The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an insightful article titled "From high school dropout to the top of the Fire Department ladder," highlighting the remarkable journey of Jose Santiago, Chicago's new fire commissioner. The piece delves into his background and the challenges he overcame to reach this prestigious position.
Santiago is the only son of a working-class single mother and a father who was largely absent from his life. At just 17, he dropped out of Tuley High School to join the Marines, escaping the dangerous streets of Humboldt Park, where many of his friends had already fallen victim to gang violence. He recalls how the neighborhood was a place where survival was uncertain, and leaving was essential to avoid becoming another statistic.
Now 56, Santiago has been chosen by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as the city’s new fire commissioner, earning a salary of $202,728 per year. His career began in 1975 when he returned to Chicago and took the firefighters’ entrance exam. As a Marine reserve, he was in excellent physical condition, securing the 10th spot on the hiring list. He was hired in September 1979 and made his first rescue just two days later.
However, his early career coincided with a major strike that lasted 23 days—far longer than expected. During the walkout, Santiago and his colleagues at Engine No. 76 continued to respond to emergencies, even without official support. They used their own cars to rush to fires, grabbed hoses from striking firefighters, and worked under challenging conditions, often in casual clothing rather than full gear.
“We were not going to let someone die in our neighborhood because of the strike,†Santiago said. “We did what we had to do to keep people safe.â€
Despite being seen as a compliant leader, Santiago has shown a clear vision for the future of the department. He emphasizes the importance of modernization, efficiency, and safety, stating that reforms will be implemented with a strong focus on protecting both firefighters and the public.
His story is one of resilience, dedication, and transformation—from a troubled youth in Humboldt Park to a respected leader in one of Chicago’s most critical departments.
Read the complete article HERE.
Wear Resistant Steel,Wear Resistant Plate For Industry,Wear Resistant Steel Plate For Industry
Henan Houming Industry Co., Ltd. , https://www.houmingsteel.com