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Honoring Our Heroes
CARLOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
voraciously that he has often talked about investing in it by buying property in Englewood. He loved working with gang members, not just because it was a path to taking guns off the street, but because he could talk to them.
And he listened. There are multiple stories about Yanez holding court with crowds of 20 or 30 residents because of that.
“He loves pulling over to talk with the kids playing basketball and messing around with them,” Lopez added. “He is just somebody you want to follow.”
Yanez established this credibility and reputation early in his ca- reer, working on a tac team in 007. He had a knack for making a lasting impact on fellow coppers, as he did back then on Officer Steve Nisivaco.
“You can’t teach the way he socialized and interacted,” Nisivaco noted. “He just loved going to there and doing the hard work.”
Like the outpouring of love for Ella, the outpouring of love for Carlos has been spectacular and extraordinary. Especially from Lodge 7. On Sept. 1, the Lodge hosted a dinosaur-themed birthday party for CJ that filled the FOP Hall and featured some amazing gifts.
In a pay-it-forward profession, Carlos is one of the most pay-it- forward officers you will ever meet. From his hospital bed, he was moving and shaking, telling his dad that when he recovered, he wants to open a youth center somewhere in Englewood.
What is that going to take from an officer who is known for ac- complishing anything he puts his mind to? Strength, resilience, toughness, courage, optimism, guts, tenacity and even some ob- stinance.
CJ Yanez enjoys the dinosaur-themed birthday party Lodge 7 hosted for the family on Sept 1 at FOP Hall.
Lifelong Chicagoan representing those who serve and protect since 2008.
JONATHAN SCHATZ, JD/LLM
Law Office of Jonathan N. Schatz
33 North Dearborn, Suite 1930 • Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 343-2800 SCHATZFAMILYLAW@GMAIL.COM
Divorce • Parenting Issues • Pension Division • Child Support MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY LAWYER
38 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2021