Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
Matthew Drew works in a firehouse located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. As a firefighter, he is one of over 4,800 dedicated individuals in the Chicago Fire Department, a profession that comes with its share of risks and rewards.
"I love my job," he says. "There's no better job in the world."
Living on the South Side in the Beverly neighborhood with his wife and three young children, Drew enjoys playing sports like softball and has a passion for writing. He’s been a firefighter since 2002, but his journey hasn’t stopped there. He earned a master’s degree in writing from DePaul University and has taught English composition at local high schools and colleges. He also served as an instructor for firefighting tactics at the University of Illinois at Chicago and was part of the Chicago Fire Department’s Hazardous Incident Team.
In 2013, Drew published his first book, "Shadows of Chicago: The True Story of Three Men and the Crimes That Shocked America." It took him five years to research and write, often squeezing time between his duties and personal life. The book began as a tribute to James “Big Jim†Horan, a courageous and overlooked figure in Chicago history. "I was fascinated by him," Drew recalls. "I couldn’t get enough of his story."
While researching, Drew continued to fight fires. In 2010, during a fire on 46th Street and Ellis Avenue, he suffered a severe injury when his ax hit concrete, shattering a disk and severing his spinal cord. Doctors told him he would never walk again. But through hard work and determination, he made a remarkable recovery and now says, "I'm almost back to normal."
A flood at his home destroyed all his research materials, which nearly ended the project. However, Drew found the strength to rebuild and expand the story, adding two more key figures—Charles Comiskey, founder of the White Sox and the American League, and Fred Busse, a corrupt mayor of Chicago with a shady past. Together, their lives reflect the dark and complex history of the city, including the Levee district, the Black Sox scandal, and even Al Capone.
The book opens with the three men as children, playing baseball on October 8, 1871—the day the Great Chicago Fire started. The scene is vividly described, capturing the terror and awe of the moment as the city burned around them.
"It's rewarding to see firefighters buy my book and say they enjoyed it," Drew says. "I kept it mostly secret while I was writing, only sharing it with a few people."
Despite his academic background, Drew writes in simple, engaging prose. He's not a theorist—he's a storyteller. His passion for history drives him to explore libraries and independent bookstores. Few are surprised by his second career; his dedication is evident.
Drew plans to continue writing, focusing on fires and the brave men and women who fight them. He also donates a portion of his book's proceeds to support the fire department's fund for widows and orphans.
Glass Pickle Jar,Soft Drink Glass Bottles,Frosted Glass Juice Bottles,Glass Honey Jar Beverage
XUZHOU NORTH STAR PACKING PRODUCTS CO.,LTD , https://www.xzns-group.com