Station GossipI didn’t have any Station Gossip in last month’s newsletter and did I get the emails on what happened to it!Hey Ray, there really is a water hammer on the truck like Reety told you. It’s right next to the blinker fl uid. Watch those open mics everyone!Check out Soppe’s comforter he uses at the fi re station! Thinking about getting John B. earplugs for his computer in his offi ce for when he plays his music. Don’t know what to do about the singing though! :)Shannon, Shannon, Shannon...Seems Reety fi nally was able to stick her patient during needle practice in EMT Class. “There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.”Chief Shoevlin has the following tidbits from their trip to Springfi eld. The names have been deleted to protect their identity! All had a great time of learning, and camaraderie.

On the way down, when we stopped at “Busters” for breakfast, we mistakenly heard a dreadful story about one of our beloved trustees. It seems he packed a pink dress for the evening banquet. No one had told him the banquet was a casual event! What about the tomatos as well?In Springfi eld, right off the bat I knew I was in trouble with the check-in. The trustees and Ken had all received a red dot on their name badges. This meant you were a very important person! No one bothered me.We celebrated a Trustee birthday while there. But the birthday boy wouldn’t share his cheesecake. Even though the waitress gave him extra forks! The next day he went and bought Cold Stone Ice Cream and didn’t share that either!!!Our new lawyer didn’t seem to know what to bring for clothing either. All he packed were suits and ties, plus his pj’s. He had his wife bring her prom dress for the banquet.

So on a “casual” dress day, he wore his button down dress shirt with his PJ shorts.Someone in our party was in a contest to see how well they he could drive a fi re truck. A Large “Third”(tied for second) Place trophy was received!! Congratulations!!

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Sometimes it just takes a Deputy Chief with a garden hose to fi nish putting out a fi re!

Caption Wanted!Ok all you jokesters, we need a caption.

Email a funny caption to fi refoto4@aol.com

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12

Vol. 13 No. 7 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin July 2008

www.harlemroscoefi re.com

Fire Destroys VanPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Billowing black smoke and plenty of fi re was the scene when fi refi ghters arrived at a van fi re on Bayberry Dr. on June 21.

. . . see more on page 2

New Captain ................ pg. 3Accidents ..................... pg. 4Flooding Pictures ........ pg. 6New Babies .................. pg. 8Station Gossip .............. pg. 12

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Fire Destroys Van Story & photo by Sheryl Drost

A minipumper saved the day when Harlem-Roscoe Fire was called for a fully-involved van fi re on Bayberry Drive in Roscoe. Low-hanging branches along the home’s long driveway posed a problem for large trucks, but the minipumper was low enough to clear the trees and get close to the fi re and put it out.

This call is a good example of why residents should keep trees trimmed enough so that big fi re trucks can be driven in without damaging fi re apparatus or the landscape. Having a clear passage through the property can save precious time in getting water fl owing to a fi re or an ambulance to a victim.

Ryan Alms and Tom Lake (on nozzle) work on extinguishing the fi re.

Submerged Car Found in Flooded Cornfi eldStory & photos by Sheryl Drost

An alert passer-by spotted a submerged car in a fl ooded fi eld along Roscoe Road on June 26 and called 9-1-1.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire put out a MABAS request for divers. Fearing the worst, fi refi ghters Paul Stanphill and Christi Wilson (left) donned special protective water suits. They were planning on going into the fast

moving water to search for any victims when Roscoe Police heard from the driver. He had not been injured, and would return to the scene. Two divers fron Rockton Fire entered the water and hooked a tow line to the vehicle.

Harlem-Roscoe and Rockton Firefi ghters help the two divers get ready.

Fire Destroys Pickup Story & photo by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters arrived on Hwy 251 just south of Rockton Road to fi nd the front end of a pickup fully involved with fi re on July 8. Water and foam made quick work on extinguishing this fi re.

Joe Koeninger (on nozzle) and Brian Szilagyi make the initial attack on the fi re.

Firefi ghters work to pry open the hood of the burning car to get to all the fi re.

Two divers from Rockton Fire hook up the tow line to the submerged car.

Water pours out of the Chrysler Sebring after it was towed out of the water.

U.S. Coast Guard Safety Initiative Asks You to Boat Responsibly

“Boat Responsibly” is the U.S. Coast Guard’s public boating safety outreach initiative, which encourages all recreational boaters to take responsibility for their actions on the water.

As a boat owner or operator, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. That’s why we say: “Boat Responsibly!”

The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2007 Recreational Boating Statistics show:685 fatalities — 3,673 injuries — 5,191 accidents — $53 million in property damage.90 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.Alcohol was the leading contributing factor in approximately one-fi fth of all boating fatalities.Only 14 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.The most reported type of accident was a collision with another vessel. However, capsizing and falls overboard are the most reported types of fatal accidents and accounted for the majority (60 percent) of all boating fatalities.Overall, operator inattention, carelessness/reckless operation, excessive speed and passenger/skier behavior are the leading contributing factors of all reported accidents.

Recreation boating accidents are tragic because the great majority of accidents are preventable!

Boat Responsibly. . .Wear a life jacketNever boat under the infl uenceTake a boating safety course

Why Should I Wear My Life Jacket?Boaters enjoy the feel of sun and spray. So it’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket – especially on nice days. But modern life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Many are thin and fl exible. Some are

built right into fi shing vests or hunter coats. Others are infl atable — as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water, when they automatically fi ll with air.

There’s no excuse not to wear a life jacket on the water!

Things to Know:Certain life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position which permits proper breathing.To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and over must have at least one Type IV throwable device as well.All states have regulations regarding life jacket wear by children.

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Adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Special life jackets are available. To work correctly, a life jacket must be worn, fi t snugly, and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through.Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded, or leaky jackets should be discarded.

Life jackets must be properly stowed. * A life jacket — especially a snug-fi tting fl otation coat or deck-suit style — can help you survive in cold water.

It’s A Different World On The WaterIn the marine environment — motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, and spray intensify the effect of alcohol and drugs. These “stressors” cause fatigue — and dramatically affect a boat operator’s coordination, judgment, vision, and reaction time.

There’s hidden danger too. Common prescription medications — like those for heart or blood pressure – could possibly have side effects that can be multiplied by environmental stressors. So Boating Under the Infl uence or BUI is a factor even for those who don’t drink or use dangerous drugs. If you are unsure or have questions about your medications, contact your physician.

Levels of blood alcohol or medications that would have little impact on land can potentially cause a much greater degree of impairment for the operator of a boat.

That’s one reason BUI is a clearly identifi ed contributor to approximately 34 percent of fatal boating accidents.

How Can Boating Under The Infl uence Affect Me?Your peripheral vision, night vision, focus, and ability to distinguish colors (particularly red and green) diminish.Your inner ear can be disturbed, making it impossible to distinguish up from down if you fall in the water.A physical sensation of warmth may make it easier to fall victim to hypothermia.

Your cognitive abilities and judgment deteriorate.Your balance and coordination are impaired.Your reaction time decreases.

A boat operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.10 percent is estimated to be more than ten times as likely to die in a boating accident than a sober operator. Most states, and the federal government have a BAC limit of .08 percent.

It’s ILLEGAL to operate a boat — any boat, from a canoe, rowboat, or PWC to the largest vessel — under the infl uence of alcohol or dangerous drugs. The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies cooperate to enforce stringent state and federal laws. Penalties can include large fi nes, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and even jail terms.

If you are determined to be operating a vessel while intoxicated, the Coast Guard may board your vessel, arrest you, detain you, terminate your voyage until you are no longer intoxicated, or turn you over to state or local authorities.

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

Extrication Team Wins at Nationals

Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Extrication Team has won again! They took 3rd Place Overall at the 2008 TERC USA National event in Chili, NY.! Congratulations to above, Radi Huggard, Ryan Alms, Brandon Teitz, Jordan Stark, Mike Huffman, and Clint Evans.

Competition Snapshots. . .

Training Night Snapshots. . .

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

I would like to Thank everyone for your support, your cards, phone calls, gifts and well wishes on the sudden passing of my father last month. I decided to leave for Phoenix to be with my mom and brother at a moment’s notice. EVERYONE here stepped up to the plate to handle the operations of a great fi re department! Thank You!

Many of you knew my dad, and some of you met him at the Appreciation Dinner. I am lucky to have had him here for that, and show him what great people I call my “fi re family”. I am truly blessed to be associated with a fi ne group of individuals.

With that comes the “Circle of Life”. My fi rst grandchild waited for me to get home from Phoenix to join us in this world! On June 9, baby Dylan Stephan Shimp was born! My daughter Kelly and son-in-law Brian did a fantastic job!! He is the fi rst grandchild for Tammy and I and, as they say, being a grandparent is the best! I am sure you will all get to meet him in the near future.

Recently on a visit to Springfi eld, Illinois, I got to fi nd out just what our Trustees are made of. This past June was the Annual Illinois Fire Protection Districts Meeting in Springfi eld. Myself, Asst. Chief O’Dell, Trustees Jerry Ocker, Bart Munger, and Jim Burdick and our attorney Nate Noble all attended.

This show is geared for Chiefs, Trustees, and Lawyers with many events, classes, and seminars for each. This event shows you the latest gear and gadgets, and new vehicles to purchase. You attend for the purpose of learning, as well as staying updated on current laws, procedures, and safety issues. There was something for everyone. We all took advantage of the many classes and seminars offered; taking notes and collecting business cards for future references. These types of events help us to stay on top and bring the best back to you. The trustees and attorney took time away from their jobs and personal schedule. A big thank you for their commitment to further their knowledge to better serve our district.

L-r, Trustee Jerry Ocker, Trustee Bart Munger, Chief Don Shoevlin, Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell, Trustee Jim Burdick, and Attorney Nate Noble.

New Acting CaptainChief Don Shoevlin announces the promotion of Lt. Jay Alms to Acting Captain on June 6. “Jay will be in charge of Station 2. He has a committed group of individuals and we look for Jay to continue that. Jay is more than capable and has the desire for excellence.”

Jay Alms joined the department in 1991. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1999 and to Acting Captain on June 6. He became an EMT in 1991 and then an EMT-Paramedic in October of 1994. He received the Loves Park VFW Firefi ghter of the Year in 1997 and the NIEMS Paramedic of the Year.

Jay is State Certifi ed Firefi ghter II and Hazardous Materials Awareness. October 21, 1990, Jay certifi ed as a PADI Open Water Diver and November 04, 1990 as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. He also served eight years as the Association’s Treasurer and Secretary. Jay is a Paramedic for OSF Lifeline Ambulance. Jay and his wife Debbie have three children, Ryan, Megan, and Kyle. Ryan and Megan are also fi refi ghters on Harlem-Roscoe.

Trustee Jim Burdick gives Jay the Offi cer Oath as his family looks on.

Jay’s wife Debbie was given the honor of pinning her husband.

L-r Chief Don Shoevlin, Trustees Jerry Ocker and Jim Burdick, Jay, son Ryan, Daughter Megan, wife Debbie, and son Kyle.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

06/17/08 Search & Rescue Training

06/17/08 Rope Rescue Training

06/17/08 Rope Rescue Training

07/08/08 Foam Nozzle Training

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9

06/07/08 Ralston Road & Old Ralston Rd. 06/11/08 Hwy 251 at Bridge St.

06/12/2008 Hwy 251 & McCurry Rd. 07/03/08 Bridge Street

06/17/08 Hononegah Road and Beecher

07/01/08 7600 Burr Oak Road 07/06/08 Swanson Road & Perryville Rd. 07/07/08 Gleasman Road

Accidents Photos by Chief Don Shoevlin & Sheryl Public Education DivisionBy Capt. Jay Alms

I never realized the impact a fi refi ghter could have on a 6-year-old, with eyes the size of golf balls, hanging on every word you speak. I have come to realize we have quite the responsibility as “professional fi refi ghters/paramedics/EMTs” to educate those in our community. When I took over this division, I soon realized that we play a major role in the safety issues that confront all of

us on a daily basis. Adults and children alike count on us to bring the message to them, whether it’s through the Kids Safe Smoke House, talking with us as we show off our new truck, the lectures in school classrooms, tables at PR events strewn with safety materials, or just stopping by the fi re stations.

To catch you up to date on some of the things we have done. We spent three afternoons at Wal-Mart on Rockton Rd the fi rst of June with the “Smoke House” and 751. That was the fi rst eye opener I had when the kids were willing to wait in line to hear the message we had prepared.

Later in June we were invited to North Pointe’s Kids Fair, and we turned out to be the “vendor” that all the kids and adults were waiting in line to see. I’d like to thank the committee that has made it possible to make it the success it has been up til now. Christi Wilson and all of her inventories and organization,

Gina McCauley, Debbie and Mickey Rykowski, Adam Cox, Brian Mayer, Amber Aaker and Chris Kaiser. I have had a great response from several fi refi ghters and Offi cers at many of our events, I hope that trend continues.

July 19th Roscoe Community Days, will be another event that we will have a chance to have an impact on our local community. We will be having a meeting in the coming week to prepare for this event as well. Please listen for announcements and all are welcome to attend. I encourage all to participate. Even if you can give up just an hour you will fi nd it hard to leave once the kids “get under your skin”!! It’s a good feeling and you will look forward to the next event.

The September Fall Festival is soon approaching and we have much to prepare for since this year’s agenda has changed dramatically. This year we plan to educate our community on a large scale, as well as, “brag” about the accomplishments we have achieved and show off the state of the art equipment we are blessed to operate.

Remember all that we do, and if we can save one life or even prevent one injury it’s time well spent! Thanks for your participation.

What Would You Do?By Deputy Chief John Presley

Suppose you could foresee the future. And, you knew if you took a particular route to work on a given day, that you might be killed. Do you suppose you might travel a different route to arrive at the same destination? Suppose you see into the future, and see the potential for an item to fall to the ground, injuring bystanders. If you could, would you try to evacuate the immediate

area before the item tumbles down?

Well, every year as emergency service personnel, we collectively see our “brothers” and “sisters” become injured or die repeating the same mistakes over and over. We are not speaking of just physical injury from falls, slips, trips, and lifting, but also medical events such as cardiac arrest, strokes and our mental well being! Do we do anything to stop this?

“How do we combat these?” you ask. We spend countless hours making our stations safe and training our personnel to be safe on the fi re ground. When it comes to our mental and physical well-being as individuals though, we tend to be complacent.

Maybe we feel we are just as healthy as we were when we joined the department. In truth, our lifestyles, eating habits, and sleeping habits all contribute to our general decline in health.

As we age, our body changes in its metabolism of the foods we eat. The physical requirement increases to stay fi t. And, the mental strain of not sleeping properly, along with dealing with the stress of the every day grind, all take wear and tear on us.

If we collectively do not try to work together in diet, exercise and mental well being, we may end up on the old disabled list or even a visit from the old Grim Reaper himself.

Mutual Aidby Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters Paul Stanphill and Reety Radke check for gas in a house on Shore Drive on June 13. Harlem-Roscoe responded for mutual aid to North Park Fire to check for gas before anyone entered the home after a gas pipe broke at the rear of the home.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

06/22/08 Swanson Rd. Round-a-bout 07/02/08 Swanson Road Round-a-bout

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5The Firehouse Scene -

BirthdaysJuly1st John Bergeron7th Mike Drost Virgil Johnson9th Greg Wernick10th Jeff Brandenburg16th John Morgan17th Mark Schafman19th Dan Borchardt ‘25th’ Gina McCauley ‘25th’21st Tim Bergeron25th Jim Sutherland27th Doug Wolfe

August7th Tom Lake8th Kirk Wilson9th Jeff Morris11th Rico VanHeyden14th Tim Schrader22nd Brad Knipp25th Dona Zopp27th Mike Sherbon28th Keith Lincoln

August Breakfast CrewTom Aaker, Tom Ricotta

Dan Gunderson, & Scott Gredenius,

Total Calls Through 6/301234

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor, Layout, Writer, Photo - 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.com

Email submissions to: Firefoto4@aol.com

Station UpdatesBy Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell

We are still looking for people to come with us on our Western Caribbean Cruise Fundraiser in February.

If you have been on a call where we have needed a Chaplain, you may have noticed some new faces. They will all shortly have picture ID badges so you will know who they are. We will get together with them soon so they can be introduced to the fi refi ghters and medics.

The lights have all been updated, but we still need to shut off lights when they are not needed!

EMS CornerBy Captain John Bergeron

We now have two new EMT-B’s. Congratulations to Randy Lovelace and Adam Cox!

The monthy EMS Division meeting schedule has been revised. We will meet on the following dates and all are welcome to attend:

July 21stSeptember 18thNovember 20th

Meeting are at 1900 hours and will be held at Station 1

Upcoming Classes are:

PHTLS Recert -Blackhawk Farms Raceway- July 28th- 0900 HRSCPR Recert - Harlem-Roscoe Training NightACLS Recert- Harlem-Roscoe September 30th - 0900 HRSPHTLS Recert-Harlem-Roscoe October 6th - 0900 HRS

Please contact me for sign-up to the classes.

*Personnel MUST hold a valid CPR card*

Any questions, please let me know.

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Firefi ghters Greg Wernick, Mike Huffman, and Rico VanderHeyden pose with Sparky and the kids from HawksPointe Subdivision Kiddy Parade on July 4.

Sparky, the fl oat, and several fi re trucks participated in the fi rst ever Roscoe 4th of July Parade.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Congratulations to fi refi ghter Neil Roe and his wife Carissa on the birth of their second son. Cade Eugene Roe was born on June 17, measuring in at 7lbs. 11oz. and 21” long.

Big brother, 2-1/2 year-old Isaac, loves his new little brother and is a big help. Mom and baby are doing great.

Cade is also great nephew to Harlem-Roscoe’s Captain Mike Drost and Photographer Sheryl Drost and cousin to fi refi ghter Amber Aaker.

Congratulations again Neil and Carissa, he is soo cute!

Congratulations to Chief Don Shoevlin’s daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Brian Shimp, on the birth of their fi rst child and Don and Tammy’s fi rst grandchild. Dylan Stephan Shimp was born on June 9 measuring in at 8lbs. 6oz. and 21” long.

Mom and baby are doing great. Grandpa says Dylan already owns a wardrobe of fi re gear and says he will make sure Dylan knows the “Bears” are the Only football team! Brian is also a former H-R Firefi ghter. Congratulations again Brian & Kelly, he is adorable!

4th of July Parade’s Snapshots

Chief’s new grandson Dylan poses with Sparky during the Roscoe 4th of July Parade with Aunt Michelle.

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

Flooding Along the RockStory & photos by Sheryl Drost

The Rock River is back in its banks, but pictures of the major fl ooding of June 2008 will be a grim reminder it could happen again.

Harlem-Roscoe was dispatched a few times to help victims get out of their homes after the water rose a little too high to safely stay in their homes – including two families with pets. Our boats also helped the utility companies get their servicemen to the homes that were surrounded by fl ood waters.

But really, the residents in our district seem to be old pros at living along the mighty Rock, and were prepared and made the best of it. We saw neighbors helping neighbors and of course there was the Red Cross and the Winnebago Animal Control doing another fi ne job of being there when residents needed them.

For more pictures on the fl ooding, see our web site at www.ha r l emroscoe f i r e . com.

The picutre are from Edgemere Terrace, Ventura Blvd. Harbor Oaks, Sleepy Hollow, Queen Oaks, and Roscoe Road.

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

Flooding Along the RockStory & photos by Sheryl Drost

The Rock River is back in its banks, but pictures of the major fl ooding of June 2008 will be a grim reminder it could happen again.

Harlem-Roscoe was dispatched a few times to help victims get out of their homes after the water rose a little too high to safely stay in their homes – including two families with pets. Our boats also helped the utility companies get their servicemen to the homes that were surrounded by fl ood waters.

But really, the residents in our district seem to be old pros at living along the mighty Rock, and were prepared and made the best of it. We saw neighbors helping neighbors and of course there was the Red Cross and the Winnebago Animal Control doing another fi ne job of being there when residents needed them.

For more pictures on the fl ooding, see our web site at www.ha r l emroscoe f i r e . com.

The picutre are from Edgemere Terrace, Ventura Blvd. Harbor Oaks, Sleepy Hollow, Queen Oaks, and Roscoe Road.

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5The Firehouse Scene -

BirthdaysJuly1st John Bergeron7th Mike Drost Virgil Johnson9th Greg Wernick10th Jeff Brandenburg16th John Morgan17th Mark Schafman19th Dan Borchardt ‘25th’ Gina McCauley ‘25th’21st Tim Bergeron25th Jim Sutherland27th Doug Wolfe

August7th Tom Lake8th Kirk Wilson9th Jeff Morris11th Rico VanHeyden14th Tim Schrader22nd Brad Knipp25th Dona Zopp27th Mike Sherbon28th Keith Lincoln

August Breakfast CrewTom Aaker, Tom Ricotta

Dan Gunderson, & Scott Gredenius,

Total Calls Through 6/301234

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor, Layout, Writer, Photo - 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.com

Email submissions to: Firefoto4@aol.com

Station UpdatesBy Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell

We are still looking for people to come with us on our Western Caribbean Cruise Fundraiser in February.

If you have been on a call where we have needed a Chaplain, you may have noticed some new faces. They will all shortly have picture ID badges so you will know who they are. We will get together with them soon so they can be introduced to the fi refi ghters and medics.

The lights have all been updated, but we still need to shut off lights when they are not needed!

EMS CornerBy Captain John Bergeron

We now have two new EMT-B’s. Congratulations to Randy Lovelace and Adam Cox!

The monthy EMS Division meeting schedule has been revised. We will meet on the following dates and all are welcome to attend:

July 21stSeptember 18thNovember 20th

Meeting are at 1900 hours and will be held at Station 1

Upcoming Classes are:

PHTLS Recert -Blackhawk Farms Raceway- July 28th- 0900 HRSCPR Recert - Harlem-Roscoe Training NightACLS Recert- Harlem-Roscoe September 30th - 0900 HRSPHTLS Recert-Harlem-Roscoe October 6th - 0900 HRS

Please contact me for sign-up to the classes.

*Personnel MUST hold a valid CPR card*

Any questions, please let me know.

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•

•

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Firefi ghters Greg Wernick, Mike Huffman, and Rico VanderHeyden pose with Sparky and the kids from HawksPointe Subdivision Kiddy Parade on July 4.

Sparky, the fl oat, and several fi re trucks participated in the fi rst ever Roscoe 4th of July Parade.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Congratulations to fi refi ghter Neil Roe and his wife Carissa on the birth of their second son. Cade Eugene Roe was born on June 17, measuring in at 7lbs. 11oz. and 21” long.

Big brother, 2-1/2 year-old Isaac, loves his new little brother and is a big help. Mom and baby are doing great.

Cade is also great nephew to Harlem-Roscoe’s Captain Mike Drost and Photographer Sheryl Drost and cousin to fi refi ghter Amber Aaker.

Congratulations again Neil and Carissa, he is soo cute!

Congratulations to Chief Don Shoevlin’s daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Brian Shimp, on the birth of their fi rst child and Don and Tammy’s fi rst grandchild. Dylan Stephan Shimp was born on June 9 measuring in at 8lbs. 6oz. and 21” long.

Mom and baby are doing great. Grandpa says Dylan already owns a wardrobe of fi re gear and says he will make sure Dylan knows the “Bears” are the Only football team! Brian is also a former H-R Firefi ghter. Congratulations again Brian & Kelly, he is adorable!

4th of July Parade’s Snapshots

Chief’s new grandson Dylan poses with Sparky during the Roscoe 4th of July Parade with Aunt Michelle.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9

06/07/08 Ralston Road & Old Ralston Rd. 06/11/08 Hwy 251 at Bridge St.

06/12/2008 Hwy 251 & McCurry Rd. 07/03/08 Bridge Street

06/17/08 Hononegah Road and Beecher

07/01/08 7600 Burr Oak Road 07/06/08 Swanson Road & Perryville Rd. 07/07/08 Gleasman Road

Accidents Photos by Chief Don Shoevlin & Sheryl Public Education DivisionBy Capt. Jay Alms

I never realized the impact a fi refi ghter could have on a 6-year-old, with eyes the size of golf balls, hanging on every word you speak. I have come to realize we have quite the responsibility as “professional fi refi ghters/paramedics/EMTs” to educate those in our community. When I took over this division, I soon realized that we play a major role in the safety issues that confront all of

us on a daily basis. Adults and children alike count on us to bring the message to them, whether it’s through the Kids Safe Smoke House, talking with us as we show off our new truck, the lectures in school classrooms, tables at PR events strewn with safety materials, or just stopping by the fi re stations.

To catch you up to date on some of the things we have done. We spent three afternoons at Wal-Mart on Rockton Rd the fi rst of June with the “Smoke House” and 751. That was the fi rst eye opener I had when the kids were willing to wait in line to hear the message we had prepared.

Later in June we were invited to North Pointe’s Kids Fair, and we turned out to be the “vendor” that all the kids and adults were waiting in line to see. I’d like to thank the committee that has made it possible to make it the success it has been up til now. Christi Wilson and all of her inventories and organization,

Gina McCauley, Debbie and Mickey Rykowski, Adam Cox, Brian Mayer, Amber Aaker and Chris Kaiser. I have had a great response from several fi refi ghters and Offi cers at many of our events, I hope that trend continues.

July 19th Roscoe Community Days, will be another event that we will have a chance to have an impact on our local community. We will be having a meeting in the coming week to prepare for this event as well. Please listen for announcements and all are welcome to attend. I encourage all to participate. Even if you can give up just an hour you will fi nd it hard to leave once the kids “get under your skin”!! It’s a good feeling and you will look forward to the next event.

The September Fall Festival is soon approaching and we have much to prepare for since this year’s agenda has changed dramatically. This year we plan to educate our community on a large scale, as well as, “brag” about the accomplishments we have achieved and show off the state of the art equipment we are blessed to operate.

Remember all that we do, and if we can save one life or even prevent one injury it’s time well spent! Thanks for your participation.

What Would You Do?By Deputy Chief John Presley

Suppose you could foresee the future. And, you knew if you took a particular route to work on a given day, that you might be killed. Do you suppose you might travel a different route to arrive at the same destination? Suppose you see into the future, and see the potential for an item to fall to the ground, injuring bystanders. If you could, would you try to evacuate the immediate

area before the item tumbles down?

Well, every year as emergency service personnel, we collectively see our “brothers” and “sisters” become injured or die repeating the same mistakes over and over. We are not speaking of just physical injury from falls, slips, trips, and lifting, but also medical events such as cardiac arrest, strokes and our mental well being! Do we do anything to stop this?

“How do we combat these?” you ask. We spend countless hours making our stations safe and training our personnel to be safe on the fi re ground. When it comes to our mental and physical well-being as individuals though, we tend to be complacent.

Maybe we feel we are just as healthy as we were when we joined the department. In truth, our lifestyles, eating habits, and sleeping habits all contribute to our general decline in health.

As we age, our body changes in its metabolism of the foods we eat. The physical requirement increases to stay fi t. And, the mental strain of not sleeping properly, along with dealing with the stress of the every day grind, all take wear and tear on us.

If we collectively do not try to work together in diet, exercise and mental well being, we may end up on the old disabled list or even a visit from the old Grim Reaper himself.

Mutual Aidby Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters Paul Stanphill and Reety Radke check for gas in a house on Shore Drive on June 13. Harlem-Roscoe responded for mutual aid to North Park Fire to check for gas before anyone entered the home after a gas pipe broke at the rear of the home.

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06/22/08 Swanson Rd. Round-a-bout 07/02/08 Swanson Road Round-a-bout

Extrication Team Wins at Nationals

Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Extrication Team has won again! They took 3rd Place Overall at the 2008 TERC USA National event in Chili, NY.! Congratulations to above, Radi Huggard, Ryan Alms, Brandon Teitz, Jordan Stark, Mike Huffman, and Clint Evans.

Competition Snapshots. . .

Training Night Snapshots. . .

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From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

I would like to Thank everyone for your support, your cards, phone calls, gifts and well wishes on the sudden passing of my father last month. I decided to leave for Phoenix to be with my mom and brother at a moment’s notice. EVERYONE here stepped up to the plate to handle the operations of a great fi re department! Thank You!

Many of you knew my dad, and some of you met him at the Appreciation Dinner. I am lucky to have had him here for that, and show him what great people I call my “fi re family”. I am truly blessed to be associated with a fi ne group of individuals.

With that comes the “Circle of Life”. My fi rst grandchild waited for me to get home from Phoenix to join us in this world! On June 9, baby Dylan Stephan Shimp was born! My daughter Kelly and son-in-law Brian did a fantastic job!! He is the fi rst grandchild for Tammy and I and, as they say, being a grandparent is the best! I am sure you will all get to meet him in the near future.

Recently on a visit to Springfi eld, Illinois, I got to fi nd out just what our Trustees are made of. This past June was the Annual Illinois Fire Protection Districts Meeting in Springfi eld. Myself, Asst. Chief O’Dell, Trustees Jerry Ocker, Bart Munger, and Jim Burdick and our attorney Nate Noble all attended.

This show is geared for Chiefs, Trustees, and Lawyers with many events, classes, and seminars for each. This event shows you the latest gear and gadgets, and new vehicles to purchase. You attend for the purpose of learning, as well as staying updated on current laws, procedures, and safety issues. There was something for everyone. We all took advantage of the many classes and seminars offered; taking notes and collecting business cards for future references. These types of events help us to stay on top and bring the best back to you. The trustees and attorney took time away from their jobs and personal schedule. A big thank you for their commitment to further their knowledge to better serve our district.

L-r, Trustee Jerry Ocker, Trustee Bart Munger, Chief Don Shoevlin, Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell, Trustee Jim Burdick, and Attorney Nate Noble.

New Acting CaptainChief Don Shoevlin announces the promotion of Lt. Jay Alms to Acting Captain on June 6. “Jay will be in charge of Station 2. He has a committed group of individuals and we look for Jay to continue that. Jay is more than capable and has the desire for excellence.”

Jay Alms joined the department in 1991. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1999 and to Acting Captain on June 6. He became an EMT in 1991 and then an EMT-Paramedic in October of 1994. He received the Loves Park VFW Firefi ghter of the Year in 1997 and the NIEMS Paramedic of the Year.

Jay is State Certifi ed Firefi ghter II and Hazardous Materials Awareness. October 21, 1990, Jay certifi ed as a PADI Open Water Diver and November 04, 1990 as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. He also served eight years as the Association’s Treasurer and Secretary. Jay is a Paramedic for OSF Lifeline Ambulance. Jay and his wife Debbie have three children, Ryan, Megan, and Kyle. Ryan and Megan are also fi refi ghters on Harlem-Roscoe.

Trustee Jim Burdick gives Jay the Offi cer Oath as his family looks on.

Jay’s wife Debbie was given the honor of pinning her husband.

L-r Chief Don Shoevlin, Trustees Jerry Ocker and Jim Burdick, Jay, son Ryan, Daughter Megan, wife Debbie, and son Kyle.

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06/17/08 Search & Rescue Training

06/17/08 Rope Rescue Training

06/17/08 Rope Rescue Training

07/08/08 Foam Nozzle Training

Fire Destroys Van Story & photo by Sheryl Drost

A minipumper saved the day when Harlem-Roscoe Fire was called for a fully-involved van fi re on Bayberry Drive in Roscoe. Low-hanging branches along the home’s long driveway posed a problem for large trucks, but the minipumper was low enough to clear the trees and get close to the fi re and put it out.

This call is a good example of why residents should keep trees trimmed enough so that big fi re trucks can be driven in without damaging fi re apparatus or the landscape. Having a clear passage through the property can save precious time in getting water fl owing to a fi re or an ambulance to a victim.

Ryan Alms and Tom Lake (on nozzle) work on extinguishing the fi re.

Submerged Car Found in Flooded Cornfi eldStory & photos by Sheryl Drost

An alert passer-by spotted a submerged car in a fl ooded fi eld along Roscoe Road on June 26 and called 9-1-1.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire put out a MABAS request for divers. Fearing the worst, fi refi ghters Paul Stanphill and Christi Wilson (left) donned special protective water suits. They were planning on going into the fast

moving water to search for any victims when Roscoe Police heard from the driver. He had not been injured, and would return to the scene. Two divers fron Rockton Fire entered the water and hooked a tow line to the vehicle.

Harlem-Roscoe and Rockton Firefi ghters help the two divers get ready.

Fire Destroys Pickup Story & photo by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters arrived on Hwy 251 just south of Rockton Road to fi nd the front end of a pickup fully involved with fi re on July 8. Water and foam made quick work on extinguishing this fi re.

Joe Koeninger (on nozzle) and Brian Szilagyi make the initial attack on the fi re.

Firefi ghters work to pry open the hood of the burning car to get to all the fi re.

Two divers from Rockton Fire hook up the tow line to the submerged car.

Water pours out of the Chrysler Sebring after it was towed out of the water.

U.S. Coast Guard Safety Initiative Asks You to Boat Responsibly

“Boat Responsibly” is the U.S. Coast Guard’s public boating safety outreach initiative, which encourages all recreational boaters to take responsibility for their actions on the water.

As a boat owner or operator, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. That’s why we say: “Boat Responsibly!”

The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2007 Recreational Boating Statistics show:685 fatalities — 3,673 injuries — 5,191 accidents — $53 million in property damage.90 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.Alcohol was the leading contributing factor in approximately one-fi fth of all boating fatalities.Only 14 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.The most reported type of accident was a collision with another vessel. However, capsizing and falls overboard are the most reported types of fatal accidents and accounted for the majority (60 percent) of all boating fatalities.Overall, operator inattention, carelessness/reckless operation, excessive speed and passenger/skier behavior are the leading contributing factors of all reported accidents.

Recreation boating accidents are tragic because the great majority of accidents are preventable!

Boat Responsibly. . .Wear a life jacketNever boat under the infl uenceTake a boating safety course

Why Should I Wear My Life Jacket?Boaters enjoy the feel of sun and spray. So it’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket – especially on nice days. But modern life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Many are thin and fl exible. Some are

built right into fi shing vests or hunter coats. Others are infl atable — as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water, when they automatically fi ll with air.

There’s no excuse not to wear a life jacket on the water!

Things to Know:Certain life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position which permits proper breathing.To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and over must have at least one Type IV throwable device as well.All states have regulations regarding life jacket wear by children.

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Adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Special life jackets are available. To work correctly, a life jacket must be worn, fi t snugly, and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through.Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded, or leaky jackets should be discarded.

Life jackets must be properly stowed. * A life jacket — especially a snug-fi tting fl otation coat or deck-suit style — can help you survive in cold water.

It’s A Different World On The WaterIn the marine environment — motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, and spray intensify the effect of alcohol and drugs. These “stressors” cause fatigue — and dramatically affect a boat operator’s coordination, judgment, vision, and reaction time.

There’s hidden danger too. Common prescription medications — like those for heart or blood pressure – could possibly have side effects that can be multiplied by environmental stressors. So Boating Under the Infl uence or BUI is a factor even for those who don’t drink or use dangerous drugs. If you are unsure or have questions about your medications, contact your physician.

Levels of blood alcohol or medications that would have little impact on land can potentially cause a much greater degree of impairment for the operator of a boat.

That’s one reason BUI is a clearly identifi ed contributor to approximately 34 percent of fatal boating accidents.

How Can Boating Under The Infl uence Affect Me?Your peripheral vision, night vision, focus, and ability to distinguish colors (particularly red and green) diminish.Your inner ear can be disturbed, making it impossible to distinguish up from down if you fall in the water.A physical sensation of warmth may make it easier to fall victim to hypothermia.

Your cognitive abilities and judgment deteriorate.Your balance and coordination are impaired.Your reaction time decreases.

A boat operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.10 percent is estimated to be more than ten times as likely to die in a boating accident than a sober operator. Most states, and the federal government have a BAC limit of .08 percent.

It’s ILLEGAL to operate a boat — any boat, from a canoe, rowboat, or PWC to the largest vessel — under the infl uence of alcohol or dangerous drugs. The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies cooperate to enforce stringent state and federal laws. Penalties can include large fi nes, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and even jail terms.

If you are determined to be operating a vessel while intoxicated, the Coast Guard may board your vessel, arrest you, detain you, terminate your voyage until you are no longer intoxicated, or turn you over to state or local authorities.

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Station GossipI didn’t have any Station Gossip in last month’s newsletter and did I get the emails on what happened to it!Hey Ray, there really is a water hammer on the truck like Reety told you. It’s right next to the blinker fl uid. Watch those open mics everyone!Check out Soppe’s comforter he uses at the fi re station! Thinking about getting John B. earplugs for his computer in his offi ce for when he plays his music. Don’t know what to do about the singing though! :)Shannon, Shannon, Shannon...Seems Reety fi nally was able to stick her patient during needle practice in EMT Class. “There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.”Chief Shoevlin has the following tidbits from their trip to Springfi eld. The names have been deleted to protect their identity! All had a great time of learning, and camaraderie.

On the way down, when we stopped at “Busters” for breakfast, we mistakenly heard a dreadful story about one of our beloved trustees. It seems he packed a pink dress for the evening banquet. No one had told him the banquet was a casual event! What about the tomatos as well?In Springfi eld, right off the bat I knew I was in trouble with the check-in. The trustees and Ken had all received a red dot on their name badges. This meant you were a very important person! No one bothered me.We celebrated a Trustee birthday while there. But the birthday boy wouldn’t share his cheesecake. Even though the waitress gave him extra forks! The next day he went and bought Cold Stone Ice Cream and didn’t share that either!!!Our new lawyer didn’t seem to know what to bring for clothing either. All he packed were suits and ties, plus his pj’s. He had his wife bring her prom dress for the banquet.

So on a “casual” dress day, he wore his button down dress shirt with his PJ shorts.Someone in our party was in a contest to see how well they he could drive a fi re truck. A Large “Third”(tied for second) Place trophy was received!! Congratulations!!

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Sometimes it just takes a Deputy Chief with a garden hose to fi nish putting out a fi re!

Caption Wanted!Ok all you jokesters, we need a caption.

Email a funny caption to fi refoto4@aol.com

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12

Vol. 13 No. 7 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin July 2008

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Fire Destroys VanPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Billowing black smoke and plenty of fi re was the scene when fi refi ghters arrived at a van fi re on Bayberry Dr. on June 21.

. . . see more on page 2

New Captain ................ pg. 3Accidents ..................... pg. 4Flooding Pictures ........ pg. 6New Babies .................. pg. 8Station Gossip .............. pg. 12

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