Here is something with which all Chicago residents should be racked by anxiety.
Yesterday, as CFD battled a fire at 74th and Yates in South Shore, the Battalion Chief declared an extra alarm and requested a tower ladder.
Woefully, the closest tower ladder available across the entire city was located at Grace and Damen.
This ladder traveled 156 blocks — some TWENTY MILES — to respond to the extra alarm.
This is an utter outrage.
Of the ten tower ladders in Chicago, 5, 10, 16, 24, 39, and 54, all are out of service. At the moment, only four tower ladders are in service, TLs 14, 21, 23, and 63, all of which are stationed on the North and West Sides of the city.
This leaves the whole of the South Side of Chicago —which unfortunately experiences a higher number of fires — without sufficient equipment to fight large-scale fires.
This shortage of equipment is inexcusable and undeniably imperils residents whose taxes pay for fire protection. This equipment shortage also creates dangerous conditions for CFD called on to fight fires.
So, now that you know, @ChicagosMayor, are you going to do something about this?
The Altman family will have invitation-only services for Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman on 3/31 at Blake-Lamb (10a) and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Supporters should line the route from 103rd St. and Cicero Ave to 111th St. to Holy Sepulchre, 6001 W. 111th St.
Today, our St. Rita Family lined Western Avenue for the procession of Chicago Firefighter/EMT Mike Altman, honoring and keeping him, his family, and the CFD community in our prayers.
St. Rita of Cascia, pray for us.
#strita#stritaofcascia
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Chicago Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman.
Both to be held at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel
7740 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60620
Visitation
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026 at 3p- 8p
Funeral
Friday, Mar. 27, 2026 at 10a
FF/EMT Michael Altman of Truck Co. 47 was injured yesterday while fighting a residential fire in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Today, FF/EMT Altman succumbed to his injuries. We are asking for prayers for the entire Altman family & the CFD family during this trying time.
"This is all about our country. I love the USA. I love my teammates. I'm so proud to be an American today…. Just a ballsy, gutsy win...that's American hockey right there."
Jack Hughes after scoring the game winning goal
Congratulations to the Southsides very own Abbey Murphy winning a Gold Medal for USA Women’s Hockey. The pride of Evergreen Park all the way to Milan Italy. Way to go Abbey! Congrats to Ed, Lynne, Pat, Dominick and the entire Murphy Family. Forever etched in the history books🥇🇺🇸
Save the Date.
The 12th Annual Papa Hops 16” Softball Tournament returns Friday, July 10th. A day for family, friends, community, and honoring the legacy that started it all.
Mark your calendars. Rally your crew. Let’s make Year 12 the best one yet.
#NeverEndTheFight
We know you’ll be watching from above today with the best seat in the house. Surrounded by the many St. Rita Legends who have gone on before us! Go Mustangs!
It’s the best week of the year! A little throwback to 2006 when the Mustangs brought home the State title for the first time since 1978. St. Rita is headed back to the Championship for the third time in six seasons. @StRitaFootball#MustangLegacy
GAMEDAY! Week 13 Semi Finals of the IHSA State Playoffs in Doyle Stadium vs Batavia at 2PM. #Mustangs
🎟️https://t.co/x5fDNs9Cw8
📺https://t.co/oZjFM4aDBw
Mustang pride runs deep! Congratulations to Ritaman Mike Kafka ‘05 on being named the interim head coach for the New York Giants!
From Chicago to the NFL sidelines, we’re rooting for you Mike!
Read the full story: https://t.co/v9b4Hiq2Wc
#strita#stritaofcascia#stritaalumni
GAMEDAY! Week 11 Second Round of the IHSA State Playoffs back in Doyle Stadium vs LWC at 2PM. #Mustangs
🎟️https://t.co/x5fDNs94GA
📺 https://t.co/mmCIymkNmB
13 years ago we lost a Legend of a Man but more importantly a Great Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Teacher, Officer. You will never be forgotten Herbie!