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having been appointed to the position of Police Offi- cer for the City of Chicago, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Illinois and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Police Officer according to the best of my abilities.
According to the Chicago Police Department’s Rules and Regulations, the Standards of Conduct required of Marco, and of all law enforcement officers, include the “stamina, in- telligence, moral courage and emotional stability necessary to fairly and impartially deal with the human beings in the many complicated and potentially explosive situations which he encounters.” Oftentimes, many civilians forget that Marco proudly stood as part of the thin blue line — the invisible line which refers (literally and figuratively) to the position of police in society as the force which helps to maintain order from cha- os; a safety barrier between the law-abiding citizens and those who are criminally inclined to harm others. Sadly, another in- visible force took Marco.
For more than 21 years, Marco did more than simply “serve and protect.” He faithfully discharged the duties of being a po- lice officer above and beyond what was required of him. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life. Without regard for his own safety and wellbeing, Marco (and his fellow police officers) sacrificed daily in order that we may be able to live our daily lives. The 154 awards that Marco received during his
stellar career, which included a Superintendent’s Honorable Mention and Special Commendation, do not begin to tell his story.
As I sat in my car during the procession which stretched for miles from the funeral home to his final resting place, I no- ticed something I had never witnessed before. Hundreds (if not thousands) of strangers lined up along the procession route on that brisk, somber day. Many stood in silence, seek- ing to offer their respect. Some held flags as the hearse car- rying Marco’s casket solemnly drove by. Many others held up handmade signs with simple messages of comfort for Marco’s family: “Thank you” and “God bless you!” As I tried to control my sobs, I could not help but notice the dozens of strangers who also wiped away tears for a person they had never met, but they knew what he represented and that he will be missed.
Marco’s tour of duty ended on April 2, 2020. Those of us who knew and loved him know that he was not alone when his shift of life ended on that day, but rather had many unseen guests walking next to him. Rest in Peace, Marco. May you know eter- nally that all you stood for was not in vain.
Marco has left a legacy — for his wife, children, family, friends, fellow officers and for the entire city of Chicago. A leg- acy of honor, respect, civility, selflessness and a commitment to your vocation. In turn, let us all honor Officer Marco Di- Franco and all the men and women of the law enforcement community by not forgetting.
Knapp Medical Center
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• Convenient Location with Free Parking in rear
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3303 S Halsted St • Chicago, IL 60608
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Monday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. • Tuesday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday 6 a.m.–5 p.m. • Thursday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m.–Noon
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