Chicago Firefighter EMT Michael Altman, 32, died after the first floor collapsed beneath him while he fought an apartment fire in Rogers Park on March 16. He was taken to Stroger Hospital and later died of his injuries. Assigned to Truck 47 in Edgewater, Altman would have marked two years with the CFD in May and was the fourth generation in his family to serve. Seven residents escaped and an investigation into the fire and collapse is ongoing.
Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman Dies After Floor Collapse While Battling Rogers Park Blaze
Chicago Firefighter Michael AltmanCredit: Chicago Fire Department
Chicago Firefighter EMT Michael Altman, 32, has died after sustaining critical injuries when the floor beneath him collapsed during efforts to extinguish an apartment building fire on March 16 in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
What Happened
The Chicago Fire Department reports that crews responded shortly before 11:30 a.m. to a blaze in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue. While working to contain the fire, the first-floor structure gave way and Altman fell into the building’s basement. He was removed from the scene and transported to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Firefighter Michael AltmanCredit: Chicago Firefighters Union - Local 2/Facebook
Service and Family
Altman was assigned to Truck 47 in Edgewater and was due to mark two years with the department in May. He was the fourth generation of his family to serve in the Chicago Fire Department. According to The Yard Foundation, Altman was married, had one child and his family was expecting a second child.
Response and Investigation
Seven residents escaped the building and, aside from Altman, no other injuries were reported. The Chicago Fire Department has opened an investigation into both the cause of the blaze and the circumstances surrounding the floor collapse.
“We are heartbroken by yet another loss of our own. 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,” CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said at a news conference.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson added: “I am grief-stricken by the loss of Michael Altman. 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.”
The department and local media outlets, including WGN, WBBM and WLS, continue to report on the incident as investigators work to determine what caused the fire and the structural collapse.
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