Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District

On January 1, 2008, Donald R. Shoevlin, of Roscoe, accepted and began his position as the new Fire Chief of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Protection District. He became the 8th individual to take on this role with the department since its incorporation on April 4, 1940.

In 1980, Don began his fire career at the age of 23 with the Cary Fire Department. As a POC Volunteer, he quickly became an EMT and Paramedic. His training in all aspects of the fire field began as well, earning his state certificates in FFII, FFIII and Fire Service Instructor. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1987 and to Captain in 1989. In Cary, Don ran the Hazmat Division, served with the Training Division and became a Squad Coordinator of their EMS program. He also found the time to be on their water fighting team, softball team and help to coordinate and run their annual dance, open house and turkey raffle.

Then in 1991, Don and his family moved to Roscoe. Deciding to help raise his four children, he did not volunteer and continue his passion of firefighting.

All that changed on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. With the devastating catastrophe of 911, the desire to help people once again became forefront on his mind. He then made the decision to begin training once again and on December 15, 2001, joined the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department.

He became a "probie" once again with all of the other young men & women in his class. He began retraining, testing, and becoming familiar with the new rules and regulations of fire and EMS. Don recertified as an EMT and quickly brought his previous knowledge and understanding to the department. He became the Training Division Coordinator and implemented the Training Point System, as well as the Driving Division Program. On February 21, 2004, he was asked to become Lieutenant and then on September 12, 2004 was promoted to rank of Captain, running the HRFD Station #3 on Willowbrook Road. At Station #3, he was instrumental in the building of the Training Tower and coordinated the construction remodeling & addition project of 2006.

With Harlem Roscoe, he continued his education and received his state certificates in Technical Rescue Awareness, Hazmat Materials First Responder Operations, Fire Officer I (which includes Management I & Management II, Instructor I, Fire Prevention Principles and Tactics & Strategies I), Fire Service Vehicle Operator, and Fire Officer II (which includes Management III & Management IV, Instructor II and Tactics and Strategies II). He also has been attending classes in management, safety, rescue, fire investigation and training. Don completed the Statewide WMD Unified Command Coarse and NIMS Classes and will continue to keep up with current education needs. Don is currently enrolled and working towards his Fire Officer III state certification.

Don was honored in 2005 by his peers as becoming the first recipient of the Harlem Roscoe Fire Department Fire Fighter of the Year Award and then was surprised again in 2007 with the Roscoe VFW Fire Fighter of the Year Award.

Before becoming the new fire chief, Don with his wife Tammy owned and operated their own business in town for 15 years along with volunteering in many of their children's activities including Hononegah Boosters, Bruce Samlan & Lions Soccer Leagues and more.

Don and Tammy have been married for 30 years and have four children, Michelle, Kelly Shimp (Brian), Stephen and Laura. They also are the proud grandparents of Dylan.