Chicago Fire Department Engineer Dies During Training Exercise In West Ridge
A 30-year member of the Chicago Fire Department died during a training exercise on North Kedzie in West Ridge. Authorities say Steven Decker, 61, was killed during the exercise.
30-Year Member Loses Life During Exercise On North Kedzie
A Chicago Fire Department engineer died Thursday during a training exercise in West Ridge, authorities said.
Steven Decker, a 30-year member of CFD, died during an exercise on the 6600 block of North Kedzie, authorities said. He was 61 years old.
The Chicago Fire Department mourns the loss of a 30-year member who died today during a training exercise. A procession to the Medical Examiner's Office is pending, CFD said in a post on social media around 5:30 p.m.
The Chicago Fire Department mourns the loss of a 30-year member who died today during a training exercise. A procession to the Medical Examiner's Office is pending.— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) May 14, 2026
CFD Local Union 2 shared a photo of Decker and statement on social media late Thursday.
"Chicago Firefighters Local 2 is mourning the loss of Engineer Steven Decker of Engine Co. 71. Steven passed today performing his duties with his brothers and sisters on CFD. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers" the union said.
Chicago Police Department released a statement in support of CFD on social media.
"The Chicago Police Department stands in support of our brothers and sisters at the Chicago Fire Department as they mourn the loss of one of their own. Please keep the family and loved ones of this fallen CFD member in your prayers," CPD said.
The Chicago Police Department stands in support of our brothers and sisters at the Chicago Fire Department as they mourn the loss of one of their own. Please keep the family and loved ones of this fallen CFD member in your prayers.
No additional information was immediately available.
Check back for more on this developing story.
Details From The Scene
According to NBC Chicago's Randy Gyllenhaal, the training exercise took place in West Ridge where CFD member Decker was performing his duties.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Decker's death is ongoing.
A procession to the Medical Examiner's Office is pending as CFD works through the loss of one of their most experienced members.
Community Response
The Chicago Fire Department released a statement mourning the loss of a 30-year member who died today during a training exercise.
CFD Local Union 2 has been active on social media sharing information about the fallen engineer and supporting the CFD community during this difficult time.
Engineer Decker served for 30 years with the Chicago Fire Department and was assigned to Engine Company 71 at the time of his death.
The Chicago Police Department has expressed support for CFD as they navigate the loss of one of their own.