Chicago Fire Department historian Ken Little (more)

Before the digital age and GPS systems, there was Kenneth F. Little, a man whose memory and knowledge of Chicago's streets were legendary. Mr. Little, who passed away recently at the age of 84 in Glenview, was a senior fire-alarm operator for the Chicago Fire Department. Known for his uncanny ability to navigate the city's intricate network of streets, alleys, and shortcuts, he played a pivotal role in ensuring fire trucks reached emergencies as swiftly as possible. As former Chicago Fire Commissioner James Joyce once remarked, "He had this incredible sixth sense about where the nearest fire companies were located. He was truly one of a kind."

Over his 36-year career, Little left an indelible mark on the department. He co-authored six books chronicling the history of the Chicago Fire Department and co-founded the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago, which now honors him with a library named after him. In 1957, following a devastating fire that destroyed the Chicago City Council chambers, he received a commendation for his dedication, staying at his post despite the chaos above in the old Fire Alarm Office.

Little's resourcefulness was on full display during an incident involving Schulien's, a historic German restaurant on the city’s northwest side. When a call came in about a blaze at the restaurant, he quickly deduced that a nearby Snorkel squad, returning to quarters after another call, was likely traveling down Western Avenue. He redirected these firefighters to the scene, cutting response time significantly. As a result, they arrived within 30 seconds and managed to extinguish the flames before any major damage occurred. This story, shared by his son Philip Little, president of the fire museum, exemplifies the ingenuity and dedication Little brought to his work.

Ken Little's fascination with firefighting began early in life. Growing up in Old Town, he would often hang around a local firehouse at North and Hudson, soaking in the sounds of radio calls. By his teenage years, he had made it his mission to explore every firehouse in the city, traveling by bus, streetcar, and elevated train. He even memorized the entire stretch of Western Avenue, walking its length to understand one-way streets and shortcuts. His curiosity extended beyond the surface; he studied factory layouts to warn firefighters of potential hazards like toxic chemicals hidden in basements.

On quiet nights, when the fire radio wasn't buzzing with activity, Little and his fellow dispatchers would challenge each other to recall the names of every bar and grocery store along Western Avenue, from Howard Street to 119th Street. This knack for detail made him a popular guest on late-night radio shows hosted by Eddie Schwartz. When he joined the Chicago Fire Alarm Office in 1957, he worked alongside operators who had seen some of the city's most harrowing disasters, including the infamous 1903 Iroquois Theater fire and the 1910 Chicago Stockyards fire, both of which claimed numerous lives. He also knew operators who responded to the notorious St. Valentine’s Day Massacre on Clark Street in 1929 and learned that slide-down fire poles were first introduced in Chicago.

During the infamous Blizzard of '67, Little remained in the office for 36 consecutive hours, a testament to his commitment. As his son recalled, "They couldn't get out, and no one could get in." Beyond firefighting, Little led a multifaceted life. He taught history at Wright College, loved the jazz music of Errol Garner, and collected coins and Tootsietoys. A miniature Tootsietoy fire truck will accompany him to his final resting place.

Little leaves behind a legacy not only through his contributions to firefighting but also through his family. He and his wife, Alice, who predeceased him in 1986, had ten children, including triplets. Today, he is survived by his son Philip, daughters Anna, Rita, and Mary Ellen, sons Kenneth, Robert, Stephen, Richard, and Raymond, as well as four grandchildren. One of his sons, Thomas, preceded him in death. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael’s Church, the same place of worship where he grew up at 1633 N. Cleveland Ave.

Thanks, Dan

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