OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
November 20, 2013
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a congratulatory resolution concerning the Chicago Fire Department. Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
H resolution
adopted by Tlie <lj GoUHCll
°f*< Gity of Qkicago, Illinois
presented by MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL Qn NOVEMBER 20, 2013
^Qh&feClS . On October 5, 2013, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Engineer/EMT John Meade of the Chicago Fire Department's Engine 101 was on the Dan Ryan Expressway driving to work when he saw dark smoke; and
WHEREAS, Engineer Meade followed the smoke, which led him to the alley between Halsted Street and Emerald Avenue, and when he saw a fire in the rear
WHEREAS, Engineer Meade then called in the address of the house with a request for assistance; and
WHEREAS, The urgency of the situation was suddenly heightened when Engineer Meade discovered that two women were desperately in need of help. One woman was out on the attic roof at the front of the building, and another one was hanging halfway out of a window on the second floor of the South side of the building, preparing to jump out; and
WHEREAS, Engineer Meade calmed the women, who were frantically screaming for help, informing them that he was a firefighter, assuring them that help was coming, and urging them not to jump off the building and hurt themselves or worse; and
WHEREAS, Engineer Meade immediately conveyed the chilling update of the trapped women to the Englewood Fire Alarm Office; and
WHEREAS, Determined to help the woman hanging out of the smoke-filled window, Engineer Meade went to the front of the house and kicked open the front door. Overcome by heavy black smoke pouring out as the door swung open, he was unable to enter the home. He went back to the woman, and assured her that he would stay with her until help arrived and convinced her not to jump from the window; and
WHEREAS, Engineer Meade stayed at the scene and met with the responding members of Truck 20, Engine 54 and Battalion 18 in Sector I, and quickly updated them with the women's location and other information crucial to the rescue effort; and
WHEREAS, Continuing his invaluable assistance, Engineer Meade helped the members of Truck 20 with their ground ladder and the members of Engine 54 and Engine 47 with leading out their hose lines; and
WHEREAS, But for Engineer Meade's quick thinking and calm persuasiveness, one or both of the women would surely have tumbled to serious injury or death, but thanks to his efforts, the two were safely rescued; and
WHEREAS, Although many members of the Chicago Fire Department contributed their skill and courage to this lifesaving event, Engineer Meade demonstrated unshakeable tenacity, remarkable dedication and a cool head under pressure; and
WHEREAS, The efforts shown by Engineer Meade are in keeping with the finest and highest traditions of the Chicago Fire Department; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twentieth day of November, 2013, do hereby honor Engineer/EMT John Meade of Engine 101 for actions above and beyond the call of duty; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Engineer/EMT John Meade of Engine 101, and placed on permanent record in his personnel file, as a token of our honor and esteem.