The Chicago Sun-Times recently published a compelling story about Chicago’s new fire commissioner, titled From high school dropout to the top of the Fire Department ladder. The article highlights the remarkable journey of Jose Santiago, who has risen from humble beginnings to one of the most powerful roles in the city’s public safety sector. Here are some key excerpts:
José Santiago is the only son of a working-class single mother and a father who was "never around." At 17, he dropped out of Tuley High School to join the Marines, hoping to escape the dangerous streets of Humboldt Park, where many of his friends had already fallen victim to violence or addiction.
Now, at 56, Santiago is the $202,728-a-year fire commissioner under Mayor Rahm Emanuel. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his community.
"A bunch of my friends 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 joined the fire department. His physical fitness, honed during his time in the Marines, helped him score high on the entrance exam. He was hired in 1979 and made his first rescue just two days into the job.
But his early career coincided with a major strike. Firefighters went on strike in protest of Mayor Jane M. Byrne's decision to require five firefighters per apparatus — a policy that would later become central to contract negotiations under Mayor Emanuel.
Santiago never crossed the picket line. Instead, he and his fellow firefighters from Engine No. 76 responded to emergencies using their own cars, rushing to fires even when other crews had crossed the line.
"We’d go inside, put the fire out, make sure everyone was safe. Then we’d hand the tools back and go back to the firehouse and hold our picket signs," he said. "We were not going to let someone die in our neighborhood because of the strike."
Despite being seen as a quiet leader, Santiago is no stranger to change. In recent interviews, he emphasized modernization and efficiency in the department.
"We’re about to take this department into the 21st Century. How can technology help us run better? How can we make it run efficiently before we even think about cutting?" he asked.
He also hinted at upcoming reforms, always stressing that safety will remain the top priority.
Read the complete article HERE.
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