Chicago firefighter, 45, dies 'after contracting COVID-19', fire officials say

CHICAGO - A Chicago firefighter has died died from COVID-19, the fourth member of the department to die from complications of the virus.

Michael Pickering, 45, joined the department in 2003. He was assigned to Engine 29 in Bridgeport and was a father of three, according to a Chicago Fire Department spokesman..

"Firefighter Michael Pickering age 45, of ENGINE 29 passed away after contracting COVID-19," department spokesman Larry Langford tweeted.

DOWNLOAD THE FOX 32 CHICAGO APP FOR BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

Langford said Pickering's death will be considered a "line of duty death."

Michael Pickering (Chicago Fire Department)

His body will receive a full ceremonial escort from McNeal Hospital to Hann Funeral home at 82nd Street and Harlem Avenue on Friday afternoon, Langford said.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office did not immediately provide details about the death.

The Chicago Fire Department has now lost three firefighters to COVID-19.

[L-R] Mario Araujo and Edward Singleton. | Chicago Fire Department

On April 7, 2020, Mario Araujo became the first member of the fire department to die from the virus. Araujo, 49, joined the fire department in October 2003 and spent most of his career on Truck 25, which operates out of Engine 102 in Rogers Park.

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES FROM FOX 32 NEWS

Firefighter Edward Singleton died a week later from COVID-19 complications. The 55-year-old worked at the firehouse at Midway Airport, and leaves behind a wife and two adult children.

Robert Truevillian | Chicago Fire Department

In December, Paramedic Robert Truevillian died from the virus. The 55-year-old was assigned to ambulance 71, which operates out of the firehouse at 10458 S. Hoxie Ave. in South Deering, officials said.