Crime & Safety
Aurora Deputy Fire Chief Retires After 3 Decades Of Service
Members of the Aurora fire and police departments paid tribute to Deputy Fire Chief John Gilbert with a drive-by parade Friday.
AURORA, IL — More than 30 years after starting as a firefighter and paramedic at the Aurora Fire Department, John Gilbert called an end to his career of service Friday. Gilbert served as the department’s deputy chief for four years.
Members of the Aurora fire and police departments paid tribute to Gilbert with a drive-by parade on his final day. Gilbert waved and saluted his colleagues, and even danced as some went by. (Story continues below video).
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“Thank you very much, Aurora. It’s been great to work here for the city of Aurora as a firefighter for you,” the Aurora native said in the video. “I’ll truly miss it.”
Find out what's happening in Aurorafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gilbert reached the rank of lieutenant in 2003. He was promoted to captain in 2010 and battalion chief in 2014.
Deputy Chief Dave McCabe took over Gilbert’s role on Saturday. Also earning promotions within the Aurora Fire Department were Assistant Chief Mark Matkovich, Battalion Chief Steve Kish, Captain Matt Anslow and Lieutenant Mike Hoffman.
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