Monday, August 9, 2010 We regret to advise you that Chicago Firefighter Christopher Wheatley, 31, has died in the Line of Duty after he fell 3-4 stories while operating at a fire in the Loop area restaurant this morning, according to CFD's Commissioner Bob Hoff. He said Firefighters were operating at the Avec Restaurant on Randolph Street around 0130 Hours to handle a reported small fire when FF Wheatly slipped and fell from the ladder that extended to the roof of the structure.

According to Commissioner Hoff: "They had to go up to the roof to open the area where the grease chute extended through. FF Christopher Wheatley was making his way up to the roof on a ladder that was attached to the building carrying his equipment. Apparently he slipped and fell to the ground causing the now fatal injuries." "Firefighter Christopher Wheatley was carrying his equipment when he was making his way up . He slipped and fell to the ground. They worked to save his life, but it was too late. Firefighter Chris Wheatley was assigned to Truck 2...left a mother, father, a sister, and a fiancé. He was one of our finest, and that's all I can say for right now."

FF Wheatley came on the CFD in 2000 as a paramedic and became a firefighter in 2008. Wheatley is the first firefighter to die in the line of duty since 2008. As you'll remember, Firefighter William Grant was killed in the Line of Duty when a school bus struck the fire truck he was on. Our sincere condolences to all affected.