CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago Firefighter EMT Andrew Price was remembered as a loving son, husband and brother on Monday at Navy Pier — where hundreds gathered to honor his ultimate sacrifice, made last week in the line of duty.
“I believe that the true measure of a person’s character is what is said about them when they’re gone,” said Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt, whose funeral tribute was her fourth of 2023.
At 39 years old, Price was killed while battling an extra-alarm fire in Lincoln Park last Monday. His colleagues, with Engine No. 55, Truck No. 44, Battalion No. 12, were dressed in their Class A uniform and shared tearful tributes to Price.
“We knew him as a genuine, funny, big-hearted, thoughtful, hardworking, gentle and caring person,” said one firefighter. “If you took them all in and many more, mixed them all together, you caught a glimpse of what was in his soul.”
Dustin Jeffers, a fellow firefighter, called him the “ultimate jokester of the fire house.”
Also in attendance: Price’s family, including his surviving wife Lara, mother Rochelle and siblings — Price was one of five children. His brother, Jordan, spoke at the service.
“Drew lived a life worth emulating, and as his lasting legacy, I hope he inspired you to live a life of gratitude,” said Jordan Price. “I ask that you, please, continue to honor our first responders by showing your support and make sure to say ‘mahalo’ for Drew.”
Monday’s services included a private and public ceremony in Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom. Just outside, at the edge of the pier, an American flag waved — hoisted high above by his own CFD ladder truck.
“In the Chicago Fire Department’s Code of Signals, 3-3-5 indicates that a company has returned home. With the sounding of this bell, Firefighter EMT Andrew B. Price, of truck company No. 44, has returned home.”
After a final salute for Price and his family from the honor guard, his casket was carried onto a fire truck and taken toward his final resting place.
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