Man Saved By Firefighter at Age 5 Meets That Firefighter In Firehouse Where He Now Works

In a great story from WGN News, we profile the story of Rick Vega, who at age 5 was saved from an apartment fire in 1963. Nearly 50 years later, in the very same firehouse where the call originated, that little 5 year old boy, now 54, meets the Chicago Fire Department hero who saved his life those many years ago. And wait for the twist that brings this story all together.

[@MrMcbear]

my story is similar. though not as grand. I was 3 when i was caught in a propane tank explosion in my backyard. a volunteer firefighter just happened to drive by and see it and his quick actions saved my life. Now, at age 24 with 3rd degree burn scars a reminder that every day is a gift and not a given right. I too, am a volunteer firefighter for the same fire company that saved my life when I was a little boy.

[@jimmykouba4494]

Glad you survived that explosion. It's amazing story how life brings one full circle. Did you get to meet that Firefighter later on?

[@RenegadeChauffeur]

For those of you who don't know, Eddie Groya passed away recently. Lt. Vega stood full honor guard at Eddie's wake. RIP Eddie, and thank you for your many years of service with the CFD.

[@firefighter215]

:-( R.I.P

[@nikkiboo3184]

RenegadeChauffeur rip brave hero

[@killhacker5776]

I'm sure angel Eddie is still saving . God bless his soul.

[@UAL012]

It sounds like Eddie Groya was one HELL of a good fireman.

[@RenegadeChauffeur]

@@UAL012 I never met Eddie but I know Rick. Rick had nothing but high praise for Eddie.

[@timeyre-swain9484]

kids who are saved by firefighters who later on become firefighters themselves, absolutely amazing

[@nickhaluta7717]

Wow I lived in that building at the other entrance 551 w Melrose. Though my family didn't move in until 1966 this is the first I've heard of the fire, what an awesome story.

[@j.j8519]

This was a great story, thanks for sharing. Who would know the young boy he saved turned out to be a firefighter as well. As we say all men are created equal, then some become firefighters.

[@josephbrowne4826]

Wow that is a hell of a story R.I.P. Brother Groya

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Great video guys, love the part where are you super imposed a picture of when he was a little too grown-up the fire chief. I have a similar story coming up on my video channel on the our Lady of Angels fire. And that one the kids were not so lucky.

[@jimmykouba4494]

That's a story we don't hear much about. Thank you for sharing this.

[@doloresgilmartin9228]

Rip Eddie groya

[@vartilaknovehestum4947]

Goosebumps!

[@jemnyshannon6786]

No goose bumps

[@jimmykouba4494]

The hand of God and his plan at work.

[@iimexicanLaw]

Truck 44 lucks like ladder 81 in Chicago fire.

[@RTD8481]

No it dosent!!!