(The Center Square) – Emotions ran high in the annual service to honor fallen Illinois police officers Thursday.
The Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty last year took place in Springfield.
The day’s observance began with a lineup of squad cars from around the state at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The procession departed the fairgrounds and arrived at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a memorial church service. The procession then traveled to the State Capitol for the ceremony.
The families of the two Chicago officers that were killed in 2023, Andres Lasso and Areanah Preston, were on hand for the ceremony.
“We join together today to remember and pay homage to the police officers that we lost last year, those who gave us, well, their all,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became emotional during her remarks, which highlighted law enforcement officers serving today.
“May God watch over you, St. Michael protect you, and may you always return home safely at the end of your watch,” said Mendoza.
Four officers who were confirmed to have died in the line of duty in the past but who had not yet been officially included on the memorial also were recognized.
The event came a day after an arrest was made in connection with the murder of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca last month. Police arrested Xavier Tate Jr. without incident in Glendale Heights Wednesday. In a symbolic gesture, they used Officer Huesca’s own handcuffs to detain the 22-year-old.