Chicago Firefighter Remembered as Father Figure who Always Offered a Hand
Allison Kiehl
Chicago Tribune
(TNS)
Bells tolled and bagpipes played a somber rendition of “Amazing Grace” Friday morning outside St. Paul Lutheran Church on the city’s Northwest Side. Service members held a crisp white-gloved salute for Chicago firefighter Steven Decker, a 30-year veteran who died during a training exercise on the city’s Far North Side last week.
Hundreds of firefighters and community members alike gathered at the church where Decker was confirmed into the Christian faith nearly 50 years ago. Each pew was full, and a small crowd gathered in the room beyond.
The service was a traditional Lutheran burial service with scripture readings, eulogies from loved ones and hymns.
“Having that many first responders in church was fantastic,” said the Rev. Todd Roberts, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church. “First responders are the most wonderful, giving people in the world because they put their life on the line every day of the week for us, to keep us safe”
Lt. Andrew Paukert started at Engine 71 on the same day as Decker. They both transferred into the unit back in 2012 and remained friends. Paukert described Decker as a father figure.
“He was one of the nicest guys you could have ever met,” Paukert said. “He was a handyman, always taking charge and always making things better for everyone, whether it be firemen or people in the community.”
Decker was the kind of person you could always turn to for both a good meal and needed advice.
“He always put the city first,” Paukert said. “He always wanted to help. Whatever people needed, he was there to help with.”
On May 14, Decker, 61, suffered a medical emergency during an annual equipment test, according to fire officials and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He died of natural causes due to heart disease, the medical examiner’s office ruled.
Decker was a fire engineer with CFD, according to city human resources data. He had spent nearly 30 years on the job and was assigned to Engine 71 in the West Ridge neighborhood, fire officials said.
Decker is survived by his wife Colleen, son Matt Decker, brother Jim Decker and stepchildren Brian Godawa and Sarah Godawa, according to his obituary. Decker had three grandchildren.
Colleen Decker holds a Chicago flag following the funeral services for husband, Chicago firefighter Steven Decker. Decker's son Matt is at left and mother Geraldine is at right.
“Steve gave everything in service to the people of Chicago and his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Decker family, fellow firefighters and paramedics and all who cherished him.”
Ald. Debra Silverstein, 50th, in a statement last week, said that Decker’s “sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“Engineer Decker served the Chicago Fire Department with honor and education since 1997, spending nearly three decades protecting others,” she said. “This is a devastating loss. … Every day, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our city. Their courage, dedication, and service do not go unnoticed.”
The death is the department’s second this year, following fourth-generation CFD firefighter Michael Altman, who died in March after suffering critical injuries at the scene of a fire in Rogers Park.
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