the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

New Popcorn Machine!Station One’s construction Project Supervisor Matt Kolinski from Ringland-Johnson Construction surprised Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake with a new popcorn maker for Station One lounge during the Trustee’s Appreciation Dinner. It seems Matt took to heart all the hints that Ramona’s left that a popcorn machine would look good in the room. Thanks Matt!!

STATION FUNNIES

Seems at training last week, one of the new recruits saw ALEXIS on the front of the truck and asked Capt. Alms if we named all of our trucks!

Thinking Tom might have a little too much time on his hands!

New Recruit Angels in the Snow!

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoef re.com

March 2014 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Sheryl Drost

SPRING DINNER

HARLEM-ROSCOE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATIONS

Saturday...

March 22, 2014March 22, 20145pm - 8pm10544 Main St. Roscoe, IL 61073

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Tickets:Tickets:Adults - $8Kids 5 to 12 - $4Under age 5 - Free

For Carryout & Local Delivery: Call 815-623-7867 the day of the dinner.

Menu:Menu:Ham, Roast Beef, Cole slaw, Mashed potatoes, Vegetables, Buns, Dessert, Milk and Coffee.

Seems the new recruits get all the good jobs!

A red tail hawk was found hanging out on top of the training burn tower.

Birthdays

March4th John Donovan 6th Steve Shoevlin9th John Donahue Josh Wilkerson11th Eric Engstrom16th Aaron Miller Adam Cox ‘25th’22nd Jay Alms23rd Radi Huggard Justin Mayton26th Nino Grardin28th Jaime Wagner29th Sheryl Drost

April 3rd Nate Sarver10th Colleen Bloyer 22nd Brett Parrish24th Paul Stanphill25th Ryan Sarver29th Snoopy

Total Calls for 2013

468

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.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Well, as I write this, we have fl ipped over to a new month and daylight savings time has arrived. Doesn’t this mean warmer weather cannot be too far behind? Am I right? It was not long ago that I think we were saying let it snow.

I don’t know about you, but enough already! Let’s all start to think green. So, on March 9th, ”Spring” forward as we push our clocks ahead and don’t forget to replace your batteries in both your smoke detectors and CO alarms! Then on March 17th, the “Green” will be fl owing for St. Patrick’s Day with all of its trimmings. Be on the lookout for all of the little leprechaun’s as everyone becomes Irish and wears green on that day, don’t they? Finally on March 22nd, we want you to join us at our Annual “Spring” Dinner. With all this spring and green in the month, I think we will turn the corner to nicer weather.

With spring, also begins the ever-loving season of road construction. It is time to repair all of the problems created by old man winter and the salt as we have sure seen an increase of rough and bumpy roads from this winter. One construction project that is slated to start this month is on Route 173 which will have an effect on all surrounding traffi c. The project is to be from Alpine Road east to Rock Cut State Park upon its completion. We must remain patient and smile as our frustration builds from delays.

Our new HRFD recruit class is under way with the instructors dug in and putting all the soon to be “probies” through the ringers of the job. Graduation is scheduled to take place on April 12th. It takes a dedicated group of instructors to accomplish this and they are commended for all their time and efforts.

Last month we held our annual appreciation dinner. Thank you to the Trustees for a great evening that was well-attended. The food was fabulous and everyone appeared to have had a great time. The fi refi ghters and support staff are so deserving of this event for all of their commitment and accomplishments throughout the

year. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with these individuals and the board of trustees. You will fi nd pictures and awards that were handed out elsewhere in the newsletter.

The building construction completion continues. Numerous things have been fi nished however, we have more to do. The weather has not allowed us to get to the exterior items, but I have confi dence that this month will be different. We are still planning a dedication open house for later this spring where you will be able to tour the entire facility.

The last item of news this month . . . in your mail this week, you will be receiving information on the annual Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters Association Spring Dinner. It will be held on Saturday, March 22nd. We will be serving dinner from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and will also have carry out and local deliveries available. We greatly appreciate all of your generous support over the years. I look forward to meeting and talking to everyone on that evening and am excited for you to have a small glimpse of your new fi re station. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fi re department. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fi re department by visiting our website. www.harlemroscoefi re.com, we can also be found on Facebook, so go ahead and like us.

Firefi ghter Finishes Probation

The last of the new fi refi ghters has sucessfully served his probationary period. Eric Engstrom was given the fi refi ghter’s oath by Truatee Bart Munger and then pinned by Capt. Ryan Alms on March 4.

L-r, Trustees John Donahue and Bart Munger, Chief Don Shoevlin, Eric, Capt. Ryan Alms. Battalion Chiefs Jay Alms and Tom Aaker, and Trustee Al Bach.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoef re.comwww.harlemroscoef re.com

Adam Cox - 25thMarch 16th

Scout Troops Visit Fire Stations

Above, Firefi ghters Rob Lukowski and Mike Sherbon pose with a group of Cub Scouts at Sta. #2.

Right, Firefi ghters Brent Parrish and Nate Saver give a talk to a group of scouts at Sta. #3.

Greg & Jessica WernickFebruary 10, 2014

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoef re.comwww.harlemroscoef re.com

Chimney Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters responded to a chimney fi re on Crockett Rd. just after midnight on Feb. 7 and once again it was -20 degrees outside! The fi re was contained to the chimney and no one was injured.

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article written by a Harlem-Roscoe Fire Offi cer. By Captain Tim Bergeron

Spring Cleaning SafetySpring is almost here and we’re getting ready to clean up inside our homes and to work outside in our lawns and gardens. But all that lifting, climbing, trimming and other spring-cleaning activities heighten the risk for home injuries. According to the Home Safety Council , there

are over 10 million unintentional home injuries in the U.S. per year that result in visits to hospital emergency rooms. These injuries result in over 20,000 deaths per year. Falls and poisonings cause over half of home deaths.

Your safety at home is as important as your safety at work! With that in mind, we offer the following home safety tips:

Make Your Home Safe from Fires • Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors- Install UL approved smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly to make sure they are working. Change the batteries at least once per year. • Fire Extinguisher- Place a fi re extinguisher in the kitchen and other areas of your home. Check the gauge on the extinguisher to make sure that it is fully charged. • Develop a fi re escape plan for your home. Identify two escape routes from each room and have a place to meet outside your home. Practice the fi re escape plan with your family.

Prevent Falls Walkways

Keep stairs, steps, landings and fl oors clear of toys and clutter. Carry loads so that you can see over them and use the handrail. Safely tuck telephone and electric cords out of walkways. Make sure that area rugs are secured with non-skid pads.

Ladders- If you need to climb, use a ladder (not a chair, table or box).Place stepladders on level ground and open them completely, making sure all locks are engaged. Before using a ladder outdoors, choose a location that is at least 10 feet away from all power lines. Coming in contact with live wires can be fatal. Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot from the wall. Always face the ladder when climbing and wear slip-resistant shoes (e.g. those with rubber soles). Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by your belly button. If your belly button passes beyond the side rail of the ladder, you are overreaching and at risk for falling. Make sure rungs are dry before using the ladder. Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it’s the fourth rung from the top.

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Be Kind to your Back Following these lifting techniques can help prevent most back injuries:

Plan your lift, don’t be in a hurry. Look at both the starting and ending point. Bend at the knees, not at the waist and keep your back straight. Lift with your strong leg and thigh muscles. Keep the object you are lifting close to your body. Do not twist at the waist. Move your feet to turn your body when moving objects. Get help when lifting very heavy objects (e.g. over 50 pounds)

Lawn and Garden Safety Service lawnmowers and power tools every spring before using them.This includes having the blades sharpened and tightened on the mower. Make sure that all guards are in place. Before mowing, walk the lawn and pick up sticks, stones, toys and other debris that could shoot out from the mower. Don’t let people stand or sit anywhere near where you are mowing. Be especially careful to keep small children away.Do not allow children to ride on lawn tractors/ mowers. The safest place for children when grass is being cut is inside the house.Wear proper clothing and protective equipment:

Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles when mowing.Wear eye protection when mowing, using weed whackers/powered equipment.Don’t wear any loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts. Wear ear plugs/muffs when using noisy power equipment.

Never reach under the mower unless it is turned off and the blade has completely stopped turning.Store gasoline only in approved containers. Refuel mowers outside when the engine is cool. Use fertilizers, insect and weed killers according to the container labels. Keep pets and children off of newly treated areas.

Use Chemicals Safely Properly discard out of date medicines.Consider using non-toxic cleaners. For example, vinegar and water is an effective window cleaner. Toothpaste works well for polishing silver. Lemon juice is a natural bleach. Baking soda works well on tile and sinks, and when mixed with vinegar it’s great for cleaning out drains. Read chemical labels and instructions before using cleaning Wear protective clothing and plastic/rubber gloves when using chemicals. Wear eye protection (e.g. protective goggles) when working with corrosive chemicals. Never mix cleaning products. Combinations of certain chemicals (e.g. chlorine and ammonia) can create harmful gases.Store household and garden chemicals safely in closed containers out of the reach of children and pets. Use child-proof locks on cabinets. Chemicals with labels using the words “Caution, Danger, Poison, or Keep out of reach of children” should be stored safely and securely away from children. Keep medicines and cleaning products in their original containers with their original labels. Always label containers if you must remove chemicals from their original containers. Discard hazardous and fl ammable chemicals that you no longer need. Contact your local Solid Waste Authority to fi nd out when they are having their next “Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Days”.

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoef re.comwww.harlemroscoef re.com

02/10/14 Belvidere Rd. and Hamborg Rd. 02/13/14 Willowbrook Rd. and Rockton Rd.

02/08/14 Mitchell Rd. & Hwy 173 02/08/14 Hwy 173 east of Mitchell Rd.

01/21/14 Main St. & Reimer Dr. 01/22/14 Willowbrook Rd.

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

02/08/14 Hwy 251 north of Swanson Rd. 02/09/14 Metalmark Ln.

02/16/14 Hwy 251 & McDonald Rd. 02/24/14 Hwy 251 & McDonald Rd.

If you have been diagnosed with SAD, here are some things you can do to help prevent it from coming back:

Begin using a light box at the start of the fall season, even before you feel the onset of winter SAD. Try to spend some amount of time outside every day, even when it’s very cloudy. The effects of daylight are still benefi cial. Eat a well-balanced diet and include suffi cient amounts of vitamins and minerals as recommended by the FDA. This will help you have more energy even though your body is craving starchy and sweet foods.

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Try exercising for 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Stay involved with your social circle and regular activities. This can be a tremendous means of support during winter months. Consider consulting a mental health professional trained in cognitive behavior therapy, which has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for SAD. Talk to your doctor about antidepressant medication if your symptoms are severe or persist despite interventions such as bright light therapy.

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9-voltBattery9-voltBattery

9-volt batteries power our smokealarms, household items and toys.They can be found in most homes. But these batteries can be a fire hazardif not stored safely or disposed of with care.

The problem 9-volt batteries can be dangerous. The positive and negative posts are close together. If a metal object touches the two posts of a 9-volt battery, it can cause a short circuit. This can make enough heat to start a fire.It is unsafe to store 9-volt batteries in a drawer near paper clips, coins, pens, or other batteries. Do not store common household items such as steel wool, aluminum foil, and keys near 9-volt batteries. If these items touch the two posts, there is a greater risk of a fire starting. Weak batteries may have enough charge to cause a fire. Some fires have started in trash when 9-volt batteries were thrown away with other metal items.

Storing 9-volt batteriesKeep batteries in original packaging until you are ready touse them. If loose, keep the posts covered with masking,duct, or electrical tape. Prevent the posts from coming incontact with metal objects. Keep them someplace safe where they won’t betossed around.Store batteries standing up.9-volt batteries should not be stored loose in a drawer.Do not store them in containers with other batteries.

Disposal9-volt batteries should not be thrown away with trash.They can come in contact with other batteries or piecesof metal.9-volt batteries can be taken to a collection site forhousehold hazardous waste. To be safe, cover the positive and negative posts with masking,duct, or electrical tape before getting rid of batteries.Some states do not allow any type of battery to be disposedof with trash. Check with your city or town for the best way toget rid of batteries.

9-VOLT BATTERYSTORage

SafetySafety

Keep batteries in original packaging until you are ready to use them. If loose, keep the posts covered with masking, duct, or electrical tape. Prevent the posts from coming in contact with metal objects.

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoef re.comwww.harlemroscoef re.com

Hot Tub Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters extinguished a fi re in a hot tub on a deck of a home on County Line Rd. on Feb. 13. A thermal imaging camera was used to check for any hot spots. The residents were lucky in that a passing motorist saw the fi re before it burned into the home. It seems the fi re started in a Salamander heater that was being used next to the hot tub.

02/28/14 Perryville and Hwy 173 03/02/14 Elevator Rd.

03/01/14 Roscoe Rd. and Gleasman Rd. 03/01/14 Roscoe Rd.

EMS CornerBy BC Jay Alms

What is Seasonal Depression? (Also Called ‘SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)’, ‘Seasonal Depression’)

Seasonal depression, often called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a depression that occurs each year at the same time, usually starting in fall, worsening in winter, and ending in spring. It is more than just “the winter blues” or “cabin fever.” A rare form of SAD, known as “summer depression,” begins in late spring or early summer and ends in fall.

What are the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?People who suffer from SAD have many of the common signs of depression, including:

sadness anxiety irritability loss of interest in usual activities withdrawal from social activities inability to concentrate extreme fatigue and lack of energy a “leaden” sensation in the limbs increased need for sleep craving for carbohydrates, and accompanying weight gain.

Symptoms of summer SAD include:weight loss agitation and restlessness trouble sleeping decreased appetite

How common is SAD?Approximately one half million of the U.S. population suffers from winter SAD, while 10 to 20 percent may suffer from a more mild form of winter blues. Three-quarters of the sufferers are women, and the onset typically is early adulthood. SAD also can occur in children and adolescents. Older adults are less likely to experience SAD.

This illness is more commonly seen in people who live in cloudy regions or at high latitudes (geographic locations farther north or south of the equator). Individuals who relocate to higher latitudes are more prone to SAD.

What causes seasonal affective disorder?The exact cause of this condition is not known, but evidence to date strongly suggests that—for those with an inherent vulnerability—SAD is triggered by changes in the availability of sunlight. One theory is that with decreased exposure to sunlight, the internal biological clock that regulates mood, sleep, and hormones is shifted. Exposure to light may reset the biological clock.

Another theory is that brain chemicals that transmit information between nerves, called neurotransmitters (for example, serotonin), may be altered in individuals with SAD. It is believed that exposure to light can correct these imbalances.

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How can I tell if I have seasonal affective disorder?It is very important that you do not diagnose yourself. If you have symptoms of depression, see your doctor for a thorough assessment. Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. But other times, symptoms of SAD are part of a more complex psychiatric problem. A mental health professional typically can evaluate your pattern of symptoms and identify whether you have SAD or another type of mood disorder.

How is seasonal affective disorder treated?Research now shows that phototherapy, also known as bright light therapy, is an effective treatment for SAD. Sometimes antidepressant medicine is used alone or in combination with light therapy. Spending time outdoors during the day can be helpful, as well as maximizing the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to at home and in the offi ce. What is light therapy? Is it safe?Light therapy, sometimes called phototherapy, is administered by a device that contains white fl uorescent light tubes covered with a plastic screen to block ultraviolet rays. The intensity of light emitted (Lux) should be 10,000 Lux. The patient does not need to look directly into the light, but reads or eats while sitting in front of the device at a distance of 2 to 3 feet.

Light therapy is generally safe and well tolerated. However, there are some contraindications (e.g., conditions such as diabetes or retinopathies, certain medications) because of the potential risk of damage to the retina of the eye. Bright light therapy can cause hypomanic or manic symptoms; therefore, individuals with bipolar affective disorder require medical supervision to use light therapy. Side effects of light therapy include:

eye strain headache irritability fatigue insomnia

At what time of the day and for how long should I use light therapy?

The timing of light therapy appears to affect the treatment response. Recent studies suggest that morning light therapy is more effective than evening treatments. Using this treatment too late in the day may produce insomnia. Many health professionals today prefer to treat SAD with 10,000 Lux for 15 to 30 minutes every morning. Patients often see improvement within two to four days, and reach full benefi ts within two weeks. The symptoms of SAD return quickly after light therapy is stopped, so light treatment should be continued throughout the entire season of low sunlight.

Even though they generate enough light, tanning beds should not be used to treat SAD. The amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays they produce is harmful to the skin and eyes.

Can I prevent the onset of seasonal affective disorder?If you think you have symptoms of SAD, see your doctor for a thorough examination. Your doctor will want to make sure that these symptoms are not caused by another psychiatric condition or major medical illness.

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

15-year Fire Service recipient Mike Powell poses with Battalion Chief Tom Aaker.

10-year Fire Service recipients Lt. Tom Lake and Jerry Lund. Missing in photo - Shannon Burbach.

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RECOGNITION AWARDS

Firefi ghter Joe Quast and Chaplain Bob Clark were recognized for their hard work when the department hosted the 2013 Statelin Firefi ghters Memorial Service.

Fire Trustees Al Bach and John Donahue and Chief Shoevlin recognized Project Supervisor Matt Kolinski from Ringland-Johnson Construction for all his hard work and dedication to the remodel at Fire Station #1. .

Most Fire Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Most Medical Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Station One NateSarver

Marty GreenMike Drost

PatrickTrollop

PatrickTrollop

Chad Miller

Lt. RamonaBaldoni-Lake

Station Two JesseMartin

Paul Stanphill

Lt. MikeHuffman

Mike Sherbon

JesseMartin

Kyle Alms

Station Three Lt. SteveShoevlin

Lt. BrandonTietz

David Pautsch

Lt. TietzJohn Barth

ReetyRadke

David Pautsch

ANNUAL AWARD DINNER Photos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustees hosted their annual HRFD Appreciation Awards Dinner on Feb. 7 at the Forest Hills Lodge. After a delicious buffet meal catered by the Hoffman House, the awards ceremony began. Special recognitions went to Deputy Chief John Bergeron for his 30 years of fi re service and Firefi ghter Mike Sherbon for his 25 years of fi re service. Fire Chief Don Shoevlin says, “The defi nition of commitment is: to commit to a goal or way of life. Then look at the word dedication: the quality of being devoted to something. I can’t think of two more prominent words that describes both of these gentleman who have given so much over the years. As our lives change and get busier, both of these men still fi nd the time to serve our district. 25 and 30 years is extraordinary, but so are both of these individuals. This year’s Firefi ghter Good Service Award went to Nate Sarver.

FIRE SERVICE AWARDSFire Years-of-Service Recognitions: 30-year Fire - Deputy Chief John Bergeron, 25-year Fire - Mike Sherbon, 15-year Fire - Mike Powell, 10-year Fire - Shannon Burbach, Lt. Tom Lake and Jerry Lund. 5-year Fire - Megan Alms, Bob Clark, Adam Eich, Chris Farr, Chuck Hansel, Scott Jensen, Ken Kelley, Bill Null, Sue Null, Chuck Schoonover and Greg Wernick.

Medical Years-of-service Recognitions: 10-year Medical - Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, Chief Don Shoevlin. New Paramedics - Lt. Brandon Tietz, Patrick Trollop. New EMTs - Nino Girardin, Mike Helland, Justin Harwood, Stefanie Layman, and Brett Parrish.

Fire personnel that have served in the armed forces led the plede of allegiance to begin the awards program.

30-year Fire Service Award recipient Deputy Chief John Bergeron poses with Trustees Al Bach and John Donahue and Chief Shoevlin.

25-year Fire Service Award recipient Mike Sherbon poses with Chief Shoevlin.

Firefi ghter Good Service Award went to Firefi ghter Nate Sarver. L-r Chief Don Shoevlin, DC John Bergeron, Nate, and Battalion Chiefs Jay Alms and Tom Aaker.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

15-year Fire Service recipient Mike Powell poses with Battalion Chief Tom Aaker.

10-year Fire Service recipients Lt. Tom Lake and Jerry Lund. Missing in photo - Shannon Burbach.

.

RECOGNITION AWARDS

Firefi ghter Joe Quast and Chaplain Bob Clark were recognized for their hard work when the department hosted the 2013 Statelin Firefi ghters Memorial Service.

Fire Trustees Al Bach and John Donahue and Chief Shoevlin recognized Project Supervisor Matt Kolinski from Ringland-Johnson Construction for all his hard work and dedication to the remodel at Fire Station #1. .

Most Fire Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Most Medical Runs 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Station One NateSarver

Marty GreenMike Drost

PatrickTrollop

PatrickTrollop

Chad Miller

Lt. RamonaBaldoni-Lake

Station Two JesseMartin

Paul Stanphill

Lt. MikeHuffman

Mike Sherbon

JesseMartin

Kyle Alms

Station Three Lt. SteveShoevlin

Lt. BrandonTietz

David Pautsch

Lt. TietzJohn Barth

ReetyRadke

David Pautsch

ANNUAL AWARD DINNER Photos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustees hosted their annual HRFD Appreciation Awards Dinner on Feb. 7 at the Forest Hills Lodge. After a delicious buffet meal catered by the Hoffman House, the awards ceremony began. Special recognitions went to Deputy Chief John Bergeron for his 30 years of fi re service and Firefi ghter Mike Sherbon for his 25 years of fi re service. Fire Chief Don Shoevlin says, “The defi nition of commitment is: to commit to a goal or way of life. Then look at the word dedication: the quality of being devoted to something. I can’t think of two more prominent words that describes both of these gentleman who have given so much over the years. As our lives change and get busier, both of these men still fi nd the time to serve our district. 25 and 30 years is extraordinary, but so are both of these individuals. This year’s Firefi ghter Good Service Award went to Nate Sarver.

FIRE SERVICE AWARDSFire Years-of-Service Recognitions: 30-year Fire - Deputy Chief John Bergeron, 25-year Fire - Mike Sherbon, 15-year Fire - Mike Powell, 10-year Fire - Shannon Burbach, Lt. Tom Lake and Jerry Lund. 5-year Fire - Megan Alms, Bob Clark, Adam Eich, Chris Farr, Chuck Hansel, Scott Jensen, Ken Kelley, Bill Null, Sue Null, Chuck Schoonover and Greg Wernick.

Medical Years-of-service Recognitions: 10-year Medical - Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake, Chief Don Shoevlin. New Paramedics - Lt. Brandon Tietz, Patrick Trollop. New EMTs - Nino Girardin, Mike Helland, Justin Harwood, Stefanie Layman, and Brett Parrish.

Fire personnel that have served in the armed forces led the plede of allegiance to begin the awards program.

30-year Fire Service Award recipient Deputy Chief John Bergeron poses with Trustees Al Bach and John Donahue and Chief Shoevlin.

25-year Fire Service Award recipient Mike Sherbon poses with Chief Shoevlin.

Firefi ghter Good Service Award went to Firefi ghter Nate Sarver. L-r Chief Don Shoevlin, DC John Bergeron, Nate, and Battalion Chiefs Jay Alms and Tom Aaker.

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoef re.comwww.harlemroscoef re.com

Hot Tub Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters extinguished a fi re in a hot tub on a deck of a home on County Line Rd. on Feb. 13. A thermal imaging camera was used to check for any hot spots. The residents were lucky in that a passing motorist saw the fi re before it burned into the home. It seems the fi re started in a Salamander heater that was being used next to the hot tub.

02/28/14 Perryville and Hwy 173 03/02/14 Elevator Rd.

03/01/14 Roscoe Rd. and Gleasman Rd. 03/01/14 Roscoe Rd.

EMS CornerBy BC Jay Alms

What is Seasonal Depression? (Also Called ‘SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)’, ‘Seasonal Depression’)

Seasonal depression, often called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a depression that occurs each year at the same time, usually starting in fall, worsening in winter, and ending in spring. It is more than just “the winter blues” or “cabin fever.” A rare form of SAD, known as “summer depression,” begins in late spring or early summer and ends in fall.

What are the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?People who suffer from SAD have many of the common signs of depression, including:

sadness anxiety irritability loss of interest in usual activities withdrawal from social activities inability to concentrate extreme fatigue and lack of energy a “leaden” sensation in the limbs increased need for sleep craving for carbohydrates, and accompanying weight gain.

Symptoms of summer SAD include:weight loss agitation and restlessness trouble sleeping decreased appetite

How common is SAD?Approximately one half million of the U.S. population suffers from winter SAD, while 10 to 20 percent may suffer from a more mild form of winter blues. Three-quarters of the sufferers are women, and the onset typically is early adulthood. SAD also can occur in children and adolescents. Older adults are less likely to experience SAD.

This illness is more commonly seen in people who live in cloudy regions or at high latitudes (geographic locations farther north or south of the equator). Individuals who relocate to higher latitudes are more prone to SAD.

What causes seasonal affective disorder?The exact cause of this condition is not known, but evidence to date strongly suggests that—for those with an inherent vulnerability—SAD is triggered by changes in the availability of sunlight. One theory is that with decreased exposure to sunlight, the internal biological clock that regulates mood, sleep, and hormones is shifted. Exposure to light may reset the biological clock.

Another theory is that brain chemicals that transmit information between nerves, called neurotransmitters (for example, serotonin), may be altered in individuals with SAD. It is believed that exposure to light can correct these imbalances.

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How can I tell if I have seasonal affective disorder?It is very important that you do not diagnose yourself. If you have symptoms of depression, see your doctor for a thorough assessment. Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. But other times, symptoms of SAD are part of a more complex psychiatric problem. A mental health professional typically can evaluate your pattern of symptoms and identify whether you have SAD or another type of mood disorder.

How is seasonal affective disorder treated?Research now shows that phototherapy, also known as bright light therapy, is an effective treatment for SAD. Sometimes antidepressant medicine is used alone or in combination with light therapy. Spending time outdoors during the day can be helpful, as well as maximizing the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to at home and in the offi ce. What is light therapy? Is it safe?Light therapy, sometimes called phototherapy, is administered by a device that contains white fl uorescent light tubes covered with a plastic screen to block ultraviolet rays. The intensity of light emitted (Lux) should be 10,000 Lux. The patient does not need to look directly into the light, but reads or eats while sitting in front of the device at a distance of 2 to 3 feet.

Light therapy is generally safe and well tolerated. However, there are some contraindications (e.g., conditions such as diabetes or retinopathies, certain medications) because of the potential risk of damage to the retina of the eye. Bright light therapy can cause hypomanic or manic symptoms; therefore, individuals with bipolar affective disorder require medical supervision to use light therapy. Side effects of light therapy include:

eye strain headache irritability fatigue insomnia

At what time of the day and for how long should I use light therapy?

The timing of light therapy appears to affect the treatment response. Recent studies suggest that morning light therapy is more effective than evening treatments. Using this treatment too late in the day may produce insomnia. Many health professionals today prefer to treat SAD with 10,000 Lux for 15 to 30 minutes every morning. Patients often see improvement within two to four days, and reach full benefi ts within two weeks. The symptoms of SAD return quickly after light therapy is stopped, so light treatment should be continued throughout the entire season of low sunlight.

Even though they generate enough light, tanning beds should not be used to treat SAD. The amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays they produce is harmful to the skin and eyes.

Can I prevent the onset of seasonal affective disorder?If you think you have symptoms of SAD, see your doctor for a thorough examination. Your doctor will want to make sure that these symptoms are not caused by another psychiatric condition or major medical illness.

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoef re.comwww.harlemroscoef re.com

02/10/14 Belvidere Rd. and Hamborg Rd. 02/13/14 Willowbrook Rd. and Rockton Rd.

02/08/14 Mitchell Rd. & Hwy 173 02/08/14 Hwy 173 east of Mitchell Rd.

01/21/14 Main St. & Reimer Dr. 01/22/14 Willowbrook Rd.

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

02/08/14 Hwy 251 north of Swanson Rd. 02/09/14 Metalmark Ln.

02/16/14 Hwy 251 & McDonald Rd. 02/24/14 Hwy 251 & McDonald Rd.

If you have been diagnosed with SAD, here are some things you can do to help prevent it from coming back:

Begin using a light box at the start of the fall season, even before you feel the onset of winter SAD. Try to spend some amount of time outside every day, even when it’s very cloudy. The effects of daylight are still benefi cial. Eat a well-balanced diet and include suffi cient amounts of vitamins and minerals as recommended by the FDA. This will help you have more energy even though your body is craving starchy and sweet foods.

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Try exercising for 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Stay involved with your social circle and regular activities. This can be a tremendous means of support during winter months. Consider consulting a mental health professional trained in cognitive behavior therapy, which has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for SAD. Talk to your doctor about antidepressant medication if your symptoms are severe or persist despite interventions such as bright light therapy.

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9-voltBattery9-voltBattery

9-volt batteries power our smokealarms, household items and toys.They can be found in most homes. But these batteries can be a fire hazardif not stored safely or disposed of with care.

The problem 9-volt batteries can be dangerous. The positive and negative posts are close together. If a metal object touches the two posts of a 9-volt battery, it can cause a short circuit. This can make enough heat to start a fire.It is unsafe to store 9-volt batteries in a drawer near paper clips, coins, pens, or other batteries. Do not store common household items such as steel wool, aluminum foil, and keys near 9-volt batteries. If these items touch the two posts, there is a greater risk of a fire starting. Weak batteries may have enough charge to cause a fire. Some fires have started in trash when 9-volt batteries were thrown away with other metal items.

Storing 9-volt batteriesKeep batteries in original packaging until you are ready touse them. If loose, keep the posts covered with masking,duct, or electrical tape. Prevent the posts from coming incontact with metal objects. Keep them someplace safe where they won’t betossed around.Store batteries standing up.9-volt batteries should not be stored loose in a drawer.Do not store them in containers with other batteries.

Disposal9-volt batteries should not be thrown away with trash.They can come in contact with other batteries or piecesof metal.9-volt batteries can be taken to a collection site forhousehold hazardous waste. To be safe, cover the positive and negative posts with masking,duct, or electrical tape before getting rid of batteries.Some states do not allow any type of battery to be disposedof with trash. Check with your city or town for the best way toget rid of batteries.

9-VOLT BATTERYSTORage

SafetySafety

Keep batteries in original packaging until you are ready to use them. If loose, keep the posts covered with masking, duct, or electrical tape. Prevent the posts from coming in contact with metal objects.

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Chimney Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters responded to a chimney fi re on Crockett Rd. just after midnight on Feb. 7 and once again it was -20 degrees outside! The fi re was contained to the chimney and no one was injured.

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article written by a Harlem-Roscoe Fire Offi cer. By Captain Tim Bergeron

Spring Cleaning SafetySpring is almost here and we’re getting ready to clean up inside our homes and to work outside in our lawns and gardens. But all that lifting, climbing, trimming and other spring-cleaning activities heighten the risk for home injuries. According to the Home Safety Council , there

are over 10 million unintentional home injuries in the U.S. per year that result in visits to hospital emergency rooms. These injuries result in over 20,000 deaths per year. Falls and poisonings cause over half of home deaths.

Your safety at home is as important as your safety at work! With that in mind, we offer the following home safety tips:

Make Your Home Safe from Fires • Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors- Install UL approved smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly to make sure they are working. Change the batteries at least once per year. • Fire Extinguisher- Place a fi re extinguisher in the kitchen and other areas of your home. Check the gauge on the extinguisher to make sure that it is fully charged. • Develop a fi re escape plan for your home. Identify two escape routes from each room and have a place to meet outside your home. Practice the fi re escape plan with your family.

Prevent Falls Walkways

Keep stairs, steps, landings and fl oors clear of toys and clutter. Carry loads so that you can see over them and use the handrail. Safely tuck telephone and electric cords out of walkways. Make sure that area rugs are secured with non-skid pads.

Ladders- If you need to climb, use a ladder (not a chair, table or box).Place stepladders on level ground and open them completely, making sure all locks are engaged. Before using a ladder outdoors, choose a location that is at least 10 feet away from all power lines. Coming in contact with live wires can be fatal. Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot from the wall. Always face the ladder when climbing and wear slip-resistant shoes (e.g. those with rubber soles). Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by your belly button. If your belly button passes beyond the side rail of the ladder, you are overreaching and at risk for falling. Make sure rungs are dry before using the ladder. Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it’s the fourth rung from the top.

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Be Kind to your Back Following these lifting techniques can help prevent most back injuries:

Plan your lift, don’t be in a hurry. Look at both the starting and ending point. Bend at the knees, not at the waist and keep your back straight. Lift with your strong leg and thigh muscles. Keep the object you are lifting close to your body. Do not twist at the waist. Move your feet to turn your body when moving objects. Get help when lifting very heavy objects (e.g. over 50 pounds)

Lawn and Garden Safety Service lawnmowers and power tools every spring before using them.This includes having the blades sharpened and tightened on the mower. Make sure that all guards are in place. Before mowing, walk the lawn and pick up sticks, stones, toys and other debris that could shoot out from the mower. Don’t let people stand or sit anywhere near where you are mowing. Be especially careful to keep small children away.Do not allow children to ride on lawn tractors/ mowers. The safest place for children when grass is being cut is inside the house.Wear proper clothing and protective equipment:

Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles when mowing.Wear eye protection when mowing, using weed whackers/powered equipment.Don’t wear any loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts. Wear ear plugs/muffs when using noisy power equipment.

Never reach under the mower unless it is turned off and the blade has completely stopped turning.Store gasoline only in approved containers. Refuel mowers outside when the engine is cool. Use fertilizers, insect and weed killers according to the container labels. Keep pets and children off of newly treated areas.

Use Chemicals Safely Properly discard out of date medicines.Consider using non-toxic cleaners. For example, vinegar and water is an effective window cleaner. Toothpaste works well for polishing silver. Lemon juice is a natural bleach. Baking soda works well on tile and sinks, and when mixed with vinegar it’s great for cleaning out drains. Read chemical labels and instructions before using cleaning Wear protective clothing and plastic/rubber gloves when using chemicals. Wear eye protection (e.g. protective goggles) when working with corrosive chemicals. Never mix cleaning products. Combinations of certain chemicals (e.g. chlorine and ammonia) can create harmful gases.Store household and garden chemicals safely in closed containers out of the reach of children and pets. Use child-proof locks on cabinets. Chemicals with labels using the words “Caution, Danger, Poison, or Keep out of reach of children” should be stored safely and securely away from children. Keep medicines and cleaning products in their original containers with their original labels. Always label containers if you must remove chemicals from their original containers. Discard hazardous and fl ammable chemicals that you no longer need. Contact your local Solid Waste Authority to fi nd out when they are having their next “Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Days”.

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Birthdays

March4th John Donovan 6th Steve Shoevlin9th John Donahue Josh Wilkerson11th Eric Engstrom16th Aaron Miller Adam Cox ‘25th’22nd Jay Alms23rd Radi Huggard Justin Mayton26th Nino Grardin28th Jaime Wagner29th Sheryl Drost

April 3rd Nate Sarver10th Colleen Bloyer 22nd Brett Parrish24th Paul Stanphill25th Ryan Sarver29th Snoopy

Total Calls for 2013

468

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.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Well, as I write this, we have fl ipped over to a new month and daylight savings time has arrived. Doesn’t this mean warmer weather cannot be too far behind? Am I right? It was not long ago that I think we were saying let it snow.

I don’t know about you, but enough already! Let’s all start to think green. So, on March 9th, ”Spring” forward as we push our clocks ahead and don’t forget to replace your batteries in both your smoke detectors and CO alarms! Then on March 17th, the “Green” will be fl owing for St. Patrick’s Day with all of its trimmings. Be on the lookout for all of the little leprechaun’s as everyone becomes Irish and wears green on that day, don’t they? Finally on March 22nd, we want you to join us at our Annual “Spring” Dinner. With all this spring and green in the month, I think we will turn the corner to nicer weather.

With spring, also begins the ever-loving season of road construction. It is time to repair all of the problems created by old man winter and the salt as we have sure seen an increase of rough and bumpy roads from this winter. One construction project that is slated to start this month is on Route 173 which will have an effect on all surrounding traffi c. The project is to be from Alpine Road east to Rock Cut State Park upon its completion. We must remain patient and smile as our frustration builds from delays.

Our new HRFD recruit class is under way with the instructors dug in and putting all the soon to be “probies” through the ringers of the job. Graduation is scheduled to take place on April 12th. It takes a dedicated group of instructors to accomplish this and they are commended for all their time and efforts.

Last month we held our annual appreciation dinner. Thank you to the Trustees for a great evening that was well-attended. The food was fabulous and everyone appeared to have had a great time. The fi refi ghters and support staff are so deserving of this event for all of their commitment and accomplishments throughout the

year. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with these individuals and the board of trustees. You will fi nd pictures and awards that were handed out elsewhere in the newsletter.

The building construction completion continues. Numerous things have been fi nished however, we have more to do. The weather has not allowed us to get to the exterior items, but I have confi dence that this month will be different. We are still planning a dedication open house for later this spring where you will be able to tour the entire facility.

The last item of news this month . . . in your mail this week, you will be receiving information on the annual Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters Association Spring Dinner. It will be held on Saturday, March 22nd. We will be serving dinner from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and will also have carry out and local deliveries available. We greatly appreciate all of your generous support over the years. I look forward to meeting and talking to everyone on that evening and am excited for you to have a small glimpse of your new fi re station. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fi re department. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fi re department by visiting our website. www.harlemroscoefi re.com, we can also be found on Facebook, so go ahead and like us.

Firefi ghter Finishes Probation

The last of the new fi refi ghters has sucessfully served his probationary period. Eric Engstrom was given the fi refi ghter’s oath by Truatee Bart Munger and then pinned by Capt. Ryan Alms on March 4.

L-r, Trustees John Donahue and Bart Munger, Chief Don Shoevlin, Eric, Capt. Ryan Alms. Battalion Chiefs Jay Alms and Tom Aaker, and Trustee Al Bach.

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Adam Cox - 25thMarch 16th

Scout Troops Visit Fire Stations

Above, Firefi ghters Rob Lukowski and Mike Sherbon pose with a group of Cub Scouts at Sta. #2.

Right, Firefi ghters Brent Parrish and Nate Saver give a talk to a group of scouts at Sta. #3.

Greg & Jessica WernickFebruary 10, 2014

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

New Popcorn Machine!Station One’s construction Project Supervisor Matt Kolinski from Ringland-Johnson Construction surprised Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake with a new popcorn maker for Station One lounge during the Trustee’s Appreciation Dinner. It seems Matt took to heart all the hints that Ramona’s left that a popcorn machine would look good in the room. Thanks Matt!!

STATION FUNNIES

Seems at training last week, one of the new recruits saw ALEXIS on the front of the truck and asked Capt. Alms if we named all of our trucks!

Thinking Tom might have a little too much time on his hands!

New Recruit Angels in the Snow!

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoef re.com

March 2013 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Sheryl Drost

SPRING DINNER

HARLEM-ROSCOE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATIONS

Saturday...

March 22, 2014March 22, 20145pm - 8pm10544 Main St. Roscoe, IL 61073

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Tickets:Tickets:Adults - $8Kids 5 to 12 - $4Under age 5 - Free

For Carryout & Local Delivery: Call 815-623-7867 the day of the dinner.

Menu:Menu:Ham, Roast Beef, Cole slaw, Mashed potatoes, Vegetables, Buns, Dessert, Milk and Coffee.

Seems the new recruits get all the good jobs!

A red tail hawk was found hanging out on top of the training burn tower.