BEDFORD — After more than three decades of service, Battalion Chief Jim Elkins retired from the Bedford Fire Department, closing a career marked by dedication, leadership, and community commitment.
Elkins, who served 31½ years with the department, officially finished his final shift on Sunday, Feb. 15. Throughout his career, he responded to countless emergencies, often working long nights, missing holidays, and facing some of the most challenging situations in the community.
As a Battalion Chief, Elkins was known for leading by example, mentoring younger firefighters, and supporting his crews with steady guidance and humility. Colleagues credit him with shaping the department’s culture and leaving a lasting impact on both the personnel he trained and the community he served.
“His influence will live on in the people he trained, the lives he touched, and the department he helped shape,” officials said, praising his decades of service and sacrifice.
The Bedford Fire Department expressed gratitude for Elkins’ commitment, noting that his retirement closes a chapter defined by courage, dedication, and heart.
