Page 24 - August 2018

Portraits by Peter Bucks
Tributes to officers from the CPD Officer, Lodge 7 member and renowned artist
For as long as Leon Tefft can remember, he wanted to be a law enforcement officer. He didn’t have any family in the profession, but Tefft knew that his call- ing was to protect and serve the city that he grew up in. He was in it for the right rea- sons — he wanted to help people and do right by the community.
In 1991, after applying to multiple police depart- ments and even the Illinois State Police, Tefft was hired by the Chicago Police De- partment. His career began in the 025, where Tefft was thrilled to put on the uni- form every day and live out his dream of being a cop.
“It has always been im- portant for me to prove my- self to others and also prove myself to myself,” Tefft notes. “I wanted to show that I was a good worker and would back up my co- workers no matter what.”
LEON TEFFT
Star #15636
caught in an alley sexually assaulting a female.
“There were so many cars in the area that we were able to establish a perime- ter around these guys and catch all three,” Tefft recalls. “It was a good example of teamwork.”
That experience was one of many that have shaped Tefft’s mindset of being cognizant of the fact that anything can happen on the job. Over his career, he has made a habit of start- ing each shift by looking at himself in the mirror and pausing to acknowledge the unpredictability of what each shift holds — a rou- tine that has helped Tefft to avoid complacency on the job.
“I always try to keep in mind that I can’t always control what happens to me,” Tefft stresses. “I can only control how I react.”
Though the element of the unknown can be the toughest part of law enforcement, it’s also the part that Tefft loves most about what he does. It’s what keeps him
Living the dream
Supporting his brothers
and sisters in blue was easy for Tefft, especially since
he was working alongside William Lynch, a friend with
whom he had gone through the academy. Lynch and
Tefft quickly became partners and got to know each other’s strengths on the job. In 2009, the two officers both transferred to the 16th District, where they both currently serve.
“It’s good to work with someone who you know inside and out,” Tefft explains. “You know how they’re going to react to a situation, and they know how you’re going to react. You’re able to establish that communication like you know what’s going to happen before it happens, which is a valuable asset to have.”
Tefft’s harmony on the job with Lynch resulted from years of responding to crimes in Chicago. One of their first heated pur- suits in the 025 consisted of a manhunt for three armed suspects who had shot a civilian on the street. Tefft remembers hearing the description of the suspects come over the radio as multiple patrol cars set out to find them. The three suspects were later
24 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ AUGUST 2018
so passionate about police work, even after 27 years. “My favorite thing about work has always been going out there and not knowing what’s coming and trying to be best prepared for whatever comes,” he shares. “Every day that you demonstrate that builds your confidence, and you learn some-
thing new.”
No matter how many years pass, Tefft never forgets the goal
he set for himself years ago to become a law enforcement offi- cer. Each time he arrives to work, it’s a reminder of how far he’s come and how proud he is to be a part of the CPD-brother and sisterhood.
“I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some of the finest officers you could ever hope to meet,” Tefft acknowledges. “To put on the same uniform as them, and to go out and do the best job I can, is a privilege.” d