Chicago Firefighter Dies in Arson Fire; Man Charged with Murder

A 27-year-classic Chicago man has been charged with murder and aggravated arson in connection with a fire that killed Chicago Fire Department Firefighter and EMT Michael Altman, 32. Sheaves Slate was arrested Wednesday and is expected to appear in court Saturday.

The fire occurred Monday in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue in Rogers Park. Firefighter Altman fell from the first floor into the basement when the floor collapsed, suffering burns to 90% of his body, according to fire officials and a police report. He was pronounced dead Tuesday morning at Stroger Hospital.

Charges Filed Against Sheaves Slate

Sheaves Slate faces two counts of murder, one count of aggravated arson injuring a firefighter, and one count of residential arson. He was initially arrested on an unrelated arrest warrant at Thorek Memorial Hospital, according to police records according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Firefighter Altman’s Service and Loss

Firefighter Altman served on Truck 47 in Edgewater and came from a family with a strong history in the Chicago Fire Department. He was a fourth-generation CFD firefighter. He was also a soon-to-be father of two, with his wife Nora expecting their second child.

Community Mourns and Supports the Altman Family

The Chicago community has rallied in support of the Altman family. A procession was held from the Cook County medical examiner’s office to Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn. A local bar, Reilly’s Daughter in Oak Lawn, is selling T-shirts to benefit Altman’s family, having already sold a thousand shirts and arranging for continued online sales through Marathon Sportswear as reported by WGNTV. A moment of silence was held at the United Center during a Chicago Blackhawks game Friday night.

Statements from Officials

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed condolences to the Altman family and the Chicago Fire Department, emphasizing the importance of remembering Firefighter Altman’s heroic life. Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt thanked the Chicago Police Department and other agencies for their collaborative efforts in bringing accountability to the tragic incident.

Slate’s Prior Arrests

Sheaves Slate has been arrested at least three times since July 2025. In October, he was placed under court supervision for a year after pleading guilty to retail theft. An arrest warrant was issued in January after he failed to appear in court on charges of retail theft, possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia, though similar charges were previously dropped in another case according to the Chicago Sun-Times.