'You are not alone': Mourners pay their respects to fallen CFD firefighter Jermaine Pelt
OAK LAWN, Ill. (CBS) -- It's a week of mourning for Chicago firefighters – after two of their own were killed in the line of duty just one day apart.
Chicago Fire Department Lt. Jan Tchoryk was laid to rest Thursday, while visitation was held for CFD firefighter Jermaine Pelt, who died in a house fire in West Pullman the day before Lt. Tchoryk was stricken.
For a second day of solemn formation, a sea of firefighters from Chicago and across the country – and other men and women from around the region – lined 103rd Street in Oak Lawn to honor their brother Pelt.
"Respecting and honoring a job they do every day," said Tony Ethridge.
Ethridge knows the fallen hero simply as Jermaine from the block.
"We grew up together," he said. "I grew up on 110th, and he grew up on 111th."
Over the years, they remained friends.
"He was just a good dude, you know, and I'm not surprised he would service our community the way he did - you know, putting his life on the line," Ethridge said, "and that's him."
Pelt at 49 paid the ultimate sacrifice when the alarm went off on April 4 at 12019 S. Wallace St. His engine company did not expect the 18-year CFD veteran never to return – which is why so many took the time to say thank you.
Among them were strangers such as Juan Cayetano – who carved a handmade wooden plaque for Pelt's family. He etched Pelt's portrait, badge number, and last alarm.
Cayetano presented it as a token of love.
"So I want to represent what my family feels about the hard work firefighters do everyday, so this is it," Cayetano said. "Thank you so much for being there, firefighters and the first responders. You guys are not alone. Thank you."
Pelt's family sat in the front row for hours at the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, at 4727 W. 103rd St. in Oak Lawn. They received every mourner.
The CFD made sure the Pelts felt their love – wearing white gloves and hats. Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt led the rank and file into the building as each saluted their fallen brother.
"Just thinking he's gone too soon," Ethridge said.
Pelt's childhood reflected on his last time meeting up with him.
"Praising him for putting his life on the line, you know, and the hours that they work, and the risk that he takes on regular basis – honestly, that was our conversation," Ethridge said, "and he bought me lunch at Cooper's Hawk."
RELATED: 'An Amazing thing to see': Mourners line Norridge streets for fallen CFD Lt. Jan Tchoryk
Pelt's funeral will be held Friday at the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St., at 11 a.m. CBS 2 will carry it live on CBS 2 and our streaming network CBS 2 Chicago.
