Page 51 - July2019 FOP Magazine

7th District marks solemn anniversary
Time marches forward, but the memories remain strong among officers when it comes to those who lost their lives pro- tecting the city.
On June 1, an outdoor memorial service was held to honor Of- ficer Alex Valadez on the 10th anniversary of his death while on duty. The 7th District, along with Valadez’s family and friends, organized the event not to mourn Valadez, but to celebrate his life and keep his memory vibrant for those who knew him and others who just learned of his sacrifice.
Valadez, just three years on the job, was in the 6000 block of South Hermitage around midnight on June 1, 2009, investigat- ing gunfire in the area. While Valadez and his partner questioned residents, a vehicle pulled up and two occupants opened fire. Valadez was struck in the leg and head and died of his injuries.
Ten years later, the Saturday morning service occupied the same location, with several officers lining the sidewalk — each holding a single flower — in tribute to Valadez.
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2019 51
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