Following the most recent fallen officers’ funerals, emotions, especially for their families, are still raw. But there’s huge need now moving forward and that’s what a fundraiser--replete with bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" Wednesday night was all about.
How sweet the sound was to the fellow officers and Police Memorial Foundation Members who planned the event in just 12 days, even gathering dozens of raffle and auction items at Joe's on Weed Street. All the cash from every button,T-shirt, raffle, auction item and admission will go to the three families suddenly confronted with a fate they may have feared but never fathomed would actually happen.
Two Chicago police officers were fatally struck by a train last month on Chicago’s Far South Side. A third officer was killed in a November rampage at Chicago's Mercy Hospital and Medical Center.
The intention was to celebrate the lives of the three officers who died in the last months of last year and in so doing begin providing for those they left behind. Police Supt. Eddie Johnson knew the nee d. So did former Supt. and current mayoral candidate Garry McCarthy,
Lt. Jenny Christoforakis commands drums and vocals with the band Prissilas but her thoughts are focused on one mission.
“Their pain is our pain," she said of her comrades. "I mean they’re brothers, they’re family, I mean their family, their kids--are like our kids."
Firefighters, friends and family attended as well.
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Sgt. Laurie Cooper's job is leading the CPD team that immediately goes to the home of a fallen officer to begin providing the support they need.
“This is a celebration of their life to say we still think about you and care about you ... forever, that’s our promise," Cooper said.
