Neighbors Rally To Support Fallen Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman's Family

CHICAGO—The South Side stopped Friday morning for the dignified transfer of fallen Chicago Firefighter-EMT Michael Altman’s remains in a Chicago Fire Department ambulance from the medical examiner’s office to Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn.

Hundreds of residents took a moment out of their day to stand in tribute to Altman, 32, who lost his life Monday morning battling what is believed to be an arson fire in a North Side apartment building. Chicago Fire Department officials said a floor collapsed under Altman’s feet, who fell into the basement that was engulfed in flames. The badly burned firefighter died of his injuries the next day at Stroger Hospital.

Dignified transfer of fallen firefighter's remains | CFD Media

Altman, called “Mickey” by family and friends, was a fourth-generation Chicago firefighter and a resident of Mount Greenwood. Adults stood in respectful silence as the ambulance passed by. Students from St. Christina School, where 80 percent of the student body are sons and daughters of first responders, filled the sidewalk. The parish pastor, Rev. Ryan Brady, is the Chicago Fire Department chaplain.

The firefighter's body was brought in through the back entrance of the funeral home, where heartbroken family members watched and firefighters saluted.

Since the young firefighter’s death, neighbors are rallying to the side of Altman’s family, who leave behind a wife and a young child, with a baby on the way. Several fundraisers are in the planning to provide much-needed financial assistance following the unexpected tragedy.

The Yard Foundation, a fee-free crowdfunding platform by firefighters for firefighters, is accepting donations for the fallen firefighter, who was married with a young child at home and another baby on the way. Donations can be made at “Send Support To The Family of Mike Altman After Fatal On-Duty Injury.” The Yard has raised over $531,000 for the firefighter’s family.

Reilly’s Daughter in Oak Lawn sold over 550 commemorative T-shirts honoring “Mickey Altman, Truck 47. The bar made over $13,000 on its initial run, with 100 percent of the proceeds being turned over to Altman’s family. The initial run of T-shirts but has opened an online store including short- and long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. The items will be available for purchase through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 26. Visit the Reilly’s Daughter online store.

The Herbie Johnson Foundation and Tom Hopkins Foundation have also launched an online apparel store featuring Mickey Altman memorial T-Shirts, fleeces and more, with proceeds going to the Altman family. The store will be open online until March 29. Johnson was a Chicago Fire Department captain who died in the line of duty in November 2012 in Englewood.

Culver's, 9515 S. Kedzie, will donate a portion of meal sales to The Yard Foundation Monday evening, March 23, which will be given to the Altman family.

“We’re trying to pack the place and turn it into something that actually makes a difference for them,” said Clem, of The Yard Foundation. “It is a simple way to show up for Mickey and his family, just like you did when it mattered.”

Visitation and funeral services will be held later this week, March 26 and March 27, both at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7040 S. Western Ave., Chicago.