CHICAGO — An award-winning photographer who was laid off by the Chicago Sun-Times in May has returned to what he considers his calling — firefighting.
CBS Chicago reported that Scott Stewart, 57, who worked for the newspaper for 28 years before management laid off nearly the entire photography staff, used to be a fire captain at the Merrionette Park (Ill.) Fire Department.
“I am a fireman who takes pictures,” said Stewart.
When he was laid off in May, his old fire department came calling.
“They said ‘What can we do to help you out? We know the situation that you’re under,’” Stewart said. “Kiddingly, I said ‘How about taking the old-timer back?’”
Firefighter Stewart started over as a probationary firefighting — doubling as the department’s official photographer, according to the report. He also works as an investigator for nearby Evergreen Park.
“It’s been a great ride so far. I mean, the department has grown four-fold,” he said.
He admits the work can sometimes be a challenge to keep up, according to the report.
“I’m not a spring chicken anymore. I’m 57 years of age, and I’m trying to keep up with 25-year-old to 30-year old kids, you know, who are out here, who could outlast me, but I try to outlast them,” he said.
Stewart said he’s grateful to his fellow firefighters and hopes to see his photo credit in print again someday, according to the report.
“Miracles do happen. Something could change,” he said.