Fourth-generation Chicago firefighter had almost 2 years on the job before fatal blaze

Firefighter Michael Altman, 32, died after suffering critical injuries while battling a Rogers Park apartment fire

March 18, 2026 08:10 AM

By Sam Charles
Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO — A fourth-generation Chicago firefighter seriously wounded Monday while fighting a blaze in the Rogers Park neighborhood died of his injuries Tuesday, city officials announced.

Firefighter Michael Altman, 32, was injured while working to extinguish a fire in a multi-story building in the 1700 block of North Shore Avenue around 11:30 a.m. Monday. He was taken to Stroger Hospital and was pronounced dead Tuesday morning.

FF/EMT Michael Altman of Truck Co. 47 was injured yesterday while fighting a residential fire in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Today, FF/EMT Altman succumbed to his injuries. We are asking for prayers for the entire Altman family & the CFD family during this trying time. pic.twitter.com/vXsisKgTdy
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) March 17, 2026

“We are heartbroken by yet another loss of our own,” Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt told reporters outside Stroger Tuesday afternoon. “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.”

Nance-Holt said Altman was new to the department. This coming May would have been his second anniversary with CFD. He was assigned to work Truck 47 in the Edgewater neighborhood.

Before his death was announced, a fundraiser set up for his family noted Altman was “not only a dedicated firefighter, but also a husband and father with a young child at home and another baby on the way.”

Nance-Holt added that the cause of Monday’s fire remains under investigation.

“Today, the city of Chicago not only lost a public servant, but we lost a hero,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said outside Stroger Hospital on Tuesday. “Let this be a constant reminder of how important it is that we continue to put our arms around our first responders and continue to support them.”

Chicago firefighters and mourners lined Harrison Street Tuesday morning to salute the procession for Altman outside the Chicago Medical Examiner’s office. A pair of turnout pants and boots were seen on the ground near Truck 47 at the firehouse.

Since 2023, at least six Chicago firefighters have died of injuries sustained on duty.