A Memorable Visit to Chicago Firehouse #13
During a recent trip to Chicago for a VMware Technical Summit, I stepped out of my hotel to pick up a few essentials. As I made my way to the store, I passed by Chicago Firehouse #13 and noticed a memorial displayed prominently out front. On my return, curiosity led me to stop and learn more about it.
The firefighters at the station welcomed me warmly and graciously offered a tour of the firehouse. Inside, I found a tribute to a fallen hero, Walter Watroba, commemorated on a plaque mounted on the back wall. Alongside it were newspaper clippings and articles honoring both Watroba and other firefighters who had lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals—particularly the significance of November 22, 1976, for Firehouse #13. (You can find more information about the memorial at the link provided at the end of this post.)
During my visit, I had the opportunity to speak at length with a firefighter affectionately known as “The Saint.” He generously shared the story of Walter Watroba, as well as several personal anecdotes from his own career. One particularly moving story involved a retired firefighter who passed down a piece of his equipment to “The Saint”—a rare and powerful gesture of respect in the firefighting community. As he recounted the experience, it was clear how much it meant to him—it even gave him goosebumps.
I truly appreciated the time I spent at Firehouse #13. It was a meaningful and unexpected highlight of my trip. If you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend stopping by. The stories, the history, and the sense of camaraderie within those walls are well worth experiencing.
More on Walters story here >> https://www.fsi.illinois.edu/content/library/IFLODD/search/Image.cfm?ID=364&ff_id=128
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