THE FIREHOUSE SCENE · The Firehouse Scene – October 2006 2 Garage Fire Story & photos by Sheryl...

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Vol. 11 No 10 www.harlemroscoefire.com October 2006

Firefighters Ron Swain, Brad Delmore, and Doug Wolfe are on the first hose line into the fire.

Garage Fire

September 29, 2006, a resident on Ventura Blvd. in Machesney Park, spotted their neighbor’s garage on fire and called 9-1-1. The garage was fully involved with fire when Harlem-Roscoe Fire units arrived.

See page 2 for more . . .

INSIDE:

• Garage Fire …...…………….….…... p. 2 • Extrication Team at Internationals.. p. 3 • Accidents ………….…………….…...p. 5 • Chaplains Corner ……… ……….….p. 7 • Training ……………………………. p. 8 • Station Gossip …..………………..…p. 12

Photo by Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene – October 2006

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Garage Fire Story & photos by Sheryl Drost

September 29, 2006, firefighters arrived on Ventura Blvd. to find a garage fully involved with fire. A neighbor had noticed the fire and called 9-1-1. With no hydrants in the area, the super tanker was used to shuttle water. The fire was extinguished and there was a lot of overhaul. Sheets of metal that once were the ceiling and walls were pulled from the burned pile. Investigators are undetermined at this time on the cause of the fire. The garage and its contents including a van were totally destroyed.

Ron Swain, Brad Delmore, and Doug Wolfe attack the fire.

Chief Oscar Presley directs Ron Swain, Brad Delmore, and Doug Wolfe as they work to extinguish the fire.

More firefighters arrive on the scene to help with overhaul.

Firefighters finish hitting hot spots in the burned out garage.

Mike Powell kept water flowing to the firefighters from the first in truck - 702

Paramedic Keith Lincoln checks Brad Delmore’s blood pressure in rehab.

Don Fish brings out another sheet of metal from fire.

Brad Delmore and Ron Swain work on a stubborn hot spot.


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Extrication Team Competes Internationally By Team Leader Mike Huffman

L-r, Lt. Aaron Miller, Ryan Alms, Radi Huggard, Mike Huffman, Clint Evans, & Lt. Chad Radke.

HRFD’s Extrication Team competed in the 22nd International Extrication Challenge in Burlington Canada on Sept. 18-24. The host department did a great job hosting 30 teams - 10 from United States, 18 from Canada, one from Great Britain, and one from Sweden. We went to Canada with two newer personal and did a great job. The fire personal that competed besides myself were Lt. Chad Radke, Lt. Aaron Miller, Clint Evans, Ryan Alms, and Radi Huggard. We took 5th Place in the Limited Pit and 16th Place Overall!

On Wednesday, we competed in the rapid pit and we did an OK job. On Thursday, we set the tone for all teams - we did an awesome job in the Limited Pit! After we competed the team took a trip to Niagara Falls. It was awesome, very impressive!! On Friday, we competed in the Unlimited Pit and did a good job, just a few mental and minor mistakes. All in all, it was a great trip and learning symposium. A side note – Chevy donated 46 2007 vehicles to the Challenge.

The team trains all year to reach the nationals and internationals and teaching and learning is our priority. We thank all the people, the Association, the Chief, and the Trustee's for supporting us. A lot of the teams talk about Harlem-Roscoe’s team and that is always great to hear. We will continue to teach and learn new techniques and bring them back to the department.

Front row – Clint Evans and Ryan Alms. Back row – Mike Huffman, Lt. Aaron Miller, Lt. Chad Radke, and Radi Huggard.

Competition Snapshots


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Woman Hurt in Fall Story and Photo by Sheryl Drost

September 30, a woman fell down her stairs and was injured. The Lifeline Medical Helicopter was called, but the closest place to land it was a fenced field across the street. The victim was transported to the fence by ambulance then lifted over the fence by firefighters. She was then carried to the helicopter.

Firefighters on both sides of the fence carefully lift the victim over the fence.

She was then carried to the waiting Lifeline Helicopter.

EMS Report By Captain John Bergeron

As discussed in the August EMS meeting, it will be the responsibility of our EMS personnel to check the equipment on the back up ambulance at Station #1. Please check the schedule below to see when you are responsible to do the inspection. The inspections are due by the 15th of the month.

The check sheet is located in the binder on the ambulance. Any questions, please feel free to contact myself.

October 2006 & February 2007 - Tom Aaker, Amber Aaker, Ramona Baldoni-Lake, John Bergeron. November 2006 & March 2007 – Jeff Brandenburg, Dave Doyle, Don Fish, Rob Gonia. December 2006 & April 2007 – Chris Kaiser, Ron Klaman, Mike Morrison, Chad Radke. January 2007 & May 2007 – Tom Ricotta, Eve Salstrom, Mark Soppe, & Dan Zintak.

From the Chief’s Desk By Chief Oscar Presley

We have a very busy time ahead of us from now until the New Year. It will require all of us to commit time and effort to make our department look good and completing the tasks ahead of us. Just some of things that come to mind are: Open House, Fire Prevention Week activities, ISO visit, memorial services, safety meetings with all

schools, senior turkey dinner, needy family drive, and several parties. Yes, we still have emergency calls to respond to and training classes that are ongoing. Is it as busy as you thought it would be when you agreed to join up? But it’s a lot of fun; it will keep us young and useful in years to come. Oscar

Congratulations to Matt and Erin Lane on the birth of their first child, a son, on September 29, 2006. Brayden Mathew Lane measured in at 7lbs. 5oz. and 20” long. Matt says delivery was a little long but mom and baby are doing great. Matt says he is totally enjoying

his week off getting to know his son. He says she feeds and he changes! Matt and Erin, congratulations again, he is adorable!


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Accidents Photos by Chief Oscar Presley and Sheryl Drost

09/14/06 Ralston Road & Old Ralston Road 09/29/06 Love Road & McCurry Road

09/16/06 10400 N. Second Street 10/01/06 Rockton Road & Metric Drive

09/25/06 Rockton Road – Double Fatal

09/30/06 Prairie Hill Road & Willowbrook Road


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Gone, But not forgotten

Some people come into our lives, and quickly go. Some stay awhile and leave footprints in our hearts.

And, we are never, ever the same.

• Richard Munger, father to Trustee Bart Munger passed away on September 12, 2006

Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Bart and his family. Children’s Miracle Network

September 15, Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell, and the Fire Prevention Team - Captain Bill Sabin, Lt. Virgil Johnson, Jerry Lindsay, and Sparky went up to Loves Gas Station on Rockton Road. They spent the afternoon collecting money for the Children’s Miracle Network to help the station reach their goal. Sparky roamed the pump area greeting and chatting with the patrons and collecting donations. The customers loved it!

Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) was established nationally in 1983 to help children by actively supporting improved health care for millions of young people around the world. CMN’s mission is to generate funds and awareness programs for the benefit of children served by its associated hospitals, now numbering more than 170 nationwide.

Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell controlled Sparky through the window of the stations lobby. He said it was a lot of fun when the people had conversations with Sparky.

A customer at the pumps donates money to Sparky.

Fall Festival

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Association again participated in the Roscoe Lions Fall Festival. This year it ran from September 8-10. Friday night and Saturday the weather was great, but Sunday was a washout when it rained all day. A big thank you to Walmart for their generous donation of the barbecue and patio set as well as the snow blower! The winners of this year’s raffle were: 1st Place – Barbecue and patio package, went to Chris Hodges.

Firefighter Keith Sandberg sells raffles tickets at the tent during the festival.

Festival goers enjoyed stopping for a Taco in the Bag at our tent also. Texas Holdem Fundraiser

The Extrication Team hosted another Texas Holden Fundraiser to raise funds for their upcoming extrication challenges. This one was at the VFW on September 9, and they would like to thank all that helped and participated.

Birthdays

October

7th Richard Schoonover 8th Ryan Goode 10th Brad Delmore 12th April Cooper 15th Ryan Alms 17th Dave Doyle 24th Keith Sandberg 26th Tom Aaker 31st Bob Stark November

1st Jerry McCormick Don Shoevlin 3rd Joe Quast Bill Scheider 8th Harry Wagner 11th Kelly Green 12th Cathy Drye 16th Jim Daughenbaugh ‘30th’ November Breakfast

Ron Klaman, Mark Soppe, Jordan Stark, Paul Stanphill, Ron Swain,

Bob Stark, Troy Vail.

Total Calls

September 2006

Medicals - 104 867 Accidents - 15 140 Fires - 10 136 Misc. - 18 198 Total Calls 147 1341

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District.

Editor-in-Chief – Chief Oscar Presley Editor, Producer, Writer, & Photographer - Sheryl Drost Thank you to our contributing writers: Asst. Chief Ken O’Dell, Captain John Bergeron, Lt. Tom Aaker, Mike Huffman, and Chaplain Powell, Printer – Premier Printing The newsletter is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the depts. site, www.harlemroscoefire.com after the second Sunday of each month.


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Chaplains Corner By Chaplain John Powell If you have spent any time at the fire station over the past 15 years, there has been a familiar face, with a familiar smile. It belongs to Chaplain Jim Cole. On September 30, he retired from the fire department. He now becomes the envy of all us “working stiffs.” Ahead of him are long days that start with breakfast at 6 am, then a nap. Lunch at 12 pm, then a nap. Then there’s happy hour at 5 pm. But in all seriousness, Reverend Cole, as he is known around the area, has been an essential part of this fire department and others for 38 years. “38 Years” Wow, what a testament. Now days it’s hard to get anyone to stick with something three years, let alone 38.

So now we come to the issue of who will take up the mantle of Reverend Cole? Several months ago, Reverend Cole and I had a meeting. He informed me of his intentions to retire. At that time he asked me if I would be interested in taking over as Chief Chaplain. I told him that I would count it a privilege to. Thus plans began to bring that about. On Thursday, September 28th, Reverend Cole, myself, and the other chaplains for the fire department met at station One. At that time, there was a changing of the guard. Reverend Cole officially handed the reigns over to me. This occasion was earmarked by the ceremonial hand shake (pictured below), giving of necessary equipment and items, and of course cake and coffee.

As was published last month, Reverend Cole is not completely gone; he will still be around for special occasions. He still has a desire to be used of God in any capacity within his abilities. So look for him as you are out and about. As you see him, give him a very heartfelt thank you.

So what now? Well, the very special and vital duty to lead the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department’s Chaplaincy has been entrusted to me. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for the Chaplain’s department. What new and exciting things will take place, I don’t know. One thing that I look forward to is the opportunity to offer back to the department, the training that has been given to me. As Reverend Cole stated in last month’s newsletter, times have definitely changed. Thus Chaplaincy has changed and will continue to change. My desire is that we as your Chaplains will always be equipped to help and serve you, our department. Feel free to contact me at any time. Preacher

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Equipment Update by Lt. Tom Aaker We have been ordering a lot for our department over the past few months for our divisions. These items are great in helping us do our job when assisting the needs of the public. These tools are also keeping us safe in adverse conditions and when time matters. We need to remember a few things about this equipment as members of the department.

These tools are expensive

A pair of gloves could average between $20 and $60. A Heat Gun can run around $100. Some personnel equipment ranges in the thousands. This equipment needs to be maintained like it’s your own because, as a member and taxpayer, you do own it. There are quick things you can do on a daily basis to help keep the gear maintained and in order: • Clean face masks after every use with soap and water in the

cascade room. Do not just use the quick wipes every time you go on a call. Submergence helps to get all the bacteria out and keep things from growing in that mask for some one else.

• Wash off dirty gear with the sprayer at the station or the hose on the scene this will protect you from getting damaged gear and keep it in good condition for a long time. Dirty gear is not cool.

• Wash off tools and nozzles after every use. This keeps the oils and soot from harming the tool and makes our trucks look good to civilians and other departments.

• “If it doesn’t have a place on the truck, it’s probably not yours.” A better analogy might be, “If you bring it into the building then take it back out.” If someone wants to use it, let’s share our tools, but then let’s get them back. If they forgot where they put it, then ask them to find it. If they lost it, let your truck assigned officer know so they can get others to start looking for it.

• If the truck is dirty, wash it. I care more about the tools, but if some of us took as much care of our fire apparatus as we do our own vehicles, they would be immaculate. Try to let some of that personal care rub off on our apparatus. If an officer says don’t worry about it, call them on it.

• If it’s broke, fix it. If you can’t fix it, tell someone else about it. We had a clip of information on gear maintenance last month and to let your equipment people know about damaged and gear in need of repair. I personally haven’t had anyone come and ask for repairs since that issue was distributed and I have seen some issues on recent calls.

This equipment is paid for and replaced by our community and ourselves, through our tax dollars. Keep it like we own it. This will help us keep our costs down to buy other equipment. This will also help us to have tools in A+ shape when we need them the most. We have a great group, and as a group we can come together to get this job accomplished everyday.

Stay safe, Lt. Aaker


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Water Rescue Training By Jim Johnson

L-r, Jim Johnson, Captain Mike Drost, Neil Roe, and Don Fish.

South Beloit Fire hosted a Basic River and Open Water Rescue Boat Ops Class September 16 & 17. The twenty firefighters that participated in the class were from seven local fire departments – four of them from Harlem-Roscoe. Class instructors were Mark Hoskin and Marc Ross from Michigan Rescue Concepts.

Firefighters were taught the basic skills in surface water rescue and boat operations associated with swift water rescue. The training was divided between classroom and hands-on training. Classroom topic included rescuer safety and self-rescue, basic river knowledge, reading river currents, rescue throw bag techniques incident pre-planning, characteristics of drowning, and boat and trailer overview. Also included was boating safety and regulations along with the proper care of boat and trailer. Other classroom topics covered victim, retrieval using shore based and boat based techniques along with the care of the injured victim in the water.

Practical training in the field included self-rescue swimming techniques, throw bag practices, rope rigging, and deploying a tag line (to be used in rescue). Setting up and using a catch line was also covered which included the setting up and use of a two and four point boat assist rescue-rigging system. Both of the systems require stretching a rescue rope across the river. Additional water rescue training included in basic boat handling maneuvers. Boat based victim retrieval, care and retrieval of the trauma victim in the water, along with the spinal immobilization.

Students were required to wear exposure suits and water rescue helmets, gloves, and boots needed for water rescue during the water rescue hands on field training. The wearing of the equipment along with the hands on training made for a long but well spent weekend.

Twenty-two students and the two instructors pose for a group shot.

Water Rescue Class Snapshots


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Training Drill Night

A lot of training has been occurring at a house on Hononegah Road. Both day and night trainings have included ventilation, search and rescue, and SCBA training.

A firefighter uses an axe to practice ventilating the roof.

Chicago’s 9-1-1 Remembrance Ceremony

Four Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters traveled to Chicago to participate in Chicago Fire’s 911 Memorial Service. They said it was very moving and really glad they made the trip.

Tom Lake, Mike Huffman, Ramona Baldoni-Lake, and Lt. Chad Radke pose with Chicago Mayor Daley after attending Chicago’s Ceremony remembering and honoring those that lost their lives on 911.

Above is a memorial statue that was used in the ceremony.

Station Updates By Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell

This year’s Stateline Memorial will be held in Beloit on October 21, 2006. We would like as many firefighters to participate as possible. It starts at 0800 hours with breakfast at the Salvation Army. The ceremony will be at the Peoples Church on West Grand with speaker John Collins from Texas. We will meet at

Station One at 0730 hours in full dress blues – including white gloves.

Our Fire Prevention Division has many tours and fire drills set up for Fire Prevention Week beginning October 10. If you are available, we could use your help! Please let Fire Prevention Captain Bill Sabin know if you can help. As we get closer to Fire Prevention Week we will post a list of any known tours at Station One and the dates and times of the visits to the schools.

On September 11, 2006, Chaplain Cole, Captain Bill Sabin, Lt. Aaron Miller and myself attended Belvidere Fire’s 911 Memorial Service. There were six fire and police departments represented. During the ceremony both Cherry Valley and Belvidere Fire raised the ladders on their aerial trucks. At 8:46am, Cherry Valley Fire lowered their ladder signifying when the North Tower was hit. At 9:03am Belvidere Fire lowered their ladder signifying the time the South Tower was hit. This was a very moving ceremony. Thank you to those that attended.

Belvidere Fire Hosts 911 Ceremony

Chaplain Cole, Lt. Aaron Miller, Captain Bill Sabin, and Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell represented Harlem-Roscoe Fire at the Belvidere ceremony.

Assistant Chief Ken O’Dell lined up with the other Fire Chiefs up front.

Aaron, Bill, and Jim lined up with the other firefighters.


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Fire Prevention Division Keeping Busy

Emergency responders all know the big benefit of having a Knox Box installed at a business. That is so emergency personnel can make quick entrance into a locked business in an emergency; thus helping to save life and property. We found how good these boxes

are this month. Fire Prevention Lt. Virgil Johnson was doing a normal inspection of a local business. He went to check that the Knox Box was working and to make sure proper keys were inside etc. Well, he couldn’t get it open and called the Chief to try another key. Well that didn’t work either as they noticed someone had tried unsuccessfully to break into the box. A locksmith was called and after he was able to open the box, they found that the person had also tried to use a heat source to open the box to no avail. It seems a piece of paper in the box was found scorched. Chief says the box held up well and even protected a possible break-in to the business. With all the new construction in the area, the Fire Prevention Team has also been keeping busy with inspections, sprinkler system testing, etc. Recently the team and several firefighters visited two big construction sites in the district – the NorthPointe Medical Center and the new Wal-mart construction site.

The Fire Prevention Team tour the Northpointe construction.

Next it was a tour of the new Wal-Mart site. Fire Prevention Captain Bill Sabin points out some items of interest to Captain Don Shoevlin, Deputy Chief Kirk Wilson , and Deputy Chief John Presley.

Department Family Picnic

The department picnic was September 10 and was well attended. After everyone finished stuffing themselves with all the good food, it was time for fun and games for all.

What a gorgeous group of fire kids!

In this game, the adults guided the blindfolded kids in a game of dodge ball.

There were two lines of hand-holding kids and adult. A hula-hoop was started at each end of both lines. It was a fun game and hysterical how they got the two hoops to the other end without releasing hands!

The little ones played hot potato with a fake fire ball and won cool prizes


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Station Gossip • The Chief says Great Job to the Extrication Team! 16th

Place Overall is really great, but the 5th Place in the Limited is superb. This was the International Competition. The best of the best in the world!

• Dispatcher Bill Hyde could be in the commercial for Walt Disney World. You know the one where the parents go with no kids and the kids wonder how they could be having any fun. Then it pans to showing the parents having a blast. Bill said he and his wife did just that – they went with out any kids or grandkids and had the best time!

• Extrication team made it to Canada without too much delay, but I guess they forgot a couple things. It seems Ryan left his camera in the Suburban and Huffman forgot his sandals. Good ole dad Jay came to the rescue though, and sent the items out overnight mail.

• Don’t mess with Gina and her Swedish Fish • Hey Captain Bill, I hear you hauled a group up to the

new Wal-Mart construction site to watch dripping pipes and air escaping from who knows where! All kidding aside, these inspections are all important to keep construction in the area safe for all.

• Jay says he gave Vern an ‘8’ for his dismount tumble off 705 the other night. Vern said not to worry; he does it all the time. I don’t know Vern, you trying out for the new super hero show? You can tumble off fire trucks, lift heavy burning items, and chance picking up wires that may be live?

• The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: "Take only ONE. God is watching." Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples.

Western Caribbean/Panama Cruise Fundraiser

Sunday February 4 to

Sunday, February 11, 2007 Contact: Veronika @ EZ Travel

815-877-8080

The brochure for this 8-day Carnival Cruise starting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida reads, “The three-

country adventure begins in Colon, where you can fish, golf, shop and even take a boat trip through the Panama Canal, an architectural marvel you will never forget. Another beautiful country awaits you in Limon, where a choice of excursions along scenic drives leads you to the unspoiled beaches and lively cities of warm, welcoming Costa Rica. Your third destination is breathtakingly beautiful. Belize, famed for its lush scenery, gorgeous beaches and wildlife sanctuaries. On this cruise, you’ll enjoy one fun adventure after another.”

1st Annual H-R Firefighters Pumpkin Contest

They have been teasing each other for two months, but Colleen officially put it to rest by awarding Paramedic John Morgan the winner of the first annual HRFD Pumpkin Contest. There were three entries this year and John’s 77 lb. pumpkin won the largest pumpkin. Captain Mike Drost won the most original with his

talking pumpkin and Paramedic Bill Schieder won the best looking pumpkin. There were several others in this year’s contest, but they all had crop failure. There’s always next year.

Left to right, Captain Mike Drost with his 31.5 lb pumpkin, Paramedic John Morgan with his winning 77lb pumpkin, and Paramedic Bill Schieder with his 24lb pumpkin. Deer Antler Contest

Paramedic Bill Schieder is accepting names of any firefighter that wants to be in on the biggest antler contest. To win you have to have shot the deer with a gun or bow- it can’t be road kill. Below, Bill can’t use the this 14-point antler he took off a road kill deer. Also, any firefighter that gets a deer this season, get Sheryl a picture to put in the newsletter.


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Newly remodeled Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station #3

OOPPEENN HHOOUUSSEE

• Sunday October 15, 2006

• 13974 Willowbrook Road, Roscoe IL (1/2 mile north of Rockton Rd.)

• Time: Noon to 4PM – Ribbon Cutting at 12:30 PM Harlem-Roscoe Fire invites one and all to visit their newly remodeled Station #3 during their Open House. Come tour our newly remodeled station and see our “state-of-art” training facility. There will also be demonstrations at the burn tower, car fire simulator, and the unique quad fire simulator.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire will also be celebrating Fire Prevention Week during the Open House. Come visit with Sparky and the firefighters and have some food and fun, there will be plenty to do. Lifeline Medical Helicopter will be there at one. You can watch a live curtain fire be extinguished by fire sprinklers inside a sprinkler demonstration trailer. Plus, there will be an extrication demonstration, the smoke house, and kid’s games. You can even slide down a fire pole, spray a fire hose and of course, there will be plenty of fire trucks to explore!

THE FIREHOUSE SCENE · The Firehouse Scene – October 2006 2 Garage Fire Story & photos by Sheryl...

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