the firehouse scene Is a monthly publication of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District Fire Chief Oscar Presley. Vol. 12 No. 10 www.harlemroscoefire.com October 2007 Firefighter Adam Cox and Randy Lovelace finish putting out some hot spots in a burned camper. Camper Fire Photo by Sheryl Drost Observant and quick-acting neighbors brought the fire department to some of the fires this month in time to save buildings like the one next to the burned camper pictured above. See more on the fire above and others starting on page 2. . .
Transcript
Station GossipThe Association’s Haunted Hayride is at 6512 Manchester Road every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Halloween. Price is $8.00. See Lt. Miller to sign up for your shift to help with the hayride. The need all the help they can get.The phantom fi re brigade saved Jerry Lund’s pizza from a slow burning death. Ike is threatening to buy a pack of mules, but says the guys would probably put them in the hitch backwards and make them push the truck, not pull it!It seems Bill is recruting in Florida for his team.Quite the humorous discussion between Oscar, Virgil, and Bill on robbing watermelon patches when they were little!! It will probably be awhile before we get the Cooper out of our systems and call her April Scott. Shoot, Drost still creeps in on the reports instead of Aaker for Amber - and its been two years. Trustee Jim Burdick emailed me the following, “This is what NOT to due to a Trustee’s vehicle if he pisses you off....”. Check out this website to see what he is talking about. http://my.break.com/content/view.aspx?ContentId=365181
The boat class was out at Lake Victoria when Randy locked the keys in 746, Too embarrassed to call back to the fi re station for the lock kit, they thought they would get South Beloit Police to open it up and no one would know.. . He He He....Wrong!
B By Debbie Rykowski
Yes moms and dads, it’s that time again – time for the little ones to go out trick-or-treating. We at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department hope you and your children have a fun and safe Halloween and practice the following safety tips to help ensure a fun evening!
Trick – Or – Treating Safety Tips- Trick or treat in your own neighborhood with families you are familiar with.- Trick or treat on well-lit streets.- Instruct your children to only accept those treats at the door, that they should stay outside on the porch and not enter someone’s home.- Give your child a proper size trick or treat bag, I’ve seen children carrying bags as tall as they are and stumbling over their “goodies” just to walk to the next house.- Have a responsible adult accompany your child or a group of your child’s friends.- Advise your child to bring all their treats home for mom and dad to examine. Dispose of any unwrapped candies or anything looking suspicious.
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- Advise your child to walk on sidewalks and up the sidewalk to a house, not to run across yards or driveways to the neighboring house. There may be yard sprinklers, dog run chains, clotheslines, rakes, or numerous other items in someone’s yard that may not be visible at night, which might cause your child to fall and become injured.
Costume Safety Tips- When looking for that “perfect” costume for your little one, please keep in mind the age of your child and their body height and size and pick a costume that fi ts them properly. Don’t allow the costume to drag – it may cause your child to trip and fall and be injured unnecessarily. - Choose a light colored or bright costume to help illuminate your child as the sun sets.- Be sure the costume is fl ame resistant.- Be sure masks, wigs or hats fi t appropriately and do notobstruct your child’s eyesight.- Carry a fl ashlight to allow your child to see the walking path.- Have your child carry a light stick as part of their costume tohelp drivers be able to see them in the streets.- If possible, accent your child’s costume with refl ective tape on the back of the costume.- If your child is carrying a prop such as a sword or wand, make it out of fl exible materials so that in the event of a fall, the toy will give and not injure your child or those around him.- Teach your child to “STOP – DROP – AND ROLL” in the event their costume does catch fi re – this will smother the fl ames and keep your child from further burn injury.
Halloween Decorating Safety Tips For Your Home- Use only UL-approved lighted decorations at all times.- Never leave your candle lit pumpkins unattended. Better yet – use a fl ashlight or glow stick for a lighting device in your pumpkin – it is much safer for you, your home and the trick-or-treaters.- Carve your pumpkins on a fl at, stable surface. Pumpkin carving can be tricky and we want you to be safe cutting out those scary faces.- Keep any decorations, such as dried corn stalks, hay bales, scarecrows, dried fl owers, etc. away from any open fl ame or heat source.- Keep your outside light on to let the little “monsters” know that your house is okay to visit and also to aid their visibility walking up your sidewalk or driveway.
Most importantly – HAVE FUN and BE SAFE! Halloween is a fun, time-honored tradition in most families. Make it a family fun event – have fun with it, take a camera and take pictures or videos, invite neighborhood kids to walk together, no one wants to go alone. I truly enjoy watching the kiddie show up with their monster and little princess costumes, they are so proud of what they are wearing! It’s even more fun when mom and/or dad are dressed up also – we are all kids at heart and makes it more fun for everyone – even those giving out the treats!
Those of us at the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department wish you and your family a Spoook-tacular Halloween and Boooo-tiful evening, have a Monster of a good time!
the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection DistrictFire Chief Oscar Presley.
PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073
The Firehouse Scene - Page 12
Vol. 12 No. 10 www.harlemroscoefi re.com October 2007
Firefi ghter Adam Cox and Randy Lovelace fi nish putting out some hot spots in a burned camper.
Camper Fire Photo by Sheryl Drost
Observant and quick-acting neighbors brought the fi re department to some of the fi res this month in time to save buildings like the one next to the burned camper pictured above.
See more on the fi re above and others starting on page 2. . .
Parked Camper Burns By Sheryl Drost
Smoke coming from a parked camper next to a building on Mainsail Drive prompted a quick call to 9-1-1 on September 14. Firefi ghters arrived to fi nd the camper fully involved with smoke and fi re. The camper received major damage from the fi re, but the building next to it was saved. The fi re is believed to have started near audio/visual equipment in the front of the camper.
The TV area was believed to be where the fi re started.
Fire Investigator Captain Bill Sabin begins his investigation
A minipumper and Engine/Pumper were used to fi ght the fi re.
Firefi ghters Andy Cox and Randy Lovelace reload hose on the minipumper.
Neighbors Save Home and Family By Sheryl Drost
Residents on Ramboulet Ridge had no idea the back of the home was on fi re until a neighbor started pounding on their door on September 29. They called 9-1-1 to report the fi re and started spraying it with a garden hose. They were able to knock the fi re down before fi refi ghters arrived. The culprit was in a plant box along the back wall of the home on the deck. Potting soil will catch fi re when presented with an ignition source. The residents weren’t smokers (planters seem to be a common ash tray), so the investigators were unsure exactly what started the fi re. It was a windy day and it could have even been sparks from backyard burning pits in the neighborhood.
September 29
Firefi ghter Mike Baldwin uses a heat gun to check for any fi re extension as Fire Investigator Captain Mike Drost starts his investigation of the burned area.
Oven Fire Photo by Chief Oscar Presley
An oven fi re on Anjali Way was quickly extinguished on September 21.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11
New Baby
Congratulations to Jerry & Amy McCormick on the birth of their son. Robert Samuel McCormick arrived on October 4 at 10:45 PM. Sam measured in at 5lbs. 13oz and 19 inches long. Jerry says Sam is the fourth generation of Robert McCormicks that will go by their middle name. Mom and baby are doing better after a rough labor and a trip back to the hospital. Amy says Jerry is wonderful and has even been taking care of most of the diaper changing while she recovers from surgery! Congratulations Jerry and Amy, he is just adorable.
Congratulations!
April & Chris ScottSeptember 29, 2007
Happy Birthday
Happy ‘25th’ BirthdayRyan Alms
Happy ‘50th’ BirthdayDon Shoevlin
EMS CornerBy Captain John Bergeron
IDPH was here and inspected all the ambulances. All ambulances passed with only minor problems. Please, remember that the OB Kits that we carry must be sealed. Thanks to all the personnel that helped to get the ambulances ready for the inspections.
There have been a new type of lancets placed on the trucks for the glucometers. EMS personnel, please look at the lancets and become familiar with them.
A new ambulance has been ordered from Med Tech and is due to arrive here next spring. The ambulance is similar to 1-C-39 with a few changes done to it.
Family PicnicSeptember 16 - good food, fun, and family, who could ask for more? Enjoy some pictures. . .
The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3
Industrial Building Fire By Sheryl Drost
Firefi ghters were rousted from their beds around 3am for a fi re at an industrial builing on Anvil Drive on October 11. First in units reported smoke showing. Captain Tim Schrader and his crew on Engine 702 found the fi re on the outside of the rear of the building. They extinguished it before it was able to extend into the large metal building. The night shift working inside the building were unhurt. The fi re is believed to have started in one of the bins of debris, possibly by smoking materials.
.
Firefi ghter Rob Lukowski fi nishes putting out some fi re in one of the metal bins.
Firefi ghters overhaul the bins checking for more fi re.
Firefi ghter Mark Soppe checks behind the metal wall panels for fi re extension.
Mulch is Fire Culprit By Sheryl Drost
Alert residents spotting smoke on the side of their neighbor’s garage and calling 9-1-1, may have saved a home on Bowen Parkway on September 15. Firefi ghters found mulch burning and quickly put it out with water extinguishers.
Firefi ghtrers pull the burning mulch away from the garage wall.
The mulch fi re had started to burn the garage in two places.
Fireplace Fire Too Big? By Sheryl Drost
Residents on Kipling Way called for the fi re department after the fi re they lit in their fi replace grew a little too big - sending sparks even out the chimney. Firefi ghters put the fi re out and checked the home over for any fi re extension.
Firefi ghter Mike Baldwin uses a Thermal Imaging Camera to check for any fi re extension.
BirthdaysOctober 2nd Randy Lovelace5th Chad Walker7th Dick Schoonover Jon Pyzynski ‘25’ Brandon Tietz8th Ryan Goode12th April Scott ‘25’15th Ryan Alms ‘25’17th Dave Doyle26th Tom Aaker27th Ryan Bussey31st Bob Stark
November1st Jerry McCormick Don Shoevlin ‘50th’3rd Joe Quast Bill Scheider8th Harry Wagner11th Kelly Green16th Jim Daughenbaugh30th Mike Baldwin
November Breakfast CrewJeff Morris, Scott Gredenius, Mike Sherbon, Ron Klaman,Vern Sarver, & Matt Lane.
Total 2007 CallsAs of 09/30/07
1648
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.
• Rico VanderHeyden’s mom, Elisabeth, of Sycamore, IL, passed away September 15.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Rico and his family
Congratulations - Probation is OverFor eight of the ten new recruits, the waiting is over. No more probie red hats - they are off probation. The other two will follow soon.
September 25, Trustee Jim Burdick gave the oath to the eight fi refi ghters.
L-r Chief Oscar Presley, Captain Don Shoevlin, newly sworn in fi refi ghters, Eric Schweitzer, Randy Lovelace, Brian Mayer, Brian Szilagzi, Reety Radke, Mike Baldwin, Lindsey Weirick, & Brandon Tietz, Deputy Chief John Presley, and Trustee Jim Burdick.
ISO Shuttle - By Sheryl Drost
Six fi re departments joined Harlem-Roscoe for a timed water shuttle directed by ISO Field Rep. Chris Moore. - Boone Co. Rural #2, North Boone #3, Northwest, Pecatonica, Rockton, & Win-Bur-Sew.
The purpose of the shuttle is to get a better ISO rating in the non-hydrant areas of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire District; to save district residents money on their insurance.
Eight tankers and an engine were used in the shuttle. The engine set up and fl owed water as in a real fi re. The tankers were then each timed as they dumped their water.
Then the tankers were each timed as they were fi lled from a hydrant. It will be a few months before we get the ruling on whether our rating has improved.
Trainings Photos by Sheryl Drost & Jim Johnson
October 7 - Boat Ops Class at Lake Victoria.
September 23, Rope Ops Class at the tower.
Driver Training CoursePhoto by Sheryl Drost
Matt Bush checks off two more drivers as they complete the obstacle course for the aerials on September 23.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9
Accidents Photos by Chief Oscar Presley and Sheryl Drost
09/07/07 Forest Hills Road & West Lane 09/08/07 1219 Brentwood Rd.
10/05/07 1530 West Lane 10/07/07 I-90 mm 76 10/08/07 Willowbrook Road south of McCurry
A Probie’s Ponderings - Part IIIHow the Recruits Became Firefi ghtersBy Randy Lovelace
In the fi rst week of January, 27 eager new recruits entered their fi rst class to become fi refi ghters with the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. Those recruits ranged in age from 17 to 48, and most had no clue about what they were beginning. That class graduated 15 people on March 24, who then entered probationary status. Now, at the end of 6-months probation, we have 10 people left from the initial class.
Although it’s good that we made it from “know-nothing civilians” into active service with the HRFD, we need to remember how we actually accomplished this.
In speaking with Lt. Jerry McCormick, I learned that well over 1000 hours goes into the preparation, set up and execution of the recruit class. The entire training division was involved in the planning of this operation, and every member (and some non-members) was tasked with the job of getting us to understand the tools, methods and dangers of fi re service. We heard on more than one occasion, “If you do that, you’re going to die”, “If you don’t do this, you’re going to die”! I think I even remember hearing “You’re recruits. Therefore, you’re going to die”!
The training division devoted each Thursday and Saturday for 3-months to our development. While that was going on, they continued normal training operations for the rest of the department. Talk about a workload!
Throughout the class, we saw something of ourselves. We saw panic in the SCBA maze. We witnessed fear take hold at the top of a tall ladder. We watched big men tremble at the thought of being “carried” down a ladder. We saw trainees claim “asthma” to get out of the burn tower. We saw tears fl ow when we were told our performance was appalling. We saw shoulders slump when we were told to do even more laps up and down the tower. But the best thing we saw was our own growth as we overcame each of those fears, and learned to do as we were taught. Each time panic would appear, there would be an instructor talking calmly to us, helping us work through the fear, and helping us understand how we got to that point in the fi rst place.
I’d like to report that it was through our own hard work, perseverance, and never-ending quest for knowledge that got us this far. But, that would be untrue. We got here because of the dedication of the rest of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. Our instructors, assistant instructors, mentors, offi cers and fi refi ghter friends pulled us along to where we are now. We were transformed, not by our efforts, but by the efforts of all those that trained us. Our teachers yelled at us when it was helpful. They consoled us when it was necessary. They joked with us to help us stay relaxed as we took on new challenges.
Once we graduated from the recruit class, and became probies, we relied heavily on the experience of our offi cers and the fi refi ghters with whom we ride vehicles and process scenes. From them, we learned pertinent information regarding a variety of topics.
We learned some simple lessons:
1. Do we don our packs, or just go with bunkers and gloves? (depends on the call)2. Do we move quickly (note, I didn’t say speed recklessly) to the station with blue lights, or simply get to the station and offer our support as needed? (depends on the call)3. If we sprint for our gear, the driver will usually hold the truck for us. If we jog, the truck won’t wait. (depends on us)4. When do we wash the trucks? (if we have red hats, we wash all the time)5. What do we need to do to support fundraisers? (anything we’re asked to do)6. What do we need to do to support parades? (anything we’re asked to do)7. Where do we go to complain about the workload? (there’s no such place)
We learned some humiliating lessons:
1. Show up to a fi re call without your helmet, and no one will let you forget it!2. Fail to fi t in with the demands of probie-life, and the fi refi ghters will make your life as diffi cult as possible.3. Show up to a scene dressed improperly, and the Chief will direct your offi cer to have a conversation with you about how to clothe yourself.4. Fail to appear for details or training and the fi refi ghters will spend all their time forgetting your name!5. Put on the dog costume just one time, and it gets assigned to you until you retire!6. Don’t yet know truck numbers or the type of vehicle that goes to a specifi c type of emergency, the fi refi ghters will laugh long and hard as you’re the only one in 761, watching 701 roll out the door!
We learned some hard lessons. Well, not really. We learned there’s some hard work to be done, but all the lessons were easy to learn. Remembering our place was the toughest part. A couple of calls won’t make us experts on anything. Although we can question actions to learn the thinking behind the processes, we should only question safety as we receive our tasking.
We found a family within the three stations of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. We found people willing to teach us what we needed. We found people willing to welcome our presence. We found people willing to make us feel at home, both at the station, and socially. We found people that wanted us to feel like we belonged to their family – the brothers and sisters of HRFD. We found a unique group of fi refi ghters that were happy that we wanted to be fi refi ghters, too. I believe that each and every one of us found a place we can call home.
To everyone helping us grow into the job, thank you for your effort. Thank you for your time. Thank you for the experience you’re sharing with us. Thank you for making us feel useful and necessary to the department. Most importantly, thank you for putting up with us as we worked only to reach the day we could remove our probie hats forever!
The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5
Bad Weekend on I-90 EMS and fi refi ghters had a very busy weekend October 5-7 including fi ve accident calls out on I-90 - four of them rollovers. We landed the helicopters for two of them and one had a fatal.
October 6, a single car rollover at mm2 sent three patients to the hospital. One victim was extricated and airlifted by Lifeline Helicopter and two went by ambulance.
I-90 was shut down and Lifeline Emergency Helicopter landed. They transported one of the patients and an ambulance took the other two to the hospital.
A few hours later, another single car rollover sent EMS and fi refi ghters back out on I-90 to mm74.5. This accident would send fi ve victims to the hospital. One was thrown from the vehicle and fi refi ghters extricated one from the vehicle. Two were air-lifted by Lifeline and React Emergency Helicopters and three were transported by ambulances.
I-90 was again shut down and Lifeline and React Helicopters were landed to transport two of the patients. Sadly one wouldn’t make it and died at the hospital.
From the Chiefs DesksBy Chief Oscar Presley
This is our busy month. The Fire Prevention Crew under Captain Bill Sabin has been very active, not only in the schools, but at the Hwy 173 corridor.
The schools have been doing a wonderful job evacuating the schools during their fi re drills. We got many requests for Sparky, so the next few weeks we may have to return with him.
I would also like to say that the Captains who ran the accidents on the tollway did a good job. And the fi re personnel performed well along with the medics, helicopters, and police.
Now, in the next few weeks, we have several tours of our station. We can use help if you can.
Our Open house is at Station #2 on the 14th. Lets hope all show up for a time and make it a lot of fun for area children who hope to shoot water, and slide down the fi re pole. There will be other things and the treats, oh boy, lots of cake and refreshments. Mothers don’t forget to bring the camera to take pictures of your children in action. I look forward to greeting you there. Oscar
Station UpdatesBy Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell
The fi rst week of September, when we were getting Sparky ready for the Fall Festival Parade, I found out that Sparky had a sore neck and could not turn his head. After looking inside Sparky’s head, I decided he needed a specialist and closed him back up. I contacted Paramedic Mike Powell who decided that Sparky needed a motor transplant. So, Mike went to work on the transplant. After coming off the operating table (actually the lounge table), Sparky only needed a few adjustments and the surgery was a success. So, now Sparky is ready to get back to meeting the kids. A big Thank you to Paramedic/FF Mike Powell.
If you know anyone interested in our cruise. They need to sign-up by October 15 to get with our group.
Mark October 20th on your calendar for the 14th Annual Stateline Area Firefi ghter Memorial. Please wear full dress blue uniforms. We will meet at your respective stations and leave at 7:45am for breakfast at the Salvation Army at 628 Broad Street in Beloit. The breakfast is open to all fi refi ghters and their family. At 10am the Procession starts at the Salvation Army and ends at the Peoples Church. Then at 10:45 there will be the memorial service at the church.
All Aboard!!!Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghter’s Association
Western Caribbean Cruise Fundraiser January 13 - 20, 2008
You will be cruising the Western Caribbean for 8 days and 7 nights with stops at Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. Cost includes the seven night cruise, round trip air fare, transfers, and taxes.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7
Fire Prevention Week and Fall Festival Parade 2007
The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7
Fire Prevention Week and Fall Festival Parade 2007
A Probie’s Ponderings - Part IIIHow the Recruits Became Firefi ghtersBy Randy Lovelace
In the fi rst week of January, 27 eager new recruits entered their fi rst class to become fi refi ghters with the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. Those recruits ranged in age from 17 to 48, and most had no clue about what they were beginning. That class graduated 15 people on March 24, who then entered probationary status. Now, at the end of 6-months probation, we have 10 people left from the initial class.
Although it’s good that we made it from “know-nothing civilians” into active service with the HRFD, we need to remember how we actually accomplished this.
In speaking with Lt. Jerry McCormick, I learned that well over 1000 hours goes into the preparation, set up and execution of the recruit class. The entire training division was involved in the planning of this operation, and every member (and some non-members) was tasked with the job of getting us to understand the tools, methods and dangers of fi re service. We heard on more than one occasion, “If you do that, you’re going to die”, “If you don’t do this, you’re going to die”! I think I even remember hearing “You’re recruits. Therefore, you’re going to die”!
The training division devoted each Thursday and Saturday for 3-months to our development. While that was going on, they continued normal training operations for the rest of the department. Talk about a workload!
Throughout the class, we saw something of ourselves. We saw panic in the SCBA maze. We witnessed fear take hold at the top of a tall ladder. We watched big men tremble at the thought of being “carried” down a ladder. We saw trainees claim “asthma” to get out of the burn tower. We saw tears fl ow when we were told our performance was appalling. We saw shoulders slump when we were told to do even more laps up and down the tower. But the best thing we saw was our own growth as we overcame each of those fears, and learned to do as we were taught. Each time panic would appear, there would be an instructor talking calmly to us, helping us work through the fear, and helping us understand how we got to that point in the fi rst place.
I’d like to report that it was through our own hard work, perseverance, and never-ending quest for knowledge that got us this far. But, that would be untrue. We got here because of the dedication of the rest of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. Our instructors, assistant instructors, mentors, offi cers and fi refi ghter friends pulled us along to where we are now. We were transformed, not by our efforts, but by the efforts of all those that trained us. Our teachers yelled at us when it was helpful. They consoled us when it was necessary. They joked with us to help us stay relaxed as we took on new challenges.
Once we graduated from the recruit class, and became probies, we relied heavily on the experience of our offi cers and the fi refi ghters with whom we ride vehicles and process scenes. From them, we learned pertinent information regarding a variety of topics.
We learned some simple lessons:
1. Do we don our packs, or just go with bunkers and gloves? (depends on the call)2. Do we move quickly (note, I didn’t say speed recklessly) to the station with blue lights, or simply get to the station and offer our support as needed? (depends on the call)3. If we sprint for our gear, the driver will usually hold the truck for us. If we jog, the truck won’t wait. (depends on us)4. When do we wash the trucks? (if we have red hats, we wash all the time)5. What do we need to do to support fundraisers? (anything we’re asked to do)6. What do we need to do to support parades? (anything we’re asked to do)7. Where do we go to complain about the workload? (there’s no such place)
We learned some humiliating lessons:
1. Show up to a fi re call without your helmet, and no one will let you forget it!2. Fail to fi t in with the demands of probie-life, and the fi refi ghters will make your life as diffi cult as possible.3. Show up to a scene dressed improperly, and the Chief will direct your offi cer to have a conversation with you about how to clothe yourself.4. Fail to appear for details or training and the fi refi ghters will spend all their time forgetting your name!5. Put on the dog costume just one time, and it gets assigned to you until you retire!6. Don’t yet know truck numbers or the type of vehicle that goes to a specifi c type of emergency, the fi refi ghters will laugh long and hard as you’re the only one in 761, watching 701 roll out the door!
We learned some hard lessons. Well, not really. We learned there’s some hard work to be done, but all the lessons were easy to learn. Remembering our place was the toughest part. A couple of calls won’t make us experts on anything. Although we can question actions to learn the thinking behind the processes, we should only question safety as we receive our tasking.
We found a family within the three stations of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. We found people willing to teach us what we needed. We found people willing to welcome our presence. We found people willing to make us feel at home, both at the station, and socially. We found people that wanted us to feel like we belonged to their family – the brothers and sisters of HRFD. We found a unique group of fi refi ghters that were happy that we wanted to be fi refi ghters, too. I believe that each and every one of us found a place we can call home.
To everyone helping us grow into the job, thank you for your effort. Thank you for your time. Thank you for the experience you’re sharing with us. Thank you for making us feel useful and necessary to the department. Most importantly, thank you for putting up with us as we worked only to reach the day we could remove our probie hats forever!
The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5
Bad Weekend on I-90 EMS and fi refi ghters had a very busy weekend October 5-7 including fi ve accident calls out on I-90 - four of them rollovers. We landed the helicopters for two of them and one had a fatal.
October 6, a single car rollover at mm2 sent three patients to the hospital. One victim was extricated and airlifted by Lifeline Helicopter and two went by ambulance.
I-90 was shut down and Lifeline Emergency Helicopter landed. They transported one of the patients and an ambulance took the other two to the hospital.
A few hours later, another single car rollover sent EMS and fi refi ghters back out on I-90 to mm74.5. This accident would send fi ve victims to the hospital. One was thrown from the vehicle and fi refi ghters extricated one from the vehicle. Two were air-lifted by Lifeline and React Emergency Helicopters and three were transported by ambulances.
I-90 was again shut down and Lifeline and React Helicopters were landed to transport two of the patients. Sadly one wouldn’t make it and died at the hospital.
From the Chiefs DesksBy Chief Oscar Presley
This is our busy month. The Fire Prevention Crew under Captain Bill Sabin has been very active, not only in the schools, but at the Hwy 173 corridor.
The schools have been doing a wonderful job evacuating the schools during their fi re drills. We got many requests for Sparky, so the next few weeks we may have to return with him.
I would also like to say that the Captains who ran the accidents on the tollway did a good job. And the fi re personnel performed well along with the medics, helicopters, and police.
Now, in the next few weeks, we have several tours of our station. We can use help if you can.
Our Open house is at Station #2 on the 14th. Lets hope all show up for a time and make it a lot of fun for area children who hope to shoot water, and slide down the fi re pole. There will be other things and the treats, oh boy, lots of cake and refreshments. Mothers don’t forget to bring the camera to take pictures of your children in action. I look forward to greeting you there. Oscar
Station UpdatesBy Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell
The fi rst week of September, when we were getting Sparky ready for the Fall Festival Parade, I found out that Sparky had a sore neck and could not turn his head. After looking inside Sparky’s head, I decided he needed a specialist and closed him back up. I contacted Paramedic Mike Powell who decided that Sparky needed a motor transplant. So, Mike went to work on the transplant. After coming off the operating table (actually the lounge table), Sparky only needed a few adjustments and the surgery was a success. So, now Sparky is ready to get back to meeting the kids. A big Thank you to Paramedic/FF Mike Powell.
If you know anyone interested in our cruise. They need to sign-up by October 15 to get with our group.
Mark October 20th on your calendar for the 14th Annual Stateline Area Firefi ghter Memorial. Please wear full dress blue uniforms. We will meet at your respective stations and leave at 7:45am for breakfast at the Salvation Army at 628 Broad Street in Beloit. The breakfast is open to all fi refi ghters and their family. At 10am the Procession starts at the Salvation Army and ends at the Peoples Church. Then at 10:45 there will be the memorial service at the church.
All Aboard!!!Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghter’s Association
Western Caribbean Cruise Fundraiser January 13 - 20, 2008
You will be cruising the Western Caribbean for 8 days and 7 nights with stops at Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. Cost includes the seven night cruise, round trip air fare, transfers, and taxes.
Congratulations - Probation is OverFor eight of the ten new recruits, the waiting is over. No more probie red hats - they are off probation. The other two will follow soon.
September 25, Trustee Jim Burdick gave the oath to the eight fi refi ghters.
L-r Chief Oscar Presley, Captain Don Shoevlin, newly sworn in fi refi ghters, Eric Schweitzer, Randy Lovelace, Brian Mayer, Brian Szilagzi, Reety Radke, Mike Baldwin, Lindsey Weirick, & Brandon Tietz, Deputy Chief John Presley, and Trustee Jim Burdick.
ISO Shuttle - By Sheryl Drost
Six fi re departments joined Harlem-Roscoe for a timed water shuttle directed by ISO Field Rep. Chris Moore. - Boone Co. Rural #2, North Boone #3, Northwest, Pecatonica, Rockton, & Win-Bur-Sew.
The purpose of the shuttle is to get a better ISO rating in the non-hydrant areas of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire District; to save district residents money on their insurance.
Eight tankers and an engine were used in the shuttle. The engine set up and fl owed water as in a real fi re. The tankers were then each timed as they dumped their water.
Then the tankers were each timed as they were fi lled from a hydrant. It will be a few months before we get the ruling on whether our rating has improved.
Trainings Photos by Sheryl Drost & Jim Johnson
October 7 - Boat Ops Class at Lake Victoria.
September 23, Rope Ops Class at the tower.
Driver Training CoursePhoto by Sheryl Drost
Matt Bush checks off two more drivers as they complete the obstacle course for the aerials on September 23.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9
Accidents Photos by Chief Oscar Presley and Sheryl Drost
09/07/07 Forest Hills Road & West Lane 09/08/07 1219 Brentwood Rd.
10/05/07 1530 West Lane 10/07/07 I-90 mm 76 10/08/07 Willowbrook Road south of McCurry
Happy Birthday
Happy ‘25th’ BirthdayRyan Alms
Happy ‘50th’ BirthdayDon Shoevlin
EMS CornerBy Captain John Bergeron
IDPH was here and inspected all the ambulances. All ambulances passed with only minor problems. Please, remember that the OB Kits that we carry must be sealed. Thanks to all the personnel that helped to get the ambulances ready for the inspections.
There have been a new type of lancets placed on the trucks for the glucometers. EMS personnel, please look at the lancets and become familiar with them.
A new ambulance has been ordered from Med Tech and is due to arrive here next spring. The ambulance is similar to 1-C-39 with a few changes done to it.
Family PicnicSeptember 16 - good food, fun, and family, who could ask for more? Enjoy some pictures. . .
The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3
Industrial Building Fire By Sheryl Drost
Firefi ghters were rousted from their beds around 3am for a fi re at an industrial builing on Anvil Drive on October 11. First in units reported smoke showing. Captain Tim Schrader and his crew on Engine 702 found the fi re on the outside of the rear of the building. They extinguished it before it was able to extend into the large metal building. The night shift working inside the building were unhurt. The fi re is believed to have started in one of the bins of debris, possibly by smoking materials.
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Firefi ghter Rob Lukowski fi nishes putting out some fi re in one of the metal bins.
Firefi ghters overhaul the bins checking for more fi re.
Firefi ghter Mark Soppe checks behind the metal wall panels for fi re extension.
Mulch is Fire Culprit By Sheryl Drost
Alert residents spotting smoke on the side of their neighbor’s garage and calling 9-1-1, may have saved a home on Bowen Parkway on September 15. Firefi ghters found mulch burning and quickly put it out with water extinguishers.
Firefi ghtrers pull the burning mulch away from the garage wall.
The mulch fi re had started to burn the garage in two places.
Fireplace Fire Too Big? By Sheryl Drost
Residents on Kipling Way called for the fi re department after the fi re they lit in their fi replace grew a little too big - sending sparks even out the chimney. Firefi ghters put the fi re out and checked the home over for any fi re extension.
Firefi ghter Mike Baldwin uses a Thermal Imaging Camera to check for any fi re extension.
BirthdaysOctober 2nd Randy Lovelace5th Chad Walker7th Dick Schoonover Jon Pyzynski ‘25’ Brandon Tietz8th Ryan Goode12th April Scott ‘25’15th Ryan Alms ‘25’17th Dave Doyle26th Tom Aaker27th Ryan Bussey31st Bob Stark
November1st Jerry McCormick Don Shoevlin ‘50th’3rd Joe Quast Bill Scheider8th Harry Wagner11th Kelly Green16th Jim Daughenbaugh30th Mike Baldwin
November Breakfast CrewJeff Morris, Scott Gredenius, Mike Sherbon, Ron Klaman,Vern Sarver, & Matt Lane.
Total 2007 CallsAs of 09/30/07
1648
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.
• Rico VanderHeyden’s mom, Elisabeth, of Sycamore, IL, passed away September 15.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Rico and his family
Parked Camper Burns By Sheryl Drost
Smoke coming from a parked camper next to a building on Mainsail Drive prompted a quick call to 9-1-1 on September 14. Firefi ghters arrived to fi nd the camper fully involved with smoke and fi re. The camper received major damage from the fi re, but the building next to it was saved. The fi re is believed to have started near audio/visual equipment in the front of the camper.
The TV area was believed to be where the fi re started.
Fire Investigator Captain Bill Sabin begins his investigation
A minipumper and Engine/Pumper were used to fi ght the fi re.
Firefi ghters Andy Cox and Randy Lovelace reload hose on the minipumper.
Neighbors Save Home and Family By Sheryl Drost
Residents on Ramboulet Ridge had no idea the back of the home was on fi re until a neighbor started pounding on their door on September 29. They called 9-1-1 to report the fi re and started spraying it with a garden hose. They were able to knock the fi re down before fi refi ghters arrived. The culprit was in a plant box along the back wall of the home on the deck. Potting soil will catch fi re when presented with an ignition source. The residents weren’t smokers (planters seem to be a common ash tray), so the investigators were unsure exactly what started the fi re. It was a windy day and it could have even been sparks from backyard burning pits in the neighborhood.
September 29
Firefi ghter Mike Baldwin uses a heat gun to check for any fi re extension as Fire Investigator Captain Mike Drost starts his investigation of the burned area.
Oven Fire Photo by Chief Oscar Presley
An oven fi re on Anjali Way was quickly extinguished on September 21.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11
New Baby
Congratulations to Jerry & Amy McCormick on the birth of their son. Robert Samuel McCormick arrived on October 4 at 10:45 PM. Sam measured in at 5lbs. 13oz and 19 inches long. Jerry says Sam is the fourth generation of Robert McCormicks that will go by their middle name. Mom and baby are doing better after a rough labor and a trip back to the hospital. Amy says Jerry is wonderful and has even been taking care of most of the diaper changing while she recovers from surgery! Congratulations Jerry and Amy, he is just adorable.
Congratulations!
April & Chris ScottSeptember 29, 2007
Station GossipThe Association’s Haunted Hayride is at 6512 Manchester Road every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Halloween. Price is $8.00. See Lt. Miller to sign up for your shift to help with the hayride. The need all the help they can get.The phantom fi re brigade saved Jerry Lund’s pizza from a slow burning death. Ike is threatening to buy a pack of mules, but says the guys would probably put them in the hitch backwards and make them push the truck, not pull it!It seems Bill is recruting in Florida for his team.Quite the humorous discussion between Oscar, Virgil, and Bill on robbing watermelon patches when they were little!! It will probably be awhile before we get the Cooper out of our systems and call her April Scott. Shoot, Drost still creeps in on the reports instead of Aaker for Amber - and its been two years. Trustee Jim Burdick emailed me the following, “This is what NOT to due to a Trustee’s vehicle if he pisses you off....”. Check out this website to see what he is talking about. http://my.break.com/content/view.aspx?ContentId=365181
The boat class was out at Lake Victoria when Randy locked the keys in 746, Too embarrassed to call back to the fi re station for the lock kit, they thought they would get South Beloit Police to open it up and no one would know.. . He He He....Wrong!
B By Debbie Rykowski
Yes moms and dads, it’s that time again – time for the little ones to go out trick-or-treating. We at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department hope you and your children have a fun and safe Halloween and practice the following safety tips to help ensure a fun evening!
Trick – Or – Treating Safety Tips- Trick or treat in your own neighborhood with families you are familiar with.- Trick or treat on well-lit streets.- Instruct your children to only accept those treats at the door, that they should stay outside on the porch and not enter someone’s home.- Give your child a proper size trick or treat bag, I’ve seen children carrying bags as tall as they are and stumbling over their “goodies” just to walk to the next house.- Have a responsible adult accompany your child or a group of your child’s friends.- Advise your child to bring all their treats home for mom and dad to examine. Dispose of any unwrapped candies or anything looking suspicious.
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- Advise your child to walk on sidewalks and up the sidewalk to a house, not to run across yards or driveways to the neighboring house. There may be yard sprinklers, dog run chains, clotheslines, rakes, or numerous other items in someone’s yard that may not be visible at night, which might cause your child to fall and become injured.
Costume Safety Tips- When looking for that “perfect” costume for your little one, please keep in mind the age of your child and their body height and size and pick a costume that fi ts them properly. Don’t allow the costume to drag – it may cause your child to trip and fall and be injured unnecessarily. - Choose a light colored or bright costume to help illuminate your child as the sun sets.- Be sure the costume is fl ame resistant.- Be sure masks, wigs or hats fi t appropriately and do notobstruct your child’s eyesight.- Carry a fl ashlight to allow your child to see the walking path.- Have your child carry a light stick as part of their costume tohelp drivers be able to see them in the streets.- If possible, accent your child’s costume with refl ective tape on the back of the costume.- If your child is carrying a prop such as a sword or wand, make it out of fl exible materials so that in the event of a fall, the toy will give and not injure your child or those around him.- Teach your child to “STOP – DROP – AND ROLL” in the event their costume does catch fi re – this will smother the fl ames and keep your child from further burn injury.
Halloween Decorating Safety Tips For Your Home- Use only UL-approved lighted decorations at all times.- Never leave your candle lit pumpkins unattended. Better yet – use a fl ashlight or glow stick for a lighting device in your pumpkin – it is much safer for you, your home and the trick-or-treaters.- Carve your pumpkins on a fl at, stable surface. Pumpkin carving can be tricky and we want you to be safe cutting out those scary faces.- Keep any decorations, such as dried corn stalks, hay bales, scarecrows, dried fl owers, etc. away from any open fl ame or heat source.- Keep your outside light on to let the little “monsters” know that your house is okay to visit and also to aid their visibility walking up your sidewalk or driveway.
Most importantly – HAVE FUN and BE SAFE! Halloween is a fun, time-honored tradition in most families. Make it a family fun event – have fun with it, take a camera and take pictures or videos, invite neighborhood kids to walk together, no one wants to go alone. I truly enjoy watching the kiddie show up with their monster and little princess costumes, they are so proud of what they are wearing! It’s even more fun when mom and/or dad are dressed up also – we are all kids at heart and makes it more fun for everyone – even those giving out the treats!
Those of us at the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department wish you and your family a Spoook-tacular Halloween and Boooo-tiful evening, have a Monster of a good time!
the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection DistrictFire Chief Oscar Presley.
PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073
The Firehouse Scene - Page 12
Vol. 12 No. 10 www.harlemroscoefi re.com October 2007
Firefi ghter Adam Cox and Randy Lovelace fi nish putting out some hot spots in a burned camper.
Camper Fire Photo by Sheryl Drost
Observant and quick-acting neighbors brought the fi re department to some of the fi res this month in time to save buildings like the one next to the burned camper pictured above.
See more on the fi re above and others starting on page 2. . .
