Michael Richard Pickering was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 17, 1976, and he came into this world as a fighter. Michael was two months premature, weighing only 3 lbs. 13 oz. Michael fought to stay alive and grew up to be a rambunctious little boy, and it was hard keeping up with him sometimes.

Following his graduation from St. Laurence High School, he decided he wanted a career in the medical field. He completed EMT and paramedic training courses and did exceptionally well. Michael worked as a paramedic in the private ambulance sector before joining the Chicago Fire Department on May 16, 2003.

Michael advanced quickly and was so proud when he was promoted to paramedic in charge. Michael always wanted more, though. He wanted to become a firefighter, and he was accepted into the Chicago Fire training academy. Michael loved being a firefighter, and he loved his brothers and sisters in blue that he served alongside with.

Michael was very motivated and took many extra continuing education courses that received certification. He even became certified in scuba diving and was sometimes assigned to the marine unit, but Michael’s heart always belonged to his regular station, Engine 29 in the Bridgeport area of Chicago.

Even with his love of being a firefighter, he still wanted to go a step further. In 2018, he became an auxiliary police officer, working some of his days off from the fire department. Michael was an 18-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department and had planned on working another 12 years before retiring. He had so many plans and dreams. Those dreams would never come to pass, because after a three-week long, hard battle, Michael died from complications of COVID on October 8, 2021. It has been two years since his passing, but sometimes it feels like yesterday.

His family still grieves deeply, especially his two young daughters, Zoey and Ella, and stepson, John. He is sorely missed by his mother and his sister, Mary Ann, and brother-in-law, Chip. Michael was the jokester of the family. He always made family and friends laugh, and we miss that. We all loved Michael, and I know he loved us as well. He truly loved his second family, the members of the Chicago Fire Department. Michael’s family was so proud of him, and I hope we told him that enough when he was alive.

The Pickering family wishes to thank the Chicago Fire Department and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial for remembering and honoring Michael. Even though it is a sad occasion, it also brings comfort to our family knowing that his spirit is being kept alive. We will never forget your kindness and compassion. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.