Eugene Blackmon Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 31, 1959 |
| Died | May 19, 1998 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | firefighter |
| Known for | Died in the line of duty |
Eugene Blackmon Jr. was a Chicago firefighter and scuba diver, who died in the course of duty, on May 19, 1998. [1] [2] [3] [4] On July 31, 2017, the Chicago Fire Department named a new fireboat the Eugene Blackmon, in his honor. [5] [6]
Blackmon was born in Chicago, and grew up on Chicago's south side. [1] He attended Harlan High School, Chicago State University, and qualified to work as a lifeguard and a scuba instructor.
Prior to joining the Chicago Fire Department, in 1987, Blackmon had worked for several years as a lifeguard, and later was a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority. [1]
After a man was reported to have accidentally entered the Little Calumet River, and another man disappeared, after diving in, in a rescue attempt, Blackmon and three other Fire Department divers were assigned to look for them. [2] [1]
During his third dive Blackmon surfaced, with his equipment askew. [2] [1] Colleagues weren't able to immediately retrieve him. When he was retrieved he had been submerged for ten minutes, after being airlifted to a nearby hospital he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Chicago Fire Department created an annual award in Blackmon's name, given to firefighter candidates who were perceived to have shown leadership. [2]
On July 31, 2017, Blackmon's family participated in the christening of new fireboat, named after Blackmon. [5] [6]
In his honor from that heroic day, the department created the Eugene Blackmon award to be given to a firefighter candidate at graduation who displayed leadership qualities.
Daley was referring to firefighter Eugene Blackmon who jumped from the Little Calumet River trying to save two drowning men. The Fire Department used its helicopter to take Blackmon to Christ Hospital; however, he later died.
The boat was launched into the lake so the Blackmon family and fire officials could have a ride, Merritt said.
The family of fallen Chicago firefighter Eugene Blackmon Jr. helped the department christen their new fast boat that carries his name.