the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip

Dispatcher Bill Hyde has recovered and is back at the microphone. Glad to hear you back, Bill.Jordan Stark went under the knife this month. It seems Little Stark broke his arm in a snow boarding accident. We wish you a speedy recovery Jordan.A new item in this newsletter is our ‘In the Spotlight Feature”. Be sure to check it out. Our offi cers will be keeping their eyes open.I guess there is another Station Two fi refi ghter to respond to the fi re station wearing shorts, except this person was wearing his boxer shorts!Baby count is up to six, three are due in the next six weeks! Hey Greg, I hear Randy has a very cool plane that can be fueled mid air! Rumor has it Steve Shoevlin had the women’s rest room so fi lled with soap suds that his new nickname is Suds!Hey Barth, It’s easier to wash the other side of the truck door window by opening the door isn’t it?Brainstorming - I hear if you don’t show, you don’t get to know. Still looking for old pictures of the fi re department. Drop by Station One @10544 Main St. in Roscoe or call 815-623-7867 and we will be happy to pick them up. We will scan them and return them promptly.Repeating what Chief Shoevlin said in his article, “On March 13 and 14 we will be participating in the RoRo Expo held at Hononegah High School. We will be participating in a chili cook off on Saturday against Rockton. Stop by and give us your vote. All proceeds from this event will go to Goldie Floberg Center for children. Please stop by our booth to see us and enjoy some award winning (we hope) chili.”

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How many fi refi ghters does it take....?

PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

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

February 2010 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Charlotte Alms

I think 70Joe just became Lightning Joe!

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

We are well on our way to the beginning of another successful year. On Tuesday we began a recruit class. These individuals will go through approximately 100 hours of training, which they must successfully complete before they begin to respond to any incidents.

An update on our new ambulance - they are telling us we should receive it sometime in April.

On March 13 and 14 we will be participating in the RoRo Expo held at Hononegah High School. We will be participating in a chili cook off on Saturday against Rockton. Stop by and give us your vote. All proceeds from this event will go to the Goldie Floberg Center for children. Please stop by our booth to see us and enjoy some award winning (we hope) chili.

We will be holding our annual Spring Dinner on April 10 this year. Watch your mail for further information. Dinner will be served from 5:00 – 8:00 with take out and local delivery available as well. I hope you are able to attend.

As we begin another new year we took time last month to celebrate accomplishments achieved last year. Thank you to the trustees for their continuous support and another great appreciation dinner. It was well attended and everyone had a great time. Colleen did a wonderful job coordinating everything. Congratulations to all the recipients of awards. (Pictures shown on pages 6&7) All of you have dedicated and committed your time to make us who we are. That commitment extends itself. That commitment extends to your families as well. Thank you to all.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; They just have the heart.”

Please check out our website at www.harlemroscefi re.com to keep up with the progress of the department and individuals. As always don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

Mark you Calendars...

spring dinnerApril 10, 2010

5-8p.mOn April 4, the department will be celebrating it’s 70th birthday. Although we will be celebrating all year-long, our main celebration will be at our Spring Dinner. We are still in the planning stages for the dinner. There will be more information for you in our spring mailing, in next month’s newsletter, and on our website.

Vehicle FirePhotos by Charlotte Alms

On January 22, a vehicle used to deliver pizzas was completely destroyed by fi re near Falcon Crest Dr. and American Dr. I think all of us have burnt a pizza at least once, but does this take it to a new level? Luckily the driver had no pizzas inside at the time. It seems the car had been leaking oil before the fi re.

Firefi ghters begin their attack - it was fully involved with fi re.

The vehicle was used to deliver pizzas - luckily the driver was not delivering.

Firefi ghters work to open the hood of the vehicle to get to all the fi re.

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

Birthdays

February10th Robert Gonia Neil Roe - ‘30th”12th Ken O’Dell15th Scott Jensen16th Nick Mladenoff ‘21st’23rd Brian Szilagyi

March4th John Donovan6th Christi Wilson ‘40th’ Steve Shoevlin7th Bryson Knox16th Aaron Miller Adam Cox ‘21st’21st Mike Morrison22nd Jay Alms 23rd Radi Huggard29th Sheryl Drost

March Breakfast List

Mike Drost HRFD Auxiliary Members

Total Calls for 2010

182

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s web site after the second Sunday each month.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to: sdrost@harlemroscoefi re.com

John predicts...

36 Snowfalls

16 left as of February 10

All the ice and snow we received this month sure made for some pretty pictures! Photo by Sheryl Drost

Station UpdatesBy Asst. Chief Ken O’Dell

Just a reminder that on Feb. 24, from 1020 hours until 1630 hours we are looking for fi refi ghters to drive vehicles for the M.D.A Lockup at the Firehouse Pub. If you can donate some time it would be appreciated. Stop by and have some fun.

Feb. 10 - Neil Roe ‘30th’

Feb. 16 -Nick Mladenoff ‘21st’

March 6 - Christi Wilson ‘40th’

Scouts Tour Fire Station

Firefi ghters Nick Mladenoff (on hose line) and Eric Wainright have some fun spraying the fi re hose with the scouts during their tour of Station #1 on Feb. 13.

Happy Birthday!

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

Husky Dog Rescued from Icy RiverStory & Photo by Sheryl Drost

A large white Husky named Shylo has tugged at the heart strings of every animal lover after he survived a fall into the icy currents of the Rock River on Jan. 13.

It all started when a resident on Harbor Oaks Drive heard a dog howling behind her home. She found a large white dog had fallen into the river and was now fi ghting the current and ice chunks to get back to the shore.

She quickly called for help and two Winnebago Co. Animal Control Services Offi cers and a Winnebago Sheriff’s Offi cer were dispatched to the scene. The homeowner and the offi cers attempted to reach the dog by placing two ladders out onto the ice, but realized they were not safe and called the fi re department.

Winnebago County Animal Control Services Sgt. Jimmy Lawson was able to throw a rope to the dog and Shylo clenched on to it immediately. Sgt. Lawson then pulled him to the ice shelf about 10 to 12 feet from shore, but Shylo was too tired to get his feet up on the ice. Sgt. Lawson was then able to get the rope around his neck and hold him out of the water against the ledge.

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters arrived with their ice rescue equipment and knowledge and quickly went to work. Firefi ghter Christi Wilson, who is certifi ed as a ice rescue technician and trainer, donned a Mustang Cold Water Rescue Suit and was attached to a safety rope. Shore operations involved fi refi ghters manning the other end of the safety rope.

Christi belly crawled, in order to distribute her weight, out to the freezing Husky. “I kept telling him I gotcha, I gotcha puppy as he stared at me with those huge scared eyes.” Recalls Christi. Then as Christi grabbed his collar with one hand and reached under water to hang on to his body, she gave the order for the shore operations to pull, and both rescuer and dog were pulled quickly to shore.

Animal Control Offi cers and Harlem-Roscoe Paramedic John Morgan dried him quickly before wrapping him in a blanket. Incident Command DC Chief John Bergeron says, “Shylo defi nitely had the will to live and was still clenching the rescue rope when he was safely on shore.” Animal Control Offi cers then transported the rescued dog to the a local immediate care veterinarian clinic where Shylo’s owner, Peggy Yarber, was reunited with her beloved pet. Peggy says that Shylo has recovered from his ordeal and is doing very well.

Left, Shylo was fi ghting the current as the offi cer was trying get a rope out to him. Right, Shylo must have known that the rope was his only hope as he bites it allowing the offi cer to eventually get it around his neck.

Firefi ghter Christi Wilson crawls on the ice and was able to rescue Shylo.

Paramedic John Morgan carries Shylo to safe ground where they used blankets to dry and warm him up before transporting him to a local veterinarian.

And yes, this rescue has a happy ending. A week later Shylo came to the fi re station to thank his rescuers. Peggy says he continues to show no ill effects from his ordeal. L-r, DC John Bergeron, John Morgan, Shylo, Peggy Yarber and Christi Wilson.

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EMS Corner By Randy Lovelace EMT-B

Why Be an EMT?A surprising number of people are volunteers within our community. Those that I know best are with the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department, and the one with which I am most often in touch is me. Because of that close relationship I have with myself, I decided to investigate my reasons for being an EMT-Basic with our fi re department. After an interview made diffi cult because I don’t open up very much during questioning, I was able to narrow down my reasons for being an EMT to a small list.

First, I love a challenge, and there’s not much more challenging than learning skills from books and classroom lectures, and then practicing those skills on living souls.

Second, I’ve learned that I truly enjoy being able to help out where our department has the greatest need. Our district is close to 2500 calls per year and a good 80% of those calls are medical calls. Those numbers are a strong indication of need, and helping to fi ll that need gives me a sense of value within our community.

Finally, an individual medical call is a process generally managed by a very small group of people. With a small group, the process becomes personal. We, the EMTs, get to know you, the patient, quite well. We learn about your condition and your medical history. We learn about your recent history with your physicians and your frustrations as your medications or dosages are changed to suit you and your physiology.

My position as an EMT-B needs a little description to help you recognize me in the ambulance. If you see someone trying to stick you with a needle, and smiling as they do – that’s not me, that’s your medic. If you see someone with a calculator, mumbling things like milliliter, kilogram, bolus, drops per minute, measuring the diameter of the IV line - that’s not me, that’s your young medic. On the other hand, if we’re headed to the hospital and you don’t have an IV in your arm or a heart monitor attached to your torso, then we’re most likely treating this as a basic call, you’ve got me, an EMT-Basic, with you in the ambulance.

On a basic call, something special happens. For me, that something can be exciting and magical, or it can be heart-wrenching. During a basic call, you’re generally not unconscious. You’re in pain, sometimes acute and sometimes chronic. Sometimes the pain is physical, and sometimes it’s a pain that rests deep within your being. Or maybe you’re not feeling well, and don’t remember the last time you did feel like yourself. But, you know, and I understand, that you need to get to the hospital for treatment and care that we cannot provide.

During that call, I’ll monitor your condition, and try to learn everything I can to be able to prepare the hospital for your arrival. I don’t just report your condition, or the specifi c reason for this single ambulance ride to the ER nurses. I describe you, and help the hospital staff to understand all about you, your needs and your fears. I become an advocate for you and your health.

In the back of the ambulance, you will see me taking your vitals and writing things on paper. You’ll hear dozens of questions from

me. Those questions are to help me understand how your status may be changing. And, those questions are to help you focus on something besides the pain you feel, to take your mind off the emergency and give you a chance to become a bit calmer.

The magic I mentioned happens as you begin to answer those questions; you relax, you open up, and you introduce yourself to me. I’ve had calls where I’ve learned about a man in his nineties, the wife he lost 30 years ago to illness, the dreams he’s gone after during his life, and the dreams he never chased. I’ve learned about the fears of a woman that moved to the area to fi nd a better life, and knowing no one within hundreds of miles, succumbed to a medical crisis. Her fear was not her current medical condition; it was being alone during this time. I’ve met people that described the back of the ambulance as a sanctuary, protecting them as they got to a place that could keep them safe and comfortable. I’ve had injured babies held by fretting grandmothers, terrifi ed that maybe the care they provided before our arrival wasn’t good for the baby. And I’ve seen the relief on their faces when I told them they did just fi ne, they made good decisions and the baby is better off for what grandma did for them.

During these sorts of calls, I don’t just treat you, I get to meet you. I get to help when you need my assistance, and I get to learn more about you, all of you that make up our community. On a daily basis, I feel useful and important, I feel like I make a difference. I feel this because I’m an EMT with Harlem-Roscoe, and I cannot possibly imagine anything else that could be so right to do, anything else that could feel so good. And, in the end, isn’t that why we do anything? Because its right, and it makes us feel wonderful.

We would like to commend the following fi re personnel this month for. . .

The commitment, professionalism, and teamwork of Paramedics Mike Morrison, John Morgan, and Zak Prielipp for their efforts in reviving a pulseless, non-breathing patient.

Colleen Bloyer for all her extra behind the scenes work in setting up the Appreciation Dinner.

The dispatch team that stepped up to cover shifts while one of their own recovered from a medical issue.

Capt. Bill Sabin for fl ying back from his winter home in Florida to attend a one day Fire Inspection Class.

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In the Spotlight “We are who we are because of you!”

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

01/08/10 Hwy. 251 02/09/10 Belvidere Road

01/17/10 Hwy 173 and I-90 entrance 01/18/10 West Lane & Orlando

01/17/10 Hwy 173 - 4 vehicle

02/02/10 Swanson Road 02/08/10 West Lane & N. Alpine Road

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost Garage FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost & Charlotte Alms

Firefi ghters fought hard to extinguish a garage fi re on Waidi Ave in blustery below-zero weather. The garage was a total loss, but the fi refi ghters were able to save the home. No one was injured and an iguana and hamster were saved. The fi re started in garbage cans outside the garage where fi replace ashes, that the resident thought were out, had been disposed of.

01/21/10 Hononegah Road & Edgemere Terr.

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

Dryer Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

A dryer fi re on Feb. 1 didn’t cause much fi re damage to an apartment on Morning Cloak, but it did send plenty of smoke throughout the home. A positive pressure fan was used to rid the home of smoke.

Firefi ghters head into the smoke-fi lled home and quickly extinguished the fi re on the dryer.

The dryer was brought outside and taken apart to reach any smoldering fi re.

Left, The exhaust duct on the dryer looked full of lint.A good reminder to all of us to check our exhaust duct work for build up of lint. Not only may a fi re start, but CO can back up into the home.

Chimney Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters responded to a home on Pinesap on Jan. 27 for a possible chimney fi re. The fi re was out when units arrived. Firefi ghters ladder the building and check the chimney stack on the roof down to the fi replace to make sure.

Firefi ghters check the chimney stack on the roof to check for fi re.

Training SnapshotsPhotos by Sheryl Drost

January 26 - Ice Rescue Training

February 2 - Rope Rescue Training

Head Dispatcher Guy ‘Snoopy’ Stirts recognized the hard work of his dispatchers.

Head mechanic DC Richard ‘Ike’ Schoonover recognized and thanked the other mechanics.

To end the night, Chief Shoevlin read a letter from Radi Huggard.

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

Annual Appreciation Award Dinner Photos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustees Jim Burdick, Jerry Ocker, and Bart Munger hosted the Annual Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustee’s Appreciation Award Night on January 26.

This year’s award dinner was held at the Forest Hill’s Lodge and the meal was catered by Loglis Catering. Both the location and the meal were enjoyed by all. Now for some highlights...

L-r, Trustees Jerry Ocker, Jim Burdick, and Bart Munger and Chief Don Shoevlin.

Trustee Jim Burdick swears in Kevin Brock Combs after he successfully completedhis 6-month probation as a new fi refi ghter. Pictured l-r, Lt. Jerry McCormick, Capt. Mike Drost, Chief Don Shoevlin, Brock, and Trustee Burdick.

L-r Trustee Ocker, Jeff, Trustees Burdick and Munger, and Chief Shoevlin.

A special presentation was given to Jeff Ball recognizing his 30 years of fi re service. Jeff also served 2 years as a cadet. Jeff served as a Lt. for 9 years, is an engineer, has taken several fi re related classes, and was part of the water fi ght team in the 80’s. He also received the VFW Firefi ghter of the Year Award and was a Firefi ghters Association trustee for two years.

L-r Trustee Ocker, John, Trustees Burdick and Munger, and Chief Shoevlin.

Another special presentation was given to Deputy Chief John Bergeron recognizing his 25 years of service in EMS. John is currently a Paramedic and is certifi ed in CPR, AED, PALS, ACLS, PHTLS, and PEEPPS. He has taken numerous classes in the medical fi eld as well. He also was head of the department’s EMS program for many years.

After all fi re personnel votes were counted, Firefi ghter Joe Quast was chosen to receive the 2009 Firefi ghters Choice for Good Service Award. Joe also received the award in 2006. Congratulations, Joe! Pictured l-r, Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell, Joe, Joe’s wife Jane, and Chief Shoevlin.

After all the offi cers votes were counted, Firefi ghter Steve Shoevlin was chosen to receive the 2009 Rookie of the Year Award. Congratulations Steve. Above, proud parents Tammy and Chief Don Shoevlin pose with Steve.

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

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

Station One RicoVanderHeyden

ChristianBush

Eric Wainright

Rico VanderHeyden

Randy Lovelace

Tom Lake

Station Two ZakPrielipp

Mike Sherbon

DougWolfe

ZakPrielipp

Mike Sherbon

Paul StanphillCapt. Jay Alms

Station Three Greg Wernick

Brandon Tietz

Steve Shoevlin

Jeff Morris

BrandonTietz

SteveShoevlin

Medical Service Pins. L-r, 25-year pin to DC John Bergeron, New EMT pin to Josh Hoffl and, New Paramedic pin to Zak Prielipp, New EMT pin to Randy Lovelace, Brandon Tietz, Scott Jensen, Steve Shoevlin, Adam Eich, and Adam Arnould (not pictured, Reety Radke), 10-year pin to Lt. Mike Powell and 5-year pin to Ryan Alms (not pictured, Rob Gonia and Mike Morrison).

Fire Service Pins: L-r, 15-year pin to Jerry McCormick, 5-year pin to Radi Huggard & Chris Kaiser (not pictured, Rob Gonia), 10-year pin to Bob Stark and Jeff Morris (not pictured, Harry Wagner), 15-year pin to Jim Daughenbaugh, 20-year pin to Mike Drost (not pictured- Tim Schrader).

Head Dispatcher Guy ‘Snoopy’ Stirts recognized the hard work of his dispatchers.

Head mechanic DC Richard ‘Ike’ Schoonover recognized and thanked the other mechanics.

To end the night, Chief Shoevlin read a letter from Radi Huggard.

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

Annual Appreciation Award Dinner Photos by Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustees Jim Burdick, Jerry Ocker, and Bart Munger hosted the Annual Harlem-Roscoe Fire Trustee’s Appreciation Award Night on January 26.

This year’s award dinner was held at the Forest Hill’s Lodge and the meal was catered by Loglis Catering. Both the location and the meal were enjoyed by all. Now for some highlights...

L-r, Trustees Jerry Ocker, Jim Burdick, and Bart Munger and Chief Don Shoevlin.

Trustee Jim Burdick swears in Kevin Brock Combs after he successfully completedhis 6-month probation as a new fi refi ghter. Pictured l-r, Lt. Jerry McCormick, Capt. Mike Drost, Chief Don Shoevlin, Brock, and Trustee Burdick.

L-r Trustee Ocker, Jeff, Trustees Burdick and Munger, and Chief Shoevlin.

A special presentation was given to Jeff Ball recognizing his 30 years of fi re service. Jeff also served 2 years as a cadet. Jeff served as a Lt. for 9 years, is an engineer, has taken several fi re related classes, and was part of the water fi ght team in the 80’s. He also received the VFW Firefi ghter of the Year Award and was a Firefi ghters Association trustee for two years.

L-r Trustee Ocker, John, Trustees Burdick and Munger, and Chief Shoevlin.

Another special presentation was given to Deputy Chief John Bergeron recognizing his 25 years of service in EMS. John is currently a Paramedic and is certifi ed in CPR, AED, PALS, ACLS, PHTLS, and PEEPPS. He has taken numerous classes in the medical fi eld as well. He also was head of the department’s EMS program for many years.

After all fi re personnel votes were counted, Firefi ghter Joe Quast was chosen to receive the 2009 Firefi ghters Choice for Good Service Award. Joe also received the award in 2006. Congratulations, Joe! Pictured l-r, Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell, Joe, Joe’s wife Jane, and Chief Shoevlin.

After all the offi cers votes were counted, Firefi ghter Steve Shoevlin was chosen to receive the 2009 Rookie of the Year Award. Congratulations Steve. Above, proud parents Tammy and Chief Don Shoevlin pose with Steve.

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

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

Station One RicoVanderHeyden

ChristianBush

Eric Wainright

Rico VanderHeyden

Randy Lovelace

Tom Lake

Station Two ZakPrielipp

Mike Sherbon

DougWolfe

ZakPrielipp

Mike Sherbon

Paul StanphillCapt. Jay Alms

Station Three Greg Wernick

Brandon Tietz

Steve Shoevlin

Jeff Morris

BrandonTietz

SteveShoevlin

Medical Service Pins. L-r, 25-year pin to DC John Bergeron, New EMT pin to Josh Hoffl and, New Paramedic pin to Zak Prielipp, New EMT pin to Randy Lovelace, Brandon Tietz, Scott Jensen, Steve Shoevlin, Adam Eich, and Adam Arnould (not pictured, Reety Radke), 10-year pin to Lt. Mike Powell and 5-year pin to Ryan Alms (not pictured, Rob Gonia and Mike Morrison).

Fire Service Pins: L-r, 15-year pin to Jerry McCormick, 5-year pin to Radi Huggard & Chris Kaiser (not pictured, Rob Gonia), 10-year pin to Bob Stark and Jeff Morris (not pictured, Harry Wagner), 15-year pin to Jim Daughenbaugh, 20-year pin to Mike Drost (not pictured- Tim Schrader).

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

Dryer Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

A dryer fi re on Feb. 1 didn’t cause much fi re damage to an apartment on Morning Cloak, but it did send plenty of smoke throughout the home. A positive pressure fan was used to rid the home of smoke.

Firefi ghters head into the smoke-fi lled home and quickly extinguished the fi re on the dryer.

The dryer was brought outside and taken apart to reach any smoldering fi re.

Left, The exhaust duct on the dryer looked full of lint.A good reminder to all of us to check our exhaust duct work for build up of lint. Not only may a fi re start, but CO can back up into the home.

Chimney Fire Photos by Sheryl Drost

Firefi ghters responded to a home on Pinesap on Jan. 27 for a possible chimney fi re. The fi re was out when units arrived. Firefi ghters ladder the building and check the chimney stack on the roof down to the fi replace to make sure.

Firefi ghters check the chimney stack on the roof to check for fi re.

Training SnapshotsPhotos by Sheryl Drost

January 26 - Ice Rescue Training

February 2 - Rope Rescue Training

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

01/08/10 Hwy. 251 02/09/10 Belvidere Road

01/17/10 Hwy 173 and I-90 entrance 01/18/10 West Lane & Orlando

01/17/10 Hwy 173 - 4 vehicle

02/02/10 Swanson Road 02/08/10 West Lane & N. Alpine Road

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost Garage FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost & Charlotte Alms

Firefi ghters fought hard to extinguish a garage fi re on Waidi Ave in blustery below-zero weather. The garage was a total loss, but the fi refi ghters were able to save the home. No one was injured and an iguana and hamster were saved. The fi re started in garbage cans outside the garage where fi replace ashes, that the resident thought were out, had been disposed of.

01/21/10 Hononegah Road & Edgemere Terr.

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

Husky Dog Rescued from Icy RiverStory & Photo by Sheryl Drost

A large white Husky named Shylo has tugged at the heart strings of every animal lover after he survived a fall into the icy currents of the Rock River on Jan. 13.

It all started when a resident on Harbor Oaks Drive heard a dog howling behind her home. She found a large white dog had fallen into the river and was now fi ghting the current and ice chunks to get back to the shore.

She quickly called for help and two Winnebago Co. Animal Control Services Offi cers and a Winnebago Sheriff’s Offi cer were dispatched to the scene. The homeowner and the offi cers attempted to reach the dog by placing two ladders out onto the ice, but realized they were not safe and called the fi re department.

Winnebago County Animal Control Services Sgt. Jimmy Lawson was able to throw a rope to the dog and Shylo clenched on to it immediately. Sgt. Lawson then pulled him to the ice shelf about 10 to 12 feet from shore, but Shylo was too tired to get his feet up on the ice. Sgt. Lawson was then able to get the rope around his neck and hold him out of the water against the ledge.

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters arrived with their ice rescue equipment and knowledge and quickly went to work. Firefi ghter Christi Wilson, who is certifi ed as a ice rescue technician and trainer, donned a Mustang Cold Water Rescue Suit and was attached to a safety rope. Shore operations involved fi refi ghters manning the other end of the safety rope.

Christi belly crawled, in order to distribute her weight, out to the freezing Husky. “I kept telling him I gotcha, I gotcha puppy as he stared at me with those huge scared eyes.” Recalls Christi. Then as Christi grabbed his collar with one hand and reached under water to hang on to his body, she gave the order for the shore operations to pull, and both rescuer and dog were pulled quickly to shore.

Animal Control Offi cers and Harlem-Roscoe Paramedic John Morgan dried him quickly before wrapping him in a blanket. Incident Command DC Chief John Bergeron says, “Shylo defi nitely had the will to live and was still clenching the rescue rope when he was safely on shore.” Animal Control Offi cers then transported the rescued dog to the a local immediate care veterinarian clinic where Shylo’s owner, Peggy Yarber, was reunited with her beloved pet. Peggy says that Shylo has recovered from his ordeal and is doing very well.

Left, Shylo was fi ghting the current as the offi cer was trying get a rope out to him. Right, Shylo must have known that the rope was his only hope as he bites it allowing the offi cer to eventually get it around his neck.

Firefi ghter Christi Wilson crawls on the ice and was able to rescue Shylo.

Paramedic John Morgan carries Shylo to safe ground where they used blankets to dry and warm him up before transporting him to a local veterinarian.

And yes, this rescue has a happy ending. A week later Shylo came to the fi re station to thank his rescuers. Peggy says he continues to show no ill effects from his ordeal. L-r, DC John Bergeron, John Morgan, Shylo, Peggy Yarber and Christi Wilson.

00

EMS Corner By Randy Lovelace EMT-B

Why Be an EMT?A surprising number of people are volunteers within our community. Those that I know best are with the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department, and the one with which I am most often in touch is me. Because of that close relationship I have with myself, I decided to investigate my reasons for being an EMT-Basic with our fi re department. After an interview made diffi cult because I don’t open up very much during questioning, I was able to narrow down my reasons for being an EMT to a small list.

First, I love a challenge, and there’s not much more challenging than learning skills from books and classroom lectures, and then practicing those skills on living souls.

Second, I’ve learned that I truly enjoy being able to help out where our department has the greatest need. Our district is close to 2500 calls per year and a good 80% of those calls are medical calls. Those numbers are a strong indication of need, and helping to fi ll that need gives me a sense of value within our community.

Finally, an individual medical call is a process generally managed by a very small group of people. With a small group, the process becomes personal. We, the EMTs, get to know you, the patient, quite well. We learn about your condition and your medical history. We learn about your recent history with your physicians and your frustrations as your medications or dosages are changed to suit you and your physiology.

My position as an EMT-B needs a little description to help you recognize me in the ambulance. If you see someone trying to stick you with a needle, and smiling as they do – that’s not me, that’s your medic. If you see someone with a calculator, mumbling things like milliliter, kilogram, bolus, drops per minute, measuring the diameter of the IV line - that’s not me, that’s your young medic. On the other hand, if we’re headed to the hospital and you don’t have an IV in your arm or a heart monitor attached to your torso, then we’re most likely treating this as a basic call, you’ve got me, an EMT-Basic, with you in the ambulance.

On a basic call, something special happens. For me, that something can be exciting and magical, or it can be heart-wrenching. During a basic call, you’re generally not unconscious. You’re in pain, sometimes acute and sometimes chronic. Sometimes the pain is physical, and sometimes it’s a pain that rests deep within your being. Or maybe you’re not feeling well, and don’t remember the last time you did feel like yourself. But, you know, and I understand, that you need to get to the hospital for treatment and care that we cannot provide.

During that call, I’ll monitor your condition, and try to learn everything I can to be able to prepare the hospital for your arrival. I don’t just report your condition, or the specifi c reason for this single ambulance ride to the ER nurses. I describe you, and help the hospital staff to understand all about you, your needs and your fears. I become an advocate for you and your health.

In the back of the ambulance, you will see me taking your vitals and writing things on paper. You’ll hear dozens of questions from

me. Those questions are to help me understand how your status may be changing. And, those questions are to help you focus on something besides the pain you feel, to take your mind off the emergency and give you a chance to become a bit calmer.

The magic I mentioned happens as you begin to answer those questions; you relax, you open up, and you introduce yourself to me. I’ve had calls where I’ve learned about a man in his nineties, the wife he lost 30 years ago to illness, the dreams he’s gone after during his life, and the dreams he never chased. I’ve learned about the fears of a woman that moved to the area to fi nd a better life, and knowing no one within hundreds of miles, succumbed to a medical crisis. Her fear was not her current medical condition; it was being alone during this time. I’ve met people that described the back of the ambulance as a sanctuary, protecting them as they got to a place that could keep them safe and comfortable. I’ve had injured babies held by fretting grandmothers, terrifi ed that maybe the care they provided before our arrival wasn’t good for the baby. And I’ve seen the relief on their faces when I told them they did just fi ne, they made good decisions and the baby is better off for what grandma did for them.

During these sorts of calls, I don’t just treat you, I get to meet you. I get to help when you need my assistance, and I get to learn more about you, all of you that make up our community. On a daily basis, I feel useful and important, I feel like I make a difference. I feel this because I’m an EMT with Harlem-Roscoe, and I cannot possibly imagine anything else that could be so right to do, anything else that could feel so good. And, in the end, isn’t that why we do anything? Because its right, and it makes us feel wonderful.

We would like to commend the following fi re personnel this month for. . .

The commitment, professionalism, and teamwork of Paramedics Mike Morrison, John Morgan, and Zak Prielipp for their efforts in reviving a pulseless, non-breathing patient.

Colleen Bloyer for all her extra behind the scenes work in setting up the Appreciation Dinner.

The dispatch team that stepped up to cover shifts while one of their own recovered from a medical issue.

Capt. Bill Sabin for fl ying back from his winter home in Florida to attend a one day Fire Inspection Class.

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In the Spotlight “We are who we are because of you!”

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

We are well on our way to the beginning of another successful year. On Tuesday we began a recruit class. These individuals will go through approximately 100 hours of training, which they must successfully complete before they begin to respond to any incidents.

An update on our new ambulance - they are telling us we should receive it sometime in April.

On March 13 and 14 we will be participating in the RoRo Expo held at Hononegah High School. We will be participating in a chili cook off on Saturday against Rockton. Stop by and give us your vote. All proceeds from this event will go to the Goldie Floberg Center for children. Please stop by our booth to see us and enjoy some award winning (we hope) chili.

We will be holding our annual Spring Dinner on April 10 this year. Watch your mail for further information. Dinner will be served from 5:00 – 8:00 with take out and local delivery available as well. I hope you are able to attend.

As we begin another new year we took time last month to celebrate accomplishments achieved last year. Thank you to the trustees for their continuous support and another great appreciation dinner. It was well attended and everyone had a great time. Colleen did a wonderful job coordinating everything. Congratulations to all the recipients of awards. (Pictures shown on pages 6&7) All of you have dedicated and committed your time to make us who we are. That commitment extends itself. That commitment extends to your families as well. Thank you to all.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; They just have the heart.”

Please check out our website at www.harlemroscefi re.com to keep up with the progress of the department and individuals. As always don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

Mark you Calendars...

spring dinnerApril 10, 2010

5-8p.mOn April 4, the department will be celebrating it’s 70th birthday. Although we will be celebrating all year-long, our main celebration will be at our Spring Dinner. We are still in the planning stages for the dinner. There will be more information for you in our spring mailing, in next month’s newsletter, and on our website.

Vehicle FirePhotos by Charlotte Alms

On January 22, a vehicle used to deliver pizzas was completely destroyed by fi re near Falcon Crest Dr. and American Dr. I think all of us have burnt a pizza at least once, but does this take it to a new level? Luckily the driver had no pizzas inside at the time. It seems the car had been leaking oil before the fi re.

Firefi ghters begin their attack - it was fully involved with fi re.

The vehicle was used to deliver pizzas - luckily the driver was not delivering.

Firefi ghters work to open the hood of the vehicle to get to all the fi re.

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

Birthdays

February10th Robert Gonia Neil Roe - ‘30th”12th Ken O’Dell15th Scott Jensen16th Nick Mladenoff ‘21st’23rd Brian Szilagyi

March4th John Donovan6th Christi Wilson ‘40th’ Steve Shoevlin7th Bryson Knox16th Aaron Miller Adam Cox ‘21st’21st Mike Morrison22nd Jay Alms 23rd Radi Huggard29th Sheryl Drost

March Breakfast List

Mike Drost HRFD Auxiliary Members

Total Calls for 2010

182

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s web site after the second Sunday each month.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to: sdrost@harlemroscoefi re.com

John predicts...

36 Snowfalls

16 left as of February 10

All the ice and snow we received this month sure made for some pretty pictures! Photo by Sheryl Drost

Station UpdatesBy Asst. Chief Ken O’Dell

Just a reminder that on Feb. 24, from 1020 hours until 1630 hours we are looking for fi refi ghters to drive vehicles for the M.D.A Lockup at the Firehouse Pub. If you can donate some time it would be appreciated. Stop by and have some fun.

Feb. 10 - Neil Roe ‘30th’

Feb. 16 -Nick Mladenoff ‘21st’

March 6 - Christi Wilson ‘40th’

Scouts Tour Fire Station

Firefi ghters Nick Mladenoff (on hose line) and Eric Wainright have some fun spraying the fi re hose with the scouts during their tour of Station #1 on Feb. 13.

Happy Birthday!

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip

Dispatcher Bill Hyde has recovered and is back at the microphone. Glad to hear you back, Bill.Jordan Stark went under the knife this month. It seems Little Stark broke his arm in a snow boarding accident. We wish you a speedy recovery Jordan.A new item in this newsletter is our ‘In the Spotlight Feature”. Be sure to check it out. Our offi cers will be keeping their eyes open.I guess there is another Station Two fi refi ghter to respond to the fi re station wearing shorts, except this person was wearing his boxer shorts!Baby count is up to six, three are due in the next six weeks! Hey Greg, I hear Randy has a very cool plane that can be fueled mid air! Rumor has it Steve Shoevlin had the women’s rest room so fi lled with soap suds that his new nickname is Suds!Hey Barth, It’s easier to wash the other side of the truck door window by opening the door isn’t it?Brainstorming - I hear if you don’t show, you don’t get to know. Still looking for old pictures of the fi re department. Drop by Station One @10544 Main St. in Roscoe or call 815-623-7867 and we will be happy to pick them up. We will scan them and return them promptly.Repeating what Chief Shoevlin said in his article, “On March 13 and 14 we will be participating in the RoRo Expo held at Hononegah High School. We will be participating in a chili cook off on Saturday against Rockton. Stop by and give us your vote. All proceeds from this event will go to Goldie Floberg Center for children. Please stop by our booth to see us and enjoy some award winning (we hope) chili.”

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How many fi refi ghters does it take....?

PostageHarlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

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

February 2010 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Charlotte Alms

I think 70Joe just became Lightning Joe!