CHICAGO FIRE

The University of Chicago, located in the south side neighborhood of Hyde Park, is often described as a monolithically academic environment that pays no attention to its surroundings. In March of 2019 I set out to confront that narrative by immersing myself into one of Hyde Park’s most vital institutions: Engine Company 60. Spending the day with the brave firefighters that keep the University of Chicago community safe was both inspiring and eye-opening. By exposing my peers to this often neglected contingent of Hyde Park, I found that a mutual respect was formed that had not been there previously.

Two fire engines are parked inside of the Hyde Park Fire Station.

Uniforms hang from a firetruck.

Fire hoses are coiled on a rack.

A firefighter’s uniform is stacked on the ground.

A firefighter inspects his truck.

A firefighter controls his firetruck’s ladder.

Pressurized tanks in a case.

Photographs of current and former firefighters hang in the common area of the fire station.

A charred and battered American flag hangs in the basement of the fire station.

The fire station motto is written on top of one of the station’s doors reminding the fire fighters to never leave one another behind.