photos by sheryl drost the firehouse scene june co… · june 2010 fire chief don shoevlin editor...
TRANSCRIPT
the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District
PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073
The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefi re.com
June 2010 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost
Fire Destroys Graduation
PresentSee page 5
Photo by Marcia Soppe
Station Funnies Photos by Sheryl Drost
Seating of the New Board of Directors? Just kidding! A group of senior citizens from Independence Village visited Station One and had a great time visiting with the fi re fi ghters and touring the fi re station. Above, DC John Bergeron and Chief Don Shoevlin pose for a picture with the group in the conference room.
Uhm ...Joe, you might want to look before you step...
Shower?
Bath?
Diaper Change?
FF Ken Boris graduated from Rock Valley College with a Bachelors Degree in Fire Science.FF Eric Schweitzer graduated from Rock Valley College with a Bachelors Degree in Fire Science.FF Danielle Baumgartner graduated from Hononegah High School.Ramona Baldoni-Lake’s daughter Charlotte Jenkins graduated from North Central College in Naperville with a Bachelor Degrees in Accounting, Spanish and Finance.FF John Donovan’s daughter Corie graduated from Rock Valley College with Associate Degrees in Arts and in Science.FF Christi Wilson’s daughter Samantha graduated from Belvidere North High School.FF Mark Soppe’s daughter Erica graduated from South Beloit High School.Chaplain Bob Clark’s grandson Geren Klusmeier graduated from Poplar Bluff High School.DC John Bergeron’s son Dalton graduated from Harlem Middle SchoolFF Matt Bush’s son Cody graduated from Roscoe Middle School.FF Marty and Admin Kelly Green’s son Cody graduated from Roscoe Middle School.Dispatcher Jennie Anderson’s daughter Katy Sprague graduated from Roscoe Middle School.
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From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin
Congratulations are in order for recent promotions. On Tuesday 6/8, Trustee Ocker administered the oath of offi ce to newly promoted Lieutenants. Bob Stark and Doug Wolfe were promoted from acting Lieutenant to Lieutenant. Firefi ghters Ryan Alms and Mike Huffman were promoted to the position of Lieutenant as well. All of these
individuals are capable and committed to perform in their new position. I have full confi dence in them all that they have the knowledge and skill to succeed in their new positions.
I would also like to congratulate our extrication team. They competed in the Midwest Extrication Competition held in Cherry Valley and did an outstanding job. They fi nished 2nd place in the unlimited scenario, 2nd place in the limited scenario and 1st place overall. Great job!
Congratulations are also in order to six of our members for successful completion of their paramedic class. What began in August, 2009 for John Donovan, Radi Huggard, Gina Kaiser, Tom Lake, Rob Lukowski, and Christi Wilson came to a grand conclusion on June 10, 2010. Excellent job, ladies and gentlemen.
We just fi nished participating in the Roscoe Memorial Day Parade, Rockton Memorial Day Parade, and Young at Heart Parade. We were at the North Pointe Safety Day event this past Saturday. On June 26 - 27 you will see our dedicated fi refi ghters participating in the Wal-Mart Safety Days. Please stop by and say Hi. Thank you to all the fi refi ghters for their participation in these events.
Let us not forget all the DADS. I fi nd myself refl ecting more of my parents every day and cherishing the memories of time spent with my dad. This is for all the dads. May you enjoy your day on 6/20.
A dad is a person who is loving and kind,And he often knows what you have on your mind,He’s someone who listens, suggests, and defends,
A dad can be one of your very best friends!He’s proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient, helpful, and strong.In all that you do, a dad’s love plays a part,
There’s always a place for him deep in your heart.And each year that passes you’re even more glad, more
Grateful and proud just to call him your Dad.Thank you DAD for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing, but especially for just being YOU.
We greatly appreciate all of your continuous support. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fi re department by visiting our website @ www.harlemroscoefi re.com
Fire Chief Jack Brown MemorialStory and photos by Sheryl Drost
A memorial service for former Fire Chief Jack Brown was held on May 22 in Beloit, when his family, from all over the world, could attend. Several Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters attended and participated in the ceremony. Jack’s son, Earnie wrote:
“Thank You all for the turn-out to honor my Dad, You all did a great job and your presence was greatly appreciated by the entire family. I will cherish these pictures and the memories that go with the Brotherhood of Fire Fighters. I am proud to have been one of you and will never forget it.”
More pictures from the ceremony can be seen on the department website @ www.harlemroscoefi re.com and the department’s Facebook page.
Left, several Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters attended and participated in the walkthrough. Right, current Fire Chief Don Shoevlin gives a fi nal salute to a man that gave many years to Harlem-Roscoe Fire.
Firefi ghter Joe Quast performed as part of the Honor Guard for the ceremony.
Jack’s four children, Eddie, Jan, JoEva, and Earnie pay respects to their father.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com
Birthdays
June6th Ron Swain7th Bill Sabin ‘75th’ Megan Alms ‘21st’8th Shannon Burbach11th Mike Huffman15th James Wright ‘50th’16th Chris Kaiser ‘30th’ Mickey Rykowski Jennie Anderson18th Chris Scott19th Jerry Ocker23rd Randy GarnerJuly1st John Bergeron 6th Adam Arnould7th Mike Drost Virgil Johnson ‘75th”9th Greg Wernick10th Jeff Brandenburg17th Mark Schafman18th William Null19th Gina Kaiser21st Tim Bergeron ‘40th’27th Doug Wolfe
July Breakfast ListMike Powell, Virgil Johnson
Zak Prielipp, Bill Sabin, Reety Radke, Eric Schwietzer,
Gina Kaiser, Sheryl Drost
Total Calls for 2010
933
The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.
Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor - Sheryl Drost
The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s web site after the second Sunday each month.
www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to: sdrost@harlemroscoefi re.com
Congratulations to FF Christian Bush and to Devin Learnn on the birth of their son on May 18. Jacob Graham Bush measured in at 8lb. 4oz. and 19.5 inches long. Jacob’s grandpa, Matt Bush, is also a H-R Firefi ghter. Christian says mom and baby are doing well. Congrats again Christian and Devin, he is adorable!
Bill Sabin ‘75th’
Chris Kaiser ‘30th’
Jim Wright ‘50th’
Megan Alms ‘21st’
Four Lieutenants PromotedPhotos by Sheryl Drost
Trustee Jerry Ocker gave the oath of offi ce to four Lieutenants on Tuesday, May 8. Lts. Doug Wolfe and Bob Stark were promoted from Acting Lieutenant. status to full Lieutenant status. Then Mike Huffman and Ryan Alms were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
Chief Don Shoevlin said, “All of these individuals are committed to their new position. They are all capable of fulfi lling the responsibilities placed upon them. I have full confi dence in them all to carry out the duties of Lieutenant.”
Trustee Jerry Ocker gives the oath of offi ce to Lts. Doug Wolfe and Bob Stark as Doug’s wife Carolyn and son Kyle, and Bob’s son Jordan look on.
Trustee Jerry Ocker gives the oath of offi ce to new Lts. Ryan Alms and Mike Huffman as Chief Don Shoevlin, Ryan’s wife Charlotte, and DC John Bergeron look on.
Let’s Meet The New Lieutenants. . .
Mike Huffman joined the department in the fall of 2000. He was promoted to Lieutenant June 8, 2010. Mike became an EMT in 1993. Mike served two years as the Harlem Roscoe Firefi ghter’s Association’s Vice President.
Mike is state certifi ed FFII, Haz-mat Awareness, Emergency Roadway Extrication
Technician, Instructor I, Haz-Mat Operations and is a Senior Fire Apparatus Operator.
Mike has taken numerous classes in: Vehicle extrication, Big Rig Rescue, New Vehicle Technology, RIT, Fireground Tactics, Rescue Company Operations and Smoke Divers and is NIMS compliant. Mike is a 2-time Hurst Green Cross participant.
Mike is currently the HRFD Extrication Team leader, and TERC (Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee) Region 5 Chair and International Judge. Mike is also a lead Instructor for the Monroe Fire School in vehicle extrication, a Field Instructor for vehicle extrication for: IFSI, SAFE-safe and fast extrication-Milwaukee, NAVRA - North American Vehicle Rescue Association.
Mike previously served eight years with North Park Fire prior to joining HRFD. Mike received a Certifi cate of Honor from the Offi ce of Illinois State Fire Marshal for his heroism in saving a young girl from a burning home with two other NP Firefi ghters.
Ryan Alms joined the department in December of 2001. He became an EMT-B in May 2004.
He is state certifi ed FFIII with Hazmat Ops. He has taken numerous fi re related courses. He is certifi ed EMD, and NIMS 100 200 700 certifi ed. Ryan has taken classes in helicopter
safety and large vehicle extrication.
Ryan has been an Extrication Team Member since 2005.
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Photos by Sheryl Drost and Marcia Soppe
Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters participated in the Young at Heart Festival’s Parade and Rockton’s Memorial Day Parade. Firefi ghters then walked in Roscoe’s Memorial Day Parade as well as attended the ceremony at the Roscoe cemetery.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com
Times RekindledBy Sheryl Drost
Terry Pitkus joined Harlem-Roscoe in January of 1966 and served ten years reaching the rank of Lieutenant. He would go on to serve 24 years as an Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Fire/Arson Investigator. He is became well know as ‘Pipes’, because he always smoked a pipe.
Terry is always ready and willing to mentor new investigators. He was instrumental in the formation of the
old Northern IL Fire Investigation Task Force. The task force was a pool of fi re investigators that were used to help departments to investigate fi res. The task force evolved into the current MABAS 8’s Fire Investigation Group.
Terry said being among the fi rst EMTs to run was defi nitely a highlight of his years on the department. He said he also helped start up a fi re investigation bureau, later being joined by Richard Mackenthun and Virgil Johnson.
What are some of your memorable calls?
“The fi rst time I did CPR with Oscar all the way to the hospital and saved the guy. Then Oscar and I worked on girl that was seriously injured at an accident at Elevator and 51 (in the back of the old rescue bread truck) all the way to old Beloit Memorial Hospital. We even had a police escort. Trooper Gale Brown submitted our names for an award for life saving. There was one house fi re on Main St. where everything froze because it was so cold. I had to use a screw driver to chisel all the ice off to get out of my turnout gear. Ben Alexander and I crawling around in an attic and a beam falling and hitting me on the head. I don’t think I have been right since. :)Riding tailboards….one time, the truck slowed up, and I stepped off just as the driver gunned it, and rolled off down the street.Terrace View School was burning and we had three guys on a 2-1/2 in. hose line trying to cool the fi re. Larry Pike was on the pumper. A ball of fi re with a lot of heat blew out, and the guys on the 2-1/2 in ran. I stayed with a 1-1/2 in. hose line to try to cool down Larry Pike and the pumper. I got burned through the old rubber coat we wore at the time!”
What is a funny call you remember ?“Being beside Harold Richards up in an attic on Ventura Blvd. checking out an odor. Harold fell through the ceiling of a house. Luckily his feelings were the only things hurt. The odor turned out being a dead mouse.”
What changes have you see in the fi re department? “Medical of course, but also a lot in fi re prevention and fi re investigation.”
What do you think of Harlem-Roscoe Fire today? “It’s the best in the state!”
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From an undated newspaper article - Four Harlem-Roscoe Firemen have recently completed 70 hours of emergency medical training at St. Anthony’s hospital. L-r Captain Oscar Presley, FF’s Clay Winters, Dick Lyford, and Terry Pitkus
Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters captured three 1st Places at the Winnebago County Fire Chiefs’s Association’s Field Tournament Day. Standing l-r, Terry Pitkus, Harold Richards, John Chamberlin, Don Paris, and Fred Tuttle. Kneeling, Richard Mackenthun, Oscar Presley, and Richard Lyford.
In 1998, then an OSFM Fire Investigator, Terry, along with Harlem-Roscoe Fire investigators Amber Drost, Bill Sabin and Lt. Mike Drost search for the cause of the house fi re on Norman Ave. In 1998 H-R investigated over 12 arson fi res, so they saw plenty of Terry that year.
Capt. Mike Drost and ‘Pipes’ investigate a fi re on Ventura Blvd.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com
WWII Vets Travel to DCBy Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell
www.vetsroll.org The mission was to provide safe ground transportation and experience for local WWII Veterans to visit their WWII Memorial. The trip was put together by Mark and John Finnegan, owners of Finnegan’s RV Center.
The caravan of 118 WWII Veterans and 60 volunteers consisted of three large buses, nine motorhomes, plus a chase van. I had the chance to be a driver of one of the motor homes.
As we stopped at the different sites, the volunteers would help the vets on and off the vehicles, and then would help push anyone in wheelchairs.
We stopped at Somerset, PA on the way out there to see the Flight 93 crash site. From there it was off to Frederick, MA where we spent two nights. We loaded up four buses and spent the day in Washington DC, visiting many monuments. The highlight, of course, was the WWII Monument in the afternoon. A General from the pentagon made a special appearance while we were at Arlington Cemetery and made sure he shook every vet’s hand. A Representative from Wisconsin also came out and helped with the vets.
It was very interesting to listen to the vets talk to each other and to us about their experiences during the war. The average age of a WWII vet is 85 years and we did have some vets in their 90s. The vets with us were from Wisconsin and northern Illinois; two were from our fi re district.
It was amazing to see the people that came out along our way to honor the vets. Driving through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois there were people standing on overpasses waving American fl ags. Across Indiana and Illinois we had police escorts. Then, when we got back to our district, there was our fi re department on the bridge with the big fl ag between the two Quints.
South Beloit Fire and Wisconsin State Police joined our caravan which ended in Beloit. Beloit Fire, Town of Turtle Fire, South Beloit Fire, VFW members, and the vet’s families were there to welcome the vets home. It was an amazing site. It was truly an honor to have helped with this memorable trip.
Snapshots from the trip . . . Firefi ghters Save HomeStory & Photos by Sheryl Drost
Harlem-Roscoe and Rockton Firefi ghters were able to stop a fi re from destroying a home on Cedarbrook Rd. in Roscoe on May 11. Firefi ghters chopped and sawed their way into a rear garage wall and attic to extinguish the fi re and stop it’s spread into the home. The fi re started in the area of a fl ower pot that was hanging on the outside rear wall of the garage, and traveled into, and up the wall. The cause is undetermined at this time.
Firefi ghters work to open up the back side of the garage.
Firefi ghter Randy Lovelace tries to pry off a section of the attic wall.
Firefi ghter John Barth sprays water into the attic after the wall was opened up.
Firefi ghters use pike poles to pull drywall on the inside wall of the garage to locate any fi re extension.
Firefi ghter Micah Anderson uses a saw to cut away the attic wall.
Harlem-Roscoe and Rockton Firefi ghter worked together to get to all the fi re extension.
The fi re started in a fl ower pot and traveled into the wall of the garage.
Potting Soil Fireshttp://www.springsgov.com/units/fi re/Safety/PottingSoilFires.htm
There have been a number of reports lately about fi res occurring in planters or fl ower pots in which potting soil has been used. The fi res are of a smouldering nature and, if the planter or fl ower pot is plastic, can also result in melting the container. If other combustible material is in close proximity to the planter or fl ower pot it may become involved resulting in a fl aming fi re. In some cases dead plants have contributed to the fuel load.
Commercially prepared potting soil may contain little or no actual soil. It is frequently a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark and non-organic material, such as vermiculite or perlite. Some potting soil has fertilizer added that can act as an oxidizing agent making the fi re more intense.
The Wisconsin Consumer Protection Offi ce tested the combustibility of potting soil by laying a cigarette on top of the potting soil in a fl owerpot. It started smouldering and eventually burned down through the potting soil to the bottom of the pot.
In most of the incidents, it has been determined that the actual ignition source was discarded smoking material. People have butted out their cigarette in the potting soil thinking that it was earth and would extinguish the cigarette. It is worth noting that the delay between discarding the smoking material and the ignition of the potting soil can be considerable, in some cases several hours.
Some of these fi res have been attributed to spontaneous combustion. However, this is extremely unlikely. Although peat moss can spontaneously ignite, to create the conditions under which this is possible would require a much larger quantity of material than would normally be found in even a large planter or fl ower pot. A depth of several feet is usually necessary to allow suffi cient heat build up to result in ignition. Fire departments should not attribute the fi re cause to spontaneous combustion just because no evidence of smoking materials was found. Any such evidence may be destroyed by the fi re.
Port-a-pot FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost
A port-a-pot at Schoonmacher Park was quickly extinguished with fi re extinguishers on May 15. An alert witness reported juveniles in the area before the fi re started and with his descriptions, they were picked up by local sheriff offi cers.
Car Fire Photo by Marcia Soppe
A Trans Am that was supposed to be a graduation present went up in fl ames on May 27 on Belvidere Rd. Parents of the graduate were bringing the new purchase home when the engine started smoking. Fire quickly followed, totally engulfi ng the car.
Firefi ghters arrived to a car fully involved with fi re.
Firefi ghters begin their attack on the burning car.
Firefi ghters fi nish extinguishing the engine area of the burning car.
The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com
Trainings
May 18 - Rope Training
Positive Pressure Fan
Firefi ghters check out the huge positive pressure fan that MABAS 8 has available for large building fi res during their May 18 training.
May 22 - Bus Extrication Class
The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7
05/14/2010 Patient from Riding Stables on Love Rd.
05/16/10 Hwy 251 05/26/10 Elevator Rd. & Second St.
05/29/10 Belvidere Rd. & Swanson Rd.
05/29/10 Hwy 251 & Hononegah Rd. 05/30/10 Hwy 251 near Prairie Hill Rd.
Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia SoppeExtrication Team Takes Big WinPhotos by Mark and Marcia Soppe
Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Extrication Team competed in the Midwest Extrication Challenge on May 15 and 16 in Cherry Valley. The teams are judged on how they properly and safely extricate a victim from crashed vehicles within a time frame of 20 minutes.
The teams compete in two pits; one with power tools - the Unlimited Pit, and one with just hand tools - the Limited Pit. Winners are decided in both pits as well as an overall winner.
Harlem-Roscoe made a great showing placing 1st Place in the Overall and 2nd Place in both the Limited and Unlimited Pits!
Congratulations to HRFD Team members Mike Huffman, Aaron Miller, Ryan Alms, Gina Kaiser, Brandon Tietz, Tom Lake, and Radi Huggard!
Limited Pit . . .
Litmited Pit - l-r Ryan Alms, Mike Huffman, Tom Lake, Gina Kaiser, Brandon Tietz, & Radi Huggard.
Unlimited Pit . . .
Unlimited Pit - l-r, Aaron Miller, Ryan Alms, Mike Huffman, Gina Kaiser, Radi Huggard, & Brandon Tietz
The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7
05/14/2010 Patient from Riding Stables on Love Rd.
05/16/10 Hwy 251 05/26/10 Elevator Rd. & Second St.
05/29/10 Belvidere Rd. & Swanson Rd.
05/29/10 Hwy 251 & Hononegah Rd. 05/30/10 Hwy 251 near Prairie Hill Rd.
Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia SoppeExtrication Team Takes Big WinPhotos by Mark and Marcia Soppe
Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Extrication Team competed in the Midwest Extrication Challenge on May 15 and 16 in Cherry Valley. The teams are judged on how they properly and safely extricate a victim from crashed vehicles within a time frame of 20 minutes.
The teams compete in two pits; one with power tools - the Unlimited Pit, and one with just hand tools - the Limited Pit. Winners are decided in both pits as well as an overall winner.
Harlem-Roscoe made a great showing placing 1st Place in the Overall and 2nd Place in both the Limited and Unlimited Pits!
Congratulations to HRFD Team members Mike Huffman, Aaron Miller, Ryan Alms, Gina Kaiser, Brandon Tietz, Tom Lake, and Radi Huggard!
Limited Pit . . .
Litmited Pit - l-r Ryan Alms, Mike Huffman, Tom Lake, Gina Kaiser, Brandon Tietz, & Radi Huggard.
Unlimited Pit . . .
Unlimited Pit - l-r, Aaron Miller, Ryan Alms, Mike Huffman, Gina Kaiser, Radi Huggard, & Brandon Tietz
Potting Soil Fireshttp://www.springsgov.com/units/fi re/Safety/PottingSoilFires.htm
There have been a number of reports lately about fi res occurring in planters or fl ower pots in which potting soil has been used. The fi res are of a smouldering nature and, if the planter or fl ower pot is plastic, can also result in melting the container. If other combustible material is in close proximity to the planter or fl ower pot it may become involved resulting in a fl aming fi re. In some cases dead plants have contributed to the fuel load.
Commercially prepared potting soil may contain little or no actual soil. It is frequently a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark and non-organic material, such as vermiculite or perlite. Some potting soil has fertilizer added that can act as an oxidizing agent making the fi re more intense.
The Wisconsin Consumer Protection Offi ce tested the combustibility of potting soil by laying a cigarette on top of the potting soil in a fl owerpot. It started smouldering and eventually burned down through the potting soil to the bottom of the pot.
In most of the incidents, it has been determined that the actual ignition source was discarded smoking material. People have butted out their cigarette in the potting soil thinking that it was earth and would extinguish the cigarette. It is worth noting that the delay between discarding the smoking material and the ignition of the potting soil can be considerable, in some cases several hours.
Some of these fi res have been attributed to spontaneous combustion. However, this is extremely unlikely. Although peat moss can spontaneously ignite, to create the conditions under which this is possible would require a much larger quantity of material than would normally be found in even a large planter or fl ower pot. A depth of several feet is usually necessary to allow suffi cient heat build up to result in ignition. Fire departments should not attribute the fi re cause to spontaneous combustion just because no evidence of smoking materials was found. Any such evidence may be destroyed by the fi re.
Port-a-pot FirePhoto by Sheryl Drost
A port-a-pot at Schoonmacher Park was quickly extinguished with fi re extinguishers on May 15. An alert witness reported juveniles in the area before the fi re started and with his descriptions, they were picked up by local sheriff offi cers.
Car Fire Photo by Marcia Soppe
A Trans Am that was supposed to be a graduation present went up in fl ames on May 27 on Belvidere Rd. Parents of the graduate were bringing the new purchase home when the engine started smoking. Fire quickly followed, totally engulfi ng the car.
Firefi ghters arrived to a car fully involved with fi re.
Firefi ghters begin their attack on the burning car.
Firefi ghters fi nish extinguishing the engine area of the burning car.
The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com
Trainings
May 18 - Rope Training
Positive Pressure Fan
Firefi ghters check out the huge positive pressure fan that MABAS 8 has available for large building fi res during their May 18 training.
May 22 - Bus Extrication Class
The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com
WWII Vets Travel to DCBy Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell
www.vetsroll.org The mission was to provide safe ground transportation and experience for local WWII Veterans to visit their WWII Memorial. The trip was put together by Mark and John Finnegan, owners of Finnegan’s RV Center.
The caravan of 118 WWII Veterans and 60 volunteers consisted of three large buses, nine motorhomes, plus a chase van. I had the chance to be a driver of one of the motor homes.
As we stopped at the different sites, the volunteers would help the vets on and off the vehicles, and then would help push anyone in wheelchairs.
We stopped at Somerset, PA on the way out there to see the Flight 93 crash site. From there it was off to Frederick, MA where we spent two nights. We loaded up four buses and spent the day in Washington DC, visiting many monuments. The highlight, of course, was the WWII Monument in the afternoon. A General from the pentagon made a special appearance while we were at Arlington Cemetery and made sure he shook every vet’s hand. A Representative from Wisconsin also came out and helped with the vets.
It was very interesting to listen to the vets talk to each other and to us about their experiences during the war. The average age of a WWII vet is 85 years and we did have some vets in their 90s. The vets with us were from Wisconsin and northern Illinois; two were from our fi re district.
It was amazing to see the people that came out along our way to honor the vets. Driving through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois there were people standing on overpasses waving American fl ags. Across Indiana and Illinois we had police escorts. Then, when we got back to our district, there was our fi re department on the bridge with the big fl ag between the two Quints.
South Beloit Fire and Wisconsin State Police joined our caravan which ended in Beloit. Beloit Fire, Town of Turtle Fire, South Beloit Fire, VFW members, and the vet’s families were there to welcome the vets home. It was an amazing site. It was truly an honor to have helped with this memorable trip.
Snapshots from the trip . . . Firefi ghters Save HomeStory & Photos by Sheryl Drost
Harlem-Roscoe and Rockton Firefi ghters were able to stop a fi re from destroying a home on Cedarbrook Rd. in Roscoe on May 11. Firefi ghters chopped and sawed their way into a rear garage wall and attic to extinguish the fi re and stop it’s spread into the home. The fi re started in the area of a fl ower pot that was hanging on the outside rear wall of the garage, and traveled into, and up the wall. The cause is undetermined at this time.
Firefi ghters work to open up the back side of the garage.
Firefi ghter Randy Lovelace tries to pry off a section of the attic wall.
Firefi ghter John Barth sprays water into the attic after the wall was opened up.
Firefi ghters use pike poles to pull drywall on the inside wall of the garage to locate any fi re extension.
Firefi ghter Micah Anderson uses a saw to cut away the attic wall.
Harlem-Roscoe and Rockton Firefi ghter worked together to get to all the fi re extension.
The fi re started in a fl ower pot and traveled into the wall of the garage.
Four Lieutenants PromotedPhotos by Sheryl Drost
Trustee Jerry Ocker gave the oath of offi ce to four Lieutenants on Tuesday, May 8. Lts. Doug Wolfe and Bob Stark were promoted from Acting Lieutenant. status to full Lieutenant status. Then Mike Huffman and Ryan Alms were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
Chief Don Shoevlin said, “All of these individuals are committed to their new position. They are all capable of fulfi lling the responsibilities placed upon them. I have full confi dence in them all to carry out the duties of Lieutenant.”
Trustee Jerry Ocker gives the oath of offi ce to Lts. Doug Wolfe and Bob Stark as Doug’s wife Carolyn and son Kyle, and Bob’s son Jordan look on.
Trustee Jerry Ocker gives the oath of offi ce to new Lts. Ryan Alms and Mike Huffman as Chief Don Shoevlin, Ryan’s wife Charlotte, and DC John Bergeron look on.
Let’s Meet The New Lieutenants. . .
Mike Huffman joined the department in the fall of 2000. He was promoted to Lieutenant June 8, 2010. Mike became an EMT in 1993. Mike served two years as the Harlem Roscoe Firefi ghter’s Association’s Vice President.
Mike is state certifi ed FFII, Haz-mat Awareness, Emergency Roadway Extrication
Technician, Instructor I, Haz-Mat Operations and is a Senior Fire Apparatus Operator.
Mike has taken numerous classes in: Vehicle extrication, Big Rig Rescue, New Vehicle Technology, RIT, Fireground Tactics, Rescue Company Operations and Smoke Divers and is NIMS compliant. Mike is a 2-time Hurst Green Cross participant.
Mike is currently the HRFD Extrication Team leader, and TERC (Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee) Region 5 Chair and International Judge. Mike is also a lead Instructor for the Monroe Fire School in vehicle extrication, a Field Instructor for vehicle extrication for: IFSI, SAFE-safe and fast extrication-Milwaukee, NAVRA - North American Vehicle Rescue Association.
Mike previously served eight years with North Park Fire prior to joining HRFD. Mike received a Certifi cate of Honor from the Offi ce of Illinois State Fire Marshal for his heroism in saving a young girl from a burning home with two other NP Firefi ghters.
Ryan Alms joined the department in December of 2001. He became an EMT-B in May 2004.
He is state certifi ed FFIII with Hazmat Ops. He has taken numerous fi re related courses. He is certifi ed EMD, and NIMS 100 200 700 certifi ed. Ryan has taken classes in helicopter
safety and large vehicle extrication.
Ryan has been an Extrication Team Member since 2005.
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Photos by Sheryl Drost and Marcia Soppe
Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters participated in the Young at Heart Festival’s Parade and Rockton’s Memorial Day Parade. Firefi ghters then walked in Roscoe’s Memorial Day Parade as well as attended the ceremony at the Roscoe cemetery.
The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com
Times RekindledBy Sheryl Drost
Terry Pitkus joined Harlem-Roscoe in January of 1966 and served ten years reaching the rank of Lieutenant. He would go on to serve 24 years as an Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Fire/Arson Investigator. He is became well know as ‘Pipes’, because he always smoked a pipe.
Terry is always ready and willing to mentor new investigators. He was instrumental in the formation of the
old Northern IL Fire Investigation Task Force. The task force was a pool of fi re investigators that were used to help departments to investigate fi res. The task force evolved into the current MABAS 8’s Fire Investigation Group.
Terry said being among the fi rst EMTs to run was defi nitely a highlight of his years on the department. He said he also helped start up a fi re investigation bureau, later being joined by Richard Mackenthun and Virgil Johnson.
What are some of your memorable calls?
“The fi rst time I did CPR with Oscar all the way to the hospital and saved the guy. Then Oscar and I worked on girl that was seriously injured at an accident at Elevator and 51 (in the back of the old rescue bread truck) all the way to old Beloit Memorial Hospital. We even had a police escort. Trooper Gale Brown submitted our names for an award for life saving. There was one house fi re on Main St. where everything froze because it was so cold. I had to use a screw driver to chisel all the ice off to get out of my turnout gear. Ben Alexander and I crawling around in an attic and a beam falling and hitting me on the head. I don’t think I have been right since. :)Riding tailboards….one time, the truck slowed up, and I stepped off just as the driver gunned it, and rolled off down the street.Terrace View School was burning and we had three guys on a 2-1/2 in. hose line trying to cool the fi re. Larry Pike was on the pumper. A ball of fi re with a lot of heat blew out, and the guys on the 2-1/2 in ran. I stayed with a 1-1/2 in. hose line to try to cool down Larry Pike and the pumper. I got burned through the old rubber coat we wore at the time!”
What is a funny call you remember ?“Being beside Harold Richards up in an attic on Ventura Blvd. checking out an odor. Harold fell through the ceiling of a house. Luckily his feelings were the only things hurt. The odor turned out being a dead mouse.”
What changes have you see in the fi re department? “Medical of course, but also a lot in fi re prevention and fi re investigation.”
What do you think of Harlem-Roscoe Fire today? “It’s the best in the state!”
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From an undated newspaper article - Four Harlem-Roscoe Firemen have recently completed 70 hours of emergency medical training at St. Anthony’s hospital. L-r Captain Oscar Presley, FF’s Clay Winters, Dick Lyford, and Terry Pitkus
Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters captured three 1st Places at the Winnebago County Fire Chiefs’s Association’s Field Tournament Day. Standing l-r, Terry Pitkus, Harold Richards, John Chamberlin, Don Paris, and Fred Tuttle. Kneeling, Richard Mackenthun, Oscar Presley, and Richard Lyford.
In 1998, then an OSFM Fire Investigator, Terry, along with Harlem-Roscoe Fire investigators Amber Drost, Bill Sabin and Lt. Mike Drost search for the cause of the house fi re on Norman Ave. In 1998 H-R investigated over 12 arson fi res, so they saw plenty of Terry that year.
Capt. Mike Drost and ‘Pipes’ investigate a fi re on Ventura Blvd.
FF Ken Boris graduated from Rock Valley College with a Bachelors Degree in Fire Science.FF Eric Schweitzer graduated from Rock Valley College with a Bachelors Degree in Fire Science.FF Danielle Baumgartner graduated from Hononegah High School.Ramona Baldoni-Lake’s daughter Charlotte Jenkins graduated from North Central College in Naperville with a Bachelor Degrees in Accounting, Spanish and Finance.FF John Donovan’s daughter Corie graduated from Rock Valley College with Associate Degrees in Arts and in Science.FF Christi Wilson’s daughter Samantha graduated from Belvidere North High School.FF Mark Soppe’s daughter Erica graduated from South Beloit High School.Chaplain Bob Clark’s grandson Geren Klusmeier graduated from Poplar Bluff High School.DC John Bergeron’s son Dalton graduated from Harlem Middle SchoolFF Matt Bush’s son Cody graduated from Roscoe Middle School.FF Marty and Admin Kelly Green’s son Cody graduated from Roscoe Middle School.Dispatcher Jennie Anderson’s daughter Katy Sprague graduated from Roscoe Middle School.
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From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin
Congratulations are in order for recent promotions. On Tuesday 6/8, Trustee Ocker administered the oath of offi ce to newly promoted Lieutenants. Bob Stark and Doug Wolfe were promoted from acting Lieutenant to Lieutenant. Firefi ghters Ryan Alms and Mike Huffman were promoted to the position of Lieutenant as well. All of these
individuals are capable and committed to perform in their new position. I have full confi dence in them all that they have the knowledge and skill to succeed in their new positions.
I would also like to congratulate our extrication team. They competed in the Midwest Extrication Competition held in Cherry Valley and did an outstanding job. They fi nished 2nd place in the unlimited scenario, 2nd place in the limited scenario and 1st place overall. Great job!
Congratulations are also in order to six of our members for successful completion of their paramedic class. What began in August, 2009 for John Donovan, Radi Huggard, Gina Kaiser, Tom Lake, Rob Lukowski, and Christi Wilson came to a grand conclusion on June 10, 2010. Excellent job, ladies and gentlemen.
We just fi nished participating in the Roscoe Memorial Day Parade, Rockton Memorial Day Parade, and Young at Heart Parade. We were at the North Pointe Safety Day event this past Saturday. On June 26 - 27 you will see our dedicated fi refi ghters participating in the Wal-Mart Safety Days. Please stop by and say Hi. Thank you to all the fi refi ghters for their participation in these events.
Let us not forget all the DADS. I fi nd myself refl ecting more of my parents every day and cherishing the memories of time spent with my dad. This is for all the dads. May you enjoy your day on 6/20.
A dad is a person who is loving and kind,And he often knows what you have on your mind,He’s someone who listens, suggests, and defends,
A dad can be one of your very best friends!He’s proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient, helpful, and strong.In all that you do, a dad’s love plays a part,
There’s always a place for him deep in your heart.And each year that passes you’re even more glad, more
Grateful and proud just to call him your Dad.Thank you DAD for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing, but especially for just being YOU.
We greatly appreciate all of your continuous support. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fi re department by visiting our website @ www.harlemroscoefi re.com
Fire Chief Jack Brown MemorialStory and photos by Sheryl Drost
A memorial service for former Fire Chief Jack Brown was held on May 22 in Beloit, when his family, from all over the world, could attend. Several Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters attended and participated in the ceremony. Jack’s son, Earnie wrote:
“Thank You all for the turn-out to honor my Dad, You all did a great job and your presence was greatly appreciated by the entire family. I will cherish these pictures and the memories that go with the Brotherhood of Fire Fighters. I am proud to have been one of you and will never forget it.”
More pictures from the ceremony can be seen on the department website @ www.harlemroscoefi re.com and the department’s Facebook page.
Left, several Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters attended and participated in the walkthrough. Right, current Fire Chief Don Shoevlin gives a fi nal salute to a man that gave many years to Harlem-Roscoe Fire.
Firefi ghter Joe Quast performed as part of the Honor Guard for the ceremony.
Jack’s four children, Eddie, Jan, JoEva, and Earnie pay respects to their father.
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Birthdays
June6th Ron Swain7th Bill Sabin ‘75th’ Megan Alms ‘21st’8th Shannon Burbach11th Mike Huffman15th James Wright ‘50th’16th Chris Kaiser ‘30th’ Mickey Rykowski Jennie Anderson18th Chris Scott19th Jerry Ocker23rd Randy GarnerJuly1st John Bergeron 6th Adam Arnould7th Mike Drost Virgil Johnson ‘75th”9th Greg Wernick10th Jeff Brandenburg17th Mark Schafman18th William Null19th Gina Kaiser21st Tim Bergeron ‘40th’27th Doug Wolfe
July Breakfast ListMike Powell, Virgil Johnson
Zak Prielipp, Bill Sabin, Reety Radke, Eric Schwietzer,
Gina Kaiser, Sheryl Drost
Total Calls for 2010
933
The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.
Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor - Sheryl Drost
The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s web site after the second Sunday each month.
www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to: sdrost@harlemroscoefi re.com
Congratulations to FF Christian Bush and to Devin Learnn on the birth of their son on May 18. Jacob Graham Bush measured in at 8lb. 4oz. and 19.5 inches long. Jacob’s grandpa, Matt Bush, is also a H-R Firefi ghter. Christian says mom and baby are doing well. Congrats again Christian and Devin, he is adorable!
Bill Sabin ‘75th’
Chris Kaiser ‘30th’
Jim Wright ‘50th’
Megan Alms ‘21st’
the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District
PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073
The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefi re.com
June 2010 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost
Fire Destroys Graduation
PresentSee page 5
Photo by Marcia Soppe
Station Funnies Photos by Sheryl Drost
Seating of the New Board of Directors? Just kidding! A group of senior citizens from Independence Village visited Station One and had a great time visiting with the fi re fi ghters and touring the fi re station. Above, DC John Bergeron and Chief Don Shoevlin pose for a picture with the group in the conference room.
Uhm ...Joe, you might want to look before you step...
Shower?
Bath?
Diaper Change?