Fallen Chicago Police Officers Remembered At Ceremony
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Hundreds of family, friends and colleagues of fallen police officers gathered at the Gold Star Memorial and Park Tuesday evening to remember the 557 Chicago police officers who died in the line of duty.
As WBBM Newsradio's Lisa Fielding reports, seven more names were added to the Sacred Wall during a candlelight vigil, including Officer Michael Flisk, who was shot to death last November while investigating a burglary on the city's Southeast Side.
The ceremony was marked by bagpipes, a color guard and a procession of faces of officers who died on the job. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, police Supt. Garry McCarthy, and former police Supt. Phil Cline were all present.
"This wall is sacred to their families," Cline said.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Lisa Fielding reports
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He says each year, it is important to remember.
"Find every name representing a Chicago Police officer who gave his or her life so others could be safe," he said.
Gold Star Families president Bethany O'Reilly says the memorial is about remembering every day, and remains a symbol and reminder of sacrifice.
"Each of the officers whose names will be called had someone who loved them," she said.
During the ceremony, two blue spot lights shot up to the sky beside a full moon. The Chicago skyline paid tribute with CPD blue and with Flisk's badge number.
Gold Star Memorial Park officially opened in September 2006, and serves as a permanent tribute to honor the memory and dedication of fallen Chicago Police officers.
