City officials sent out thoughts and prayers after a Chicago Fire Department diver died while searching for a missing boater in the Chicago River.
City officials sent out thoughts and prayers Tuesday after learning that a Chicago Fire Department diver died while searching for a missing boater in the Chicago River.
Juan Bucio, 46, lost contact with his dive partner during the search. He was eventually found and pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.
Like Bucio, the man he was searching for, 28-year-old Alberto Perez, was the father of young children. Both men lived and worked on the city’s Southwest Side. Authorities are still searching for Perez.
Politicians and community leaders posted tributes and words of remembrance on social media:
“Join the Chicago Fire Department and the entire City in honoring fallen Fire Fighter (EMT) Juan Bucio for his dedication and for always answering the call of duty. We have lost a hero but his sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Let us keep Juan Bucio and his family in our prayers,” said Chicago Fire Media on Twitter.
Fire Fighter (EMT), Father, Brother, Friend, and Chicagoan Juan Bucio 1/25/72 – 5/28/18 pic.twitter.com/82qEHaRgAp
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) May 29,2018
Join the Chicago Fire Department and the entire City in honoring fallen Fire Fighter (EMT) Juan Bucio for his dedication and for always answering the call of duty. We have lost a hero but his sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Let us keep Juan Bucio and his family in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/NePuS8Gnls
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) May 29,2018
“OEMC extends our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the CFD Marine Unit Diver who succumbed to injuries he suffered in the line of duty tonight while answering the call to help another,” tweeted Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management & Communications. “We will never forget your courage and sacrifice to our city.”
OEMC extends our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the CFD Marine Unit Diver who succumbed to injuries he suffered in the line of duty tonight while answering the call to help another.
We will never forget your courage and sacrifice to our city. pic.twitter.com/rY2XK7acWu
— Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) May 29,2018
“We lost a real hero. And I want everybody, if they can, to remember he has two young sons. For them, there’ll be an empty seat at the breakfast table. For them, their dad, their hero, our hero, won’t be there on graduation day. We all have to remember that,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on all City buildings in honor of fallen Firefighter Juan Bucio, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Gj8hZgxQAe
— Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) May 29,2018
Paying my respects at CFD Engine 13 to fallen Firefighter Juan Bucio, who gave his all for the rest of us. Juan showed courage as a fireman and as a father. CFD is a tight-knit family & this hits hard. Our prayers are with his colleagues & loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/4VwIYYJvtI
— Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) May 29,2018
Our hearts are heavy as Chicago lost a hero in Firefighter Juan Bucio. When the call came for help, Juan Bucio was that special type of person who answered. He will be missed, but his service and his selflessness will be remembered. pic.twitter.com/lUknq2m7hQ
— Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) May 29,2018
“A piece of Chicago was lost tonight – a hero who dedicated and ultimately gave his life attempting to save others. On behalf of the entire Police Department, our deepest sympathies for our brothers & sisters at the Chicago Fire Department and the family of fallen CFD diver,” CPD tweeted.
A piece of Chicago was lost tonight – a hero who dedicated and ultimately gave his life attempting to save others. On behalf of the entire Police Department, our deepest sympathies for our brothers & sisters at the Chicago Fire Department and the family of fallen CFD diver. -ETJ pic.twitter.com/REkSZg6XXV
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) May 29,2018
“My thoughts and prayers are with Juan Bucio and his loved ones this morning. Thank you for your courageous service to the residents of Chicago,” tweeted Ald. Jose Arena (45th).
My thoughts and prayers are with Juan Bucio and his loved ones this morning. Thank you for your courageous service to the residents of Chicago. https://t.co/XZZvQYpyZx
— Alderman John Arena (@45thWardChicago) May 29,2018
“Chicago’s heart is heavy with sorrow tonight. We have lost a brave first responder in the line of duty. He died while attempting to save the life of another. We pray for his family and friends, and share their grief and loss,”
said Ald. Ricardo Munoz (22nd) said on Twitter.
Chicago’s heart is heavy with sorrow tonight. We have lost a brave first responder in the line of duty. He died while attempting to save the life of another. We pray for his family and friends, and share their grief and loss.
— Ricardo Munoz (@AldermanMunoz22) May 29,2018
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Juan Bucio family. May God Bless his family, and all our First Responders in the City of Chicago,” tweeted Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30th).
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Juan Bucio family. May God Bless his family, and all our First Responders in the City of Chicago.
— Ariel E. Reboyras (@Ald_Reboyras) May 30,2018
“Standing with the entire City of Chicago today to commemorate the life of Firefighter Juan Bucio- a true hero,” said Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer on Twitter.
Standing with the entire City of Chicago today to commemorate the life of Firefighter Juan Bucio- a true hero. https://t.co/Y8Pz0D3XgY
— Bridget Gainer (@BridgetGainer) May 29,2018
Two fathers’ tragic Chicago River meeting – one missing, other mourned as hero
