CHICAGO — Chicago firefighters and their families gathered for a happy goodbye Wednesday afternoon, as veteran helicopter pilot, Lieutenant Tom McPhillips held his retirement ceremony after nearly three decades of service with the Chicago Fire Department.
“I’ve been doing something I’ve loved for 27 years,” McPhillips said. “I hope the guys coming behind me love it as much as I have.”
The celebration was held near 95th Street and the lakefront, a symbolic reminder of the countless rescues McPhillips conducted over the water just off the Chicago shoreline.
“I can’t think of anyone who’s done what he’s done for this unit,” said CFD Commander David Doggett.
McPhillips comes from a long line of men of who have served in the CFD within his family, but his story of service to his community actually began with him serving his country as a helicopter pilot in the armed forces before taking those skills home to Chicago.
“[But now] he can finish that honey-do list,” said Jacqui McPhillips, Tom’s wife.
Jacqui and Tom’s son and two daughters were all present for the celebration, as the former military helicopter pilot prepared to retire after training a new generation of pilots as a flight instructor.
“He is so personable and so lovable. It will be difficult to find a replacement,” Jacqui said.
