Page 38 - January 2020 FOP Magazine

Memorial service on the one-year anniversary of losing Officers Gary and Marmolejo rings out with praise
The ringing of a vintage Chicago Police Department bell filled the multipurpose room at the 5th District on the morning of Dec. 16. The bell rang three times each for Conrad Gary and Eduardo Marmolejo, who were lost in the line of duty a year earlier. On Dec. 17, 2018, Marmolejo, 37, and Gary, 31, died on the Metra tracks responding to a call of shots fired. They were struck by a train as they searched for a suspect in the city’s Rosemoor neighborhood.
The bell tolled to signal the field is clear and survivors may proceed, which is a CPD honor. The memorial service to mark the one-year anniversary of Officers Marmolejo and Gary losing their lives provided a message to their families, the 5th District and the entire department that proceeding with their spirit and dedication to duty is the way to move forward.
Bridget Robinson, a CAPS sergeant in 005, read a letter during the service that 5th District officers wrote for the occasion. Among its many heartwarming and re- assuring sentiments, the letter extolled:
“It’s time for you to take a bow.”
And it further articulated a conversation with God that recited both officers are praying for their brothers and sisters “to make it through to the end.”
Marmolejo’s wife, Maria, and members of her family sat on one side of the room. Across the aisle were Kelly Gary and members of her family. The CPD Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums provided tributes to both officers. CPD soloist Officer Ken- yatta Gaines sang the national anthem, and the service culminated with the CPD Pipes and Drums playing “Amazing Grace” and “America the Beautiful,” renditions that resonated throughout the district and the department.
“In the time they were here in our district, everybody was moved to have worked with them,” Robinson added. Then, she reminded both officers’ loved ones, “This is your 5th District family, so never hesitate to reach out to us for anything.”
Perhaps the most inspiring tribute came with the photos of Gary and Marmo- lejo on a table under a sign reading, “We know you would be here today if heaven weren’t so far away.” A permanent tribute in front of the 5th District certainly keeps their presence close by.
CPD Chaplain Father Dan Brandt culminated the service:
“We close with prayer as we recognize again the sacred nature of why we are here and what our officers do on the streets every day, indeed doing God’s work,” he said.
38 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2020