Trending Topics

Funeral for fallen Chicago firefighter postponed as widow goes into labor

Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman died after falling through a collapsed floor while battling a fire

FireRescue1 EMS1 News - 2026-03-18T074645.933.jpg

Firefighter Michael Altman.

Chicago Fire Department/X

CHICAGO — Funeral services for fallen Chicago Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman were postponed after his widow went into labor, officials announced. The services had been scheduled for March 27.

WGN reported that a new date for the services has not yet been announced.

| SURVEY: What Firefighters Want in 2026: Training

Altman was among the firefighters who responded to a fire behind a four-story building in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue on March 16. During the fire, he fell through a collapsed floor, Deputy District Fire Chief Kelly Burns told reporters at the scene.

Sheaves Slate has been charged with murder, residential arson and aggravated arson causing injury to a firefighter in connection with the fire and was ordered held in custody during a court hearing.

Altman, a fourth-generation firefighter who had been with the Chicago Fire Department for nearly two years, is survived by his young son and wife. At the time of his death, his wife was just days away from giving birth to their second child.

Trending
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board Chair Jeff Swanty’s resignation follows a months-long dispute that resulted in Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach separating from the agency
The Winston-Salem city council approved a nearly $2 million compensation overhaul boosting salaries up to 9.5%
Troy’s new Engine 2, designed for the city’s hills and dense infrastructure, will serve the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute area as officials continue investing in public safety
With engines stuck in the shop and few reserves available, Anchorage firefighters are increasingly forced to respond in under-equipped vehicles as call volumes rise and equipment wears down

Company News
Bipartisan legislation would fund National Fallen Firefighters Foundation programs supporting Fire Hero Families through proceeds from commemorative coin sales

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.