Veteran Chicago firefighter dies

After returning from combat in the Pacific during World War II, Russell Harper found a new purpose by joining the West Chicago Police Department as an officer. His father, a battalion chief with the Chicago Fire Department, encouraged him to consider firefighting. “You’re not going to get rich doing this, but I guarantee it’s one of the most rewarding careers you could ever have,” he told his son, according to Harper’s son, Ron.

Harper, who had three brothers also become firefighters in the Chicago area, completed the application and was accepted into the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) in 1948. He was assigned to several firehouses on the Near West Side, where he began his long and dedicated career.

Harper, who passed away on February 16, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona, had lived a full life. He retired from the fire department in 1985 after 37 years of service and moved to Arizona a year later. Previously, he had been a longtime resident of the Northwest Side of Chicago.

Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Harper graduated from Crane Tech High School. In 1952, he received the prestigious Carter H. Harrison Award, given annually since 1885 to members of the Chicago Fire and Police departments who displayed exceptional bravery in protecting life or property.

According to a Chicago Tribune report at the time, Harper and his crew responded to a fire at 1226 S. Kedzie Ave. on November 1, 1951. Harper entered a burning first-floor apartment to rescue a woman who was unconscious and burned on the kitchen floor. After carrying her to safety, he collapsed on the sidewalk and was taken to the hospital, where he eventually recovered.

Elmer F. Reske, left, Great Chicago Safety Council vice president, presents a distinguished service award to firefighter Russell Harper in 1952. On Nov. 1, 1951, Harper rescued a woman who was burned and unconscious on the kitchen floor of an apartment on fire at 1226 S. Kedzie Ave. After carrying her to safety, Harper collapsed on the sidewalk. (Chicago Tribune)

“It happened back when there was no such thing as breathing apparatuses,” said his younger brother, Bill, a retired West Chicago fire chief. “During that rescue, Russ’ lungs were filled with smoke, and he barely made it out of that building alive.”

Over the years, Harper rose through the ranks and became a captain on the North Side, stationed at Engine 83 on W. Gunnison Street. He and his team were among the first to respond when American Flight 191 crashed in Elk Grove Village in May 1979, just minutes after takeoff from O’Hare International Airport.

His final assignment before retirement was as a captain at O’Hare Airport. Harper retired in 1985 after 37 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and selflessness.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Elia; a daughter, Penelope Campana; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

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