Funeral for Chicago firefighter rescheduled for this week after widow gives birth

The funeral for Chicago firefighter Michael Altman will take place this week after a service planned for Friday was rescheduled when his widow went into labor and gave birth on Thursday afternoon.

Altman’s family will host an invitation-only memorial service on Tuesday morning at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home. According to the Chicago Fire Department, supporters can show their respect by lining the route from 103rd Street and Cicero Avenue to 111th Street to Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum in Alsip, where he will be laid to rest.

Altman, 32, was critically injured March 16 while fighting a blaze in the city’s Rogers Park neighborhood. According to officials, Altman fell through a floor and was pulled from the building. He later died at an area hospital.

“Members responded to the scene shortly before 11:30 a.m.,” Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt previously said. “While working to extinguish the blaze, firefighter EMT Altman sustained serious injuries and was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. We are heartbroken by yet another loss of our own. Michael gave everything in service to the people of Chicago, and we will never forget his courage and sacrifice. Our deepest condolences go out to the Altman family, fellow firefighters, friends and all that loved him and knew him.”

According to a fundraising page for the firefighter, the injuries were suffered when he fell through a floor and into flames below, resulting in burns to much of his body. The Chicago Fire Department has not released details on the injuries, however.

A 27-year-old man has been charged with murder and arson in connection with Altman’s death.

In addition to his widow and newborn, Altman leaves behind a young child.