One of the nearly 90 police recruits who joined the ranks of Chicago's finest on Wednesday morning received an award bearing the name of a police officer and academy instructor who was killed a week ago.
Michael Chatham said he was "honored and pleased" to be the first recruit to receive The Thor Soderberg Leadership Award, which will be bestowed upon one cadet in each class who most exemplifies the attributes of the slain officer.
"I had no idea that this was going to happen," Chatham said after the ceremony. "The only thing I can say is that I will demonstrate the same humility [as Soderberg], and stay humble, compassionate, and serve others"
Mayor Richard Daley and Police Supt. Jody Weis welcomed the new class of graduates during a ceremony at Navy Pier. Among the ranks were 22 of officer Thor Soderberg's personal students.
Soderberg spent most of his time working at the police academy training new officers.
Many of them turned out Tuesday at a visitation to honor the instructor.
A public memorial is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. at the University of Chicago's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, at 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave.
The man accused of killing Soderberg, 24-year-old Bryant Brewer, has a lengthy criminal record and could face the death penalty if convicted.
