Page 50 - September 2019 FOP Newsletter

Officers in the Sixth District rolled out the red carpet last month to celebrate a decade of excitement and smiles during its 10th annual Peace in the Park After Dark event at Nat King Cole Park.
The overnight camping event, geared toward children ages 8-14, was attended by 85 youths from the community who gathered in the park for food, fun and a night under the stars. Sleeping in a tent, chatting with officers and enjoying a bevy of activities including a rock wall and archery range are things these kids don’t often, or ever, get to do. But on that evening, in what was arguably the safest park in the city, they got to do it all.
“This was a very significant year,” said Sergeant Jeffrey West, who runs the over- night adventure. “We’re celebrating such a great event and celebrating the expe- rience we have brought to hundreds of children.”
Teens who have never spoken to a po- lice officer are afforded the opportuni- ty to sit down and be mentored by one. They’re treated to pizza, hot dogs and
doughnuts thanks to local sponsors who step up to the plate yearly to make the event a success.
After hearing their names called indi- vidually, participants walked down a red carpet rolled out to celebrate 10 years of smiles and commitment to the commu- nity. And giant signs with Chicago Police Officer Thomas Wortham IV’s picture on them served as reminders as to how the entire event got started.
In May 2010, Wortham was shot and killed as he was leaving his parents’ home near 85th Street and King Drive,
right across the street from where a pack of youth now gather. Four suspects approached the off-duty officer in an attempt to rob him of his motorcycle. Instead, a shootout occurred, leaving Wortham mortally wounded.
West said it was Wortham’s calling to work with the youth of his district. Serv- ing on the park district board, his goal was to keep the parks safe and have kids enjoy them. Peace in the Park is the dis- trict’s way of honoring Wortham and his mission.
Sixth District celebrates a decade of Peace in the Park
50 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2019