Amid bagpipes and drums, Chicago police on Thursday laid to rest one of their own.
Officers held a memorial for Thor Soderberg, who was killed last week when an attacker shot him with his own gun, at the University of Chicago's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.
"We love you, Thor, and always will," said Governor Pat Quinn.
Soderberg was a 43-year-old instructor at the Chicago Police Department's training academy.
"He saw the good, even in the bad and the ugly," Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said.
Police Superintendent Jody Weis said Soderberg was the ultimate officer and that his legacy would live on.
"To his recruits: go out and do your work in the manner that would make Thor proud," Weis said. "To his family: we are here for you and always will be."
Soderberg's wife Jennifer Loudon arrived at the service wearing red instead of the traditional black. She said she chose the color because she views today as a celebration of her husband's life.
Her sentiment was shared by Soderberg's former partner Randy Jalloway.
"We're 50/50," Jalloway said. "Today is half grieving half laughing celebrating his life
Local
Thor Soderberg Fund
Officer Soderberg's wife, Jennifer Loudon, has created a fund in her husband's name: The Thor Soderberg Fund -- Connecting Youth with Nature.
Contributions may be made by check or online:
By check, please put "The Thor Soderberg Fund - Connecting Youth with Nature" in the memo field.
Send to:
The Chicago Community Foundation
111 E. Wacker, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611
Donations may also be made online at www.cct.org/give.
For 95 years, The Chicago Community Trust has connected the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. In 2009, the Trust, together with its donors, granted more than $100 million to nonprofit organizations. From strengthening schools to assisting local art programs, from building health centers to helping lives affected by violence, the Trust continues to enhance our region.
