An 18-year veteran Chicago firefighter died overnight after going into cardiac arrest within hours of responding to a blaze on the South Side, officials said.
Walter Patmon Jr., 61, responded to reports of smoke in the 1500 block of West 99th Street about 10 p.m. Sunday, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Will Knight said. The firefighters discovered meat burning on a stove, officials said.
After returning to his firehouse, Patmon experienced shortness of breath while cleaning equipment, Knight said. He was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 11:21 p.m.
Patmon's body was taken early Monday to the medical examiner's office, accompanied by a procession of fire and police vehicles.
Dozens of firefighters and police officers lined the streets outside the office and saluted as the procession passed under an American flag hanging from an extended fire truck ladder.
With many bowing their heads and removing their helmets, the firefighters then gathered for a communal prayer before the firefighter's body was taken inside.
The death came three days after the funeral of Capt. Herbert "Herbie" Johnson, a 32-year fire department veteran who died while battling an extra-alarm blaze. Johnson was remembered Thursday during an emotional service attended by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and hundreds of firefighters at a Southwest Side church.
Patmon is survived his his wife and three daughters, according to the fire department.
Firefighter Dave Beason was placing purple bunting at Engine Company 121's station house at 1700 W. 95th St. in the Beverly neighborhood this morning.
He remembered Patmon as a good mentor to other firefighters.
“He was a great guy,’’ Beason said. “He was always smiling, and he was someone who was always willing to teach you.
“He put himself out to help you in any way he could,’’ he said. “Whenever you knew you were going to work with him, you knew you were going to have a good day.’’
Beason worked with Patmon for six years before being transferred to O’Hare International Airport. He said he learned how to drive a fire truck from Patmon.
Patmon "was a real family man,’’ Beason added. “He just adored his daughters.’’
Patmon was also famous for his barbecues, and Beason said he even encouraged him to open up his own eatery. “Anyone who knew him knew that he made the best barbecue."
asege@tribune.com
Twitter: @AdamSege
Chicago firefighter dies after responding to fire
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