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Sauk Valley

Dixon Rural firefighter honored for 44-year career

Dixon Rural Chief Dustin Dahlstrom (left) and board president Brian Mayer present John Foxley with the silver axe Saturday, May 16, 2026, honoring the retired firefighter for his 44 years of service. “He never missed a call day or night,” said Dahlstrom about Foxley’s dedication.

Dixon Rural Chief Dustin Dahlstrom (left) and board president Brian Mayer present John Foxley with the silver axe Saturday, May 16, 2026, honoring the retired firefighter for his 44 years of service. “He never missed a call day or night,” said Dahlstrom about Foxley’s dedication. (Alex T. Paschal)

By Alex T. Paschal

John Foxley called it a 44-year career as a paid, on-call firefighter with the Dixon Rural Fire Protection District in Grand Detour. Foxley was honored with the silver axe and a celebration Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Grand Detour station.

John Foxley called it a 44-year career as a paid-on call firefighter with the Dixon Rural Fire Protection District in Grand Detour. Foxley was honored with the silver axe and celebration Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Grand Detour station.

John Foxley called it a 44-year career as a paid, on-call firefighter with the Dixon Rural Fire Protection District in Grand Detour. Foxley was honored with the silver axe and celebration Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Grand Detour station. (Alex T. Paschal)

Dixon Rural Chief Dustin Dahlstrom (left) and board president Brian Mayer present John Foxley with the silver axe Saturday, May 16, 2026, honoring the retired firefighter for his 44 years of service. “He never missed a call day or night,” said Dahlstrom about Foxley’s dedication.

Dixon Rural Chief Dustin Dahlstrom (left) and board president Brian Mayer present John Foxley with the silver axe Saturday, May 16, 2026, honoring the retired firefighter for his 44 years of service. “He never missed a call, day or night,” Dahlstrom said about Foxley’s dedication. (Alex T. Paschal)

Grand DetourDixon Rural Fire DepartmentRetirementLee CountyOgle County
Alex Paschal

Alex T. Paschal

Photojournalist/columnist for Sauk Valley Media