THE FIREHOUSE SCENE is a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

October 2015 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Car Accident/FirePages 6&7

Then & Now

1980’s Fall Festival Parade

2015 Fall Festival Parade

1970 Fall Festival Color Guard 2015 Fall Festival Color Guard

Birthdays!

October3rd Steve Rosander7th Brandon Tietz13th Ryan Messinger15th Ryan Alms17th Chuck Hansel26th Tom Aaker

November 1st Don Shoevlin3rd Joe Quast6th Andrew Wiechman8th Harry Wagner10th Nate Noble11th Kelly Green14th Ken Kelley 70th19th Chris Farr

Total Calls for The Year 2015

1998

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl DrostThe Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month:www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Thank you to everyone that stopped and visited the booth at the Fall Festival. It was a weekend of enjoyment and cool crisp weather. Congratulations to the winners of our raffle!

October! Fire Prevention Month. Our crews of dedicated men and woman

have been involved with many station tours, school visits, Sparky demos and more. Our Fire Prevention Division with the help of the firefighters, have been out and about performing fire drills in all of our schools. The report back is they are all doing an excellent job. This is above and beyond our normal inspection schedule. Hats off to Capt. Ryan Alms, Chuck Schoonover, Ken Kelley, Ken Krause. And Stan Dean for an excellent job.

On October 10th we held our annual fire department Open House. This year we changed it up a little and held it at station 1. Did you get a chance to dunk the Chief? Officers and firefighters did an outstanding job of planning for a successful event. The weather even cooperated.

HRFD Crunch Time has come and gone. Capt. Huffman has successfully completed another weekend of education and networking for not only our young firefighters but those in the surrounding area.

2015 Group Photo

This was the fifth consecutive year of positive feedback and demonstration from these young firefighters of a learning experience. I know year six is already in the planning stages. Thank you Capt. Huffman for a job well done!

As the saying goes, Spring ahead and Fall behind. Yes, it is that time of year again when we gain an hour of sleep. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour at 2:00 AM on Sunday November 1st. The cooler weather is upon us and that reminds me of getting the furnace and fireplace checked out for the cold months ahead. Remember carbon monoxide is the silent killer and a lot of winter fires begin in the fireplace. Both of these events should remind us of changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors along with having those chimneys cleaned.

With the turning back of our clocks it brings to mind also that darkness will occur earlier in the day. Please be attentive to the bikers and walkers. I would also like to ask everyone to check that his or her addresses are properly marked and VISIBLE from the street. As we respond to emergency calls we do not want our arrival to be impaired because of improper or no visible markings.

As always bookmark our website www.harlemroscefire.com and / or friend us on Facebook to keep up with the progress of the department, individuals, and the calls we might have been on. Our web site is under construction with a new facelift. Keep checking it for the fresh and new look. Don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Congratulations to Capt. Ryan Alms and his wife Charlotte on the birth of their third child on Sept. 16. Chloe Lynn Alms measured in at 6lbs. 10oz. and 18” long. Big brother Mason is in love with her and big sister Lucy loves to kiss her. Chloe is also granddaughter to Battalion Chief Jay Alms and niece to Dispatcher Megan Alms and Firefighter Kyle Alms. Congrats again Ryan and Charlotte, she is adorable!

Good Samaritan AwardsPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin presented two workers from the Meijers Store in Machesney Park with Good Samaratin Awards for their quick action in coming to the aid of a customer having a heart attack. The store manager accepted the awards for the other workers that weren’t at the ceremony.

L-r Bottom row – Lt. Brandon Tietz, Lt. Josh Hoffland, Lt. Steve Shoevlin, Capt. Tim Bergeron, Capt. Ryan Alms, Battalion Chief Jay Alms, Chief Don Shoevlin, Deputy Chief John Bergeron, Battalion Chief Tom Aaker, Capt. Mike Huffman, Lt. Radi Huggard, Lt. John Donovan, Admin Assistant Colleen Bloyer. 2nd Row l-r, Dispatchers Megan Alms, Barb Martenson, Rhonda McDonald, and Jennie Anderson, Chaplains Bill Null, Harold Danger and Sue Null, Fire Prevention Stan Dean, Dispatchers Ron Canode, Harry Wagner, and Jerry Lund and Engineer Marty Green. Third Row l-r Firefighter Kelly Hamill, Brandon Sherbon, Steve Rosander, David Fleetwood, Zach Tennyson, Justin Harwood, Ryan Messinger, Mike Helland, Engineer Mark Soppe, Firefighters Stefani Layman, Josh Wilkerson, Reety Radke and Photographer Marcia Soppe. Top Row l-r Firefighters Ryan Sarver and Scott Jensen, Photographer Sheryl Drost, Firefighters David Leslie, Rico VanderHeyden and Kyle Alms, Engineer Matt Bush, Firefighter Nate Sarver, Engineer Ron Klaman, Firefighters Joe Quast, Sean Laurent, John Bunger, Mike Sherbon, Engineer Jeff Morris and Firefighter Paul Stanphill.

Mulch & Debris Pile FiresPhotos by Harold Danger

Firefighters use a piercing nozzle to get to the fire inside a large pile of burning mulch on Willowbrook Rd. on Sept. 23.

Firefighters extinguish a large pile of debris off McDonald Road on Sept. 25.

False AlarmPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to a few false alarms this month. This one was on Marlin Dr. on Sept. 20.

Roscoe Fall Festival SnapshotsPhoto by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

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Chaplains CornerBy Chaplain Everett M. Peterson

When an Adult Experiences the Death of a ParentChaplain Everett M. Peterson

Your parent has died. Whether their death was sudden or expected, hearing the news or being there with your mom or dad in their final moments is a shock to your system. Life will no longer be the same without them. Changes abound no matter if you lived with them, saw them or spoke to them daily, or had less frequent contact.

“A friend of mine, a hefty, 6-foot-4, middle-aged rancher in Colorado walked out one early morning to inform his foreman and ranch hands, “I’ll be gone today and tomorrow.” Then, with tears in his eyes, he told the men, “I’m going home to bury my mama.”

Typical Reactions to a Parent’s DeathWhile it is true that from the time you were a child you imagined, and perhaps feared, that your parent would die someday, you may not feel prepared for the overwhelming impact their death is having on you. A myriad of thoughts and feelings swirl around in your head. Your body reacts with physical ailments and symptoms. Emotional and spiritual issues arise as you ponder the meaning of life without your parent.

How Can This Be?It is hard to fathom that your parent, who has always been there, is now gone. There were so many things you did together or had hoped to do with them. Now you must adapt to a new way of perceiving the world.

No One Can Take Their PlaceYour parent is irreplaceable, no matter if they were your parent by birth, by adoption, or by circumstances. Whether you were on the best of terms or if you were experiencing challenges in your relationship, their death shakes up your family structure and profoundly effects your perception of yourself as a member of the family. Perhaps a great deal of your role identity and/or your daily schedule involved caring for your parent; all that changed with their death. No matter what your age, or how long you have been independent of them, you may find yourself longing to be someone’s little girl/little boy again. Or you catch yourself thinking, “No one will ever love me or take care of me like my parent did.”

I Have So Much to DoIf this is your first parent to die, you will not only be going through your own grief process, but you will very likely be witnessing your surviving parent’s grief. They may need you to comfort them in their sorrow. It may now be your responsibility to look after your surviving parent. Being in charge of tasks that previously were done by the one who died can be daunting, both physically and emotionally. Recognizing all the business that you now are expected to take care of can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed.

If This Was Your Second Parent to DieYou have acquired a new title. Now you are an “adult orphan.” Although the term orphan is more commonly used in reference to a young child, the fact remains that you now have no living parents. This change may usher in a second identity crisis as you wrestle with the meaning of being the oldest generation in your immediate family.

Your Emotional InheritanceConsider the traits and life lessons given to you by your parent. What are some of those characteristics, values, and ways of being in the world that you treasure? How will you uphold their ideals or continue to pursue their goals? What do you tell others, who didn’t know them as you did, about who your parent was?

Bittersweet Discoveries About YourselfWhat are you discovering about yourself as you go through the grief process? Are you stronger or more capable in some areas than you might have anticipated? Of course you would probably prefer to have your parent still alive and NOT be learning these lessons. But given the fact of their death, are there some things that you admire about the way you are handling things?

Following the Death of Your Parent• You may find yourself eager to be around other family

members who knew your parent well• On the other hand, you may feel apprehensive about being

with others and prefer to be somewhere alone where you can grieve privately

• You may find a sense of comfort in being in their home, or find it hard to walk through the door

• You may feel relieved in some ways• You may find it hard to believe that your parent has died and

miss them when you have accomplishments that you long to share with them

• You may catch yourself daydreaming or unable to concentrate on activities that require your full attention

• Your friends may not understand why you are having such an intense reaction to your parent’s death and want you to be the same old person you always have been

• You can anticipate that holidays and family gatherings will stir up intense emotions

• Your thoughts about the meaning of life may change• You may have an acute awareness about the fragility of life• You may decide to change your goals, make new choices,

and evaluate your priorities• Helpful Actions• Let your siblings, friends, and family members know how

you are feeling; be available to give and receive support from each other

• Invite conversations about the memories you have of your parent

• Set up a memorial space in your home; place flowers or candles, a picture of your parent, a place to write messages or thoughts

• Give yourself plenty of time to grieve and process your feelings

• Take good care of yourself and know that your heart is healing in baby steps

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HRFD Crunch Time 2015By Chief Don ShoevlinPhotos by Marcia Soppe

A huge congratulations goes out to Captain Mike Huffman for another successful Crunch Time Symposium and Challenge. Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to all the instructors, judges and vendors who also contributed

to the success of the event. Their knowledge and experience that they share with all these up and coming firefighters is priceless. To all the participants, thank you for taking time from your personal life to increase your knowledge, and improve your skills.

When we started this event 5 years ago it was to focus on education and hands on training with a little friendly competition to finish. It is still the vision of Captain Huffman and his team of instructors that this be the mainstay of the program. I look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 6th annual event.”

The 5th Annual Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Crunch Time Extrication Challenge Winners:

Overall: 1st Place - Rockton FPD, 2nd Place - Town of Madison FD, Oregon FD. Unlimited PIt: 1st Place - Rockton FPD, 2nd Place - Town of Madison FD, 3rd Place - Oregon FD. Limited Pit: 1st Place - Orfordsville FD, 2nd Place - Town of Madison FD, 3rd Place - Deforest FD. Congratulations!!

• Check periodically for a secure plug-to-outlet fit. Feel the plug and the cord: they may feel warm, because heaters draw a lot of power, but they should not feel especially hot. If they do, unplug the heater immediately. If the plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced by a licensed electrician.

• Place the heaters on a flat, level surface. Heaters placed on furniture can fall off, become damaged, or come in contact with combustible material.

• Look for the UL Mark (the letters “UL” inside a circle) or “U.L. listed” on your electric heater. This means the appliance has met Underwriters Laboratories safety standards.

• Don’t run electrical cords under rugs or allow them to drape across heaters. Be sure not to place anything on top of a cord, since this could cause the cord to overheat and ignite.

• Always turn off supplemental heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Do not leave a space heater in a room with unsupervised children or pets.

• Choose and use a space heater with a guard around the heating element. This will help keep children, pets, and clothing away from the heat source.

• Make sure the heater has an emergency shutoff that automatically turns off the heater if it tips over. Do not use space heaters to dry clothes, shoes, or boots.

Tips for wood stoves and fireplacesHave your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary to remove creosote accumulation. Creosote can build up on chimney walls and ignite when hot, causing a chimney fire.• Wood stoves and other solid-fuel appliances such as pellet stoves

should be installed with 36-inch clearances from combustible, unprotected walls or furniture. For specific information on your solid-fuel appliance, check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also check with a code enforcement officer, your local fire department, or the Maine Fire Marshall’s Office.

• Use durable fireplace screens in front of fireplaces.• Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them. Carry them out of

your house in a metal bucket or container.• Burn only seasoned hardwood in a wood stove. Don’t burn trash,

waste wood, cardboard boxes, or Christmas trees. Items other than seasoned firewood may burn unevenly, contain toxins, or create creosote. Burning these things can increase the risk of unintended fires.

• Keep people, pets, and flammable objects—including paper, kindling, and clothing—at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves.

• Do not use a flammable liquid to start a fire.

Tips for portable unvented kerosene heaters• Use only heaters that display the UL Mark or “U.L. listed.”• Read the manufacturer’s instruction booklet carefully and

follow directions for operation and maintenance. Read and heed warning decal messages, typically placed on the back of the heater.

• Open a window to provide ventilation when a portable kerosene heater is in use.

• Use only K1 or 1K kerosene, which is a low-sulfur product suitable for unvented kerosene heaters. K1 may also come with a red dye to indicate that it is exempt from excise tax. Whether

is it white or dyed red, it should be crystal clear and free from impurities. Impurities may pose a fire danger.

• Always refuel the heater outside with the unit off. Do it in an area where small spills can be quickly cleaned up. Avoid carpets or vinyl surfaces. Carpets absorb odor, and vinyl will deteriorate from kerosene spills. Never refuel inside or while the heater is in operation.

• Place heater away from curtains, drapes, bedding, books, papers, furniture, or other flammable material.

• Keep children away from the heater. Do not use it in areas where pets could tip the unit over.

• Inspect the heater for leaks and excess carbon residue every time you refuel. Clean and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Be sure the flame goes out when you turn the heater off.• Do not use hairspray or other flammable aerosol sprays,

lacquers, or flammable liquids in the area where these heaters are used. Kerosene heaters, as well as gas water heaters, will ignite vaporized fuels.

• Store kerosene in a tool shed or other outbuilding in an area away from open flames or spark ignition points. Never store kerosene in a home basement.

• When refueling, do not fill the heater’s fuel tank completely because cold kerosene expands as it warms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the length of time the refueled tank should stand at room temperature before the heater is used.

2015 Parade Float

HRFD Team - L-r - Ryan Messinger, Josh Wilkerson, Richie Macias, Brett Parrish, Stefani Layman, and Kyle Alms pose after completing their Ulimited Pit. They didn’t place in the Challenge, but they say they sure learned alot.

2015 Crunch Time Class

HRFD Team competing.

www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

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Accidents Photos by Chief Don Shoevlin, Battalion Chief Jay Alms and Photographer Sheryl Drost

09/12/15 Williams Dr.

09/30/15 Hononegah Rd. 09/27/15 Ventura Blvd

09/25/15 Forest Hills Road

09/10/15 Promontory Trail 09/10/15 Love Road

Deputy Chief’s Whistle

Heating Tips and Safety

Heating devices can be extremely dangerous if you use them incorrectly. Improper use of home heating equipment can cause death from

fire, lack of oxygen, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Yet home heating equipment accidents are largely preventable if you operate equipment properly and follow basic safety practices.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2009 heating equipment fires were responsible for 18 percent of all reported home fires, second only to cooking fires. Space heaters and chimney connectors each accounted for about a third of those home heating equipment fires, and space heaters were involved in the majority of home heating fire deaths. The leading causes of home heating fires are failure to clean equipment, and combustibles too close to heating equipment.

General heating safety• Your home should have battery-operated smoke detectors on

each floor. Check batteries monthly and replace them at least annually.

• Consider installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. CO is a poisonous gas that is odorless and colorless. Home heating and cooking devices can be sources of carbon monoxide. Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and burning in the eyes and nose. If you think you have a carbon monoxide problem, open your doors and windows immediately. Leave the area and contact a heating contractor to evaluate and repair faulty appliances. If someone is seriously ill or unconscious, call 911.

• Keep type ABC multipurpose fire extinguishers on hand and near heating appliances. Make sure that everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.

• Everyone in your home should know and practice a fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room.

• Each year, have a qualified heating contractor inspect, clean, and maintain your furnace, boiler, water heater, vents, and chimney connections. Change the furnace filter at recommended intervals.

• Make a habit of checking chimneys, flues, and vents for leakage and blockage by creosote and debris. Leakage through cracks or holes could cause black stains on the outside of the chimney or flue. These stains can mean that pollutants are leaking into the house.

• If you have a heating appliance that has a direct vent through the side wall of the house, keep it clear of snow and leaves.

• Fresh air is important to help carry pollutants up chimneys, stovepipes and flues, and is necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel. Never block ventilation openings. Make sure your appliances are inspected for adequate ventilation.

• Never operate more than one heating appliance through a single

flue. Flues are usually designed and built for a specific appliance that was originally built into the structure.

• Do not obstruct heating ducts, cold-air returns, or any heat source. Keep furniture away from baseboard heaters.

• Do not store paper materials or use flammable liquids, paints, or solvents near appliances with open flames such as gas water heaters, furnaces, and stoves.

• Keep all combustible materials a safe distance away from any heat source.

• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.

General tips for supplemental heatersIf your home heating system stops working during a power outage or other emergency, you may need to use a supplemental heater. Or you may be using supplemental heaters to offset your oil use. Safety is critical when using supplemental heaters.• Don’t try to heat the whole house. Select a primary room to heat and close off all unnecessary rooms. Supplemental heaters are not intended to replace your home’s central heating system. However, try to make sure that any rooms with water pipes from your home’s plumbing or heating system don’t drop below freezing, or the pipes

could freeze and be damaged.• Choose a room on the warmer side of the house, away from

prevailing winds. Avoid rooms with large windows or uninsulated walls. Your basement may be a warm place in cold weather because the earth acts as insulation and cuts heat loss.

• If you are using a vented stove or space heater, select a room with a stove or chimney flue to connect the vent to.

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for your supplemental heating device. A good practice is to read the instructions and warning labels aloud to all members of the household to make sure everyone understands how to operate the heater safely. Keep the owner’s manual at hand.

• Do not use electric or gas ovens for space heating.

Tips for electric space heaters• Do not use electric space heaters in bathrooms or near water

unless the unit is specifically designed for wet areas. Corrosion from dampness in the heater could lead to a fire or shock hazard.

• Keep all space heaters at least three feet away from household combustibles.

• Do not overload outlets used for electric space heaters. Make sure the outlet you use has the capacity for your particular type of heater. Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections before plugging in a space heater.

• Do not use extension cords with space heaters unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord, be sure to use a 12-gauge or 14-gauge cord, labeled 12AWG or 14AWG (American Wire Gauge). The gauge number indicates the thickness of the wire in the cord. The smaller the number, the greater the thickness of the wire. Only heavy-duty extension cords should be used with space heaters: do not use a cord marked 16AWG or 18AWG.

• Inspect the heater cord regularly. Do not use a heater with a damaged cord.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Accident/ Car FirePhotos by Harold Danger

Firefighters were dispatched to an accident on Prairie Hill Rd. and it was being reported the car was on fire. When units arrived, they found the car that had crashed was now fully involved with fire.

With the united effort between the two men that pulled the driver from the burning car, the HRFD Firefighters and EMTs on scene, and the React Helicopter crew that transported him to the hospital, the seriously injured driver was rescued and transported and given a fighting chance to live.

Heroes Honored - Photo by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin presented Tim Wolosyn and Roger Turner with Good Samaritan Awards for their quick action in an emergency during a special ceremony at the HRFD Fire station #1 on Sept. 29.

Tom and Roger met each other for the first time on Sept. 26 as they raced to a car they came upon on Prairie Hill Rd. that had crashed and was now burning. Tim’s girl friend called 911 as the two men approached the car. Roger said the engine compartment was fully involved with fire and it was wrapping around to the driver’s side. “We saw a man in there and we knew we had to get him out before the fire got inside.” Roger continued, “He was wrapped up in the air bag and his seat belt and before I knew it, Tim, an Army National Guardsman, had pulled his knife and cut the man free.” Tim added, “It took both of us to pull him out and carry him to safety.” Roger said as they looked back at the car, the fire was now burning inside the car. The duo tried hiding from the lime light and don’t consider themselves heroes. They say that it was something any soldier or citizen should do. Tim and Roger, you are heroes in our book!

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Accident/ Car FirePhotos by Harold Danger

Firefighters were dispatched to an accident on Prairie Hill Rd. and it was being reported the car was on fire. When units arrived, they found the car that had crashed was now fully involved with fire.

With the united effort between the two men that pulled the driver from the burning car, the HRFD Firefighters and EMTs on scene, and the React Helicopter crew that transported him to the hospital, the seriously injured driver was rescued and transported and given a fighting chance to live.

Heroes Honored - Photo by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin presented Tim Wolosyn and Roger Turner with Good Samaritan Awards for their quick action in an emergency during a special ceremony at the HRFD Fire station #1 on Sept. 29.

Tom and Roger met each other for the first time on Sept. 26 as they raced to a car they came upon on Prairie Hill Rd. that had crashed and was now burning. Tim’s girl friend called 911 as the two men approached the car. Roger said the engine compartment was fully involved with fire and it was wrapping around to the driver’s side. “We saw a man in there and we knew we had to get him out before the fire got inside.” Roger continued, “He was wrapped up in the air bag and his seat belt and before I knew it, Tim, an Army National Guardsman, had pulled his knife and cut the man free.” Tim added, “It took both of us to pull him out and carry him to safety.” Roger said as they looked back at the car, the fire was now burning inside the car. The duo tried hiding from the lime light and don’t consider themselves heroes. They say that it was something any soldier or citizen should do. Tim and Roger, you are heroes in our book!

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Accidents Photos by Chief Don Shoevlin, Battalion Chief Jay Alms and Photographer Sheryl Drost

09/12/15 Williams Dr.

09/30/15 Hononegah Rd. 09/27/15 Ventura Blvd

09/25/15 Forest Hills Road

09/10/15 Promontory Trail 09/10/15 Love Road

Deputy Chief’s Whistle

Heating Tips and Safety

Heating devices can be extremely dangerous if you use them incorrectly. Improper use of home heating equipment can cause death from

fire, lack of oxygen, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Yet home heating equipment accidents are largely preventable if you operate equipment properly and follow basic safety practices.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2009 heating equipment fires were responsible for 18 percent of all reported home fires, second only to cooking fires. Space heaters and chimney connectors each accounted for about a third of those home heating equipment fires, and space heaters were involved in the majority of home heating fire deaths. The leading causes of home heating fires are failure to clean equipment, and combustibles too close to heating equipment.

General heating safety• Your home should have battery-operated smoke detectors on

each floor. Check batteries monthly and replace them at least annually.

• Consider installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. CO is a poisonous gas that is odorless and colorless. Home heating and cooking devices can be sources of carbon monoxide. Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, and burning in the eyes and nose. If you think you have a carbon monoxide problem, open your doors and windows immediately. Leave the area and contact a heating contractor to evaluate and repair faulty appliances. If someone is seriously ill or unconscious, call 911.

• Keep type ABC multipurpose fire extinguishers on hand and near heating appliances. Make sure that everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.

• Everyone in your home should know and practice a fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room.

• Each year, have a qualified heating contractor inspect, clean, and maintain your furnace, boiler, water heater, vents, and chimney connections. Change the furnace filter at recommended intervals.

• Make a habit of checking chimneys, flues, and vents for leakage and blockage by creosote and debris. Leakage through cracks or holes could cause black stains on the outside of the chimney or flue. These stains can mean that pollutants are leaking into the house.

• If you have a heating appliance that has a direct vent through the side wall of the house, keep it clear of snow and leaves.

• Fresh air is important to help carry pollutants up chimneys, stovepipes and flues, and is necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel. Never block ventilation openings. Make sure your appliances are inspected for adequate ventilation.

• Never operate more than one heating appliance through a single

flue. Flues are usually designed and built for a specific appliance that was originally built into the structure.

• Do not obstruct heating ducts, cold-air returns, or any heat source. Keep furniture away from baseboard heaters.

• Do not store paper materials or use flammable liquids, paints, or solvents near appliances with open flames such as gas water heaters, furnaces, and stoves.

• Keep all combustible materials a safe distance away from any heat source.

• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.

General tips for supplemental heatersIf your home heating system stops working during a power outage or other emergency, you may need to use a supplemental heater. Or you may be using supplemental heaters to offset your oil use. Safety is critical when using supplemental heaters.• Don’t try to heat the whole house. Select a primary room to heat and close off all unnecessary rooms. Supplemental heaters are not intended to replace your home’s central heating system. However, try to make sure that any rooms with water pipes from your home’s plumbing or heating system don’t drop below freezing, or the pipes

could freeze and be damaged.• Choose a room on the warmer side of the house, away from

prevailing winds. Avoid rooms with large windows or uninsulated walls. Your basement may be a warm place in cold weather because the earth acts as insulation and cuts heat loss.

• If you are using a vented stove or space heater, select a room with a stove or chimney flue to connect the vent to.

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for your supplemental heating device. A good practice is to read the instructions and warning labels aloud to all members of the household to make sure everyone understands how to operate the heater safely. Keep the owner’s manual at hand.

• Do not use electric or gas ovens for space heating.

Tips for electric space heaters• Do not use electric space heaters in bathrooms or near water

unless the unit is specifically designed for wet areas. Corrosion from dampness in the heater could lead to a fire or shock hazard.

• Keep all space heaters at least three feet away from household combustibles.

• Do not overload outlets used for electric space heaters. Make sure the outlet you use has the capacity for your particular type of heater. Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections before plugging in a space heater.

• Do not use extension cords with space heaters unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord, be sure to use a 12-gauge or 14-gauge cord, labeled 12AWG or 14AWG (American Wire Gauge). The gauge number indicates the thickness of the wire in the cord. The smaller the number, the greater the thickness of the wire. Only heavy-duty extension cords should be used with space heaters: do not use a cord marked 16AWG or 18AWG.

• Inspect the heater cord regularly. Do not use a heater with a damaged cord.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9

HRFD Crunch Time 2015By Chief Don ShoevlinPhotos by Marcia Soppe

A huge congratulations goes out to Captain Mike Huffman for another successful Crunch Time Symposium and Challenge. Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to all the instructors, judges and vendors who also contributed

to the success of the event. Their knowledge and experience that they share with all these up and coming firefighters is priceless. To all the participants, thank you for taking time from your personal life to increase your knowledge, and improve your skills.

When we started this event 5 years ago it was to focus on education and hands on training with a little friendly competition to finish. It is still the vision of Captain Huffman and his team of instructors that this be the mainstay of the program. I look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 6th annual event.”

The 5th Annual Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s Crunch Time Extrication Challenge Winners:

Overall: 1st Place - Rockton FPD, 2nd Place - Town of Madison FD, Oregon FD. Unlimited PIt: 1st Place - Rockton FPD, 2nd Place - Town of Madison FD, 3rd Place - Oregon FD. Limited Pit: 1st Place - Orfordsville FD, 2nd Place - Town of Madison FD, 3rd Place - Deforest FD. Congratulations!!

• Check periodically for a secure plug-to-outlet fit. Feel the plug and the cord: they may feel warm, because heaters draw a lot of power, but they should not feel especially hot. If they do, unplug the heater immediately. If the plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced by a licensed electrician.

• Place the heaters on a flat, level surface. Heaters placed on furniture can fall off, become damaged, or come in contact with combustible material.

• Look for the UL Mark (the letters “UL” inside a circle) or “U.L. listed” on your electric heater. This means the appliance has met Underwriters Laboratories safety standards.

• Don’t run electrical cords under rugs or allow them to drape across heaters. Be sure not to place anything on top of a cord, since this could cause the cord to overheat and ignite.

• Always turn off supplemental heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Do not leave a space heater in a room with unsupervised children or pets.

• Choose and use a space heater with a guard around the heating element. This will help keep children, pets, and clothing away from the heat source.

• Make sure the heater has an emergency shutoff that automatically turns off the heater if it tips over. Do not use space heaters to dry clothes, shoes, or boots.

Tips for wood stoves and fireplacesHave your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary to remove creosote accumulation. Creosote can build up on chimney walls and ignite when hot, causing a chimney fire.• Wood stoves and other solid-fuel appliances such as pellet stoves

should be installed with 36-inch clearances from combustible, unprotected walls or furniture. For specific information on your solid-fuel appliance, check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also check with a code enforcement officer, your local fire department, or the Maine Fire Marshall’s Office.

• Use durable fireplace screens in front of fireplaces.• Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them. Carry them out of

your house in a metal bucket or container.• Burn only seasoned hardwood in a wood stove. Don’t burn trash,

waste wood, cardboard boxes, or Christmas trees. Items other than seasoned firewood may burn unevenly, contain toxins, or create creosote. Burning these things can increase the risk of unintended fires.

• Keep people, pets, and flammable objects—including paper, kindling, and clothing—at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves.

• Do not use a flammable liquid to start a fire.

Tips for portable unvented kerosene heaters• Use only heaters that display the UL Mark or “U.L. listed.”• Read the manufacturer’s instruction booklet carefully and

follow directions for operation and maintenance. Read and heed warning decal messages, typically placed on the back of the heater.

• Open a window to provide ventilation when a portable kerosene heater is in use.

• Use only K1 or 1K kerosene, which is a low-sulfur product suitable for unvented kerosene heaters. K1 may also come with a red dye to indicate that it is exempt from excise tax. Whether

is it white or dyed red, it should be crystal clear and free from impurities. Impurities may pose a fire danger.

• Always refuel the heater outside with the unit off. Do it in an area where small spills can be quickly cleaned up. Avoid carpets or vinyl surfaces. Carpets absorb odor, and vinyl will deteriorate from kerosene spills. Never refuel inside or while the heater is in operation.

• Place heater away from curtains, drapes, bedding, books, papers, furniture, or other flammable material.

• Keep children away from the heater. Do not use it in areas where pets could tip the unit over.

• Inspect the heater for leaks and excess carbon residue every time you refuel. Clean and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Be sure the flame goes out when you turn the heater off.• Do not use hairspray or other flammable aerosol sprays,

lacquers, or flammable liquids in the area where these heaters are used. Kerosene heaters, as well as gas water heaters, will ignite vaporized fuels.

• Store kerosene in a tool shed or other outbuilding in an area away from open flames or spark ignition points. Never store kerosene in a home basement.

• When refueling, do not fill the heater’s fuel tank completely because cold kerosene expands as it warms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the length of time the refueled tank should stand at room temperature before the heater is used.

2015 Parade Float

HRFD Team - L-r - Ryan Messinger, Josh Wilkerson, Richie Macias, Brett Parrish, Stefani Layman, and Kyle Alms pose after completing their Ulimited Pit. They didn’t place in the Challenge, but they say they sure learned alot.

2015 Crunch Time Class

HRFD Team competing.

www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Mulch & Debris Pile FiresPhotos by Harold Danger

Firefighters use a piercing nozzle to get to the fire inside a large pile of burning mulch on Willowbrook Rd. on Sept. 23.

Firefighters extinguish a large pile of debris off McDonald Road on Sept. 25.

False AlarmPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to a few false alarms this month. This one was on Marlin Dr. on Sept. 20.

Roscoe Fall Festival SnapshotsPhoto by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3

Chaplains CornerBy Chaplain Everett M. Peterson

When an Adult Experiences the Death of a ParentChaplain Everett M. Peterson

Your parent has died. Whether their death was sudden or expected, hearing the news or being there with your mom or dad in their final moments is a shock to your system. Life will no longer be the same without them. Changes abound no matter if you lived with them, saw them or spoke to them daily, or had less frequent contact.

“A friend of mine, a hefty, 6-foot-4, middle-aged rancher in Colorado walked out one early morning to inform his foreman and ranch hands, “I’ll be gone today and tomorrow.” Then, with tears in his eyes, he told the men, “I’m going home to bury my mama.”

Typical Reactions to a Parent’s DeathWhile it is true that from the time you were a child you imagined, and perhaps feared, that your parent would die someday, you may not feel prepared for the overwhelming impact their death is having on you. A myriad of thoughts and feelings swirl around in your head. Your body reacts with physical ailments and symptoms. Emotional and spiritual issues arise as you ponder the meaning of life without your parent.

How Can This Be?It is hard to fathom that your parent, who has always been there, is now gone. There were so many things you did together or had hoped to do with them. Now you must adapt to a new way of perceiving the world.

No One Can Take Their PlaceYour parent is irreplaceable, no matter if they were your parent by birth, by adoption, or by circumstances. Whether you were on the best of terms or if you were experiencing challenges in your relationship, their death shakes up your family structure and profoundly effects your perception of yourself as a member of the family. Perhaps a great deal of your role identity and/or your daily schedule involved caring for your parent; all that changed with their death. No matter what your age, or how long you have been independent of them, you may find yourself longing to be someone’s little girl/little boy again. Or you catch yourself thinking, “No one will ever love me or take care of me like my parent did.”

I Have So Much to DoIf this is your first parent to die, you will not only be going through your own grief process, but you will very likely be witnessing your surviving parent’s grief. They may need you to comfort them in their sorrow. It may now be your responsibility to look after your surviving parent. Being in charge of tasks that previously were done by the one who died can be daunting, both physically and emotionally. Recognizing all the business that you now are expected to take care of can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed.

If This Was Your Second Parent to DieYou have acquired a new title. Now you are an “adult orphan.” Although the term orphan is more commonly used in reference to a young child, the fact remains that you now have no living parents. This change may usher in a second identity crisis as you wrestle with the meaning of being the oldest generation in your immediate family.

Your Emotional InheritanceConsider the traits and life lessons given to you by your parent. What are some of those characteristics, values, and ways of being in the world that you treasure? How will you uphold their ideals or continue to pursue their goals? What do you tell others, who didn’t know them as you did, about who your parent was?

Bittersweet Discoveries About YourselfWhat are you discovering about yourself as you go through the grief process? Are you stronger or more capable in some areas than you might have anticipated? Of course you would probably prefer to have your parent still alive and NOT be learning these lessons. But given the fact of their death, are there some things that you admire about the way you are handling things?

Following the Death of Your Parent• You may find yourself eager to be around other family

members who knew your parent well• On the other hand, you may feel apprehensive about being

with others and prefer to be somewhere alone where you can grieve privately

• You may find a sense of comfort in being in their home, or find it hard to walk through the door

• You may feel relieved in some ways• You may find it hard to believe that your parent has died and

miss them when you have accomplishments that you long to share with them

• You may catch yourself daydreaming or unable to concentrate on activities that require your full attention

• Your friends may not understand why you are having such an intense reaction to your parent’s death and want you to be the same old person you always have been

• You can anticipate that holidays and family gatherings will stir up intense emotions

• Your thoughts about the meaning of life may change• You may have an acute awareness about the fragility of life• You may decide to change your goals, make new choices,

and evaluate your priorities• Helpful Actions• Let your siblings, friends, and family members know how

you are feeling; be available to give and receive support from each other

• Invite conversations about the memories you have of your parent

• Set up a memorial space in your home; place flowers or candles, a picture of your parent, a place to write messages or thoughts

• Give yourself plenty of time to grieve and process your feelings

• Take good care of yourself and know that your heart is healing in baby steps

Birthdays!

October3rd Steve Rosander7th Brandon Tietz13th Ryan Messinger15th Ryan Alms17th Chuck Hansel26th Tom Aaker

November 1st Don Shoevlin3rd Joe Quast6th Andrew Wiechman8th Harry Wagner10th Nate Noble11th Kelly Green14th Ken Kelley 70th19th Chris Farr

Total Calls for The Year 2015

1998

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl DrostThe Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month:www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Thank you to everyone that stopped and visited the booth at the Fall Festival. It was a weekend of enjoyment and cool crisp weather. Congratulations to the winners of our raffle!

October! Fire Prevention Month. Our crews of dedicated men and woman

have been involved with many station tours, school visits, Sparky demos and more. Our Fire Prevention Division with the help of the firefighters, have been out and about performing fire drills in all of our schools. The report back is they are all doing an excellent job. This is above and beyond our normal inspection schedule. Hats off to Capt. Ryan Alms, Chuck Schoonover, Ken Kelley, Ken Krause. And Stan Dean for an excellent job.

On October 10th we held our annual fire department Open House. This year we changed it up a little and held it at station 1. Did you get a chance to dunk the Chief? Officers and firefighters did an outstanding job of planning for a successful event. The weather even cooperated.

HRFD Crunch Time has come and gone. Capt. Huffman has successfully completed another weekend of education and networking for not only our young firefighters but those in the surrounding area.

2015 Group Photo

This was the fifth consecutive year of positive feedback and demonstration from these young firefighters of a learning experience. I know year six is already in the planning stages. Thank you Capt. Huffman for a job well done!

As the saying goes, Spring ahead and Fall behind. Yes, it is that time of year again when we gain an hour of sleep. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour at 2:00 AM on Sunday November 1st. The cooler weather is upon us and that reminds me of getting the furnace and fireplace checked out for the cold months ahead. Remember carbon monoxide is the silent killer and a lot of winter fires begin in the fireplace. Both of these events should remind us of changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors along with having those chimneys cleaned.

With the turning back of our clocks it brings to mind also that darkness will occur earlier in the day. Please be attentive to the bikers and walkers. I would also like to ask everyone to check that his or her addresses are properly marked and VISIBLE from the street. As we respond to emergency calls we do not want our arrival to be impaired because of improper or no visible markings.

As always bookmark our website www.harlemroscefire.com and / or friend us on Facebook to keep up with the progress of the department, individuals, and the calls we might have been on. Our web site is under construction with a new facelift. Keep checking it for the fresh and new look. Don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Congratulations to Capt. Ryan Alms and his wife Charlotte on the birth of their third child on Sept. 16. Chloe Lynn Alms measured in at 6lbs. 10oz. and 18” long. Big brother Mason is in love with her and big sister Lucy loves to kiss her. Chloe is also granddaughter to Battalion Chief Jay Alms and niece to Dispatcher Megan Alms and Firefighter Kyle Alms. Congrats again Ryan and Charlotte, she is adorable!

Good Samaritan AwardsPhoto by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin presented two workers from the Meijers Store in Machesney Park with Good Samaratin Awards for their quick action in coming to the aid of a customer having a heart attack. The store manager accepted the awards for the other workers that weren’t at the ceremony.

L-r Bottom row – Lt. Brandon Tietz, Lt. Josh Hoffland, Lt. Steve Shoevlin, Capt. Tim Bergeron, Capt. Ryan Alms, Battalion Chief Jay Alms, Chief Don Shoevlin, Deputy Chief John Bergeron, Battalion Chief Tom Aaker, Capt. Mike Huffman, Lt. Radi Huggard, Lt. John Donovan, Admin Assistant Colleen Bloyer. 2nd Row l-r, Dispatchers Megan Alms, Barb Martenson, Rhonda McDonald, and Jennie Anderson, Chaplains Bill Null, Harold Danger and Sue Null, Fire Prevention Stan Dean, Dispatchers Ron Canode, Harry Wagner, and Jerry Lund and Engineer Marty Green. Third Row l-r Firefighter Kelly Hamill, Brandon Sherbon, Steve Rosander, David Fleetwood, Zach Tennyson, Justin Harwood, Ryan Messinger, Mike Helland, Engineer Mark Soppe, Firefighters Stefani Layman, Josh Wilkerson, Reety Radke and Photographer Marcia Soppe. Top Row l-r Firefighters Ryan Sarver and Scott Jensen, Photographer Sheryl Drost, Firefighters David Leslie, Rico VanderHeyden and Kyle Alms, Engineer Matt Bush, Firefighter Nate Sarver, Engineer Ron Klaman, Firefighters Joe Quast, Sean Laurent, John Bunger, Mike Sherbon, Engineer Jeff Morris and Firefighter Paul Stanphill.

THE FIREHOUSE SCENE is a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

October 2015 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Car Accident/FirePages 6&7

Then & Now

1980’s Fall Festival Parade

2015 Fall Festival Parade

1970 Fall Festival Color Guard 2015 Fall Festival Color Guard