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And so in a month of May that accentuates remember- ing those who protect, join in tipping your caps to those who protect with every breath. And if you ever wonder about the prevalence and presence of mothers in the De- partment, check out the “Cop Mamas” Facebook page that Lodge 7 member Veronica Ramirez from District 12 has started that offers insight from cop moms to cop moms on everything from getting through those bedtime absences to what brand of diapers to use.
“We have to educate young moms as they come on the job to not let this be more important than your family,” submits Casey, who is a supervisor in Special Investiga- tions, and had her second of four children shortly before joining the Department. “I think that being a mother has helped me as a police officer, because I know that things are not going to go as planned. Every day is a new adven- ture as a cop and every day is a new adventure as a mom.”
When Casey’s eldest daughter, Angelique, decided to become a CPD officer, life as a mother took on an added perspective. With Angelique assigned to the Wicker Park Detail that works the late nights in the city’s entertainment district, think of how that could add to a mother’s worry- ing?
“When there is a shooting at night, I call to make sure it wasn’t in her area,” Casey expounds. “My big fear now is that the risks seem to be higher. I do worry, but I believe
Special Investigations O cer Patty Casey with 8-month-old son Michael shortly after she came on the job and with daughter Angelique, who works with the Wicker Park Detail.
that your time is what is meant to be, no matter what.” Lodge 7 moms would do well to listen to Casey. Her hus- band Michael also has 20 years in and works in 16. Her sons Michael, 33, and Bryan, 28, are currently looking to join the Department. And she has found a way to balance work and life and raising a special needs daughter, who is
now 25.
“My advice is to always make time for your family,” she
elaborates. “If it means using compensatory time, take the time of. You will never be able to go back and take the time. When my kids were growing up, I did take the time
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56 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2016