After 32 Years, Broadview Fire Dept. Captain John Armstrong Retires

(Broadview, IL) – At a meeting this week of the Village of Broadview Board of Trustees, Broadview Fire Department Captain John Armstrong officially ended his 32-year career with the village, drawing praise from Broadview’s top officials.

“Captain John Armstrong is an icon in the Broadview Fire Department,” said Acting Fire Chief Matt Martin at the board’s Monday, November 21, regular meeting. “He faced challenges with integrity and unwavering commitment to our community. He always put the safety of others above all else and has been a mentor to countless Broadview Fire Department fire fighters. Captain Armstrong, your legacy is the lives that you have touched.”

Armstrong also earned praise from Mayor Katrina Thompson.

“For 32 years, Captain Armstrong provided distinguished public service to residents and businesses to the Village of Broadview,” said Thompson. “You lead your team with encouragement, integrity, and compassion. And I want people to know that your character, how you lead and served others unselfishly.”

Thompson, presiding at the meeting, invited his sisters, Helen and Susan, who flew in from Pennsylvania this week to celebrate their brother’s retirement, to offer a testimonial at the speaker’s podium about their brother.

“For several years now, John would appear virtually to speak to my special education class,” said Helen, a special ed teacher. “When I would say to the class that John is coming, you would think that I said that Santa is here. He taught my class life skills, such as CPR, kitchen safety, choking first-aid, falling first-aid, and my personal favorite is that he taught my students to call 911 for help.”

Armstrong’s sister Susan, also an elementary teacher, has also called on her “big brother” for classroom help.

“In the past, I would invite fire fighters to my second-grade class for Fire Prevention Week, but they didn’t quite do the job,” said Susan. “So, I called on my big brother who provided a virtual firehouse tour, and the kids loved him.”

“See you later.”

“Captain Armstrong, this is not a good-bye, it’s a see you later,” said Thompson. “You will always be part of the Broadview family. You have served us well, sir, God bless you and happy retirement.”

“This experience has been a huge blessing,” said Armstrong, choking up.

By the end of the tribute to Armstrong, there had not been a dry eye in the chamber.

davidormsby@davidormsby.com