the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip

Dispatcher Jerry Lund says he likes to joke with the Chief when he checks in while he’s out of town by telling him about a big call he is missing. Well, April 12 Jerry says it wasn’t a joke. Chief calls in to dispatch and Jerry said he was able to say, “We have a major accident on I-90 with 3 helicopters, 4 ambulances and a dozen fi re trucks” and not be joking!

Administrative Assitant Colleen Bloyer says, “ I would like to thank all of you for making my “special birthday” a wonderful day. The fl owers, balloons, cards from each station, the calls to wish me a ” Happy Birthday”, lunch, and of course cake. I really enjoyed my parking spot for the day, my special chair for my desk, the sign out front (that people who came in wishing me happy birthday) because of it, and the decorations. You really know how to make a girl feel young!!!!”

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefi re.com

May 2013 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Sheryl Drost

Celebrating EMS WeekPages 6-8

House FirePages 1 & 3

Must have been Buddy month!!

Birthdays

May11th Marcia Soppe13th Josh Hoffl and16th Chuck Schoonover20th John Bunger23rd Rob Lukowski31st Jordan Stark

June7th Megan Alms8th Shannon Burbach ‘40th’11th Mike Huffman16th Mickey Rykowski Jennifer Anderson17th Jesse Martin18th Chris Scott ‘40th’19th Justin Harwood23rd Randy Garner

Total Calls for 2013

921

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.

Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month. www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Has it sprung? The warmer weather that is. We can also be assured that another season of road construction has sprung. In the near future we will have some sort of work being done on what would appear to be every road. This will have traffi c congestion at its best. We all need to be alert and patient. Let’s not forget those laws pertaining to cell phone usage while in these areas.

Congratulations to Engineer Marty Green who was this year’s recipient of theVFW award. It is a most deserving award to a most dependable individual. I would like to thank the VFW for continuing their support of this program. It was an enjoyable evening for all of us in attendance.

May is the month that we recognize and celebrate those in EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Harlem Roscoe is able to operate four ALS (advance life support) ambulances because of our committed individuals. On our roster we have 17 Paramedics, 27 EMT’s, 2 Paramedic students, and 5 EMT students. This is a great accomplishment and all of you are to be commended for going above and beyond the call of duty. Our communities deserve the best and all of you continue to see that they receive it.

The month of May has a day for all of the Moms of our district and those members of our department family. I often wonder if we thank all of them enough for all they endure but more importantly for all the love they share. I share this with all Moms on THEIR day:

What is a Mother?”Author: Katherine Nelson Davis

A mother is someone to shelter and guide us,To love us, whatever we do,

With a warm understanding and infi nite patience,And wonderful gentleness, too.

How often a mother means swift reassuranceIn soothing our small, childish fears,

How tenderly mothers watch over their childrenAnd treasure them all through the years.

The hearth of a mother is full of forgivenessFor any mistake, big or small,

And generous always in helping her familyWhose needs she has placed above all.

A mother can utter a word of compassionAnd make all our cares fall away,

She can brighten a home with the sound of her laughterAnd make life delightful and gay.

A mother possesses incredible wisdomAnd wonderful insight and skill-

In each human heart is that one special cornerWhich only a mother can fi ll!

Loves Park VFW Post 9759 Honors Firefi ghtersPhotos by Tammy Shoevlin

Loves Park VFW Post 9759 Offi cers and Chief Don Shoevlin pose with Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s awardee Marty Green.

Loves Park VFW Post 9759 honored three fi refi ghters from three local fi re departments at their annual Firefi ghter of the Year Award Banquet on April 20. Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghter Marty Green, Loves Park Firefi ghter Bryan Wilhemi, and North Park Firefi ghter Dennis Johnson were honored with this prestigious award.

Chief Shoevlin’s speech on Marty highlighted how dedicated Marty is to the fi re service. “This year our awardee is an individual with a heart of gold and a lot of the energizer bunny in him. Marty joined the department in well, let’s just say he has over 30 years of service to Harlem-Roscoe Fire. Marty and his wife Kelly have two children and are active in the community and their children’s activities. As one would imagine, Marty has numerous accomplishments in his time in the fi re service. One would fi nd the following as successful accomplishments on his resume: Firefi ghter II, Engineer Position, HazMat Awareness, Practical Ice Rescue, Helicopter Safety, Nims 700, 200, and 100. He is an active instructor in our driving program and heads our Building Maintenance Division. In 2010 Marty was awarded the department’s Good Service Award by his peers. He has served as Vice President of the Firefi ghter’s Association. This past year, 2012, Marty clocked in over 420 hours between training and call responses. This does not include the time he committed to work on and around the stations. And one last thing, he is the brute force and drive behind the scenes of our successful Spring Dinners. All this is while working a full-time job and being active with his family. His dedication shows in his longevity with the department and his quiet dedication to not just doing a job,but doing it well. He does not toot his own horn or look for compensation for the time he gives. I assure you that this gentleman is packed with a lot of pride and tradition for the fi re service and life. It is truly an honor for me to be his Chief and to have him representing the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department”

L-r, Chief Shoevlin, BC Jay Alms, Lt. Mike Huffman, Dispatcher Jen Anderson, Marty, Eng. Matt Bush, Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, Lt. Brandon Tietz, Capt. Tim Bergeron, BC Tom Aaker and Lt. Radi Huggard.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Gone,But not forgotten

Some people come into our lives, and quickly go. Some stay awhile and leave footprints in our

hearts. And, we are never, ever the same.

Paramedic John Morgan’s mother Betty Jane Morgan (85) passed away on April 26 in Dixon, IL.

It is with a heavy heart we send out our heart-felt prayers and sympathies to John and his family.

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Guide Dogs Train at Fire StationA group of guide dogs in training visited Fire Station #3 on April 21 as part of their training. Each pup had to do the following:

Go up and down stairs in the training tower twice. Watch a fi refi ghter get dressed in full gear and then be petted by the fi refi ghter. Go through the smoke house just like the kids.Sit and watch a fi re truck go by with lights and sirens on twice.Tour the ambulance.

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Local Pilot RetiresPhotos by Chaplain Bob Clark

On Sunday April 28th. Harlem Roscoe Fire assisted in providing a traditional Air Line retirement salute to United Air Line Capt. John Shockey after 22 years of service. Congratulations Capt.Shockey.

Shannon BurbachJune 8 - ‘40th”

Flooding Snapshots by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters used the department pickup to transport a handicapped woman from her fl ooded home on Edgemere Terr. on April 17.

Eng. Mike Drost transports Matt, a Nicor Rep, to the homes on Edgemere Terr. so he can shut off the gas supply to the fl ooded homes.

Harlem -Roscoe is one of the locations in the county where fl ood victims can get sand bags. On April 17, the Winnebago Co. Inmate Crew were hard at work fi lling sand bags to help fl ooded victims.

Cleaning supplies, supplied by the American Red Cross, are available at Station #1 for local fl ooding victims.

Commercial FirePhotos by Chief Shoevlin & Marcia Soppe

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters responded to the Parker Hannifan business on N. Second for a report of fi re in the building. Chief Shoevlin says, “Insulation around a ventilation pipe of a powder coating booth had caught fi re.” Firefi ghters quickly had the fi re extinguished.

Firefi ghter use the ladder on Quint 752 to access the roof to check the roof area.

Insulation around a ventilation pipe had burned.

Mattress FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters responded to Darby Ln on May 5 for a house fi re. The fi re was contained to a bedroom and a burned mattress was removed from the building. Chief Shoevlin says, “It was an unintentional fi re that appears to be a malfunction of equipment on a battery operated toy.”

House FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters made a great stop on a fi re in a home on Joseph Pkwy on April 12. Fire and smoke were visible with smoke to the fl oor on the fi rst fl oor when units arrived. Firefi ghters made an aggressive attack and knocked down the fi re. A fan in the bedroom is believed to be the culprit. Thanks to the mutual aid departments that helped on scene and covered our stations.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article written by a Harlem-Roscoe Fire Offi cer.

Summer Safety By Capt. Ryan Alms

It’s possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned! When the time comes

to haul out the gas grill, camping equipment, and lawn mower, give some thought to this advice from the nonprofi t National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It could keep you a lot safer this summer:

Grilling - Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn -- your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the grill when ligted, and keep children and pets well away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fi ts high up over your forearm. If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. (Tip: Don’t use butter or a salve on burns because these seal in heat and can damage the tissue further.) If you receive a serious burn, with charred skin, for example, seek medical attention promptly. Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fi re hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If lightning appears while you’re grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.

For charcoal grills, only use starter fl uids (never use gasoline) designed for barbecue grills. Use a limited amount of starter fl uid before lighting the fi re. If the fi re is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. Don’t add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fi re, as fl ash fi res can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool.

For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside - away from structures - and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mix that will show bubbles if gas escapes. When purchasing a gas grill, select one that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional.

Fireworks - The safest way to enjoy fi reworks is to attend an outdoor public display put on by professionals. Pyrotechnic devices (better known as fi reworks) are designed to burn and explode, and are a leading cause of injuries in the U.S. Every year, fi reworks used by amateurs cause thousands of injuries serious enough to require emergency room treatment. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 are at greatest risk of injury from fi reworks. In 1995, more than 11,000 people suffered severe fi reworks injuries in the United States, including burns, lacerations, amputations, and blindness. The NFPA recommends that all fi reworks -- including devices considered “legal”-- be used only by trained professional pyrotechnicians. Even sparklers, often mistaken as safe, burn as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave any area where amateurs (adults included) are using these devices, and do not pick up or touch found fi reworks.

Gasoline Safety - Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasoline-fueled equipment. Keep gasoline up high, inside a clearly marked container that’s labeled and approved for gasoline storage.

Make sure gasoline and all fl ammable liquids are well away from any heat source or fl ame.

Use gasoline as a motor fuel only -- never as a stain remover or for other purposes. To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from the fi lling station, place a sealed, approved container in the trunk with the trunk lid propped open and drive directly to the fueling site. Take a direct route back home and never store gasoline in a vehicle.

Extinguish smoking materials before fueling, and take the equipment outside well away from combustibles. Wipe up any spills immediately and move the equipment at least 10 feet away from the fueling area to start the engine. Before re-fueling, turn off the equipment and let it cool completely.

Boating - Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Be sure the fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake and don’t fi ll to capacity -- leave room for expansion. Wipe up fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.

On board your covered boat, consider installing a smoke detector and test the battery before using the boat each time, replacing the battery with a fresh one at least once a year. Only use portable stoves and heaters specifi cally designed for marine use.For information on marine fi re extinguishers and other information on boating safety, contact the U.S. Coast Guard offi ce near you.

Enjoying Your Pool - Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials (such as body fl uids, acid rain, etc.) or hydrocarbon liquids such as fuel or motor oil. This type of fi re will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous and require resident evacuation. Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and always store them outside the home, away from any heat source or fl ame. Keep the containers in a dry place, well away from other items. If the container is punctured or otherwise damaged, properly dispose of the chemicals. For more information on proper storage of other hazardous chemicals or fl ammable and combustible products, contact your local pool supplier or fi re department.

Camping - Pitch your tent (fl ame retardant is best) well away from your campfi re. Only use fl ashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, as opposed to liquid-fueled heaters or lanterns. In addition to the fi re hazard posed by liquid-fueled devices, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily result in unvented spaces.

Build your campfi re downwind, away from your tent, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Look for signs that warn of potential fi re hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations. Pour water over or cover the fi re with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Store liquid fi re starter -- NEVER use gasoline -- away from your tent and campfi re and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfi re - not liquid fuel.

By following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep summer activities fun and fi re-safe.

Heavy ExtricationPhotos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe and South Beloit fi refi ghters did an exceptional job working side-by-side extricating three passengers out of a Dodge pickup off I-90 at mm1 eastbound on April 13. The truck pulling a trailer had rolled into piles of road debris before coming to a stop. The driver was already out of the truck when units arrived and was transported by ambulance. I-90 was closed and Lifeline, React and UW Helicopters were landed on the roadway and transported the three passengers. It was a long and diffi cult extrication in mud and leaking diesel fuel and the two departments truly showed their expertise. Great job Harlem-Roscoe and South Beloit fi refi ghters and EMTs!

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

EMS CornerBy BC Jay AlmsParamedic, EMS Coordinator

Welcome to EMS…..

It’s one of those professions that lures you in…. You train to be a fi refi ghter and when you’re sitting at the fi re station and the ambulance responds to 9 out of 10 calls; your curiosity gets the best of you.

Then the Chief says to you one day,” son, how would you like to be part of that team?”…. And 3 months later you’re an EMT and running day & night.

….then taking blood pressures and holding c-spine isn’t enough to satisfy your need to save a life….

So you enroll in the paramedic course, 9-10 months of classroom, hundreds of hours at the hospital in all the different departments, from cardiac lab to labor & delivery, and then 100’s of calls in the back of an ambulance proving to seasoned medics that you can truly be the lead medic and be trusted to use the 2 dozen or so medications we’re trained to administer.

In all, about 2 years of training to be 4th from the bottom in Bureau of Statistics salary rankings. The only people paid less than you are pre-school teachers, dishwashers and meatpackers. The guy riding on the back of the garbage truck, or holding a sign at a highway construction site, makes more than your EMT instructor.(1)

It is a profession where the line-of-duty death rate is comparable to fi refi ghters and police offi cers. For those that aspire to fl ight paramedic status, that particular niche is by far the most dangerous profession in America - ahead of loggers, miners, and Alaska crab fi shermen…(1).

Yet year after year I get fi refi ghters asking to enroll in EMT class. To be a part of the ambulance team. Those that deal with people who are sometimes having the worse day of their life, others that just need a lift, because they just don’t have the strength, knowing the fi re department won’t hesitate to respond.

I’ve been lucky enough to witness that fi rst breath, delivering a baby and far too often witnessing that last breath of the elderly patient that is just too weak, from cancer or another illness, to breathe one more breath…

You will be disrespected by patients and by-standers that don’t know any better, and belittled by doctors and nurses who should. And many of you will endure the abuse of free labor, donating your services as a volunteer.

So why bother?

You should bother because, even if you’re not saving lives, what we do matters. It matters in ways unnoticed by us, to people you may not even remember tomorrow.

You should bother because it’s the little things that matter. Most of your patients are unaware of your skills. Few of them understand the technology that we’ve all been waiting for. But they’ll remember the smile you gave them, or the way you wrapped them in the blanket to ward away winter’s chill, or the way you stood in the rain after wrapping a towel around their head, while you and your partner get drenched loading them in the ambulance. They’ll remember the calm competence and gentle speech.

They’ll remember the joke you made to lighten the tension. They’ll remember those things more and more, and they’ll remember your face long after you’ve forgotten theirs.

You should bother, because when people are at their most vulnerable, they will invite you into their homes and tell you things they won’t even tell their priest. And they’ll expect you to make it better somehow. I’m not sure you understand now how profound an honor that is, but hopefully one day you will.

Here at Harlem-Roscoe Fire, 65% of the fi refi ghters are trained to respond to calls as either EMT’s or Paramedics. This is a commitment to the community that far exceeds any goals or wishes we could ever imagine.

I’ve been at this for 22 years now, I have 3 children, all who have joined me here on the fi re department. Two have already become EMT’s, including my son Captain Ryan and daughter Megan, and the third, my youngest son is currently a fi refi ghter here, and a freshman in college.

I’m proud of my accomplishments, but more than that I am so proud that my family has followed in my footsteps. It’s a rewarding career, whether you’re lucky enough to get paid for it or not. I welcome everyone to experience what I’ve been blessed to enjoy.

EMS the joys and the sorrows………

(1)The Ambulance Driver’s Perspective by Kelly Grayson

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National EMS Week - May 19 - 25, 2013

Harlem-Roscoe Fire would like to take this opportunity to thank all our EMS personnel for their service and dedication!

Paramedics: BC Jay Alms, Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, DC John Bergeron, John Donovan, Rob Gonia, Josh Hoffl and, Lt. Radi Huggard, Lt. Tom Lake, Rob Lukowski, Justin Mayton, Lt. Jerry McCormick, Mike Powell, Reety Radke, Lt. Steve Shoevlin and Patrick Trollop.

EMT-B’s: BC Tom Aaker, Megan Alms, Capt. Ryan Alms, John Barth, Brandon Beilfuss, Capt. Tim Bergeron, Adam Cox, Adam Eich, Nino Girardin, Justin Harwood, Mike Helland, Lt. Mike Huffman, Scott Jensen, Ron Klaman, Joe Koeninger, Stefani Layman, Jesse Martin, Brett Parrish, John Presley, Ryan Sarver, Mike Sherbon, Chief Don Shoevlin, Mark Soppe, Jordan Stark, Lt. Brandon Tietz, Greg Wernick and Christi Wilson.

04/28/13 I-90 mm 4 05/03/13 I-90 at Hwy 173

04/17/13 I-90 mm5

04/09/13 Hwy 173 and Belvidere Rd.

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

04/22/13 Forest Hills Rd. & Hwy 251

05/05/13 Hwy 173 & Belvidere Rd. 04/28/13 Harnish Rd.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

Harlem-Roscoe FireEMS Week - 2013

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

EMS CornerBy BC Jay AlmsParamedic, EMS Coordinator

Welcome to EMS…..

It’s one of those professions that lures you in…. You train to be a fi refi ghter and when you’re sitting at the fi re station and the ambulance responds to 9 out of 10 calls; your curiosity gets the best of you.

Then the Chief says to you one day,” son, how would you like to be part of that team?”…. And 3 months later you’re an EMT and running day & night.

….then taking blood pressures and holding c-spine isn’t enough to satisfy your need to save a life….

So you enroll in the paramedic course, 9-10 months of classroom, hundreds of hours at the hospital in all the different departments, from cardiac lab to labor & delivery, and then 100’s of calls in the back of an ambulance proving to seasoned medics that you can truly be the lead medic and be trusted to use the 2 dozen or so medications we’re trained to administer.

In all, about 2 years of training to be 4th from the bottom in Bureau of Statistics salary rankings. The only people paid less than you are pre-school teachers, dishwashers and meatpackers. The guy riding on the back of the garbage truck, or holding a sign at a highway construction site, makes more than your EMT instructor.(1)

It is a profession where the line-of-duty death rate is comparable to fi refi ghters and police offi cers. For those that aspire to fl ight paramedic status, that particular niche is by far the most dangerous profession in America - ahead of loggers, miners, and Alaska crab fi shermen…(1).

Yet year after year I get fi refi ghters asking to enroll in EMT class. To be a part of the ambulance team. Those that deal with people who are sometimes having the worse day of their life, others that just need a lift, because they just don’t have the strength, knowing the fi re department won’t hesitate to respond.

I’ve been lucky enough to witness that fi rst breath, delivering a baby and far too often witnessing that last breath of the elderly patient that is just too weak, from cancer or another illness, to breathe one more breath…

You will be disrespected by patients and by-standers that don’t know any better, and belittled by doctors and nurses who should. And many of you will endure the abuse of free labor, donating your services as a volunteer.

So why bother?

You should bother because, even if you’re not saving lives, what we do matters. It matters in ways unnoticed by us, to people you may not even remember tomorrow.

You should bother because it’s the little things that matter. Most of your patients are unaware of your skills. Few of them understand the technology that we’ve all been waiting for. But they’ll remember the smile you gave them, or the way you wrapped them in the blanket to ward away winter’s chill, or the way you stood in the rain after wrapping a towel around their head, while you and your partner get drenched loading them in the ambulance. They’ll remember the calm competence and gentle speech.

They’ll remember the joke you made to lighten the tension. They’ll remember those things more and more, and they’ll remember your face long after you’ve forgotten theirs.

You should bother, because when people are at their most vulnerable, they will invite you into their homes and tell you things they won’t even tell their priest. And they’ll expect you to make it better somehow. I’m not sure you understand now how profound an honor that is, but hopefully one day you will.

Here at Harlem-Roscoe Fire, 65% of the fi refi ghters are trained to respond to calls as either EMT’s or Paramedics. This is a commitment to the community that far exceeds any goals or wishes we could ever imagine.

I’ve been at this for 22 years now, I have 3 children, all who have joined me here on the fi re department. Two have already become EMT’s, including my son Captain Ryan and daughter Megan, and the third, my youngest son is currently a fi refi ghter here, and a freshman in college.

I’m proud of my accomplishments, but more than that I am so proud that my family has followed in my footsteps. It’s a rewarding career, whether you’re lucky enough to get paid for it or not. I welcome everyone to experience what I’ve been blessed to enjoy.

EMS the joys and the sorrows………

(1)The Ambulance Driver’s Perspective by Kelly Grayson

\

National EMS Week - May 19 - 25, 2013

Harlem-Roscoe Fire would like to take this opportunity to thank all our EMS personnel for their service and dedication!

Paramedics: BC Jay Alms, Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, DC John Bergeron, John Donovan, Rob Gonia, Josh Hoffl and, Lt. Radi Huggard, Lt. Tom Lake, Rob Lukowski, Justin Mayton, Lt. Jerry McCormick, Mike Powell, Reety Radke, Lt. Steve Shoevlin and Patrick Trollop.

EMT-B’s: BC Tom Aaker, Megan Alms, Capt. Ryan Alms, John Barth, Brandon Beilfuss, Capt. Tim Bergeron, Adam Cox, Adam Eich, Nino Girardin, Justin Harwood, Mike Helland, Lt. Mike Huffman, Scott Jensen, Ron Klaman, Joe Koeninger, Stefani Layman, Jesse Martin, Brett Parrish, John Presley, Ryan Sarver, Mike Sherbon, Chief Don Shoevlin, Mark Soppe, Jordan Stark, Lt. Brandon Tietz, Greg Wernick and Christi Wilson.

04/28/13 I-90 mm 4 05/03/13 I-90 at Hwy 173

04/17/13 I-90 mm5

04/09/13 Hwy 173 and Belvidere Rd.

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

04/22/13 Forest Hills Rd. & Hwy 251

05/05/13 Hwy 173 & Belvidere Rd. 04/28/13 Harnish Rd.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article written by a Harlem-Roscoe Fire Offi cer.

Summer Safety By Capt. Ryan Alms

It’s possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned! When the time comes

to haul out the gas grill, camping equipment, and lawn mower, give some thought to this advice from the nonprofi t National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It could keep you a lot safer this summer:

Grilling - Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn -- your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the grill when ligted, and keep children and pets well away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fi ts high up over your forearm. If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. (Tip: Don’t use butter or a salve on burns because these seal in heat and can damage the tissue further.) If you receive a serious burn, with charred skin, for example, seek medical attention promptly. Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fi re hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If lightning appears while you’re grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.

For charcoal grills, only use starter fl uids (never use gasoline) designed for barbecue grills. Use a limited amount of starter fl uid before lighting the fi re. If the fi re is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. Don’t add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fi re, as fl ash fi res can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool.

For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside - away from structures - and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mix that will show bubbles if gas escapes. When purchasing a gas grill, select one that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional.

Fireworks - The safest way to enjoy fi reworks is to attend an outdoor public display put on by professionals. Pyrotechnic devices (better known as fi reworks) are designed to burn and explode, and are a leading cause of injuries in the U.S. Every year, fi reworks used by amateurs cause thousands of injuries serious enough to require emergency room treatment. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 are at greatest risk of injury from fi reworks. In 1995, more than 11,000 people suffered severe fi reworks injuries in the United States, including burns, lacerations, amputations, and blindness. The NFPA recommends that all fi reworks -- including devices considered “legal”-- be used only by trained professional pyrotechnicians. Even sparklers, often mistaken as safe, burn as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave any area where amateurs (adults included) are using these devices, and do not pick up or touch found fi reworks.

Gasoline Safety - Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasoline-fueled equipment. Keep gasoline up high, inside a clearly marked container that’s labeled and approved for gasoline storage.

Make sure gasoline and all fl ammable liquids are well away from any heat source or fl ame.

Use gasoline as a motor fuel only -- never as a stain remover or for other purposes. To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from the fi lling station, place a sealed, approved container in the trunk with the trunk lid propped open and drive directly to the fueling site. Take a direct route back home and never store gasoline in a vehicle.

Extinguish smoking materials before fueling, and take the equipment outside well away from combustibles. Wipe up any spills immediately and move the equipment at least 10 feet away from the fueling area to start the engine. Before re-fueling, turn off the equipment and let it cool completely.

Boating - Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Be sure the fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake and don’t fi ll to capacity -- leave room for expansion. Wipe up fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.

On board your covered boat, consider installing a smoke detector and test the battery before using the boat each time, replacing the battery with a fresh one at least once a year. Only use portable stoves and heaters specifi cally designed for marine use.For information on marine fi re extinguishers and other information on boating safety, contact the U.S. Coast Guard offi ce near you.

Enjoying Your Pool - Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials (such as body fl uids, acid rain, etc.) or hydrocarbon liquids such as fuel or motor oil. This type of fi re will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous and require resident evacuation. Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and always store them outside the home, away from any heat source or fl ame. Keep the containers in a dry place, well away from other items. If the container is punctured or otherwise damaged, properly dispose of the chemicals. For more information on proper storage of other hazardous chemicals or fl ammable and combustible products, contact your local pool supplier or fi re department.

Camping - Pitch your tent (fl ame retardant is best) well away from your campfi re. Only use fl ashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, as opposed to liquid-fueled heaters or lanterns. In addition to the fi re hazard posed by liquid-fueled devices, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily result in unvented spaces.

Build your campfi re downwind, away from your tent, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Look for signs that warn of potential fi re hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations. Pour water over or cover the fi re with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Store liquid fi re starter -- NEVER use gasoline -- away from your tent and campfi re and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfi re - not liquid fuel.

By following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep summer activities fun and fi re-safe.

Heavy ExtricationPhotos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe and South Beloit fi refi ghters did an exceptional job working side-by-side extricating three passengers out of a Dodge pickup off I-90 at mm1 eastbound on April 13. The truck pulling a trailer had rolled into piles of road debris before coming to a stop. The driver was already out of the truck when units arrived and was transported by ambulance. I-90 was closed and Lifeline, React and UW Helicopters were landed on the roadway and transported the three passengers. It was a long and diffi cult extrication in mud and leaking diesel fuel and the two departments truly showed their expertise. Great job Harlem-Roscoe and South Beloit fi refi ghters and EMTs!

Flooding Snapshots by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters used the department pickup to transport a handicapped woman from her fl ooded home on Edgemere Terr. on April 17.

Eng. Mike Drost transports Matt, a Nicor Rep, to the homes on Edgemere Terr. so he can shut off the gas supply to the fl ooded homes.

Harlem -Roscoe is one of the locations in the county where fl ood victims can get sand bags. On April 17, the Winnebago Co. Inmate Crew were hard at work fi lling sand bags to help fl ooded victims.

Cleaning supplies, supplied by the American Red Cross, are available at Station #1 for local fl ooding victims.

Commercial FirePhotos by Chief Shoevlin & Marcia Soppe

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters responded to the Parker Hannifan business on N. Second for a report of fi re in the building. Chief Shoevlin says, “Insulation around a ventilation pipe of a powder coating booth had caught fi re.” Firefi ghters quickly had the fi re extinguished.

Firefi ghter use the ladder on Quint 752 to access the roof to check the roof area.

Insulation around a ventilation pipe had burned.

Mattress FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters responded to Darby Ln on May 5 for a house fi re. The fi re was contained to a bedroom and a burned mattress was removed from the building. Chief Shoevlin says, “It was an unintentional fi re that appears to be a malfunction of equipment on a battery operated toy.”

House FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters made a great stop on a fi re in a home on Joseph Pkwy on April 12. Fire and smoke were visible with smoke to the fl oor on the fi rst fl oor when units arrived. Firefi ghters made an aggressive attack and knocked down the fi re. A fan in the bedroom is believed to be the culprit. Thanks to the mutual aid departments that helped on scene and covered our stations.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Birthdays

May11th Marcia Soppe13th Josh Hoffl and16th Chuck Schoonover20th John Bunger23rd Rob Lukowski31st Jordan Stark

June7th Megan Alms8th Shannon Burbach ‘40th’11th Mike Huffman16th Mickey Rykowski Jennifer Anderson17th Jesse Martin18th Chris Scott ‘40th’19th Justin Harwood23rd Randy Garner

Total Calls for 2013

921

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.

Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month. www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Has it sprung? The warmer weather that is. We can also be assured that another season of road construction has sprung. In the near future we will have some sort of work being done on what would appear to be every road. This will have traffi c congestion at its best. We all need to be alert and patient. Let’s not forget those laws pertaining to cell phone usage while in these areas.

Congratulations to Engineer Marty Green who was this year’s recipient of theVFW award. It is a most deserving award to a most dependable individual. I would like to thank the VFW for continuing their support of this program. It was an enjoyable evening for all of us in attendance.

May is the month that we recognize and celebrate those in EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Harlem Roscoe is able to operate four ALS (advance life support) ambulances because of our committed individuals. On our roster we have 17 Paramedics, 27 EMT’s, 2 Paramedic students, and 5 EMT students. This is a great accomplishment and all of you are to be commended for going above and beyond the call of duty. Our communities deserve the best and all of you continue to see that they receive it.

The month of May has a day for all of the Moms of our district and those members of our department family. I often wonder if we thank all of them enough for all they endure but more importantly for all the love they share. I share this with all Moms on THEIR day:

What is a Mother?”Author: Katherine Nelson Davis

A mother is someone to shelter and guide us,To love us, whatever we do,

With a warm understanding and infi nite patience,And wonderful gentleness, too.

How often a mother means swift reassuranceIn soothing our small, childish fears,

How tenderly mothers watch over their childrenAnd treasure them all through the years.

The hearth of a mother is full of forgivenessFor any mistake, big or small,

And generous always in helping her familyWhose needs she has placed above all.

A mother can utter a word of compassionAnd make all our cares fall away,

She can brighten a home with the sound of her laughterAnd make life delightful and gay.

A mother possesses incredible wisdomAnd wonderful insight and skill-

In each human heart is that one special cornerWhich only a mother can fi ll!

Loves Park VFW Post 9759 Honors Firefi ghtersPhotos by Tammy Shoevlin

Loves Park VFW Post 9759 Offi cers and Chief Don Shoevlin pose with Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s awardee Marty Green.

Loves Park VFW Post 9759 honored three fi refi ghters from three local fi re departments at their annual Firefi ghter of the Year Award Banquet on April 20. Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghter Marty Green, Loves Park Firefi ghter Bryan Wilhemi, and North Park Firefi ghter Dennis Johnson were honored with this prestigious award.

Chief Shoevlin’s speech on Marty highlighted how dedicated Marty is to the fi re service. “This year our awardee is an individual with a heart of gold and a lot of the energizer bunny in him. Marty joined the department in well, let’s just say he has over 30 years of service to Harlem-Roscoe Fire. Marty and his wife Kelly have two children and are active in the community and their children’s activities. As one would imagine, Marty has numerous accomplishments in his time in the fi re service. One would fi nd the following as successful accomplishments on his resume: Firefi ghter II, Engineer Position, HazMat Awareness, Practical Ice Rescue, Helicopter Safety, Nims 700, 200, and 100. He is an active instructor in our driving program and heads our Building Maintenance Division. In 2010 Marty was awarded the department’s Good Service Award by his peers. He has served as Vice President of the Firefi ghter’s Association. This past year, 2012, Marty clocked in over 420 hours between training and call responses. This does not include the time he committed to work on and around the stations. And one last thing, he is the brute force and drive behind the scenes of our successful Spring Dinners. All this is while working a full-time job and being active with his family. His dedication shows in his longevity with the department and his quiet dedication to not just doing a job,but doing it well. He does not toot his own horn or look for compensation for the time he gives. I assure you that this gentleman is packed with a lot of pride and tradition for the fi re service and life. It is truly an honor for me to be his Chief and to have him representing the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department”

L-r, Chief Shoevlin, BC Jay Alms, Lt. Mike Huffman, Dispatcher Jen Anderson, Marty, Eng. Matt Bush, Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, Lt. Brandon Tietz, Capt. Tim Bergeron, BC Tom Aaker and Lt. Radi Huggard.

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Gone,But not forgotten

Some people come into our lives, and quickly go. Some stay awhile and leave footprints in our

hearts. And, we are never, ever the same.

Paramedic John Morgan’s mother Betty Jane Morgan (85) passed away on April 26 in Dixon, IL.

It is with a heavy heart we send out our heart-felt prayers and sympathies to John and his family.

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Guide Dogs Train at Fire StationA group of guide dogs in training visited Fire Station #3 on April 21 as part of their training. Each pup had to do the following:

Go up and down stairs in the training tower twice. Watch a fi refi ghter get dressed in full gear and then be petted by the fi refi ghter. Go through the smoke house just like the kids.Sit and watch a fi re truck go by with lights and sirens on twice.Tour the ambulance.

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Local Pilot RetiresPhotos by Chaplain Bob Clark

On Sunday April 28th. Harlem Roscoe Fire assisted in providing a traditional Air Line retirement salute to United Air Line Capt. John Shockey after 22 years of service. Congratulations Capt.Shockey.

Shannon BurbachJune 8 - ‘40th”

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip

Dispatcher Jerry Lund says he likes to joke with the Chief when he checks in while he’s out of town by telling him about a big call he is missing. Well, April 12 Jerry says it wasn’t a joke. Chief calls in to dispatch and Jerry said he was able to say, “We have a major accident on I-90 with 3 helicopters, 4 ambulances and a dozen fi re trucks” and not be joking!

Administrative Assitant Colleen Bloyer says, “ I would like to thank all of you for making my “special birthday” a wonderful day. The fl owers, balloons, cards from each station, the calls to wish me a ” Happy Birthday”, lunch, and of course cake. I really enjoyed my parking spot for the day, my special chair for my desk, the sign out front (that people who came in wishing me happy birthday) because of it, and the decorations. You really know how to make a girl feel young!!!!”

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefi re.com

May 2013 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Sheryl Drost

Celebrating EMS WeekPages 6-8

House FirePages 1 & 3

Must have been Buddy month!!