East Central Reporter

Rep. Niemerg Honors Fallen Police Officers at 39th Annual Illinois Police Officer’s Memorial

Yesterday, at the 39th Annual Illinois Police Officer’s Memorial held at the State Capitol, legislators and members of the Springfield community gathered to pay tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect the community. During the ceremony, six fallen police officers were honored for their courage in the line of duty.

The officers honored were Officer Andres Mauricio Vasquez Lasso and Officer Aréanah Makayla Preston from the Chicago Police Department, Officer John Francis Kane from the Cicero Police Department, Sheriff Ray Boston from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Sheriff Andrew H. Sloan from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and Detective Todd C. Gillerlain from the Chicago Police Department.

The ceremony included solemn rituals such as the reading of The Survivors Prayer, a gun salute, and musical renditions of Amazing Grace and Taps. The families of the fallen officers were also present and received plaques and casings in honor of their loved ones.

Rep. Niemerg expressed the significance of the event, stating, "Our law enforcement officers are the backbone to public safety and every day they put their own lives on the line to protect the citizens of Illinois." He added, "I wish we didn’t have the need to conduct this ceremony, but this is important for our State and I was honored to be a part of it."

The annual memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and provides an opportunity for the community to come together in support of those who risk their lives for the safety of others.