‘What they have given for us will never be in vain': Illinois' fallen officers honored at ceremony
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)– The month of May began with nine fallen officers honored at the Illinois Annual Memorial Ceremonies inside the State Library.
This year's event marked the 40th anniversary of the Illinois Police Officer Memorial, which is held every first Thursday of May to pay tribute to law enforcement who died in the line of duty.
The event brought together law enforcement officers, family members, and leaders from across the state to show their support for the families who are mourning their loved ones.
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This year's ceremony began with a lineup of squad cars from around the state driving from the State Fairgrounds to the memorial church. Afterwards, speeches were given by state leaders, including Governor J.B. Pritzker.
'They woke up every single day knowing that they may be called on to face extreme uncertainty, that they may be required to put themselves in harm's way to save another,' Pritzker said. 'No tribute or memorial could ever recognize them enough to repay the debt that we owe to these heroes. But we've gathered today in unity to honor their sacrifice and to affirm to you and to their brothers and sisters in law enforcement that they will never be forgotten—that what they have given for us will never be in vain. We're here to honor their memories and uphold their legacies.'
The themes from many other officials, including Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Comptroller Susana Mendoza, focused on honoring the sacrifice, supporting the grieving families, and uniting.
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Vice President of Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors Michael McTighe held a prayer before his speech. He later shared the story of Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in 2021.
'It's to remind our families that we will never forget their loved one, and their sacrifice is already too much to bear,' McTighe said. 'And to remind our families that no matter whether it's one year or 20 years, all our cops will be here to remember your loved one and never forget them.'
The ceremonies included a 21-gun salute as well as a reading of all the fallen officers' names, their departments, and the day they died to keep their memories alive.
The 2024 Honorees were:
Deputy Cristina Musil, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, EOW March 29, 2024
Sergeant Andrew J. Faught, Illinois Department of Corrections, EOW April 8, 2024
Officer Luis Miguel Huesca, Chicago Police, EOW April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Rafael Wordlaw, Cook County Corrections, EOW July 30, 2024
Officer James B. Crowley, Chicago Police, EOW Aug. 22, 2024
Trooper Corey Steven Thompsen, Illinois State Police, EOW Oct. 18, 2024
Officer Enrique Martinez, Chicago Police, EOW Nov. 4, 2024
Detective Allen Marcus Reddins, Oak Park Police, EOW Nov. 29, 2024
Trooper Clay Matthew Carns, Illinois State Police, EOW Dec. 23, 2024
For the first time in the memorial's history, K-9 officers were also recognized. In total, 21 police service dogs were honored. Three died last year, with some honorees dated back to 1965.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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