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I recently had the plea- sure of meeting a retiree named Kenneth Lavorata, Star #13252. After making his acquaintance, we sat and spoke of his career as a Chicago Police Officer, a job he loved and still holds near to his heart to this day. Ken has been mar-
ried to his wife Frances for 55 years, and they have raised their three kids togeth- er. Ken’s son John followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a Chicago Police Of- ficer in 1999. John is currently assigned to the 18th district.
Ken spoke of being hired in 1967 and, after completing his academy training, being assigned to the “old 12th district” located at Monroe and Racine. On a cold day in February 1968, Ken’s first day hit- ting the streets, he was partnered up with “old-timer” Officer Terry Creamer, who imparted to Ken three pieces of wisdom that would guide his career.
Ken then shared this wisdom. The
old-timer’s advice resonated with me. I feel that these words still have credence in today’s world of policing.
1. Survive the day, go home in one piece.
2. If you’re gonna do something, and you think it might be wrong, don’t do it!
3. The minute you put on that uni- form and some people see you, they don’t like you, they hate you. So go out and make new friends ev- ery day you work.
Ken’s career progressed, and he worked in many units throughout the department: Area 4 Traffic, Mass Tran- sit, Radar Unit, 025th District, Office of Special Events, and finally retiring from the 20th District in 2002. Ken didn’t stop there; he worked 14 years with the State’s Attorney’s Office after retiring from CPD.
Ken shared some great pictures that he took while working as a Chicago Po- lice Officer. He met many famous people (including Princess Diana), rock stars and presidents, and some of his fondest
memories were of the average citizens he encountered protecting and serving our city. This picture is of Officer Kenneth Lavorata on his CPD Harley Davidson doing a dignitary escort while assigned to the Radar Unit. Ken rode the motorcy- cles from 1972 to 1978.
Kenny, thank you for our conversa- tion, and I look forward to talking to you again.
Financial Secretary’s Report
Some advice from an old-timer
JIM JAKSTAVICH
16 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2020