Page 33 - March 2021

Lieutenant John Folino, who organized the farewell to his good friend, calls officers to “Present arms” to offer a final salute to Woitel.
Hundreds of Chicago Police Officers and friends gather on Feb. 24 for a send-off to Detective Geoffrey Woitel that included writing messages on a blue line flag.
n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL
“Sweet Home Chicago” blared from 16th District beat cars to provide the soundtrack for a gathering that turned out to be a cele- bration of life. Nearly 300 revelers — most of them Chicago Police Officers — rocked out in front of the Norwood Park home of Area Three Detective Geoffrey Woitel, telling funny stories, busting balls and looking out for each other, just the way Woitel lived ev- ery day to the max. Only a couple of friends and family members even knew that a few minutes before, Michael the Archangel had called home a copper who was everybody’s friend and everybody’s hero.
Geoff Woitel used to bring fellow officers into his home when they were going through painful times like he had endured. He was the recruits’ favorite range instructor when assigned to the Academy. He earned a valor award for saving the life of the commander’s daughter and the first deputy’s goddaugh- ter. He would make the trip every year to
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CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2021 33
To the Good Life
To honor the passing of beloved Detective Geoffrey Woitel, Lodge 7 members can follow his path to finding the greatest quality of life