Page 42 - December 2021

TRUE BLUE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41
ceptions, bravery and triumphs associat- ed with being a police officer,” DiMaggio explained.
After her father’s passing in 2008, DiMaggio published Sarge!, which her father wrote, detailing the daily life of an officer.
“It details his day-to-day life, which serves as a constant reminder of his piv- otal role in protecting society,” DiMaggio commented. “I have donated and dis- seminated countless copies of Sarge! to law enforcement officers. The response has been overwhelming. Their grati- tude and appreciation have been an eye-opening and rewarding experience,” she added.
From her long-standing relationship with the CPD, DiMaggio felt compelled to continue her support for the Chicago Police Foundation and Chicago Lodge 7 in a greater way. And for her, it’s an in- credible opportunity to continue walk- ing in her father’s footsteps.
“Once I received notice that I had been elected for a board position, it was sur- real, and I knew this would be a way to continue my father’s legacy,” mentioned DiMaggio as she thought back to that ex- citing moment. “My father once said that police officers don’t ask you to love them,
but just remember that they are the ones holding the seams of society together.”
When DiMaggio arrived at the True Blue Gala, a sense of awe rushed over her. Looking around the room filled with officers and members of the community gathered in support for a worthy cause, DiMaggio was encouraged.
“I felt humbled to be in the presence of those that hold society together and put their life on the line each and every day,” she declared. “It was a true celebration of our police force.”
As the evening went on, DiMaggio wit- nessed a level of financial and emotional support for officers she might not have anticipated. But she was encouraged by how the battles officers face can be a driving force to find ways to support them.
“Each one of us should find a way to show law enforcement our respect, gratitude and support. Saying a simple thank-you to a police officer can make their day,” DiMaggio observed. “Society should hold our law enforcement per- sonnel in the highest regard — a theme that is aligned with the Chicago Police Foundation’s mission and the True Blue Gala.”
As the True Blue Gala ended, Rose heard from many attendees that it was the greatest gala they had ever been to.
Former CPF Chair John Roback, center, was hon- ored at the 2021 gala as the foundation’s “Man of the Year.”
It was a night when Chicago confirmed its understanding of what the police go through and the issues officers face every day. And it promoted the sense of trying to help in some small way.
“I think people are just so impressed with the way the event takes hold that they’re just proud to be a part of it,” Rose concluded. “And that’s the thing we real- ly want to maintain, because the idea is to raise money for the foundation. That’s the whole reason we’re there. You walk in and it’s all blue, and you know why you’re there.”
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42 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2021