Harlem Roscoe Fire District celebrates Fire Protection Week and welcomes new fire chief

An open house commemorating Fire Prevention Week was held Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Harlem Roscoe Fire District Station #1, 10544 Main St. in Roscoe.

Visitors, especially children, had the opportunity to check out the fire trucks, special-use vehicles and equipment used by firefighters and EMTs.

Kids couldn’t resist sitting in the fire trucks, sliding down the fire pole, and using a fire extinguisher to put out a simulated fire, all under the supervision of fire protection personnel.

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Firefighters and EMTs explained how various fire trucks, fire boats and emergency vehicles are used in their work.

The Main Street Fire Station is one of three strategically located stations.

Station #2 is at 825 Ralston Road in Machesney Park, which has ambulance service. Station #3 at 13974 Willow Brook Rd, is where training takes place.

Fire Protection Week began Oct. 9, and ended Oct. 15. Fire stations across the country found ways to bring fire safety awareness to families and businesses.

There will be a changing of the guard at the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District at the end of the year. Recently, outgoing Chief Don Shoevlin announced his upcoming retirement.

Shoevlin was a volunteer firefighter for 19 years. He became HRFD Chief in 2008. During his tenure, he started a HazMat program, remodeled all three stations, improved fitness training and brought in new technologies.

He and his wife Tammy have been active volunteers in the Roscoe community and plan to continue their involvement after his retirement.

At the end of the year, Chief Shoevlin will pass the baton to Patrick Trollop. Currently, Trollop is a HRFD Battalion captain.

Trollop served in the Marine Corp Infantry Squad as a paramedic, 1998-2002. He was a Special Operations Preparedness Coordinator, 1998-2002.

He joined the HRFD in 2012, and moved up quickly. Trollop became a lieutenant in 2015, captain in 2019, and battalion chief in 2020.

He has a bachelor degree in Public Safety Management from Southern Illinois University.

Trollop and his wife Becky are the parents of two children. The family lives in Roscoe.

“I hope to continue the programs Chief Shoevlin started.” Trollop said. “My focus will be on training, education and emergency services.”

Reed Stewart tried his hand at extinguishing a simulated fire at the Harlem Roscoe Fire station, Saturday, Oct. 15. Fire Prevention week was designated to educate the public in what to do in case of a fire.

The Metz family visited the Roscoe Fire Station, Saturday, Oct. 15. They learned about fire safety and enjoyed hot dogs and cookies.

The fire pole was a big hit with the younger set. Kids climbed the ladder and slid down the fire pole with the help of several firefighters.

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