Fallen CFD Capt. David Meyer remembered during funeral as devoted father, husband, grandfather
Meyer also remembered as brave, inspiring leader who loved pranks
NILES, Ill. (WLS) -- Loved ones and fellow firefighters gathered Tuesday to say final goodbyes at the funeral for Chicago Fire Capt. David Meyer.
There was a solemn procession as Meyer's casket was carried on the back of a fire truck.
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He was saluted by hundreds of his fellow Chicago firefighters, paramedics and police.
Meyer is being remembered as a dedicated firefighter, who gave his life trying to save others.
Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said the 54-year-old was a loving husband and father at the funeral service at Saint John Brebeuf Church in Niles.
"For over 28 years, Capt. Meyer dedicated his life to the service of others," Nance-Holt said. "Every call he answered, every fire he fought and every life he saved were accomplished with courage that was quiet yet unwavering."
Meyer was killed in the line of duty last week battling a West Side garage fire. One person is now facing murder and aggravated arson charges.
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Fellow firefighters are in mourning, remembering the late fire captain who sought to serve others.
"David embodied the values we hold most dear: duty, honor and sacrifice. He understood that the badge is more than just a symbol. It's a promise," Nance-Holt said.
Meyers is survived by his wife Kristen, four children and a grandchild. The couple were high school sweethearts and were together for more than 30 years.
On Tuesday, Meyer was remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a brave and inspiring leader who loved pranks.
Tributes were at times emotional, with anecdotes of Meyer's bravery, like when he dropped everything after 9/11 to go to New York.
"And there he stayed for days on end, digging, looking, praying and hoping to find, rescue thousands of people buried in the glass," CFD Chaplain Father Thomas Mulcrone said.
And there were many moments of levity, as Meyer himself would have wanted. The captain was remembered for a sense of humor that was relentless.
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"Dave was downright diabolical when it came to pranks; it was never mean-spirited. His jokes were always perfectly timed. He kept things light," one firefighter said.
"I don't know how many of you have ever had your car Saran-wrapped, front-to-back, top-to-bottom, side-to-side," another said.
His four children expressed how much his support meant to them.
"I can't thank him for how to live our lives, how to just be there. I'm gonna miss him very much, like my dad, I love you, dad, miss you," son Michael Meyer said.
Firefighters from Boston and other departments around the country were also present for the service, and came to pay their respects.
"My dad wasn't just physically present in our lives. He showed us his love throughout all the thoughtful suggestions that made each moment feel special," daughter Haley Meyer said.
Watch the full services held by Father Thomas Mulcrone at Saint John Brebeuf Church in Niles.
