Chicago Firefighter Dies Fighting Warehouse Fire

CFD Firefighter/Paramedic Dan Capuano | Chicago Fire Department

CHICAGO, IL — A veteran firefighter and paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department died early Monday morning when he fell down an elevator shaft while fighting a fire at a South Side warehouse.

CFD/Paramedic Dan Capuano’s death was announced on the CFD Twitter feed Monday morning:

“Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago regrets to inform Firefighter/Paramedic Dan Capuano of Tower Ladder 34 died in the line of duty this morning.”

Capuano and others responded to a three-story warehouse fire at 9213 S. Balmoral Ave. around 2:30 a.m. after heavy smoke could be seen billowing from the building, NBC 5 Chicago reported.

• Also on Patch: Building Inspectors Find Illegal Work Where Firefighter Fell Through Elevator Shaft: Reports

“As the firefighters went in there they saw some holes throughout the floor,” Santiago said. “They gave out an emergency alert, ‘Be careful.’ It looks like Firefighter Daniel had just walked into the elevator shaft as he was searching, couldn’t see and fell.”

Capuano was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died of his injuries. A solemn procession of firefighters and emergency vehicles moved his remains from the hospital to the Cook County morgue.

Santiago said Capuano suffered from traumatic injuries.

Capuano was a 15-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. The 42-year-old was married and the father of three children. He lived in Mt. Greenwood.

The firefighter/paramedic also worked for the Evergreen Park Fire Department, served a stint for the Lemont Fire Protection District, and worked in Palos Park.

Reports DNAinfo Chicago:

A memorial fund was set up early Monday afternoon for Capuano’s family by the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees’ Widows’ and Children’s Assistance Fund.

The fund will deliver immediate financial assistance to the Mount Greenwood family later today. Supporters are also asked to contribute additional monetary support through the online fundraiser.

Kathleen Tomaszewski, principal at Queen of Martyrs Catholic School in Mount Greenwood, said Capuano’s two sons, Nicholas (seventh grade) and Andrew (eighth grade), attend the school, and his daughter Amanda is a sophomore at nearby Mother McAuley High School.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement Monday afternoon.

“As a 15-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department, Dan spent his career putting the safety of others ahead of his own. He made the ultimate sacrifice so Chicago’s residents could be safe. For that, there are no words that can truly express our sorrow for his loss nor our gratitude for his service and sacrifice to the City of Chicago. The thoughts and prayers of a grateful city are with Dan, his family and his fellow firefighters at this difficult time.”