CHICAGO – Charges are pending in connection with the death of a Chicago firefighter who was injured while battling a blaze earlier this week, according to sources.
The backstory:
Chicago firefighter Michael Altman, 32, was hurt late Monday morning after responding to a fire at a four-story apartment building in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
Altman reportedly fell through the first floor into the basement as crews worked to put out the fire. Other firefighters nearby pulled him from the building.
Altman was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died Tuesday morning. He was assigned to Truck 47 in Edgewater.
What they’re saying:
Former Chicago firefighter and current Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th Ward) said the loss is being felt deeply across the department.
“I spoke with one of the officers who was with him that day and the chief that was on the scene. They’re going through some very difficult times,” Gardiner said. “It’s extremely sad. It’s a brotherhood. Any time you lose a brother from your immediate family or your extended family on the Chicago Fire Department, it’s a tragedy, and it’s extremely difficult.”
What’s next:
Funeral arrangements for Altman have been announced.
- Visitation — Held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 26 at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, located at 7740 S. Western Avenue in Chicago.
- Funeral — Held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 27 at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel.
The video at the top of this story is dated.
The Source: The information in this story came from FOX Chicago sources and previous FOX Chicago reporting.