Crime & Safety

Law Enforcement, Community Gathers at Police Memorial

Illinois police, Cook County police, Chicago police and local police departments including Park Ridge, Niles and Des Plaines, participated in a memorial service in Park Ridge on Monday.

Park Ridge residents and community groups gathered with elected officials and members of law enforcement to honor police killed in the line of duty on the steps of city hall on Monday.

Members of the Illinois State Police Department, Cook County police, the Chicago Police Department and local police departments including Park Ridge, Niles and Des Plaines, participated in the ceremony, which was hosted by the Park Ridge Police Chaplains Association.

Andrew Liaugminas, of Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church in Park Ridge, welcomed the crowd to the remembrance ceremony.

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“And in gratitude for the daily service and dedication that our police personnel give to our community,” Liaugminas said.

Mayor Dave Schmidt read a proclamation acknowledging National Police Week, which is May 12 to May 18.

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“Every day our police officers work tirelessly to protect our citizens, enforce our laws and keep our neighborhoods safe,” Schmidt said. “They report for duty knowing full well the dangers they face, and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make. This week, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery, and we remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more just society.”

The crowd fell silent as the wife and children of Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Patrick O’Driscoll posted a wreath, and “Taps” echoed from a trumpet.

A number of different officials then took turns reading the names of members of law enforcement killed in the line of duty. Click on the video above to see what was said.

Chris Kerkeres, of Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, said the Park Ridge Police Chaplains Association included six to seven representatives from local religious organizations, and this was the fourth year the group hosted the police memorial service.

 

Related: Photos from the police memorial in Park Ridge.

 


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