Funeral Plans Announced for Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman Following Tragic Fire Incident

Michael Altman, a dedicated fourth-generation firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, tragically leaves behind a young son and a wife who is expecting another child. His loss is deeply felt within the community and among his fellow firefighters.

In remembrance of Michael’s service and sacrifice, arrangements for his funeral have been set. The visitation will occur on March 26, from 3 to 8 p.m., at the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago. The following day, March 27, a funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. at the same location.

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Altman’s untimely passing occurred on Tuesday, following injuries sustained in a fire he was bravely combating on Chicago’s North Side the previous day. His commitment and heroism in the line of duty will not be forgotten.

In a solemn tribute, Altman’s fellow firefighters accompanied his body from Cook County Hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday. This poignant procession underscored the respect and camaraderie he garnered among his peers.

Altman, a 32-year-old CFD EMT, fell from a Rogers Park building’s first floor, which collapsed, and into the basement around 11:30 a.m. Monday. It happened in the 1700-block of West North Shore Avenue.

Altman, assigned to truck No. 47 in the Edgewater neighborhood, was on the job for nearly two years. He leaves behind his young son and his wife, who is pregnant with their second child.

Altman was a fourth-generation firefighter with CFD. His grandfather was, at one time, the commissioner of the fire department.

Late Tuesday, purple and black bunting was being installed at CFD headquarters to show honor, respect, and mourning of a public servant. Flowers and a pair of boots were also placed on the ground.

Altman is described as always putting others first. His two-year mark with CFD would have been in May.

CFD said seven people who live in the building that caught fire were displaced, but they were all able to get out. No one else was injured.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but fire crews believe the fire originated somewhere in the back of the building.