photos by sheryl drost the firehouse scene · 2018-09-18 · photos by sheryl drost. santa arrived...

THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

HRFD KID’s Christmas PartyPhotos by Sheryl Drost

Santa arrived to the party in the bucket of the aerial truck!

Santa poses with all the fire kids!

The Firehouse Scene - 2www.harlemroscoefire.com

December 2014 Editor Sheryl Drost

Barn FirePages 6&7

Station Funnies

Just hanging around the water cooler at work!

Chaplain Sparky is in!

Hmmmmm!

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

In the month of December, I cannot help but be reminded of all of the seasons. We have the cold season, the snow season, the cold & flu season and then probably the one we all enjoy most, the holiday season.

Thank you once again to all of the fire personnel and the Roscoe Lion’s Club for another successful senior turkey dinner! We could not have done it without all of your extra volunteer hours & help. I have heard nothing but praise from the community for a magnificent job done by all. We served 343 dinners that day.

Our media division has completed another outstanding job with our annual calendar. The colored photos show your fire department at its best. To get your copy, stop by Station One and remember to hurry, because they go fast.

Have you ever thought of becoming a firefighter? If you have and live in our district we want you! We will be holding an informational meeting on 12/30 with recruit class starting in January 2015. If you are interested come by station 1 on Main Street in Roscoe to fill out an application or just to ask questions.

Don’t forget 2015 is a big year for HRFD. It is our 75th! We are planning many things to celebrate. We hope you will participate as all of you are a big part of our success. Our HRFPD 75th History Book have been shipped from the publisher to us. We are anxiously awaiting their arrival. If you didn’t order one don’t worry we have extra. Just stop by Station 1 to buy a copy. A significant amount of hard work has gone into this. I think you will all be surprised of its outcome.

As the holiday season is upon us, let us take time to remember those safety tips that we tend to take for granted. Our annual “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign has begun with a wreath in front of all 3 stations. It has been illuminated in red bulbs. If there is a fire in our district through the holidays, a bulb will be changed to white. The Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District urges all citizens & businesses to take a moment and check & clean your fireplaces, use caution with candles, watch the wiring for Christmas lights, be careful with live Christmas trees becoming too dry. Let us all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

I wish everyone in our communities a safe and joyous holiday season

and prosperous New Year in 2015!

To all the members of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District and their families:

May the Christmas Season fill your Home with Joy, Your Heart with Love & Your Life with Laughter.

The gratitude for the commitment all of you make is second to none.

We are who we are because of ALL of you!!!Happy Holidays!

Lions Club Senior Turkey DinnerPhotos by Sheryl Drost

This years dinner was served at the newly remodeled Station One.

Birthday!

December8th Bill Patterson11th Harold Danger26th Patrick Trollop

January5th Matt Bush David Leslie17th John Presley22nd Everett Peterson ‘60th”25th Jerry Lund26th Reety Radke 31st Mark Soppe Jason Johnson ‘25th’

Total Calls for 20142516

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]

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

Lighted ParadesPhoto by Marcia Soppe & Everett Peterson

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters participated in four lighted parades this month. Here are some pics from the Roscoe Parade.

Truck FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to report of a fire on Irving Ave. in Machesney Park. Firefighters arrived in a cold drizzling rain to find a truck burning beside a building. The fire was quickly knocked down. The truck was totally destroyed by the fire and there was fire damage to the walls of two buildings. The fire is believed to have started in an engine block heater that was being used on the truck.

Firefighters attack the fire in the vehicle.

The outside wall of two buildings were damaged in the fire.

Dryer FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters check for hot spots in a dryer that started a fire in a home on Rolling Hills Ln. on Nov. 16. The dryer was removed from the basement and a positive pressure fan was used to rid the home of smoke.


Firefighters arrived on N. 2nd St. to a utility truck on fire. The fire was extinguished and it seems the fire was accidentally started by someone working on the rear end of the vehicle.

Firefighter Jesse Martin pulls the attack hose.

Lt. Steve Shoevlin and Reety Radke finish hitting hot spots in the truck’s bed.

Field FirePhoto by Marcia Soppe

Firefighters Ryan Sarver and Lt. Patrick Trollop finish putting out a small field fire on Otto Rd. on Nov. 8.

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

NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169Your Source for SAFETY Information

www.nfpa.org/education

FACTS

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical failures.

• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.

• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every five of the fires.

Christmas TreeSafety

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.

After ChristmasGet rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

!

!

!

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department

815-623-7867

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

Increase your stopping distance. When it comes to driving, everything about snow takes longer and that includes stopping. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to get moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. By increasing the following distance and thereby increasing the stopping distance, the driver can slow enough to keep rolling until traffic starts to move again. When it comes to braking, whether with ABS or not, the best way to stop is threshold braking: apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

Sound: During the winter months when the humidity is higher, the air is denser and high-frequency sounds don’t travel as far; low frequency sounds travel farther. All sounds are muffled in this type of environment, and although all lights and sirens are engaged, it is still easy to sneak up on someone in front. Air horns are more effective when used in short bursts and in combination with the siren.

The DriverUnfortunately, most drivers are disconnected from their driving environments. Our vehicles have many compensating factors built into them to help correct a driver’s mistakes. The problem is trying to change behavioral issues with engineering solutions. Instead of slowing down in poor weather conditions, drivers continue to drive fast and follow too closely because they feel that their vehicles are capable of handling it. While this is perhaps true, other drivers or vehicles may not be as capable. Safety has two components: perceived and actual. The guy driving in the little “econo-box” type car with no anti-lock brakes or traction control recognizes how dangerous the roads are every time he steps on the gas or brake and drives appropriately. The other guy driving a 4x4 SUV loaded with safety devices may perceive a level of safety that in fact is not there.

The IntersectionIntersections are always the most dangerous area when responding. During snowy conditions, lanes and cross walks and other painted markings may be covered because of snowfall. Street signs and traffic lights may be obscured or indistinguishable from other objects in the environment. Always approach the intersection with the intent that your vehicle is NOT going to stop and that other vehicles may not be able to stop either.

The SceneWhen parking on the street before going into a building, the first order of business is safety. Is the ambulance sufficiently out of the way of traffic or does the street need to be blocked off? Is there enough room for traffic to pass safely? Will you and your partner have to climb over a snow bank to get to the building? If the ambulance is parked with additional units, the other units should be parked behind the ambulance to protect the rear doors and the crew when loading a patient.

While working on an expressway or other potentially dangerous roadway, set up a safety perimeter around the scene (as always), but in bad weather conditions with slippery roadways, increase the distance to give motorists ample time to recognize, process, and react to the change in conditions.

Be ProactiveNow that winter has arrived, start getting training bulletins out early and often. Bring drivers back for enhanced training on a skid pad and in a driver training simulator if you have one. Remember, simulation training allows training to take place on snow covered

and icy roads before a single snowflake falls in your community, so take advantage of it. Simulation can create any scenario and allows the EVO to not only respond, but to work with the officer in determining where to position the rig in snowy, wintry conditions. Don’t just practice driving techniques; take time to ensure that your officers and drivers have a good understanding of vehicle placement at the scene.

Remember,drive like your life depends on it.

HAZMAT Training By Lt. Brandon Tietz

Here is a brief description of the course that Firefighter Ryan Sarver and I attended last Nov. 10 -14 in Shorewood IL.

We learned the essential skills needed to evaluate and work defensively or offensively at an incident involving the release of hazardous materials. The objectives of the course are to teach participants: to classify, identify, and verify known and unknown material by using field survey instruments and equipment; to select and use the proper chemical protective equipment provided to the hazardous materials Technician; to understand hazard and risk assessment techniques for Hazmat and CBRNE environments; to be able to perform advanced control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available; and to develop action plans within the parameters of the State plan for statewide response to WMD events.

If anyone reads this and doesn’t understand what this means or has any questions please feel free to ask me, or anyone that has had extensive training in the handling of Hazardous Materials Incidents.

Mabas Division 8 Hazmat Team has Hazmat training on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. All members of MABAS 8 are welcome. If you are ever interested in attending one of these trainings please contact Lt. Tietz.

ChimneyPhotos by Sheryl Drost & Everett Peterson

Firefighters responded to a report of smoke in a garage off Belvidere Rd. Seems a wood-burning stove had caught fire and was extinguished.

Engine 701 was the attack truck.

Firefighters use a Thermal Imager to check for fire extension on the outside wall.

Chimney FirePhoto by Everett Peterson

Firefighters Nate Sarver and John Bunger clean out a wood-burning stove that caught the chimney on fire off Manchester Rd. on Dec. 5.

Dumpster FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters Joe Koeninger and Jesse Martin extinguish a fire in a dumpster on Metric Drive on Nov. 18.

Machine Catches FirePhoto by Everett Peterson

Firefighters check out a machine that had caught fire off Rockton Road on Nov. 26.

Fire AlarmPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighter responded to a fire alarm off N. Alpine Rd. on Nov. 10.

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

By Lt. Tom Lakehttp://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2011/12/winter-driving-tips.html

Winter Driving Tips for Firefighters and Paramedics/EMTs By Robert Raheb

Once again, the leaves and temperature have fallen in most regions of the country and soon we will have to deal with the icy roads and motorists who refuse to change their driving habits to meet those conditions. Let us also remind ourselves that we, as first responders, must also adapt to changing road conditions and ensure that our vehicles are ready when the alarm sounds.

Many first responders mentally change their driving behaviors to reflect weather conditions until a call comes over the radio, momentarily forgetting the ever-present conditions while they try to race to the call. Members responding from home have the same problem--they know they can make it to their station in a certain amount of time on a dry day, but in their minds they have to do the same on a wet or foggy day, even though they know they cannot.

The following tips regarding prepping the vehicle and driving in inclement weather are presented to make the best of winter driving conditions.

The Vehicle• Tires: Department vehicles are usually well-maintained and

tire tread depth should be sufficient, but on privately owned vehicles (POVs), it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the tires are properly inflated and have enough tread depth.

• Fluids: Ensure antifreeze levels are at the proper level and that the antifreeze is sufficient to protect the system from freezing. Windshield wiper fluid should be rated not to freeze, and you should ensure enough fluid is in there.

• Wipers: Wiper blades are usually the last thing that gets changed. Make sure they are soft, pliable, and in good condition. Wipers should make good contact with the windshield to wipe them clean.

• Windshields: Ice, snow, and salt dust accumulate on the windows quickly. Stop and clean them periodically. If you are based in a station, take the time to clean the windows after every call. Wash your vehicle at least once per tour and take extra care to ensure the door locks don’t freeze.

• Lights: Some EMS systems patrol the streets while others sit in a station. Either way, it is important to ensure that headlights and emergency lights are cleared of all snow and ice.

• Siren: Periodically check to ensure that the siren cones on the front of the vehicle are clear. Snow often packs into the cones on long transports or when stationary for long periods outdoors. Snow packed in the cones reduces the volume of the siren.

The Road and the EnvironmentThe funny thing about ice is that you do not always see it, nor is it everywhere; but when the vehicle hits ice, it will seem like it has a mind of its own. The following tips should be considered when

driving where ice may be present:

• ALWAYS leave lots of room between you and the car in front, on average about 10 seconds following distance. That may seem like a lot of space, but when you apply the brakes on ice, that space will close up real fast.

• Bridges and overpasses will always freeze before the main road surface.

• Reduce your speed. Most vehicles can get some sort of traction on ice to get going, but all vehicles have a real hard time trying to stop. Don’t get complacent with the fact that you’re moving.

• When operating at an incident scene, increase distance when placing a blocking vehicle and, if at all possible, either shut the roadway down or request additional vehicles to add to those blocking the scene.

Everyone wishes they did things different when attending a funeral. Don’t wish ...just do it.

Unlike ice, black ice is almost invisible or may give the appearance of a wet road surface. Black ice actually got its name from the fact that the ice is clear and the black road surface shines through it. Black ice is usually found around less-traveled roadways and intersections. An example would be traffic that waits at a stop light: the heat radiating from engines and tires on the road surface melts a thin layer of snow or ice. After the traffic pulls away, with no other traffic passing in a short time span, the water refreezes and becomes a thin layer of clear ice. Knowing this, the best way to handle these conditions is to stop well before intersections and slowly move up to the stop line while maintaining awareness of the car behind you.

Unless your vehicle is specially designed to travel through deep snow or unplowed streets, do not attempt driving in such conditions. Last winter, New York City failed to plow the majority of their streets in the outer boroughs; more than half of the ambulances became stuck and required towing. Most drivers were able to get part way down city blocks, but once they stopped it was impossible to get out. Don’t keep driving to see how far your rig can go; others are likely doing the same. When emergency vehicles get stuck, call volumes keep growing, and assistance for crews may take hours.

During the rainy season and with runoff from melting snow, streets may flood. Driving through deep water should be avoided. Water that comes up to the hub (middle) of the wheel is considered too deep and can cause the vehicle to stall or result in major damage to the engine. In some areas, deep water also can mean swift water with currents stronger and faster than they appear from the side. Do not attempt to cross running water unless your vehicle is equipped and the crew trained to handle such a crossing.

Limited sight distance can be a common winter event. With the winter months come fog, rain, sleet and snow. All of these can create blinding conditions that impair the sight distance. When traveling in these conditions, always remember to slow down and increase following distances. Use of bright lights and emergency lighting can actually hinder the EVOs (Emergency Vehicle Operator’s) view. When operating at the scene, position the vehicle 1.5 truck lengths further back to give approaching motorist ample warning and use flares. Most states now require emergency vehicles to have blue lights affixed to the rear. Blue lights are readily visible in low-light conditions.

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene -

11/05/14 Hwy 251

11/21/14 N. Alpine Road and Hwy 173

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Everett Peterson

11/26/14 Elevator Road

www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com


11/22/14 Ad 12/02/14 Elevator Road 12/04/14 Elevator Road & Hwy 251


Barn FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost & Everett Peterson

Harlem-Roscoe and North Boone #3 Firefighters joined forces with several local fire departments to fight a large barn fire in blizzard-like conditions on Krupke Rd. on Nov. 24. A MABAS Box was dispatched for tenders and water supply was set up on the road. The homeowner had already gotten his calves, horses, and a pony out of the barn as the wind quickly fed the fire. The firefighters fought the wind, the snow and icy roads, but were able to save the remaining barns and the home! No one was injured fighting the fire. The fire started in a machine that was stored in the barn.

Chief Don Shoevlin adds, “Thank you to all of the HRFD personnel for all there hard work. Also a thank you to North Boone Fire, Rockton Fire, Northwest Fire, Turtle Fire, Shirland Fire, Cherry Valley Fire, Beloit Fire, North Park Fire, South Beloit Fire, Loves Park Fire, Win Bur Sew Fire, and Lifeline Ambulance for all of their help. It is reassuring to know that in times of need we can rely on each other to respond to assist one another.”

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

By Lt. Tom Lakehttp://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2011/12/winter-driving-tips.html

Winter Driving Tips for Firefighters and Paramedics/EMTs By Robert Raheb

Once again, the leaves and temperature have fallen in most regions of the country and soon we will have to deal with the icy roads and motorists who refuse to change their driving habits to meet those conditions. Let us also remind ourselves that we, as first responders, must also adapt to changing road conditions and ensure that our vehicles are ready when the alarm sounds.

Many first responders mentally change their driving behaviors to reflect weather conditions until a call comes over the radio, momentarily forgetting the ever-present conditions while they try to race to the call. Members responding from home have the same problem--they know they can make it to their station in a certain amount of time on a dry day, but in their minds they have to do the same on a wet or foggy day, even though they know they cannot.

The following tips regarding prepping the vehicle and driving in inclement weather are presented to make the best of winter driving conditions.

The Vehicle• Tires: Department vehicles are usually well-maintained and

tire tread depth should be sufficient, but on privately owned vehicles (POVs), it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the tires are properly inflated and have enough tread depth.

• Fluids: Ensure antifreeze levels are at the proper level and that the antifreeze is sufficient to protect the system from freezing. Windshield wiper fluid should be rated not to freeze, and you should ensure enough fluid is in there.

• Wipers: Wiper blades are usually the last thing that gets changed. Make sure they are soft, pliable, and in good condition. Wipers should make good contact with the windshield to wipe them clean.

• Windshields: Ice, snow, and salt dust accumulate on the windows quickly. Stop and clean them periodically. If you are based in a station, take the time to clean the windows after every call. Wash your vehicle at least once per tour and take extra care to ensure the door locks don’t freeze.

• Lights: Some EMS systems patrol the streets while others sit in a station. Either way, it is important to ensure that headlights and emergency lights are cleared of all snow and ice.

• Siren: Periodically check to ensure that the siren cones on the front of the vehicle are clear. Snow often packs into the cones on long transports or when stationary for long periods outdoors. Snow packed in the cones reduces the volume of the siren.

The Road and the EnvironmentThe funny thing about ice is that you do not always see it, nor is it everywhere; but when the vehicle hits ice, it will seem like it has a mind of its own. The following tips should be considered when

driving where ice may be present:

• ALWAYS leave lots of room between you and the car in front, on average about 10 seconds following distance. That may seem like a lot of space, but when you apply the brakes on ice, that space will close up real fast.

• Bridges and overpasses will always freeze before the main road surface.

• Reduce your speed. Most vehicles can get some sort of traction on ice to get going, but all vehicles have a real hard time trying to stop. Don’t get complacent with the fact that you’re moving.

• When operating at an incident scene, increase distance when placing a blocking vehicle and, if at all possible, either shut the roadway down or request additional vehicles to add to those blocking the scene.

Everyone wishes they did things different when attending a funeral. Don’t wish ...just do it.

Unlike ice, black ice is almost invisible or may give the appearance of a wet road surface. Black ice actually got its name from the fact that the ice is clear and the black road surface shines through it. Black ice is usually found around less-traveled roadways and intersections. An example would be traffic that waits at a stop light: the heat radiating from engines and tires on the road surface melts a thin layer of snow or ice. After the traffic pulls away, with no other traffic passing in a short time span, the water refreezes and becomes a thin layer of clear ice. Knowing this, the best way to handle these conditions is to stop well before intersections and slowly move up to the stop line while maintaining awareness of the car behind you.

Unless your vehicle is specially designed to travel through deep snow or unplowed streets, do not attempt driving in such conditions. Last winter, New York City failed to plow the majority of their streets in the outer boroughs; more than half of the ambulances became stuck and required towing. Most drivers were able to get part way down city blocks, but once they stopped it was impossible to get out. Don’t keep driving to see how far your rig can go; others are likely doing the same. When emergency vehicles get stuck, call volumes keep growing, and assistance for crews may take hours.

During the rainy season and with runoff from melting snow, streets may flood. Driving through deep water should be avoided. Water that comes up to the hub (middle) of the wheel is considered too deep and can cause the vehicle to stall or result in major damage to the engine. In some areas, deep water also can mean swift water with currents stronger and faster than they appear from the side. Do not attempt to cross running water unless your vehicle is equipped and the crew trained to handle such a crossing.

Limited sight distance can be a common winter event. With the winter months come fog, rain, sleet and snow. All of these can create blinding conditions that impair the sight distance. When traveling in these conditions, always remember to slow down and increase following distances. Use of bright lights and emergency lighting can actually hinder the EVOs (Emergency Vehicle Operator’s) view. When operating at the scene, position the vehicle 1.5 truck lengths further back to give approaching motorist ample warning and use flares. Most states now require emergency vehicles to have blue lights affixed to the rear. Blue lights are readily visible in low-light conditions.

The Firehouse Scene - The Firehouse Scene - Page 5

11/05/14 Hwy 251

11/21/14 N. Alpine Road and Hwy 173

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Everett Peterson


www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com


11/22/14 Ad 12/02/14 Elevator Road 12/04/14 Elevator Road & Hwy 251


Increase your stopping distance. When it comes to driving, everything about snow takes longer and that includes stopping. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to get moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. By increasing the following distance and thereby increasing the stopping distance, the driver can slow enough to keep rolling until traffic starts to move again. When it comes to braking, whether with ABS or not, the best way to stop is threshold braking: apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

Sound: During the winter months when the humidity is higher, the air is denser and high-frequency sounds don’t travel as far; low frequency sounds travel farther. All sounds are muffled in this type of environment, and although all lights and sirens are engaged, it is still easy to sneak up on someone in front. Air horns are more effective when used in short bursts and in combination with the siren.

The DriverUnfortunately, most drivers are disconnected from their driving environments. Our vehicles have many compensating factors built into them to help correct a driver’s mistakes. The problem is trying to change behavioral issues with engineering solutions. Instead of slowing down in poor weather conditions, drivers continue to drive fast and follow too closely because they feel that their vehicles are capable of handling it. While this is perhaps true, other drivers or vehicles may not be as capable. Safety has two components: perceived and actual. The guy driving in the little “econo-box” type car with no anti-lock brakes or traction control recognizes how dangerous the roads are every time he steps on the gas or brake and drives appropriately. The other guy driving a 4x4 SUV loaded with safety devices may perceive a level of safety that in fact is not there.

The IntersectionIntersections are always the most dangerous area when responding. During snowy conditions, lanes and cross walks and other painted markings may be covered because of snowfall. Street signs and traffic lights may be obscured or indistinguishable from other objects in the environment. Always approach the intersection with the intent that your vehicle is NOT going to stop and that other vehicles may not be able to stop either.

The SceneWhen parking on the street before going into a building, the first order of business is safety. Is the ambulance sufficiently out of the way of traffic or does the street need to be blocked off? Is there enough room for traffic to pass safely? Will you and your partner have to climb over a snow bank to get to the building? If the ambulance is parked with additional units, the other units should be parked behind the ambulance to protect the rear doors and the crew when loading a patient.

While working on an expressway or other potentially dangerous roadway, set up a safety perimeter around the scene (as always), but in bad weather conditions with slippery roadways, increase the distance to give motorists ample time to recognize, process, and react to the change in conditions.

Be ProactiveNow that winter has arrived, start getting training bulletins out early and often. Bring drivers back for enhanced training on a skid pad and in a driver training simulator if you have one. Remember, simulation training allows training to take place on snow covered

and icy roads before a single snowflake falls in your community, so take advantage of it. Simulation can create any scenario and allows the EVO to not only respond, but to work with the officer in determining where to position the rig in snowy, wintry conditions. Don’t just practice driving techniques; take time to ensure that your officers and drivers have a good understanding of vehicle placement at the scene.

Remember,drive like your life depends on it.

HAZMAT Training By Lt. Brandon Tietz

Here is a brief description of the course that Firefighter Ryan Sarver and I attended last Nov. 10 -14 in Shorewood IL.

We learned the essential skills needed to evaluate and work defensively or offensively at an incident involving the release of hazardous materials. The objectives of the course are to teach participants: to classify, identify, and verify known and unknown material by using field survey instruments and equipment; to select and use the proper chemical protective equipment provided to the hazardous materials Technician; to understand hazard and risk assessment techniques for Hazmat and CBRNE environments; to be able to perform advanced control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available; and to develop action plans within the parameters of the State plan for statewide response to WMD events.

If anyone reads this and doesn’t understand what this means or has any questions please feel free to ask me, or anyone that has had extensive training in the handling of Hazardous Materials Incidents.

Mabas Division 8 Hazmat Team has Hazmat training on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. All members of MABAS 8 are welcome. If you are ever interested in attending one of these trainings please contact Lt. Tietz.

ChimneyPhotos by Sheryl Drost & Everett Peterson

Firefighters responded to a report of smoke in a garage off Belvidere Rd. Seems a wood-burning stove had caught fire and was extinguished.

Engine 701 was the attack truck.

Firefighters use a Thermal Imager to check for fire extension on the outside wall.

Chimney FirePhoto by Everett Peterson

Firefighters Nate Sarver and John Bunger clean out a wood-burning stove that caught the chimney on fire off Manchester Rd. on Dec. 5.

Dumpster FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters Joe Koeninger and Jesse Martin extinguish a fire in a dumpster on Metric Drive on Nov. 18.

Machine Catches FirePhoto by Everett Peterson

Firefighters check out a machine that had caught fire off Rockton Road on Nov. 26.

Fire AlarmPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighter responded to a fire alarm off N. Alpine Rd. on Nov. 10.


Firefighters responded to report of a fire on Irving Ave. in Machesney Park. Firefighters arrived in a cold drizzling rain to find a truck burning beside a building. The fire was quickly knocked down. The truck was totally destroyed by the fire and there was fire damage to the walls of two buildings. The fire is believed to have started in an engine block heater that was being used on the truck.

Firefighters attack the fire in the vehicle.

The outside wall of two buildings were damaged in the fire.

Dryer FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters check for hot spots in a dryer that started a fire in a home on Rolling Hills Ln. on Nov. 16. The dryer was removed from the basement and a positive pressure fan was used to rid the home of smoke.


Firefighters arrived on N. 2nd St. to a utility truck on fire. The fire was extinguished and it seems the fire was accidentally started by someone working on the rear end of the vehicle.

Firefighter Jesse Martin pulls the attack hose.

Lt. Steve Shoevlin and Reety Radke finish hitting hot spots in the truck’s bed.

Field FirePhoto by Marcia Soppe

Firefighters Ryan Sarver and Lt. Patrick Trollop finish putting out a small field fire on Otto Rd. on Nov. 8.


NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169Your Source for SAFETY Information

www.nfpa.org/education

FACTS

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical failures.

• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.

• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every five of the fires.

Christmas TreeSafety

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.

After ChristmasGet rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

!

!

!

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department

815-623-7867

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

In the month of December, I cannot help but be reminded of all of the seasons. We have the cold season, the snow season, the cold & flu season and then probably the one we all enjoy most, the holiday season.

Thank you once again to all of the fire personnel and the Roscoe Lion’s Club for another successful senior turkey dinner! We could not have done it without all of your extra volunteer hours & help. I have heard nothing but praise from the community for a magnificent job done by all. We served 343 dinners that day.

Our media division has completed another outstanding job with our annual calendar. The colored photos show your fire department at its best. To get your copy, stop by Station One and remember to hurry, because they go fast.

Have you ever thought of becoming a firefighter? If you have and live in our district we want you! We will be holding an informational meeting on 12/30 with recruit class starting in January 2015. If you are interested come by station 1 on Main Street in Roscoe to fill out an application or just to ask questions.

Don’t forget 2015 is a big year for HRFD. It is our 75th! We are planning many things to celebrate. We hope you will participate as all of you are a big part of our success. Our HRFPD 75th History Book have been shipped from the publisher to us. We are anxiously awaiting their arrival. If you didn’t order one don’t worry we have extra. Just stop by Station 1 to buy a copy. A significant amount of hard work has gone into this. I think you will all be surprised of its outcome.

As the holiday season is upon us, let us take time to remember those safety tips that we tend to take for granted. Our annual “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign has begun with a wreath in front of all 3 stations. It has been illuminated in red bulbs. If there is a fire in our district through the holidays, a bulb will be changed to white. The Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District urges all citizens & businesses to take a moment and check & clean your fireplaces, use caution with candles, watch the wiring for Christmas lights, be careful with live Christmas trees becoming too dry. Let us all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

I wish everyone in our communities a safe and joyous holiday season

and prosperous New Year in 2015!

To all the members of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District and their families:

May the Christmas Season fill your Home with Joy, Your Heart with Love & Your Life with Laughter.

The gratitude for the commitment all of you make is second to none.

We are who we are because of ALL of you!!!Happy Holidays!

Lions Club Senior Turkey DinnerPhotos by Sheryl Drost

This years dinner was served at the newly remodeled Station One.

Birthday!

December8th Bill Patterson11th Harold Danger26th Patrick Trollop

January5th Matt Bush David Leslie17th John Presley22nd Everett Peterson ‘60th”25th Jerry Lund26th Reety Radke 31st Mark Soppe Jason Johnson ‘25th’

Total Calls for 20142516

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]


Lighted ParadesPhoto by Marcia Soppe & Everett Peterson

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters participated in four lighted parades this month. Here are some pics from the Roscoe Parade.

THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

HRFD KID’s Christmas PartyPhotos by Sheryl Drost

Santa arrived to the party in the bucket of the aerial truck!

Santa poses with all the fire kids!

The Firehouse Scene - www.harlemroscoefire.com

December 2014 Editor Sheryl Drost

Barn FirePages 6&7

Station Funnies

Just hanging around the water cooler at work!

Chaplain Sparky is in!

Hmmmmm!

photos by sheryl drost the firehouse scene · 2018-09-18 · photos by sheryl drost. santa arrived...

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