In a tragic turn of events, a Chicago firefighter lost his life after a fall into a basement while courageously battling a blaze on the city’s North Side, according to officials from the Chicago Fire Department.
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The incident unfolded Monday around 11:30 a.m. on West North Shore Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood. The fallen firefighter has been identified as Michael Altman, a dedicated EMT with the Chicago Fire Department, as announced by Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.
Altman, who was just 32 years old, had been serving the department for nearly two years, working from truck #47 stationed in the Edgewater area. His commitment to public service was deeply rooted, as he was a fourth-generation firefighter. Tragically, he leaves behind a young child and a spouse who is expecting their second child, as noted by The Yard Foundation.
Altman was 32 years old and had been with the department for nearly two years. He was assigned to truck #47 in the Edgewater neighborhood.
Firefighter Altman was married and was the father to a young child with another on the way, according to The Yard Foundation.
CFD said he was a fourth-generation firefighter.
“We will never forget his courage and sacrifice,” Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also spoke at press briefing at Stroger Hospital.
An American flag was seen outside the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as the body of the fallen firefighter was set to be moved just after 1 p.m.
Chicago emergency crews have been seen gathering at the hospital.
Chicago fire said seven people who live in the building were displaced, but they were all able to get out. No one inside was hurt aside from the firefighter.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but fire crews do believe the fire originated somewhere in the back of the building.
This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
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