 9, and Utility 59 were on scene.

Seven members of the Valhalla Fire Department have been award the prestigious Green Cross Award. The Green Cross Award is the ultimate symbol of recognition for those who have used Hurst Jaws of Life products to save lives.

     At approximately 2000 hours, the Department was dispatched on April 1, 2012 to a vehicle roll over on the Sprain Brook Parkway. The driver struck the bridge pillar dead-on and veered off the guardrail. The front driver side axle was driven into the passenger’s compartment, trapping the driver’s legs. The driver was suffering from major internal injuries – a crushed hip and a broken femur bone. The Hurst tool was used to remove the car roof, driver side door and push the axel and dash off the patient’s legs. EMS crews worked on the patient and he was transported to WMC in serious condition.

      Congratulations to Chief Lester, Lt. Kohany, Thomas Kohany, Eric Lester, Tony Ciancio, Matt DiPrinzio, Frank Stone and Jimmy Stone for being awarded the prestigious Green Cross Award.