28-Nov-16 – A garden near the entrance to Engine 13 will keep the memory of Chicago firefighter Walter Watroba ignited, along with more than 400 first responders lost since 1967. A memorial last week brought First Deputy Commissioner Richard Ford II, dozens of fire personnel, and families to the firehouse in the northeast corner of the Loop for a dedication ceremony honoring the fallen.

(Right) First Deputy Commissioner Ford and 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea, in background at right, listen to George Rabiela, retired captain of Engine 13 and currently owner of O’Leary’s Fire Truck Tours. His six-year-old Dalmatian, Brady, is an official mascot of CFD and 100 Club of Chicago, an organization that provides support to families of fallen first responders.

Watroba’s last shift was on November 22, 1976. While battling a fire at the Commonwealth Edison plant on West Cermak Road, a coal conveyor chute collapsed, trapping Watroba and two other firefighters on a narrow ledge at the top of the 75-foot-tall building. The two others were quickly rescued but Watroba’s legs were pinned between the steel chute and concrete roof.

Fire personnel worked through the windy and snowy night to free Watroba and after seven hours, pulled his crushed left leg from under the chute. Suffering from smoke inhalation and internal injuries, Watroba’s only option was to have his right leg amputated. He survived a two-minute surgery but lost consciousness and died on the way to Mercy Hospital.

(Left) Alderman O’Shea (back to camera) speaks with David Sudler (center), who helped design the memorial. At left is Sudler’s wife, Sandra Marsh.