From John Tobin:
Instead of focusing on what I was supposed to be doing, I found myself caught up in this unexpected journey. It feels strange, almost frustrating, knowing I could have been somewhere else but chose this path instead.
Curious about how Elgin, IL connects to the events of September 11th in New York? Well, here's a story that surfaced from another website. It talks about four Elgin firefighters—three of whom are now retired—and their mission to deliver a brand-new fire truck to the FDNY. This truck was nearly ready to roll out when the tragic events struck.
Accompanying the firefighters were heartfelt cards crafted by young students in Elgin, along with some older contributors. These weren't just any cards; they were symbols of solidarity and support during a time of immense loss. When we prepared to leave Elgin for New York, the entire front of the truck was adorned with these messages, along with posters and food for the journey. It was a moving sight, something I’ll never forget. Elgin seemed more united than ever before. On our return trip, after dropping off the truck, we made sure to display the cards at a local fire station so everyone could see them.
Let me share this inspiring story:
There was an order for several aerial trucks at Seagrave (SFA) around that time. Glenn Bennett, a dedicated employee and delivery driver, had just delivered one truck when flights were grounded. Stranded in New York, he began helping repair FDNY vehicles. Realizing the urgency, I reached out to SFA, offering my assistance. With a chase vehicle and three other firefighters, we drove out from Elgin to pick up the next truck. What began as a straightforward delivery quickly transformed into something more—a media event that wasn’t everyone’s favorite.
By the time we arrived in Illinois late that evening, the plan was set. We’d head straight to New York, nonstop. Arriving in the middle of the night posed a challenge. While some wanted to dive straight into Ground Zero, I hoped to connect with Glenn and assist behind the scenes. In the end, we brought the truck to Ground Zero, leaving early the next morning for South Plainfield. The FDNY was desperate for the equipment, which included vital spare parts. Our arrival sparked curiosity, and we were interviewed on radio and even mentioned on CNN’s squawk box. Navigating Manhattan’s morning traffic proved tricky, but the truck made it safely.
We stayed for two days, working alongside the teams at Ground Zero. Despite criticism from those who misunderstood our intentions, our goal remained clear: supporting our FDNY brothers. To Glenn, who played such a pivotal role—rest in peace, my dear friend.
[Insert photos]
Looking back, the images speak volumes. The Seagrave ladder truck stands ready to deliver hope amidst devastation. Firefighters pause briefly before diving into the chaos. A year later, some of us revisited the site where the truck ended up. The mural on the station wall captures the resilience and spirit of those who served.
This experience taught me so much about community and purpose. Even today, I can’t help but think of the cards from Elgin’s children, each one a testament to humanity’s capacity for kindness.
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