A Tribute to Bennie Crane

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Comment by Anthony Avillo on September 26, 2009 at 6:29pm

Chief Benny always made you feel like an old friend, even if he just met you. I was fortunate enough to have had been able to sit with him in the book booth at the FDIC on a number of occasions and benefit from his expereince, knowledge, and passion. He always had a smile, always told you how good it was to see you. You don't hear that all the time. The fire service is blessed to have had him among us and has lost a true firend and mentor. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers
Be safe

Comment by Rick Lasky on July 18, 2009 at 9:10pm

The fire service has been blessed to have had many great leaders over the years. But when it came to having passion about the job, on how to care about others, and most importantly on how to be a “class act,” very few came close to Chief Bennie Crane.

Chief Crane always had time for you, always had a minute, and always had a way of making you feel comfortable. He was highly regarded by many on the Chicago Fire Department and by firefighters all across the country.

He is a mentor of mine and will continue to be one. He will never stop teaching me. What a great man, what a great firefighter and officer, and I am a better person for having known him.

Thanks Chief!!

Comment by TJ Welch on July 11, 2009 at 9:24pm

I was fortunate to have met Chief Bennie Crane on just a couple of occasions, but each one of them are still very clear in my memory. Bennie has a presence unlike most that I have met. There is definitely a command presence. He is soft spoken, but with a commanding voice. He is confident, but not intimidating or arrogant; and he had an uncanny ability to share a different perspective through his eyes and years of wisdom. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and my brothers in the fire service that called him a friend.

Comment by Jack J. Murphy on July 8, 2009 at 10:09am

He is a gentleman with such a command presence. Over the years, the 'voice' and knowledge would enrapture you in a conversation with all eyes focued on the subject at hand. His family & Chicago FD can be very proud of all his contributions to the fire service. The beloved Bennie will be surely missed, but also remain in our hearts. My thoughts and prays go to his family and the Brothers of CFD.

Comment by Ted Corporandy on July 8, 2009 at 7:14am

The Fire Service has lost a legend, gentleman and class act. Bennie was bigger than life and lit up the world. Julie, your description of Bennie as the Velvet Teddy Bear hits the nail on the head. What a warm and wonderful guy. I will miss his smile, laughter, friendship and brilliant mind. God Bless Bennie.

Comment by Julie Simmons on July 6, 2009 at 8:29pm

I'll miss you, Bennie, aka the Velvet Teddy Bear for your melodious voice and gift for storytelling. Your kind heart, sincerity and understanding of human nature made you an inspiration to many, myself included. God bless you and your family.

Comment by Julie Simmons on July 6, 2009 at 8:25pm