A big welcome to Harlem-Roscoe’s new full-time Chief. Don took over as Fire Chief as of January 1, 2008.

Don has served in the fire service for 17 years. Don joined the Cary Fire Protection District in Cary, IL in 1980. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1987 and to Captain in 1989. He was in charge of Hazmat, was the Squad Coordinator for EMS, and was in the Training Division.

In 1991, Don moved to Roscoe. He joined Harlem-Roscoe Fire on December 15, 2001. He was promoted to Lieutenant on February 21, 2004, and to Captain on September 12, 2004. January 1, 2008 he was appointed full-time chief. As Captain, he was head of the training program, designing and implementing the current training point system, as well as the driving program. He also served as Station #3 Captain and was very involved in the construction of the training tower as well as the remodeling and addition to Station #3 on Willowbrook Road.

Don became an EMT-B in 1980 and an EMT-P in 1981, serving 10 years as a paramedic for Cary FPD. He then re-certified as an EMT-B in 2003 at Harlem-Roscoe. He received his state certification as FFII in 1980, Fire Service Instructor I in 1989, Technical Rescue Awareness in 2002, Hazmat Materials First Responder Operations in 2002, FFIII in 1990, Fire Officer I in 2006, (which includes Management I, Management II, Instructor I, Fire Prevention Principles, and Tactics and Strategies I), Fire Service Vehicle Operator in 2006, and Management III and Instructor II in 2007 towards his Fire Officer II. He has also attended numerous classes in management, safety, rescue, fire investigation, training, as well as the Statewide WMD Unified Command Course and NIMS Classes.

In 2005 Don received the Harlem-Roscoe Firefighter of the Year Award. Then in 2007 he received the Roscoe VFW’s Firefighter of the Year Award.

Don has owned and operated American Bell Screen Printing from 1993 - 2008. He also has volunteered with the Hononegah Booster Club, Hononegah Lions Soccer Club, Bruce Samlan Soccer League, and both Cary and H-R Firefighters Associations.

Don and his wife Tammy have been married 28 years and have four children, Michelle Shoevlin, Kelly (Brian) Shimp, Steven Shoevlin, and Laura Shoevlin. Don will also become a grandpa when his daughter Kelly gives birth this summer.