Chicago firefighter dies days after being critically injured in NW Side apartment fire

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team and Stephanie Wade WLS logo
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Chicago firefighter dies days after NW side apartment fire
Chicago firefighter Mashawn Plummer has died of the injuries he sustained while battling a fire in Belmont Central, CFD said Tuesday.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago firefighter has died of the injuries he sustained while battling a fire on the Northwest Side last week.

The fire department identified him as 30-year-old Mashawn Plummer, and said he was also an EMT.

Plummer is survived by his mother, father and four sisters.

Dozens of firefighters, family and friends lined the streets to honor Plummer during the procession from Loyola University Medical Center to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

"I loved this," said Shirley Simmons, a friend. "He got his honor. He got his special treatment. I'm quite sure the family is very, very proud."

One person died in the blaze in the 3100-block of North Marmora Avenue in Belmont Central, and two others were injured.

Marshawn Plummer, 30, died several days after being critically injured battling an apartment fire in the city's Belmont Central neighborhood.

The fire broke out just after 2 a.m. in the basement of a two-story apartment building next to St. Ferdinand Church last Thursday.

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Plummer had just celebrated his first anniversary with the Chicago Fire Department, was first taken to Community First Hospital and then transferred to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood where he could be treated in their specialized severe burn unit.

He was listed in critical to very critical condition for the duration of his hospitalization. The fire department confirmed he died Monday afternoon.

Lifelong neighbors of Plummer and his family, Simmons said the ceremony honored a one of a kind man.

"He was just, like, the kid on the block that likes to do things for people. Mashawn would give you the shirt off his back," she said.

Senator Dick Durbin, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Governor JB Pritzker also tweeted to honor Plummer after his death.

A prayer vigil will be held Wednesday at 7:50 a.m. at Engine 94 in Portage Park, where Plummer was assigned.

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The cause of the fire is still being investigated.