Chicago Fire Department says final goodbye at funeral for fallen firefighter Jermaine Pelt

CHICAGO (WLS) -- For the second day in a row, Chicago firefighters gathered Friday for the funeral of one of their own.

Jermaine Pelt was sent off in honor, as the procession from Blake Lamb Funeral home made its way to the House of Hope church on the South Side.

Pelt's bunker gear was on the frontal display of the fire engine, leading the charge.

It was a moving service.

"And I thank all of you for loving him the way that we love him, too," Pelt's aunt Vern Moore said.

Family had a hard time holding back tears, as they reflected on their beloved Jermaine.

"You will hear me call your name, nephew, I'm here. You are my hero in every meaning of the word. We love you, and see you on the other side," Pelt's aunt Velma Genus said.

Pelt's funeral began at 11 a.m. at House of Hope on the South Side. There was a visitation prior to the funeral at 10 a.m.

"Jared, we pray that you will know how awesome your father is, and I believe that everyone in this room will do what they can to help you see that," Pelt's friend Tammy said.

Firefighter Jermaine Pelt was an 18-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. His death dealt a crushing blow to his loving family and his longtime colleagues.

Pelt, 49, was not just a firefighter, but a registered nurse, paramedic and instructor at the fire academy.

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He was accepted into both the Chicago Police and Fire departments, but chose a career with CFD.

"Both of those jobs are very dangerous. What would you do if you didn't have firemen and police? What would you do?" said John Pelt, Jermaine's father.

He was a father of two and the youngest of four brothers. He recently walked his daughter down the aisle to get married.

He was also a legendary firehouse cook.

"I know it hurts. I know it hurts. But we will get through it together. We are CFD strong. And we will stay together and we will do that work together that Jermaine is no longer here to do," CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said.

Holt said she often tells her recruits not to take the job home with them, but, after this week of such loss, she said, that's easier said than done.

Friends and family said he always had a deep desire to serve. That came from his family: His father is an army veteran, and his mother works in healthcare.

He died from smoke inhalation while battling a West Pullman house fire last week. Pelt's family said their son died doing what he did best.

"As we always said when we left each other, I love you, brother. For the final time, I have to say, 'I love you brother, thank you,'" Pelt's friend Chris Murray said.

His visitation took place Thursday and so many that loved him showed up.

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Inside the funeral home, Pelt's casket was draped in the city flag.

On Thursday, a funeral was held for fellow Chicago firefighter Lt. Jan Tchoryk, who also died last week.