THE FIREHOUSE SCENEis a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

August 2018 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

National Night OutPage 6 & 7

Accidents Page 10

By: Jim Purpura asic Training for CERT members means just what it says. It is review of the essential skills one would need to

improve your chances of surviving the immediate after effects of a natural, man-made, or technological disaster. For some of us, this knowledge is something we may have acquired in Girl Scouts, or in Boy Scouts as the Emergency Preparedness

Merit Badges or the Wilder-ness Survival Merit Badge. Others of us learned these skills in military ser-vice and we have witness-ed and recog-

nized their effectiveness. These are usually skills that are seldom if ever used but when they’re needed often save lives. They are the actions that first responders train for and use in their work daily; the actions and knowledge we expect from them in an emergency should we ever have to call 9-1-1 for help.

Fire Safety, learn how and when to shut off utilities and how to use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires.

Disaster Medical, learn how to immediately deal minor cuts to major trauma.

Incident Command Structure, learn how to organize your neighbors during a disaster or to work with first responders in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Light Search & Rescue; learn how to identify if a structure is safe to enter and how to extricate survivors.

Terrorism, learn how to identify and react to a biological, chemical, or other terrorist attack.

Psychological effects of disaster and trauma.

These are the skills needed to provide help until HELP arrives. Illinois Stateline CERT conducts basic training yearly for interested citizens in the community in accordance with Department of Homeland Defense / FEMA guidelines and recognized and registered with Illinois Emergency Management (IEMA). We conduct the classroom and hands-on training in association with subject matter experts from HRFD and local law enforcement.

This year CERT Basic Training (20 hours total mandated by FEMA) will be held on:

Saturday October 6 from 07:30am to 5 pm

Saturday October 20 07:30 to 5 pm

Sunday 08:00 to 3 pm. When there is a final exam and passing score required, and participation in a mandatory disaster scenario staged at HRFD Station 3.

CERT members’ primary responsibilities are first to themselves and their families, their neighbors, then to their community under the direction of local public safety professionals. Illinois Stateline CERT is sponsored by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District and is registered with FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management system. We meet once per month at the Harlem Roscoe Station one, 10544 Main Street, Roscoe, IL. At 7 PM on the fourth Thursday of each month. Come and learn the value of being a CERT member. Be Ready, Be Safe, Be a CERT Volunteer!

B

From The Chief’s DeskBy Chief Don Shoevlin

We have been very active in responding to calls for our services (which continues to increase), as well as out and about at community events.

Our firefighters are doing an excellent job of meeting those requests and juggling their time to also spend well-deserved time with their families and friends. This past month we responded to 255 calls.

Where has summer gone? In a week, schools will be open and occupied with all those energetic children. Please remember to be alert for those walking to school, waiting for the bus, or driving. Remember children’s actions are unpredictable.

Thank you to the Villages of Roscoe, Machesney Park, Roscoe Police department and the Winnebago Sheriff Machesney Park unit for a successful National Night Out event. It was great to be able to visit with so many people of the communities we serve. I was split between the two, but had an enjoyable time at both. Thank you for coming out with your families to have fun, share

in some food, but more importantly visit with the members of your fire department. This past Saturday our personnel also volunteered to work at the Epilepsy Foundation Mud Volleyball Tournament.

Now, with little time to regroup, our efforts and energy turn to the planning for our next two large events: First is the Roscoe Lions Fall Festival, which is only a month away. Besides our annual raffle, we will once again be serving our “Taco Boat”, baked potatoes, coffee, tea and lemonade. Then there is the parade and fireworks. Come out and support the Lion’s Club. Secondly is our Crunch Time Symposium held on September 28-30 at Station #3. Be watching for information, this is a great opportunity to come out and view firefighters from numerous departments challenge each other in a controlled environment the art of vehicle extrication.

Congratulations to Firefighter Michael Prosser and his wife Arnela of the birth of their first child.

Lastly I would like to pass on my condolences to Captain Huffman and his family for the passing of his grandfather, and to Captain Donovan and his family on the passing of his father. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Your continuous and generous support is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fire department. Chief Shoevlin

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

HELP WANTED!We are currently accepting applications for part-time EMT-P and firefighters. Are you a caring individual looking for an opportunity to grow in the public safety world? Are you a person looking for challenges and working with a superb group of individuals? If you are then we are looking for you.

Applications may be filled out on line at our website or picked up at Station #1 located at located at 10544 Main Street in Roscoe Illinois 61073. Any questions should be directed to the Chief or Deputy Chief of Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. 815-623-7867

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.

• Capt. Mike Huffman’s grandpa, Clifton Huffman passed away on July 20, 2018 in Rockford.

• Capt. John Donovan’s father, Robert C. Donovan passed away July31st in Ohio.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Mike and John and their families.

• August is known for many things, including the dog days of summer, National Watermelon Day (Aug. 3) and National Smile Week (Aug. 5-11). But there are many other fun facts associated with summer’s last full month.

• August is named after Augustus Caesar, founder and the first emperor of the Roman Empire, who was posthumously adopted by his maternal great-uncle Gaius Julius Caesar.

• In the early Roman calendar, August was actually the sixth month of the year. It was originally 30 days in length, but an extra day was added so that it would equal the number of days in July, which was named after Julius Caesar.

• August has two birthstones: peridot and sardonyx. Peri-dot is among the oldest known gemstones and is green in color. Sardonyx, which is lesser-known, is a white- and brown-banded gemstone once believed to have mystical powers.

• The official flower for August is the gladiolus. These verti-cal-growing flowers were named from the Latin “gladius,” meaning a sword.

• Fans of Elvis Presley mourn each Aug. 16th, the day the famed singer died in 1977.

• On Aug. 24th in 79 A.D., the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupt-ed, destroying the city of Pompeii and others.

• People born in August fall under the sun zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo. Leos are known to be dramatic, creative and outgoing. Virgos have acute attention to detail and are the people most likely to dedicate themselves to serving. They also are loyal, hardworking and analytical.

• On Aug. 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Lou-vre Gallery and not recovered for two years.

• Although civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., is honored in January, when he was born, he is best known for his famed “I have a dream” speech, which was given on Aug. 28, 1963.

• The month of August is often referred to as the “dog days of summer” but not because of pet pooches. It has to do with the star Sirius, also known as the dog star, which rose at the same time as sunrise during the month of August in ancient Roman times.

August Weather Lore

• “IfthefirstweekinAugustisunusuallywarm,thecomingwinterwillbesnowyandlong.”

• “IfacoldAugustfollowsahotJuly,Itforetellsawinterhardanddry.”

• “ForeveryfoginAugusttherewillbeasnowfall.”

Donation

Harlem-Roscoe Fire personnel accept a donation of bottled water from the Roscoe Schnucks store.

Gas LeakPhoto by Chief Shoevlin

Firefighters responded to a home on Glen Forest Dr. for a gas leak. It seems the residents had struck the washer and dryer in their garage while parking a vehicle causing a gas leak. The resident had the gas shut off before units arrived.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.com

The Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist. #1

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

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month: You can now sign up on the home page of our website to receive the newsletter by email.

www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl: hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

Birthdays!

August 20189th Anja Hallman14th Tim Schrader20th Pete Sotos ‘50th’27th Al Bach Mike Sherbon28th Jacob Ghinazzi

September2018

1st Stefani Layman5th Adam Eich12th Bart Munger Kyle Alms13th Marty Green Mike Powell Joe Koeninger Michael Posser26th Austin Schwarzbach26th Paul Meyers

Accidents Photos by HRFD Photographers, Duty Officers & Charlotte Alms

07/06/18 Forest Hills Rd. & Irving Blvd. 07/15/18 Ralston Rd. & Hwy 251

07/06/18 Ralston Rd. & Hwy 251

07/28/18 Hwy 173 07/31/18 Bridge St.

Pete Sotos ‘50th’August 20th

07/06/18 Hwy 251 & Swanson Rd.

07/15/18 Queen Oaks Dr.

Congratulations to HRFD Firefighter Michael Prosser and his wife Arnela on the birth of their first child. Leonardo Michael Prosser was born on July 30, 2018. He measured in at 6lbs. 14oz. and 19”long. Proud daddy says wife and baby are doing great! Congrats again Michael & Arnela, He is adorable!!

New Baby

Bugle AlarmBy Capt. Tim Bergeron

Close Your Bedroom Door at Night

Itcouldmeanthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeathinahousefire!

The simple act of closing your bedroom door before going to sleep each night could be the major difference between life and death in a house fire. While it’s a more commonly known fact that a closed door could stave off smoke and heat from a fire, keeping your door closed while sleeping could ward off flames for an additional half hour according to researchers.

Half of all fire deaths in the United States happen at night when most people are asleep. You can increase your odds of surviving a house fire by doing one simple thing: Close your bedroom door before you go to sleep.

A shut door keeps smoke and heat out of the room longer, buying you extra seconds or even minutes to plan a way out of the room and out of the house. If you wake up to a fire, the first thing you should try to do is get out, but what if you can’t? A closed door can do more than keep smoke out of a room. Research is showing how doors also change the flow of heat and toxic gases, acting as a shield for someone trapped and unable to get out of a fire. If you can’t get out of your home, you want a closed door between you and the fire. Along with smoke detectors, a closed door is the best possible thing.

Parents worried about not hearing their kids at night should use a baby monitor. If kids are scared of sleeping with the door closed, keep “the door cracked”. Wait until the kid goes to sleep and the last thing you do before you go to sleep is pull it closed the rest of the way.

A closed door is no substitute for a smoke detector. Put one inside and outside of every bedroom in your home. Also, make a fire escape plan with your family and practice it twice a year.

The picture on left is with the bedroom door closed. And the picture on the right is with the bedroom door open.

Chaplains CornerBy Chaplain Everett Peterson

Harlem Roscoe Fire Department Chaplains are here to listen to Firefighters too.

The chaplains are here to support Harlem Roscoe Fire Depart-ment if they need to talk and to offer spiritual advice when need-ed. To me, these guys and gals are unsung heroes.

Despite what they do for a living, firefighters are no different, they are still human.

“These guys have issues and problems too,” he said. “To me, that’s why we are here.”

Our job is to listen to the firefighters and offer “advice and spiri-tual advice” if needed.

“Sometimes you don’t have to have all the answers,” “Sometimes it’s just the ministry of being present.”

Firefighters use to discuss the “bad runs.” Now, they just “retreat” to their phones, the Internet or the TV.

We see the worst that society has to offer, People don’t talk about it. It’s more important now to have a chaplain around to talk to you. Sometimes you don’t want to tell your boss you’re hurting. You need that person to come in and listen.”

We are here to listen.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefire.com

Car FirePhoto by Carol Donovan

Car fire on West Lane on August 9th.

Car Accident/FirePhotos by Chief Shoevlin

Firefighters responded to an accident on Pleasant Valley Rd. on July 30. First in units found the driver already out of the vehicle and the car fully involved with fire. The driver was transported to the hospital by HRFD ambulance.

www.harlemroscoefire.com

Vehicle FiresPhotos by Capt. Tim Bergeron

Right,Car fire on I-90 on July 25th.

Below,Endloader fire on Stateline Rd. on July 25th.

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.com

Fire Prevention Bureau UpdateBy Battalion Chief Jay Alms

Where did the summer go?!I think we say that every year. For the most part I think we had a very mild and comfortable summer. Now it’s time to think about back to school.

The Fire Prevention Bureau works year round to ensure that the businesses operate safely for their employees, their neighbors, and the first responders.

There’s no more important business in any community than the business of educating our children, grandchildren and neighborhood children. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department Chiefs meet with school principals, administration and law enforcement every summer before school is to begin. We discuss safety in the classrooms and the building corridors and the grounds surrounding each school. We preplan every school with pictures that identify potential hazards like utilities, mechanical rooms, confined spaces, pools and the necessary chemicals, fire department access, as well as, pertinent contact information for after-hours access.

We have added drone pictures and videos to our preplan arsenal. We ask a lot of questions. Do we have keys to access every room if the need arises? Are all new teachers and staff members trained to the previous year’s standards or are there new tactics being applied? What’s new relating to the children and their responsibilities? Are all children aware of the changes? Do we have drills scheduled relating to fire drills, active shooter drills, etc. Are parents notified of upcoming drills to relieve anxiety of a school surrounded with police cars and/or firetrucks?

When moving students do we have meeting places that won’t conflict with responding police or fire? Do we have a liability system in place to ensure all the students are accounted for? Are the kids with physical or learning disabilities paired with someone to assist their needs?

We are scheduling fire drills, active shooter drills and other possible disaster drills to move the children to remote sites or sheltering in place for the upcoming school year.

Students line up properly during a fire drill at Roscoe Middle School.

There are many factors to consider when we are dealing with children of many ages as well as coordinating law enforcement, fire departments, school administrations, city and county officials and concerned parents.

We are also scheduling review classes to discuss fire extinguisher use and a review of CPR and AED applications.

Later this year we will be walking all the schools with state and local board of education officials to point out safety issues in our schools. Know that this is done annually and they are a priority to everyone involved. Rest assured that your children attend safe schools because as firefighters and inspectors we have children and grandchildren attending these same schools.

The Fire Prevention Bureau takes pride in assuring standards are followed and codes are maintained. Please contact us regarding any safety concerns you may have.

nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2018

NATIONAL FIREPROTECTION ASSOCIATIONThe leading information and knowledge resourceon fire, electrical and related hazards

Car FireSafetySafety

Car Fire

Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

How to prevent a car fire • Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally

trained mechanic. If you spot leaks, your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.

• If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.

• Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment.

• Never park a car where flammables, such as grass, are touching the catalytic converter.

• Drive safely to avoid an accident.

Know the danger signs • Cracked or loose wiring or electrical problems,

including a fuse that blows more than once• Oil or fluid leaks• Oil cap not on securely• Rapid changes in fuel or fluid level, or engine

temperature

What to do if your car is on fire • Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, be sure to use your signal as you make your

way to a safe location off the road such as the breakdown lane or rest stop.• Once you have stopped, TURN OFF the engine.• GET everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything.• MOVE everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic.• CALL 9-1-1.

Most crashes do NOT result in fire. In the event of any crash, call 9-1-1. If there is no sign of fire, wait for emergency

assistance to help any injured individuals out of the car.

FACT

Most car fluids are flammable. Heat and electrical sparksplus leakingfluid are all ittakes to starta car fire.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

NationalNightOut-VillageofMachesneyParkPhotos by Harold Danger & Carol Donovan

National Night Out - Village of RoscoePhotos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia SoppeSee more photos on our Facebook Page!

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

NationalNightOut-VillageofMachesneyParkPhotos by Harold Danger & Carol Donovan

National Night Out - Village of RoscoePhotos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia SoppeSee more photos on our Facebook Page!

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.com

Fire Prevention Bureau UpdateBy Battalion Chief Jay Alms

Where did the summer go?!I think we say that every year. For the most part I think we had a very mild and comfortable summer. Now it’s time to think about back to school.

The Fire Prevention Bureau works year round to ensure that the businesses operate safely for their employees, their neighbors, and the first responders.

There’s no more important business in any community than the business of educating our children, grandchildren and neighborhood children. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department Chiefs meet with school principals, administration and law enforcement every summer before school is to begin. We discuss safety in the classrooms and the building corridors and the grounds surrounding each school. We preplan every school with pictures that identify potential hazards like utilities, mechanical rooms, confined spaces, pools and the necessary chemicals, fire department access, as well as, pertinent contact information for after-hours access.

We have added drone pictures and videos to our preplan arsenal. We ask a lot of questions. Do we have keys to access every room if the need arises? Are all new teachers and staff members trained to the previous year’s standards or are there new tactics being applied? What’s new relating to the children and their responsibilities? Are all children aware of the changes? Do we have drills scheduled relating to fire drills, active shooter drills, etc. Are parents notified of upcoming drills to relieve anxiety of a school surrounded with police cars and/or firetrucks?

When moving students do we have meeting places that won’t conflict with responding police or fire? Do we have a liability system in place to ensure all the students are accounted for? Are the kids with physical or learning disabilities paired with someone to assist their needs?

We are scheduling fire drills, active shooter drills and other possible disaster drills to move the children to remote sites or sheltering in place for the upcoming school year.

Students line up properly during a fire drill at Roscoe Middle School.

There are many factors to consider when we are dealing with children of many ages as well as coordinating law enforcement, fire departments, school administrations, city and county officials and concerned parents.

We are also scheduling review classes to discuss fire extinguisher use and a review of CPR and AED applications.

Later this year we will be walking all the schools with state and local board of education officials to point out safety issues in our schools. Know that this is done annually and they are a priority to everyone involved. Rest assured that your children attend safe schools because as firefighters and inspectors we have children and grandchildren attending these same schools.

The Fire Prevention Bureau takes pride in assuring standards are followed and codes are maintained. Please contact us regarding any safety concerns you may have.

nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2018

NATIONAL FIREPROTECTION ASSOCIATIONThe leading information and knowledge resourceon fire, electrical and related hazards

Car FireSafetySafety

Car Fire

Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

How to prevent a car fire • Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally

trained mechanic. If you spot leaks, your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.

• If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.

• Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment.

• Never park a car where flammables, such as grass, are touching the catalytic converter.

• Drive safely to avoid an accident.

Know the danger signs • Cracked or loose wiring or electrical problems,

including a fuse that blows more than once• Oil or fluid leaks• Oil cap not on securely• Rapid changes in fuel or fluid level, or engine

temperature

What to do if your car is on fire • Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, be sure to use your signal as you make your

way to a safe location off the road such as the breakdown lane or rest stop.• Once you have stopped, TURN OFF the engine.• GET everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything.• MOVE everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic.• CALL 9-1-1.

Most crashes do NOT result in fire. In the event of any crash, call 9-1-1. If there is no sign of fire, wait for emergency

assistance to help any injured individuals out of the car.

FACT

Most car fluids are flammable. Heat and electrical sparksplus leakingfluid are all ittakes to starta car fire.

Bugle AlarmBy Capt. Tim Bergeron

Close Your Bedroom Door at Night

It could mean the difference between life and death in a house fire!

The simple act of closing your bedroom door before going to sleep each night could be the major difference between life and death in a house fire. While it’s a more commonly known fact that a closed door could stave off smoke and heat from a fire, keeping your door closed while sleeping could ward off flames for an additional half hour according to researchers.

Half of all fire deaths in the United States happen at night when most people are asleep. You can increase your odds of surviving a house fire by doing one simple thing: Close your bedroom door before you go to sleep.

A shut door keeps smoke and heat out of the room longer, buying you extra seconds or even minutes to plan a way out of the room and out of the house. If you wake up to a fire, the first thing you should try to do is get out, but what if you can’t? A closed door can do more than keep smoke out of a room. Research is showing how doors also change the flow of heat and toxic gases, acting as a shield for someone trapped and unable to get out of a fire. If you can’t get out of your home, you want a closed door between you and the fire. Along with smoke detectors, a closed door is the best possible thing.

Parents worried about not hearing their kids at night should use a baby monitor. If kids are scared of sleeping with the door closed, keep “the door cracked”. Wait until the kid goes to sleep and the last thing you do before you go to sleep is pull it closed the rest of the way.

A closed door is no substitute for a smoke detector. Put one inside and outside of every bedroom in your home. Also, make a fire escape plan with your family and practice it twice a year.

The picture on left is with the bedroom door closed. And the picture on the right is with the bedroom door open.

Chaplains CornerBy Chaplain Everett Peterson

Harlem Roscoe Fire Department Chaplains are here to listen to Firefighters too.

The chaplains are here to support Harlem Roscoe Fire Depart-ment if they need to talk and to offer spiritual advice when need-ed. To me, these guys and gals are unsung heroes.

Despite what they do for a living, firefighters are no different, they are still human.

“These guys have issues and problems too,” he said. “To me, that’s why we are here.”

Our job is to listen to the firefighters and offer “advice and spiri-tual advice” if needed.

“Sometimes you don’t have to have all the answers,” “Sometimes it’s just the ministry of being present.”

Firefighters use to discuss the “bad runs.” Now, they just “retreat” to their phones, the Internet or the TV.

We see the worst that society has to offer, People don’t talk about it. It’s more important now to have a chaplain around to talk to you. Sometimes you don’t want to tell your boss you’re hurting. You need that person to come in and listen.”

We are here to listen.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefire.com

Car FirePhoto by Carol Donovan

Car fire on West Lane on August 9th.

Car Accident/FirePhotos by Chief Shoevlin

Firefighters responded to an accident on Pleasant Valley Rd. on July 30. First in units found the driver already out of the vehicle and the car fully involved with fire. The driver was transported to the hospital by HRFD ambulance.

www.harlemroscoefire.com

Vehicle FiresPhotos by Capt. Tim Bergeron

Right,Car fire on I-90 on July 25th.

Below,Endloader fire on Stateline Rd. on July 25th.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefire.com www.harlemroscoefire.com

The Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist. #1

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

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month: You can now sign up on the home page of our website to receive the newsletter by email.

www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl: hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

Birthdays!

August 20189th Anja Hallman14th Tim Schrader20th Pete Sotos ‘50th’27th Al Bach Mike Sherbon28th Jacob Ghinazzi

September2018

1st Stefani Layman5th Adam Eich12th Bart Munger Kyle Alms13th Marty Green Mike Powell Joe Koeninger Michael Posser26th Austin Schwarzbach26th Paul Meyers

Accidents Photos by HRFD Photographers, Duty Officers & Charlotte Alms

07/06/18 Forest Hills Rd. & Irving Blvd. 07/15/18 Ralston Rd. & Hwy 251

07/06/18 Ralston Rd. & Hwy 251

07/28/18 Hwy 173 07/31/18 Bridge St.

Pete Sotos ‘50th’August 20th

07/06/18 Hwy 251 & Swanson Rd.

07/15/18 Queen Oaks Dr.

Congratulations to HRFD Firefighter Michael Prosser and his wife Arnela on the birth of their first child. Leonardo Michael Prosser was born on July 30, 2018. He measured in at 6lbs. 14oz. and 19”long. Proud daddy says wife and baby are doing great! Congrats again Michael & Arnela, He is adorable!!

New Baby

From The Chief’s DeskBy Chief Don Shoevlin

We have been very active in responding to calls for our services (which continues to increase), as well as out and about at community events.

Our firefighters are doing an excellent job of meeting those requests and juggling their time to also spend well-deserved time with their families and friends. This past month we responded to 255 calls.

Where has summer gone? In a week, schools will be open and occupied with all those energetic children. Please remember to be alert for those walking to school, waiting for the bus, or driving. Remember children’s actions are unpredictable.

Thank you to the Villages of Roscoe, Machesney Park, Roscoe Police department and the Winnebago Sheriff Machesney Park unit for a successful National Night Out event. It was great to be able to visit with so many people of the communities we serve. I was split between the two, but had an enjoyable time at both. Thank you for coming out with your families to have fun, share

in some food, but more importantly visit with the members of your fire department. This past Saturday our personnel also volunteered to work at the Epilepsy Foundation Mud Volleyball Tournament.

Now, with little time to regroup, our efforts and energy turn to the planning for our next two large events: First is the Roscoe Lions Fall Festival, which is only a month away. Besides our annual raffle, we will once again be serving our “Taco Boat”, baked potatoes, coffee, tea and lemonade. Then there is the parade and fireworks. Come out and support the Lion’s Club. Secondly is our Crunch Time Symposium held on September 28-30 at Station #3. Be watching for information, this is a great opportunity to come out and view firefighters from numerous departments challenge each other in a controlled environment the art of vehicle extrication.

Congratulations to Firefighter Michael Prosser and his wife Arnela of the birth of their first child.

Lastly I would like to pass on my condolences to Captain Huffman and his family for the passing of his grandfather, and to Captain Donovan and his family on the passing of his father. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Your continuous and generous support is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fire department. Chief Shoevlin

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

HELP WANTED!We are currently accepting applications for part-time EMT-P and firefighters. Are you a caring individual looking for an opportunity to grow in the public safety world? Are you a person looking for challenges and working with a superb group of individuals? If you are then we are looking for you.

Applications may be filled out on line at our website or picked up at Station #1 located at located at 10544 Main Street in Roscoe Illinois 61073. Any questions should be directed to the Chief or Deputy Chief of Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department. 815-623-7867

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.

• Capt. Mike Huffman’s grandpa, Clifton Huffman passed away on July 20, 2018 in Rockford.

• Capt. John Donovan’s father, Robert C. Donovan passed away July31st in Ohio.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Mike and John and their families.

• August is known for many things, including the dog days of summer, National Watermelon Day (Aug. 3) and National Smile Week (Aug. 5-11). But there are many other fun facts associated with summer’s last full month.

• August is named after Augustus Caesar, founder and the first emperor of the Roman Empire, who was posthumously adopted by his maternal great-uncle Gaius Julius Caesar.

• In the early Roman calendar, August was actually the sixth month of the year. It was originally 30 days in length, but an extra day was added so that it would equal the number of days in July, which was named after Julius Caesar.

• August has two birthstones: peridot and sardonyx. Peri-dot is among the oldest known gemstones and is green in color. Sardonyx, which is lesser-known, is a white- and brown-banded gemstone once believed to have mystical powers.

• The official flower for August is the gladiolus. These verti-cal-growing flowers were named from the Latin “gladius,” meaning a sword.

• Fans of Elvis Presley mourn each Aug. 16th, the day the famed singer died in 1977.

• On Aug. 24th in 79 A.D., the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupt-ed, destroying the city of Pompeii and others.

• People born in August fall under the sun zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo. Leos are known to be dramatic, creative and outgoing. Virgos have acute attention to detail and are the people most likely to dedicate themselves to serving. They also are loyal, hardworking and analytical.

• On Aug. 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Lou-vre Gallery and not recovered for two years.

• Although civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., is honored in January, when he was born, he is best known for his famed “I have a dream” speech, which was given on Aug. 28, 1963.

• The month of August is often referred to as the “dog days of summer” but not because of pet pooches. It has to do with the star Sirius, also known as the dog star, which rose at the same time as sunrise during the month of August in ancient Roman times.

August Weather Lore

• “IfthefirstweekinAugustisunusuallywarm,thecomingwinterwillbesnowyandlong.”

• “IfacoldAugustfollowsahotJuly,Itforetellsawinterhardanddry.”

• “ForeveryfoginAugusttherewillbeasnowfall.”

Donation

Harlem-Roscoe Fire personnel accept a donation of bottled water from the Roscoe Schnucks store.

Gas LeakPhoto by Chief Shoevlin

Firefighters responded to a home on Glen Forest Dr. for a gas leak. It seems the residents had struck the washer and dryer in their garage while parking a vehicle causing a gas leak. The resident had the gas shut off before units arrived.

THE FIREHOUSE SCENEis a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

August 2018 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

National Night OutPage 6 & 7

Accidents Page 10

By: Jim Purpura asic Training for CERT members means just what it says. It is review of the essential skills one would need to

improve your chances of surviving the immediate after effects of a natural, man-made, or technological disaster. For some of us, this knowledge is something we may have acquired in Girl Scouts, or in Boy Scouts as the Emergency Preparedness

Merit Badges or the Wilder-ness Survival Merit Badge. Others of us learned these skills in military ser-vice and we have witness-ed and recog-

nized their effectiveness. These are usually skills that are seldom if ever used but when they’re needed often save lives. They are the actions that first responders train for and use in their work daily; the actions and knowledge we expect from them in an emergency should we ever have to call 9-1-1 for help.

Fire Safety, learn how and when to shut off utilities and how to use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires.

Disaster Medical, learn how to immediately deal minor cuts to major trauma.

Incident Command Structure, learn how to organize your neighbors during a disaster or to work with first responders in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Light Search & Rescue; learn how to identify if a structure is safe to enter and how to extricate survivors.

Terrorism, learn how to identify and react to a biological, chemical, or other terrorist attack.

Psychological effects of disaster and trauma.

These are the skills needed to provide help until HELP arrives. Illinois Stateline CERT conducts basic training yearly for interested citizens in the community in accordance with Department of Homeland Defense / FEMA guidelines and recognized and registered with Illinois Emergency Management (IEMA). We conduct the classroom and hands-on training in association with subject matter experts from HRFD and local law enforcement.

This year CERT Basic Training (20 hours total mandated by FEMA) will be held on:

Saturday October 6 from 07:30am to 5 pm

Saturday October 20 07:30 to 5 pm

Sunday 08:00 to 3 pm. When there is a final exam and passing score required, and participation in a mandatory disaster scenario staged at HRFD Station 3.

CERT members’ primary responsibilities are first to themselves and their families, their neighbors, then to their community under the direction of local public safety professionals. Illinois Stateline CERT is sponsored by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District and is registered with FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management system. We meet once per month at the Harlem Roscoe Station one, 10544 Main Street, Roscoe, IL. At 7 PM on the fourth Thursday of each month. Come and learn the value of being a CERT member. Be Ready, Be Safe, Be a CERT Volunteer!

B