Fallen Chicago firefighter Andrew Price remembered as a "light of sunshine"
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The loss of Chicago firefighter-EMT Andrew "Drew" Price has been tough for the Chicago Fire Department.
Price died Monday morning after falling through a roof down a light shaft while battling a blaze in a building on Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park. Several hours later, his colleagues lined the street in support outside the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, 2121 W. Harrison St.
Price's body was escorted to the Medical Examiner's office alongside his friends and family.
The ambulance carrying Price made its final turn into the Cook County Medical Examiner's office shortly after 2 p.m., as Price's brothers and sisters in uniform saluted the 39-year-old and his family as they passed.
Price was described as a "light of sunshine" by his fellow firefighters, who were deep in morning Monday.
Firefighter Price had been with the Fire Department since March 2009. He was most recently was assigned to Truck 44, based at 2714 N. Halsted St. where purple bunting was hung Monday morning.
Price's colleagues said he leaves behind a beloved wife and dog, and extended family in Indiana.
He was known for working out, being healthy, and having a "kid-like" energy.
Price was also an instructor at the Fire Academy — on both the firefighter and paramedic sides.
Twelfth Battalion Chief Mike McCormack said Price was responsive when they found him after he fell, but his injuries were too severe - and he made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our city.
"And he was a lovely man. He was as sweet as could be," said McCormack. "He took extremely good care of himself and his family. He was extremely healthy. He was a light of sunshine. He never had a bad thing to say about anybody."
Price's fellow firefighters at Engine 55, Truck 44 on North Halsted Street weren't ready to speak about the loss Monday morning, as the purple bunting was hung across the station façade. Some still wearing their turnout gear from the 5:30 a.m. call.
They asked that everyone keep the Price family and his extended CFD family in our thoughts and prayers.
"We've got to remember Drew," said Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.
Price's death marked the fourth line-of-duty loss for the Chicago Fire Department this year.
Lt. Kevin Ward, 59, died in August, two weeks after he was injured during a blaze on the city's Northwest Side.
In April, two Chicago firefighters were killed in the line of duty. Firefighter Jermaine Pelt was fighting a house fire in West Pullman and Lt. Jan Tchoryk collapsed while fighting a fire in a Gold Coast high rise.
The last time the CFD had four line-of-duty deaths in a single year was in 1998.