Veteran firefighter dies after suffering medical emergency during equipment test in West Ridge: CFD

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago firefighter died after suffering a medical emergency during an annual equipment test on the city's North Side on Thursday afternoon, the Chicago Fire Department said.

Steven Decker was a 30-year CFD veteran and engineer and worked for Engine 71 on the city's Far North Side in West Ridge.

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CFD said on Thursday that the 61-year-old died after a training exercise in the 6600-block of North Kedzie.

It happened just after 3 p.m. Thursday. The president of Chicago Firefighters Local 2 says Decker was participating in a twice-a-year mandated hose testing. A fire official told ABC7 they were working in the street at the time.

Decker was rushed to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he died. An ambulance carrying his body was later escorted by colleagues in a more than 10-mile procession to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, where first responders stood at attention, saluting his service and sacrifice.

"We are heartbroken by losing another one of our own. Steve gave everything in service to the people of Chicago and his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences go out to the Decker family, fellow firefighters and paramedics and all who cherished him," said CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.

Nearby fire engines came to help hang purple bunting above the entrance to Engine 71 on Friday morning.

Ald. Debra Silverstein, who represents the 50th Ward, says this is one of the smallest fire houses in the city, so it is a very tight-knit group.

"It's just been horrible. We just had a funeral last week. And now we have to, unfortunately, prepare for another one," Silverstein said. "I just visited inside, and they're all devastated. So, they work very closely together."

The union president says Decker was admired for his work and commitment. That's why it was easy for his fellow firefighters to assist Engine 71 on Friday morning, drilling holes in the fire house to honor the first responder as they support one another through this difficult time.

"One of those guys that, we all have them, that are... They know everything about the apparatus that they work on... Just has everything diligently set and ready to go. That's the kind of guy he was," said Chicago Firefighters Local 2 President Erik Steinmetz.

Silverstein said Decker leaves behind a wife and one child.

"Our first responders put their lives in the line for us every single day, and I'm just really really saddened that we have lost a 30-year veteran, getting ready to retire, looking forward to retirement, who has lost his life in the line of duty," Silverstein said.

Decker is the second Chicago firefighter to die while on duty this year. CFD Firefighter Michael Altman was also killed two months ago while battling a fire in Rogers Park.