A single car crash Thursday night claimed the life of a Fishkill man with ties to Cold Spring.

The Putnam Sheriff's Department identified the victim as Alex Amato, 32. Friends said Amato grew up in Cold Spring, and attended and graduated from Haldane.

According to Chief Investigator Gerald Schramek, Amato's 2005 Mazda was traveling eastbound along Fishkill Road at a high rate of speed at 10:30 pm when the driver lost control, veered off the roadway and slammed into a tree.

Amato, who was alone at the time, suffered massive trauma as a result of the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene by Putnam Coroner Dr. Michael Nesheiwat.

Assisting deputies and investigators from the Putnam Sheriff's Department were members of the North Highlands Fire Department, EMT's from the Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a paramedic from the TransCare Ambulance Company.

You must call Emergency Services Dispatch center at 845-225-4860 to advise of your burn. As per New York State DEC, Burning Permits are no longer required for Putnam County. http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/58505.html.

NYS DEC Notice: NYS DEC Burn Regulations

On Sunday June 5th at apx 10am Garrison Fire Department was dispatched to a reported MVA roll over with entrapment on Rt 9 at Indian brook Rd. Garrison Asst Chief Rodney Tudor upon location confirmed the entrapment and requested North Highlands with a second rescue truck to the scene. 3 ambulances and 3 medic units were also requested. It was determined that all 3 patients would need to be flown to Westchester Medical Center. Cold Spring and Continental Village Fire Departments were dispatched to set up landing zones at Papa John’s restaurant and Garrison Fire Headquarters. All departments were clear and back in service by Apx 12:30.

The new North Highlands Rescue Engine is officially on the assembly line being built. The truck will replace the current 21-6-1 and 21-2-2. The truck will be equipped with 2 complete sets of rescue tools, 1800’ of 5” hose, a 1500 GPM pump and 1000 gals of water.

On April 28 @ 2:15pm the North Highlands Fire department was dispatched to a reported structure fire by the home owner at 11 Deer Hill Rd in the town of Philipstown. The home owner advised the 911 center her house was filling up with smoke and upon exiting the residence she saw smoke and flames coming from under the rear deck.

Arriving first at the scene were Asst Chief Joseph Hyatt and 2nd Asst Chief Christopher Hyatt. They quickly determined they had a working fire at the residence and transmitted a second alarm. Apx 1000’ of 5” hose was laid up the driveway for a water supply which was feed by tankers from North Highlands and Glenham. The fire was quickly knocked down and the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team determined the fire was caused by a lightning strike from an earlier passing storm.

North Highlands was assisted by The Village of Fishkill Fire Department’s FAST team, Cold Spring Fire Company and Rombout Fire Department. Garrison and Hughsonville Fire Departments were put back in service before arriving on scene. All units cleared the scene by apx 4:30pm.

On Sunday April 10th the members of the North Highlands Eng Company conducted a drill on brush fires. Members were show how to build fire lines, discussed how topography affects the way the fire is fought, fire loads, how weather conditions spread the fire and potential hazards to the firefighters.

The North Highlands Fire Department is proud to announce the completion of the NYS Firefighter 1 course and NYS Firefighter Survival course by eight of its members. The 2 classes total 98 hours of classroom and intense hands on training and are both required for firefighters who wish to be interior qualified. The firefighters were required to complete a written exam as well as attend an 8 hour live burn session at the Putnam County Training Center.

We would like to thank following firefighters for their unselfish dedication to the fire department and the community. Firefighters Alyssa Merritt, Katie Quattrocchi, Emily Knapp, Mike Savastano, Cory Lyons, Michael Lisikatos Jr, Lawrence Plimley Jr and GabeMiller.

The Department would also like to thank firefighter Robert Flaherty who completed the NYS Scene Support Operations Course, NYS Emergency Vehicle Operations Course and the NYS Pump Operator Course. Mr. Flaherty’s training consisted of 69 hours of classroom and hands on training which allows him to be beginning training thru the department at a driver of the fire apparatus.

The fire department is always looking for new firefighters and would like to encourage members of the community to join the department. You can pick up an application by coming out on any Sunday morning at 10am, Monday evenings at 7pm or by calling the department at 845-265-9595 Ext 11. After becoming a member of the fire department you will have a great satisfaction of knowing you are helping others and your community.