Chicago firefighter dies battling West Side garage fire caused by 'human action,' CFD says
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago firefighter was killed while battling a West Side garage fire Wednesday morning, CFD said.
It was a difficult day for the Chicago Fire Department and the family of Captain David Meyer as they mourn the loss of the first responder.
Chicago Fire Department investigators said the garage fire that led to the tragedy was started by someone igniting the contents of a trash bin. The development comes as Captain Meyer is being remembered as a hard working, decades-long public servant.
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The fire broke out at about 4:03 a.m. in the 1200-block of Pine Avenue, CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said.
The fire was put out when the garage collapsed on Captain Meyer. A mayday call was issued for a firefighter down and Meyer was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he later died.
CFD said Meyer, 54, was a Chicago native and served on Engine 96 and Truck 29. Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said Captain Meyer served 28 years on the job and he leaves behind a wife, parents, three daughters and a son.
"We go to work every day and we never know if we are going to come home, but this is what he loved to do and he was really good at it," Commissioner Nance-Holt said. "When you lose a brother or sister on the fire department, it's life changing. It's like a, it's a family member. It's not just a co-worker."
Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement, "We are grieving for the family and loved ones of Captain David Meyer, who we lost early this morning battling a fire in the 37th ward. I pray for his family, his loved ones, and all the brave men and women of our Chicago Fire Department. Captain Meyer was a hero who served the people of our city with courage and honor for more than 28 years. This is a devastating loss for our city. Captain Meyer was not just a firefighter; he was a beloved husband, son, and father of four. Our whole city wraps our arms around the family and loved ones of Captain Meyer during this trying time."
Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement, "I'm deeply saddened to hear that Captain David Meyer, who served the people of Chicago for almost 30 years, passed away this morning in the line of duty. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and the CFD as we mourn the loss of a true hero. May his memory be a blessing."
Someone who lives at the home in which the garage belongs to said the fire woke him up.
CFD investigators later said the fire was "from ignition of contents of a trash bin by human action," and an investigation continues.
Neighbors said they saw firefighters praying and knew something terrible had happened.
"A lot of commotion was going on and I saw the firefighters running through the street and I called my husband and I said it looks like they are pulling someone out and I can see them pumping on the person's chest trying do bring the person back or something so we didn't know for sure if someone was in there," neighbor Barbara Johnson said. "My thought was maybe they found someone in the garage and then I heard that it was a firefighter."
Dozens of Chicago police officers and firefighters surrounded the hospital Thursday to honor the fallen hero.
"Firemen that get killed in the line of duty, those who serve and protect... it breaks your heart," Alderman Emma Mitts said.
Bunting is now visible on Engine 96 and Truck 29 to honor Meyer.
"Her husband will never come home again. Their father will never come home again," said Patrick Cleary, President of Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2. "We work a very dangerous job."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson visited the hospital, where he said he spoke with Meyer's family.
"You know there aren't many words that are comforting," Johnson said. "This is a tremendous loss for the Meyer family and for the Chicago Fire Department and parents, but again, we are confident that through prayer, we'll get through this."
The Chicago Teachers Union released a statement, saying, "The Chicago Teachers Union expresses our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers at the Chicago Fire Department of Captain David Meyer, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty this morning while fighting a fire in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Captain Meyer had a long career dedicated to serving the people of Chicago during their times of need, which reflects the commitment of our courageous firefighters and paramedics. His sacrifice is a debt that our city can never fully repay. Every call and incident carries the risk of losing a firefighter, of them not making it home at the end of their shift. Words cannot adequately express this devastating loss. We mourn alongside our IAFF Chicago Fire Fighters Local 2 siblings."
Officials said the cause of the fire is now under criminal investigation, and evidence from the scene has been turned over to Chicago police.
