Huai'an Senyu Intelligent Technology Co., LTD , https://www.jshasyzn.com
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Warren Redick, a retired Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief and the father of Steve Redick, a Senior Fire Alarm Operator, fire photographer, and longtime contributor to chicagoareafire.com. Warren was not only a dedicated firefighter but also a beloved friend to many in the fire service community.
Mr. Warren Albert Redick, 86, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 10, 2015. He was born on November 10, 1928, to Raymond and Myrtle (Baumann) Redick. A lifelong lover of photography and collecting, Warren found joy in capturing moments through his lens and preserving memories in his personal collections.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Mildred, whom he cherished for many years; his son Steven Redick (Linda), who continues to honor his legacy; Steven’s mother, Joan; four stepchildren—Deanne Evans (Chuck), Bonnie Hesik (Tony Largent), Frank Hesik (Debbie), and James Dixon (Terry); two grandchildren, Zachary and Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepdaughter Dawn, and his second wife, Pocahontas.
All services will be private, as per the family's wishes.
From Steve Redick:
My dad was part of a rare breed—old school, no masks, high workload, and little or no EMS support. He served during a time when firefighting was a very different profession than it is today. Unfortunately, he and many of his colleagues paid the ultimate price for the toll their bodies endured over the years.
Dad had a passion for the fire service from a young age. His grandfather, Henry Redick, was a firefighter on a horse-drawn steamer for the CFD, and his father, Raymond, worked as a fire insurance patrolman before becoming an assistant chief. That family legacy shaped my dad’s path.
He started his career as a “patrolio†and spent many years on various companies before rising to the rank of lieutenant. In 1959, after the patrols disbanded, he finally became a full-fledged Chicago firefighter. He was a candidate on Squad 8 and later served on several companies, including SS1 and Snorkel 2. One of his most memorable assignments was being the captain of SS3, the company that was organized in its early days. They didn’t have much in the way of equipment, mostly running with old "junk" trucks, but they were one of the busiest companies in the country. I got to ride along with them a few times after they moved to Erie Street.
Dad was involved in some of the most famous fires in Chicago history, including the Mickleberry Fire and the bowling alley fire on Milwaukee and Spaulding. That fire is known for the iconic photo of a firefighter being rescued from a collapsed roof using the Snorkel basket. Although Dad wasn’t in the photo, he and his crew were on the roof and were the ones who first pulled the victim to safety before he was lowered down.
His story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and love for the job he did so well. We miss him dearly.