Grand Island firefighters responded at approximately 8:17 p.m. May 8 to a "house on fire" at 95 Fernwood Lane, after neighbors reported smoke coming from the structure. The owner, Gary Brennan, drove up as GIFC units arrived on location and helped firefighters gain access through the front doorway.
   Engine #6 and three interior attack crews, using 1-3/4" lines, began fire suppression efforts minutes later, according to Chief Skip Mrkall, who had assumed Incident Command. Meanwhile, Engines #3, 4 and 5 arrived in support of total firefighting operations. Mutual Aid assistance was provided by Kenmore and Sheridan Park VFDs, for on-scene backup and stand-by duty at GIFC Headquarters. Chief Mrkall indicated that this "working fire" was brought under control quickly, despite an intense build-up of heat, flames and smoke encountered; and the fire was substantially out within twenty minutes after the first engine arrived on location. Because the fire was confined to the basement, where it originated, structural damage was limited to an estimated $10,000, he added. However, heat and smoke damage extended to the first and second-floor areas prior to the arrival of firefighters, who later initiated ventilation of the entire building.
   GIFC Fire Investigator Harold Barth and Erie County Sheriff's Dept. Investigators report that the exact cause of the basement fire has not yet been determined.
   Gary Brennan, his wife and six-year-old son are quite thankful that they were not home asleep when this tragedy struck. Gary expressed his family's appreciation of firefighters' efforts by stating, "They are the best."
   All GIFC Units returned in service at 10:26 p.m., with the exception of Fire Police and investigators, who remained at the scene.

   Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, May 4, to a request for assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard for "two people in the water" in the vicinity of 4716 East River Road.
   Minutes later, GIFC Deputy Chief Peter McMahon reported that Robert Bellen, 21, of Niagara Falls, and Joseph Santasiero, 20, of Tonawanda, were located and removed from the Niagara River, after their canoe had reportedly tipped over 30 to 45 minutes earlier. They were treated by GIFC paramedics for hypothermia after their immersion in frigid water temperatures of 48 degrees. Santasiero was transported to Kenmore Mercy Hospital by ambulance for additional medical evaluation. Bellen declined hospitalization.
   The following day, May 5, GIFC Marine Units retrieved an abandoned boat from the North Bridge area, but no occupants could be located.
   Fire Company officials urge all boaters to use extreme caution in their pursuit of water-sport activities in Grand Island waters. Boaters must be on the constant lookout for floating debris and treacherous river conditions. They also point out that the U.S.C.G. has scheduled Safeboating Courses for new or inexperienced boaters, commencing May 19 at Cheektowaga High School. For further information, call 843-9500. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also warns boaters to expect lower than normal lake and water levels this year, which will create additional navigational hazards. The GIFC would like to remind everyone to exercise "heads up" safety precautions when enjoying summer fun on local waterways.

   Grand Island Fire Company rescue personnel responded on April 5, 2001 at 11:34 a.m. to a two-car collision at Fix Road and Beaver Island Parkway. Deputy Chief Peter McMahon reported that two occupants, Richard Brice, 43 and Shirley McNulty, 53, both of Niagara Falls, were treated for non-critical head, neck and back injuries. They were immobilized and transported by ambulance to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for precautionary medical evaluation.
   Shortly before 4 p.m. on the same day, GIFC rescue personnel responded to a vehicle "rollover," under the South Grand Island Bridge in the vicinity of 1500 East River Road. Edward Bookhagen, 41, of Grand Island, apparently lost control of his vehicle, which rolled over and landed off the roadway. He was treated by GIFC paramedics for head and upper extremity injuries, according to Fire Chief Skip Mrkall, and transported by ambulance to Kenmore Mercy Hospital for followup medical attention.
   All GIFC units returned in service at 4:26 p.m.

Mutual Aid contingents from the Grand Island Fire Company, City of Tonawanda, Snyder, Williamsville, Ellicott Creek and Eggertsville, joined Kenmore, Sheridan Park, Brighton, Ellwood and Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Companies, in battling a major structure fire at Rosas Appliances and Entertainment Center, located at 2880 Sheridan Drive, which broke out shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3.
Grand Island Chief Skip Mrkall, Engine 3 and a five man crew responded to a request for assistance from Command Officer Bill Swanson, Chief of the Kenilworth VFD. GIFC Personnel provided "FAST TEAM: backup, while Rescue 7-1 and a team of Paramedics also proceeded to the scene to assist Tonawanda Medics with manpower rehab. GIFC Asst. Chiefs Greg Butcher and Kevin Koch also assisted with support operations. Meanwhle, GIFC Deputy Chief Peter McMahon and a six-man standby crew remained at Headquarters to insure that there would be no interruption in swift emergency coverage for Island residents.
All GIFC Units were released from the scene at 10:03 p.m., Tuesday. One store employee died in the fire which is being investigated as an arson/murder.