From Suburban Journals

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Collinsville Assistant Fire Chief John Nichols will hang up his fire helmet after 33 years on the job in March. Not only will it be his last day on the job, it will be the first time in about 100 years that a Nichols family member will not be working for the department.

His father, Alvin Nichols, served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 44 years, retiring as volunteer assistant chief. John's grandfather, Ralph Nichols, served as a volunteer as did his grandfather's brothers, Joe and Artie Nichols.

Known for a legendary work ethic, Nichols - who's been known to show up at late night fires at all hours (he keeps a set of gear in his car) - is leaving to become southwest regional training coordinator with the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, where he has worked as a part-time fire service educator for more than eight years.

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