Chicago Fire Department history – Five Chicago Firefighters Die at Reliance Hotel Fire, 12-17-53

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From the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation:

On a cold morning in Chicago, just after 2:30 am on December 17, 1953, firefighters received an urgent call about a fire at the Reliance Hotel located at 1702 West Madison Street. Upon arrival, they found the three-story building fully engulfed in flames. The fire quickly escalated to three alarms, bringing over 100 firefighters to the scene.

The hotel, which was undergoing renovations, was still open for business. The manager, alerted by the smell of smoke, rushed to the first floor to notify guests. At the same time, a police patrol also reported the fire. A total of 75 people were rescued, with only one occupant, a 45-year-old man believed to have started the fire, not making it out. A note found in his pocket confessed to multiple crimes, including setting fires in 12 apartment buildings.

As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, the front of the building suddenly collapsed around 3:49 am. Those on the roof managed to escape by sliding down the collapsing structure, while those inside were left missing. Ice-covered firefighters spent six hours digging through the wreckage with their bare hands and tools, while others continued to fight the fire. By 4:30 am, the fire was finally under control.

Once the flames were subdued, crews focused on rescuing injured firefighters trapped beneath the debris. Despite freezing temperatures and the risk of another collapse, they worked relentlessly. The Chicago Daily News reported that “at the height of the rescue efforts, all of the city’s police and fire resuscitators were at the site to revive firemen as they were pulled from the rubble.” The Salvation Army and Red Cross provided food, warm drinks, and shelter to both residents and emergency responders.

The first firefighter recovered was Robert Jordan from Truck Company 2, who had died in the collapse. His wife, Edyth, arrived at the scene clutching a newspaper photo of him at another fire, unaware of his fate. She was told he was injured and taken to Presbyterian Hospital, where she learned he had died from his injuries.

Hours later, firefighters retrieved the bodies of George Malik and John Jarose from Engine Company 31.

One firefighter, Ray Nowicki, was trapped in a small pocket of debris that wasn’t immediately accessible. While firefighters worked to free him, he remained calm, saying, “I’m fine—just take it easy.” Meanwhile, Dr. Joseph Campbell was held by the ankles so he could give Nowicki a pain-relieving shot. Dr. Herman Bundesen crawled into the pile to administer morphine to Firefighter John Measner, as other firefighters passed bricks hand-to-hand to remove him from the wreckage.

Lieutenant Theodore Patronski and nine other firefighters were trapped in a ten-foot square hole. They shouted for help, but it took time before rescuers heard them. Their location was eventually discovered when a rescuer spotted Patronski’s leg sticking out of the debris.

Captain Nicholas Schmidt of Engine Company 107 and Firefighter Robert Schaack of Truck 19 were still missing. Lillian Schmidt and her two daughters prayed at home with rosaries, hoping for their safe return. Her sons waited at the scene for news. Eventually, a crane was brought in to clear the wreckage, and the bodies of Captain Schmidt and Firefighter Schaack were found.

Thanks Drew

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