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Cicero Fire Department history – part 1
Hi there,
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share a bit about my grandfather, Joe Salerno, whose incredible life story has always been a source of pride for our family. This past month, he celebrated his 93rd birthday, and I can't help but reflect on how much he's accomplished over the years. As a young man, he joined the Cicero Fire Department and eventually became an assistant fire marshal—a role he held for decades.
Growing up, my siblings and I spent a lot of time at the firehouse, where we got to know the firefighters and even named some of the trucks. It was such a unique experience for us, and those memories have stayed with me forever. I still have some old black-and-white photos that capture those moments vividly. There are also newspaper clippings with these images, detailing the fires he helped fight. My grandfather began his career in Cicero back in 1954 and became an assistant fire marshal in 1977. During his time, he saved countless lives, including a baby who was dropped into his arms from a burning three-story building. Those heroic acts are just a small part of what made him such a respected figure in the community.
Now, at 93, he's still sharp as ever and loves recounting his firefighting days with vivid detail. He speaks about them as if they happened yesterday. It’s heartwarming to see how much joy these stories bring him. Unfortunately, most of the firefighters he worked alongside have passed away, leaving him as the last of his kind. Even though he still drives and remains active, I know his time is limited. Last year, he lost his beloved wife of 70 years, which has left him feeling lonely. Still, whenever we visit or talk about his firefighting days, his eyes light up.
I truly believe that my grandfather's contributions should not be forgotten. His life has touched so many people, and I want future generations to understand the impact he’s had. I’ve been trying to reach out to the Cicero Fire Department archives to add some of his pictures and stories, but unfortunately, they haven’t responded yet. That’s why I’m reaching out to you—I’d love to contribute to your site as a sort of unofficial Cicero Fire Department archive. On Christmas, I showed him your site, and we were thrilled to see pictures of the firehouses where he used to work. We even recognized some of the trucks we took pictures with as kids. The firefighters were like a second family to us, and it meant so much to reconnect with those memories through your platform.
Attached are some photos I’ve gathered over the years. They include vintage shots of Cicero firefighters, historic fire engines, and clippings from the time. I think these images could serve as a valuable tribute to my grandfather and his colleagues. If possible, I’d love to add more content in the future as I continue to uncover old memorabilia.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and considering adding these pieces to your collection. It would mean the world to my family to honor my grandfather’s legacy in this way.
Best regards,
Bob