04 DEC 2022: The people of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish on the southwest side generously hosted a Blue Mass on Sunday, 04 DEC. There, we prayed with and for our beloved CPD members. Here you’ll see Fr. Miguel Andrade and Alderman Silvana Tabares flanked by members of Mounted Unit and 008th district officers Jose Sepulveda and Sarai Trevino.

 
 
05 Dec 2022: Chicago Police Officer Magdalena Lopez was presented handmade quilt by Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis on behalf of Quilts for Cops. November 14, 2022 Officer Lopez was injured in auto accident as she was responding to an emergency call.

 
 
 
 
 
 
30 OCT 2022: Queen of Martyrs Parish in Evergreen Park hosts a Blue Mass to honor and pray with/for our first responders.

 
 
30 OCT 2022: Chicago Police Officer Danny Golden receives a custom hand-made quilt during a Blue Mass at Queen of Martyrs Parish in Evergreen Park. (Danny graduated from Queen of Martyrs grade school.) He was injured in a shooting after trying to break up a fight just over three months prior.

 
 
27 Oct 2022: Chicago Police Officer Joseph Gunning received a handmade quilt by Quilts for Cops. Michael Mette First Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7 presented the quilt on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 21 Oct 2022 Officer Gunning conducted a traffic stop on the 3200 block on North Sheffield. The driver of the vehicle refused to exit at which point Officer Gunning was leaning into the drivers side window and the offender put the vehicle in reverse. At this point Officer Gunning was being dragged. The offender backed into a vehicle, struck a police car and at some point a foot pursuit entailed. The offender was apprehend and a gun was recovered from the offender's vehicle.

 
 
27 Oct 2022: Chicago Police Officer Carl Luthy received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Joseph Jackson on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 21 Oct 2022 Officer Luthy was responding to assist an officer who was just injured during a traffic. The offender fled on foot from the scene. Officer Luthy proceeded towards the location as to where the offender is and having to climb a fence in order to reach the location. At which point Officer Luthy fell from the top of the fence landing on his arm. The offender was apprehended and a gun was recovered in the offender's vehicle.

26 Oct 2022: Chicago Police Officer Jason Rodriguez was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Rev. Dr. Kimberly Lewis-Davis and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On September 16, 2022, Officer Rodriguez and his partner were responding to an emergency call. At which point a vehicle struck their police vehicle at the intersection of 75th and St. Lawrence Ave. The impact caused their vehicle strike a pole and a building.

Happily retired Fred Lowe and Fr. Dan Brandt enjoy the German American Police Association's OKTOBERFEST celebration on 21 OCT 2022.

03 Oct 2022: Chicago Police Officer Xavier Ravas was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Rev. Dr. Kimberly Lewis-Davis on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On September 16, 2022, Officer Ravas and his partner were responding to an emergency call. At which point a vehicle struck their police vehicle at the intersection of 75th and St. Lawrence Ave. The impact caused their vehicle strike a pole and a building.

 
 
29 September 2022: Chicago Police Officer Akad Asdou was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Joseph Jackson on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On August 27, 2022 during a traffic stop, Officer Asdou was attempting to apprehend a drunk driver and trying to prevent the offender from driving off. During this intense struggle, Officer Asdou suffered a severely broken hand while in the performance of his tour of duty.

14 SEP 2022: On our Wednesday rounds, we bumped into Officers Allyson Reboyras (L) and Alyssa Aguinaga on a job of theirs in 025. Thank you two (and ALL your brothers and sisters) for doing God’s work!!

 
 
24 SEP 2022: Fr. Dan Brandt, alongside Judge Peggy Chiampas, has the pleasure of witnessing the nuptials of Kristina Knapcik and Pete Wieczorek.

It's a mixed marriage: Kristina is CPD and Pete is CFD...so Pete married up!

13 Sep 22: Chicago Police Officer Kyle Moriarty was presented a handmade quilt by Sgt. Sean Houlihan and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On July 24, 2022 Officer Moriarty's partner was on foot chasing a person with a gun. Officer Moriarty was driving the police vehicle attempting to cut off the offender running on foot. At which point the vehicle hit a curb and the rear end went partly up in the air. Officer Moriarty exit the vehicle with a huge split on the top of his head and blood running down his face. At this point Officer Moriarty went to the ground passed out. The offender was placed into custody by officers on scene.

13 Sept 22: Chicago Police Officer Jaime Avila was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Robert Montelongo and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On July 1, 2022 Officer Avila responded to assist an officer on a domestic disturbance call at the location of 1342 W. Taylor. Officer Avila and another officer entered the elevator to go up to the unit. As the elevator reached the floor and the door opened, Officer Avila tactically started to exit the elevator at which point an offender with a gun fired several rounds at the both officers. Officer Avila was struck multiple on his arm and stomach.

18 AUG 2022: I stopped by a brand-new restaurant in my neighborhood to wish the proprietors good luck. What charming people! David and Michelle own Jack's Bistro at Division and Hoyne. They LOVE the police...so be sure to check the place out and say hello to the owners.

 
 
 
 
10 Aug 2022: Chicago Police Officer Fernanda Ballesteros received a handmade quilt by Sara Hochhauser of Quilts for Cops - Chicago Chapter. Quilter Sara Hochhoauser is personally related to Officer Ballesteros. To make this quilt even more special, Sara wanted to make and present her quilt to Officer Ballesteros. Chaplain Robert Montelongo and Chaplain Hysni Selenica accompanied Sara during this presentation. On 01 Jun 2022 Officer Ballesteros and her partners were attempting a traffic stop when an offender immediately starting shooting from the vehicle. Officer Ballesteros suffered a gun shot wound to the head.

 
 
 
 
07 AUG 2022: Several events marked the one-year anniversary of Chicago Police Officer Ella Grace French's murder during a traffic stop. One was a "Pray for the Police" rally outside the 016th District station, organized by Alderman Nick Sposato. Let us continue to keep our fallen heroes and their families close in prayer!

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
06 AUG 2022: St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Oak Lawn hosts a blue Mass to honor and pray for/with our first responders. Coverage provided here by the Chicago Catholic newspaper.

03 August 2022: Chicago Police Officer Melissa Tovar was presented a handmade quilt by Chicago Police Chaplain Father Dan Brandt on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On June 27, 2022 Officer Tovar and her partner were at there post during the Chicago Pride Parade & Festival. Someone had set off fireworks that sounded like gunshots. A stamped of hundreds of people began running towards the direction of Officer Tovar and her partner. Both officers went off towards the sidewalk to get around the metal barricade to avoid the large crowd. At this point both officers got stuck on the barricade and fell to the ground. Officer Tovar suffered sever injuries to her knee during this incident.

 
 
02 Aug 2022: Chicago Police Officer Erik Moreno received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Robert Montelongo and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On June 5, 2022 Officer Moreno and his partners were conducting a traffic stop on the 6900 block of South Sangamon. At which point an offender immediately exit the vehicle and began shooting at the officers. Officer Moreno was hit by the gunfire from the offender.

 
 
 
31 JUL 2022: "Sunday Funday" was a great success. Thank you to all who attended, as well as members of the Emerald Society who played a set for us. And special thanks to our generous host, Jack Moran of Dugan's on Halsted.

27 July 2022: Chicago Police Officer Jasmin Jakupovic was presented a hand made quilt by Chicago Police Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Wolf on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 20 June 2022 several officers were forming a line in order to control a large unruly crow fighting. One of the offenders from the crowd punched an officer in the jaw and fled. The offender was fleeing in the direction of Officer Jakupovic at which point Officer Jakupovic was in position to place the offender into custody while the offender was trying to push past him. The momentum caused Officer Jakupovic to fall to the ground and the offender landing on top of Officer Jakupovic. Officer Jakupovic suffered a broken elbow, injured back and shin.

 
 
 
 
 
 
22 JUL 2022: A street sign unveiling ceremony is held as the 7200 block of West Everell Avenue is named Honorary Geoffrey L. Woitel Way. Geoff, a CPD detective, lost his life to cancer just over a year earlier. Thank you to Alderman Anthony Napolitano and some of Geoff's friends for making this day a reality.

   

21 JUL 2022: The Upper Room Club meets to discuss current events and their connection to our faith, thanks to our generous hosts at Pizano's Pizza and Pasta in the south loop.

10 JUL 2022 Gold Star Regatta Chicago
Sunday 10 JUL 2022 was a beautiful day for racing and honoring Chicago’s first responders and our Gold Star Families who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Click >>HERE<< for more information and Slideshow.

10 JUL 2022: I bumped into canine handler Bob Gilleran keeping folks safe on the northwest side. Judging by the size of the smile on his face, he’s in the autumn of his career! God bless you and your good work, Bob.

 

02 JUL 2022: At 1:45 a.m., the Emerald Society (pictured here) and hundreds of officers and supervisors gathered at Belmont/Western, where 14 years prior, at that very time and location, our brother Rick Francis was taken from us in a line-of-duty incident. Let us keep Rick and our other 594 LOD death members in our prayers and memories!!!

19 JUN 2022 Father's Day Mass at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park
Click >>HERE<< for Slideshow

03 JUN 2022: Directing Chaplain Fr. Dan Brandt enjoys a meal with about 16 active and retired members of CPD at a downtown fast-food joint. Like St. John at the Last Supper, PO Milan Sipic sat to Fr. Dan's right...sporting more hair on his moustache than the aforementioned on his head!

Quilt for Cops - Chicago branch would like to thank retired Detective Phyllis Simpson and the JISC for their generous donation. Also thanks to Phyllis for donating her mother's (Ruth Simpson) "around-the-world" quilt that she pieced by hand. We additionally appreciate Phyllis' monetary donation to Quilts for Cops Chicago via the Chicago Police Chaplains Ministry. May God have mercy on Ruth and may her family continue to remember her with love and affection. We will keep you posted on the finial home of her quilt.

   

Quilts for Cops - Chicago branch would like to welcome the "Long Arm of the Law." We are very grateful to Nancy Peasley for graciously donating a Tin Lizzie long arm quilting machine. Thanks to our team of volunteers of quilters for all the love and hard work you put into making quilts for our injured officers.

   
  

02 JUN 2022: Chicago Police Officer Vanessa Deleon was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Hysni Selenica and Chaplain Robert Montelongo on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On April 18, 2022 Officer Deleon and here partner were on the Dan Ryan Expressway heading back to the police station after completing an assigned job. At which point a D.U.I. driver struck there police vehicle and caused it to spin out of control, striking another vehicle in traffic. Both officers suffered severe head and bodily injuries.

31 MAY 2022: Chicago Police Officer Rudy Estrada was presented a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On March 28, 2022 Officer Estrada and his partner conducted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle had a gun. Officer Estrada reached in the vehicle in order to quickly apprehend the offender. The offender then tried to drive off. At which point the offender struck Officer Estrada's partner and keeping him pined. The offender pointed a gun at Officer Estrada and fired several shots. Officer Estrada suffered a gun shot wound during his tour of duty and his partner suffered many physical injuries.

26 May 2022: Chicago Police Officer Jose Saldana was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Joseph Jackson and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On April 17, 2022 Officer Saldana while on patrol was assisting a unit trying to located and put a stop on wanted offenders fleeing a vehicle. Officer Saldana and his partner spotted the wanted vehicle stopped in traffic. Officer Salanda exit his vehicle and went onto the sidewalk on foot to observe the offending vehicle. The offending vehicle then drove onto the sidewalk and ran over Officer Saldana, at which point the offending vehicle fled the scene.

22 MAY 2022 Car Blessing
Click >>HERE<< for Slideshow

20 MAY 2022: South Elgin Police hosted an "Officer Down Tribute" weekend. That Friday night, CPD was represented by the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, our own PO Kenyatta Gaines providing a musical tribute, and I had the honor of opening and closing the event. After rain ALL day, God agreed that this event should go on...and we had a beautiful, dry, cool evening.

 

13 MAY 2022: Congratulations to newly-sworn Sergeants Jason Fong and Erik Davis, pictured on top. They will serve our department well as a supervisors who truly care for their flock.

   

01 MAY 2022: It was great for the other full-time CPD Chaplains and me to see so many Department members at the 90th annual St. Jude March. I also bumped into two old friends: PO Terri Chavez and PO Tena AlFarah. They, along with thousands of other Department members (even retired members and officers on furlough) came out to honor our fallen. Having been a few years since we have been able to gather, the list of recently (since May of 2019) deceased department members included 59 names. May they rest in peace! 

30 APR 2022: Fr. Dan Brandt enjoys a beer with Chicago White Sox legend Ron Kittle. The venue was Horse Thief Hollow on South Western Avenue, a CPD-friendly business. The event raised funds for police charities as bartenders tapped a special lager made just for this occasion. The unique and tasty beer--dedicated to our hard-working officers--was aptly named, “Cancelled RDO.”

21 APR 2022: Congratulations to Detective Henry Lai
and hundreds of other worthy recipients of Department Commendations at the Superintendent's Award Ceremony. Keep making us proud of you!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
09 APR 2022: The Chicago Wolves take on the Manitoba Moose (beating the Moose 2-1 in overtime!). There was a HUGE CPD presence because the Wolves honored our Chaplains Unit and the officers we serve as their "Hometown Hero of the Game." Fr. Dan Brandt was invited to center ice to be recognized and stayed to join Wayne Messmer for the singing of the Canadian and American National Anthems. A good evening was had by all, and 15% of ticket sales was shared by the Wolves as a donation to Police Chaplains Ministry.

April 6, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Brad Finnern and Officer Alexander Watanabe was presented a handmade quilt by Directing Chaplain Father Dan Brandt on behalf of Quilt for Cops. On January 14, 2022 Officer Finnern and Officer Watanabe while on patrol were driving through the intersection of Laramie and Fullerton when a vehicle speed through a red light and struck the officers police vehicle. The striking vehicle driver was placed into custody for DUI. Officer Finnern and Officer Watanabe suffered severe injuries from the cause of the accident.

 

March 31, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Patryk Prasak received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Joseph Jackson on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On December 10, 2021 Officer Patryk Prasak and his partner Officer Deyvy Vazquez while on patrol were approaching the intersection and coming to a complete stop at 7600 S Cottage Grove Ave at around 10:30 p.m. on a rainy night. The traffic lights were flashing red in all directions. As their vehicle started to enter into the intersection, at this point a speeding vehicle with no lights on struck their marked police vehicle. Both officers where severely injured during their tour of duty.

March 31, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Julius Givens was presented a handmade quilt by Lt. Mark Kochan on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On December 1, 2021 Office Givens and his partner identified a stolen vehicle at which point the officers curbed the vehicle. As Officer Givens approached the vehicle and asking the occupants to exit. At this point an offender started shooting from the vehicle. Officer Givens was trying to race for cover as he was firing back at the offender. Officer Givens suffered a gun shot wound to his leg while in the performance of his tour of duty.

March 30, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Deyvy Vazquez received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Joseph Jackson on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On December 10, 2021 Officer Deyvy Vazquez and his partner Officer Patryk Prasak while on patrol were approaching the intersection and coming to a complete stop at 7600 S Cottage Grove Ave at around 10:30 p.m. on a rainy night. The traffic lights were flashing red in all directions. As their vehicle started to enter into the intersection, at this point a speeding vehicle with no lights on struck their marked police vehicle. Both officers where severely injured during their tour of duty.

   

March 24, 2020: Chicago Police Officer Nebojsa Djurdjevic was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Hysni Selenica and Chaplain Joseph Jackson on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On December 4, 2021 Officer Djurdjevic observed a large group of offenders punching and kicking a CTA bus driver to the ground. As Officer Djurdjevic was running to help the victim, an offender with a metal pipe was about to strike the victim on the head. At this point Officer Djurdjevic tackled the offender to the ground and saving the victim of greater bodily harm or death. While in the performance of his duties, Officer Djurdjevic suffered a sever break to his arm. His action and sacrifice helped preserve the life of the victim.

  

March 24, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Anthony Graffeo and Officer Matthew Pufpaf were presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Hysni Selenica and Chaplain Joseph Jackson on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On March 4, 2020 Officer Pufpaf was standing in line ordering lunch at a hot dog stand. The offender was standing in the same line paying for his food, at this point the offenders gun fell from his waistband on the ground. As Officer Pufpaf observed the gun hit the ground. The offender then picked up the gun and shot at Officer Pufpaf, at which point he fell to the ground while suffering a gun shot wound to the head. The offender then went towards the police car and shot several times at Officer Graffeo. Officer Graffeo suffered a gun shot wound to his leg. The offender then fled on foot and was shortly apprehended and placed into custody.

   

March 22, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Andres Crisantos received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Hysni Selenica and Chaplain Robert Montelongo on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On November 14, 2021 Officer Crisantos and his partner responded to a call at the CTA Blue Line train platform. At which point both officers were attempting to apprehend an offender who had just stabbed a victim several times with a knife prior to arriving on scene. Officer Crisantos was struck on the head with a guitar by the offender leading to a long struggle on trying to take control and placing the offender in custody. Officer Crisantos suffered a laceration and a broken hand during the time of this incident.

   

March 18, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Edward Poppish was presented a handmade quilt by Lt. Daniel Allen and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On November 4, 2021 Officer Poppish responded to a call to assist firefighters who were trying to extinguish a fire. A mental who started the fire was aggressively attacking the firefighters in order to prevent them from putting out the fire. Officer Poppish and other officers rushed in to apprehend the mental, at which point a struggle occurred between the mental and Officer Poppish. During this struggle Officer Poppish suffered severe smoke inhalation and other injuries while in the performance his tour of duty.

21 MAR 2022: Newly-promoted Detective Sarah Lombardi gets sworn in along with 97 other new detectives. Congratulations on your promotion...now go solve some crimes!

12 FEB 2022: Fr. Dan Brandt joins members of the Emerald Society, Alderman Matt O’Shea, and others for a radio-thon benefiting the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s “Get Behind the Vest” initiative. Over $200,000 was raised during the four-hour show hosted by 720 am WGN Radio.

  
  
  

12 FEB 2022: Directed by Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis, our full-time CPD chaplains participated in a CPD marriage retreat in Itasca on Valentines Day weekend. A dozen or so CPD couples participated, learning Covey’s “Eight Habits to a Healthy Marriage.” Thank you as always, Kim, for all your hard work! As many participants quipped, “What an amazing weekend!”

10 FEB 2022: The Upper Room Club convened at Pizano’s in the south loop. Thanks to CPD Chaplain Hysni Selenica, the group (mostly Christian) learned about the many differences but far more similarities between Christianity and Islam. Thank you, Hysni, for a most enlightening evening. And thank you, Pizano’s, for always so generously hosting our group!

   
  

February 7, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Eboni Adams-Jones received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis on behalf of Quilts for Cops.

On January 14, 2022 Officer Adams-Jones and her partner Officer Aliscia Doriety were responding to a call as they were driving through the intersection of 71st and Stony Island, when a speeding vehicle went through the red light and struck their police vehicle. Both officers suffered injuries while in the performance of their tour of duty.

February 3, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Aliscia Doriety received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops.

On January 14, 2022 Officer Doriety and her partner Adams-Jones were responding to a call as they were driving through the intersection of 71st and Stony Island, when a speeding vehicle went through the red light and struck their police vehicle. Both officers suffered injuries while in the performance of their tour of duty.

February 3, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Irving Sanchez received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops.

Both officers suffered duty related injuries in which occurred on August 7, 2021. Officer Sanchez and his partner were responding to a call when a vehicle struck their police vehicle at the location of 2200 W. 21st Place.

  

February 1, 2022: Chicago Police Officer Christopher Ramey was presented a handmade quilt by Sgt. John Dyckman on behalf of Quilts for Cops.

September 16, 2021: Officer Ramey was detailed in the Chicago Loop area when a vehicle struck Officer Ramey. The impact of the vehicle caused Officer Ramey to fly into the air.

   

10 JAN 2022: Directing Chaplain Fr. Dan Brandt has the honor of judging six chili entries at the Emerald Society's annual chili cook-off. Fellow judges are (L-R) Mike "Houli" Houlihan of Hibernian Radio and 911 dispatcher Keith Thornton. Congratulations to the first-, second- and third-place winners.

 

December 23, 2021: Chicago Police Officer Mark Karwatka was presented a hand made quilt from Quilts for Cops, presented by Chaplain Robert Montelongo and Chaplain Hysni Selenica.

July 4, 2021: Officer Karwatka was detailed in the Chicago Loop at around the location of Washington and Wabash, when several explosives and fireworks where thrown and fired at him by aggressive offenders. Officer Karwatka was injured while in the performance of his tour of duty on that night.  

December 22, 2021: Chicago Police Officer Shawn Clancy was presented a hand made quilt by Chaplain Robert Montelongo and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops.

August 3, 2021: Officer Clancy was responding to a call when a vehicle struck his police vehicle at around the location of 4800 W. Lake St. Also during the civil unrest in Chicago, August 2020. Officer Clancy leg was severely injured when an aggressive offender threw a cinder block at his knee.

    

December 14, 2021: Chicago Police Officer Matthew Beesley was presented a hand made quilt by Chaplain Robert Montelongo and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops.

August 4, 2021: Officer Beesley was on scene of a homicide investigation while in the performance of his tour of duty, a motorcycle stuck him and pinned him against an ambulance.