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consecutive days begs a question about how will officers look back on the summer of 2020 ten years from now?
“Hopefully, with a smile,” Hoffman quips.
Some officers maintain a positive outlook because of what the overtime will mean for their kids at the holidays. One officer said she is looking ahead to next summer when the overtime will result in the pool she will put in her backyard.
But perhaps standing strong comes from keeping the faith and sticking to the most basic principle of the thin blue line.
“We are just there for each other mentally and physically and have each other’s backs,” says Katie Blocker, who works for the community safety unit. “It’s going to swing back our way.”
Washevich questions how much an improved political cli- mate can fortify the line. If the current posture of elected offi- cials in the city continues to fall for the cries of the protestors hook, line and sinker, well Washevich believes the burning, looting and rioting will continue.
But there might be hope.
“I think there’s a couple of candidates out there in Chicago who are CPD and firm supporters of what we do,” he states. “They’re on the job and they’re running for office. And I think we need to support them. And I think current events right now are turning some people in Chicago toward a little more con- servative way of thinking that law and order has to happen in a city like this.”
Obrecki understands that officers don’t see that when they are standing on the line. But he has seen it in neighborhoods, with families and in churches. And as it continues, Chicago Police Officers must never lose sight of their perspective about what makes the line so strong.
“I’ll be right there with you so hold the line,” Obrecki evokes. “Take care of each other. Watch each other’s back.”
That’s the bottom line.
Wrongful Death
Personal Injury Medical Malpractice
Trust the Attorneys who have been entrusted to represent hundreds of Chicago Police Officers.
Andy Hale & Brian Monico Attorneys at Law
53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 330 Chicago, IL 60604 312-341-9646 www.HaleMonico.com
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