THE FIREHOUSE SCENE is a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

November 2015 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

2015 Fire Prevention WeekPages 6&7

Then & NowTake a good look at the difference between these Then & Now fire fighting photos! Early Firefighter Dale Selsor said, “In 1949, new firefighters were assigned a long coat, hip boots, helmet and striped cotton gloves; there were no air masks.” This year a new firefighter will receive a helmet, coat, and bunker pants that are lighter than ever before, a Nomex head cover, leather boots that feel like tennis shoes, gloves and will wear an SCBA for breathing.

Birthdays!

November 1st Don Shoevlin3rd Joe Quast6th Andrew Wiechman8th Harry Wagner10th Nate Noble11th Kelly Green14th Ken Kelley 70th19th Chris Farr

December5th Kelly Hamill8th Bill Patterson11th Harold Danger16th Alex Baumgartner26th Ron Klaman Patrick Trollop

Ken Kelley “70th”November 14th

Total Calls for The Year 2015

2219

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl DrostThe 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.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Welcome to standard time and the beginning of another season. Alert! Do you know what’s next? A four letter word – SNOW! Well if it helps, I have heard it is going to be an El Nino winter. From what I understand that means warmer than normal temperatures. So does that mean less snow, possible more ice or more rain? Only time will tell how our weather prognosticators fair on this one.

I remind everyone that you should have changed your batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors. Speaking of that, as we see the weather turn colder, please check your CO detectors. Illinois law requires that all residents have carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air. It can be is toxic and harmful. Here are some DO’s and DONT’s regarding CO.

DO’s• Have your heating system, water heater , and any other gas, oil, or coal

burning appliance checked.• Install a battery operated CO Detector in your home and check it when

you change your clocks each spring and fall• Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are

feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseous.

DON’T• Use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal

burning device inside your home, garage or near a window.• Run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house even if you

leave the door open. Burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented.

• Heat you house with a gas oven.

Thank you to all of our personnel for a successful Open House. I will have to say the dunk tank was cold and refreshing for sure.

We have set our sights on the annual Senior Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner. This year it will be held on Thursday Nov. 19. It is at our Station #1 on Main Street in Roscoe from 11am until 1pm. We assist the Roscoe Lion’s Club in this great event.

After this event it is on to bring Santa to Roscoe. Saturday, Nov. 28, at 4:30pm, is the annual Roscoe Christmas Parade. Afterwards your firefighters will be serving hotdogs in the Village Hall.

On Dec. 1, we will be starting our “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign for the holidays. You will see a large red wreath in front of all of our stations with red bulbs. More information will be forthcoming in the December newsletter.

I wish everyone in our communities, our firefighters and their families a Happy Thanksgiving.

As always bookmark our website www.harlemroscoefire.com and/or friend us on Facebook to keep up with the progress of the department, individuals, and calls. Don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

Field FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire responded to two fires in the ditches along Hwy 251 on Oct. 19. The first was Hwy 251 and McDonald Rd. and the second was Hwy 251 and Forest Hills Rd. (Photos below)

Commercial FirePhotos by Marcia Soppe

Firefighters responded to a fryer fire at a local restaurant on Adamson Ln. in Machesney Park. No one was injured.

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

Congratulations to Firefighter David Fleetwood and his fiance, Kacie, on the birth of their first child. Harper Louise was born on Oct. 25 at 11:08 pm. She measured in at 8lbs. 4oz. and 19.5 inches. Mom and baby are doing great and David is having the time of his life being a new daddy! Congratulations again David and Kacie, she is adorable!

NEW BABY

Leader Dog TrainingPhotos by Capt. Ryan Alms

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters hosted a special training for some 4-legged friends in a Leader Dog Training on Oct. 4 at Station #3.

Car FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to a car fire at JimeZs in Roscoe on Oct. 20. The engine compartment was fully involved when units arrived and the fire had spread to a fenced-in area. The fire was extinguished and no one was injured.

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

Chaplains CornerBy Chaplain Everett M. Peterson

Happy Thanksgiving All

At this time of Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for YOU. First and foremost, I’m thankful for my God and my family.

I’m thankful for my father, who taught me to be a good person, the value of hard work and integrity and even though he is gone, his values and spirit lives on. I have not only found those values in myself and my brother, but in many young men whom he had mentored while in scouting and who have contacted me since his passing this year. I’m thankful for my mother’s fierce love for my brother and me, her protection of me while she was alive, and for imparting to me a voracious curiosity about all things good and Godly.

After spending the first 15 years of our lives trying to find creative ways to annoy or kill each other, my brother is as good a friend as anybody could ask for. I’m blessed with the family I inherited from the marriage to my wife and love them all dearly, and yes I love my mother-in-law (seriously, I do). I am blessed with friends who, though separated by time and distance, are there when I need them.

It is mind-boggling when I think of the incredible teachers and mentors I have had in my work, school. and life. They have taken the time to challenge me, stretch my mind and to nurture and grow me as a person. I only hope I can give back a fraction of what I’ve received.

I’m thankful that I’m healthy, though the different surgeries and the R.A., O.A. and neuropathy and other medical things may indicate otherwise. I’m grateful that my body so far has taken all the abuse I give it without too much grumbling.

Finally, I’m thankful for the opportunity for being able to serve ------ from the nonprofit perspective.

I found that my 32 years working in the mental health field was so energizing and exciting working at helping others. I constantly marvel at the fierce dedication and hard work of then the Janet Wattles Center staff and their devotion to our mission of helping those who were less fortunate. You see they were some of the smartest and most committed people I’ve ever encountered they are truly heroes in the fight of mental health. I marvel at the staff at Remedies Renewing Lives for the dedication they have in working with and helping those woman who have suffered the abuse of Domestic Violence. They are truly heroes in the fight of Domestic Violence.

I marvel at the staff at the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department for their dedication to serving those in need no matter what the situation. I see them running into situation as others are running

out. They are highly skilled men and women who work to combat and extinguish fires. They also take steps to prevent fires, they are emergency medical technicians (EMT) and they investigate the causes of fires. They are almost always the first official “on the scene” of fires, car accidents, or other emergencies, which is why they are also called “first responders”. If all men are created

equal, and then a few become firemen. They are truly heroes in the fight to prevent fires.

I define a hero as someone who does the right thing no matter how the odds are stacked against him or her. I think that heroism is a unique human capacity and it is an attribute we all need to manifest.

So let me close with a huge THANK YOU to current and latent heroes everywhere. Keep doing what you’re doing -- it DOES make a difference to all the creatures here now and the trillions to come we really need you.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

Car vs PorchPhotos by Harold Danger

The driver of a Chevy HHR was transported to the hospital by Harlem-Roscoe Fire Paramedics after she crashed through a porch of a home on Irving Blvd on Oct. 29

Sparky Goes Trick or Treating!This year Sparky went as a Minion for the Halloween party at the Stepping Stones Preschool.

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

Accidents Photos by Battalion Chief Tom Aaker, Lt. Patrick Trollop and Photographers Harold Danger & Everett Peterson

10/11/15 Hwy 251 & Swanson 10/13/15 Hwy 251 & Forest Hills

10/19/15 Hwy 173 & Greenlee Rd.

10/13/15 Hwy 173 & I-90 Entrance

10/09/15 Broad Street 10/11/15 Hwy 251

We have no plans to eliminate the ambulance service we currently provide. We hope that this program will free up a room and the emergency department staff for those that are truly in need of emergent care. It will also make our ambulances available for the true emergencies. As more and more communities adopt a community program we will see that not only we can lessen the burden on first responders but hospital staff as well.

We also hope that this will eventually have a positive financial effect. Look for us to be implementing a plan in the near future. If this program would benefit you or a loved one, we want to hear from you. If we prevent one injury or avoid one unnecessary trip to the Emergency Department, the Program is a SUCCESS!

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article submitted by a H-R Fire Officer.

By Lt.Patrick Trollop

Military Service and Firefighting

People who have served our country in the Armed Forces have a huge advantage over those who have not. It is generally believed that while military veterans may not have as many certificates and fire science college credits as others (they were busy serving our country), they offer so much more.

There is no substitute for life experience. The personal growth a young man or woman experiences in the military are second to none. This growth is of course magnified depending on the assignments held. Many of those who join the military at a young age grew up very rapidly when put into dangerous situations.

Being assigned to the front line is not required to get “credit” for serving in the military. Fire departments realize that there are many support roles that require dedication and commitment. While there is only one person on the nozzle that puts out the fire, there are numerous other assignments that need to take place on the fire ground. It is important that a firefighter be willing to work in a support role for the good of the team.

The fire service is a para-military organization. Many of the common terms in the fire service, such a captain and lieutenant, were taken directly from the military. Words like code, honor, commitment, and integrity are as important to the fire service as they are to the military.

Men and women with military backgrounds are usually very mature, regardless of their age. They understand the need to get along with others, especially with people who come from different backgrounds from them. They understand commitment and the need to work until the job is completed. They are used to working for long periods of time in less than ideal conditions.

Military people demonstrate respect for authority and understand the chain of command. The fire service operates on the same hierarchy principle as the military. The group clearly understands code and honor. These qualities are extremely important in the fire service, because firefighters are held to a higher standard than the average person in the community.

Military men and women are used to working in a structured environment. They understand the importance of doing something right the first time. Similar to the fire department, people’s lives are impacted if things are not kept in a constant state of operational readiness. Firefighters must check out their equipment each and every day. They must know the intricacies of each tool kept on the engine or truck. Training and continuing education are essential to the fire service. It is imperative that firefighters are able to work unsupervised.

Getting along in the fire station is critically important to being successful in the fire service. Respect to and for fellow firefighters is critical. Cleaning up after oneself is expected. This is one of the first things that people learn while in the military.

Humility is an extremely important quality to possess as a military veteran as well as a new firefighter. This can be difficult for some, due to these people have obtained rank while in the military and are used to being the one who gives the orders. It is not uncommon for an older firefighter to be working under the tutelage of a much younger senior firefighter, engineer, or even lieutenant or captain. If the military veteran does not have the proper mind set, he or she will have a difficult time as a new firefighter.

Out in the CommunityPhotos by Capt. Ryan Alms

Home Depot Safety Days - Oct. 3rd

Hanson Pipe - Oct. 3rd

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

Accidents Photos by Photographer Sheryl Drost and Harold Danger.

10/24/15 Prairie Hill Rd. and Hwy 251

10/28/15 Prairie Hill & Pleasant Valley Road

10/27/15 Main Street & Bridge Street 10/27/15 Main Street & Flatwillow Drive

10/25/15 Hwy 251 & McDonald Road

Battalion Chief’s Whistleis a monthly article by one of our Chiefs

Community Paramedicineby Matt Zavadsky / Battalion Chief Jay Alms

In its most basic form, Community Paramedicine (CP) is the provision of outreach to patients at risk for using the emergency medical or in-patient healthcare system for primary care services, and helping them find more appropriate resources for their medical needs. Providing these services may take many forms, and to be successful, it should be based on filling gaps for local needs.

For example:

In rural areas, it may be using expanded scope of services when primary care resources may be hours away. In urban areas, it may be helping frequent users of the emergency care system find primary care resources to meet their medical needs. In many communities, it may be assisting patients at risk for costly hospital readmissions and preventing them from needing to be readmitted. The applications for CP services are only limited by your desire to meet and ability to fill gaps in needs within your community. Most of the issues CP addresses relate to patient education, connecting them with community resources, reviewing their medications, or in some cases, providing limited patient care in the home. Conducting these local CP programs does not involve expanded scope of services, but rather, an expanded role of the EMS system. However, in rural communities like West Eagle County, Colorado, and in the very first community paramedic program in Red River, New Mexico, CP programs MAY have an element of expanded scope if there is a lack of resources for additional services traditionally provided by other practitioners. For example, if the community to be served is in a rural or remote area with the nearest primary care resources many miles away, CP may work within the community to meet that identified need through expanded scope of services. Generally, a CP program should not replace existing resources, but augment them - essentially filling a gap in community resources. A CP program is not a replacement for a coordinated patient centered medical home (PCMH) or an already established home care agency. Most communities have established home care agencies, visiting nurse agencies and various primary care clinics. However, there will be patients who might not qualify for these services, or there may be gaps in these services that a CP program can fill. For example, an ED physician may feel that a patient who may ordinarily need to be observationally admitted overnight might be able to be discharged home from the ED with an overnight home visit. Most home care agencies may not have the capacity to see that patient within 60 minutes from discharge – but some EMS agencies may be able to check on that patient overnight and assure

he makes it to his primary care physician (PCP) visit the next day, or is transitioned to an established home care agency. EMS leaders have long imagined a time when EMS would be recognized for the true value its practitioners can bring to the delivery of healthcare services. We are finally at a point in time when the stars are aligning in favor of EMS. Currently, our country’s healthcare expenditure rate is over $8,000 per capita (nearly triple the average for all other industrialized nations) for the privilege of a ranking among the lowest on key performance indicators such as infant mortality, life expectancy and admissions for chronic conditions. Most everyone agrees this is not sustainable or prudent. Regardless of your position on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), its intent is to move the U.S. healthcare system away from one that provides financial incentives. ( Matt Zavadsky)

The State of Illinois has been looking at the community paramedicine program for the past several years. They have renamed it Mobile Integrated Healthcare. It’s been on a trial basis in the City of Rockford over the past year with positive results. Recently the state has approved three departments, Harlem-Roscoe Fire being 1 of 3 to put a program together in our community.

We have been working on different approaches over this past year on how we might implement the MIH program. We feel that besides the medical benefits to our patients, we can identify safety issues in the home as well. A preventative approach to make things safer around your home in avoiding potential injuries would bring peace of mind to many in our community.

Another benefit would be to those that don’t live in our community but have family living here. We can be that liaison to them when they are unable to make contact with a loved one.

We would hope that we could prevent some unnecessary trips to the hospital, whether if it’s just reminding them of daily medications, making sure that prescriptions get filled or a simple blood pressure check that would put the patient at ease. In the unfortunate event that more care is needed an ambulance can be summoned for that advanced care and transport.

The fire service has done such a great job educating people and communities on fire prevention and safety.

Now is the time to concentrate our efforts on educating our communities on when a trip to the Emergency Department is warranted. We find that memory loss or the lack of a routine will adversely effect positive outcomes . Many times we find that people neglect to follow what has been prescribed by their doctors. As I mentioned earlier identifying trip hazards, the addition of grab bars in bathrooms, hand rails on stairs, motion activated lighting, as well as other help aids can restore the freedom to many that they once enjoyed. There is no age requirement to this program. We will make it available to the elderly and the disabled or someone that may need it short term, post-surgery or recovering from an injury / illness.

“Recently the state has approved three departments, Harlem-Roscoe Fire being

1 of 3 to put a program together in our community.”

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

2015 Fire Prevention WeekPhotos by Capt. Ryan Alms and Photographer Sheryl Drost

October is a busy month for Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters. Around Fire Prevention Week, our Fire Prevention Team performs fire drills at every school in the fire district. Then firefighters are kept busy with fire safety talks, station tours, and the Annual Open House. Here are some snapshots from many of those events. You can also visit our Facebook Page and see many of the photos that were taken thoughout the different events.

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

2015 Fire Prevention WeekPhotos by Capt. Ryan Alms and Photographer Sheryl Drost

October is a busy month for Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters. Around Fire Prevention Week, our Fire Prevention Team performs fire drills at every school in the fire district. Then firefighters are kept busy with fire safety talks, station tours, and the Annual Open House. Here are some snapshots from many of those events. You can also visit our Facebook Page and see many of the photos that were taken thoughout the different events.

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

Accidents Photos by Photographer Sheryl Drost and Harold Danger.

10/24/15 Prairie Hill Rd. and Hwy 251

10/28/15 Prairie Hill & Pleasant Valley Road

10/27/15 Main Street & Bridge Street 10/27/15 Main Street & Flatwillow Drive

10/25/15 Hwy 251 & McDonald Road

Battalion Chief’s Whistleis a monthly article by one of our Chiefs

Community Paramedicineby Matt Zavadsky / Battalion Chief Jay Alms

In its most basic form, Community Paramedicine (CP) is the provision of outreach to patients at risk for using the emergency medical or in-patient healthcare system for primary care services, and helping them find more appropriate resources for their medical needs. Providing these services may take many forms, and to be successful, it should be based on filling gaps for local needs.

For example:

In rural areas, it may be using expanded scope of services when primary care resources may be hours away. In urban areas, it may be helping frequent users of the emergency care system find primary care resources to meet their medical needs. In many communities, it may be assisting patients at risk for costly hospital readmissions and preventing them from needing to be readmitted. The applications for CP services are only limited by your desire to meet and ability to fill gaps in needs within your community. Most of the issues CP addresses relate to patient education, connecting them with community resources, reviewing their medications, or in some cases, providing limited patient care in the home. Conducting these local CP programs does not involve expanded scope of services, but rather, an expanded role of the EMS system. However, in rural communities like West Eagle County, Colorado, and in the very first community paramedic program in Red River, New Mexico, CP programs MAY have an element of expanded scope if there is a lack of resources for additional services traditionally provided by other practitioners. For example, if the community to be served is in a rural or remote area with the nearest primary care resources many miles away, CP may work within the community to meet that identified need through expanded scope of services. Generally, a CP program should not replace existing resources, but augment them - essentially filling a gap in community resources. A CP program is not a replacement for a coordinated patient centered medical home (PCMH) or an already established home care agency. Most communities have established home care agencies, visiting nurse agencies and various primary care clinics. However, there will be patients who might not qualify for these services, or there may be gaps in these services that a CP program can fill. For example, an ED physician may feel that a patient who may ordinarily need to be observationally admitted overnight might be able to be discharged home from the ED with an overnight home visit. Most home care agencies may not have the capacity to see that patient within 60 minutes from discharge – but some EMS agencies may be able to check on that patient overnight and assure

he makes it to his primary care physician (PCP) visit the next day, or is transitioned to an established home care agency. EMS leaders have long imagined a time when EMS would be recognized for the true value its practitioners can bring to the delivery of healthcare services. We are finally at a point in time when the stars are aligning in favor of EMS. Currently, our country’s healthcare expenditure rate is over $8,000 per capita (nearly triple the average for all other industrialized nations) for the privilege of a ranking among the lowest on key performance indicators such as infant mortality, life expectancy and admissions for chronic conditions. Most everyone agrees this is not sustainable or prudent. Regardless of your position on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), its intent is to move the U.S. healthcare system away from one that provides financial incentives. ( Matt Zavadsky)

The State of Illinois has been looking at the community paramedicine program for the past several years. They have renamed it Mobile Integrated Healthcare. It’s been on a trial basis in the City of Rockford over the past year with positive results. Recently the state has approved three departments, Harlem-Roscoe Fire being 1 of 3 to put a program together in our community.

We have been working on different approaches over this past year on how we might implement the MIH program. We feel that besides the medical benefits to our patients, we can identify safety issues in the home as well. A preventative approach to make things safer around your home in avoiding potential injuries would bring peace of mind to many in our community.

Another benefit would be to those that don’t live in our community but have family living here. We can be that liaison to them when they are unable to make contact with a loved one.

We would hope that we could prevent some unnecessary trips to the hospital, whether if it’s just reminding them of daily medications, making sure that prescriptions get filled or a simple blood pressure check that would put the patient at ease. In the unfortunate event that more care is needed an ambulance can be summoned for that advanced care and transport.

The fire service has done such a great job educating people and communities on fire prevention and safety.

Now is the time to concentrate our efforts on educating our communities on when a trip to the Emergency Department is warranted. We find that memory loss or the lack of a routine will adversely effect positive outcomes . Many times we find that people neglect to follow what has been prescribed by their doctors. As I mentioned earlier identifying trip hazards, the addition of grab bars in bathrooms, hand rails on stairs, motion activated lighting, as well as other help aids can restore the freedom to many that they once enjoyed. There is no age requirement to this program. We will make it available to the elderly and the disabled or someone that may need it short term, post-surgery or recovering from an injury / illness.

“Recently the state has approved three departments, Harlem-Roscoe Fire being

1 of 3 to put a program together in our community.”

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

Accidents Photos by Battalion Chief Tom Aaker, Lt. Patrick Trollop and Photographers Harold Danger & Everett Peterson

10/11/15 Hwy 251 & Swanson 10/13/15 Hwy 251 & Forest Hills

10/19/15 Hwy 173 & Greenlee Rd.

10/13/15 Hwy 173 & I-90 Entrance

10/09/15 Broad Street 10/11/15 Hwy 251

We have no plans to eliminate the ambulance service we currently provide. We hope that this program will free up a room and the emergency department staff for those that are truly in need of emergent care. It will also make our ambulances available for the true emergencies. As more and more communities adopt a community program we will see that not only we can lessen the burden on first responders but hospital staff as well.

We also hope that this will eventually have a positive financial effect. Look for us to be implementing a plan in the near future. If this program would benefit you or a loved one, we want to hear from you. If we prevent one injury or avoid one unnecessary trip to the Emergency Department, the Program is a SUCCESS!

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article submitted by a H-R Fire Officer.

By Lt.Patrick Trollop

Military Service and Firefighting

People who have served our country in the Armed Forces have a huge advantage over those who have not. It is generally believed that while military veterans may not have as many certificates and fire science college credits as others (they were busy serving our country), they offer so much more.

There is no substitute for life experience. The personal growth a young man or woman experiences in the military are second to none. This growth is of course magnified depending on the assignments held. Many of those who join the military at a young age grew up very rapidly when put into dangerous situations.

Being assigned to the front line is not required to get “credit” for serving in the military. Fire departments realize that there are many support roles that require dedication and commitment. While there is only one person on the nozzle that puts out the fire, there are numerous other assignments that need to take place on the fire ground. It is important that a firefighter be willing to work in a support role for the good of the team.

The fire service is a para-military organization. Many of the common terms in the fire service, such a captain and lieutenant, were taken directly from the military. Words like code, honor, commitment, and integrity are as important to the fire service as they are to the military.

Men and women with military backgrounds are usually very mature, regardless of their age. They understand the need to get along with others, especially with people who come from different backgrounds from them. They understand commitment and the need to work until the job is completed. They are used to working for long periods of time in less than ideal conditions.

Military people demonstrate respect for authority and understand the chain of command. The fire service operates on the same hierarchy principle as the military. The group clearly understands code and honor. These qualities are extremely important in the fire service, because firefighters are held to a higher standard than the average person in the community.

Military men and women are used to working in a structured environment. They understand the importance of doing something right the first time. Similar to the fire department, people’s lives are impacted if things are not kept in a constant state of operational readiness. Firefighters must check out their equipment each and every day. They must know the intricacies of each tool kept on the engine or truck. Training and continuing education are essential to the fire service. It is imperative that firefighters are able to work unsupervised.

Getting along in the fire station is critically important to being successful in the fire service. Respect to and for fellow firefighters is critical. Cleaning up after oneself is expected. This is one of the first things that people learn while in the military.

Humility is an extremely important quality to possess as a military veteran as well as a new firefighter. This can be difficult for some, due to these people have obtained rank while in the military and are used to being the one who gives the orders. It is not uncommon for an older firefighter to be working under the tutelage of a much younger senior firefighter, engineer, or even lieutenant or captain. If the military veteran does not have the proper mind set, he or she will have a difficult time as a new firefighter.

Out in the CommunityPhotos by Capt. Ryan Alms

Home Depot Safety Days - Oct. 3rd

Hanson Pipe - Oct. 3rd

Car FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to a car fire at JimeZs in Roscoe on Oct. 20. The engine compartment was fully involved when units arrived and the fire had spread to a fenced-in area. The fire was extinguished and no one was injured.

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

Chaplains CornerBy Chaplain Everett M. Peterson

Happy Thanksgiving All

At this time of Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for YOU. First and foremost, I’m thankful for my God and my family.

I’m thankful for my father, who taught me to be a good person, the value of hard work and integrity and even though he is gone, his values and spirit lives on. I have not only found those values in myself and my brother, but in many young men whom he had mentored while in scouting and who have contacted me since his passing this year. I’m thankful for my mother’s fierce love for my brother and me, her protection of me while she was alive, and for imparting to me a voracious curiosity about all things good and Godly.

After spending the first 15 years of our lives trying to find creative ways to annoy or kill each other, my brother is as good a friend as anybody could ask for. I’m blessed with the family I inherited from the marriage to my wife and love them all dearly, and yes I love my mother-in-law (seriously, I do). I am blessed with friends who, though separated by time and distance, are there when I need them.

It is mind-boggling when I think of the incredible teachers and mentors I have had in my work, school. and life. They have taken the time to challenge me, stretch my mind and to nurture and grow me as a person. I only hope I can give back a fraction of what I’ve received.

I’m thankful that I’m healthy, though the different surgeries and the R.A., O.A. and neuropathy and other medical things may indicate otherwise. I’m grateful that my body so far has taken all the abuse I give it without too much grumbling.

Finally, I’m thankful for the opportunity for being able to serve ------ from the nonprofit perspective.

I found that my 32 years working in the mental health field was so energizing and exciting working at helping others. I constantly marvel at the fierce dedication and hard work of then the Janet Wattles Center staff and their devotion to our mission of helping those who were less fortunate. You see they were some of the smartest and most committed people I’ve ever encountered they are truly heroes in the fight of mental health. I marvel at the staff at Remedies Renewing Lives for the dedication they have in working with and helping those woman who have suffered the abuse of Domestic Violence. They are truly heroes in the fight of Domestic Violence.

I marvel at the staff at the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department for their dedication to serving those in need no matter what the situation. I see them running into situation as others are running

out. They are highly skilled men and women who work to combat and extinguish fires. They also take steps to prevent fires, they are emergency medical technicians (EMT) and they investigate the causes of fires. They are almost always the first official “on the scene” of fires, car accidents, or other emergencies, which is why they are also called “first responders”. If all men are created

equal, and then a few become firemen. They are truly heroes in the fight to prevent fires.

I define a hero as someone who does the right thing no matter how the odds are stacked against him or her. I think that heroism is a unique human capacity and it is an attribute we all need to manifest.

So let me close with a huge THANK YOU to current and latent heroes everywhere. Keep doing what you’re doing -- it DOES make a difference to all the creatures here now and the trillions to come we really need you.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

Car vs PorchPhotos by Harold Danger

The driver of a Chevy HHR was transported to the hospital by Harlem-Roscoe Fire Paramedics after she crashed through a porch of a home on Irving Blvd on Oct. 29

Sparky Goes Trick or Treating!This year Sparky went as a Minion for the Halloween party at the Stepping Stones Preschool.

Birthdays!

November 1st Don Shoevlin3rd Joe Quast6th Andrew Wiechman8th Harry Wagner10th Nate Noble11th Kelly Green14th Ken Kelley 70th19th Chris Farr

December5th Kelly Hamill8th Bill Patterson11th Harold Danger16th Alex Baumgartner26th Ron Klaman Patrick Trollop

Ken Kelley “70th”November 14th

Total Calls for The Year 2015

2219

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl DrostThe 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.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Welcome to standard time and the beginning of another season. Alert! Do you know what’s next? A four letter word – SNOW! Well if it helps, I have heard it is going to be an El Nino winter. From what I understand that means warmer than normal temperatures. So does that mean less snow, possible more ice or more rain? Only time will tell how our weather prognosticators fair on this one.

I remind everyone that you should have changed your batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors. Speaking of that, as we see the weather turn colder, please check your CO detectors. Illinois law requires that all residents have carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air. It can be is toxic and harmful. Here are some DO’s and DONT’s regarding CO.

DO’s• Have your heating system, water heater , and any other gas, oil, or coal

burning appliance checked.• Install a battery operated CO Detector in your home and check it when

you change your clocks each spring and fall• Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are

feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseous.

DON’T• Use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal

burning device inside your home, garage or near a window.• Run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house even if you

leave the door open. Burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented.

• Heat you house with a gas oven.

Thank you to all of our personnel for a successful Open House. I will have to say the dunk tank was cold and refreshing for sure.

We have set our sights on the annual Senior Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner. This year it will be held on Thursday Nov. 19. It is at our Station #1 on Main Street in Roscoe from 11am until 1pm. We assist the Roscoe Lion’s Club in this great event.

After this event it is on to bring Santa to Roscoe. Saturday, Nov. 28, at 4:30pm, is the annual Roscoe Christmas Parade. Afterwards your firefighters will be serving hotdogs in the Village Hall.

On Dec. 1, we will be starting our “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign for the holidays. You will see a large red wreath in front of all of our stations with red bulbs. More information will be forthcoming in the December newsletter.

I wish everyone in our communities, our firefighters and their families a Happy Thanksgiving.

As always bookmark our website www.harlemroscoefire.com and/or friend us on Facebook to keep up with the progress of the department, individuals, and calls. Don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

Field FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire responded to two fires in the ditches along Hwy 251 on Oct. 19. The first was Hwy 251 and McDonald Rd. and the second was Hwy 251 and Forest Hills Rd. (Photos below)

Commercial FirePhotos by Marcia Soppe

Firefighters responded to a fryer fire at a local restaurant on Adamson Ln. in Machesney Park. No one was injured.

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

Congratulations to Firefighter David Fleetwood and his fiance, Kacie, on the birth of their first child. Harper Louise was born on Oct. 25 at 11:08 pm. She measured in at 8lbs. 4oz. and 19.5 inches. Mom and baby are doing great and David is having the time of his life being a new daddy! Congratulations again David and Kacie, she is adorable!

NEW BABY

Leader Dog TrainingPhotos by Capt. Ryan Alms

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters hosted a special training for some 4-legged friends in a Leader Dog Training on Oct. 4 at Station #3.

THE FIREHOUSE SCENE is a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

November 2015 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

2015 Fire Prevention WeekPages 6&7

Then & NowTake a good look at the difference between these Then & Now fire fighting photos! Early Firefighter Dale Selsor said, “In 1949, new firefighters were assigned a long coat, hip boots, helmet and striped cotton gloves; there were no air masks.” This year a new firefighter will receive a helmet, coat, and bunker pants that are lighter than ever before, a Nomex head cover, leather boots that feel like tennis shoes, gloves and will wear an SCBA for breathing.