Chicago Fire Commissioner Inducted into High School's Hall of Fame

Chicago's fire commissioner came back to his old neighborhood of Evergreen Park on Monday night to receive an unexpected distinction.

“It’s an honor I never thought I’d receive," Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff said, as inducted him into its Alumni Hall of Fame, according to a report from the Southtown Star.

At the annual Honors Day Ceremony for graduating seniors, the 1974 graduate credited teachers and coaches at the school for guiding him down a successful path.

Hoff joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1976 and was named commissioner last year, according to department spokesman Lawrence Langford.

Only 11 people hold the school's distinguished honor, which has existed for four years, the Southtown Star reported. Rosalle Wyman, co-founder of Wyman Worldwide Heath Partners and 1966 graduate, also was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame Monday.

Evergreen Park Community High School Principal William Sanderson said Hoff attended the school's "Straight A" luncheon earlier this year, honoring students who made all A's during the first term. He said Hoff sets a wonderful example for the students.

"We think it's phenomenal that one of our own has been so successful. His story is phenomenal; it was very inspirational to our students," Sanderson said. "He's a very self-motivated man, who earned his way all the way up to the top through hard work and dedication."

Check back with Patch later for more on Chicago Fire Commissioner and Evergreen Park Community High School alum Robert Hoff.