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The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an article with accompanying photos honoring the life of veteran Chicago Battalion Chief Oswald B. Lewis, who passed away not too long ago. His career spanned some of the most challenging events in the city's history, including the infamous Blizzard of '67, the catastrophic fire that destroyed Chicago's original McCormick Place later that same year, and the devastating riots of 1968 that devastated the West Side.
Oswald B. Lewis, who eventually rose to the rank of battalion chief with the Chicago Fire Department, was a key member of Snorkel Squad 3, known as one of the busiest units in the city. Stationed initially at Francisco and Fillmore and later relocated to Erie and Western, the squad handled roughly 20 fire calls daily, amounting to nearly 7,000 runs per year.
Kenneth Little, a department historian and retired fire-alarm operator, described Squad 3 as "a crack outfit." He noted how the introduction of new, flexible snorkels significantly enhanced firefighting capabilities. "Everybody knew this guy was going places," Little recalled fondly. Mr. Lewis was deeply knowledgeable about his equipment and led by example, never asking more from his firefighters than what he would do himself. His ability to navigate dangerous situations earned him respect among peers.
Retired Fire Lieutenant Mike Dineen shared a story about being disoriented in a burning basement. "He came down looking for me and found me," Dineen remembered. Together, they managed to escape safely. Similarly, retired Deputy District Chief Pete Cunningham highlighted Mr. Lewis's generosity in recognizing his team's efforts. "If you did something worthwhile at a fire, he'd write you up for an award," Cunningham said. "He was always doing those extra things."
Joining the department in 1955, Mr. Lewis became an inspiring figure for young African-American firefighters. Despite the challenges posed by racial segregation within the firehouse, which persisted until the mid-1960s, he excelled through determination and hard work. His daughter mentioned that her father studied diligently to secure promotions, emphasizing the importance of earning respect without relying on connections or favoritism.
Les Outerbridge, another retired fire engineer and co-founder of the Afro American Firefighters League, praised Mr. Lewis's exceptional communication skills. "He could connect with people; he was very soft-spoken yet well-read, making him capable of engaging in meaningful conversations with almost anyone."
Post-retirement from the fire department in 1979, Mr. Lewis continued contributing to public safety by working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Safety Council. His legacy remains an inspiration for future generations within both firefighting communities and beyond.
Thank you, Dan, for sharing this heartfelt tribute.
June 19, 2025