The somber reality of a hero’s death has settled over Chicago as the community grapples with the loss of Captain David Meyer of the Chicago Fire Department. The veteran firefighter, who served the city for over 28 years, tragically died following a garage fire in the Austin neighborhood. Chicago Police have taken a person of interest into custody, who is being questioned in connection with the incident, which is now being investigated as potential arson. According to a WGN-TV report, the fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, originating in a trash bin before spreading to the garage where the collapse occurred, fatally wounding Captain Meyer.
With Captain Meyer's career just shy of the three-decade mark and a retirement on the horizon, his untimely death has left a void in the hearts of many—a husband and father who won't be returning home, as stated by Patrick Cleary, president of the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, in an interview acquired by ABC7 Chicago. After extinguishing the fire, disaster struck when the garage that had hidden dangers collapsed, critically injuring the Captain, then later died at Stroger Hospital.
Mourning the loss, Engine 96, where Captain Meyer was stationed, is now draped with purple and black bunting, a visual testament to one of Chicago's bravest. The procession for Captain Meyer, which transported his body from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office to a Norwood Park funeral home, was a silent homage to a man who dedicated his life to protecting others.
Resident Miriam Alonso, who has seen too many dumpster fires in recent times—unfortunately, including the one that led to the tragic garage collapse—shared horrendous cellphone footage of the blaze. "This is so traumatizing. I still have it in replay in my head like how it all happened," she told ABC7 Chicago. "I hear them still screaming. I still see the smoke." The community not only lost a part of its security in this event but also confronted the chilling reminder of how quickly a fire can escalate into a fatal disaster.
Evidence gathered from the scene has been forwarded to CPD as the person of interest remains under scrutiny. Although no charges have been filed yet, the circumstances surrounding the fire are suspicious, hinting at arson. Meyer, who joined the department in 1996, is survived by his wife, daughters, and son, and is remembered as a hardworking public servant dedicated to the safety of Chicagoans for nearly 30 years.
