Excerpts from the Chicago Tribune:
Matthew Drew spends his days at a fire station in Lincoln Park. As a firefighter, he's part of a dedicated team of over 4,800 people in Chicago who risk their lives daily. "I love my job," he says. "There's no better job on Earth." Drew resides in Beverly on the South Side with his wife and three young children. When he's not working or spending time with family, he enjoys playing sports like softball and indulges in writing.
Since joining the Chicago Fire Department in 2002, Drew has balanced firefighting with academics, earning a master's degree in writing from DePaul University. He's also taught English composition at local schools and firefighting tactics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Drew served on the Hazardous Incident Team and has always been passionate about history.
In 2013, Drew achieved a lifelong dream by publishing his first book, "Shadows of Chicago: The True Story of Three Men and the Crimes That Shocked America." The book took shape over five years, emerging from his fascination with Chicago Fire Marshal James "Big Jim" Horan. "I just couldn't get enough of his story," Drew admits.
Horan's life intertwined with those of his childhood friends Charles Comiskey, who founded the White Sox and helped establish the American League, and Fred Busse, a corrupt mayor with questionable tastes. Their intertwined destinies form the heart of Drew's narrative, which delves into Chicago's colorful history, from the Great Chicago Fire to the Black Sox scandal and figures like Al Capone.
Drew's journey wasn't without challenges. In 2010, while battling a blaze at 46th and Ellis, an accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors told him recovery was unlikely, yet through determination, he regained much of his mobility. A flood during this period destroyed his research, but he persevered, reconstructing his work and expanding the book to include Comiskey and Busse.
The book opens with a vivid depiction of three boys playing baseball on October 8, 1871, unaware that later that evening, the Great Fire would erupt. Drew's storytelling draws readers in with its historical detail and emotional depth. Despite his academic background, his writing style remains straightforward and engaging.
Firefighters have embraced his book, praising its authenticity. Drew kept his writing project under wraps until recently, preferring to focus on perfecting his craft. His efforts reflect years of dedication and passion for both firefighting and history.
Proceeds from "Shadows of Chicago" support the fire department's widows and orphans fund. Drew plans to continue exploring fire-related topics and the brave individuals who combat them. "Writing has become another way I can serve," he reflects. This project underscores his commitment to honoring both history and the firefighting community.
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