Last week, Mayor Emanuel named a Jose Santiago as the successor to retiring hero Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff.
The city council is expected to approve the mayor's appointment.
56-year-old deputy fire commissioner Jose Santiago describes his recent appointment as bittersweet. He says he's excited and well qualified for the job, and at the time sad his soon-to-be-predecessor Robert Hoff is leaving.
"It's a very tight family, and when one of your family members leaves, you hate to see them go," he said.
Santiago comes from humble beginnings in Humboldt Park. He and his three sisters were raised by a single mother, who made sure he stayed away from the gangs that plagued the neighborhood.
He was born in Chicago. His parents are from Puerto Rico. He attended Tuley High School and at age 17, joined the Marines. He served in Vietnam and was there for the fall of Saigon in 1975. In 1979, Santiago became a Chicago fire fighter, but continued to serve in the Marine Corps in the reserves. A decorated officer, he served again in Operation Desert Storm. His unit proudly flying the chicago flag given to him personally by Mayor Daley.
"I did so many different jobs in the Marine Corps, all great tools I've taken with me and they've helped me in the fire service, managing people and resource, responding to dangerous situations and re adjusting those resources that are needed," he said.
In his 32 year career with the Chicago fire department Santiago has held every position and been on the front lines for hundreds of fires.
As he prepares to lead the Chicago fire department, tough cutbacks loom. There is pressure to close firehouses or potentially reduce the minimum number of firefighters assigned to trucks. These are options the firefighters union strongly oppose.
"This is just one of the many challenges, how can we make it better in today's economic times, so we're taking a look at how it's structured, the services we provide and where we can make it more cost effective," he said.
Still, he says all his decisions will be based on safety for firefighters and paramedics.
"That's my first priority. Every action and recommendation we do is always based on that."
Copyright 2012 - WGN-TV, Chicago
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
