Chicago firefighter dies in morning blaze

CHICAGO — A veteran Chicago firefighter was killed early Monday while fighting a blaze at a three-story warehouse on the city’s South Side.

Dan Capuano, who had 15 years of service with the Chicago Fire Department, was searching through heavy smoke on the second floor of the yet-to-be-completed building, when he fell down an elevator shaft to the basement, Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago told reporters.

"They were able to remove him quickly and get him on the ambulance," said Santiago, who added that Capuano's partner was right next to him when he fell.

Capuano was transported to a hospital in the nearby suburb of Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead. The blaze at the warehouse was extinguished by Capuano's fellow firefighters about an hour after he fell. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel mourned the loss of Capuano, saying "Chicago has lost one of its bravest."

"He made the ultimate sacrifice so Chicago's residents could be safe. For that, there are no words that can truly express our sorrow for his loss nor our gratitude for his service and sacrifice to the City of Chicago," Emanuel said in a statement. "The thoughts and prayers of a grateful city are with Dan, his family, and his fellow firefighters at this difficult time."