Page 40 - FOP May 2019 Magazine

Illinois Police Officers Memorial
Chicago Police Officer Sergio Valdez arrives at the Illinois Police Officers Memorial showing his support by wearing buttons to honor the four Department officers lost in the line of duty in 2018.
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Earlier in the ceremony, Illinois Comptroller Susana Men- doza – whose brother has spent decades in law enforcement, including with CPD – paused hard in an attempt to stifle her tears, gathered herself and then pounded on the podium as she decried those who unfairly criticize the work of police officers.
First Deputy Superintendent Anthony Riccio also choked up as he described a year of “insurmountable grief.”
Members of the CPD Honor Guard with the wreaths that bear the names of the fallen officers being honored at the Illinois Police Officers Memorial.
Amid it all, Ostrowski pointed out that while officers turn out to show the families support, there’s something unspoken being given in return.
“The strength for me comes from talking with these families,” Ostrowski said. “It’s amazing. We’re grieving, but then you watch them — it’s so powerful. It’s like watching the hand of God on their shoulder leading and guiding them through. That’s where I draw [strength] from.”
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40 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2019