Roscoe man, his son killed in house fire

ROSCOE – Harlem Roscoe Firefighters were dispatched at 12:58am on Nov. 6 for a house fire at 8438 Elevator Road. Upon arrival of first units there were severe fire conditions found on the first floor of a two story single family residence.

Additional assistance was requested from MABAS. There were five family members inside the home at the time of the fire. Three people had self-evacuated prior to the departments arrival and fire units were informed that two family members were still in the home.

Firefighters initiated a coordinated attack with search and rescue to locate them. Two victims were located in a first floor bedroom. Alan Bekielewski was pronounced at the scene by the Winnebago County Coroner. His 2-year old son, Orin,  was transported to the hospital by a Harlem Roscoe Fire ambulance and pronounced at the hospital.

The other two family members and a family friend were transported to the hospital for further medical evaluation. The cause of the fire is undetermined  and under investigation by the  IL State Fire Marshal. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin says, “I would like to thank all mutual aid companies who assisted on our fire. I am so proud of my firefighters and support staff for the job they did.

“The tenacity they put forth in this horrible incident with their commitment to the task at hand while having to over come so many emotions. I am honored to be able to work alongside each and everyone of them. I ask us all to keep the family in our hearts and prayers.”

Photo courtesy of Harlem-Roscoe Fire Dept.

Firefighters from several area fire departments helped both on scene as well as manned the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Stations.