The first Chicago firefighter to die from COVID-19 was a well-respected, longtime member of Truck Company 25 in Rogers Park.
Mario Araujo, 49, was an 18-year veteran of the department, most of that time served in Rogers Park.
“Mario was well respected in the Department and dedicated to this City and the job he loved,” 49th Ward Ald. Maria Hadden told constituents in an email.
Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Richard Ford also praised Araujo.
“CFD members put themselves in harm’s way without hesitation to selflessly uphold the oath they took to be there for every person they encounter during an emergency situation,” Ford said. “Firefighter Araujo’s service will never be forgotten. We ask that the entire city extend prayers for Firefighter Mario Araujo, his colleagues, and his entire family.”
You can read accounts of Araujo’s death from CBS Local 2 here, the Chicago Tribune here, and the Chicago Sun-Times here.
