This is a story about three well-trained, young, experienced firemen who loved being firemen. On Feb. 21, 1990, unable to perform their duties, each received a duty disability pension.
About a year ago they were fighting a fire in a CHA high-rise. They were forced to jump from a fourth-floor window to the frozen ground. All three were severely injured.
The building was equipped with a standpipe system. Standpipes provide sufficient water for firefighting purposes to each floor of high-rise buildings. In this building, however, the system did not work. In many CHA high-rise buildings, this is the rule rather than the exception.
Sure, we knew it was a dangerous job when we applied for it. But, damn it, this one wasn`t fair. By the way, the standpipes are still not working.
