Chief Donald R. Shoevlin

Don Shoevlin joined the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District on December 15, 2001. He was promoted to Lieutenant on February 21, 2004, Captain on September 12, 2004, and became the department's eighth Fire Chief on January 1, 2008.

Chief Shoevlin began his fire service career in 1980 with the Cary Fire Protection District. Recruited by fellow business owners to serve his growing community, he quickly discovered a passion for helping others through the fire service. During his career in Cary, he rose to the rank of Captain, became a paramedic, established and coordinated the department's Hazardous Materials Team, instructed recruit training, organized public education events, developed the department's first large-scale disaster training exercise, and earned numerous state certifications before relocating to Roscoe in 1991.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Chief Shoevlin felt called to return to the fire service. While operating a local business in Roscoe, he became one of the oldest members to complete the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District recruit academy in 2001. As Captain, he helped oversee construction of the department's training tower and the renovation of Station Three while playing a key role in revitalizing the Training Division.

Chief Shoevlin holds Illinois State certifications as Firefighter II, Firefighter III, Fire Officer I, II, and III, Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Fire Service Vehicle Operator. He is also certified as an EMT-Advanced (EMT-A). Throughout his career, he has remained active in the fire service profession, serving as a member of the Winnebago Fire Chiefs Association, a board member of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, an appointee to the Winnebago County 911 Board, and a board member of the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce.

As Fire Chief, Don emphasized advanced training while ensuring firefighters maintained excellence in their core skills. Under his leadership, firefighter and public safety education became a top priority. He established the expectation that all new fire personnel obtain both Illinois Basic Firefighter certification and EMT-B certification, strengthening the department's all-hazards response capabilities.

Chief Shoevlin modernized the department by updating its organizational structure, policies, procedures, and operational guidelines to meet evolving federal, state, and local standards. Recognizing the importance of technology, he reorganized the dispatch center and helped improve emergency communications. He was instrumental in creating the department's first full-time Deputy Chief and Fire Prevention Officer positions and established the Engineer position in 2013.

He also significantly expanded the District's emergency medical services program by implementing cross-training requirements for EMS personnel as firefighters, ensuring greater operational flexibility. Under his leadership, the department increased staffing to maintain a minimum of six EMS personnel on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meeting the community's growing demand for emergency medical services.

Chief Shoevlin also oversaw several major capital improvement projects, including the research, planning, and construction of the extensive Station One renovation and expansion completed in 2013–2014.

His dedication to the department has been recognized with numerous honors, including becoming the first recipient of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District Good Service Award in 2004 and receiving the Roscoe VFW Firefighter of the Year Award in 2007. In 2010, he experienced one of the proudest moments of his career when his son, Stephen, joined the department, continuing the family's tradition of fire service.

Chief Shoevlin has often expressed that the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District was built upon the dedication of those who served before him and continues to thrive because of the unwavering commitment of its members and the support of the community. His leadership philosophy is reflected in the message he frequently shares with department personnel:

"We are who we are because of you!"