This from Drew Smith:
Friday, September 12th NIPSTA Firefighter Academy class 1403 graduated 29 candidates. As is customary near the end of the ceremony, candidates are afforded the opportunity to have their badge pinned on by a family member in the fire service, currently or retired. In this class there were five such candidates. One of these candidates, Josh Hutchison of Northfield Fire Rescue had both his father, Winnetka Captain Tom Hutchison and his grandfather, retired Chicago Fire Department Captain Jerome Hutchison pin his badge. This was a first for a NIPSTA class. Jerome, now 83, attended in his Class A uniform. His son Tom provided the follow history of his father’s assignments. Of particular note is his original service with the Chicago Fire Insurance Patrol shortly before it was disbanded. The retired captain also shared some stories with members of the Skokie FD who were in attendance regarding the old fire patrol wagon which he served on and was purchased by Skokie and used as their squad in the 1960s.
From Tom: Here is a quick snap shot of Dad’s career;
56-58 Fire Insurance Patrol 1 & 2
59-67 Engine 24 Firefighter
67-69 FPB Lieutenant (Hotel inspector)
69-71 Salvage Squad 2 Lieutenant
71-75 FPB Lieutenant (New Construction of Sears tower)
75-77 1st Division relief Lieutenant
77-80 Engine 30 Lieutenant
80-82 Engine 7 Lieutenant
82-92 Administration Captain
Drew Smith, Director
NIPSTA Firefighter Academy
