the firehouse scene – september 2004 the firehouse scene · cleared the area and secured the...

The Firehouse Scene – September 2004

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Vol. 10 No 9 www.harlemroscoefire.com September 2004

Firefighter Matt Lane & Mike Sherbon pull a hose line for the initial attack of the fire.

Photo by Sheryl Drost

A Total Loss

August 8, around 11pm, Harlem-Roscoe Fire responded to a fire at 1234 Shappert Dr. First in units reported that a North American moving van was fully involved with fire and spreading to trailers on either side.

See page 2 for more details…

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Moving Van Destroyed Photos by Sheryl Drost

August 8, at around 11pm, Firefighters were rousted from their beds to fight a fully involved moving van fire. Fire trucks from all three stations responded and the glow could be seen from Hwy 251 – directions to the fire weren’t needed. Hose lines were pulled and water supply was established at a nearby hydrant and the attack was on. The fire had spread to two adjoining vans. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire in all three vans. The main fire was in a van fully packed with a family’s treasured belongings and was a total loss. The fire is believed to be suspicious and is still under investigation.

Dan & Mike are joined by Jim Johnson and Captain Schrader as they get up close and personal with the fire.

Brad Delmore, Amber Drost, & Tom Aaker continue to fight the tough fire.

Lt. Bill Sabin, Mickey Rykowski, Captain Mike Drost, Aaron Miller, and Lt. Don Shoevlin start the investigation process as Debbie Rykowski gets information from the owner.

Gas Leaks Photos by Sheryl Drost

September 6, Harlem-Roscoe firefighters responded to two calls that involved gas leaks. The first was when a construction worker at 9314 N. 2nd broke a gas line next to the house while digging. 9-1-1 was called and the fire department arrived to find gas hissing from a broken pipe. Firefighters were able to get to the shutoff at the meter and Nicor was called. The second call was at 917 Glen Forest. It is believed age was the culprit here when a rusted pipe started leaking at the meters. Firefighters cleared the area and secured the scene until Nicor arrived.

Left, Danny Gunderson takes care of the leak on N. 2nd. Right, 705 Crew works on stopping the leak at the meters on Glen Forest. Hurricane Charlie

Harlem-Roscoe firefighter Dave Doyle’s in-laws live in Punta Gorda, Florida, which happens to be where Hurricane Charlie came on land. And then Hurricane Danielle dumped a ton of rain on them. Everyone is fine but their home has extensive wind and water damage although it still has 4 walls. Dave and his wife went down to help with some cleanup and brought his in-laws here until basic services can be restored. Dave, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Tarps cover the holes in Dave’s in-law’s roof and an enclosed area over the pool is completely gone.

A couple blocks from their home a condominium complex is completely destroyed. 2

The Firehouse Scene – September 2004 Car Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Mike Sherbon looks on as Matt Lane extinguishes the fire inside the car.

August 29, under a full moon at 3:12 am, firefighters responded to a fully involved car fire on Baederwood Dr. Initial reports of someone still in the vehicle were quickly proven wrong. It seems the car had been parked in the driveway and somehow rolled backwards into the neighbor’s yard and was on fire. The neighborhood took a hit that night with a couple other cars being broken into and this one was set on fire. The fire is under investigation.

The neighbor’s mailbox melted from the heat of the fire.

Barn Fire Photos by Chief Presley and Sheryl Drost

It seems that graffitti (left) isn’t all the owner of the barn at 5310 West Lane has to contend with. September 6 firefighters were dispatched to the barn for a fire. Straw in the large pole barn was burning as well as some of

the wood supports. The insides were watered down then completely covered with foam.

Matt Lane and Brad Delmore prepare to make the initial attack on the fire.

Jim Daughenbaugh & Amber Drost use foam to snuff out the burning straw.

Ron Swain, Matt Lane, and Kevin Bouton work their way through the barn.

Chad Radke (left) and Bob Stark (right) each engineered one of the 3000 gallon super tankers. Both tankers were utilized at the fire.

The whole barn floor was coated with foam.

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On The Run… Photos by Sheryl Drost

The camper accident blocked both lanes of the East bound I-90.

Call # 5 - EMT Jim Johnson and Paramedic John Presley check out the driver as Firefighter Ron Klaman writes down vehicle information at a two car accident on Hwy 251 & Forest Hills Rd.

Call # 6 - Firefighter Ron Klaman takes down vehicle information on one of the vehicles at a two car accident on Main St. & Broad St..

Captains Mike Drost and Kirk Wilson work on releasing the hood to cut the battery cables. Call # 8 - A witness reported a service van (above) heading North on 251 suddenly crossed the meridian, went airborne, and rolled to a stop right at Williams Dr. miraculously missing any of the southbound traffic. The witness said it all happed right in front of her and that is was like a scene right out a movie. One southbound vehicle did receive damage from running over ladders that had come off the van. The driver and passenger were transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Call # 9 - While traffic tried to maneuver around the accident at Williams and Hwy 25, police and fire watched as a Chrysler Neon and a Chevy Van crashed. The driver of the van refused treatment and the driver of the Neon was transported to the hospital.

L-r Paramedics Bill Schieder, John Presley, EMT Jill Evans & Captain Kirk Wilson work the scene.

Friday, August 6, Harlem-Roscoe Fire was dispatched to an accident on I-90 - 73mm. It seems a Ford Expedition pulling a camper had crashed into the guard rail and rolled to a stop upside down. The vehicle and the camper now blocked both lanes of eastbound I-90. The driver and passenger were transported to the hospital by ambulance. Traffic was held up for over two hours and in the meantime, traffic diverted off of I-90 and now Hwy 251 was bumper to bumper heading south. This accident and another on I-90 were the start a very busy afternoon. Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters and EMS were kept busy all day responding to 7 accidents, 3 medical calls, and 1field fire.

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08/16/04 Ralston Rd & Hwy 251 Frontage Rd. 08/21/04 Hwy 251 & Prairie Hill Rd.

08/15/04 Hwy 173 & Mitchell Rd. 08/28/04 I-90 mm75 - 1st Rollover 08/28/04 I-90 mm 75 - 2nd Rollover

08/19/04 Hwy 251 & Swanson Rd. 09/03/04 Belvidere Rd. & Hwy 173

09/05/04 Hwy 173 in front of Forest Hills Lodge

09/03/04 Hwy 251 & Hwy 173 09/04/04 1508 Gladys

More Accidents. . . Photos by Chief Presley & Sheryl Drost

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Bale me Out of This One? Photos by Sheryl Drost

August 6, in between several accidents, firefighters also fought a fire where bales and rows of straw were on fire at the farm on McDonald Rd. and Swanson Rd.

Chief Presley arrived and reported a large straw pile and rows of straw on fire.

Ron Klaman waters down the straw as Captain Kirk Wilson turns it over.

Left, Jill Evans uses an Indian Pack water extinguisher on a small area of the fire. Right, 761 uses its front sprayers to put the fire out in a row of straw.

I See The Smoke "Where’s The Beef?"

August 13, a truck in the McDonalds drive thru started smoking and the fire department was called. A smoking air filter was already out of the vehicle when units arrived though.

Oven Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Aaron Miller passes Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell and Amber Drost as he carries out the oven drawer.

August 10, firefighters responded to 9488 Karakul Trail for an oven fire. It seems oven mitts in the broiler drawer had caught fire. (Right) The drawer was brought outside and extinguished. Positive pressure fans were set up and the home was rid of smoke.

Smoke Signals Help?

August 21, a recreational bonfire got out of control at 7520 Middle Rd. and 9-1-1 was called. The farmer was doing fire control with his tractor when units arrived but with a little help from minipumper 761 crew, the fire was under control again.

The farmer was trying to control it with his tractor when first in units arrived.

Captain Mike Drost and Dan Gunderson quickly brought the fire under control.

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By Captain John Presley – Training Officer

Recruit class has officially began. This time around the class is doing the Firefighter II certification from the start, only incorporating our procedures as part of the practicals. We have approximately 15 candidates and it seems like an eager class. They will be attending training from time to time during the candidate period, to get familiar with all the members of the department. Introduce yourself when you see them and make them feel welcome. The Grand Opening of the Training Facility is slated for September 18th from 12 pm to 3pm. We are currently creating some scenarios for demonstrations. Help will be needed over the next two weeks in making preparations and cleaning the training area at Station 3, if you can help contact Lt. Shoevlin or Capt Presley to offer your assistance. I am still looking for input for specialty classes, (i.e. Haz-Mat Ops, FAE, Tech Rescue, and Fire Officer Classes etc.) If you are interested in any classes contact the training division. Training Drill Nights Photos by Sheryl Drost

August’s Tuesday training nights mostly involved a lot of pulling and testing hoses. It’s a dirty job and no one likes to do it, but it had to be done. All hoses are now tested. August 21, the new APR masks were distributed to the firefighters and everyone was fit tested.

Lt. John Bergeron fit tests Jill Evans, Troy Vail, & Joe Quast with their emergency APR masks. Association Meeting

August 8 was the monthly breakfast/meeting of the Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Association. Left, Chris Scott received his certificates for completing firefighter II and Hazmat Awareness. Below, Trustee Jerry Ocker looks on as Trustee Jim Burdick administers the oath to firefighter Mike Morrison who successfully

made it through the probation period?

2004 H-R Firefighters Association Officers

L-r, President Joe Quast, Vice President Ron Klaman, Secretary Tim Bergeron, and Treasurer Jeff Morris. Backing Safety

By Captain Kirk Wilson – Health and Safety Officer >>>>>>>>>

Over the past several weeks, there have been several firefighters killed or injured in apparatus backing accidents. Look at the headlines obtained from Firehouse.com.

“Pennsylvania Firefighter Killed when Fire Truck Backs Over Him”. “Los Angeles Rookie Killed in Backing Accident.” “Firefighter’s Foot Crushed by Fire Truck.” “New York State Firefighter Killed; Pinned in Between Two Trucks.” “Racine, West Virginia Firefighter Killed in Backing Accident.” “Missouri Fire Truck Backs Into Pedestrian; 82 Year Old Man Killed.”

After reading these incidents, it was very apparent that most of these accidents could have been prevented by the use of spotters. The incident with the Los Angeles Firefighter could have been prevented. A 25 year old female rookie was riding on the back tailboard of the apparatus when the vehicle was backing up. She fell from the apparatus and the vehicle backed over her. Several firefighters witnessed this and began trying to revive her. There efforts were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital a short time later. The Pennsylvania incident involved a driver backing an engine into the fire station when he backed over two firefighters. One firefighter was killed instantly. The other was treated for leg injuries. Why did this incident have to occur? This is unacceptable! When working on the fire ground or at the station, we must remain alert to our surroundings. The use of spotters is a must when any vehicle is backing. Apparatus operators, you are responsible for your apparatus and the people that ride on it. It is up to you to use spotters while backing. It is up to you to do a walk around the vehicle before you leave the scene or respond to a call. Look under the apparatus to make sure there are no obstructions under it. Check all vehicle compartments before moving the vehicle. When reloading hose beds, it may be a good idea to drive over the hose moving the apparatus forward. Keep these tips in mind. The next life saved could be yours! 7


Winning Extrication Team - L-r standing Jeff Morris, Ramona Baldoni, & Mike Huffman. Kneeling l-r Chad Radke, Aaron Miller, & Lt. Bob Hamilton.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Extrication Team traveled to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to compete in the National Extrication Challenges & Learning Symposium August 16th - 21st. 2004. We proudly announce that the team took 5th Place in the Limited Pit, 5th Place in the Unlimited Pit, and 6th Place Overall. On top of that accomplishment, Ramona Baldoni took 2nd Place in Top Medic and Mike Huffman took 4th Place in Top IC. Then to top it all off, they received the Sportsmanship or Spirit Award. The team also won an invitation to the International Competition in Florida in 2005!

The Competition By Team Captain Mike Huffman:

Limited Pit - This was a high-paced scenario because they used a live victim. We came out strong. It was a 1-car accident, a victim through the windshield and leg on top of the hood. We stabilized it like a rock and quickly got the medic in for patient contact and care. We took the rest of the windshield out and then began cutting the roof off. Once the roof was removed, we could gain access to our patient. Then we had problems - her arm was trapped between the emergency brake and the passenger seat. We ended up using the mini Hurst hand pump. We finally got her arm free. We had the back board in place, but just ran out of time. The judges liked how we worked well as a team and how safe we and the patient were. The judges had no negative things to ding us on.

Unlimited Pit - The judges said we had a great scene size up. It was a T-bone, 2-car accident with a utility pole and a barricade. The car with the pole had its roof creased down the middle and the patient’s head touching the roof. They said we had great patient contact. We ended up cutting the roof off. We also used a high lift jack to raise the roof off the patient first. Once the roof was off we were able to lay the seat down and slide a backboard in between the patient and the seat. We got the patient out in 19minutes 58 seconds! We’ve had this scenario before. We got high marks for IC, medical, team work, and tool knowledge.

Medic Ramona Baldoni placed 2nd for Best Medic. Good Job Ramona!

The judges commended the team for working well together.

IC Mike Huffman placed 4th for Best IC – Good job Mike!

A live patient really raised the excitement level!

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The Trip by Team Medic Ramona Baldoni

As we sat in the gate area waiting to board the plane that would take our team to Nationals we heard the gate agent begin her announcement of the boarding procedures. What caught our ear was her unexpected addition to her usual speech, “ … and we’d like to wish the fire fighters from Harlem Roscoe traveling with us today good luck in their competitions.” This was going to be a great trip! The competitions went well on Wednesday and Thursday and we found ourselves with an open day on Friday. We took full advantage of it and went into New York City for the day. We totally looked like tourists! 11 of us got off the bus at Time Square with

no idea which way it was to the subway. We eventually found our way and headed off to our first stop, the Stanton Island ferry. As the ferry went from Manhattan to Stanton Island we passed the Statue of Liberty. She stood tall with strength and majesty. On the ferry ride back to Manhattan some of us were struck with a very sobering thought. Imagine being a tourist or a New Yorker crossing the Hudson River on the ferry headed to Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001. As you looked at the Manhattan skyline and saw the World Trade Center towers standing tall, you couldn’t believe your eyes as you saw an airliner head straight into one of the towers. You were watching a devastating piece of history unfold right before your eyes unable to believe it was real. We then made our way to what was once the sight of the WTC. Standing on the sidewalk with the gaping whole that was once the WTC on one side of the street and Ten House on the other side was incredible. How can you explain the total destruction of the WTC and see this New York fire house still standing? Ten House lost its entire crew that day but was able to remain true to its new motto, “Still Standing”. The fire fighters that now man this station are honoring the memories of those who have fallen on 9/11. They have shown with no uncertainty that the fire fighters of New York are strong and after looking cowardice evil in the face they can continue on without fear. The people of New York City have also come through that horrific tragedy with strength. If you don’t know the NYC subway system, it can be a little intimidating. Again, looking like tourist we hovered over maps of the subway system trying to find our way. Without fail each time a friendly New Yorker would point us in the right direction or make sure we knew which stop we needed to get off at. It was a great day in the Big Apple exploring just a small portion of a large city with an even larger heart. We left the city that evening remembering that New York, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania all took the blow for America on September 11, 2001. And we experienced first hand how New Yorkers have lead the nation in coming back from the sucker punch of cowards

Dress blues were worn for the awards banquet - L-r Chad Radke, Aaron Miller, Ramona Baldoni, Mike Huffman, Lt. Bob Hamilton, & Jeff Morris.

Ten House Fire Station lost its entire crew on 9-11

L-r Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Jeff Morris, Jerry McCormick, Chad Radke, Mike Huffman, Aaron Miller, Lt. Bob Hamilton and upper – Ramona Baldoni and Tom Lake pose with a New York Firefighter at Ten House after he gave them a tour of the station.

A somber sight - what was left at the WTC.

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Congratulations

Congratulations to firefighter Brian (Archie) Archambeau and his wife Audra on the birth of their son - Jacob Keith on August 6th. Jacob measured in at 7lbs. 11oz. and 20 ½” long. Big sister, 11-year-old Julia, totally adores her little baby brother and is a big help. Mom and baby are doing great and Archie says Jacob is growing like a weed and that it’s next to impossible to keep enough food and diapers in the house. Congratulations again Brian, Audra, and Julia, he is adorable!

New Puppy

Captain John Presley shows off his new beagle puppy he named Brandy. Godparent Bill Schieder is already giving John parenting lessons.

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Wilson. Kirk and Tracy exchanged vows September 1, 2004 in Las Vegas. They then spent the week in Vegas for their honeymoon.

A Big Fish

Mickey Rykowski shows off this Northern he caught on Big Pine Lake while visiting Mike & Sue Rallo. It measured in at 39 1/2".

Campground’s Fire Fighting Station

Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell, Fire Prevention inspector Virgil Johnson and their wives went up to New Foundland this summer to camp. Ken says there was fire fighting stations all over the park. Some were like the picture above and some had just a bucket of water and a shovel

WW EE DD DD II NN GG

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Happy Birthday

Happy 25th Birthday Amber Drost

September 14th

Chaplains Corner By Chaplain Jim Cole

There was a showing of material about the Great Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871

at Midway Village Museum. The door was supposed to open at 5:30, but there was a big bunch of people ready to get in, well ahead of that. The limit for the crowd was 300, and it was packed. There were munchies to begin with, and they were good. The program was a special program created for the History Channel (which program was being broadcast that very evening on History Channel!). The program was about the technical aspects of fire fighting, such as the kinds of pumpers, ladder trucks, hose carts and the like. Where the fire started, and how fast it spread was awesome. Of course, all the buildings, and even the sidewalks, were of wood. The weather had been very dry, so the wood was good tinder. Only 300 or so people died, probably because the fire started in the business district, giving people time to realize what was going on, and escape the fury. It did not take long for the fire to go way beyond the firefighter’s ability to fight. They were very tired from fighting a four block fire the night before, and the equipment was not up to snuff. After this showing, we had a good presentation by a lawyer who had done exhaustive research on the fire, and convincingly proved that Mrs. O'Leary's cow did not start the fire. There was good evidence as to who was responsible, but not enough to take it to court. Though the cost for attending this affair was $25, fire fighters could get in for $10!! There were several Rockford personnel there, but I was the only ‘foreigner." I was glad to represent Harlem-Roscoe. And I was glad to be able to go. The program was produced at Midway Village, by the way.

Mark Your Calendars!

TTrraaiinniinngg BBuurrnn TToowweerr OOppeenn HHoouussee September 18th, 2004

Noon - 3:00 PM Ribbon Cutting @ 1PM 13974 Willowbrook Rd.

All H-R fire personnel must be in dress blues or duty shift attire for the open house. • September 19th - Department Picnic.

Riverside Park * 11am

August 2 – October 20 Rockton Road at Willowbrook Road will be closed for construction. The I-90 on and off ramp at Rockton Road will also be closed.

Fill the Boot

Kevin Bouton accepts a donation from Heather Burbach while collecting money for Muscular Dystrophy in the “Fill the Boot Campaign”. Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell, who spearheads the fundraiser, announces the total collected over the two days the Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters collected was $4185.82. Mike Huffman presented the money on Labor Day at the telethon.

Night Owl Block Party

Aaron Miller shows off the aerial bucket to some residents at the Night Owl Dr. Block party.

Birthdays

September

3rd Ramona Baldoni 12th Bart Munger 13th Marty Green Mike Powell 14th Amber Drost 25th 21st Lavern Sarver 23rd Debbie Rykowski 28th Chaplain Jim Cole October

7th Richard Schoonover Jon Pyzynski 10th Brad Delmore 30th 12th April Cooper 15th Ryan Alms 17th Dave Doyle 26th Tom Aaker 30th 31st Bob Stark Total Calls

Aug. 2004

Medicals - 94 692 Accidents - 21 122 Fires - 10 89 Misc. - 12 150 Total 137 1053

October Breakfast Crew Marty Green, Danny Gunderson, Bob Hamilton, Mike Huffman,

& Nick Jackson.

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District. The paper is written and assembled by Photographer Sheryl Drost, final edit by Chief Oscar Presley, and printed by Premier Printing in Machesney Park. The newsletter is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website wwwharlemroscoefire.com after the second Sunday of each month.

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Station Funnies

Ahhh…Fire & Police Working

Together!

It seems Virgil and Ken

are always pulling something!

How do you entertain Fire Chiefs and

a Fire Prevention Officer? ask Virgil Johnson!

Station Gossip by Sheryl Drost

• Hey Paul, How cold is it? Never heard of a Thermal Ice Layer before! • Rumor has it Mark Soppe has an I love me wall! It’s a wall full of

pictures of himself……hmmmm • Some cool internet sites that have fun and games to teach kids about

fire safety o www.nfpa.org/sparky o www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet

(find Elmo at the bottom and go to his fire game) o www.usfa.fema.gov/kids o www.smokeybear.com

• Chief Presley’s 5-yr-old granddaughter asked me a question the other day. She goes,” Grandpa is the Chief right?” I told her yes. Then she says, “Well, if he is the Chief, then does he get to do whatever he wants to?” I told her that he has a lot of responsibilities as a Chief and has to answer to a lot of people. And, she says, “Yah, but he can do what he wants right, cause he’s the Chief?” I then told her well, Yes … but it has to be ok with Grandma. She understood that one and went off to ride her bike.

• Bouton, Bouton, Bouton….They put the money where? • Now Archie is taking this daddy thing serious…he was even initiated

the first day with changing a dirty diaper. And just think, it only took 20 baby wipes!!

• Hey Kirk, rumor has it the wife was a little, should I say chilly one night? Ask Kirk about this one.

• Uhm, John & Nikia…Kirk’s article includes the boat! Find What is Missing

The two pictures below are both Engine 701. What does the top truck have that the bottom truck doesn’t? Can you find all 10 missing things?

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the firehouse scene – september 2004 the firehouse scene · cleared the area and secured the...

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