Funeral held for fallen Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman

OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) -- A flag hoisted up by a fire truck hung over 103rd Street outside Blake Lamb funeral home in Oak Lawn as family and friends filed in to say their final goodbye to firefighter Michael Altman.

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"My son and grandson are both Chicago firefighters so now it's time to cry because I think of the mother and this is horrible," Pat Wiseman said. "So we need to support anybody who goes to these tragedies, regardless of where they are, because we're all human beings and we just need that."

The 32-year-old, fourth generation CFD member died while battling a fire at a Rogers Park apartment building earlier this month.

A suspect has been charged with murder and arson in his death.

The funeral was originally scheduled for last Friday, but had to be postponed, after Altman's widow gave birth to their second child.

READ MORE | Questions raised about CPD response night before arson, death of CFD firefighter in Rogers Park

"It just really touched me. I have two little kids at home and when I found out that he had one on the way and another one at home, I just couldn't imagine missing all those years that he's going to miss," Joshua Sanders said.

"To think he would lose his life, leave behind a wife, a young baby and now a second young baby, it puts it all in perspective of just how dangerous and how noble firefighters, paramedics and police officers are," Alderman Matt O'Shea said.

People who don't know Altman personally said they felt compelled to stop by to honor his sacrifice and pay their respects.

Sanders, on his hand and knees, sent prayers to his family.

"I just hope it lifts them up," Sanders said. "There's no easy way to get through this. I hope my prayers bring them some peace and in these times kindness needs to prevail."

Following the funeral there was a procession from the funeral home to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on 111th Street.

"Firefighter Altman was a hero in every sense of the world," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. "We'll never forget it, and while we can never repay the debt and gratitude he is owed, we can follow in his footsteps and be dedicated and courageous in our communities and throughout the entire city of Chicago."