Grandchildren of fallen fire heroes join Chicago Fire Department

In 1965, Chicago Firefighter Richard Franzen lost his grip while riding on the back of Truck 20 after a fire rescue in Englewood. He fell into a coma, never regained consciousness and died a few months later from complications related to the fall.

In 1982, Chicago firefighter Robert Danaher collapsed from smoke inhalation and suffered a fatal heart attack after re-entering a burning home where he had already rescued a woman in a wheelchair.

Now the grandchildren of both Franzen and Danaher — Matthew Franzen and Maria Caponera — have followed in the footsteps of those fallen fire heroes.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot recognized the special moment by asking both grandchildren to stand at a Navy Pier graduation ceremony for 110 new firefighters and 30 new paramedics.

“Today Matthew — just like his brother, Ryan, just like his father, Jim, and just like his grandfather, Richard — will be joining this incredible family. Similarly, Maria Caponera will join this department and follow in the footsteps of her grandfather, Robert,” Lightfoot said.

Lightfoot noted that 12 members of the graduating class are Chicago Public School graduates. Twenty previously served as police officers. Thirty-three are military veterans.

Whatever path they followed to Monday’s ceremony, their stories are “intertwined” by their willingness to serve, and to sacrifice their lives for the lives of others, just as Richard Franzen and Robert Danaher did so long ago, the mayor said.

“You’re the ones who will run toward the fire, treat those in need of healing and come to our rescue at our time of need. You’re the ones who will answer the call and sacrifice your own safety for the safety of someone else someone you probably never met,” the mayor said.

“Your city will be there with you every step of the way. You deserve not only our admiration, but our commitment to provide the best training, the best leadership, the best wellness services. That is our mission, our promise and our obligation to you.”

Lightfoot urged the firefighters “entering an institution that literally helped shape the history of Chicago” to “be worthy of that legacy,” in part, by getting to know the neighborhoods they serve.

“Talk to the residents. Listen to their stories. Go to the neighborhood block parties. Participate in the local celebrations. Even in the most distressed neighborhoods, you will meet incredible individuals. I know that because I have,” the mayor said.

“They love their community. They pour themselves into their work and strive to make life better for the families and neighbors. They will need you. Please be there for them. And over time, you will realize that to protect a community, you [should also] become part of that community.”

When Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II got a chance to address the graduates, he asked the grandchildren to stand for a second lengthy ovation.

“Your families’ contribution and sacrifice to this city and to this department will never be forgotten,” Ford said.

“And I know I speak for a grateful city when I say we are thankful and in awe of your everlasting commitment to public service that began with your family that is now being renewed by you. I thank you both. I thank the families.”

Ford couldn’t resist a joke about the former cops.

“I am pleased that 20 of you came to your senses and exchanged your police service weapons for a fire hose and a ladder,” he said, as the crowd laughed.

“I understand. Most of my family are police.”

Lightfoot has told reporters she is determined to get a handle on skyrocketing police and fire overtime.

The large graduating class of firefighters and paramedics will help her achieve that goal on the fire side.