Family and friends of Officer Michael Bailey gathered Wednesday to speak of the late officer’s integrity and dedication to his job.
"Being an off-duty police officer was not part of Michael’s character," Bailey’s brother Soloman said at a morning news conference. "Michael was never off-duty. To serve and protect is what he did with his family and his community."
Bailey was killed Sunday morning after serving security duty at Mayor Daley’s home. At least two men approached him, attempted to steal his car and shots were exchanged. No one has been arrested in the case.
With his funeral approaching, police Supt. Jody Weis made a plea for the public’s help in identifying Bailey’s killers.
"We have to remain focused. The criminals who did this need to be identified and they have to be taken off the streets," he said. "We don’t care if the motivation is reward money, or good citizenship, or whatever, just please help us get these criminals off the street."
Bailey was the third Chicago officer to be killed since May. Thor Soderberg was shot and killed in a parking lot outside a police station and Thomas Wortham was shot outside his parent’s home.
"If they’ll kill a police officer, the question comes up, 'who’s next?'" Weis asked.
Various police organizations are offering a combined reward of $55,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Bailey’s killers.
Residents with information are urged to call 1-888-YPO-Shot.
