Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department wins Roscoe Township Historical Society's Heritage Award
On Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 Roscoe Township Historical Society President Laura Zwart presented the Harlem-Roscoe Protection Department with the 2025 Heritage Award at the Cross House. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief John Bergeron accepted the award for the department.
The RTHS launched the Heritage Enterprise Recognition program in 2021 where the RTHS honors and recognizes the individuals, families, and companies who have dedicated their work and lives to the improvement of Roscoe Township.
The Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District -department checks every box in qualifying for this well deserved recognition and is on duty 325 days a year.
Behind the departments dedication is a team of fighter fighters, Paramedics, EMT's(Emergency Medical Technicians), Fire Prevention, Cadets Deputy and Battalion Chiefs, Lutenists, Community Risk Reduction, mechanics, operators, maintenance and an Administrative Assistant and a Chaplain, and a Board of Trustees who all work under the direction of Fire Chief John Bergeron.
Apparatus that is housed in Station 1 includes two ALS Ambulances, two engines, a 300 gallon tanker, a heavy rescue squad, a grass rig, a boat, two minivans, and a 100 ft, aerial platform unit.
The department holds a rich interesting history which was commemorated in the book, 75th Anniversary 1940-2015 Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District #1, written and produced by M.T. Publishing Company, Inc.
In 1940 the department opened with a donated two bay garage and a grass rig pumper, often fighting frequent grass fires which were so common that one day firefighters received 35 calls.
This was known as Fire Station number #1, sitting on donated land.
The Harlem Roscoe Fireman's Association was formed in the 1940's where they held dances and dinners which continue today, to raise funds for equipment.
The first commercial fire truck was a 500 gallon grass rig pumper that was purchased at a cost of $10,000 by selling bonds.
Firefighters raised money in the 1950's to purchase a new pumper and a tanker.
In the 1960's the emergency phone was still a party line answered by firefighters or their own family members. The fire siren would be set off to notify the men. When they arrived at the station a landmark written on a chalkboard would lead them to the location of a fire.
A second station was built in the 70's. The department had the first volunteer fire department paramedic in the area and the start of the EMS program in 1979.
By the 1980's improved safety gear such as Nomex hoods and the first two ambulances were purchased along with a larger rescue squad.
A third station was built in the 1994 and Station #1 moved to a bigger station on Main Street in Roscoe.
The station now has six larger bays with drive through repair facilities, a cascade room, a kitchen, a training room for 50 people, a laundry room, four restrooms, shower facilities, a lounge and a dispatch center.
When the newest station was built dispatching was moved from seven remote phones to the dispatch center at the new Station #1.
More additions to the building were done in 2005 and in 2012 with a remodeling project. Improvements that were made included the addition of offices. bunk rooms, a gear room, more facilities, and a new generator.
The 2000's was the era where big trucks had arrived.
By 2010 advanced training and a major remodeling of Station one were implemented.
Every year the department hosts an open house during Fire Safety Week to become better acquainted with the community they serve.
The Harlem Roscoe Fire Department certainly exemplifies a strong and long lasting commitment to the Roscoe community.
The department was formed in 1940 and has grown with the community. As the needs of the community have increased they have worked hard to meet those needs, said Roscoe Township Historical Society President Laura Zwart.
Zwart adds, "Personally, so many of my family members have been in the fire department, it is very dear to my heart.
Fire Chief John Bergeron said,
On behalf of the Roscoe Fire Department I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Roscoe Township Historical Society for honoring us with this years Heritage Award.
It is truly humbling to be recognized by an organization that works so tirelessly to preserve the history, stories and spirit of this community.
Our department has been privileged to serve the citizens of Roscoe. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us- dedicated volunteers, chiefs and community members who helped to not just build a fire department but a legacy of service, commitment and pride.
Being recognized with the Heritage Award reminds us that the work we do today becomes the history of tomorrow.
This award belongs to every member, past and present who has answered the call, trained tirelessly and put the community first. It also belongs to the families who support us and the district leadership who stand behind us and the residents who trust us during their most difficult moments. Your support is what makes our mission possible.
We are honored to protect a community with such a strong sense of identity and respect for its past. As we move forward we will continue striving to preserve the values that define Roscoe, service, integrity and commitment to one another.
Thank you again for this meaningful recognition. We are proud to be part of Roscoe's history and even prouder to serve its future.
The Harlem Roscoe Fire Department now joins the previous Heritage Award recipients: Fred and Wendy Young of Forest City Gear, The McCurdy family of Top Die Casting Company, Doris Deschler of the Whiffletree Bar and Grill, Bud and Sue Severide of Bud's Market, and last year's recipients, the Roscoe VFW.
