Veteran Chicago firefighter dies

After returning from combat in the Pacific during World War II, Russell Harper found a new purpose when he joined the West Chicago Police Department as an officer. His father, who served as a battalion chief with the Chicago Fire Department, saw potential in his son and handed him a firefighter’s application, saying, “You won’t get rich doing this, but I guarantee it’s one of the most rewarding careers you could ever have,” according to his 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 in 1948. He was assigned to several firehouses on the Near West Side, where he began what would become a lifelong career in service.

Harper, who passed away on February 16 in Glendale, Arizona, had lived on the Northwest Side for many years before retiring from the fire department in 1985 after 37 years of dedicated service. A year later, he moved to Arizona, where he spent his final years.

Harper was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago and graduated from Crane Tech High School. In 1952, he was honored with the prestigious Carter H. Harrison Award, which recognizes outstanding acts of bravery by members of the Chicago Fire and Police departments. The award has been given annually since 1885.

According to a Chicago Tribune report, 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 to rescue a woman who was unconscious and severely burned on the kitchen floor. After pulling her to safety, he collapsed outside and was taken to the hospital, where he eventually recovered.

His younger brother, Bill, a retired West Chicago fire chief, recalled the dangerous nature of the rescue. “Back then, there were no breathing apparatuses,” he said. “Russ’ lungs were filled with smoke, and he barely made it out of that building alive.”

Throughout his career, Harper rose through the ranks, serving as a captain on the North Side with Engine 83, located at 1219 W. Gunnison St. He and his team were among the first to respond to the crash of American Flight 191 in Elk Grove Village in May 1979, just minutes after the plane took off from O’Hare International Airport.

Before retiring in 1985, Harper’s final assignment was as captain at O’Hare Airport, where he continued to serve with distinction.

Harper is survived by his wife of 73 years, Elia; a daughter, Penelope Campana; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched during his long and honorable career in public service.