Chicago Firefighter, 45, Dies Of COVID-19: Officials

CHICAGO — A Chicago firefighter has died from complications due to COVID-19, according to Chicago fire officials.

Michael Pickering, 45, worked at Engine 29 in the Bridgeport neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.

A spokesman for the department said Pickering's death will be deemed a Line of Duty Death and therefore his body will have a ceremonial escort from McNeal Hospital — where he was pronounced dead Friday — to Hann Funeral Home.

Chicago fire authorities told Patch the man leaves behind a son and two teenage daughters. He had been a member of the department since 2003.

This is the Chicago Fire Department's fourth active member who has died from COVID-19, according to spokesman Larry Langford.

Pickering's procession began at 12:45 p.m. Friday outside McNeal Hospital. Traffic officials told motorists to expect rolling street closures in Berwyn and on the West Side for the procession.

"The Chicago Fire Department asks that everyone keep Firefighter Michael Pickering, his colleagues, and especially his family in their prayers," a spokesperson for the department said in a social media statement.