On June 11, Bob Brogan, 55, announced to the Village of Northbrook that he will be retiring from his position as Deputy Chief of Operations at the Northbrook Fire Department. 

But the town won't let go of Brogan quietly. Friends and colleagues have shared their memories of a man who served Northbrook for 30 years. 

Lt. Dennis Ortlund, Northbrook Fire Department

Bob Brogan was one of my first company officers when I got on in 1997. What I always loved about Bob was that there is no deceit in the man, you always know exactly where he’s coming from. He is passionate about customer service.

Now that I’m a lieutenant, one of the first things I try to impress on new guys is something Bob taught me; there isn’t a rule or policy for every conceivable situation you’re going to come across. When you find yourself in a gray area, always do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.

Those words of advice have never let me down.

Paul Risinger, Public Works

He's a great guy, I'm going to miss him a lot. He's very professional, he's genuine. Hopefully the younger guys coming up are learning from guys like Bob. He's got a great work ethic, the younger generation they really need to see that. 

I know Bob's years here have done a lot for making the fire department and the village as a whole. He did put a lot of time in here, he was a huge advantage for this village. He's a family guy, he treats his coworkers and the residents of this village like family. 

Aaron Melman, Congregation Beth Shalom
Chaplain to the Northbrook Fire Department 

I'll miss him. Bob is a good, honest and decent human being. That has really come through in his work. 

Although we come from different faiths, our separate faiths is something that has united us. 

I wish him nothing but the best for him and his family, for their future and I know we'll still see him around. 

Timothy Smeltzer, Northbrook Fire Department

Bob,

Unfortunately “IT IS WHAT IT IS.” Good Luck on your new endeavor, I just wish I had more time to learn your ways of accomplishing difficult tasks!

BEST OF LUCK!!

Lt. David Crawford, Northbrook Fire Department

A man that had a true heart for those he served…. and always reminded us to do the “right thing… at the right time… for the right reason!”

God bless you in your new journey!

Ed Kotowski, Northbrook Fire Department

Bob, I still remember being a new guy my first week on the job and you the LT., I had to put my gear on in 60 seconds for you to check me off in my new guy book. I was nervous, but you being the down to earth guy you are made it easy. You will be missed.

James Frantz, Public Works

Bob, I'll miss ya and the hugs in the morning. But as you tackle your new adventure, when things get difficult just think of the world according to Franze! And have Cindy put in "the" movie before you get home. Always laugh! Love ya always Man!

-Jim "Franze"

Paul Rutkowski, Northbrook Professional FireFighters

As Union President for the Northbrook Fire Department, I often worked with Bob on the other side of the table from me. Although we did not always agree, he always treated myself and the other guys with respect. Simply put, there were no "games" being played. Bob was and is a guy of his word and would support an idea regardless of whom it came from if it was sound and was the right thing to do. Guys like Bob Brogan don't come around too often and we all have learned from him. I hope he enjoys his ride into the sunset.

Jerry Piazzi, Northbrook Fire Department

Bro, Love you man! Take care.

-Piaz

Scott Nacheman, Firefighter 

Chief:

Thank you for your friendship and advocacy with the FD and TRT. It has been an honor and a pleasure serving with you!

Best wishes for the utmost happiness and good health in the future.

Use the comment section below to offer Brogan some departing words before he begins work as the Deputy Chief of Operations at the Rutland-Dundee Township Fire Protection District.