Funeral held Tuesday for fallen CFD Capt. David Meyer

CHICAGO — Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer was laid to rest Tuesday, six days after he died while battling a garage fire on the city’s West Side.

Capt. Meyer was 54-years-old and a 28-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. He was killed while crews were responding to a garage fire that broke out around 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 5500 block of West Crystal in the Austin neighborhood.

A funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles.

On Monday night, several hundred people paid their respects at his visitation at Malec & Sons Funeral Home in Norwood Park.

Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling was one among the thousands who arrived and paid their respects to Meyer.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the Chicago police or the fire department,” Snelling said. “Both of our departments run into danger. You never know what’s going to happen. You never know what day is going to be your last day.”

Those who spoke of Meyer spoke of him as an exemplary firefighter. The type of firefighter they’d want alongside them if they were the ones running into a burning home.

“From everything I’ve heard, he was a great captain,” Said Erik Steinmetz, Vice President of the Chicago Fire Fighters’ Union – Local 2. “He was a great fireman. He gave his all and was dedicated to his job and the people that he served. He was a great example to the people that he led.”

Meyer leaves behind a wife and four children.

Those who wish to support the family can also make a donation HERE via The Yard Foundation, a charity that provides funding and assistance to firefighters, first responders, and their families who are in need, be it from illness, disease, or other circumstances. Visit theyardfoundation.org for more information or to make a donation.

Meyer had nearly 30 years with the department and was nearing retirement when he was called to his final fire last week.

Charles Green, 44, was arrested just hours after the fire, according to the Chicago Police Department. He allegedly set a nearby trash can on fire, and the flames spread to the garage, according to investigators.

On Friday, Green was charged with aggravated arson and first-degree murder.