Page 39 - December 2018

Honoring a Hero
watched from afar to find consolation in togetherness, the support of one another and faith.
“But, let’s be honest, there are areas in our lives that cannot be easily consoled or quickly consoled. There is loss that we feel today,” Cupich said.
Chicago Police Chaplain Father Dan Brandt and Deacon Al Lopez, a retired CPD officer, each offered homilies as part of the service conducted in Spanish and English. Brandt, who had led the funeral Mass just nine months earlier for fallen Commander Paul Bauer, described the troubled hearts carried by family members and count- less police officers. He put into context the readings offered by Jimenez’s partners in 002, Armando Zambrano and Miguel Guerrero, to make it clear that Jimenez – a devoted husband and father of three – did not die in vain.
“Our brother is in his rightful place be- cause he put others’ lives before himself. There is no greater love, the Gospels re- mind us, than to give up one’s life for an- other,” Brandt said in a calm, reassuring tone. “Yes, three innocent lives were lost. But, without his courage, or the courage of other responding officers, how many dozens might have been hurt or killed that fateful day? Indeed, he is a hero.”
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson praised Jimenez for making a no- table impression in just a short amount of time wearing the CPD star.
“Despite being a newcomer to the job, he made an impact with the community he served,” the superintendent eulogized. “He did his job with professionalism, with sin- cerity and, as we all learned, with profound courage and selflessness. He defended the defenseless against a despicable act of vio- lence. We memorialize him for defining the meaning of heroism. Today, the integrity of the Chicago police star is that much higher because Officer Samuel Jimenez chose to wear it.”
Long before taking the oath to serve and protect, Jimenez was the guy who made sure to sit next to his future wife, Crystal, when they attended Foreman High School. Johnson praised Jimenez’s “courage” as a young man who, instead of bailing out, stepped up to the plate when the couple learned that their first child was on the way.
Crystal Jimenez sobbed when Mayor Rahm Emanuel presented her the Chica- go flag that had been used to drape her husband’s casket. As she clutched the flag, Emanuel placed his hands upon her cheeks to wipe away fresh tears while hundreds of onlookers stood silently and respectfully.
Cold wind whipped through the grounds of Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, where the services were held. After the funeral Mass, buglers performing “Taps” and a 21- gun salute were the lone sounds interrupt- ing the quiet.
Chicago Police Officers present arms as Samuel Jimenez’s casket is brought to St. Joseph Chapel at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine.
After the funeral, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson offers a salute to Crystal Jimenez.
A procession of police vehicles fills River Road.
Timothy Nelson of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, stands vigil holding an American flag outside Oehler Fu- neral Home, where the visitation was held.
A short time later, dozens of police vehi- cles – including those from numerous Chi- cago-area police departments – joined in a procession that filled River Road on its way to Ridgewood Cemetery. Signs outside lo- cal businesses along the route carried trib- ute messages for Jimenez.
“End of watch – that’s how his day of death is described,” Cupich said to close the service. “How appropriate to remem- ber that those who are law enforcement are those who watch over us, who watch out for us. Maybe the best way we can console each other and also express our gratitude for the sacrifice that has been given in the
The sign in front of a bank across from the funeral home displays a thin blue line flag.
death of Officer Jimenez is, as citizens, to remember that law enforcement wants us all to live that way, to watch out for each other, to care for each other, and then may- be we will make their job easier.”
Formal ceremonies to honor Jimenez began amid the threat of a blizzard the night before his funeral, as a steady stream of mourners visited the funeral home. Tents provided cover from the elements for fellow officers and family, who lined up to say goodbye to Jimenez and offer personal condolences to Crystal and family mem-
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