Committee on Transportation and Public Way City Council Meeting March 15, 2023 Alderman Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward Honorary Street designation as "George W. Beary Way"
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, George W. Beary, was a lifelong citizen of Chicago, growing up on the Southside of Chicago, belonging to Visitation Parish and graduating from De La Salle High School.
WHEREAS, Beary became a Chicago fire fighter in 1967 and spent 38 years serving the citizens and guests of the City of Chicago.
WHEREAS, Beary worked many big jobs including the McCormick Place Fire, 69 W. Washington Street High Rise fire, The Paxton Hotel fire, and the Mickelberry explosion.
WHEREAS, BEARY helped thousands of strangers whether for falls, car accidents, lock outs, lock ins, and stuck elevators- also the occasional lost tourist stopping by the fire house for directions or recommendations for downtown Chicago.
WHEREAS, Beary was an active participant in the Chicago Firefighter's Local 2 Union for 55 years serving as Vice President and Chairman of the Retiree's Committee until his death.
WHEREAS, Beary, as Chairman, established the health insurance plans for the retirees and their families and was involved with lawsuits to improve the quality of life for retired firefighters.
WHEREAS, George W. Beary died on July 30th, 2022, at the age of 79.
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, which allows erection of honorary street name designations, the Commissioner of Transportation shall take the necessary action for standardization of West Illinois Street, from North Dearborn Street to North Clark Street as "George W. Beary Way."
Brendan Reilly President Pro Tempore Alderman, 42nd Ward
SECTION 3. This ordinance is effective upon passage and publication.
