16 JUN 2024: God delivered perfect weather for our annual Fathers' Day Mass at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park. Hundreds came out to pray with and for our dads, living and deceased...especially those whose names are etched on the memorial wall.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 JUN 2024: Police Chaplains Ministry hosted Chicago’s Gold Star Families at our 27th annual luncheon/sightseeing cruise downtown, aboard the Spirit of Chicago.

This is a first-class outing: we took care of everything from VIP parking to entertainment, pictures, beverages and lunch, right through dessert—plus a gift to take home (a lovely GSF-embroidered beach towel which is now available on our website’s “Merchandise” page). Guests were greeted by CPD Canine Officer Ron, and our cruise ship was escorted by CPD Marine and Helicopter Units. We even secured tickets to the Ferris Wheel and the new “Chicago Flyover Experience.” These deserving folks loved it. We pull out all the stops to make sure our Gold Star Families know they and their loved ones will ALWAYS be remembered…and because they deserve it!

 
 
 
29 MAY 2024: At the annual CPD awards ceremony downtown, Fr. Dan Brandt enjoys a visit with two of his favorite people: Bill Kurtis and Rabbi Moshe Wolf. Many laughs were enjoyed while remembering our deceased and honoring the heroism of many CPD members. Thank you to Bill Kurtis for emceeing this event every year!

 
 
27 MAY 2024...Memorial Day: On the grounds of St. Xavier University, a giant flag was hoisted by firefighters from Chicago, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn and Merrionette Park in honor of military members killed in action. We also blessed and distributed flags to families of fallen armed services members. Thank you to retired CFD lieutenant (and U.S. Marine) Pat McCauley for putting this worthy endeavor together. Thank you to St. Xav's Military/Veteran Organization for your support and your service! God bless America and all who serve!

 
22 MAY 2024: Chicago Police Officer Gregory Saint Louis received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops, presented by Chaplain Joseph Jackson. On 21 MAR 24: Officer Saint Louis was conducting a traffic stop when the offender from the vehicle starting shooting at the officers. Officer Saint Louis suffered a gunshot wound to his hand.

 
 
 
 
07 MAY 2024: Chicago Police Officer Christian Calderon received a handmade quilt from the Chicago chapter of Quilts for Cops. This "Around the World" quilt was hand-stitched by Ruth Simpson who passed away in 2007. Ruth's daughters, retired CPD Detective Phyllis Simpson and retired CPS teacher Allyson Simpson, donated their mother's quilt to Quilts for Cops after having held on to it for 15 years. The quilters of Quilts for Cops - Chicago, Karen Whitenack and Linda Frances, completed the quilt. Presenting the quilt to Officer Calderon: Phyllis Simpson, Allyson Simpson, Karen Whitenack, and Chicago Police Chaplains: Rabbi Moshe Wolf, Kimberly Lewis-Davis, Joseph Jackson and Hysni Selenica.

03 OCT 2023: Officer Calderon was attempting to place an offender into custody while conducting a street stop on the 3800 block on West Division St., with his partners Officer Luis Huesca and Officer Garcia. The offender aggressively resisted arrest and fled on foot. The officers pursued the offender. Officer Calderon grabbed hold of the offender, attempting to place him into custody. As the offender continued to struggle, the offender shifted his body weight, knocking Officer Calderon to the ground dislocating his shoulder. While Officer Huesca and Garcia were struggling to put handcuffs on the offender, the offender also bit Officer Calderon. During his career, Officer Calderon has lost two partners that were killed in the line of duty: Andres Vasquez Lasso (EOW 01 MAR 2023) and Luis Huesca (EOW 21 APR 24).


We want to thank all the quilters of Quilts for Cops. These beautiful handmade quilts are intended to give comfort to the police officers physical injuries. We hope this comfort goes beyond that. We pray that it gives a deeper comfort to the multiple layers of invisible wounds our officers suffer.

 
 
 
 
 
 
19 MAY 2024: The Chicago Gearheads hosts their annual car blessing in the Bunker Hill Woods Forest Preserve. It was a beautiful morning and a great opportunity to memorialize our deceased members and pray for safe travels this hot rodding season.

If you'd like information about the Gearheads, visit www.ChicagoGearheads.com.

04 MAY 2024: Thank you to St. Catherine Parish in Oak Lawn for remembering our brother Luis!

 
 
 
 
 
 

27 APR 2024: Klairmont Kollections Car Museum (3117 N. Knox, Chicago) hosts Police Chaplains Ministry party. Hundreds came out to support a great cause while perusing a museum displaying 400 cars dating back to 1909...not to mention presidential limos and even the Batmobile! Thanks to the all-CPD band, THE ROAD TAKEN, and the Chicago Garda Pipes and Drums for providing musical entertainment...and LaVilla Pizzeria and Binny's Beverage Depot for discounted food/drink. A great time was had by all!

 
 
20 MAR 2024: Chicago Police Officer Dewayne Smalarz received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. The quilt was presented by Lt. Kristen Donahue, Sgt. Melissa Malm, Chaplain Joseph Jackson and Chaplain Hysni Selenica. Officer Smalarz and his partner were responding to a call with their emergency equipment activated. Their vehicle lost control after crossing the railroad tracks on 95th St. and Wood. At this point their vehicle went off the roadway, striking a bus shelter and hitting a utility pole. Officer Smalarz suffered a broken femur and spin.

 
 
18 MAR 2024: Chicago Police Officer Daniel Marquez was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 06 Dec 2023, Officer Marquez and his partner Romo-Nunez responded to a call of a residential fire. Upon arrival Officer Marquez and Officer Romo-Nunez were made aware that someone was inside the residence. The officers rushed onto the porch and kicked the door in, when the porch and roof collapsed on them.

 
16 MAR 2024: At a get-together following the downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade, I had the pleasure of joining Emerald Society bagpipers Kevin Forrest and Paul Kane, along with members of the Garda (the Irish police force). What a wonderful afternoon!

 
 
 
14 MAR 2024: Chicago Police Officer Ismarie Canaday received a handmade quilt, presented by 017th District Capt. Chris Bielfeldt and CPD Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Wolf on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 01 February 2024: Officer Canaday was helping a highly intoxicated migrant and his toddler son from sleeping in the freezing cold just outside of a homeless shelter. The intoxicated person was not able to comply with the shelter's rules. The intoxicated person became verbally and physically aggressive towards Officer Canaday. At which point, Officer Canaday suffered a fractured wrist as she was trying to take control of the aggressive offender.

 
 
 
 
 
11 MAR 2024: It was an honor to meet up with over-the-road truck driver Mike Starrett and his amazing Blue Line rig. Mike proudly drives his truck which displays the names of all U.S. line-of-duty deaths from the previous year.
This year, he includes our Officers Areanah Preston and Andres Vasquez Lasso.

Mike said, “Watching the police struggle everyday, I want to show more support to them...just to emphasize that there is more positive than negative out there.”

Mike further said that he wants to show people the number of officers killed each year.

Also, to the families of Areanah and Andres, he said: “God Bless You! I am sorry for your loss! If we can do anything to help, please let us know.”

We plan to catch up with Mike again when he has another delivery in the Chicagoland area. Thanks, Mike for all you do! God Bless You!

 
14 FEB 2024: One of many scheduled stops to administer blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday was outside the FOP hall. During the course of the day, well over 1,000 CPD members received ashes to mark the beginning of the Lenten season.

 
06 FEB 2024: Chicago Police Officer Maggie Skowron received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. The quilt was presented by Farther Dan Brandt along with Chaplain Robert Montelongo, Chaplain Joseph Jackson and Chaplain Hysni Selenica. On 08 Jan 2024: Officer Skowron and her partners Officer Walker and Officer Douglas were stopped at the traffic light at 9500 S Cottage Grove. A vehicle driving at a high rate of speed while chasing another vehicle, lost control and smashed into the marked police vehicle. The impact caused their vehicle to go up in the air. Officer Skowron was admitted in the hospital for several days.

 
 
02 FEB 2024: Chicago Police Officer Justin Douglas received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. The quilt was presented by Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis. On 08 Jan 2024: Officer Douglas and his partners Officer Skowron and Officer Walker were stopped at the traffic light at 9500 S Cottage Grove. A vehicle driving at a high rate of speed while chasing another vehicle, lost control and smashed into the marked police vehicle. The impact caused their vehicle to go up in the air. Officer Douglas suffered head and body injuries.

01 FEB 2024: Chicago Police Officer Jermaine Walker received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. The quilt was presented by Chaplain Joseph Jackson and Chaplain Hysni Selenica. On 08 Jan 2024: Officer Walker and his partners Officer Skowron and Officer Douglas were stopped at the traffic light at 9500 S Cottage Grove. A vehicle driving at a high rate of speed while chasing another vehicle, lost control and smashed into the marked police vehicle. The impact caused their vehicle to go up in the air. Officer Walker suffered head and body injuries.

03 JAN 2024: Chicago Police Officer Marcos Romo-Nunez was presented a handmade quilt by Father Dan Brandt on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 06 Dec 2023, Officer Romo-Nunez and his partner responded to a call of a residential fire. Upon arrival Officer Romo-Nunez and his partner were made aware that someone was inside the resident. The officers rush on the porch and kicked the door in, when the porch and roof collapsed on them.