CHICAGO A Chicago fire captain was killed while battling a garage fire on the city’s West Side.

Chicago Fire Department officials announced the death of 54-year-old Captain David Meyer during a press conference Wednesday morning.

According to CFD, Meyer joined the department in 1996. His current assignment is Truck 29. He leaves behind his wife, daughters and a son.

“This is a sad day for CFD and Chicago,” the department said in a post on “X.”

The blaze started around 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 5500 block of West Crystal in the Austin neighborhood.

CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said the fire had been put out and crews were doing salvage work, when the garage partially collapsed.

A Mayday call was made and firefighters were able to respond to Meyer quickly. He was transported in critical condition to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“This morning the Chicago Fire Department had another devastating loss. We lost a beloved member, Captain David Meyer. He was the rock of his family. His wife shared with me that they had been together since they were 14-years-old and started dating when they were 15-years-old. So they had been married a long time. His mom and dad are still here. It’s hard. The mom said, ‘no one should watch their child go first’,” Commissioner Nance-Holt said.

Witnesses say the fire started in the alley, possibly in trash cans, then spread to the garage.

Mayor Brandon Johnson released the following statement on the passing of Captain Meyer:

“We are grieving for the family and loved ones of Captain David Meyer, who we lost early this morning battling a fire in the 37th ward. I pray for his family, his loved ones, and all the brave men and women of our Chicago Fire Department. Captain Meyer was a hero who served the people of our city with courage and honor for more than 28 years. This is a devastating loss for our city. Captain Meyer was not just a firefighter; he was a beloved husband, son, and father of four. Our whole city wraps our arms around the family and loved ones of Captain Meyer during this trying time.”   

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson