Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman's Final Honors Scheduled for Tuesday

Fallen Chicago Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman is scheduled to be laid to rest on Tuesday morning. The service arrangements have been adjusted, resulting in a smaller, private ceremony.

The original funeral plans, set for last Friday, were postponed. This change occurred after Altman's widow went into labor on Thursday, the same day as the scheduled wake.

A New Life Amidst Grief

Just hours before the visitation service was set to begin last Thursday, Altman's wife delivered a healthy baby girl. This significant personal event necessitated the postponement of the public farewell.

The Altman family will now hold services Tuesday morning at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip.

Public Invited to Line Funeral Route

The funeral service itself will be strictly by invitation only. However, the public is strongly encouraged to attend and offer a final salute along the procession route.

The route begins at 103rd Street and Cicero Avenue. Supporters hoping to pay respects should gather along this path around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Community Support for the Altman Family

Hundreds of friends, family members, and fellow firefighters attended Altman's wake last Thursday. His widow was absent as she was hospitalized welcoming their second child.

The community showed significant support earlier when Altman's body was moved from the Cook County morgue to the funeral home on March 20. Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt noted the moving turnout.

Commissioner Nance-Holt stated, "We had children lined up with flags or just holding their heart, holding their hand over their heart. It meant so much to see that. So much support." She added that the display surely meant a great deal to the family as well.

Circumstances of Firefighter Altman's Death

Firefighter Altman, aged 32, died one day after sustaining severe injuries while battling a blaze. The incident occurred on Monday, March 16, at an apartment building on North Shore Avenue in Rogers Park.

Altman was among over one hundred firefighters fighting the intense structure fire. Prosecutors allege that the first floor of the building collapsed, causing Altman to fall into the fire and become engulfed in flames.

Sheaves Slate, 27, has been charged with murder in connection with the fire that resulted in Altman's death.

A Legacy of Service

Altman's passing deeply affected the Chicago Fire Department due to his extensive family history in the service. He represented the fourth generation of his family to join the CFD.

His grandfather, Edward P. Altman Jr., notably served as fire commissioner between 1996 and 1999 before his death in 2020. Michael Altman had served on the job for nearly two years.

In a gesture of ongoing support, Reilly's Daughter, a bar located in Oak Lawn, is currently selling shirts and sweatshirts online. Proceeds from these sales will benefit Altman's widow, his toddler, and the newborn daughter.