Chicago Firefighter Mario Araujo Dies Of Complications From COVID-19
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago firefighter died Tuesday evening of complications from COVID-19, the Fire Department announced.
Firefighter Mario Araujo was a proud member of CFD Truck Company 25, the Fire Department said.
He joined the Fire Department in October 2003.
From Larry Langford; CFD has lost one of our own to complications of COVID-19. Firefighter Mario Araujo, a proud member of CFD Truck Company 25 passed away this evening. He joined CFD in October of 2003 and spent most of his career at Truck 25. May God bless his soul. pic.twitter.com/M4TdfQJ2q7
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 8, 2020
In a statement, Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 mourned Araujo's death.
"Mario was loved by many, especially by members of Engine 102, Truck 25 and Ambulance 56," the union stated. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mario's family, friends and co-workers. We ask the public to partner with us in fighting this virus, and to continue to follow the orders of our elected officials to keep you and our first responders safe."
A Chicago Police officer has also died of coronavirus.
Officer Marco DiFranco, 50, has died of complications from the virus. DiFranco, a 21-year veteran of the force, died early Thursday, after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. He was hospitalized over the weekend, and the mayor said he died after the severity of his illness became overwhelming.
DiFranco's death has been ruled to have happened in the line of duty, meaning his family will receive full financial benefits, Interim Police Supt. Charlie Beck said Friday.