HRFD Golf Fundraiser Join us for the “Ignite our Youth’s ... May complete.pdfThe winner of the...

THE FIREHOUSE SCENE is a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - 2www.harlemroscoefire.com

May 2015 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Celebrating EMS WeekPages 4 & 5

Commercial FirePages 6 & 7

Photo by Sheryl Drost

Then & Now By Sheryl DrostTo celebrate our 75th year, every month in 2015 we will be recreating an old photo to show Then & Now.

The Alms Kids! Left photo - Taken almost 20 years ago of Battalion Chief Jay Alm’s children. Right Photo - Today, Firefighter Kyle Alms, Captain Ryan Alms, and Dispatcher Megan Alms all serve on the department.

HRFD Golf FundraiserJoin us for the “Ignite our Youth’s Future” Golf Fundraiser for the Harlem-Roscoe Fireman’s Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded annually to an in-district senior who is continuing their education into college.

This year, based off the proceeds of last year’s golf play day, we established our first ever scholarship. The guidelines for the scholarship were the recipient had to be an in-district resident, graduating high school senior, possess at least a 3.5 GPA, US. Citizen and plan to attend a college in the fall of 2015.

In addition to the above requirements, the recipient had to submit an essay, resume, two letters of recommendation, financials and GPA with class rank.

We had a total of 16 applicants and our board, which included Al Bach, Jason Blume of the Harlem School District and Amber Miller of the Rockford School District, picked four finalists to be interviewed. I did not envy their positions in determining a winner—all applicants were extremely impressive!

Our board was able to select one winner. The winner of the 2015 Harlem-Roscoe Firefighter’s Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 was Allison Tennant. Allison is a senior at Hononegah High School. Some impressive back ground regarding Allison was a weighted GPA of 4.8! She had over 20 plus awards and honors while maintaining jobs throughout high school. She plans on attending Amherst College in MA we wish her luck! We at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department recognize the importance of furthering one’s education. Our youth is our future and we want to “Ignite our Youth’s Future”! Please support our scholarship fund by participating our sponsoring our annual golf play day to take place this year on June 26, 2015!

$10,000 Scholarship Awarded By Rob Lukowski Birthday!

May11th Marcia Soppe13th Josh Hoffland Zach Barton16th Chuck Schoonover20th John Bunger23rd Rob Lukowski31st Jordan Stark

June7th Megan Alms8th Shannon Burbach11th Mike Huffman16th Jen Anderson17th Jesse Martin19th Justin Harwood

Total Calls for The Year 2015

825

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

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

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month:www.harlemroscoefire.com

E-mail submissions to Sheryl:[email protected]

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

As I anxiously waited last month, I am excited to announce the package has arrived. Our baby daughter Laura gave birth to our fourth grandchild, second granddaughter on Monday April 20th. As I waited in the hallway with grandma, the scuttle was wow was that a big baby. It became apparent that everyone was talking about Jaylen. What a wonderful feeling to have in your life along with the anticipation

and excitement of having the opportunity to spoil another one. Congrats to Laura and our son in law Will. Big brother Jordan is pretty excited right along with us.

Has it sprung? We are assured that another season of road construction has sprung just by driving around. We have some sort of work being done on what would appear every road. This will have traffic congestion at its best. We all need to be alert, patient and polite no matter how frustrated we get. Please watch out for our personnel responding to and working in these areas.

Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Rob Lukowski who was this year’s recipient of VFW award. I would like to thank the VFW for continuing their support of this program. It was an enjoyable evening for us all in attendance.

May is the month that we recognize and celebrate those in EMS (Emergency Medical Services). It is the commitment and dedication of all the personnel of Harlem Roscoe Fire that in my opinion make us second to none. Be proud of yourself and one another for going above and beyond the call of duty. Our communities deserve the best and you all have seen that they receive it.

Last, but definitely not least, we must not forget the Moms on our roster, of our personnel and of our district. I don’t think we thank you enough for all you endure but more importantly for all the love you share. Cherish that time with them because they will make an everlasting impression on us. I know my mom did and still does every day as she continues to watch over me and my family. She had many roles such as a chef, maid, mentor, nurse, counselor, but no matter what, she always my MOM.

Thank you to all the mothers out there for what you endure and do!

.A Mother’s love is something that no one can explain, It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may For nothing can destroy it or take that love away . . .It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking . . . It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns, And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems . .

By Helen Steiner Rice

Your continuous and generous support is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fire department. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fire department by visiting our website (which we are updating) www.harlemroscoefire.com, we can also be found on Facebook, so go ahead and friend us

VFW Firefighter of the Year Award

Congratulations to HRFD Firefighter Rob Lukowski as Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Loves Park VFW Post 9759’s Firefighter of the Year Award recipient.

Chief Shoevlin says, “If someone were to ask me how I would describe him I would say that Rob is someone who gives energy filled with passion to everything he does or the people he deals with.

Rob joined the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department in 2005. In the time I have known Rob I found him always looking for ways to push someone’s button but in a clown sort of way. He is a fiery person on the streets but in a good way. To accomplish what he does as a volunteer along with having a full time career, being an active, involved husband and father is truly amazing.

Rob is a true testament to the betterment not only to his community but his commitment to his family and the youth of our communities. I am honored to work alongside him and have him as a member and representing Harlem Roscoe Fire Department. Rob you are most deserving of this award and recognition”

HRFD Awardee Lukowski poses with his wife Nicolle and girls, Addison & Taylor.

L-r Standing, Chief Don Shoevlin, Awardee Rob Lukowski, DC John Bergeron, Capt. Mike Huffman, Mike Powell, and Sean Laurent. L-r seated, Lt. Patrick Trollop, Battalion Chief Jay Alms, Lt. Josh Hoffland, and Capt. Ryan Alms.

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

Congratulations!Proud grandpa, Chief Don Shoevlin, and grandma Tammy, hold the newest addition and welcome grandbaby #4 to the Shoevlin clan.

Jaylen Rose Paul arrived on April 20 weighing in at 11 lbs. 12 oz. and 22” long, even breaking a record for largest baby delivered by Dr. Cunningham! Parents Laura & Will along with big brother Jordan are excited that she is very healthy, finally here, and sleeps most of the night!

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin, Captain Ryan Alms and FF Rob Lukowski awarded the 1st Annual Harlem-Roscoe Fireman’s Scholarship to Hononegah High School Senior Allison Tennant on April 28.

Smoke Investigation Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to Greenlee Dr. for a report of smoke investigation. A by-product in a semi trailer was found smoldering and the trailer was moved away from the building.

Firefighters found by-product in a trailer smoldering.

Lt. Patrick Trollop engineers the aerial truck.

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team and consists of community members that are trained to assist police and fire departments during times of community need when these public entities may be taxed. Such events may include natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and other natural events. CERT members may also be needed for large community events assisting with traffic control, crowd control, event setup, and other tasks.

Your community needs you! Join the Northern Illinois Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn the skills to help your family and your community in times of disaster. Visit www.statelinecert.org for more information. No experience or special skills needed, just a desire to help your community!

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

Burning Causes FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters arrived to a home on Main St. in Argyle to find a fully involved shed and car fire. Seems high winds sent burning embers from a burn pile into a nearby shed, starting it on fire. The fire then spread to a car and the heat from the fire also melted the siding of the home. No one was injured.

New Firefighters Sworn InHarlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin welcomed ten new firefighters to the HRFD family on April 21, 2015 after they were sworn in by Trustees John Donahue and Al Bach. The ten firefighter have completed over 100 hours of training and as Lt. Radi Huggard told them, “You aren’t done yet, there is so much more you have to learn!”

Let’s meet our new firefighters...

Jeremy Bye is engaged to Whitni Genz. Jeremy previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Boone Co. Fire Dist. # 1 for five years. He works at Dunnet Bay Construction as a bridge carpenter. His hobbies are hunting and fishing.

Richard Macias, who goes by Richie, and his girlfriend, Kinzie Miller, have an 11-month old daughter named Raelyn Marie Macias. He is attending Rock Valley College for a fire science degree. Richie works at Lowes Distribution Center in the warehouse. Richie has previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Stillman Valley Fire. His dad and step mom, Mark and Kathy Macias serve on Rockford Fire. He enjoys playing sports such as basketball, football, and likes to snowboard, kayak and work out.

David Fleetwood is engaged to Kacie Vernon and they are expecting their first baby in October. He has a General Associates Degree in Science from Kishwaukee College. He works for R.R. Donnelley Print Co. running three specialized printers called Xerox Igens (they are about the size of a pickup truck). David previously served for just under a year as an EMT for Kirkland Fire. His Great Uncle Jack is a retired Captain on Kankakee Fire Department. David plays guitar, works on cars, and enjoys all sorts of music and movies as well as the outdoors.

Tyler Gilbertson works at Crestview Manor Apartments in property maintenance. His brother-in-law is HRFD FF/Paramedic Ryan Sarver. His father, Shawn Gilbertson and stepmom Michele Pankow serve on Rockford Fire. He likes to camp, hike, skateboard, fish and play music.

Kelly Hamill has two children, Camden age 5 and Grace age 3. She has a bachelor’s degree in

nursing. She works as a transport nurse at Robert and Ann Laurie’s Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She enjoys drag racing, fishing, and hanging out with her kids.

Morgan Knoll is engaged to Jesse Shaw. They have one furry-legged child named Stemi. She has an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Rock Valley College. She previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Loves Park Fire for a year and a half. She is employed by ATS Medical Services and is stationed out at Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT. She enjoys playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.

Jagger Martin works as a Field Supervisor for Pro Xteriors. He is attending Rock Valley College for personal training. He enjoys working out and has run several marathons.

Steve Rosander has two children, Amelia age 4 and Wyatt age 1. Steve served in the US Army for three years. He also previously served as a volunteer firefighter for Loves Park Fire for eight years. He is a Paramedic for ATS and an ER Tech for Rockford Health System. He loves to hunt, fish, and spend time with his kids.

Austin Richards is attending Rock Valley College and is pursuing Criminal Justice. He previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Loves Park Fire.

Brandon Sherbon is graduating from Harlem High School and is studying fire science at Rock Valley College. Brandon joins his father, FF/EMT Mike Sherbon on the department. Brandon played soccer and ran track in high school. He enjoys camping, hiking and is a collector of Vietnam War artifacts.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” Andrew Carnegie

Congratulations to new HRFD Firefightrs, standing l-r, Morgan Knoll, Jagger Martin, Jeremy Bye, David Fleetwood, Steven Rosander, Austin Richards, and Richie Macias. Kneeling l-r, Brandon Sherbon, Tyler Gilbertson, and Kelly Hamill.

Accidents Photos by Chief Shoevlin, Sheryl Drost, and Everett Peterson

Chiefs’ Whistlemonthly article submitted by one of HRFD Chiefs.

By Battalion Chief Jay Ams

41st annual EMS WeekMay 17-23, 2015

In 1973, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS, its practitioners and the important work they do in responding to medical emergencies. Back then, EMS was a fledgling profession and EMS practitioners were only beginning to be recognized as a critical component of emergency medicine and the public health safety net.

As a profession, EMS is just a mere child, struggling to come to terms with its identity and wishing to make its own mark in the world. A benefit to being so young is that we are not so far removed from the true beginnings of the organized delivery of prehospital emergency care. The “hows” and “whys” of our origins are still easily available—and, for the most part, from the very people who were instrumental in establishing the systems and practices we take for granted today.

Understanding both where we come from and our past successes and failures helps us to plan and prepare for the future. By recognizing our heroes, we bring recognition to the EMS service and the community, enhancing public awareness and understanding.

Our HistoryThe last 40 years have been a time of incredible progress and daunting challenges for EMS in America. From the seminal “white paper” in 1966 that gave rise to modern American EMS to recent discussions about which lead federal agency should oversee EMS, the profession has seen drastic changes in terms of advances in technology and prehospital medicine, educational opportunities and systems management. However, if we are to learn anything from our history, it could be that while we have made great advances, we remain

divided on many issues. We are still debating whether EMS belongs in the fire service, who should be responsible for overseeing EMS in the federal government and states’ rights versus federal oversight. In order for EMS to continue to develop and grow as a profession, the EMS community must find a way to work together and resolve some fundamental issues. Becoming informed about how our current system of prehospital care developed will go a long way toward

enabling you to have a voice for the future of EMS.

The History of EMS WeekThe U.S. Congress authorized the Emergency Medical Services Systems (EMSS) Act of 1973. In 1974, President Gerald R. Ford signed this bill and appointed David R. Boyd as the director of the Division of Emergency Medical Services Systems (DEMSS), Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Boyd convinced President Ford to proclaim “Emergency Medical Services Week” and to host a White House Conference

on EMS. Gerald Ford is the “Hero” of the national EMS story, a true believer who supported EMS during difficult political, economic, and budgetary times.

Our HeroesWhile the history of our modern EMS system is a relatively short one, there is no shortage of individuals who have proven to be heroes in regard to their commitment and passion for advancing the prehospital profession. The term founding fathers is often used in reverential treatments of history, and the achievements and motivations of EMS’ founding fathers are appropriately impressive. Their accomplishments—from establishing standardized training for providers to improving prehospital cardiac resuscitation to creating better system management—helped move EMS forward. Many individuals have taken personal and professional chances on fledgling ideas in order to build systems they believed would save lives, allowing the next generation to build on a foundation with clinical, operational and administrative improvements that helped EMS survive and thrive. Knowing these individuals and their contributions is a critical step in coming to terms with where we’ve been, understanding where we are and identifying future directions for our profession.

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

04/16/15 Belvidere Road and Swanson Road

05/02/15 Forest Hills Road 05/03/15 Hwy 251

04/10/15 McCurry Road and Willowbrook Road

04/26/15 Interstate I-90.

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene -

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article submitted by a H-R Fire Officer. By Lt. Steve Shoevlin

Deck Guns

The deck gun is our version of the military’s heavy artillery. The fire service has used deck guns mounted to the top of apparatus as far back as the days of horse-drawn fire trucks.

Why mount a master-stream device to the top of an apparatus? High-flow streams with lots of reach and penetration also produce lots of nozzle reaction. The deck gun provides a fixed, stable platform to absorb that reaction and operate the device in a safe manner. The deck gun has also found a home on top of many new trucks due to the weight and size of some of the old portable master-stream devices. Although they produced good flows on the fireground, they were heavy and slow to deploy and took up a great deal of compartment space.

Positioning Is KeyOne key to using your deck gun effectively is apparatus positioning. Using your master stream will show you just how important proper positioning is.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing where to spot the truck, the most critical being the design and capabilities of the apparatus. Try to choose a spot that allows you to use the apparatus to its fullest extent. For example, if you’re coming to a building that’s fully involved and you know that the deck gun is the best weapon to use, you must determine a good spot from which to hit the fire or cut off extension.

When practicing apparatus placement, always consider other factors that can obstruct your attack stream, such as phone poles and trees. Try to avoid these and still take full advantage of your stream by making a direct hit on the fire.

Height can also be a problem. As our apparatus have gotten bigger and bigger through the years, our deck guns have gotten taller; many are 9–11 feet tall and some are even taller. This becomes a problem when we try to bring a stream to bear on a one-story building, or when we have elevation differences between the structure and the apparatus. It’s hard for us to produce a good stream from the deck gun inside a first-floor window or door opening if it’s high up on the truck.

Water Is a MustMany departments are moving to a blitz attack by using their deck guns to quickly knock down a large volume of fire or to cut off extension by giving the fire a short burst from the deck gun, using tank water.

If you use this tactic, remember that your on-board tank size will limit the time you have to do it, so make the shot count. Harlem-Roscoe engineers are able to do this anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute leaving the interior lines with at least half of the tank water.

If the deck gun is going to be used for a long period of time, continuous water supplied must be established through hydrants or port-a-tanks. This will be used in exposure protection and defensive fires.

Train to Be SafeDeck guns bring a lot of firepower when delivering high-flow streams, but they come with some dangers. One is a fall hazard from being on top of the apparatus, along with getting up there to operate it and getting down afterward. Make sure that you take time to do it safely.

If the deck gun is removable, take extra precautions to make sure that it’s locked in place before opening the discharge. Also, never stand over the deck gun when pressure is applied. If you’re operating a deck gun from a fixed position on an apparatus in a fireground operation that has gone from offensive to defensive, make sure that all interior crews have been safely removed before applying the stream.

The bottom line: Don’t assume that the deck gun is easy to use just because you see it up there on top of the truck every day. Take time to go out and flow some water and learn your device’s characteristics.

HRFD 75th Anniversary

WHAT IS EMS STRONG?

What matters more – the stuff on the outside of a uniform, or the stuff on the inside?

Next time you’re getting dressed for work, take an extra moment for a good look in the mirror. What — and whom — do you see looking back at you? Look that person in the eye, take a deep breath, and ask some tough questions:

What if today’s shift brings me face-to-face with a mother whose teenage son has hanged himself in the basement? This is a moment she’s going to remember forever. The way I break the news, the look on my face, my body language – those all matter as much as my words. Am I ready for that?

What if today I find myself with a partner who cuts corners, who drives irresponsibly, whose personal triage system involves treating people differently based on the color of their skin, the shade of their religion, the hue of their sexual orientation? Am I prepared to do what I know is right?

What if today’s shift brings nothing but mundane, routine calls that don’t use my skills or challenge me? Will I be professional and courteous, but nothing more? Or will I find or make opportunities to be the best part of someone’s day?

What if today is the worst shift of my career? What if I find myself utterly exhausted, annoyed, sore, uncertain, discouraged or afraid? Where will I look for strength when mine is used up?

Now, are you ready for a shock? The answers to these questions don’t really matter. What matters is that you’re willing to ask them honestly and reflect on what they mean. What matters is acknowledging that sometimes you’re going to come up short, sometimes you’re going to be unsure of yourself, and sometimes even your best isn’t going to be enough, and you’re going to fail. In fact, if you answered those questions easily and with confidence, you’re probably fooling yourself.

What matters is acknowledging that the stuff on the inside of the uniform will never live up to the stuff on the outside. The stuff on the outside is a legend, a myth, a façade. The stuff on the inside is human.

What matters is how you face that realization, and how you

balance the human you are with the superhuman the rest of the world expects you to be. And where the two come together, you’ll find EMS Strong.

EMS Strong is what draws a special few together to do incredibly important work, often under difficult circumstances, and many times with little thanks.

EMS Strong is the bond you share with fellow first responders. Sometimes that bond is expressed in a silent nod of recognition, and other times it takes the form of war stories shared for the umpteenth time. But it’s always there.

EMS Strong is the knowledge that you’re part of something very special. It’s the belief in something bigger than yourself—bigger than your level of certification, bigger than the color of the patch on your shoulder or the union card in your wallet.

EMS Strong is the well from which you draw the fortitude to maintain your composure when the going gets tougher than most people can imagine.

EMS Strong is the willingness to keep learning and growing,

as an individual and as part of a profession that’s evolving into a true partner in the healthcare continuum.

EMS Strong is what allows people to trust you with their secrets, with their nakedness, with their safety, with their very lives or the lives of their loved ones. It’s also what makes you able to accept the burden of that trust.

EMS Strong is what draws you to help, what empowers you to face danger when others are running away. It’s there in those moments, big and little, when you find out what you’re made of. It’s what makes you proud. It’s what keeps you humble.

EMS Strong is precious, but it doesn’t belong to you. It’s on loan to you, and you need to pay it back with interest for future generations.

EMS Strong is us.

EMS Strong is you.

Now, stop talking to yourself in the mirror. It’s time to get to work.

75th Anniversary T-shirts $15

Adult sizes in black may be purchased at the station One.

75th AnniversaryHistory Book$54

This limited edition 104 page, table-top history book tells the history through the memories and stories of those that lived it. It can be purchased at Station One.


Commercial FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost, Marcia Soppe, and Everett Peterson

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters were dispatched to Product Rd. in Machesney Park for reports of a commercial building on fire with explosions on April 25.

A MABAS Box 11 to the 2nd Alarm was dispatched bringing in help on scene and manning stations by surrounding departments. Thank you to all mutual aid departments that responded!

Fire Chief Don Shoevlin praised his personnel, “Excellent job on this afternoons fire. From the dispatch, to the truck placement, to the initial attack, to the photographers, chaplains, two probies first fire, and lets not forget our mutual aid companies. Quick actions of our coordinated attack and MABAS request turned what could have been a much larger incident into a manageable one. The results could have been much worse considering the fuel load of flammables that were in the units involved with fire. It was a 6-unit building with fire involved or effecting three units and you didn’t let it go any further.

We must not forget our change of quarter companies as they responded to two calls for us as we fought this fire. The results show how hard all of you worked. Thank you for making HRFD who we are.”


House FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost, Marcia Soppe, and Everett Peterson

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters were dispatched to Product Rd. in Machesney Park for reports of a commercial building on fire with explosions on April 25.

A MABAS Box 11 to the 2nd Alarm was dispatched bringing in help on scene and manning stations by surrounding departments. Thank you to all mutual aid departments that responded!

Fire Chief Don Shoevlin praised his personnel, “Excellent job on this afternoons fire. From the dispatch, to the truck placement, to the initial attack, to the photographers, chaplains, two probies first fire, and lets not forget our mutual aid companies. Quick actions of our coordinated attack and MABAS request turned what could have been a much larger incident into a manageable one. The results could have been much worse considering the fuel load of flammables that were in the units involved with fire. It was a 6-unit building with fire involved or effecting three units and you didn’t let it go any further.

We must not forget our change of quarter companies as they responded to two calls for us as we fought this fire. The results show how hard all of you worked. Thank you for making HRFD who we are.”

The Firehouse Scene - The Firehouse Scene - Page 5

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article submitted by a H-R Fire Officer. By Lt. Steve Shoevlin

Deck Guns

The deck gun is our version of the military’s heavy artillery. The fire service has used deck guns mounted to the top of apparatus as far back as the days of horse-drawn fire trucks.

Why mount a master-stream device to the top of an apparatus? High-flow streams with lots of reach and penetration also produce lots of nozzle reaction. The deck gun provides a fixed, stable platform to absorb that reaction and operate the device in a safe manner. The deck gun has also found a home on top of many new trucks due to the weight and size of some of the old portable master-stream devices. Although they produced good flows on the fireground, they were heavy and slow to deploy and took up a great deal of compartment space.

Positioning Is KeyOne key to using your deck gun effectively is apparatus positioning. Using your master stream will show you just how important proper positioning is.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing where to spot the truck, the most critical being the design and capabilities of the apparatus. Try to choose a spot that allows you to use the apparatus to its fullest extent. For example, if you’re coming to a building that’s fully involved and you know that the deck gun is the best weapon to use, you must determine a good spot from which to hit the fire or cut off extension.

When practicing apparatus placement, always consider other factors that can obstruct your attack stream, such as phone poles and trees. Try to avoid these and still take full advantage of your stream by making a direct hit on the fire.

Height can also be a problem. As our apparatus have gotten bigger and bigger through the years, our deck guns have gotten taller; many are 9–11 feet tall and some are even taller. This becomes a problem when we try to bring a stream to bear on a one-story building, or when we have elevation differences between the structure and the apparatus. It’s hard for us to produce a good stream from the deck gun inside a first-floor window or door opening if it’s high up on the truck.

Water Is a MustMany departments are moving to a blitz attack by using their deck guns to quickly knock down a large volume of fire or to cut off extension by giving the fire a short burst from the deck gun, using tank water.

If you use this tactic, remember that your on-board tank size will limit the time you have to do it, so make the shot count. Harlem-Roscoe engineers are able to do this anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute leaving the interior lines with at least half of the tank water.

If the deck gun is going to be used for a long period of time, continuous water supplied must be established through hydrants or port-a-tanks. This will be used in exposure protection and defensive fires.

Train to Be SafeDeck guns bring a lot of firepower when delivering high-flow streams, but they come with some dangers. One is a fall hazard from being on top of the apparatus, along with getting up there to operate it and getting down afterward. Make sure that you take time to do it safely.

If the deck gun is removable, take extra precautions to make sure that it’s locked in place before opening the discharge. Also, never stand over the deck gun when pressure is applied. If you’re operating a deck gun from a fixed position on an apparatus in a fireground operation that has gone from offensive to defensive, make sure that all interior crews have been safely removed before applying the stream.

The bottom line: Don’t assume that the deck gun is easy to use just because you see it up there on top of the truck every day. Take time to go out and flow some water and learn your device’s characteristics.

HRFD 75th Anniversary

WHAT IS EMS STRONG?

What matters more – the stuff on the outside of a uniform, or the stuff on the inside?

Next time you’re getting dressed for work, take an extra moment for a good look in the mirror. What — and whom — do you see looking back at you? Look that person in the eye, take a deep breath, and ask some tough questions:

What if today’s shift brings me face-to-face with a mother whose teenage son has hanged himself in the basement? This is a moment she’s going to remember forever. The way I break the news, the look on my face, my body language – those all matter as much as my words. Am I ready for that?

What if today I find myself with a partner who cuts corners, who drives irresponsibly, whose personal triage system involves treating people differently based on the color of their skin, the shade of their religion, the hue of their sexual orientation? Am I prepared to do what I know is right?

What if today’s shift brings nothing but mundane, routine calls that don’t use my skills or challenge me? Will I be professional and courteous, but nothing more? Or will I find or make opportunities to be the best part of someone’s day?

What if today is the worst shift of my career? What if I find myself utterly exhausted, annoyed, sore, uncertain, discouraged or afraid? Where will I look for strength when mine is used up?

Now, are you ready for a shock? The answers to these questions don’t really matter. What matters is that you’re willing to ask them honestly and reflect on what they mean. What matters is acknowledging that sometimes you’re going to come up short, sometimes you’re going to be unsure of yourself, and sometimes even your best isn’t going to be enough, and you’re going to fail. In fact, if you answered those questions easily and with confidence, you’re probably fooling yourself.

What matters is acknowledging that the stuff on the inside of the uniform will never live up to the stuff on the outside. The stuff on the outside is a legend, a myth, a façade. The stuff on the inside is human.

What matters is how you face that realization, and how you

balance the human you are with the superhuman the rest of the world expects you to be. And where the two come together, you’ll find EMS Strong.

EMS Strong is what draws a special few together to do incredibly important work, often under difficult circumstances, and many times with little thanks.

EMS Strong is the bond you share with fellow first responders. Sometimes that bond is expressed in a silent nod of recognition, and other times it takes the form of war stories shared for the umpteenth time. But it’s always there.

EMS Strong is the knowledge that you’re part of something very special. It’s the belief in something bigger than yourself—bigger than your level of certification, bigger than the color of the patch on your shoulder or the union card in your wallet.

EMS Strong is the well from which you draw the fortitude to maintain your composure when the going gets tougher than most people can imagine.

EMS Strong is the willingness to keep learning and growing,

as an individual and as part of a profession that’s evolving into a true partner in the healthcare continuum.

EMS Strong is what allows people to trust you with their secrets, with their nakedness, with their safety, with their very lives or the lives of their loved ones. It’s also what makes you able to accept the burden of that trust.

EMS Strong is what draws you to help, what empowers you to face danger when others are running away. It’s there in those moments, big and little, when you find out what you’re made of. It’s what makes you proud. It’s what keeps you humble.

EMS Strong is precious, but it doesn’t belong to you. It’s on loan to you, and you need to pay it back with interest for future generations.

EMS Strong is us.

EMS Strong is you.

Now, stop talking to yourself in the mirror. It’s time to get to work.

75th Anniversary T-shirts $15

Adult sizes in black may be purchased at the station One.

75th AnniversaryHistory Book$54

This limited edition 104 page, table-top history book tells the history through the memories and stories of those that lived it. It can be purchased at Station One.

Accidents Photos by Chief Shoevlin, Sheryl Drost, and Everett Peterson

Chiefs’ Whistlemonthly article submitted by one of HRFD Chiefs.

By Battalion Chief Jay Ams

41st annual EMS WeekMay 17-23, 2015

In 1973, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS, its practitioners and the important work they do in responding to medical emergencies. Back then, EMS was a fledgling profession and EMS practitioners were only beginning to be recognized as a critical component of emergency medicine and the public health safety net.

As a profession, EMS is just a mere child, struggling to come to terms with its identity and wishing to make its own mark in the world. A benefit to being so young is that we are not so far removed from the true beginnings of the organized delivery of prehospital emergency care. The “hows” and “whys” of our origins are still easily available—and, for the most part, from the very people who were instrumental in establishing the systems and practices we take for granted today.

Understanding both where we come from and our past successes and failures helps us to plan and prepare for the future. By recognizing our heroes, we bring recognition to the EMS service and the community, enhancing public awareness and understanding.

Our HistoryThe last 40 years have been a time of incredible progress and daunting challenges for EMS in America. From the seminal “white paper” in 1966 that gave rise to modern American EMS to recent discussions about which lead federal agency should oversee EMS, the profession has seen drastic changes in terms of advances in technology and prehospital medicine, educational opportunities and systems management. However, if we are to learn anything from our history, it could be that while we have made great advances, we remain

divided on many issues. We are still debating whether EMS belongs in the fire service, who should be responsible for overseeing EMS in the federal government and states’ rights versus federal oversight. In order for EMS to continue to develop and grow as a profession, the EMS community must find a way to work together and resolve some fundamental issues. Becoming informed about how our current system of prehospital care developed will go a long way toward

enabling you to have a voice for the future of EMS.

The History of EMS WeekThe U.S. Congress authorized the Emergency Medical Services Systems (EMSS) Act of 1973. In 1974, President Gerald R. Ford signed this bill and appointed David R. Boyd as the director of the Division of Emergency Medical Services Systems (DEMSS), Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Boyd convinced President Ford to proclaim “Emergency Medical Services Week” and to host a White House Conference

on EMS. Gerald Ford is the “Hero” of the national EMS story, a true believer who supported EMS during difficult political, economic, and budgetary times.

Our HeroesWhile the history of our modern EMS system is a relatively short one, there is no shortage of individuals who have proven to be heroes in regard to their commitment and passion for advancing the prehospital profession. The term founding fathers is often used in reverential treatments of history, and the achievements and motivations of EMS’ founding fathers are appropriately impressive. Their accomplishments—from establishing standardized training for providers to improving prehospital cardiac resuscitation to creating better system management—helped move EMS forward. Many individuals have taken personal and professional chances on fledgling ideas in order to build systems they believed would save lives, allowing the next generation to build on a foundation with clinical, operational and administrative improvements that helped EMS survive and thrive. Knowing these individuals and their contributions is a critical step in coming to terms with where we’ve been, understanding where we are and identifying future directions for our profession.


04/16/15 Belvidere Road and Swanson Road

05/02/15 Forest Hills Road 05/03/15 Hwy 251

04/10/15 McCurry Road and Willowbrook Road

04/26/15 Interstate I-90.

Smoke Investigation Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to Greenlee Dr. for a report of smoke investigation. A by-product in a semi trailer was found smoldering and the trailer was moved away from the building.

Firefighters found by-product in a trailer smoldering.

Lt. Patrick Trollop engineers the aerial truck.

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team and consists of community members that are trained to assist police and fire departments during times of community need when these public entities may be taxed. Such events may include natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and other natural events. CERT members may also be needed for large community events assisting with traffic control, crowd control, event setup, and other tasks.

Your community needs you! Join the Northern Illinois Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn the skills to help your family and your community in times of disaster. Visit www.statelinecert.org for more information. No experience or special skills needed, just a desire to help your community!


Burning Causes FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters arrived to a home on Main St. in Argyle to find a fully involved shed and car fire. Seems high winds sent burning embers from a burn pile into a nearby shed, starting it on fire. The fire then spread to a car and the heat from the fire also melted the siding of the home. No one was injured.

New Firefighters Sworn InHarlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin welcomed ten new firefighters to the HRFD family on April 21, 2015 after they were sworn in by Trustees John Donahue and Al Bach. The ten firefighter have completed over 100 hours of training and as Lt. Radi Huggard told them, “You aren’t done yet, there is so much more you have to learn!”

Let’s meet our new firefighters...

Jeremy Bye is engaged to Whitni Genz. Jeremy previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Boone Co. Fire Dist. # 1 for five years. He works at Dunnet Bay Construction as a bridge carpenter. His hobbies are hunting and fishing.

Richard Macias, who goes by Richie, and his girlfriend, Kinzie Miller, have an 11-month old daughter named Raelyn Marie Macias. He is attending Rock Valley College for a fire science degree. Richie works at Lowes Distribution Center in the warehouse. Richie has previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Stillman Valley Fire. His dad and step mom, Mark and Kathy Macias serve on Rockford Fire. He enjoys playing sports such as basketball, football, and likes to snowboard, kayak and work out.

David Fleetwood is engaged to Kacie Vernon and they are expecting their first baby in October. He has a General Associates Degree in Science from Kishwaukee College. He works for R.R. Donnelley Print Co. running three specialized printers called Xerox Igens (they are about the size of a pickup truck). David previously served for just under a year as an EMT for Kirkland Fire. His Great Uncle Jack is a retired Captain on Kankakee Fire Department. David plays guitar, works on cars, and enjoys all sorts of music and movies as well as the outdoors.

Tyler Gilbertson works at Crestview Manor Apartments in property maintenance. His brother-in-law is HRFD FF/Paramedic Ryan Sarver. His father, Shawn Gilbertson and stepmom Michele Pankow serve on Rockford Fire. He likes to camp, hike, skateboard, fish and play music.

Kelly Hamill has two children, Camden age 5 and Grace age 3. She has a bachelor’s degree in

nursing. She works as a transport nurse at Robert and Ann Laurie’s Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She enjoys drag racing, fishing, and hanging out with her kids.

Morgan Knoll is engaged to Jesse Shaw. They have one furry-legged child named Stemi. She has an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Rock Valley College. She previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Loves Park Fire for a year and a half. She is employed by ATS Medical Services and is stationed out at Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT. She enjoys playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.

Jagger Martin works as a Field Supervisor for Pro Xteriors. He is attending Rock Valley College for personal training. He enjoys working out and has run several marathons.

Steve Rosander has two children, Amelia age 4 and Wyatt age 1. Steve served in the US Army for three years. He also previously served as a volunteer firefighter for Loves Park Fire for eight years. He is a Paramedic for ATS and an ER Tech for Rockford Health System. He loves to hunt, fish, and spend time with his kids.

Austin Richards is attending Rock Valley College and is pursuing Criminal Justice. He previously served as a volunteer firefighter on Loves Park Fire.

Brandon Sherbon is graduating from Harlem High School and is studying fire science at Rock Valley College. Brandon joins his father, FF/EMT Mike Sherbon on the department. Brandon played soccer and ran track in high school. He enjoys camping, hiking and is a collector of Vietnam War artifacts.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” Andrew Carnegie

Congratulations to new HRFD Firefightrs, standing l-r, Morgan Knoll, Jagger Martin, Jeremy Bye, David Fleetwood, Steven Rosander, Austin Richards, and Richie Macias. Kneeling l-r, Brandon Sherbon, Tyler Gilbertson, and Kelly Hamill.

This year, based off the proceeds of last year’s golf play day, we established our first ever scholarship. The guidelines for the scholarship were the recipient had to be an in-district resident, graduating high school senior, possess at least a 3.5 GPA, US. Citizen and plan to attend a college in the fall of 2015.

In addition to the above requirements, the recipient had to submit an essay, resume, two letters of recommendation, financials and GPA with class rank.

We had a total of 16 applicants and our board, which included Al Bach, Jason Blume of the Harlem School District and Amber Miller of the Rockford School District, picked four finalists to be interviewed. I did not envy their positions in determining a winner—all applicants were extremely impressive!

Our board was able to select one winner. The winner of the 2015 Harlem-Roscoe Firefighter’s Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 was Allison Tennant. Allison is a senior at Hononegah High School. Some impressive back ground regarding Allison was a weighted GPA of 4.8! She had over 20 plus awards and honors while maintaining jobs throughout high school. She plans on attending Amherst College in MA we wish her luck! We at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department recognize the importance of furthering one’s education. Our youth is our future and we want to “Ignite our Youth’s Future”! Please support our scholarship fund by participating our sponsoring our annual golf play day to take place this year on June 26, 2015!

$10,000 Scholarship Awarded By Rob Lukowski Birthday!

May11th Marcia Soppe13th Josh Hoffland Zach Barton16th Chuck Schoonover20th John Bunger23rd Rob Lukowski31st Jordan Stark

June7th Megan Alms8th Shannon Burbach11th Mike Huffman16th Jen Anderson17th Jesse Martin19th Justin Harwood

Total Calls for The Year 2015

825

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

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

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month:www.harlemroscoefire.com

E-mail submissions to Sheryl:[email protected]

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

As I anxiously waited last month, I am excited to announce the package has arrived. Our baby daughter Laura gave birth to our fourth grandchild, second granddaughter on Monday April 20th. As I waited in the hallway with grandma, the scuttle was wow was that a big baby. It became apparent that everyone was talking about Jaylen. What a wonderful feeling to have in your life along with the anticipation

and excitement of having the opportunity to spoil another one. Congrats to Laura and our son in law Will. Big brother Jordan is pretty excited right along with us.

Has it sprung? We are assured that another season of road construction has sprung just by driving around. We have some sort of work being done on what would appear every road. This will have traffic congestion at its best. We all need to be alert, patient and polite no matter how frustrated we get. Please watch out for our personnel responding to and working in these areas.

Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Rob Lukowski who was this year’s recipient of VFW award. I would like to thank the VFW for continuing their support of this program. It was an enjoyable evening for us all in attendance.

May is the month that we recognize and celebrate those in EMS (Emergency Medical Services). It is the commitment and dedication of all the personnel of Harlem Roscoe Fire that in my opinion make us second to none. Be proud of yourself and one another for going above and beyond the call of duty. Our communities deserve the best and you all have seen that they receive it.

Last, but definitely not least, we must not forget the Moms on our roster, of our personnel and of our district. I don’t think we thank you enough for all you endure but more importantly for all the love you share. Cherish that time with them because they will make an everlasting impression on us. I know my mom did and still does every day as she continues to watch over me and my family. She had many roles such as a chef, maid, mentor, nurse, counselor, but no matter what, she always my MOM.

Thank you to all the mothers out there for what you endure and do!

.A Mother’s love is something that no one can explain, It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may For nothing can destroy it or take that love away . . .It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking . . . It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns, And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems . .

By Helen Steiner Rice

Your continuous and generous support is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fire department. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fire department by visiting our website (which we are updating) www.harlemroscoefire.com, we can also be found on Facebook, so go ahead and friend us

VFW Firefighter of the Year Award

Congratulations to HRFD Firefighter Rob Lukowski as Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Loves Park VFW Post 9759’s Firefighter of the Year Award recipient.

Chief Shoevlin says, “If someone were to ask me how I would describe him I would say that Rob is someone who gives energy filled with passion to everything he does or the people he deals with.

Rob joined the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department in 2005. In the time I have known Rob I found him always looking for ways to push someone’s button but in a clown sort of way. He is a fiery person on the streets but in a good way. To accomplish what he does as a volunteer along with having a full time career, being an active, involved husband and father is truly amazing.

Rob is a true testament to the betterment not only to his community but his commitment to his family and the youth of our communities. I am honored to work alongside him and have him as a member and representing Harlem Roscoe Fire Department. Rob you are most deserving of this award and recognition”

HRFD Awardee Lukowski poses with his wife Nicolle and girls, Addison & Taylor.

L-r Standing, Chief Don Shoevlin, Awardee Rob Lukowski, DC John Bergeron, Capt. Mike Huffman, Mike Powell, and Sean Laurent. L-r seated, Lt. Patrick Trollop, Battalion Chief Jay Alms, Lt. Josh Hoffland, and Capt. Ryan Alms.


Congratulations!Proud grandpa, Chief Don Shoevlin, and grandma Tammy, hold the newest addition and welcome grandbaby #4 to the Shoevlin clan.

Jaylen Rose Paul arrived on April 20 weighing in at 11 lbs. 12 oz. and 22” long, even breaking a record for largest baby delivered by Dr. Cunningham! Parents Laura & Will along with big brother Jordan are excited that she is very healthy, finally here, and sleeps most of the night!

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin, Captain Ryan Alms and FF Rob Lukowski awarded the 1st Annual Harlem-Roscoe Fireman’s Scholarship to Hononegah High School Senior Allison Tennant on April 28.

THE FIREHOUSE SCENE is a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - www.harlemroscoefire.com

May 2015 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Celebrating EMS WeekPages 4 & 5

Commercial FirePages 6 & 7

Photo by Sheryl Drost

Then & Now By Sheryl DrostTo celebrate our 75th year, every month in 2015 we will be recreating an old photo to show Then & Now.

The Alms Kids! Left photo - Taken almost 20 years ago of Battalion Chief Jay Alm’s children. Right Photo - Today, Firefighter Kyle Alms, Captain Ryan Alms, and Dispatcher Megan Alms all serve on the department.

HRFD Golf FundraiserJoin us for the “Ignite our Youth’s Future” Golf Fundraiser for the Harlem-Roscoe Fireman’s Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded annually to an in-district senior who is continuing their education into college.

HRFD Golf Fundraiser Join us for the “Ignite our Youth’s ... May complete.pdfThe winner of the...

Documents

Transcript of HRFD Golf Fundraiser Join us for the “Ignite our Youth’s ... May complete.pdfThe winner of the...