The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an article chronicling the inspiring journey of Jose Santiago, Chicago's newly appointed fire commissioner. The piece, titled *From Dropout to the Top of the Fire Department*, offers a detailed look at how Santiago rose from humble beginnings to lead one of the city's most critical departments. Here are some excerpts:
Santiago, now 56, grew up in Humboldt Park, the sole child of a hardworking single mother and a largely absent father. Facing the allure of street gangs, he decided early on that education wasn't enough to keep him safe. At 17, he left Tuley High School to join the Marines, seeking a way out of the violence that claimed so many of his peers. "A bunch of my friends were either dead or dying," he recalls. "If you stayed in Humboldt Park, you'd likely end up the same."
Returning to Chicago in 1975, Santiago found himself drawn to firefighting. His rigorous Marine training paid off when he aced the physical portion of the firefighter entrance exam, landing him tenth on the hiring list. Hired in 1979, Santiago barely had time to settle into his role before he faced his first emergency—a life-saving mission that set the tone for his career.
However, Santiago's early days on the job were fraught with challenges. Just five months after starting, firefighters went on strike to protest then-Mayor Jane M. Byrne's stance on staffing requirements. Despite the pressure, Santiago chose to stay loyal to his fellow firefighters. Instead of joining those who crossed the picket lines, he and his team at Engine No. 76 worked tirelessly, using personal vehicles to respond to emergencies while holding their ground.
"We'd grab the hoses ourselves if needed," Santiago recalls. "Some of those strikebreakers didn't even know how to use them properly. But we were determined—no one was going to die on our watch." His dedication earned him respect within the department.
Today, Santiago is poised to transform the Chicago Fire Department. As commissioner, he faces the daunting task of balancing efficiency with safety. "We need to embrace technology," he says. "Before we think about cutting costs, let's focus on making things work better." While some see him as a compromise candidate, Santiago insists that any reforms will prioritize safety above all else.
This story is a testament to resilience and leadership. To read the full article, click here.
*Note: This account has been expanded slightly to reach the 500-character mark.*
Hydroform Spout,Hydroform Spout For Basin Tap,Hydroform Spout For Tap,Hydroform Spout For Bathroom Tap
KAIPING LIPU SANITARY WARE CO.LTD , https://www.ebt-pro.com