CHICAGO — A retired firefighter who saved a boy from an apartment fire a half century ago has died. The incident inspired the boy to become a firefighter.
WGN reported that firefighter Eddie Groya, who died at 86, saved a 5-year-old boy’s life in 1963; he later grew up to become Chicago Fire Lt. Rick Vega.
Lt. Vega works out of the same firehouse as did Groya — who he says inspired him to become a firefighter. The firehouse is also only a few blocks away from the burning apartment building where Lt. Vega was led to safety by firefighter Groya, according to the report.
Lt. Vega says he’ll stand honor guard during firefighter Groya’s wake Wednesday to honor the life of the man who saved his life, according to the report.