This message came from John Tobin: --- As I sit here reflecting on the journey that has been my life, a familiar tune comes to mind: *"Reflections of my life."* And indeed, these photographs are a testament to the passage of time and how swiftly it moves. Over those 34 years, it feels like I’ve been on quite the rollercoaster ride. Honestly, I still can't fully grasp that it's all come to an end. Along the way, I’ve made countless friends, some enemies, and accomplished much of what I set out to do back in 1979 when I first joined the Elgin Fire Department. I remember saying more than once, *"One day, I rolled under a rig that needed fixing, and when I rolled out, my first wife had left, the kids were grown, and I was an old man."* There’s a lesson in there somewhere—some people change so often they end up unrecognizable. I always considered myself ordinary, but having such a unique role made me incredibly lucky. There’s a saying: *"Don’t confuse me with the facts."* When that phrase stopped being a joke and became a reality, I knew my time was running out. So, take a look at these photos if you’d like—they might just transport you back to another era. It’s time for me to step into the next chapter of my life, and I’m confident the Elgin Fire Department will continue to thrive without me. C'est la vie, as they say. --- Attached are some images from my collection that capture moments from my 34-year career. Each photo holds its own story, whether it’s of camaraderie during training exercises or quiet reflection after a long shift. These aren’t just pictures; they’re fragments of memories woven together over decades. ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="409") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="366") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="491") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="301") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="400") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="351") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="499") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="357") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="338") ![Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter](src="" alt="Reflections of 34 years as a firefighter." width="500" height="293") These images serve as reminders of both the highs and lows, the laughter shared among colleagues, and the solemn duty we carried every single day. They remind me of the firehouse banter, the drills, and the quiet moments spent alone with thoughts too big for words. And now, as I close this final chapter, I want to thank everyone who stood by me—my fellow firefighters, family, and friends. You’ve been the constant in my ever-changing world. So here’s to new beginnings—for all of us. May we find peace, purpose, and joy in whatever comes next. Take care, John

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