Monday, October 13, 2025

With No Time Left, Garfield Ridge Man Receives a Second Chance at Life

Retired firefighter grateful for gift of a lifetime

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Like millions of Americans, Shawn Hughes has long understood the value of organ donations.

But it wasn’t until now that the 62-year-old Garfield Ridge resident really felt that value.

Shawn Hughes
Hughes is currently taking it easy at home, recuperating after transplant surgery in August.

A son of the SW Side

Hughes grew up in Vittum Park—one of eight children. He attended Our Lady of the Snows School and went on to graduate from Curie High School in 1981. Back then Vittum Park was a tight little community, evidenced by the fact that Hughes and his grade school crowd still get together for lunch and other events some 50 years later.

After Curie, Hughes joined the Air Force and was stationed in Athens, Greece and later in Texas.

After several years in uniform, he came home and worked an office job for phone companies until 2000, when he got the call to join the Chicago Fire Department.

“I could have stayed in an office job, but I wanted to challenge myself,” Hughes recalls. “So I did, and I made it. It was the best move I ever made. It’s the world’s best job, the Chicago Fire Department.”

His CFD duties took him to a firehouse in Bridgeport, and his final years on the job were spent close to home at the firehouse at 56th and Narragansett—especially valuable because it enabled him to help raise his grandchildren.

Illness strikes suddenly

It was during that time—specifically, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021—when Hughes was home alone and feeling out of sorts.

“I went to my bathroom and I just threw up,” he recalls. “I threw up blood. It was like a crime scene. There was blood everywhere.

“I knew I needed to get to the hospital. So I started to walk to the car…and I thought, ‘I can’t do this,’ so I called 911 and an ambulance came from the firehouse on Narragansett.” 

He vomited blood in the ambulance. “It just came on that quickly. It was an ordeal. Later, I was told I lost seven of 13 units of blood.”

He was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was in the ICU for a week, diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by inflammation and liver damage, along with fat in the liver.

“Well, they patched me up, I went home and we nursed it for a few years,” Hughes continues. “I didn’t feel terrific, but I was getting by.”

Health takes a sharp turn for the worse

He retired from CFD in 2023 and started to settle into a quiet life. But earlier this year, his health “took a turn for the worse. I started retaining fluids, I was huge with the swelling,” he says.

“On July 31, a doctor told me I was in such bad shape, ‘Either we’re going to get you a [donated] liver in a hurry or we’re going to have to let [the disease] run its course,’” Hughes recalls with a very slight waver in his voice.

His case was made a top priority for a transplant, and just four days later, the call came. A donor liver was available.

After a 12-hour surgery, Hughes and his family learned that the donor was a young man about 20 years old.

“I’ve heard he had a heart defect and his family was keeping him alive just to donate whatever organs they could,” Hughes says. “If they hadn’t made that decision, I’d have been a goner. I was within a few days of dying. I knew that because the [transplant] surgeon told me that when they took my liver out, the veins that attach the liver to the rest of my body just disintegrated in his hands.”

The gift of a second chance

“So that’s how close I was to dying. It’s not like missing a kidney and going on dialysis. If you don’t have a liver, you don’t have a life.”

He came home from the hospital several weeks ago, greeted by family, friends, neighbors, CFD brothers and sisters, and others.
He credits his sisters, as well as the rest of his family and friends, health care team and others with his survival.
(More photos below.)

“But for the grace of God, as well as the help I received from those pulling me through, I’d have never made it,” he says. 


“I get stronger every day. I’m fully aware that I was given a gift, a second lease on life. I’m going to live the best life I can. I owe it to everyone responsible for that gift, and I owe it to myself.”




(Editor’s note: To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit giftofhope.org. To learn more about the fight against liver disease, visit liverfoundation.org.)









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Thursday, October 9, 2025

Lopez Offers Idea on Immigration

An interesting idea released today by 15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez:

"In an effort to stand above the rhetoric and political performances, 15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez has sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to “accomplish what no administration has been able to do in nearly forty years” in immediately pardoning and granting amnesty to all noncitizens with a clear criminal record for the past ten years.

Alderman Raymond Lopez

"The letter was written to offer a roadmap moving forward for the Trump Administration that moves it away from the performative politics on both sides of the aisle, giving President Trump the opportunity “to secure our borders, secure our communities, and enforce the laws enacted by Congress,” Lopez wrote.
 
"In the letter, Ald. Lopez proposes a dual track approach to dealing with both the 13 million long-term undocumented as well as the 11 million migrant asylum seekers that crossed the border during the Biden/Harris Administration.  Lopez writes his solution, should President Trump concur, “can move the entire country forward while allowing you to remain true to your convictions and campaign pledges, permits the continued removal of the most dangerous, violent noncitizens across the country.”
 
"First, Ald. Lopez proposed that long-term undocumented noncitizens be granted pardon and amnesty by President Trump if they have a clean criminal record for the last ten years.  He goes on to propose a $2,500 “fee” for eligible individuals, exempting all DACA-eligible applicants.
 
"According to the alderman, “For immigrant communities like mine, this will enhance public safety for both citizens and non-citizens.  Based on President Reagan’s amnesty, we can expect roughly two-thirds of the noncitizen residents to come forward, giving a clearer, more defined scope of operations for Immigration & Customs Enforcement across the nation.”
 
"Ald. Lopez additionally proposes that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem increase merit hearings to determine if individuals have grounds for pursuing asylum and, if not, immediately return them to their country of origin.
 
"Individuals found deficient in either situation would remain targets for Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents.  Either pathway will allow millions to “transition into the formal economy, lifting wages, creating jobs, and expanding tax bases at every level of government,” according to Ald. Lopez.
 
“The conversation has pivoted from pathways for legalization for noncitizen residents has been forgotten by politicians and activists,” says Ald. Lopez.  “I wrote this letter because believe President Trump can bring us closer to that goal.  It is time to refocus our efforts to push for amnesty and citizenship now.  If we separate those that have proven themselves as positive contributors to our country from those that have not, I feel much of the rage and resistance will come to an end.”



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Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Crime News Update

            Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Contents Copyright © 2012-2025 Southwest Chicago Post.
All rights reserved. SWCP readers are welcome to share and post links to SWCP pages--however, unauthorized copying and/or re-posting of page content is prohibited by law.



Bust four during holiday revelry

Four men from Kenosha, Wisc. were arrested last month in the midst of holiday revelry at the north end of Archer Heights.

All four were arrested at 12:08 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 and charged with obstructing police: Jayden T. Wade, 18, Adan C. Villalobos, 18, Lucas Porter, 20, and Fernando Jonathan
Zamora, 19.


A CPD spokesman said the quartet was in a vehicle driven by Zamora near 44th and Pulaski and was wanted for unspecified reckless behavior.

Police apparently lost sight of the vehicle but found it minutes later, parked near 46th and Komensky.

Zamora also was charged with fleeing/attempting to elude police, and he was cited for not displaying his vehicle’s registration tag.


Bust man on reckless driving rap on Cicero

A 19-year-old man from suburban Bridgeview was charged with drifting, reckless driving, squealing of tires, obstructing of traffic by a motorist and other offenses after he was arrested in front of 4219 S. Cicero at 3:27 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15.
Mata


Mario Alfredo Mata, of the 7200 block of South Thomas, was reportedly spotted by police initially responding to a cluster of as many as 50 northbound vehicles drag racing near 59th and Cicero, a CPD spokesman said. Minutes later, Mata’s vehicle was seen blocking traffic as part of an intersection takeover near 46th and Cicero, police added. He was apprehended a few blocks north.

Additional charges included failure to display a valid license plate, illegally transporting cannabis, illegally transporting open alcohol and possession of illegal fireworks.




Driver too drunk to stand, police say

A 20-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with negligent driving, DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to report and accident and other offenses after he was arrested at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 in front of 7963 S. Kilbourn.
Unzueta

 
Rafael Unzueta, of the 4100 block of West Crestline, allegedly drove through a fence, was discovered unconscious at the wheel of his vehicle and was too drunk to stand up, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Unzueta was arrested by CPD in February 2024 near State and Balbo and charged with DUI, reckless driving, attempting to flee/elude police and transporting alcohol in a vehicle. In July 2025, he was arrested near 77th and Tripp and charged with attempting to flee/elude police.


Bust two men outside Jewel-Osco
Varrios



Two men were charged with retail theft after they were arrested outside the Jewel-Osco at 6107 S. Archer at 9:20 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

Mario Varrios, 47, and Juan Sanchez, 39, were followed by store security, who pointed them out to police, a CPD spokesman said.
Sanchez


Neither man gave police a home address, and a charge of obstructing identification was added to Varrios’ charge. The spokesman declined to say what was allegedly stolen.





Say woman refused to leave bar
Rivera-Dones

A 29-year-old Pilsen woman was charged with criminal trespass to land after she was arrested at Marianna’s Place, 5625 W. 63rd St., at 1 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Stephanie M. Rivera-Dones, of the 1600 block of West 18th Place, allegedly refused to leave the bar when ordered to do so. 

According to public records, Rivera-Dones has been arrested four times by CPD since 2021 on such charges as battery and criminal damage to property.


Say bicyclist flipped off police
Rocco

A 29-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with two counts of obstructing police officers after he was arrested on the street in front of 6098 W. 56th St. at 3:21 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24. 

Richard Woodward Rocco, of the 5800 block of South Natchez, reportedly flipped off two CPD officers on patrol, as he rode a bicycle.

A charge of criminal damage to property was added after Rocco allegedly rammed the bike into a police vehicle, causing scratching.


Say man fled police in stolen Jeep

A 34-year-old Clearing man was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident and aggravated fleeing after he was arrested in front of 5450 S. Central at 11:12 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Zavala-Reveles


Daniel Zavala-Reveles, of the 6300 block of South Long, allegedly sped away from police who spotted him driving a stolen Jeep near his home, a CPD spokesman said. As police followed him, he crashed into a fence near 55th and Central, as well as another vehicle, the spokesman added.

According to public records, Zavala-Reveles was arrested by CPD in January 2014 near 25th and Troy and charged with reckless conduct.


Traffic stop leads to bust

A 38-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with obstructing police after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 7150 W. Archer at 4:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.
Galvan


Jaime Galvan, of the 3500 block of West 38th Place, was apprehended without further incident. A CPD spokesman declined to elaborate.

According to public records, Galvan was arrested by CPD near his home in September 2022 and charged with failure to register with authorities as a convicted gun offender.



Charge man with trespassing
Fadl

A 30-year-old man from suburban Summit was charged with criminal trespassing after he was arrested at the west end of Valley Forge Park, at about 7119 W. 59th St., at 12:48 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15.

Mogahid Mohamed Fadl, of the 7300 block of West 59th Street, was apprehended by officers responding to a report of a suspicious man walking in the neighborhood. A charge of aggravated battery to a police officer was added after Fadl allegedly punched an officer in the face.


Charged with domestic battery
Richardson

A 19-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5400 block of South Meade.

Christian Alexander Richardson allegedly punched a 43-year-old woman in the face during an argument, a CPD spokesman said.





Man arrested at public library

A 49-year-old man from suburban Lyons was charged with criminal trespass to land after he was arrested outside the Garfield Ridge Branch Library, 6348 S. Archer, at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5.
Knepper


Mark J. Knepper, of the 4100 block of South Fisherman’s Terrace, allegedly refused to leave library grounds after being repeatedly told to do so, a CPD spokesman said.

A charge of possession of a controlled substance was added after a pat-down reportedly yielded a small amount of illegal drugs.


Claim man tried to buy sex
Ocampo

A 23-year-old man from suburban Berwyn was charged with solicitation of a sexual act after he was arrested in front of 5015 S. La Crosse at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Delbert Ocampo, of the 2500 block of South Kenilworth, allegedly tried to purchase a sexual service from an undercover CPD officer, a police spokesman said.



Say woman refused to leave dollar store

A 36-year-old Joliet woman was charged with criminal trespass to land after she was arrested at Dollar General, 5018 S. Cicero, at 9:10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.
Salazar


Melissa L. Salazar allegedly refused to leave the premises after being ordered to do so. A charge of obstructing identification was added after she initially refused to give police her name, a CPD spokesman said.

She also was wanted on a criminal warrant, but the spokesman did not say what Salazar was wanted for or what jurisdiction issued the warrant. 


Charged with biting woman’s arm
Jones

A 20-year-old Clearing woman was charged with domestic battery after she was arrested at her home in the 5600 block of West 63rd Street at 5:18 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7.

Benita Elizabeth Jones allegedly bit the arm of a 25-year-old woman during an argument. According to public records, Jones was arrested by CPD in September 2024 and charged with domestic battery.



Claim man slapped teen girl
Olea-Morales

A 20-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested in the 6200 block of South Menard at 4:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22.

Angel Olea-Morales, of the 4400 block of South Rockwell, allegedly slapped a 16-year-old girl in the face, causing a bloody nose, a CPD spokesman said.


He bit me on the face, woman says
Donato

A 26-year-old Clearing man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5600 block of West 64th Street at 8:22 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

Jose M. Donato allegedly bit a 24-year-old woman on the face—and hit her in the head with a set of headphones—a CPD spokesman said.




Say politics led to dustup
Ochota

A 55-year-old Joliet man was charged with battery after he was arrested in the 6200 block of West 63rd Street at 5:26 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.

John Ochota allegedly punched a 66-year-old man in the head during a political argument, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Ochota was arrested by CPD in March 2015 and charged with domestic battery.


Charge felon with slapping woman

A 27-year-old man from suburban Chicago Ridge was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested in the 4500 block of South Komensky at 6:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29.
Valtierra


Julian D. Valtierra, of the 10900 block of South Major, allegedly slapped the face of a 25-year-old woman during an argument. 

According to public records, Valtierra has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2015 on charges that included possession of alcohol by a minor, possession of a controlled substance, reckless conduct, possession of burglary tools, burglary, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, aggravated battery of a police officer, criminal trespass to a vehicle, failure of a convicted gun offender to register with authorities and violation of parole by having contact with a street gang member.

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