Eugene Blackmon Jr. was a Chicago firefighter and scuba diver, who died in the course of duty, on May 19, 1998.[1][2][3][4] On July 31, 2017, the Chicago Fire Department named a new fireboat the Eugene Blackmon, in his honor.[5][6]
Eugene Blackmon Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 31, 1959 |
| Died | May 19, 1998 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | firefighter |
| Known for | Died in the line of duty |
Early life
editBlackmon was born in Chicago, and grew up on Chicago's south side.[1] He attended Harlan High School, Chicago State University, and qualified to work as a lifeguard and a scuba instructor.
Career
editPrior to joining the Chicago Fire Department, in 1987, Blackmon had worked for several years as a lifeguard, and later was a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority.[1]
Death
editAfter a man was reported to have accidentally entered the Little Calumet River, and another man disappeared, after diving in, in a rescue attempt, Blackmon and three other Fire Department divers were assigned to look for them.[2][1]
During his third dive Blackmon surfaced, with his equipment askew.[2][1] Colleagues weren't able to immediately retrieve him. When he was retrieved he had been submerged for ten minutes, after being airlifted to a nearby hospital he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Legacy
editThe Chicago Fire Department created an annual award in Blackmon's name, given to firefighter candidates who were perceived to have shown leadership.[2]
On July 31, 2017, Blackmon's family participated in the christening of new fireboat, named after Blackmon.[5][6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e William Recktenwald, Phuong Le (1998-05-20). "Firefighter Dies In Scuba Rescue: Diver Was Searching For 2 In Little Calumet". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
- ^ a b c d
Jennifer Webster (2017-02-17). "Marine veteran: from fighting battles to fighting fires". DVIDS Hub. Chicago. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
In his honor from that heroic day, the department created the Eugene Blackmon award to be given to a firefighter candidate at graduation who displayed leadership qualities.
- ^ Rich Bird (1998-05-27). "Firefighters mourn loss". NWI Times. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
- ^
"Daley says State wrong for fining CFD in rescue plan". Illinois Information Service. 1998. p. 44. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
Daley was referring to firefighter Eugene Blackmon who jumped from the Little Calumet River trying to save two drowning men. The Fire Department used its helicopter to take Blackmon to Christ Hospital; however, he later died.
- ^ a b
Kelly Bauer (2017-07-31). "Seaplane Lands On Lake Michigan, Briefly Alarming The Fire Department". Chicago. Archived from the original on 2017-08-08. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
The boat was launched into the lake so the Blackmon family and fire officials could have a ride, Merritt said.
- ^ a b
"New Chicago Fire Boat Named for Fallen Firefighter". Firehouse.com. 2017-08-06. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
The family of fallen Chicago firefighter Eugene Blackmon Jr. helped the department christen their new fast boat that carries his name.