Jermaine Pelt was described as soft-spoken man with a heart of gold. He was a registered nurse, paramedic, academy instructor, and not to mention, a fantastic cook.

“I’m holding my belly from the cooking he did. He cooked yesterday. He made BBQ chicken, jerk chicken, fried chicken, corn bread,” Lt. David Bernicky said. “He was a very kindhearted person. We’re going to miss him.”

His father, John told ABC7, “Jermaine was just a joy to all of our family. Everybody loved him. Jermaine only lived 49 years. I’m 79. I’m 30 years older than he is. He was cheated out of 30 years.” 

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On April 4, 2023 Firefighter Jermaine Pelt died after he and two other firefighters were injured battling a predawn house extra-alarm fire on the city’s South Side in the West Pullman neighborhood. Just celebrating his 49th birthday last month, Pelt was with his crew early Tuesday morning fighting the fire near 120th and Wallace streets. 

The fire started in a home and quickly spread to the adjacent buildings. That’s where Pelt was getting water to the fire inside the home when conditions worsened and he and his crew had to get out. A mayday was called when it was discovered that Pelt was missing. He was found near the hose line and was brought out for treatment.  

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He is survived by his two children. 

Our hearts are with the Pelt family and the Chicago Fire Department. 

To donate in memory of Firefighter Jermaine Pelt, please visit our fallen heroes donation page.