Veteran Chicago firefighter dies

Russell Harper, a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific, returned home and joined the West Chicago Police Department as an officer. Soon after, his father, a battalion chief with the Chicago Fire Department, handed him a firefighter application and said, “You won’t get rich doing this, but it’s one of the most rewarding careers you could ever have.” These words, passed down by his son Ron, would shape Russell’s future.

Harper, who had three brothers who also became firefighters in the Chicago area, completed the application and was accepted into the Chicago Fire Department in 1948. He was assigned to several firehouses on the Near West Side. At 94, he passed away on February 16 in Glendale, Arizona. He had lived on the Northwest Side for many years before retiring from the fire department in 1985 after 37 years of service. A year later, he moved to Arizona.

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

According to a Chicago Tribune article from the time, Harper and his crew responded to a fire at 1226 S. Kedzie Ave. on November 1, 1951. During the incident, Harper entered a burning first-floor apartment and rescued a woman who was unconscious and burned on the kitchen floor. After carrying her to safety, he collapsed outside 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)

“That rescue happened before breathing apparatuses were even available,” said his younger brother, Bill, a retired West Chicago fire chief. “Russ’ lungs were filled with smoke that day, and he barely made it out of the building alive.”

Over the years, Harper served as a captain on the North Side with Engine 83, based at 1219 W. Gunnison St. His team was among the first to respond when American Flight 191 crashed in Elk Grove Village just minutes after takeoff from O’Hare International Airport in May 1979.

Before retiring in 1985, his final role was as a captain at O’Hare Airport. Harper is survived by his wife of 73 years, Elia; a daughter, Penelope Campana; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

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