The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an article with photos honoring the life of Oswald B. Lewis, a respected Chicago Battalion Chief who recently passed away. Known for his unwavering dedication and leadership, Chief Lewis served the Chicago Fire Department with distinction for over two decades.
From the infamous Blizzard of '67 to the catastrophic fire that destroyed Chicago's first McCormick Place that same year, and the devastating riots of 1968 that wreaked havoc on the West Side, Chief Lewis was always there, leading his team through some of the most challenging situations the city faced. As part of Snorkel Squad 3, considered one of the busiest units in the city, he and his crew responded to nearly 20 fire calls a day, logging close to 7,000 runs annually.
Kenneth Little, a department historian and retired fire-alarm operator, described the squad as a "crack outfit," noting how firefighting practices improved significantly with the introduction of new, flexible snorkels. "Everybody knew this guy was going places," Little recalled fondly. Chief Lewis not only excelled in his role but also led by example. His ability to navigate dangerous environments and ensure no one was left behind earned him immense respect among his peers.
Retired Fire Lt. Mike Dineen remembered a particularly harrowing incident where Chief Lewis saved him during a chaotic situation in a basement. "I got turned around in a basement and he came down looking for me and found me," Dineen said. "We both worked our way back out of there."
Pete Cunningham, a retired deputy district chief, highlighted Chief Lewis's humility and generosity. "He always gave credit to us firefighters," Cunningham noted. "If you did something worthwhile at a fire, he'd write you up for an award. He was always doing those extra things."
Chief Lewis joined the department in 1955 and quickly became an inspiration to young African-American firefighters. Despite facing significant challenges in a department historically divided along racial lines, he earned promotions through sheer determination and hard work. His daughter mentioned that her father studied tirelessly to ensure his success. "He didn't have a patron, he didn't come from Bridgeport, he wasn't Irish or Italian," she explained. "So you had to earn your peer's respect. While it was good for him to be on the scene fighting fires and showing courage and leadership, he also had to pass those exams."
Les Outerbridge, a retired fire engineer and co-founder of the Afro American Firefighters League, emphasized Chief Lewis's exceptional communication skills. "He could connect with people. He was very soft-spoken, very well-read, so he could really hold a conversation with just about everybody."
After retiring from the fire department in 1979, Chief Lewis continued his commitment to public service by working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Safety Council.
Thank you, Dan, for sharing this inspiring story. Chief Lewis's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of firefighters and leaders.
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