OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
June 27, 2018
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Reboyras and Curtis, a resolution honoring the life and memory of Juan Bucio ofthe Chicago Fire Department.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Mayor
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, We gather here today with heavy hearts to mourn the death of a true Chicago hero; and
WHEREAS, On the evening of May 28, 2018, Juan Bucio ofthe Chicago Fire Department perished in the line of duty while attempting to rescue a boater in peril; and
WHEREAS, On that evening, a small boat carrying several people was on the South Branch of the Chicago River; and
WHEREAS, A larger boat passed by, creating a wake that rocked the smaller boat, causing one of its passengers to fall into the river. Another passenger immediately called 9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, Engine 13 ofthe Chicago Fire Department responded to the call, sending a rescue boat and several scuba divers. Upon arrival at 26th Street and South Ashland Avenue, two divers jumped into the river from a helicopter. One of those divers was Juan Bucio; and
WHEREAS, Both divers performed an exhaustive underwater search of the area where the victim had fallen overboard; and
WHEREAS, As a Fire Department boat approached the two divers to enable them to rest briefly while a fresh team continued the search, Mr. Bucio ended up underneath the bow. An * immediate search began and Mr. Bucio was located, taken to shore and rushed to Cook County Hospital. Tragically, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful; and
WHEREAS, A former lifeguard, Juan Bucio was a fifteen-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department, and had been in the diving unit since 2007. Mr. Bucio had previously served in the Chicago Police Department from 2000 to 2003; and
WHEREAS, Chicago Fire Department diver Juan Bucio displayed a level of courage and a willingness to literally leap into danger that most of us can hardly imagine. His valor and dedication to public service are emblematic of our world-class Chicago Fire Department. This painful event reminds the residents of Chicago how dangerous the work of CFD is and how fortunate we are to have individuals like Juan Bucio protecting us every day; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bucio lived on the City's southwest side, in the Clearing neighborhood. He is survived by his soul mate Sonia, two fine boys, Joshua and Jacob, and many loving brothers and sisters; and
WHEREAS, Juan Bucio will also be sorely missed and fondly remembered by many other dear relatives, friends and colleagues, who will never forget his companionship, courage and spirit; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-seventh day of June, 2018, do hereby honor Chicago Fire Department diver Juan Bucio for his valor and sacrifice on behalf of the people of Chicago. His unparalleled service to the City of Chicago will long be remembered and appreciated; and
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