Dozens attended a vigil Wednesday honoring fallen firefighter MaShawn Plummer outside of the station where he served his short, but powerful career as a first responder before being killed in the line of duty.
A prayer and memorial vigil was held in front of Engine Co. 94, at 5758 W. Grace St. in Portage Park, just after their 8 a.m. rollcall. Plummer's family was expected to be in attendance and members of the public were asked to show their support.
Plummer died Tuesday after suffering injuries while battling a blaze in the city's Belmont Central neighborhood last week.
Plummer, who had been a firefighter for only a year, died from his injuries at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, a spokesman for the Chicago Fire Department, Larry Merritt, said.
“We ask that everyone keep the family in their prayers.” Merritt said. “It's tough to lose a loved one under any circumstances, especially hard during the holiday season which should be a time of celebration.”
Plummer was critically wounded on Dec. 16, while battling an early-morning blaze in the 3100 block of North Marmora Avenue.
Three people were trapped in a basement unit during the blaze and Plummer went to try and pull them out. One of the three people, 37-year-old Eladio Gomez, died in the flames, but the others survived and remain in critical condition.
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Their families told NBC 5 they owe their lives to the Chicago firefighters who responded that day, including Plummer.
Plummer is survived by his parents and four sisters.
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