Godspeed, Bill Robertson! You kept Rockford safe.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:38am Chuck Sweeny
The Rockford Fire Department isn’t in the news much. And as I remind firefighters and division chiefs who wonder why that is, I say, “be thankful. You’re not in the paper because you’re not news. That means you’re not doing anything wrong.”
Which brings me to today’s retirement announcement by Fire Chief Bill Robertson. He turned 62 today, and figured that was a good time to go out at the top of his game. He’ll still be on the job until June.
Robertson began his career in 1972, under chief Wayne Swanson, back when the RFD was strictly a fire-fighting outfit. In 1976, the department added ambulance service, and today, that’s most of what the firefighters do.
At one time Bill Robertson headed of the firefighters union, which showed his leadership ability, and he rose through the ranks to be named chief 17 years ago, when Bill Baylor retired.
Bill Robertson has been a tireless public servant who combined people skills with technical knowledge to build a first-rate fire and ambulance department that is a crown jewel among public services.
Bill, you kept Rockford safe and secure. Godspeed and I hope your brother Jim beats you at golf!
Chuck
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2 Comments Add your own
1. John Quincy Adams | April 17th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Right on, Chuckles! Another one we agree on. Remember when he and Fitzpartick were the fire and police chiefs at the same time? What a couple of mustaches!
2. George Washington | April 17th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
JQA and Chuckles - boy oh boy, you guys are right about this. Chief Robertson is from the glory days of Rockford public safety. A true gentleman and public servant. Those were the days…Donny Gasparini…Logli…Fitzpatrick…Iasparro. Dream team, I say. Dream team.
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