Mourners gather at funeral for veteran firefighter Steven M. Decker who died during training
Bagpipers gathered outside and dozens of firefighters made their way into St. Paul Lutheran Church on the Northwest Side as the funeral for veteran Chicago Firefighter Steven M. Decker began Friday morning.
Battalion Chief Craig Dziedzic, who went through fire department academy with Decker, described Decker as generous.
“He would give you the shirt off his back. He’s just always with a smile on his face,” Dziedzic said.
Firefighters prepare for the funeral of veteran Firefighter Steven M. Decker who died May 14, 2026 during a training exercise.
Amid firetrucks flashing their lights, groups of white-gloved, uniformed firefighters began walking into the church shortly before services began at 10 a.m. Firefighters saluted a firetruck covered in flowers, ribbons and the Chicago Cubs logo. The truck that was carrying Decker’s squad members.
By 10:10 a.m., Decker’s casket was carried into the church with relatives nearby.
Firefighters during funeral services for veteran Firefighter Steven M. Decker, who died May 14, 2026 during a training exercise.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Before heading into the church, Arlene Schiestel and George Schiestel, Decker’s godparents, told the Sun-Times Decker came from a family of firefighters. His father was a firefighter and his son is a firefighter in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
“He always loved fire trucks when he was a little kid,” George Schiestel said. “We learned yesterday, I didn’t realize this, but his nickname was ‘Plug,’ and that Steven was built like a fire plug ever since he was a little kid.”
Decker planned to retire at the end of the year, said the Schiestels and Dziedzic.
A hearse arrives for the funeral of veteran Firefighter Steven M. Decker, who died May 14, 2026 during a training exercise.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Firefighters prepare for the funeral of veteran Firefighter Steven M. Decker who died May 14, 2026 during a training exercise.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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