Michael Meyer, left, buries his head into his father’s Chicago Fire Department helmet, next to his mother, Kristen Meyer, during the funeral service of Capt. David Meyer on April 29, 2025, at St ...

Chicago Fire Department paramedics have been told to turn in their “bunker gear” - the heavy, protective pants, suspenders, coat and helmet — because the department says they don’t need it.

The helmet and bunker coat of Chicago Fire Department Lt./EMT Jan Tchoryk is seen following his funeral on April 13, 2023, at St. Joseph Ukrainian Church in Chicago.