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1 the firehouse scene Is a monthly publication of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District January 2012 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost Year in Review Pages 6-7 Training Burn Pages 4-5 Photo by Sheryl Drost

From the Chief s Desk By Fire Chief Don Shoevlin As we say goodbye to another year, we accept the upcoming year with open arms and will be prepared to face the challenges it

We had zero fires over the past month that related to Christmas decorations.

17, completing another successful Family Christmas Food Drive.

We had another great Christmas Drive, where we delivered to 19 families this year. Thank you to everyone that helped either by shopping, wrapping, delivering, or donating.

This continues to be possible because of the dedication and commitment of all of our officers, firefighters and support staff.

The firefighters continue to amaze me with their commitment and dedication to the citizens and the community we protect.

Tree Decorating Event where local businesses and groups donated $50 to decorate one of the Christmas trees located at Main St. and Bridge St. in Roscoe.

Last year we accomplished a feat of 99% of our personnel completing state certification at the Firefighter II level, and have 50% who have continued and obtained their

This is a fantastic accomplishment for our department and everyone is to be commended for it. As the community continues to grow so will the needs for our services.

medical and rescue services. Firefi ghters sort through mounds of donated food.

2 From the Chief s Desk By Fire Chief Don Shoevlin As we say goodbye to another year, we accept the upcoming year with open arms and will be prepared to face the challenges it may present. I want to thank everyone in our community for a very successful Keep the Wreath Red Campaign and hope everyone had a joyous holiday season with family and friends. We had zero fires over the past month that related to Christmas decorations. Family Christmas Drive Photos by Sheryl Drost Firefighters delivered food baskets and presents to 19 local families with 47 children Dec. 17, completing another successful Family Christmas Food Drive. Each family received a food basket complete with a full turkey meal, milk, butter and bread and then enough presents for each child. We had another great Christmas Drive, where we delivered to 19 families this year. Thank you to everyone that helped either by shopping, wrapping, delivering, or donating. It is a treat to see the faces on the individuals and gratifying to help them enjoy the holiday. We continue to build and improve upon the excellent foundation of the district. This continues to be possible because of the dedication and commitment of all of our officers, firefighters and support staff. We finished the calendar year of 2011 with 2429 calls. That is an increase of 160 calls over last year. The firefighters continue to amaze me with their commitment and dedication to the citizens and the community we protect. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin accepts a check from Roscoe Chamber President Jason Naill and Village of Roscoe President David Krienke from proceeds from their Christmas Tree Decorating Event where local businesses and groups donated $50 to decorate one of the Christmas trees located at Main St. and Bridge St. in Roscoe. The check for $900 was generously donated to the department s Christmas Family Drive. Last year we accomplished a feat of 99% of our personnel completing state certification at the Firefighter II level, and have 50% who have continued and obtained their Firefighter III state certification. When I began here 10 years ago the number of certified Firefighter II s was under 20% and certified Firefighter III s was 1 individual. This is a fantastic accomplishment for our department and everyone is to be commended for it. As the community continues to grow so will the needs for our services. As the needs grow, I can assure everyone we will remain proactive to our commitment to provide excellence, integrity and caring in our performance of our emergency fire, medical and rescue services. Firefi ghters sort through mounds of donated food. A project we will be working on this year is building use to assure we get the most out of our buildings for personnel and response and utilize energy effectiveness. We will be taking delivery of a new engine sometime in late spring that was ordered last year. We will be ordering a new ambulance this year as well. Our commitment to training continues to allow us to better serve the community and protect your property. We are fully entrenched in the winter season now (been mild so far) so stay warm and be safe but remember each day that passes we are that much closer to spring. Remember to check out our website re.com to keep up with the progress of the department, individuals and call we have had. As always don t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance. Firefi ghter Santas delivered the food and presents on Dec. 17 The Firehouse Scene - Page 2

Truck Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost Firefighters responded to their first fire of the year, a truck fire on Tanawingo Trail on Jan. 2.

The car was fully involved with fire. The engine compartment was fully involved when units arrived.

Good Car Maintenance http://www.whathappensnow.com/getprepared.cfm?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, collisions or turnovers caused only three percent of vehicle fires.

Here are some tips you can practice to reduce the potential risk of a car fire: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Routinely check the condition of your engine, fan belts and hoses, and the oil and coolant levels. Avoid smoking.

Drive according to posted speed limits and other traffic rules. Remain alert to changing road conditions at all times.

Watch out for: Fluid leaks under vehicles Cracked or blistered hoses Loose or cracked wiring, wiring with exposed metal Smoke from tailpipe or

3 Truck Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost Firefighters responded to their first fire of the year, a truck fire on Tanawingo Trail on Jan. 2. The engine compartment was fully involved when units arrived and the front tire blew as firefighters began their attack. A fuel line leak is believed the cause. Car Fire Photo by Marcia Soppe Firefighters responded to a report of a car on fire on Hwy 251 on December 20. The car was fully involved with fire. The engine compartment was fully involved when units arrived. Foam was used to fi nish putting the fi re out. Kids Playing in Burn Pile Photo by Sheryl Drost Firefi ghters attack the truck fi re on Tanawingo. Good Car Maintenance Most car fires aren t caused by accidents, but by bad car maintenance. According to the National Fire Protection Association, collisions or turnovers caused only three percent of vehicle fires. Leaks, breaks in parts, electrical or mechanical failure and even worn-out parts are the more common causes of car fires. Here are some tips you can practice to reduce the potential risk of a car fire: Have your car(s) inspected at least once a year by a trusted mechanic or technician. Routinely check the condition of your engine, fan belts and hoses, and the oil and coolant levels. Avoid smoking. Ask others to refrain from smoking in your car. If you must smoke, use your vehicle ashtray. Drive according to posted speed limits and other traffic rules. Remain alert to changing road conditions at all times. Always pay attention to signals from your car. Watch out for: Fluid leaks under vehicles Cracked or blistered hoses Loose or cracked wiring, wiring with exposed metal Smoke from tailpipe or any other part of car Louder than usual exhaust sound Sudden changes in engine temperature, coolant levels, rapid fuel or oil loss If you have any of these problems, have your car inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Firefighters were called to Baneberry Dr. for a report of kids playing with a burn pile on Dec. 23. Firefighters found an unattended brush pile burning at the apartment complex. It seems a group of curious neighbor kids found it and a passing motorist called. Firefighters went ahead and extinguished the fire. A group of children watch as Firefi ghter Ryan Sarver puts the fire out. After the fire was out, the fi refi ghters talked to the kids about playing with fi re. Pan Fire Photo by Marcia Soppe Firefi ghters responded to Fiesta Grill on Dec. 29 for a pan on fire. Employees had the fi re extinguished when units arrived. The Firehouse Scene - Page 3

4 Training Burn Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe January 13 Firefighters used a local barn on Hamborg Rd. for their final practical for the Firefighter 2 class. Several evolutions were performed practicing their ladder, tool, and hose skills, then the barn was left to burn. Hose lines were also used to spray water curtains to keep any exposures safe. The Firehouse Scene - Page 4

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6 The Firehouse Scene - Page Picture Year in Review...

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8 Captain Steve Fiepke By Sheryl Drost Harlem-Roscoe Fire retired Capt. Steve Fiepke passed away suddenly on Dec. 18. According to the department s computer records that Steve was instrumental in setting up, Steve served from May 11, 1986 to Sept. 30, Steve was promoted to Lt. on April 9, 1994, and to Captain on Dec. 13, He was awarded the VFW Firefighter of the Year Award in Steve started back up this very newsletter in Jan. of 1997 after a four year absence of the original run of a year in I would take over as editor in July of 1997 with his total support and help. I remember Steve being dubbed, Cap n Crunch, after a minor accident and with his resemblance to the character with his white mustache. Administrative Assistant Colleen Bloyer remembers how the computers and the Firehouse Program were passed on to her when he retired. She says Steve set up the original Firehouse program and worked with setting up the original computers. Former Fire Chief Oscar Presley remembers Steve worked nights so he was around for those day calls that we always seemed to be shorthanded on back then. He remembers the truck fire out on I-90 where it was just he and Steve putting the fire out. Oscar says Steve was a really nice guy and since he was around during the days he was very helpful in many areas. Dept. Chief John Presley remembers how he, Steve and Kirk Wilson took turns as the department training officer and how Steve worked on setting up more certified trainings such as trying to get more Firefighters certified as FF2. Steve was also in the first advanced certification classes such as Instructor at RVC. Lt. Doug Wolfe remembers, Steve got along with everyone. He was pretty low key, but you could always trust that he knew what he was doing on the fire scene. Lt. Jerry McCormick says, I remember that he was always smiling and having a good time. He always had your back at calls and was very calm in critical situations. To me, if you were having a bad day and then you saw him, your day immediately got better because he was so happy and fun to be around. I have fond memories of calls I was on with him. Probably the best was when Roscoe Ready mix burned. He was my officer and I was driving 705 and Tyler Kinison was riding backwards. I remember Ty pulling the 2-1/2 line and asking for more pressure. Steve thought he was nuts for asking for so much pressure. It was a lot of fun watching those two fight that fire that day. I also remember a med run with Steve and he was driving the old C-14. It had been snowing out and the roads were covered because the plows had not been out yet. We were going down Alpine and the light at Roosevelt turned and a car then turned in front of us. All I remember is Steve saying Oh S@#T! I sat down as fast as possible and not a second too soon. He struck the other vehicle and could not go anywhere. I called for another ambulance so I could complete the transport of my patient, who was not hurt in the crash. Kirk came down and we transported the patient to St. Anthony, leaving Steve with a broken ambulance. He had a look of despair on his face as we left the scene. Capt. Steve Fiepke definitely made his imprint on Harlem-Roscoe Fire and the firefighters that served with him. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and all that knew him! The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 New Firefi ghter Class in Left, Trustees Appreciation Awards with Kirk Wilson and Jerry McCormick. Right, Oh, remember those white sweaters we all had to wear! Steve fi ghting that I-90 truck fi re with Chief Presley Left, Steve helps extricate a patient in a rollover on Forest Hills and right he backs up Ken Claus at a fi re at an asphalt play yard plant. Left, Steve backs up Amber Drost at a training burn on Second St. Right, Steve uses the new Foam Pak on a truck rollover.

9 Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe 12/13/11 Quality Dr. 12/16/11 Quality Dr. 12/17/11 Hwy /19/11 Hwy /21/11 Hwy /23/11 Willowbrook Rd. 12/25/11 N. Alpine Rd. & Lowes entrance 12/29/11 Belvidere Rd. The Firehouse Scene -Page 9

10 Please Stop Using Recalled Heaters! Are you using any of these heaters? Please stop using them, they have all been recalled this year and it seems some are still being sold. I am only listing the product, the hazard, incidents, and contact numbers below, but you can go to the following website for more detailed information or call the number listed with each heater. Touch Point Oscillating Ceramic Heaters Hazard: The oscillating mechanism in the heaters can short out, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Meijer has received two reports of incidents involving fires that resulted in property damage. No injuries have been reported. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Meijer at (800) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm s website at Walmart Recalls Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze & Comfort Essentials Heaters Hazard: The heaters can malfunction resulting in overheating, smoking, burning, melting and fire. Incidents/Injuries: Wal-Mart has received 21 reports of incidents, which included 11 reports of property damage beyond the heater. Injuries were reported in four incidents, three of which required medical attention for minor burns and smoke inhalation. The remaining incidents included smoke irritation, sparking or property damage beyond the heater. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Wal-Mart toll-free at (800) between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm s website at Lasko Portable Electric Heater Hazard: An electrical connection in the base of the unit can overheat, causing it to melt and expose the electrical connection, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Lasko received a total of 36 reports of the electrical connection overheating with no reports of injury. There were 18 reports of minor burn damage to floors or carpets. Consumer Contact: For additional information and pictures of affected models, visit Lasko s website at or call Lasko anytime, toll-free at (800) GE Zoneline Air Conditioners and Heaters Hazard: An electrical component in the heating system can fail, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: General Electric and Sharp have received four reports of incidents involving smoke and/or fire with the air conditioning and heating units. In two of the reported incidents, fire extended beyond the air conditioning and heating unit, resulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact General Electric toll-free at (866) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm s website at www. geappliances.com/products/recall Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats Importer: Honeywell International Inc., of Morris Township, N.J. Hazard: The thermostats can overheat, causing them to melt and smoke. This poses a burn hazard to the consumer. Incidents/Injuries: Honeywell has received 16 reports of thermostats melting. There have been no reports of injuries. Description: The recalled thermostats are rectangular, white, programmable thermostats used to control electric baseboard and fan heaters. Honeywell or Cadet is printed on the front of the thermostats that come in various sizes. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honeywell toll-free at (888) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT. Monday through Friday or visit the firm s website at honeywell.com/t4700 Navien Instantaneous or Tankless Water Heaters Hazard: An unstable connection can cause the water heater s vent collar to separate or detach if pressure is applied. A detached vent collar poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer. Incidents/Injuries: None reported Description: Navien tankless hot water heaters are white with T-Creator and NAVIEN on the front. Recalled model numbers are CR-180(A), CR-210(A), CR- 240(A), CC-180(A), CC-210(A) and CC-240(A) manufactured in A label on the side of the water heater lists the model number along with the manufacturing year in YYYY format. Customer contact: For additional information, contact Navien at (800) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm s website at Note: Regardless of the type of water heater that is used, every home should have a CO alarm outside all sleeping areas and consumers should ensure that their CO alarms have working batteries. The Firehouse Scene - Page 10

11 Smoke Detectors, Have You Tested Yours Lately? By Capt. Tim Bergeron No time to check your smoke detectors? No time to replace the batteries? It takes less than five minutes. Buy and install new batteries, push the smoke detector s test button that s it! Put it on the calendar replace the batteries and test the alarm twice a year. What s in it for you? Think big picture what s in it for your friends and family? YOU! Did you know? Fires that occur at night while the victims are asleep generate the majority of fire deaths and injuries. Households with non-working smoke detectors now out-number those with no smoke detectors. Do your smoke detectors work? Are you sure? When was the last time you tested them? Smoke detectors, when properly installed, give an early audible warning needed to safely escape from fire. 85% of all fire deaths occur in the home, and the majority occur at night when most people are sleeping. Smoke created by fire contains a deadly gas (carbon monoxide). You can t see it, taste it or smell it. As you breathe, while sleeping, the carbon monoxide puts you into a deeper sleep. Unless the smoke irritates your nostrils as you breathe, you may continue to sleep until you become a victim. A smoke detector, when properly installed, will give you an early audible warning you ll wake up and safely escape from the fire. If one of your smoke detectors is over ten years old, consider replacing it. Failure rates of smoke detectors increase after ten years of use. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after ten years. Do smoke detectors need maintenance? Yes! Remember Once a week test the alarm by pressing the test button. 1 - Once a year replace the battery, or when the low battery alarm chirps, if it is less than one year. 6 - Every six months vacuum the inside of the alarm to remove dust from the sensor After ten years replace the smoke detector. Installation of Smoke Detectors: How many and where? Smoke detectors should be placed on each level of the home (including the basement) and outside each sleeping area. Detectors should be mounted on the wall 4-12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling-mounted detectors should be positioned four inches away from the nearest wall. For vaulted ceilings, mount the alarm at the highest point of the ceiling. Carbon Monoxide, The Silent Killer. You can t see it, smell it or taste it. Where does it come from? Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, wood, or kerosene is burned. Carbon monoxide enters the home when any of these appliances are not working and/or venting correctly. For example; a chimney or vent may have become blocked, the heat exchanger in your furnace or boiler may have cracked. What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that robs your body of oxygen. The symptoms can easily be confused with the flu. In fact, the highest incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs during flu season. High concentrations of carbon monoxide can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage or death. You may experience some or none of these symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, shortness of breath, weakness, vision problems or loss of muscle control. You should also suspect carbon monoxide poisoning if symptoms disappear when you leave your home. What should you do if you suspect carbon monoxide is in your home? Get out of the house and get fresh air. Call 911, the fire department can check your home for carbon monoxide levels. Vent your home by opening the windows and doors. How can you protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning? Have your heating system and appliances inspected and serviced each year by a licensed professional. Have a qualified professional inspect your chimney and appliance vents for any blockage. Ensure your home is ventilated. Install carbon monoxide alarms in every level of your home, especially your bedrooms. Birthdays January 4th Bill Hyde 5th Matt Bush 10th Chad Miller 17th John Presley 25th Jerry Lund 26th Reety Radke 31st Mark Soppe February 10th Neil Roe Rob Gonia 15th Scott Jensen 16th Nick Mladenoff 24th Sean Laurent Total Calls for Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist. Editor-in-Chief - Don Shoevlin Editor & Layout - Sheryl Drost The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One Main Street in Roscoe and on the department s website after the second Sunday each month. re.com submissions to: Sheryl -hrfdsdrost@gmail.com The Firehouse Scene - Page 11

12 Station Gossip By Sheryl Drost It seems Joe Quast has ideas for a new mouse trap. Ask him. A lot of anxious firefighters this month waiting for the results of their FF2 and FF3 finals! Congratulations to all that passed! Seems one of the practicals for FF3 was emergency exits from a second floor of a building caused some anxious moments for a couple of our firefighters. It seems Aaron s prayers were answered, but maybe that Huffy wouldn t agree...lol Winter is the season in which people try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer, when they complained about the heat. The problem with winter sports is that follow me closely here they generally take place in winter. - Dave Barry Thinking, if we have to have the cold, a little snow would sure be nice! Winter Folklore (Some new ones I have never heard of!) If ant hills are high in July, winter will be snowy. If the first week in August is unusually warm, the coming winter will be snowy and long. For every fog in August, there will be a snowfall in winter. If a cold August follows a hot July, It foretells a winter hard and dry. When leaves fall early, fall and winter will be mild; when leaves fall late, winter will be severe. A warm October, a cold February. A warm November is the sign of a bad winter. As high as the weeds grow, so will the bank of snow. Thunder in the fall foretells a cold winter. A green Christmas; a white Easter. If there s thunder during Christmas week, the winter will be anything but meek. The nearer the new moon to Christmas Day, the harder the winter. If the first snowfall lands on unfrozen ground, the winter will be mild. If there is thunder in winter, it will snow 7 days later. Harlem-Roscoe Fire PO Box 450 Roscoe, IL Postage The Firehouse Scene - Page 12

HOLLY HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT

HOLLY HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT Frequently Asked Questions Q. How many people work for the Fire Department? A. Holly Hill Fire Department has 14 full time and 1 part time employees. We have three shifts of