The Chicago Sun-Times has published an in-depth profile on Chicago’s new fire commissioner, titled **"From high school dropout to the top of the Fire Department ladder."** The article highlights the inspiring journey of Jose Santiago, a man who rose from humble beginnings to lead one of the city's most respected agencies.
Santiago, the only son of a working-class single mother and a father who was largely absent, dropped out of Tuley High School at 17 to join the Marines. His decision came as a way to escape the dangerous streets of Humboldt Park, where many of his friends had already fallen victim to gang violence. "A bunch of my friends that I knew from school were all dead or dying," he recalled. "It was just a matter of time. If you knew Humboldt Park, you’d better get out of that neighborhood or you’re gonna become a statistic."
After returning to Chicago in 1975, Santiago took the firefighters’ entrance exam, which focused mainly on physical fitness. As a Marine reserve, he was in peak condition and ranked 10th on the hiring list. He was hired in September 1979 and made his first rescue just two days later. However, his rookie year coincided with a major strike led by firefighters protesting Mayor Jane M. Byrne’s decision to require a minimum of five firefighters per apparatus. Santiago and his colleagues refused to cross the picket line, instead responding to emergencies in their personal cars, often without proper gear.
“We would jump in our cars, drive to the scene, grab the hose lines from those who crossed the picket line, and put the fires out,†Santiago said. “We didn’t have the right equipment, but we weren’t going to let someone die in our neighborhood because of a strike.â€
Despite being seen as a quiet leader, Santiago is not to be underestimated. Under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, he is expected to navigate tense contract negotiations with the Firefighters Union. Yet, he emphasizes the need for modernization and efficiency within the department. “We’re about to take this department into the 21st Century,†he said. “How can technology help us run better? How can we make it run efficiently before we even think about cutting?â€
Santiago also spoke about the importance of safety in any reforms. “Everything will be done under a big umbrella of safety,†he added. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, dedication, and the ability to rise above adversity.
Read the complete article [HERE].
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