Page 8 - November2018

First Vice President’s Report
Park dedication pays moving tribute to fallen officer
On Oct. 19, Lodge 7 Treasurer John Capparelli, Field Rep Bob Bartlett and I were honored to attend the dedication ceremony for the Irma C. Ruiz Park. Thirty years have passed since the day Irma Ruiz made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect others. The actions of Irma and her partner, Greg Ja- glowski, prevented a further loss of life.
It was a cold day and the wind blew briskly through the park, where more than 200 guests gath- ered for the ceremony. Attendees included Irma’s
husband, four children and grandchildren. Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Mike Kelly, Father Dan Brandt, Superintendent Eddie Johnson, Alderman Ed Burke and Jaglows- ki gave various remarks to the audience gathered.
The national anthem was sung beautifully by Chicago Police Officer Kenyatta Gaines. This was followed by the pledge of al- legiance by Sean and Salma Collins, Irma’s grandson and grand- daughter. The remarks made by Irma’s daughter — her mother’s namesake — were extremely moving: her mom was her “hero” and Ruiz-Collins spoke about how her tragic loss had affected ev- eryone around her.
Ruiz-Collins spoke of her mother’s laughter, strength and life lessons. “When that light and energy left,” she said, “I thought, ‘How will our hearts find life again, and light?’” Ruiz-Collins gave credit to those who have kept her mother’s memory alive: the 100 Club, City and park officials and fellow first responders. She
closed by saying, “One by one, they helped put on the switches.” Jaglowski spoke about how happy his partner would be that they “finished their assignment.” Alderman Burke concluded by commending a “brave woman!” Throughout the ceremony, planes could be heard landing at Midway Airport while church
bells rang in the distance.
Fellow officers should visit the park named for one of our he-
roes at 3801 W. 45th St.
Tito “Mannie” Rodriguez Jr.
In July 2014, Tito “Mannie” Rodriguez of the 6th District was driving his motorcycle southbound on the Dan Ryan Expressway with two fellow police officers. Mannie was on his way to work when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle near 71st Street; the driver had recklessly crossed several lanes while attempting to exit.
Four years have passed and the family — including Mannie’s sister, an Iraq War veteran, and his girlfriend — have attended ev- ery court date. They recently learned that the state’s attorney may now plea bargain this offense to a misdemeanor.
I had a phone conversation with Mannie’s mother, Winifred, who asked for assistance in this situation. I met with the fam- ily and attended court with them; the room was filled with the defendant’s friends and family. Please stand with the Rodriguez family on Dec. 4 in courtroom 201 at 9 a.m. We need to stand as one!
PAT MURRAY
8 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2018