(The Center Square) – Emotions ran high Thursday during the annual ceremony to honor the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024.
The Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service took place in Springfield. This is the 40th year the ceremony has taken place.
“This annual ceremony honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities,” said Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “Every man and woman in this difficult and dangerous profession knows the risks they face every time they put on the badge.”
It was a deadly year for Illinois law enforcement officers, as a total of nine lost their lives. They include Deputy Christina Musil, Dekalb County Sheriff’s Department, March 29; Sergeant Andrew Faught, Illinois Department of Corrections, April 8; Officer Luis Huesca, Chicago Police Department, April 21; Deputy Sheriff Rafael Wordlaw, Cook County Sheriff’s Department of Corrections, July 30; Officer James Crowley, Chicago Police Department, Aug. 22; Trooper Corey Thompsen, Illinois State Police, Oct. 18; Officer Enrique Martinez, Chicago Police Department, Nov. 4; Detective Allan Reddins, Oak Park Police Department, Nov. 29; and Trooper Clay Carns, Illinois State Police, Dec. 23.
The day’s observance began with the 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.
In her remarks, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza criticized the criminal justice reforms that have been passed through the General Assembly in recent years, including the SAFE-T Act.
“When we give more rights to the criminals than we do to our police officers, we end up with dead officers and increased crime in our communities,” said Mendoza.
The names of the nine officers will be added to a monument in Springfield that bears the names of the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.
For the first time, K-9 partners killed in the line of duty were also recognized during the ceremony.
