Page 38 - May 2018 FOP Magazine

UNFORGETTABLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36
head suffered 29 years earlier. Kurt Garwisch, who is with the Department’s Special Activity Unit, stood up with the wreath honoring Chicago Police Officer Andre Van Vegten, who passed on Nov. 2, 2017, 20 years after suffering a catastrophic injury in a car crash while responding to a robbery.
Collins, a member of the Brotherhood for the Fallen, shared that the detail was not the easiest he has ever fulfilled, but that there is none more important.
“It’s kind of gut-wrenching,” he explained. “It’s cool to see all the support everybody has. It’s good to show your support, but you could tell how hard it is for the families. I’m glad we can show that we’re here, and the Chicago Police Department is not going to let any of the survivors be forgotten. It’s also good to show everybody that it’s truly a brotherhood. The families know that if anything happens to them, the police family is going to be there for them.”
The CPD Honor Guard also stood front and center at both the service and the ceremony to continue its mission of honoring the fallen. Officer Pat Kenning, who has been with the honor guard for nine years, called this service doing a little piece along with all officers who came to serve their communities.
From where Kenning stood, seeing law enforcement throughout the state come together on this day added to the significance.
“We’re all here to help with the recovery of the community after a catastrophic loss like an officer’s death,” he confirmed. “It’s a big family. Through and through, everybody’s blue when you come down to it.” d
Personal Injury Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice
Trial attorney Ted McNabola has represented dozens of Chicago Police Officers. He has been selected by his peers as a Top 100 Consumer Lawyer in Illinois, received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability and serves on the Board of the 100 Club of Chicago.
Free Consultation (312) 888-7000 • www.injuryillinois.com
38 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2018