Page 37 - June2020 FOP Magazine

25th District
Birthday drive-by
Salute from the Hawks
4th District
Sew many masks
A hearty meal
Community connection endures amid pandemic
Masks hide the smiles of appreciation. The celebrations happen curbside, as decorated vehicles pass by deliver- ing horn honks and cheers from a distance. Many meals are shared, even if they can’t be eaten together.
These are certainly different times, but what’s emerged is the true sense of a bond between the community and its police officers. Social media streams flow with photos of big- name donations of food and protective equipment – and sim-
With warmer weather making it harder for residents to stay inside, officers in the 25th District started a “Chalk the Walk” contest that encouraged side- walk artists to colorfully decorate the pavement and share messages of en- couragement.
The Class of 2020 didn’t get the usual pomp and circumstance most gradu- ates experience, but in the 4th District, officers stopped for a photo and to congratulate one college-bound resident. Officers also helped deliver diplo- mas to Immaculate Conception’s eighth-grade graduates.
Thanks to the charitable group Sewing Masks for a Safe Chicago, officers across the city will have a reusable cotton mask. The organization donated approximately 13,000 masks in early May. The masks were made by hand by local seamstresses and tailors as part of an initiative to provide protection to first responders and many others.
ple “thank you” messages.
In turn, officers across the city have shown off their com-
munity spirit to brighten a youngster’s birthday or just bring a smile to people walking around their neighborhoods. Here’s a glimpse at a few of the ways Chicago Police Officers and res- idents are keeping their relationship thriving, while the com- munity continues to show its support for the police.
Whether for a 70th birthday or the big day for someone small, officers from the 25th and several other districts did their part to bring a little cheer to those who had their celebrations limited to their yard or the curbside.
As part of the organization’s “Saluting the Front Line” initiative, the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation honored Chicago Police Officers, including those in the 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th and 19th Districts, with treats of appreciation in May. The organization teamed up with Lottie’s Pub to deliver pizzas and plenty of Hawks gear to officers.
To help mark National Police Week, the Chicago Police Memorial Founda- tion and AT&T teamed up to deliver 6,000 meals to on-duty officers in every district in the city. Officers in the 005 enjoyed a variety of choices after a ceremony recognizing the generous show of support to police.
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