On January 21, 2010 at 7:30 AM, Noblesville Captain Jim Eaton went off duty for the last time.  After 23 years of service with NFD and 31 total years in the fire service, Brother Eaton retired.  Jim’s last assignment was at Ladder 74 on Noblesville’s far north side, near the Morse marina.  When assigned there, he and the crews on all three shifts started work to fix the place up and give it, well, a more homey feeling.  Those who know or have worked with Jim know that he has a tinkering side and is really, pretty handy.  On his final day, he left the station better then he found it.

Recently, Jim and the boys of 74-C took advantage of Jim’s enthusiasm for old vehicles and went to work on restoring Noblesville’s own “Old 521”.  You may recall, 521 is the 1935 American LaFrance engine that was originally used by the NFD many years ago until it was replaced and sold at auction to a private citizen.  A few years ago the Noblesville membership bought this old truck back.  Jim loaned his passion and know-how to the truck and has left it far better looking then he found it in the bay at 74.

Jim and his family have been helping the less fortunate children of Noblesville by ensuring they have a bright Christmas when otherwise they would not because their parents can’t afford presents.  For the last 22 years, Jim has been in charge of the Noblesville Fire Department toy drive.  Each year, he works with the department, community, and others to collect donations, accept donated toys, shop for each child on the list to ensure each of them have something to open on Christmas.  Jim and his family have been key to smiles on kids’ faces all over Noblesville for over two decades.  This is work that Jim plans to continue even after retirement. 

Jim has done a lot, as mentioned above.  Ask any seasoned guy on the job about Jim and fire attack.  They will let you know that bar none, if they are to be on the end of a hose, they sure as hell want Jim with them. 

Jim plans to spend his retirement with his wife Cindi, daughters Brandi and Amber, and two granddaughters Lainie and Abby.  Oh yeah, he will also be grinding stumps on the side.  Jim, all the best to you!