A tragic incident has struck the Chicago Fire Department as Captain David Meyer, 54, has died from injuries sustained while fighting a garage fire on the West Side early Wednesday morning.
Captain Meyer had dedicated his life to the fire service since joining the department in 1996, marking over 28 years of service.
At approximately 4 a.m. on Wednesday, firefighters responded to a garage fire located in the 1200 block of North Pine Avenue.
After successfully extinguishing the flames and clearing the scene, the unthinkable occurred: the roof of the garage collapsed, trapping Meyer beneath the debris.
Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt provided details about the incident during a press conference, highlighting Meyer’s extensive career.
“He spent most of his career on the West Side, in busy fire houses, doing what he loved to do,” said Nance-Holt.
She reflected on the unpredictability of the job, stating, “We go to work every day and we never know if we’re going to come home.”
Despite the dangers, it was clear that Meyer thrived in his role, and he was well-respected by his colleagues.
Following the accident, Meyer was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, as investigations are still ongoing, according to a department spokesperson.
Meyer is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son.
Commissioner Nance-Holt noted that one of Meyer’s daughters is currently enrolled at the University of Iowa.
In a poignant moment, Nance-Holt expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies from Iowa and Illinois for their assistance in escorting the daughter back to Chicago following her father’s tragic accident.
Meyer was affectionately regarded as the “rock of his family” and was described as skilled and resourceful in carpentry and construction.
Before his promotion to captain, he served as a lieutenant on truck 35, also stationed on the West Side.
A neighbor, Otishea Edwards, who witnessed Meyer’s heroism at a previous car accident, shared memories of Meyer’s quick action during emergencies.
“He actually pulled the body out the window,” she recalled about Meyer’s actions at the scene of the car crash.
Edwards also commented on the recurring issue of garage fires in the area, expressing concern for community safety.
“I don’t know if it’s somebody doing it for fun or what, but it’s always a fire in this alley,” she said.
Onlookers reported that as the fire blazed, people in the vicinity felt the heat and smoke, prompting fears of a fire in their homes.
Chicago firefighters gathered outside Stroger Hospital in solidarity as they awaited a procession to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the gathering and honored Meyer, describing him as a hero, embodying the spirit of a true Chicagoan and public servant.
“A hero, courageous, brave, and bold,” said Johnson about Meyer.
As grim statistics reveal, Meyer’s death marks the first on-duty fatality for the fire department this year.
Last year, the department reported no fatalities, while four firefighters tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023, making it the deadliest year since 1998.
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