I have read with interest the article “1980 strike still kindles pride with firefighters” (Page 1, Feb. 20), written by Andrew Martin. Although I was unable to attend the 20th anniversary reunion, it was gratifying to note that so many of those fine and courageous men and women, who stood together at a very tough time in their lives, celebrated the fact that their determination made a profound impact on their working conditions and paved the way for those who have followed them to enjoy those benefits also.
For those of us who walked, it was a very tough decision to make but in my personal view one that was absolutely necessary.
I had then, and continue to have, good friends on both sides of this divisive issue. I did what I felt was surely right for me, and make no apologies for my actions.
Obviously the strike would not have been necessary had Mayor Jane Byrne not gone back on her word and given us a contract, as she promised during her campaign for mayor. That she reneged on that promise is now unfortunately a historical fact.
It was a great honor for me to have been a member of the Chicago Fire Department for more than 41 years. I met and made friends with so many dedicated and brave men and women.
I shall cherish many great memories, but I also learned a bitter lesson from the strike–that the word of some people who have no personal honor, and lack respect for others, is a fact of life.
