Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman, 32, succumbed to his injuries after battling a blaze on March 16
Credit: Chicago Fire Department
NEED TO KNOW
- The Chicago Fire Department announced that the death of Firefighter Michael Altman following a fire that occurred in the city’s North Side on March 16
- While fighting the blaze, the floor gave under Altman and he fell into a basement
- According to a local firefighter charity, Altman was married with one child and another on the way
Chicago authorities said that a 32-year-old firefighter has died after he suffered injuries battling an apartment building fire in the city’s North Side.
In a news release shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, March 17, the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) announced the death of Firefighter EMT Michael Altman, who was critically injured following a blaze that occurred on Monday, March 16, in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue.
“While working to extinguish the blaze,” CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said at a press conference Tuesday, “Firefighter EMT Altman sustained serious injuries and was transported to Stroger Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.”
“We are heartbroken by yet another loss of our own.” Nance-Holt added. “Michael gave everything in service to the people of Chicago, and we will never forget his courage and sacrifice. Our deepest condolences go out to the Altman family, fellow firefighters, friends and all that loved him and knew him.”
As reported by CW affiliate WGN and CBS affiliate WBBM, the blaze occurred at an apartment building in Rogers Park, and crews responded shortly before 11:30 a.m.
According to officials, as Altman was fighting the blaze, the first floor gave under him and he fell into the building's basement.
Nance-Holt said that Altman, who was assigned to Truck 47 in the Edgewater community, would have completed two years as a Chicago firefighter in May. She added that he was the fourth generation member of his family to serve in the Chicago Fire Department.
Credit: Chicago Firefighters Union – Local 2/Facebook
Seven people who lived in the building escaped the fire and no one was injured except for Altman, said the fire department, reported ABC affiliate WLS.
The CFD said in its news release that an investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongoing.
According to the Yard Foundation, a charity for firefighters, Altman was married with one child and another on the way.
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“I am grief-stricken by the loss of Michael Altman,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement shared with PEOPLE Tuesday. “His dedicated service to the City of Chicago will never be forgotten. Michael’s love for his family was profound; I am asking for the prayers of the entire city of Chicago as the Altman family mourns the passing.”
“He was not just a public servant, but a true hero,” Johnson continued. “ His service was marked by constant displays of courage, bravery, and strength. As we grieve and offer condolences, we must remember how important it is to support our first responders especially as they navigate this loss.”
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