The funeral for Chicago firefighter Michael Altman was postponed after his widow went into labor, according to a March 26 announcement from the Chicago Fire Department.
Altman, aged 32, died last week from injuries he suffered while fighting a fire at an apartment building in Rogers Park. He was a fourth-generation firefighter who had recently moved to Mount Greenwood with his wife, Nora, and their young son. The family is now welcoming a new baby girl.
The funeral service had been scheduled for Friday but will be rescheduled due to Nora Altman’s labor, Fire Department spokesperson Kathy Chaney said in a statement. Visitation is still set for Thursday from 3-8 p.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel on South Western Avenue.
Authorities have charged Sheaves Slate, age 27, with murder and arson in connection with the fire that led to Altman’s death. Prosecutors allege that Slate was squatting at the North Shore Avenue address and started the fire following an argument with tenants on March 16. While responding to the blaze as part of Truck 47 in Edgewater, Altman fell through the floor into a basement room engulfed by flames and suffered third-degree burns over most of his body.
Altman’s grandfather, Edward P. Altman, served as Fire Department commissioner from 1996 to 1999 under then-Mayor Richard M. Daley. Jessi Johnson, described as a close friend of the family, said previously that “He was an amazing husband,” adding: “He was so caring, so loving. No matter what, he always showed his affection towards Nora. He was so in love with her.” Nearly $600,000 has been raised for Altman’s family as of Thursday afternoon.
