Chicago Fire Lieutenant Jan Tchoryk, 55, of Tower Ladder 10, died in the Line of Duty this morning at a 35 story Gold Coast high-rise 3-11 alarm fire. As you know, this Firefighter is the second to be killed in separate fires in two days.
Lieutenant Tchoryk has been with the Chicago FD for about 25 years. He was a Navy veteran and served in Desert Storm and had a big family. His son is a rookie Chicago Police Officer. He and the crews responded to the fire about 0700 at 1212 N. Lake Shore Drive. Lieutenant Tchoryk collapsed on the 11th floor while in the stairway. His crews and CFD Paramedics worked and did all they could to save his life. Three other Firefighters were taken to local hospitals in fair to serious condition.
The fire had been under control around 0940 hours, though it continued in one apartment on the building’s 27th floor, where there weren’t sprinklers. Much more to follow, our condolences to all those affected. Rest In Peace.