Key West Fire Chief Joseph “Bum” Farto disappeared on Feb. 16, 1976 while awaiting sentencing for a drug trafficking conviction stemming from Operation Conch – a sting operation that found Farto allegedly selling cocaine from the city’s fire station. Farto became the Jimmy Hoffa of Key West, and the island has swirled with rumors of his fate since he disappeared. David Sloan and Quincy Perkins have launched an unparalleled investigation into Chief Farto’s life, legends, and disappearance in an attempt to find the truth. Each week they will share elements of their research here in the Key West Weekly while working to solve one of the greatest mysteries in the history of Key West. Share your Bum Farto tips and stories at www.findbumfarto.com.
Do you know why fire engines are red?
Before firefighting equipment had a traditional color, rival companies often showed up to the same fire. Turf wars erupted in the 1800s and each brigade demonstrated their superiority with impeccably manicured rigs adorned with polished brass and impressive colors. Due to the rarity of red pigments, red paint was more expensive and thus garnered the most attention. The color was once reserved exclusively for royalty, and the firemen in the red trucks were treated as kings.
Bum Farto is notorious for wearing red. Red suits, rose-tinted glasses and even red underwear. Bum was a lover of gold as well, adorning himself with gold rings, gold chains and a gold double-headed fire axe pinned to his tie. He personified the fire engines he so loved, but the real reason Bum wore red goes well beyond his profession.
Chango is the Santeria lord of fire and lightning. He is syncretized with Santa Barbara and bears traits that perfectly epitomize Bum Farto. Chango is hard working, proud, fierce and charismatic. He likes to be the center of attention, and to be acknowledged as a leader who answers to no one. On the flip side, Chango is a libertine and a fast talker who will seduce you with his charm. He wears red pants, a red satin shirt and a gold crown. Chango also carries a double-headed axe to remind people of his swift justice. It is the same axe Chief Farto wore pinned to his tie.
Newspapers document Bum Farto performing Santeria rituals at local baseball games to bring good fortune to his favored team. Bum’s co-workers describe parties he held for the saints and Santeria altars in his home. Evidence of voodoo spells was discovered outside the courthouse during Bum’s drug trial, and according to Farto’s attorney, Manny James, Santeria played a significant role in Bum’s fate.
“Bum was my very, very good friend.” James said in a 1995 interview. “Against my advice as his attorney, he refused to take the stand… It was the saints that told him not to take the stand. You know, the Cuban Saints. He was Santeria. He told me they had spoken to him.”
What they said, we may never know.
