One day after hundreds of first responders said goodbye to fallen Chicago fire Lt. Jan Tchoryk, members of the Chicago Fire Department gathered Friday for the funeral of Jermaine Pelt, a Chicago firefighter who also died in the line of duty last week.
Pelt, a father of two who recently celebrated his 49th birthday, had been a member of the department since 2005. He had worked in the city's Roseland community for his entire career, according to CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.
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WATCH HERE"He just walked his daughter down the aisle for her wedding and she's on a honeymoon right now," Nance-Holt said last week through tears.
Pelt, who in addition to working as a firefighter was a Registered Nurse and a paramedic, died last Tuesday while battling a multi-alarm blaze in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood. According to authorities, he was manning a hose in one of the buildings when "conditions worsened."
All firefighters were ordered out of the building, but Pelt "went down" just as that order was being issued, Nance-Holt said.
"Despite our best efforts -- our firefighters and paramedics, they worked feverishly on Jermaine doing CPR all the way from the scene to Christ Hospital -- he passed away," she said through tears.
At Pelt's funeral, friends described him as a dedicated, loving person who was a true pleasure to be around and had a heart of gold.
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"He was a pillar in his community, fun-loving, kind, always the protector and peacemaker..." said David Jackson, who first became friends with Pelt in the second grade.
Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt expressed her condolences and noted two things Pelt was especially known for - being an exceptional cook and helping anyone - even complete strangers.
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SIGN UP "Jermaine was in his element when he was hosting others, and that speaks to his heart," she said. "Jermaine was also an individual willing to help those in need."
Pelt’s cause of death was ruled as carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the medical examiner’s office.
Thursday afternoon in Oak Lawn, in a line that stretched outside the building, hundreds of friends, family and fellow firefighters paid their respects to Pelt during a visitation service at Blake Lamb Funeral Home.
"He was always there for us, always had a smile on his face. Always dependable," Battalion Chief Christopher Olszewki said. "He was a great fireman, a better friend. We'll bless him."
Pelt's funeral services took place late Friday morning at Chicago’s House of Hope, located at 752 E 114th St. A procession then escorted Pelt's body to his final resting place at Lincoln Cemetery.
