THE FIREHOUSE SCENE. Happy Holidays. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District. Station Gossip. Fire Chief Don Shoevlin.

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1 Station Gossip Sucessful Blood Drive Photo by Sheryl Drost Rock River Valley Blood Center is in the house, I mean station. On Nov. 27. Fire trucks were pulled out of the bays to make room for the RRVBC employees to set up stations for the community and firefighters to donate during the blood drive. We wish Firefighter Micah Anderson a speedy recovery after his recent surgery. There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions. Bill McKibben Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. Larry Wilde. Movember is an event that is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men s faces, in the US and around the world during the month of November. With their Mo s, these men raise vital awareness for men s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. Several Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters participated this year, but when it came time to take a picture, of course, there were two emergency calls going on, so not all the guys got in the picture. THE FIREHOUSE SCENE Is a monthly publication of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District December 2012 A RRVBC employee finishes taking blood from Chief Don Shoevlin and firefighter Paul Stanphill. Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost Happy Holidays The female firefighters even joined in on the picture... Saw a lot of fog this month with the changes of temperatures. The Firehouse Scene - Page 12 Photo by Sheryl Drost

2 By Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Firefighters are now collecting donations for the Family Christmas Drive. Donations of non-perishable foods can be dropped off at any station. Please drop monetary donations off in the administration office at Fire Station One on Main St. It is hard to believe we are in the last month of another year. This past year has been no different from the recent previous ones, busy with a multitude of projects and challenges. I say that not only on the Fire Department but personally as well. This past year my family faced trying times with the passing of my mother and father in law. Our family also faced joyous times with the birth of our first granddaughter; second grandson and the engagement of our youngest daughter. I can t think of another way to signify the Circle of Life. Tammy and I thank everyone for their support, cards and friendship over this past year. Our calls are up 8% so far for the year. The department participated in numerous community events, parades and visits to schools and clubs while tending to calls for the need of our services. Even though it has been a busy year I assure you that we continue to be proactive in our approach to services and our outlook to the future. I remain committed to the excellence, integrity, and caring in the performance of emergency fire, medical and rescue services. As the holiday season begins let s take time to remember safety tips so that we may all have a safe and joyous holiday season. We have placed a wreath in front of all of our stations that will be illuminated in red bulbs. We urge everyone to help us keep the Wreath Red. The wreaths will be out from December 1st until January 1st. If a fire occurs during this time in our fire district (caused by a holiday decoration or cooking) a red bulb will be replaced with a white bulb. This will serve as reminder of the safety precautions that should be taken. The schools in our fire district give the department a list of families with children that could use a little help at Christmas time. Firefighters go shopping for presents for each child and enough food so that each family receives a box of food and turkey for a complete holiday dinner with all the fixings. To the communities to which we are honored and proudly serve, we wish everyone a safe, happy holiday and prosperous New Year. To all the members of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District and their families: Sheryl, who heads up our media division, and her assistant Marcia, have completed another outstanding job with our annual calendar. The colored photos show your fire department at its best. To get your copy, stop by Station #1 and remember to hurry, because they go fast. Firefighters then deliver the baskets of food and presents the week before Christmas. Left, Firefighters Aaron Miller, Chad Miller & Ron Klaman prepare to deliver food and presents for Christmas December 19th Eric Schweitzer 26th Ron Klaman 26th Patrick Trollop January 5th Matt Bush 50th 10th Chad Miller 30th 17th John Presley 22nd Everett Peterson 25th Jerry Lund 26th Reety Radke 25th 31st Mark Soppe May the Christmas Season fill your Home with Joy, Your Heart with Love & Your Life with Laughter. The gratitude for the commitment all of you make is second to none. We are who we are because of ALL of you!! Firefighter Oath Given Seven new firefighters were sworn in and participated in a pinning ceremony on Nov. 11. The seven have completed their 6-month probation period. Training Officer, Capt. Tom Aaker congratulates all seven for their continuing hard work and dedication to the fire department Matt Bush 50th January 5th Keep the Wreath Red The Keep the Wreath Red Program is a visual reminder to citizens to take additional safety precautions during the holiday season to make this a safe and happy holiday season. As the holiday season begins, a holiday wreath decorated with red bulbs was placed in public view at all three of our fire stations. The wreaths are illuminated constantly. If a fire is directly caused by holiday decorations, one red bulb will be changed to a white bulb. Please use our wreaths as a reminder to have a Fire Safe Holiday. The Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District urges all citizens to take time to check fireplaces, use caution with candles, Christmas lights, Christmas trees and burning of wrapping paper. Last, but not least, old Mother Nature will bring us a dose of the white stuff so don t forget our winter driving habits. The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 Birthdays Family Christmas Drive From the Chief s Desk L-r, Captain Tom Aaker, Firefighters David Pautsch, Nate Sarver, Justin Mayton, Patrick Trollop, Jesse Martin, Troy Nichols and Brandon Beilfuss. Help us to Keep the Wreaths Red! Chad Miller 30th January 10th Gone, But not forgotten Some people come into our lives, And quickly go. Some stay awhile and leave footprints in our hearts. And, we are never, ever the same. * Firefighter Sean Laurent s grandmother, Phyllis Laurent passed away on Nov. 26. * The mother of Firefighter John Donovan s children Michael and McKenna (John s exwife), Lisa Donovan, passed awary Nov. 22. * Former Firefighter Ed Koch (71) passed away on Nov. 18. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the three families. Total calls to date for The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist. #1. Editor-in-Chief - Don Shoevlin Editor & Layout - Sheryl Drost The Firehouse Scene is available after the second Sunday each month. Copies can be picked up at Fire Station One Main Street in Roscoe, The North Suburban Library and several local government offices. It is also posted on the department s website submissions to Sheryl: hrfdsdrost@gmail.com The Firehouse Scene - Page 11

3 ChristmasSafety Tree Electrical Fire Tree Fire Just after midnight on Nov. 26, firefighters responded to a report of a house fire on Hunter Rd. Family members were outside when units arrived and had been fighting a small fire in a utility room with a garden hose. Firefighters extinguished the fire and checked the attic for any fire extension. Chief Don Shoevlin says, The fire appears to be electrical in nature from a ceiling light. Fire was contained in the fixture with minimal damage to ceiling. Capron Ambulance also assisted on scene. Firefighters were dispatched to Manchester Rd for a grass and tree fire on Nov. 19. As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. Picking the tree KKK Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Placing the tree KKK Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1 2 from the base of the trunk. KKK Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. KKK Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. KKK Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. lighting the tree KKK Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. KKK Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer s instructions for number of LED strands to connect. KKK Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. KKK Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Your Source for SAFETY Information NFPA Public Education Division U 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 After Christmas Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. s Fire from a burning pile had spread to a tree. Firefighters Reety Radke and Brandon Tietz work on extinguishing the burn pile. Firefighters check a small utility room for fire. FACTS! One of every three home s Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.! Although Christmas tree s fires are not common, when they do occur, they have a higher chance to be deadly.! A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every five of the fires. firefighters check the attic above the burned light fixture for any fire extension. The Firehouse Scene - Page 3

4 Chimney Fires On Increase? Creosote is not our friend... Photos by Marcia Soppe Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters have already responded to four reports of chimney fires this heating season. HRFD Kids Christmas Party Snapshots The tones went off too many times this month for chimney fires. Luckily, most had burned themselves out before firefighters arrived on scene. Firefighters would check out the chimneys and check for any fire extension in the attic etc. But once again there was the recommendation to the owner to have the chimney cleaned and inspected. Creosote is not our friend. On Nov. 12 firefighters responded to a report of a chimney fire on Burr Oak Rd. in Roscoe. Luckily, the resident s dog had alerted him that something outside was amiss by barking. When the resident went outside to see what the dog was barking at he discovered that fire was coming out of the chimney. It seems built-up creosote had caught fire in the chimney, but the fire had burned itself out before the fire units arrived. Firefighters laddered the roof and checked the chimney and checked the inside attic area for fire extension. The resident said he was definitely planning on getting the chimney cleaned before using it again. The chimney cap Firefighter Radi Huggard is holding shows built-up creosote. Firefighters prepare to ladder a home on Southdown Ln. after flames were reported coming from the chimney on Nov. 23. Roscoe Lighted Christmas Parade Firefighters use a roof ladder to reach the top of the chimney on Southdown Ln. Firefightes Brandon Tietz and Radi Huggard ladder the roof to check the chimney from the top. The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 Firefighter Brandon Tietz dumped out burning logs and ashes from a fireplace on Pin Oak Rd. Nov. 2. The Firehouse Scene -Page 9

5 ACCIDENTS BUGLE ALARM & Capt. Tom Aaker Monthly article written by a Harlem-Roscoe Fire Officer. What drives you? By: Lt. Jerry McCormick 11/13/12 I-90 11/14/12 Hwy 173. Lt. Jerry McCormick with his two future firefighter sons, Tyler and Sam. What drives you? I could ask several people and get several different answers. Is it the love of the job? Is it the compassion you have for people? Is it an inner drive to do good deeds? Whatever your answer is, it is probably fueled by passion. Rock Energy Co Op Gives Demonstration Photos courtesy of Rock Energy Co Op Story by Chief Don Shoevlin Harlem Roscoe firefighters attended a training class at Rock Energy Co Op on Dec. 4. Employees of Rock Energy spoke about both gas and electric services they provide and how we can work together for life safety. It was an informative evening and another way to illustrate how we work cohesively with outside agencies during emergency situations. The utility company is usually contacted in fires and storm related incidents. They could also be involved in accidents. We gained valuable insight on their response to assist us in mitigating the incident. As seen on pg. 8, we were dispatched to two auto accidents this past month that involved utility poles. Thank you to Rock Energy for giving us this opportunity. Passion, according to Wikipedia, is a term applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something. 12/04/12 Hwy /05/12 Hononegah Rd. Helicopter Safety Class Turkey Dinner Lifeline Helicopter and crew were on hand for the department s Tues. night training on Nov. 17. Harlem-Roscoe Fire hosted the annual Roscoe Lions Club s Senior Turkey Dinner on Nov. 15 to a record-breaking crowd of over 350 local seniors. Firefighting is an occupation. Do you have a passion for firefighting? Does your passion drive you to do the best job you can every time you step off of the company? Do you have an inner desire to put everyone else above and beyond your own needs? Does your passion fuel you to train hard every chance you get, no matter how long or short a time you have been in the fire service? Is your passion for the job fueled by the people we protect, the people we serve with, your family, or all of them. Hopefully you answered yes to all of them. For me, this started a long time ago. I have always been associated with some kind of team activity. I started playing soccer when I was 6 years old and progressed up through high school and into my early twenties. Then, just after graduating high school, I started working with my dad building homes, doing remodeling jobs, building decks, and so forth. While I was doing this full time, a very close friend suggested that I join the fire department. As I have always been one for something new, I went ahead and joined. I had no idea what it was about, but thought it would be something fun to do. Little did I know that 19 years later, I would be sitting at my computer writing an article about my passion for this job and that it would lead me into a full time career. You may ask, why did I talk about soccer, construction, and firefighting? I talked about them because I have a passion for all three of them. They are all team oriented occupations. I have always had an inner drive to be the best I could, no matter what the task was. I was always a leader on the soccer teams I played on. I was the leader of my dad s construction crew for several years. My story here with Harlem-Roscoe is still unfolding, but the passion for all of these jobs will remain with me forever. Diesel Fuel Spill I have always had a passion, a desire to be the best I could. My passion for the job gets me out of bed each and every day. It drives me on the training ground to help everyone be the best they can be. It drives me each and every time I step off of a company with a crew I know I need to lead, keep safe, and make sure they get home to their family. My passion and desire for this job helps me uphold the Duty, Pride, and Traditions of the fire service. Passion; it drive me. What drives you? The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 Firefighters Megan Alms and Lt. Doug Wolfe pour oil dry on a diesel fuel spill at the BP Station on Forest Hills Rd. Nov. 9. The Firehouse Scene - Page 5

6 Chimney Are Not Maintenance Free Chimneys really decorate the roofline of a home and they re maintenance free, besides. Right? Your chimney, and the flue that lines it, adds architectural interest to your home, but its real function is to carry dangerous flue gases from your fireplace, wood stove or furnace safely out of your home. A chimney helps your household air stay breathable just as your windows and your bathroom, attic and kitchen vents do. Unlike those other exhaust points in your home, however, fireplace and wood stove chimneys need a special kind of care. As you snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, you are taking part in a ritual of comfort and enjoyment handed down through the centuries. The last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don t give some thought to it before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be very short-lived. Why? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people. Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky tar-like, drippy and sticky or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities and the internal flue temperature is high enough the result could be a chimney fire. Certain conditions encourage the buildup of creosote. Restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and, cooler than normal chimney temperatures are all factors that can accelerate the buildup of creosote on chimney flue walls. Air supply may be restricted by closing the glass doors, by failing to open the damper wide enough, and the lack of sufficient make-up air to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke s residence time in the flue, the more likely is it that creosote will form). A wood stove s air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon or too much. Burning unseasoned wood because so much energy is used initially just to drive off the water trapped in the cells of the logs keeps the resulting smoke cooler, than if seasoned wood is used. In the case of wood stoves, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote buildup. No One Welcomes a Chimney Fire A chimney fire in action can be impressive. Indications of a chimney fire have been described as creating: loud cracking and popping noise a lot of dense smoke, and an intense, hot smell Chimney fires can burn explosively noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or people passing by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. Slow-burning chimney fires don t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible. But, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure and nearby combustible parts of the house as their more spectacular cousins. With proper chimney system care, chimney fires are entirely preventable. Creosote & Chimney Fires: What You Must Know Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain woodfuel fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion the substances produced when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog and assorted minerals. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 How Chimney Fires Hurt Chimneys Masonry Chimneys When a chimney fire occur in masonry chimney whether the flue is an older, unlined type or tile lined to meet current safety codes the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000 F) can melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material. Most often, thermal shock occurs and tiles crack and mortar is displaced, which provides a pathway for flames to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. This event is extremely dangerous, call 911 immediately. Pre-fabricated, factory-built, metal chimneys To be installed in most jurisdictions in the United States, factory built, metal chimneys that are designed to vent wood burning stoves or pre-fabricated metal fireplaces must pass special tests. Most tests require the chimney to withstand flue temperatures up to 2100 F without sustaining damage. Under chimney fire conditions, damage to these systems still may occur. When prefabricated, factory-built metal chimneys are damaged by a chimney fire, they should no longer be used and must be replaced. Special Effects on Wood Stoves Wood stoves are made to contain hot fires. The connector pipes that run from the stove to the chimney are another matter. They cannot withstand the high temperatures produced during a chimney fire and can warp, buckle and even separate from the vibrations created by air turbulence during a fire. If damaged by a chimney fire, they must be replaced.

7 9 Signs that You ve Had a Chimney Fire Since a chimney, damaged by a chimney fire, can endanger a home and its occupants and a chimney fire can occur without anyone being aware of them it s important to have your chimney regularly inspected by a CSIA Certifed Chimney Sweep. Here are the signs that a professional chimney sweep looks for: Puffy or honey combed creosote Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney Cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing Discolored and/or distorted rain cap Heat-damaged TV antenna attached to the chimney Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground Roofing material damaged from hot creosote Cracks in exterior masonry Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a chimney sweep for a professional evaluation. If your suspicions are confirmed, a sweep will be able to make recommendations about how to bring the system back into compliance with safety standards. Depending on the situation, you might need a few flue tiles replaced, a new liner system installed or an entire chimney rebuilt. Each situation is unique and will dictate its own solution. Proper Maintenance Clean chimneys don t catch fire. Make sure a chimney sweep inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and cleans and repairs it whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. CSIA recommends that you call on CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting system. Furnaces Need Attention Too! Having a professional inspection of your heating system on a regular basis will help lower your heating bills 3 to 10% as well as maximize the life of your furnace. In addition, an inspection may catch a potential problem early, which is important when you consider that an emergency repair may cost you up to twice as much as a repair addressed during a routine maintenance call. It is recommended that a licensed heating contractor do an annual safety inspection of your heating system, but there are also things you can do to help ensure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and safe this winter. Carbon monoxide detector The most important thing you can do before ever turning on your furnace is to test your carbon monoxide detector to see that it is working properly. Replace the battery in the detector at this time, too. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure to install one in your home before running your furnace. Fuel burned by the furnace can produce the poisonous gas carbon monoxide. In a properly operating furnace this gas is safely expelled through an exhaust system. A defect in the furnace or venting can result in a dangerous situation of carbon monoxide escaping into the home where the odorless gas goes undetected, and can cause sickness and even death. Never run your furnace without a properly working carbon monoxide detector. Keep heating system clear Check the furnace area for any combustibles stored nearby. Move these far away from the furnace area - preferably out of the furnace room. Also clear anything lying against or near the furnace that might restrict airflow. Check all supply and return air vents for blockage. Clothing, lint and furniture are some of the most common obstructions. You should also check the chimney and appliance vent systems to make sure vent connections are secure and that there is no obvious corrosion, damage or blockage of the vent, chimney or combustion air supply. Look for soot Continuing the visual inspection, check for black soot on and around the furnace. Black soot is a sign of improper combustion caused by a defect in the furnace or vent system. If you find black soot, it is very important to keep the furnace off until a licensed heating contractor can inspect the unit and fix any problems. Change air filters Disposable fiberglass filters should be replaced and electrostatic filters should be washed at least every three months. Clogged air filters can significantly restrict airflow and hurt the performance of your heating system. Look for ductwork leaks Now it s time to look for leaks in the ductwork. The furnace will need to be running for this part of your inspection. Duct leaks are holes in the duct where air is escaping (supply side) or being sucked in (return side). Either way, these unintended holes can significantly compromise the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. Supply duct runs can easily be checked by slowly running your hand around the outside of the entire duct run to feel if any air is escaping. Checking the return duct can be done by running a piece of tissue paper along all sides of the length of the duct. If you feel the tissue being sucked into the return duct, you know that you have a leak. Use a ductwork-approved foil tape to seal any leaks. It s also a good idea to seal all duct joints, regardless of whether a leak is detected. When in doubt, consult a licensed heating professional If at any time you are unsure about how to do an inspection or maintenance of any part of your heating or cooling systems, do not do try to do it yourself. Seek the help of a licensed heating contractor who can answer your questions, offer advice and give you options. The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

8 ACCIDENTS BUGLE ALARM & Capt. Tom Aaker Monthly article written by a Harlem-Roscoe Fire Officer. What drives you? By: Lt. Jerry McCormick 11/13/12 I-90 11/14/12 Hwy 173. Lt. Jerry McCormick with his two future firefighter sons, Tyler and Sam. What drives you? I could ask several people and get several different answers. Is it the love of the job? Is it the compassion you have for people? Is it an inner drive to do good deeds? Whatever your answer is, it is probably fueled by passion. Rock Energy Co Op Gives Demonstration Photos courtesy of Rock Energy Co Op Story by Chief Don Shoevlin Harlem Roscoe firefighters attended a training class at Rock Energy Co Op on Dec. 4. Employees of Rock Energy spoke about both gas and electric services they provide and how we can work together for life safety. It was an informative evening and another way to illustrate how we work cohesively with outside agencies during emergency situations. The utility company is usually contacted in fires and storm related incidents. They could also be involved in accidents. We gained valuable insight on their response to assist us in mitigating the incident. As seen on pg. 8, we were dispatched to two auto accidents this past month that involved utility poles. Thank you to Rock Energy for giving us this opportunity. Passion, according to Wikipedia, is a term applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something. 12/04/12 Hwy /05/12 Hononegah Rd. Helicopter Safety Class Turkey Dinner Lifeline Helicopter and crew were on hand for the department s Tues. night training on Nov. 17. Harlem-Roscoe Fire hosted the annual Roscoe Lions Club s Senior Turkey Dinner on Nov. 15 to a record-breaking crowd of over 350 local seniors. Firefighting is an occupation. Do you have a passion for firefighting? Does your passion drive you to do the best job you can every time you step off of the company? Do you have an inner desire to put everyone else above and beyond your own needs? Does your passion fuel you to train hard every chance you get, no matter how long or short a time you have been in the fire service? Is your passion for the job fueled by the people we protect, the people we serve with, your family, or all of them. Hopefully you answered yes to all of them. For me, this started a long time ago. I have always been associated with some kind of team activity. I started playing soccer when I was 6 years old and progressed up through high school and into my early twenties. Then, just after graduating high school, I started working with my dad building homes, doing remodeling jobs, building decks, and so forth. While I was doing this full time, a very close friend suggested that I join the fire department. As I have always been one for something new, I went ahead and joined. I had no idea what it was about, but thought it would be something fun to do. Little did I know that 19 years later, I would be sitting at my computer writing an article about my passion for this job and that it would lead me into a full time career. You may ask, why did I talk about soccer, construction, and firefighting? I talked about them because I have a passion for all three of them. They are all team oriented occupations. I have always had an inner drive to be the best I could, no matter what the task was. I was always a leader on the soccer teams I played on. I was the leader of my dad s construction crew for several years. My story here with Harlem-Roscoe is still unfolding, but the passion for all of these jobs will remain with me forever. Diesel Fuel Spill I have always had a passion, a desire to be the best I could. My passion for the job gets me out of bed each and every day. It drives me on the training ground to help everyone be the best they can be. It drives me each and every time I step off of a company with a crew I know I need to lead, keep safe, and make sure they get home to their family. My passion and desire for this job helps me uphold the Duty, Pride, and Traditions of the fire service. Passion; it drive me. What drives you? The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 Firefighters Megan Alms and Lt. Doug Wolfe pour oil dry on a diesel fuel spill at the BP Station on Forest Hills Rd. Nov. 9. The Firehouse Scene - Page 5

9 Chimney Fires On Increase? Creosote is not our friend... Photos by Marcia Soppe Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters have already responded to four reports of chimney fires this heating season. HRFD Kids Christmas Party Snapshots The tones went off too many times this month for chimney fires. Luckily, most had burned themselves out before firefighters arrived on scene. Firefighters would check out the chimneys and check for any fire extension in the attic etc. But once again there was the recommendation to the owner to have the chimney cleaned and inspected. Creosote is not our friend. On Nov. 12 firefighters responded to a report of a chimney fire on Burr Oak Rd. in Roscoe. Luckily, the resident s dog had alerted him that something outside was amiss by barking. When the resident went outside to see what the dog was barking at he discovered that fire was coming out of the chimney. It seems built-up creosote had caught fire in the chimney, but the fire had burned itself out before the fire units arrived. Firefighters laddered the roof and checked the chimney and checked the inside attic area for fire extension. The resident said he was definitely planning on getting the chimney cleaned before using it again. The chimney cap Firefighter Radi Huggard is holding shows built-up creosote. Firefighters prepare to ladder a home on Southdown Ln. after flames were reported coming from the chimney on Nov. 23. Roscoe Lighted Christmas Parade Firefighters use a roof ladder to reach the top of the chimney on Southdown Ln. Firefightes Brandon Tietz and Radi Huggard ladder the roof to check the chimney from the top. The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 Firefighter Brandon Tietz dumped out burning logs and ashes from a fireplace on Pin Oak Rd. Nov. 2. The Firehouse Scene -Page 9

10 ChristmasSafety Tree Electrical Fire Tree Fire Just after midnight on Nov. 26, firefighters responded to a report of a house fire on Hunter Rd. Family members were outside when units arrived and had been fighting a small fire in a utility room with a garden hose. Firefighters extinguished the fire and checked the attic for any fire extension. Chief Don Shoevlin says, The fire appears to be electrical in nature from a ceiling light. Fire was contained in the fixture with minimal damage to ceiling. Capron Ambulance also assisted on scene. Firefighters were dispatched to Manchester Rd for a grass and tree fire on Nov. 19. As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. Picking the tree KKK Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Placing the tree KKK Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1 2 from the base of the trunk. KKK Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. KKK Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. KKK Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. lighting the tree KKK Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. KKK Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer s instructions for number of LED strands to connect. KKK Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. KKK Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Your Source for SAFETY Information NFPA Public Education Division U 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 After Christmas Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. s Fire from a burning pile had spread to a tree. Firefighters Reety Radke and Brandon Tietz work on extinguishing the burn pile. Firefighters check a small utility room for fire. FACTS! One of every three home s Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.! Although Christmas tree s fires are not common, when they do occur, they have a higher chance to be deadly.! A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every five of the fires. firefighters check the attic above the burned light fixture for any fire extension. The Firehouse Scene - Page 3

11 By Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Firefighters are now collecting donations for the Family Christmas Drive. Donations of non-perishable foods can be dropped off at any station. Please drop monetary donations off in the administration office at Fire Station One on Main St. It is hard to believe we are in the last month of another year. This past year has been no different from the recent previous ones, busy with a multitude of projects and challenges. I say that not only on the Fire Department but personally as well. This past year my family faced trying times with the passing of my mother and father in law. Our family also faced joyous times with the birth of our first granddaughter; second grandson and the engagement of our youngest daughter. I can t think of another way to signify the Circle of Life. Tammy and I thank everyone for their support, cards and friendship over this past year. Our calls are up 8% so far for the year. The department participated in numerous community events, parades and visits to schools and clubs while tending to calls for the need of our services. Even though it has been a busy year I assure you that we continue to be proactive in our approach to services and our outlook to the future. I remain committed to the excellence, integrity, and caring in the performance of emergency fire, medical and rescue services. As the holiday season begins let s take time to remember safety tips so that we may all have a safe and joyous holiday season. We have placed a wreath in front of all of our stations that will be illuminated in red bulbs. We urge everyone to help us keep the Wreath Red. The wreaths will be out from December 1st until January 1st. If a fire occurs during this time in our fire district (caused by a holiday decoration or cooking) a red bulb will be replaced with a white bulb. This will serve as reminder of the safety precautions that should be taken. The schools in our fire district give the department a list of families with children that could use a little help at Christmas time. Firefighters go shopping for presents for each child and enough food so that each family receives a box of food and turkey for a complete holiday dinner with all the fixings. To the communities to which we are honored and proudly serve, we wish everyone a safe, happy holiday and prosperous New Year. To all the members of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District and their families: Sheryl, who heads up our media division, and her assistant Marcia, have completed another outstanding job with our annual calendar. The colored photos show your fire department at its best. To get your copy, stop by Station #1 and remember to hurry, because they go fast. Firefighters then deliver the baskets of food and presents the week before Christmas. Left, Firefighters Aaron Miller, Chad Miller & Ron Klaman prepare to deliver food and presents for Christmas December 19th Eric Schweitzer 26th Ron Klaman 26th Patrick Trollop January 5th Matt Bush 50th 10th Chad Miller 30th 17th John Presley 22nd Everett Peterson 25th Jerry Lund 26th Reety Radke 25th 31st Mark Soppe May the Christmas Season fill your Home with Joy, Your Heart with Love & Your Life with Laughter. The gratitude for the commitment all of you make is second to none. We are who we are because of ALL of you!! Firefighter Oath Given Seven new firefighters were sworn in and participated in a pinning ceremony on Nov. 11. The seven have completed their 6-month probation period. Training Officer, Capt. Tom Aaker congratulates all seven for their continuing hard work and dedication to the fire department Matt Bush 50th January 5th Keep the Wreath Red The Keep the Wreath Red Program is a visual reminder to citizens to take additional safety precautions during the holiday season to make this a safe and happy holiday season. As the holiday season begins, a holiday wreath decorated with red bulbs was placed in public view at all three of our fire stations. The wreaths are illuminated constantly. If a fire is directly caused by holiday decorations, one red bulb will be changed to a white bulb. Please use our wreaths as a reminder to have a Fire Safe Holiday. The Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District urges all citizens to take time to check fireplaces, use caution with candles, Christmas lights, Christmas trees and burning of wrapping paper. Last, but not least, old Mother Nature will bring us a dose of the white stuff so don t forget our winter driving habits. The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 Birthdays Family Christmas Drive From the Chief s Desk L-r, Captain Tom Aaker, Firefighters David Pautsch, Nate Sarver, Justin Mayton, Patrick Trollop, Jesse Martin, Troy Nichols and Brandon Beilfuss. Help us to Keep the Wreaths Red! Chad Miller 30th January 10th Gone, But not forgotten Some people come into our lives, And quickly go. Some stay awhile and leave footprints in our hearts. And, we are never, ever the same. * Firefighter Sean Laurent s grandmother, Phyllis Laurent passed away on Nov. 26. * The mother of Firefighter John Donovan s children Michael and McKenna (John s exwife), Lisa Donovan, passed awary Nov. 22. * Former Firefighter Ed Koch (71) passed away on Nov. 18. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the three families. Total calls to date for The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist. #1. Editor-in-Chief - Don Shoevlin Editor & Layout - Sheryl Drost The Firehouse Scene is available after the second Sunday each month. Copies can be picked up at Fire Station One Main Street in Roscoe, The North Suburban Library and several local government offices. It is also posted on the department s website submissions to Sheryl: hrfdsdrost@gmail.com The Firehouse Scene - Page 11

12 Station Gossip Sucessful Blood Drive Photo by Sheryl Drost Rock River Valley Blood Center is in the house, I mean station. On Nov. 27. Fire trucks were pulled out of the bays to make room for the RRVBC employees to set up stations for the community and firefighters to donate during the blood drive. We wish Firefighter Micah Anderson a speedy recovery after his recent surgery. There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions. Bill McKibben Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. Larry Wilde. Movember is an event that is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men s faces, in the US and around the world during the month of November. With their Mo s, these men raise vital awareness for men s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. Several Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters participated this year, but when it came time to take a picture, of course, there were two emergency calls going on, so not all the guys got in the picture. THE FIREHOUSE SCENE Is a monthly publication of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District December 2012 A RRVBC employee finishes taking blood from Chief Don Shoevlin and firefighter Paul Stanphill. Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost Happy Holidays The female firefighters even joined in on the picture... Saw a lot of fog this month with the changes of temperatures. The Firehouse Scene - Page 12 Photo by Sheryl Drost