Page 40 - December 2018

Honoring a Hero
HEROIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39
bers inside the chapel.
Dozens of officers, including members
of the CPD bike patrol, worked the detail to help with traffic control and other logis- tics, despite driving rain which turned into sleet and snow. Bundled in an overcoat and hat, Officer Anthony Acevez shook off the cold and wet conditions as he held the door open for those arriving for the wake.
“We do whatever we can to make things easier for the family and all the friends of the person who has fallen, so we’re happy to do it,” Acevez, a 17-year Department veteran, shared. “I’ve been through this a bunch of times. We’ve seen a lot of police officers and their families go through this over the years. It’s just a really sad, tragic event. It feels like a punch in the stomach.”
As Cupich alluded to the next day, sup- port during a difficult time came from many different sources. The Salvation Army and Brotherhood for Fallen offered cups of coffee and food for visitors and officers who were working. A nearby bank, which displayed a thin blue line flag on its video sign out front, opened its lobby as one in- door location for people to get a break from the wintry mix that only worsened as the afternoon turned into evening.
Support also came from everyday citi-
Chicago Police Officers stand in line to view the body of Samuel Jimenez and pay respects to his fam- ily. Many of those in attendance wore buttons with pictures of Jimenez on them to honor their fallen brother.
zens who felt it was only right to show their appreciation for police during a difficult time. Majid Mustafa works at a restaurant in the 24th District. He and the establish- ment’s owner pooled their cash together to print and hand out about 200 pins fea- turing Jimenez’s picture and the phrase “In Loving Memory.”
“A lot of the police officers in the district eat at my restaurant,” Mustafa explained. “I think this is a great way for me to give back to the wonderful officers, not only the 24th District, but the entire City of Chicago. At such a young age, he’s leaving behind three young kids. I just feel bad for those three kids growing up without a father, especial-
ly the wife. It’s quite devastating. He left a hero, that’s 100 percent guaranteed.”
With rain blowing sideways and sleet and snow pelting him, Timothy Nelson of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, stood vigil on the curb holding an American flag.
“I’m here to show my respect for not only Officer Jimenez and his family, but for all the other officers here,” explained Nelson, who said that he had previously offered a similar tribute for two Milwaukee officers. “It takes a very special person to wear the uniform. Not everyone can do it, nor wants to. For me, it’s about respect. A lot of times officers think no one thinks about them or cares about them. People are out here for them. I’m here for them.”
40 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2018