THE FIREHOUSE SCENEis a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

April 2018 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Everett Peterson

Field FiresPage 7

Chimney FirePage 3

Please join us for the “Ignite our Youth's Future” Golf Fundraiser for the Harlem-Roscoe Firefighter’s Technology Grant. The grant is awarded annually to an in-district school to assist in

purchasing technology to assist students in their educational needs in the 21st century.

Friday, June 29, 2018 Macktown Golf Course 8:00 a.m. Shotgun start (Registration starts at 7:00 a.m.)

Register Online: WWW.HARLEMROSCOEGOLF.COM $120/golfer ($480/foursome)

What’s Included? 18 holes of golf with cart All drinks on course (includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks!) Breakfast w/ Bloody Mary Bar Lunch at the turn An "all-inclusive" steak & chicken dinner at pavilion

(Includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at dinner!) A gift certificate for a free future round of golf,

cart included, at any of the Winnebago County golf courses!

Live Music Entertainment at Dinner Free T-Shirt Plus a few surprises…

What Can You Win?

Longest Drive, Longest Putt, and Closest to the Pin winners will be awarded a PING golf club

Putting contest winner will be awarded a PING golf bag!

Door prizes, raffle baskets, and 50/50 golf ball drop!

50/50 Golf Ball Drop Raffle

Golf balls will be dropped onto a green at Macktown Golf

Course from our aerial truck's ladder on the day of the play day. If your ball lands in the hole you win! 3,000 balls are available, so the raffle prize could be very significant!!!

$5 per ball or $20 for 5 balls

Purchase Online at www.harlemroscoegolf.com Do not need to be present to win. Winner will be notified.

***Don’t golf but would still like to support our scholarship fund? Donations are also accepted online!***

Thank you for your support of the Harlem-Roscoe Firefighter's Scholarship Fund!

5th Annual Golf Play Day

From the Chief’s Desk By Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Spring has sprung; well at least the calendar says so. Is it safe to say it is here? As I write this snow flurries are falling, but there are green things sprouting out of the ground.

When the warmer weather does arrive, and it will, many of us will begin cleaning our yards from the winter season. Please remember there are burning ordinances in place from the boards of the County and Townships along with some Villages.

Roscoe Township and the County ordinances allows for burning of yard waste from 4/15 – 5/15, Saturday and Sunday only between the hours of 10am – 7pm. Village of Machesney Park is 4/1 - 4/30, from sun up to sun down. If you are unsure of the ordinance you can call our business phone line (623-7867) Monday thru Friday and we will assist you based upon where you live. When burning, please be cautious of the wind, nearby structures and be courteous to your neighbors.

The men and woman of the department held another successful Spring Dinner. Of course its success would not have happened without your support and their hard work. Thank you to everyone who had an opportunity to attend the 60th Anniversary of our dinner. The weather was windy and cold but that didn’t affect the job the firefighters did. I missed visiting with all of you as my time was spent outside assisting with cooking. Meetings have been had since the dinner to begin work on the 2019 event. The preliminary numbers served was approximately 1100 meals.

As our fiscal year comes to an end, I look back on a year with numerous accomplishments. The biggest being the completion of remodels and upgrades done to Stations 2 & 3. They will serve the district for many years to come as we continue to grow. Another year where I and the Board of Trustees operated within our budget as you would expect. We will continue to be proactive to what needs we will continue to have, so that we continue providing excellent service to our communities.

Speaking of end of the year, I created and printed an annual report sharing information about your fire department in replacement of an annual letter this year. It was available at the dinner, however, if you did not pick up a copy or were unable to attend, it can be found on our website. They are also available at all three stations.

As the seasons change so does the request for our attendance at numerous events. We will continue to attend and fulfill those requests to the best of our ability. No matter how thoroughly we enjoy being out visiting with the adults and children at all of the functions, the firefighters and medics are very busy throughout the day and evening with responding to calls or training to improve their skill level to provide the level of service all of you deserve.

Your continuous and generous support does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fire department. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fire department by visiting our website. www.harlemroscoefire.com, and don’t forget our Facebook page. Go ahead and friend us or why not like and follow us. It remains an honor to me to represent this fire department, the members and our communities locally and throughout the state.

Be safe,Chief Shoevlin

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The Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist. #1

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

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month: You can now sign up on the home page of our website to receive the newsletter by email.

www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl: hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

Birthdays!

April 2018

3rd Nate Sarver7th Chris Witcik8th Ron Canode10th Colleen Bloyer14th Tom Vojtech25th Ryan Sarver

May 20183rd Christian Bush11th Marcia Soppe13th Josh Hoffland23rd Rob Lukowski31st Jordan Stark

I know that there are many special weeks or days dedicated to every cause under the sun, but I would like to bring attention to one more: National Telecommunicator Week.

Telecommunicator, sometimes known as “9-1-1 operators” or “dispatchers”, are the true first responders during an emergency. These often forgotten heroes are being celebrated April 8-14 this year.

They are the ones on the phone getting your location and obtaining the critical information needed to get the correct help to you as quickly as possible. Often while the caller is living their worst moment, they are the calm voice on the other end of the phone

getting the caller the help they need while providing life-saving instructions — or just staying on the line to reassure them while they wait for help to arrive.

HRFD has a group of dedicated individuals where our call starts and ends with them. They play a critical role in our success and the safety of us all. Any job dealing with public safety can be stressful and part of the stress for a telecommunicator is sitting in a room never knowing what the next phone call will bring, and often not knowing the outcome of the calls they have handled.

To the Telecommunicators of Winnebago County thank you for who you are and what you do. To the Harlem Roscoe Fire dispatchers thank you is a small reward but more than deserving for all you do not only for those in our communities we serve, but all of our members.

Chief Shoevlin

Congratulations to Lt. Ryan Sarver and his wife Brianna on the birth of their second child, Liam Spencer Sarver. Liam arrived on February 28th measuring in at 9lbs. and 19.5” long. Liam joins big sister Callie and mom and baby are doing great!. Congrats again Ryan and Brianna, he is so precious!

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.

Firefighters Mike Sherbon’s mother, and Firefighter Brandon Sherbon’s grandmother, Marjorie M. Sherbon passed away on March 30. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Mike and Brandon and their family.

Short Spring Jokes

• When do monkeys fall from the sky? During Ape-ril showers!

• Can February March? No, but April May! • Why is everyone so tired on April 1? Because they’ve

just finished a long, 31 day March! • What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

Spring-time! • What flowers grow on faces? Tulips (Two-lips)! • Why are trees very forgiving? Because in the fall they

“Let It go” and in the spring they “turn over a new leaf”.

• Why is the letter A like a flower? A bee (B) comes after it!

• When do people start using their trampoline? Spring-Time

• What do you get when you pour hot water down a rabbit hole? A hot cross bunny

• What did the tree say to spring? What a re-leaf. • What do you call a girl with a frog on her head? Lily! • What does the Easter Bunny order at a Chinese

Restaurant? Hop Suey! • What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny!

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Accidents Photos by Photographers Everett Peterson and Carol Donovan and Duty Officers

03/26/18 Hwy 251

04/01/18 Perryville Rd. & Vaughndale Dr. 04/07/18 Hwy 173 04/10/18 Edgemere Terr.

04/02/18 Hwy 173

Harzardous LeakPhotos by Everett Peterson

Firefighters were dispatched to to an over-turned anhydrous ammonia tank on Manchester Rd. on March 27th. Manchester Rd and County Line Rd. were shut down until the area was safe.

Chimney FirePhotos by Carol Donovan

Firefighters responded to a chimney fire in the Village of Argyle on Grove St. on March 20. The fire was extinguished and damage contained to the chimney.

It was right out of a adventure novel though. Down a long driveway and Chief having to decide if a bridge was strong enough for a 35,000+ lb fire truck. One engine was sent up to the home and all others staged on the street, sending man power up to the home. Then firefighters scaled an upper deck railing and shimmied up thin roofs to get to the chimney.

A pike pole was used from the top of the chimney to break up any blockage and all burning logs and debris were shoveled out of the wood burning stove. Then a thermal imaging camera was used to check for any fire extension.

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Illinois Stateline CERT Off To a Good Start In 2018By Jim Purpura.

The Illinois Stateline CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has been growing steadily since its founding in 2015. Starting with just 8 people one of whom is inactive, 5 are still part of the Team, and two have left to take Fire Fighter/EMT roles with HRD. In 2016 Stateline CERT put 3 more people through the basic training course—a program which is common to CERT programs throughout the US.In 2017 the group logged some fairly impressive participation numbers: 114 member appearances at 13 community events, 8 training events, 4 emergency incidents and 2 school safety drills, accounted for 465 volunteer hours with the Harlem Roscoe fire department.2018 is shaping up to become the best year since our inception. Compared to the same period in the previous year we’ve increased our member participation overall by over 150% from 17 members’ appearances to 43 members appearing. Volunteer hours increased from 44 in the first quarter of 2017 to 282 hours in the same period this year—a greater than 500% increase. An average hours-per-person of 2.58 in 2017 first quarter increased to 6.55 hours per person for a more than 150% increase in 2018.Now the challenge is to keep up this trend throughout the rest of the year. The interest we received in the basic training course we put on exceeded all our recruiting efforts of the entire previous year. We attracted participants from as far away as Mt Carroll, Leaf River, and Sycamore where they hope to start their own CERT program. The participation by our senior members during the disaster simulation held at Station 3 on March 31st sent a clear message that this small but growing group of Stateline CERT members takes emergency preparedness seriously and welcomes all others who do.Be Ready, Be Safe, Be a CERT Volunteer!

IL Stateline CERT Off To a Good Start In 2018By Jim Purpura. The Illinois Stateline CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has been growing steadily since its founding in 2015. Starting with just 8 people, one of whom is inactive, 5 are still part of the team, and two have left to take Fire Fighter/EMT roles with HRFD.

In 2016 Stateline CERT put 3 more people through the basic training course - a program which is common to CERT programs throughout the US.

In 2017 the group logged some fairly impressive participation numbers: 114 member appearances at 13 community events, 8 training events, 4 emergency incidents and 2 school safety drills, accounted for 465 volunteer hours with the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department.

2018 is shaping up to become the best year since our inception. Compared to the same period in the previous year we’ve increased our member participation overall by over 150% from 17 members’ appearances to 43 members appearing. Volunteer hours increased from 44 in the first quarter of 2017 to 282 hours in the same period this year—a greater than 500% increase. An average hours-per-person of 2.58 in 2017 first quarter increased to 6.55 hours per person for a more than 150% increase in 2018.

Now the challenge is to keep up this trend throughout the rest of the year. The interest we received in the basic training course we put on exceeded all our recruiting efforts of the entire previous year. We attracted participants from as far away as Mt Carroll, Leaf River, and Sycamore where they hope to start their own CERT program. The participation by our senior members during the disaster simulation held at Station 3 on March 31st sent a clear message that this small but growing group of Stateline CERT members takes emergency preparedness seriously and welcomes all others who do.

Be Ready, Be Safe, Be a CERT Volunteer!

Left to right: Ed Gioja, Dan Stupek, Kelly Huddleston, John Huddleston,Cindy Stevens, Ande Anderson, Klarissa Truemper, Alex Vacek, Jim Purpura(Instructor), Steve Miller.

Chaplains CornerChaplain Harold Danger

HRFD and Guardian Angels

There is a bumper sticker I’ve seen that reads “DON’T DRIVE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY”. The quip is a friendly reminder that we should slow down and drive safely, but it also brings to mind what is a Guardian Angel and where do we expect to see them. The dictionary says the definition is: an angel believed to watch and protect someone or: a helpful or protective person.

Many early theologians believed that people were assigned a guardian angel and even today it is thought that yes, God is all knowing and all powerful, and at times chooses to delegate some of the “watching over” to guardian angels.

How does this fit into a Firefighter or EMS life?I believe God has blessed you and through your hard work, learning and training, you have become that delegate he needs. I believe the community sees you as helpful, protective people, guardian angels of themselves, their family, their property, and their friends. You place yourselves into dangerous situations, bring healing and comfort to those in need, and give the communities you serve a sense of being protected, or “watched over”. I can say with confidence that each of you, as you perform your duties as Firefighters, EMS or Support Services, act as guardian angels not only to the community at large, but to each other. Your family, and your friends act as guardian angels as they pray for your safety and wait for your safe return.

So have you ever walked away from a dangerous situation where you felt by all logic you should have been injured or killed? Have you ever reached out to help or protect a friend, a coworker or family? Have you ever felt you were lucky someone had your back? Well it seems the answer to where do we see guardian angels is.... everywhere.

Let me offer this prayer:Lord, you have given us many guardian angles and I thank you for every one. I ask you to continue to protect the men and women of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department as they serve as your guardian angels to the community, to their family and friends and to each other. And as each day ends bring them safely home to those they love. Amen

Driving a car and riding a motorcycle require different skills and knowledge. Although motorcycle-licensing regulations vary, all States require a motorcycle license endorsement to supplement your automobile driver’s license. To receive the proper endorsement in most states, you’ll need to pass written and on-cycle skills tests administered by your State’s licensing agency.

Given the fact that motorcycles vary in handling and responsiveness, be sure to take the time to get accustomed to the feel of a new or unfamiliar motorcycle by riding it in a controlled area. Once you feel comfortable with your bike, you can take it into traffic. Make sure you know how to handle your motorcycle in a variety of conditions (e.g., inclement weather or encountering hazards such as slick roads, potholes, and road debris). If you plan to carry cargo or a passenger, be prepared to make adjustments to the tires, suspension, and placement of the load.

Before every ride, you should check the tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators, and fluid levels. You should also check under the motorcycle for signs of oil or gas leaks. If you’re carrying cargo, you should secure and balance the load on the cycle; and adjust the suspension and tire pressure to accommodate the extra weight.

If you’re carrying a passenger, he or she should mount the motorcycle only after the engine has started; should sit as far forward as possible, directly behind you; and should keep both feet on the foot rests at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped. Remind your passenger to keep his or her legs and feet away from the muffler. Tell your passenger to hold on firmly to your waist, hips, or belt; keep movement to a minimum; and lean at the same time and in the same direction as you do. Do not let your passenger dismount the motorcycle until you say it is safe.

If you’re ever in a serious motorcycle crash, the best hope you have for protecting your brain is a motorcycle helmet. Always wear a helmet meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. That is the manufacturer’s way of certifying the helmet meets the DOT standard. A certified helmet also will have a permanent inside label identifying the manufacturer and providing information about the care and use of the helmet. Helmets meeting FMVSS 218 weigh around three pounds; have a thick polystyrene-foam lining; and sturdy chinstraps. ANSI or Snell labels are voluntary indicators of helmet quality. Don’t leave your helmet behind on short trips because it could be a deadly mistake. Some motorcycle helmets, in addition to offering protection to your head in a crash, include plastic face shields that offer protection from wind, rain, insects, dust, and stones thrown up from cars. If your helmet doesn’t have a face shield, be sure you wear goggles because eyeglasses won’t keep your eyes from watering, and can easily fall off.

Arms and legs should be completely covered when riding a motorcycle, ideally by wearing leather or heavy denim. In addition to providing protection in a crash, protective gear also helps prevent dehydration. Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles, while gloves allow for a better grip and help protect your hands in the event of a crash. Wearing brightly colored clothing with reflective material will make you more visible to other vehicle drivers.

Experienced riders know local traffic laws - and they don’t take risks. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings; ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles; and always check behind you and signal before you change lanes. Remember to ride defensively. The majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes generally are caused when other drivers simply didn’t see the motorcyclist. Proceed cautiously at intersections and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as appropriate. You can increase your visibility by applying reflective materials to your motorcycle and by keeping your motorcycle’s headlights on at all times, even using high beams during the day.

Alcohol and drugs, including some prescribed medications, negatively affect your judgment, coordination, balance, throttle control, and ability to shift gears. These substances also impair your alertness and reduce your reaction time. Even when you’re fully alert, it’s impossible to predict what other vehicles or pedestrians are going to do. Therefore, make sure you are alcohol and drug free when you get on your motorcycle. Otherwise, you’ll be heading for trouble.

• The physical act of passing through a doorway is the reason why you often walk into a room and completely forget what you were doing. Because going through a door signifies the beginning or end of something, this creates and ‘event boundary’ within your mind. Basically, every time you go through a doorway, your brain starts filing away thoughts from your previous location to make room for a new group of memories in the next.

• People decide whether you’re smart, likable, extroverted, adventurous, successful, or trustworthy within just 3 seconds of meeting you.

• When you can’t sleep the first night in a new place, your brain is trying to protect you. Many animals sleep with only half their brain, while the other half stays alert to possible dangers. It’s called the ‘first night effect’ in humans, because our bodies put us in a strange, half-asleep/half-awake state the first time we sleep in an unfamiliar environment.

• Sad, angry, jealous, and guilty feelings can make you a healthier person. Figuring out the reason for your negative emotions and learning from unpleasant experiences makes you stronger, and that success can bring happiness - but when you suppress and ignore negative emotions, you eliminate the balance of good and bad. Because the contrast of feeling sad is what makes feeling happy so wonderful, happiness wouldn’t really exist if you’d never truly embraced your sadness.

• Adjusting your rate of speech can make you more persuasive. Slower speech gives someone who’s bound to disagree with you more time to evaluate your point, add in their own thoughts, and dismiss your reasoning with their own existing bias - but talking fast leaves them less time to form an argument and significantly increases your chances for persuading them.

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Bugle AlarmBy Lt. Brandon Tietz

Spring is finally here, and with warmer weather approaching the chances for severe weather will increase as well. This severe weather can make pose safety risks with heavy rain, high winds, large hail, damaging lightning, and tornadoes. Remember to be on the lookout for severe weather and have a plan should a severe weather event such as a powerful storm or tornado strike the area. Here are some safety tips from FEMA and the NWS regarding severe storms and tornadoes.

• Develop and practice an evacuation plan ahead of a severe weather event. Include a plan for pets and add any transportation routes and destinations in the plan. Prepare an emergency supplies kit for both family members and pets ahead of time to take with you. Be prepared to evacuate when authorities tell you to do so.

• Stay out of flood waters, if possible, and do not drive into flooded areas. Even water only several inches deep can be dangerous.

• Always assume fallen power lines are energized. Stay away from the area and report any downed lines to authorities immediately.

• Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from surges caused by lightning strikes.

• If you evacuated, do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe.

• Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. • Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you

need help, firefighters will be able to find you.

TornadoAlthough tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are more frequent in the United States. On average, 1,200 tornadoes cause 70 fatalities and 1,500 injuries nationwide each year. Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year and most often strike between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm. In the southern states, peak tornado season is March through May. In the northern states, peak tornado season is June through August.

Safety BasicsA tornado’s path of destruction can be more than one mile wide and 50 miles long and can devastate a neighborhood in seconds. You may have little warning, so preparation and planning are key to reducing injuries. It’s important to know what to do before, during, and after a tornado:

Before...Know a safe place: Know the safe places at home, work and at school. Locate local shelters and be aware of the tornado risk in your county or parish.• Practice tornado drills at home and school.• Have a plan for how family members will contact one another

during an emergency. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate family members’ locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.

• Prepare a family disaster supplies kit. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack.

During...During a tornado watch:• Remain inside, away from windows and doors.• Listen to the radio or TV. Keep a battery-operated radio or a

NOAA Weather Radio.• Make sure your family disaster supplies kit is complete.• Be alert during a thunderstorm watch. Severe thunderstorms

can produce tornadoes. Being prepared will give you more time should the weather turn severe.

During a tornado warningListen to the radio or TV for weather updates and instructions from local officials. Quick action and planning ahead can save your life! If you get caught in a tornado, know what to do: take shelter immediately; stay away from windows, corners, doors and outside walls; be aware of flying debris. Crouch on the floor near an interior wall or under a heavy object, such as a table. Bend over and place your arms on the back of your head and neck (which are injured more easily than other parts of your body).

After...Continue to listen to the news and weather updates. Stay away from power lines and broken glass. Be aware of the possibility of broken gas lines and chemical spills. If you smell gas or chemical fumes, immediately evacuate the area and contact authorities. Stay out of damaged buildings and return home only after authorities have issued an all-clear signal.

Source: FEMA, NWS

With summer approaching and warm weather soon upon us, the number of motorcyclists sharing the roads with motor vehicles will be increasing.

The Start Seeing Motorcycles Campaign was created to raise motorists awareness of motorcycles in order to reduce the number of motorcycle related crashes. All across the state signs bearing the Start seeing motorcycles message have been seen.

Inclement weather, road conditions, traffic congestion and limitations of protective gear, make motorcycle riders susceptible to serious or life threatening injuries, regardless of their experience or skill level. We can all help make this summer safe and enjoyable by practicing safe driving habits and staying focused on the road.In order to better equip motorcyclists with the tools they need to ride safely, the Gear Up program was launched.

Some of the key points of the Gear Up program include encouraging riders to keep their bikes in good running condition, to wear protective clothing and increase their visibility. Protective gear includes sturdy footwear, straight-leg pants made of heavy material, reflective or brightly colored long sleeved shirt or jacket, a DOT approved helmet, eye protection and full fingered gloves.

Motorcycles represent only 3% of all vehicle registrations in the state. Therefore, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable vehicle types on the road and can be easily overlooked by motorists.When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus motorcycle accident, most of the time the operators comment is, “I did not see the bike”.

There are free Cycle Rider Safety courses offered statewide. These courses provide motorcyclists with additional safety knowledge and training.

Tips• Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles

and reacting in time.• Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.• Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your

motorcycle.• Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have. • Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before

stopping. • If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.

Dress for safety.• Wear a quality helmet and eye protection.• Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet.• Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing. • Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.• Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your

protective gear. • Constantly search the road for changing conditions. • Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’

actions.• Give other motorists time and space to respond to you. • Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where

you are most visible. • Watch for turning vehicles. • Signal your next move in advance. • Avoid weaving between lanes.• Pretend you’re invisible, and ride extra defensively. • Don’t ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol

or other drugs.• Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed

limit. Know your bike and how to use it: • Get formal training and take refresher courses.

Practice and develop your riding techniques before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces. Remember: Give yourself space. People driving cars often just don’t see motorcycles. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.

Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. But it’s especially important for motorists to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists such as size and visibility, and motorcycle riding practices like down-shifting and weaving to know how to anticipate and respond to them. By raising motorists’ awareness, both drivers and riders will be safer sharing the road.

If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. You understand the exhilaration of cruising the open road and the challenge of controlling a motorcycle. But motorcycling also can be dangerous. The latest vehicle mile travel data show motorcyclists are about 27 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash and 6 times as likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good judgment. Here are some ways to ensure that you’ll be around to enjoy riding your motorcycle for many years to come.

Burning Season is Upon UsPhotos by Everett Peterson

One day we have snow on the ground and the next day we are responding to grass and field fires. Welcome spring time in IL. Our firefighters have been busy responding to out-of-control burning calls as well as performing controlled burns.

Roscoe Township and the County ordinances allows for burning of yard waste from 4/15 – 5/15, Saturday and Sunday only between the hours of 10am – 7pm. Village of Machesney Park is 4/1 - 4/30, from sun up to sun down. Please, please, please be courteous to your neighbors on when you burn, don’t burn on wind over 5mph days, and never leave a burning pile unattended!

03/18/18 - Out of control burning on Harnish Rd.

03/22/18 - Field fire alongside Hwy 251.

Mulch FirePhoto by Everett Peterson

Firefighters responded to a home on Snaresbrook Rd for a fire in the mulch around the house on March 19.

JACK OF MANY TRADES: TODAY’S FIREFIGHTERBy: Italino “Tony” Pietrantoniohttps://www.tdisdi.com/jack-of-many-trades-todays-firefighter/

Fire was once a very large problem in many places worldwide causing untold amounts of damage to both property and life. Some of these fires have been remembered through history such as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Coconut Grove fire, or most recently the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Entire city sections and / or thousands of lives were often lost because there was no force or organization in place to combat this terror. When people grew tired of the damage and large-scale effects of fire, the firefighter was born. From that day forward fires had a formidable adversary dedicated to protecting life and property.

Firefighters were the answer to a fire.The problem was that a fire had to show itself for the firefighters to be called and a response to arrive. Those firefighters were a blessing to all who needed them in their time of tragedy. Yet, someone realized that fire prevention would be a better success strategy if we truly wanted to protect lives and property. That realization found its way across many industries causing improvements designed to better protect the populace from fire. The construction industry began looking at different or newer materials including fire resistant treatment for wood and metal for residential construction. Sprinkler systems and smoke detectors found their way into the market. These improvements helped reduce the incident of fire, but the even greater achievement was made through education.

Fire life safety education is a key to reducing the incident of fire in our homes and workplaces. These education programs could not be taught by any or every teacher because this is an area where experience will tell you many things a book cannot. Firefighters were given classes in fire life safety and began visiting schools, churches, or any public location where they could spread the word of preventing fires. Through interactive lecture and hands-on demonstrations, firefighters, in conjunction with other industries improvements, were able to make giant strides in reducing the number of fires. If a firefighter’s job is to fight fire, what are they supposed to do if the fires are greatly reduced?

The answer is become a jack of many trades.Today’s firefighter is not just trained to fight fire or teach safety programs, but are also trained to respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, people lost or trapped, hazardous material incidents, and even incidents on the water. Many firefighter training academies teach and certify firefighters to respond to medical emergencies aiding paramedics especially during an incident involving many people. The medical training in most cases is to the level of basic emergency medical technician allowing them to respond to traumatic injury events like a fall from higher than five feet as well as a medical call such as an allergic reaction. Traumatic injuries include those sustained in a vehicle accident. Before a medic or the firefighters can assess and treat any injuries, they must be able to access you in your vehicle. This requires some knowledge on vehicle extrication techniques and tools when all normal options are crushed, blocked, or jammed. The reality is firefighters will get in to save a life either by prying it open or cutting it off. Accidents are not all that can be an issue on the travel ways.

Hazardous materials such as diesel fuel and gasoline are transported daily along our roadways, railways, waterways, and airways. The chance of encountering something hazardous is an almost daily occurrence for firefighters, but some have moved into the specialty of hazardous materials. They are technicians able to recognize, evaluate, and address the hazard further protecting the public. Please do not think this is the end all because we also specialize and train in what has become termed technical rescue. Technical rescue involves unique skills and training to assist people in many non-fire related situations. Firefighters in areas with rural sections may train for aiding people lost or injured in the wilderness. Rivers or oceans front areas mean water rescue. Water which in some case may include the worst-case scenario. In the event of a drowning, firefighters are involved in public safety diving and for many locations are the main agency for diving operations. Urban cities again bring more unique challenges that firefighters stand ready to serve their communities protecting anyone who lives, visits, or passes through. This is the life of a firefighter or shall I say the jack of many trades.

Firefighters at one point in history were the answer to a single problem.We have spent many years reducing the fire problem to reduce damage and lives lost. As fires decreased, other areas arose that fell into line with other emergency situations that through training a firefighter could respond. Now we are the answer to many multi-faceted problems ranging in difficulty and complexity. Calls that range from smoke investigation to full burning house fire and from a boater in the water to someone lost on a hiking trip. We, as firefighters, have met the challenges head on accepting the increased job duties and training requirements to bring life-saving protection to our communities. So regardless of where you might find yourself when in need, when a local firefighter crew arrives on scene you are in good capable hands.

Car FirePhotos by Carol Donovan

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60th Annual Spring DinnerBy Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Association (formerly the Harlem-Roscoe Firemans Association) has hosted a dinner in the spring for 60 years. It all started with The Coon And Ham Dinner back in 1958. In 1960, firefighters cooked 11 raccoons and the last Coon and Ham Dinner over 30 years later served 186 raccoons, which was 27 cookers full. Over the years, the Spring Dinner menu was switched to ribs and ham, to beef and ham, and currently pork chops and chicken breasts. This year’s table centerpieces were photos from those dinners throughout the years with emphasis on the early years. All those photos as well as photos from the dinner are posted on our Harlem-Roscoe Fire Facebook Page.

HRFD Officers man the serving line during the Spring Dinner.

Chaplain Kevin Butler helps serve coffee and water to a full house.

Left, Andy Hutsell was the winner of the 55” TV! Right, Donny Ball is a retired HRFD Deputy Chief and said he has only missed about 4 of the dinners since 1958.

Firefighters responded to a report of a car on fire in a car salvage lot on March 20. Left, Firefighter Jason Street engineers the attack truck. Below, Firefighters Brandon Sherbon extinguishes a pile of car parts and debris that were on fire.

Burning Season is Upon UsPhotos by Everett Peterson

One day we have snow on the ground and the next day we are responding to grass and field fires. Welcome spring time in IL. Our firefighters have been busy responding to out-of-control burning calls as well as performing controlled burns.

Roscoe Township and the County ordinances allows for burning of yard waste from 4/15 – 5/15, Saturday and Sunday only between the hours of 10am – 7pm. Village of Machesney Park is 4/1 - 4/30, from sun up to sun down. Please, please, please be courteous to your neighbors on when you burn, don’t burn on wind over 5mph days, and never leave a burning pile unattended!

03/18/18 - Out of control burning on Harnish Rd.

03/22/18 - Field fire alongside Hwy 251.

Mulch FirePhoto by Everett Peterson

Firefighters responded to a home on Snaresbrook Rd for a fire in the mulch around the house on March 19.

JACK OF MANY TRADES: TODAY’S FIREFIGHTERBy: Italino “Tony” Pietrantoniohttps://www.tdisdi.com/jack-of-many-trades-todays-firefighter/

Fire was once a very large problem in many places worldwide causing untold amounts of damage to both property and life. Some of these fires have been remembered through history such as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Coconut Grove fire, or most recently the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Entire city sections and / or thousands of lives were often lost because there was no force or organization in place to combat this terror. When people grew tired of the damage and large-scale effects of fire, the firefighter was born. From that day forward fires had a formidable adversary dedicated to protecting life and property.

Firefighters were the answer to a fire.The problem was that a fire had to show itself for the firefighters to be called and a response to arrive. Those firefighters were a blessing to all who needed them in their time of tragedy. Yet, someone realized that fire prevention would be a better success strategy if we truly wanted to protect lives and property. That realization found its way across many industries causing improvements designed to better protect the populace from fire. The construction industry began looking at different or newer materials including fire resistant treatment for wood and metal for residential construction. Sprinkler systems and smoke detectors found their way into the market. These improvements helped reduce the incident of fire, but the even greater achievement was made through education.

Fire life safety education is a key to reducing the incident of fire in our homes and workplaces. These education programs could not be taught by any or every teacher because this is an area where experience will tell you many things a book cannot. Firefighters were given classes in fire life safety and began visiting schools, churches, or any public location where they could spread the word of preventing fires. Through interactive lecture and hands-on demonstrations, firefighters, in conjunction with other industries improvements, were able to make giant strides in reducing the number of fires. If a firefighter’s job is to fight fire, what are they supposed to do if the fires are greatly reduced?

The answer is become a jack of many trades.Today’s firefighter is not just trained to fight fire or teach safety programs, but are also trained to respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, people lost or trapped, hazardous material incidents, and even incidents on the water. Many firefighter training academies teach and certify firefighters to respond to medical emergencies aiding paramedics especially during an incident involving many people. The medical training in most cases is to the level of basic emergency medical technician allowing them to respond to traumatic injury events like a fall from higher than five feet as well as a medical call such as an allergic reaction. Traumatic injuries include those sustained in a vehicle accident. Before a medic or the firefighters can assess and treat any injuries, they must be able to access you in your vehicle. This requires some knowledge on vehicle extrication techniques and tools when all normal options are crushed, blocked, or jammed. The reality is firefighters will get in to save a life either by prying it open or cutting it off. Accidents are not all that can be an issue on the travel ways.

Hazardous materials such as diesel fuel and gasoline are transported daily along our roadways, railways, waterways, and airways. The chance of encountering something hazardous is an almost daily occurrence for firefighters, but some have moved into the specialty of hazardous materials. They are technicians able to recognize, evaluate, and address the hazard further protecting the public. Please do not think this is the end all because we also specialize and train in what has become termed technical rescue. Technical rescue involves unique skills and training to assist people in many non-fire related situations. Firefighters in areas with rural sections may train for aiding people lost or injured in the wilderness. Rivers or oceans front areas mean water rescue. Water which in some case may include the worst-case scenario. In the event of a drowning, firefighters are involved in public safety diving and for many locations are the main agency for diving operations. Urban cities again bring more unique challenges that firefighters stand ready to serve their communities protecting anyone who lives, visits, or passes through. This is the life of a firefighter or shall I say the jack of many trades.

Firefighters at one point in history were the answer to a single problem.We have spent many years reducing the fire problem to reduce damage and lives lost. As fires decreased, other areas arose that fell into line with other emergency situations that through training a firefighter could respond. Now we are the answer to many multi-faceted problems ranging in difficulty and complexity. Calls that range from smoke investigation to full burning house fire and from a boater in the water to someone lost on a hiking trip. We, as firefighters, have met the challenges head on accepting the increased job duties and training requirements to bring life-saving protection to our communities. So regardless of where you might find yourself when in need, when a local firefighter crew arrives on scene you are in good capable hands.

Car FirePhotos by Carol Donovan

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

60th Annual Spring DinnerBy Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Association (formerly the Harlem-Roscoe Firemans Association) has hosted a dinner in the spring for 60 years. It all started with The Coon And Ham Dinner back in 1958. In 1960, firefighters cooked 11 raccoons and the last Coon and Ham Dinner over 30 years later served 186 raccoons, which was 27 cookers full. Over the years, the Spring Dinner menu was switched to ribs and ham, to beef and ham, and currently pork chops and chicken breasts. This year’s table centerpieces were photos from those dinners throughout the years with emphasis on the early years. All those photos as well as photos from the dinner are posted on our Harlem-Roscoe Fire Facebook Page.

HRFD Officers man the serving line during the Spring Dinner.

Chaplain Kevin Butler helps serve coffee and water to a full house.

Left, Andy Hutsell was the winner of the 55” TV! Right, Donny Ball is a retired HRFD Deputy Chief and said he has only missed about 4 of the dinners since 1958.

Firefighters responded to a report of a car on fire in a car salvage lot on March 20. Left, Firefighter Jason Street engineers the attack truck. Below, Firefighters Brandon Sherbon extinguishes a pile of car parts and debris that were on fire.

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

Bugle AlarmBy Lt. Brandon Tietz

Spring is finally here, and with warmer weather approaching the chances for severe weather will increase as well. This severe weather can make pose safety risks with heavy rain, high winds, large hail, damaging lightning, and tornadoes. Remember to be on the lookout for severe weather and have a plan should a severe weather event such as a powerful storm or tornado strike the area. Here are some safety tips from FEMA and the NWS regarding severe storms and tornadoes.

• Develop and practice an evacuation plan ahead of a severe weather event. Include a plan for pets and add any transportation routes and destinations in the plan. Prepare an emergency supplies kit for both family members and pets ahead of time to take with you. Be prepared to evacuate when authorities tell you to do so.

• Stay out of flood waters, if possible, and do not drive into flooded areas. Even water only several inches deep can be dangerous.

• Always assume fallen power lines are energized. Stay away from the area and report any downed lines to authorities immediately.

• Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from surges caused by lightning strikes.

• If you evacuated, do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe.

• Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. • Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you

need help, firefighters will be able to find you.

TornadoAlthough tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are more frequent in the United States. On average, 1,200 tornadoes cause 70 fatalities and 1,500 injuries nationwide each year. Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year and most often strike between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm. In the southern states, peak tornado season is March through May. In the northern states, peak tornado season is June through August.

Safety BasicsA tornado’s path of destruction can be more than one mile wide and 50 miles long and can devastate a neighborhood in seconds. You may have little warning, so preparation and planning are key to reducing injuries. It’s important to know what to do before, during, and after a tornado:

Before...Know a safe place: Know the safe places at home, work and at school. Locate local shelters and be aware of the tornado risk in your county or parish.• Practice tornado drills at home and school.• Have a plan for how family members will contact one another

during an emergency. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate family members’ locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.

• Prepare a family disaster supplies kit. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack.

During...During a tornado watch:• Remain inside, away from windows and doors.• Listen to the radio or TV. Keep a battery-operated radio or a

NOAA Weather Radio.• Make sure your family disaster supplies kit is complete.• Be alert during a thunderstorm watch. Severe thunderstorms

can produce tornadoes. Being prepared will give you more time should the weather turn severe.

During a tornado warningListen to the radio or TV for weather updates and instructions from local officials. Quick action and planning ahead can save your life! If you get caught in a tornado, know what to do: take shelter immediately; stay away from windows, corners, doors and outside walls; be aware of flying debris. Crouch on the floor near an interior wall or under a heavy object, such as a table. Bend over and place your arms on the back of your head and neck (which are injured more easily than other parts of your body).

After...Continue to listen to the news and weather updates. Stay away from power lines and broken glass. Be aware of the possibility of broken gas lines and chemical spills. If you smell gas or chemical fumes, immediately evacuate the area and contact authorities. Stay out of damaged buildings and return home only after authorities have issued an all-clear signal.

Source: FEMA, NWS

With summer approaching and warm weather soon upon us, the number of motorcyclists sharing the roads with motor vehicles will be increasing.

The Start Seeing Motorcycles Campaign was created to raise motorists awareness of motorcycles in order to reduce the number of motorcycle related crashes. All across the state signs bearing the Start seeing motorcycles message have been seen.

Inclement weather, road conditions, traffic congestion and limitations of protective gear, make motorcycle riders susceptible to serious or life threatening injuries, regardless of their experience or skill level. We can all help make this summer safe and enjoyable by practicing safe driving habits and staying focused on the road.In order to better equip motorcyclists with the tools they need to ride safely, the Gear Up program was launched.

Some of the key points of the Gear Up program include encouraging riders to keep their bikes in good running condition, to wear protective clothing and increase their visibility. Protective gear includes sturdy footwear, straight-leg pants made of heavy material, reflective or brightly colored long sleeved shirt or jacket, a DOT approved helmet, eye protection and full fingered gloves.

Motorcycles represent only 3% of all vehicle registrations in the state. Therefore, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable vehicle types on the road and can be easily overlooked by motorists.When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus motorcycle accident, most of the time the operators comment is, “I did not see the bike”.

There are free Cycle Rider Safety courses offered statewide. These courses provide motorcyclists with additional safety knowledge and training.

Tips• Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles

and reacting in time.• Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.• Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your

motorcycle.• Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have. • Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before

stopping. • If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.

Dress for safety.• Wear a quality helmet and eye protection.• Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet.• Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing. • Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.• Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your

protective gear. • Constantly search the road for changing conditions. • Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’

actions.• Give other motorists time and space to respond to you. • Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where

you are most visible. • Watch for turning vehicles. • Signal your next move in advance. • Avoid weaving between lanes.• Pretend you’re invisible, and ride extra defensively. • Don’t ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol

or other drugs.• Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed

limit. Know your bike and how to use it: • Get formal training and take refresher courses.

Practice and develop your riding techniques before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces. Remember: Give yourself space. People driving cars often just don’t see motorcycles. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.

Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. But it’s especially important for motorists to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists such as size and visibility, and motorcycle riding practices like down-shifting and weaving to know how to anticipate and respond to them. By raising motorists’ awareness, both drivers and riders will be safer sharing the road.

If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. You understand the exhilaration of cruising the open road and the challenge of controlling a motorcycle. But motorcycling also can be dangerous. The latest vehicle mile travel data show motorcyclists are about 27 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash and 6 times as likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good judgment. Here are some ways to ensure that you’ll be around to enjoy riding your motorcycle for many years to come.

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Illinois Stateline CERT Off To a Good Start In 2018By Jim Purpura.

The Illinois Stateline CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has been growing steadily since its founding in 2015. Starting with just 8 people one of whom is inactive, 5 are still part of the Team, and two have left to take Fire Fighter/EMT roles with HRD. In 2016 Stateline CERT put 3 more people through the basic training course—a program which is common to CERT programs throughout the US.In 2017 the group logged some fairly impressive participation numbers: 114 member appearances at 13 community events, 8 training events, 4 emergency incidents and 2 school safety drills, accounted for 465 volunteer hours with the Harlem Roscoe fire department.2018 is shaping up to become the best year since our inception. Compared to the same period in the previous year we’ve increased our member participation overall by over 150% from 17 members’ appearances to 43 members appearing. Volunteer hours increased from 44 in the first quarter of 2017 to 282 hours in the same period this year—a greater than 500% increase. An average hours-per-person of 2.58 in 2017 first quarter increased to 6.55 hours per person for a more than 150% increase in 2018.Now the challenge is to keep up this trend throughout the rest of the year. The interest we received in the basic training course we put on exceeded all our recruiting efforts of the entire previous year. We attracted participants from as far away as Mt Carroll, Leaf River, and Sycamore where they hope to start their own CERT program. The participation by our senior members during the disaster simulation held at Station 3 on March 31st sent a clear message that this small but growing group of Stateline CERT members takes emergency preparedness seriously and welcomes all others who do.Be Ready, Be Safe, Be a CERT Volunteer!

IL Stateline CERT Off To a Good Start In 2018By Jim Purpura. The Illinois Stateline CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has been growing steadily since its founding in 2015. Starting with just 8 people, one of whom is inactive, 5 are still part of the team, and two have left to take Fire Fighter/EMT roles with HRFD.

In 2016 Stateline CERT put 3 more people through the basic training course - a program which is common to CERT programs throughout the US.

In 2017 the group logged some fairly impressive participation numbers: 114 member appearances at 13 community events, 8 training events, 4 emergency incidents and 2 school safety drills, accounted for 465 volunteer hours with the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department.

2018 is shaping up to become the best year since our inception. Compared to the same period in the previous year we’ve increased our member participation overall by over 150% from 17 members’ appearances to 43 members appearing. Volunteer hours increased from 44 in the first quarter of 2017 to 282 hours in the same period this year—a greater than 500% increase. An average hours-per-person of 2.58 in 2017 first quarter increased to 6.55 hours per person for a more than 150% increase in 2018.

Now the challenge is to keep up this trend throughout the rest of the year. The interest we received in the basic training course we put on exceeded all our recruiting efforts of the entire previous year. We attracted participants from as far away as Mt Carroll, Leaf River, and Sycamore where they hope to start their own CERT program. The participation by our senior members during the disaster simulation held at Station 3 on March 31st sent a clear message that this small but growing group of Stateline CERT members takes emergency preparedness seriously and welcomes all others who do.

Be Ready, Be Safe, Be a CERT Volunteer!

Left to right: Ed Gioja, Dan Stupek, Kelly Huddleston, John Huddleston,Cindy Stevens, Ande Anderson, Klarissa Truemper, Alex Vacek, Jim Purpura(Instructor), Steve Miller.

Chaplains CornerChaplain Harold Danger

HRFD and Guardian Angels

There is a bumper sticker I’ve seen that reads “DON’T DRIVE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY”. The quip is a friendly reminder that we should slow down and drive safely, but it also brings to mind what is a Guardian Angel and where do we expect to see them. The dictionary says the definition is: an angel believed to watch and protect someone or: a helpful or protective person.

Many early theologians believed that people were assigned a guardian angel and even today it is thought that yes, God is all knowing and all powerful, and at times chooses to delegate some of the “watching over” to guardian angels.

How does this fit into a Firefighter or EMS life?I believe God has blessed you and through your hard work, learning and training, you have become that delegate he needs. I believe the community sees you as helpful, protective people, guardian angels of themselves, their family, their property, and their friends. You place yourselves into dangerous situations, bring healing and comfort to those in need, and give the communities you serve a sense of being protected, or “watched over”. I can say with confidence that each of you, as you perform your duties as Firefighters, EMS or Support Services, act as guardian angels not only to the community at large, but to each other. Your family, and your friends act as guardian angels as they pray for your safety and wait for your safe return.

So have you ever walked away from a dangerous situation where you felt by all logic you should have been injured or killed? Have you ever reached out to help or protect a friend, a coworker or family? Have you ever felt you were lucky someone had your back? Well it seems the answer to where do we see guardian angels is.... everywhere.

Let me offer this prayer:Lord, you have given us many guardian angles and I thank you for every one. I ask you to continue to protect the men and women of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department as they serve as your guardian angels to the community, to their family and friends and to each other. And as each day ends bring them safely home to those they love. Amen

Driving a car and riding a motorcycle require different skills and knowledge. Although motorcycle-licensing regulations vary, all States require a motorcycle license endorsement to supplement your automobile driver’s license. To receive the proper endorsement in most states, you’ll need to pass written and on-cycle skills tests administered by your State’s licensing agency.

Given the fact that motorcycles vary in handling and responsiveness, be sure to take the time to get accustomed to the feel of a new or unfamiliar motorcycle by riding it in a controlled area. Once you feel comfortable with your bike, you can take it into traffic. Make sure you know how to handle your motorcycle in a variety of conditions (e.g., inclement weather or encountering hazards such as slick roads, potholes, and road debris). If you plan to carry cargo or a passenger, be prepared to make adjustments to the tires, suspension, and placement of the load.

Before every ride, you should check the tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators, and fluid levels. You should also check under the motorcycle for signs of oil or gas leaks. If you’re carrying cargo, you should secure and balance the load on the cycle; and adjust the suspension and tire pressure to accommodate the extra weight.

If you’re carrying a passenger, he or she should mount the motorcycle only after the engine has started; should sit as far forward as possible, directly behind you; and should keep both feet on the foot rests at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped. Remind your passenger to keep his or her legs and feet away from the muffler. Tell your passenger to hold on firmly to your waist, hips, or belt; keep movement to a minimum; and lean at the same time and in the same direction as you do. Do not let your passenger dismount the motorcycle until you say it is safe.

If you’re ever in a serious motorcycle crash, the best hope you have for protecting your brain is a motorcycle helmet. Always wear a helmet meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. That is the manufacturer’s way of certifying the helmet meets the DOT standard. A certified helmet also will have a permanent inside label identifying the manufacturer and providing information about the care and use of the helmet. Helmets meeting FMVSS 218 weigh around three pounds; have a thick polystyrene-foam lining; and sturdy chinstraps. ANSI or Snell labels are voluntary indicators of helmet quality. Don’t leave your helmet behind on short trips because it could be a deadly mistake. Some motorcycle helmets, in addition to offering protection to your head in a crash, include plastic face shields that offer protection from wind, rain, insects, dust, and stones thrown up from cars. If your helmet doesn’t have a face shield, be sure you wear goggles because eyeglasses won’t keep your eyes from watering, and can easily fall off.

Arms and legs should be completely covered when riding a motorcycle, ideally by wearing leather or heavy denim. In addition to providing protection in a crash, protective gear also helps prevent dehydration. Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles, while gloves allow for a better grip and help protect your hands in the event of a crash. Wearing brightly colored clothing with reflective material will make you more visible to other vehicle drivers.

Experienced riders know local traffic laws - and they don’t take risks. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings; ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles; and always check behind you and signal before you change lanes. Remember to ride defensively. The majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes generally are caused when other drivers simply didn’t see the motorcyclist. Proceed cautiously at intersections and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as appropriate. You can increase your visibility by applying reflective materials to your motorcycle and by keeping your motorcycle’s headlights on at all times, even using high beams during the day.

Alcohol and drugs, including some prescribed medications, negatively affect your judgment, coordination, balance, throttle control, and ability to shift gears. These substances also impair your alertness and reduce your reaction time. Even when you’re fully alert, it’s impossible to predict what other vehicles or pedestrians are going to do. Therefore, make sure you are alcohol and drug free when you get on your motorcycle. Otherwise, you’ll be heading for trouble.

• The physical act of passing through a doorway is the reason why you often walk into a room and completely forget what you were doing. Because going through a door signifies the beginning or end of something, this creates and ‘event boundary’ within your mind. Basically, every time you go through a doorway, your brain starts filing away thoughts from your previous location to make room for a new group of memories in the next.

• People decide whether you’re smart, likable, extroverted, adventurous, successful, or trustworthy within just 3 seconds of meeting you.

• When you can’t sleep the first night in a new place, your brain is trying to protect you. Many animals sleep with only half their brain, while the other half stays alert to possible dangers. It’s called the ‘first night effect’ in humans, because our bodies put us in a strange, half-asleep/half-awake state the first time we sleep in an unfamiliar environment.

• Sad, angry, jealous, and guilty feelings can make you a healthier person. Figuring out the reason for your negative emotions and learning from unpleasant experiences makes you stronger, and that success can bring happiness - but when you suppress and ignore negative emotions, you eliminate the balance of good and bad. Because the contrast of feeling sad is what makes feeling happy so wonderful, happiness wouldn’t really exist if you’d never truly embraced your sadness.

• Adjusting your rate of speech can make you more persuasive. Slower speech gives someone who’s bound to disagree with you more time to evaluate your point, add in their own thoughts, and dismiss your reasoning with their own existing bias - but talking fast leaves them less time to form an argument and significantly increases your chances for persuading them.

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Accidents Photos by Photographers Everett Peterson and Carol Donovan and Duty Officers

03/26/18 Hwy 251

04/01/18 Perryville Rd. & Vaughndale Dr. 04/07/18 Hwy 173 04/10/18 Edgemere Terr.

04/02/18 Hwy 173

Harzardous LeakPhotos by Everett Peterson

Firefighters were dispatched to to an over-turned anhydrous ammonia tank on Manchester Rd. on March 27th. Manchester Rd and County Line Rd. were shut down until the area was safe.

Chimney FirePhotos by Carol Donovan

Firefighters responded to a chimney fire in the Village of Argyle on Grove St. on March 20. The fire was extinguished and damage contained to the chimney.

It was right out of a adventure novel though. Down a long driveway and Chief having to decide if a bridge was strong enough for a 35,000+ lb fire truck. One engine was sent up to the home and all others staged on the street, sending man power up to the home. Then firefighters scaled an upper deck railing and shimmied up thin roofs to get to the chimney.

A pike pole was used from the top of the chimney to break up any blockage and all burning logs and debris were shoveled out of the wood burning stove. Then a thermal imaging camera was used to check for any fire extension.

From the Chief’s Desk By Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

Spring has sprung; well at least the calendar says so. Is it safe to say it is here? As I write this snow flurries are falling, but there are green things sprouting out of the ground.

When the warmer weather does arrive, and it will, many of us will begin cleaning our yards from the winter season. Please remember there are burning ordinances in place from the boards of the County and Townships along with some Villages.

Roscoe Township and the County ordinances allows for burning of yard waste from 4/15 – 5/15, Saturday and Sunday only between the hours of 10am – 7pm. Village of Machesney Park is 4/1 - 4/30, from sun up to sun down. If you are unsure of the ordinance you can call our business phone line (623-7867) Monday thru Friday and we will assist you based upon where you live. When burning, please be cautious of the wind, nearby structures and be courteous to your neighbors.

The men and woman of the department held another successful Spring Dinner. Of course its success would not have happened without your support and their hard work. Thank you to everyone who had an opportunity to attend the 60th Anniversary of our dinner. The weather was windy and cold but that didn’t affect the job the firefighters did. I missed visiting with all of you as my time was spent outside assisting with cooking. Meetings have been had since the dinner to begin work on the 2019 event. The preliminary numbers served was approximately 1100 meals.

As our fiscal year comes to an end, I look back on a year with numerous accomplishments. The biggest being the completion of remodels and upgrades done to Stations 2 & 3. They will serve the district for many years to come as we continue to grow. Another year where I and the Board of Trustees operated within our budget as you would expect. We will continue to be proactive to what needs we will continue to have, so that we continue providing excellent service to our communities.

Speaking of end of the year, I created and printed an annual report sharing information about your fire department in replacement of an annual letter this year. It was available at the dinner, however, if you did not pick up a copy or were unable to attend, it can be found on our website. They are also available at all three stations.

As the seasons change so does the request for our attendance at numerous events. We will continue to attend and fulfill those requests to the best of our ability. No matter how thoroughly we enjoy being out visiting with the adults and children at all of the functions, the firefighters and medics are very busy throughout the day and evening with responding to calls or training to improve their skill level to provide the level of service all of you deserve.

Your continuous and generous support does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me, this is your fire department. Don’t forget to keep up on the progress of your fire department by visiting our website. www.harlemroscoefire.com, and don’t forget our Facebook page. Go ahead and friend us or why not like and follow us. It remains an honor to me to represent this fire department, the members and our communities locally and throughout the state.

Be safe,Chief Shoevlin

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

The Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist. #1

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

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month: You can now sign up on the home page of our website to receive the newsletter by email.

www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl: hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

Birthdays!

April 2018

3rd Nate Sarver7th Chris Witcik8th Ron Canode10th Colleen Bloyer14th Tom Vojtech25th Ryan Sarver

May 20183rd Christian Bush11th Marcia Soppe13th Josh Hoffland23rd Rob Lukowski31st Jordan Stark

I know that there are many special weeks or days dedicated to every cause under the sun, but I would like to bring attention to one more: National Telecommunicator Week.

Telecommunicator, sometimes known as “9-1-1 operators” or “dispatchers”, are the true first responders during an emergency. These often forgotten heroes are being celebrated April 8-14 this year.

They are the ones on the phone getting your location and obtaining the critical information needed to get the correct help to you as quickly as possible. Often while the caller is living their worst moment, they are the calm voice on the other end of the phone

getting the caller the help they need while providing life-saving instructions — or just staying on the line to reassure them while they wait for help to arrive.

HRFD has a group of dedicated individuals where our call starts and ends with them. They play a critical role in our success and the safety of us all. Any job dealing with public safety can be stressful and part of the stress for a telecommunicator is sitting in a room never knowing what the next phone call will bring, and often not knowing the outcome of the calls they have handled.

To the Telecommunicators of Winnebago County thank you for who you are and what you do. To the Harlem Roscoe Fire dispatchers thank you is a small reward but more than deserving for all you do not only for those in our communities we serve, but all of our members.

Chief Shoevlin

Congratulations to Lt. Ryan Sarver and his wife Brianna on the birth of their second child, Liam Spencer Sarver. Liam arrived on February 28th measuring in at 9lbs. and 19.5” long. Liam joins big sister Callie and mom and baby are doing great!. Congrats again Ryan and Brianna, he is so precious!

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.

Firefighters Mike Sherbon’s mother, and Firefighter Brandon Sherbon’s grandmother, Marjorie M. Sherbon passed away on March 30. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Mike and Brandon and their family.

Short Spring Jokes

• When do monkeys fall from the sky? During Ape-ril showers!

• Can February March? No, but April May! • Why is everyone so tired on April 1? Because they’ve

just finished a long, 31 day March! • What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

Spring-time! • What flowers grow on faces? Tulips (Two-lips)! • Why are trees very forgiving? Because in the fall they

“Let It go” and in the spring they “turn over a new leaf”.

• Why is the letter A like a flower? A bee (B) comes after it!

• When do people start using their trampoline? Spring-Time

• What do you get when you pour hot water down a rabbit hole? A hot cross bunny

• What did the tree say to spring? What a re-leaf. • What do you call a girl with a frog on her head? Lily! • What does the Easter Bunny order at a Chinese

Restaurant? Hop Suey! • What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny!

THE FIREHOUSE SCENEis a publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

April 2018 Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Photo by Everett Peterson

Field FiresPage 7

Chimney FirePage 3

Please join us for the “Ignite our Youth's Future” Golf Fundraiser for the Harlem-Roscoe Firefighter’s Technology Grant. The grant is awarded annually to an in-district school to assist in

purchasing technology to assist students in their educational needs in the 21st century.

Friday, June 29, 2018 Macktown Golf Course 8:00 a.m. Shotgun start (Registration starts at 7:00 a.m.)

Register Online: WWW.HARLEMROSCOEGOLF.COM $120/golfer ($480/foursome)

What’s Included? 18 holes of golf with cart All drinks on course (includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks!) Breakfast w/ Bloody Mary Bar Lunch at the turn An "all-inclusive" steak & chicken dinner at pavilion

(Includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at dinner!) A gift certificate for a free future round of golf,

cart included, at any of the Winnebago County golf courses!

Live Music Entertainment at Dinner Free T-Shirt Plus a few surprises…

What Can You Win?

Longest Drive, Longest Putt, and Closest to the Pin winners will be awarded a PING golf club

Putting contest winner will be awarded a PING golf bag!

Door prizes, raffle baskets, and 50/50 golf ball drop!

50/50 Golf Ball Drop Raffle

Golf balls will be dropped onto a green at Macktown Golf

Course from our aerial truck's ladder on the day of the play day. If your ball lands in the hole you win! 3,000 balls are available, so the raffle prize could be very significant!!!

$5 per ball or $20 for 5 balls

Purchase Online at www.harlemroscoegolf.com Do not need to be present to win. Winner will be notified.

***Don’t golf but would still like to support our scholarship fund? Donations are also accepted online!***

Thank you for your support of the Harlem-Roscoe Firefighter's Scholarship Fund!

5th Annual Golf Play Day