The news cycle is often relentless, and it's especially true on election days. Sometimes, local stories like a fallen first responder are overshadowed, but people like Altman are part of Chicago's history, and their stories matter.
How did you get the photo?
When I arrived at the scene, television cameras were initially positioned a few meters away from the firefighters who were holding the flag. I wanted to keep a respectful distance, so I only moved up when a firefighter told a camera operator that we could get closer. Altman's colleagues began forming a line on each side of the street and they saluted when the procession of fire trucks and the ambulance got closer. I crouched so I could see under the giant flag and through the space between the firefighters who were holding it. The wide photo showed a community of first responders coming together for Altman.
Plus, 17 more powerful photos from Sun-Times photographers:
Bonnie Frazier votes in the primary election at George Rogers Clark Elementary School in Austin on Tuesday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Democratic primary candidate for U.S. Senate, hugs a supporter Tuesday during an election day stop at Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
La Shawn Ford celebrates his victory in the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary on Tuesday.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Kat Abughazaleh gives her concession speech after losing in the Illinois primary election to Daniel Biss at Replay Andersonville on Tuesday.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Jesse Jackson Jr. walks on stage to give a concession speech at his primary election night watch party in Bronzeville on Tuesday.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Cassie Stratton, right, hugs her mother, Illinois Democratic Senate nominee Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, during her election night party at CineCity Studios Chicago in Little Italy on Tuesday.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democratic primary candidate for U.S. Senate, gives his concession speech during his election night watch party at the Westin Hotel in River North on Tuesday. U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi lost his bid for Senator to Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A voter casts his ballot Tuesday in the 2026 primary election at the Vi at The Glen retirement community in Glenview.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Daniel Biss, Illinois 9th Congressional District candidate, speaks at his election night watch party at Double Clutch Brewing Co. in Evanston on Tuesday.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District seat, waits with his daughter Tia Ford as election judges attempt to resolve an issue with his ballot at George Rogers Clark Elementary School in Austin on Tuesday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Members of the Plumber’s Union dye the Chicago River green during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 14.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) speaks at a Chicago City Council meeting at City Hall on Wednesday.
Giacomo Cain/Sun-Times
A pedestrian stands at a bus stop March 13 on North Sheridan Road near West Arthur Avenue in Rogers Park as the Chicago area gets hit with high winds. Gusts neared 60 mph.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Tottenham fans Jorge Guzman, right, and Sandra Lopez, center, cheer after their team scored a goal while watching a match at AJ Hudson’s Public House in Wrigleyville on Sunday.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Carmen Laude, 72, sits in her tent at an encampment near West Admore Avenue at Legion Park in North Park on Monday.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Amtrak’s 47-acre rail yard along the Chicago River between West Roosevelt Road and West 18th Street in South Loop on Wednesday. Future White Sox owner Justin Ishbia’s private equity firm is nearing a deal to buy the rail yard.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Virginia Shore, curator of the Obama Presidential Center Art Commissions, stands in front of the museum tower in Jackson Park on the South Side on March 12.