The city of Chicago is mourning the loss of veteran firefighter Steven Decker, who died Thursday afternoon during a training exercise in the West Rogers Park neighborhood, according to officials with the Chicago Fire Department.
Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. near the 6600 block of North Kedzie Avenue. Sources familiar with the situation said Decker collapsed while participating in a hose test exercise. Fellow firefighters immediately rushed to assist him, administering CPR at the scene before transporting him to Saint Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 4 p.m.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office later identified the firefighter as 61-year-old Steven Decker. Fire Department officials said Decker dedicated approximately 30 years of service to the department and was assigned as a fire engineer with Engine 71 in West Rogers Park.
As a fire engineer, Decker carried significant responsibilities beyond standard firefighting duties. Fire engineers are tasked with maintaining fire engines and critical equipment, operating emergency vehicles, managing water supply connections, and ensuring firefighting operations run efficiently during emergency responses. Colleagues described the role as one requiring both technical skill and years of experience.
Following the announcement of his death, firefighters across the city expressed grief over the loss of one of their own. On Thursday evening, an ambulance carrying Decker’s body departed Saint Francis Hospital under escort from multiple CFD vehicles and police squad cars. The solemn procession traveled to the medical examiner’s office, where firefighters stood in salute as Decker was carried inside, honoring his decades of dedication and sacrifice.
The emotional scene underscored the deep bond shared among members of the fire service, particularly within the Chicago Fire Department, where Decker had spent much of his life serving the community and working alongside fellow firefighters.
His death has also renewed sorrow within the department following another recent tragedy involving Chicago firefighter Michael Altman, who died less than two months ago while responding to an apartment fire in Rogers Park. Authorities later charged a suspect with arson and murder in connection with Altman’s death, making Decker’s passing another painful loss for CFD personnel in a short span of time.
Tributes from colleagues, friends, and community members have continued pouring in online, with many remembering Decker as a dedicated firefighter, respected engineer, mentor, and loyal friend. Fellow firefighters described him as someone who took pride in his work and remained committed to protecting the people of Chicago throughout his long career.
City officials and fire department leadership are expected to honor Decker’s service in the coming days as funeral and memorial arrangements are finalized. His passing leaves behind grieving family members, fellow firefighters, and a department now mourning the loss of another veteran public servant.