Page 51 - December 2020

Superheroes spotted in the 11th District
n BY ROSEMARY AN
Superman, Spider-Man, Black Panther and Batman — or rather, Batwoman — leaped over tall buildings at the oppor- tunity to charm the children at the 11th District’s “Halloween Rollin Rec” on Oct. 31.
But the superheroes were actually Chi- cago Police Officers in costumes meant to spark conversation about what it means to be a hero in the real world.
At this event, the 011 Community Safe- ty Team, the Area 4 Community Engage- ment officer and the Office of Emergen- cy Management and Communications announced the launch of “Heroes to He- roes,” a program designed for officers to engage with young people on a personal level.
In an effort to break through uncer- tainties children may have about law enforcement, the heroes connected with them and later revealed their true iden- tities.
“We want our young people to trust the police,” Superintendent David Brown said in his announcement. “Who knows, maybe one of these children here will someday pin a Chicago Police star on their chest and patrol these very West Side neighborhoods. This is how ordi- nary people become superheroes.”
The Department purchased the cos- tumes for the programs. More than 30 officers volunteered to wear them for the children who idolize these fictional char- acters. They used the costumes as a way to bridge the gap between officers and children who may have preconceived notions about law enforcement or are hesitant to speak to someone in a blue uniform.
Spider-Man is renowned for following his motto of “with great power comes great responsibility.” And the officer posing as Spider-Man was worthy of the costume. Gino Garcia followed the path of his mother, who was also a police of- ficer. He is now a part of the Domestic Violence Unit.
“Officer Garcia dressed as Spider-Man today, but his real superhero costume is that blue police uniform he wears,” Commander Angel Novalez said.
The superheroes engaged with chil- dren and their families by mingling,
taking pictures and playing games. One of the goals for the event and program is that instead of thinking officers are “bad,” people should remember that ev-
erybody has a good and bad side.
The superhero officers served as a re- minder that the real heroes are behind
the costume...or uniform.
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2020 51