I’ve lost my friend Bobby.
Like so many of you, Chief Bobby Halton was many things to me—a mentor, a brother, a friend, an inspiration… the list can go on and on. And it’s honest to say that my fire service career would not be where it is today without Bobby’s trust, insight, encouragement, guidance, and friendship.
Words are not my strength, so it was inevitable that I put my thoughts and emotions into art. So, indulge me for a moment as I unpack this cartoon.
First, I wanted to draw something that was personal to me about Bobby, not what Bobby meant to the fire service (that cartoon will be in February’s Fire Engineering magazine), though there are parallels. These are all things that Bobby and I would chat about regularly. He had a way of making me want to be smarter and up my own game—I fact-checked him often—he was always spot-on with his endless quotes!
Second, Bobby mentioned more than once that he would like to have long walks and talk with St. Aquinas, the patron saint of knowledge. I can’t help but think he’d be impressed with Bobby’s immense knowledge on so many topics.
Lastly, Bobby always called himself “the old guy.” It’d be nice if he was now the “new kid.” The thought of this makes me smile and warms my heart.
I will miss my friend. I will miss our conversations on literature and history. I will miss his infectious passion.
Chief, I sincerely hope you are walking and conversing with the legendary stoics and fire service icons.
I will miss you.
