15 DEC 2024: The CPD Enforcers football team hosted a toy drive, where they collected about 1,000 gifts to be donated to a local transitional home for abused women and children. Here you’ll see some of the folks gathered and their proceeds. They also very generously raise funds for Police Chaplains Ministry and our outreach to our beloved Gold Star Families. We also had a chance to pray together as we enter this most magical time of the year.

 
 
15 DEC 2024: A group of volunteers gather for a few hours to assemble 300 care packages that Fr. Dan Brandt will personally deliver to officers stuck working on Christmas night and New Year's Eve. Each care package contains high-quality snack products, gum, a note pad and St. Michael card. They are grateful for YOUR support and prayers.

 
08 DEC 2024: Chicago Police Officer Samatha Flores was delivered a quilt by Santa Claus. The quilt was handmade by Santa's big-hearted people of Quilts for Cops.
On 17 AUG 2024: Officer Flores responded to a criminal sexual assault call. Upon arrival, the offender aggressively went up the police vehicle and opened the door reaching in. At which point Officer Flores was attempting to restrain the offender. During the struggle Officer Flores suffered a severe concussion and other injuries.

 
04 DEC 2024: Chicago Police Officer Yashica Blackman received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis presented the quilt on behalf of Quilts for Cops.
On 09 SEP 2024: Officer Blackman and her partner while on patrol, a vehicle struck their police vehicle at which point the vehicle hit a pole. After returning back to work officer Blackman suffered a fracture hip due to a traffic crash on 26 NOV 2024.

 
 
 

03 DEC 2024: Chicago Police Officer Nathaly Acuna received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. The quilt was presented by 019th District Commander Amin Jessani and Captain Terence Forbes, along with Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Wolf and Chaplain Hysni Selenica.
On 19 AUG 2024: Officer Acuna was deployed in response to demonstrations related to the Democratic National Convention, when she fell off her bike hitting the pavement. Officer Acuna suffered loss of teeth, broken wrist/hand and multiple deep abrasions.

 
 

05 DEC 2024: Police Chaplains Ministry hosts our Gold Star Families at Soldier Field's Club level for our annual pre-holiday dinner. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by over 250 guests. Thank you to our supporters for making this possible!

17 NOV 2024: Rabbi Moshe Wolf and Fr. Dan Brandt offer prayers at the street naming ceremony for PO Sam Jimenez on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of his death. The event took place outside the 002nd District at 51st and Wentworth. Next time you're in the area, be sure to check out Sam's honorary street sign on the corner.

16 NOV 2024: Fr. Dan Brandt offers the invocation at the annual True Blue Gala, sponsored by the Chicago Police Foundation.

20 OCT 2024: Chicago Police Pipes and Drums, Mounted Unit and Honor Guard all represented at the Blue Mass at St. Gianna Parish in Evergreen Park. Thank you to the parishioners there for thanking and praying for our heroes.

17 OCT 2024: The CBOE honored CPD's Chaplains Unit by allowing us to ring the closing bell at the end of trading on this historic day. Here you'll see our directing chaplain, board of directors members, Gold Star Family members and supporters...along with a few of our exempt CPD members. The CBOE also made a generous donation to Police Chaplains Ministry in support of the Gold Star Families...those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty as a Chicago Police Officer. A wonderful afternoon was had by all!

03 OCT 2024: Orso's Italian Restaurant (1401 N. Wells Street, Chicago) hosted a happy hour dinner buffet with open bar for a few hours. It was a delightful chance to mingle with about 100 guests who together contributed over $10,000 to Police Chaplains Ministry and our outreach to Gold Star Families. Here you see Frank, the proprietor of over 55 years. What a gracious and generous host!! Please check out Orso’s!

 
 
 
 
03 OCT 2024: Chicago Police Chaplains join the new recruits in a moment of prayer and blessing at their Star Ceremony at the academy. Stay safe, new officers!

 
 
 
 
01 OCT 2024: Members of the Chicago Police Futbol (Soccer) Club join Fr. Dan Brandt at Casa Tequila Mexican Grill and Steakhouse, personally hanging portraits memorializing some recent fallen officers. Casa Tequila (1949 W. Division Street) LOVES the police. Be sure to visit and check out their beautiful memorial to Paul Bauer, Sam Jimenez, Ella French, Eduardo Marmolejo, Conrad Gary, Areanah Preston, Andres Vasquez Lasso and Luis Huesca.

We were even serenaded by a mariachi band as we conducted our sacred work! (Actually, EVERY Tuesday is Mariachi night there...so I've been told.)

 
 
07 SEP 2024: McNally's hosted a party to support Police Chaplains Ministry's outreach to the Gold Star Families. It was an amazing event, thanks to McNally's and Barraco's Pizza. Please keep the businesses in mind.

 
 
 
01 SEP 2024: mass is celebrated in the patio section of Sox Park before a home game.

 
 
22 AUG 2024: Chaplain Hysni Selenica visits one of the officer wellness sites during the DNC week. Officer Anabel Preciado of Peer Support was providing great hospitality items. She was offering snacks, drinks and parting with a gift of her hand made beads stating, "Be Safe" to all the officers that stopped by.

 
 
 
 
22 AUG 24: Rabbi Moshe Wolf and Chaplain Hysni Selenica attended roll call during the DNC week. Rabbi Wolf was giving out his signature candies and Chaplain Selenica giving out Wriggle's gum to the officers.

 
 
21 AUG 24-4: While working the DNC detail, Chaplain Hysni Selenica heard over the radio zone that a unit was looking for someone with a car opening device. As a child was locked in a vehicle with the engine running. Chaplain Selenica swiftly arrived on seen with the device. Commander Rodney Hill, Officer William Martinez and a citizen helped to open the car door safely. The child was safe and sound in his mother's arms.

 
21 AUG 2024: The National Guard and Chicago Police Department working together to keep the City of Chicago safe during the Democratic National Convention.

 
21 AUG 2024: The Chaplains Ministry, EAP and Peer Support getting ready to serve dinner to officers at one of the wellness sits during the DNC week.

 
21 AUG 24, DNC week: Chaplain Hysni Selenica dropped off some food and cold drinks to Lt. Tim Weiglein, Sgt. Dan Goetz and their team of officers stationed on post at Michigan and Chestnut. Sgt. Goetz devoured all the food. Leaving a few crumbs to his platoon.

 
19 AUG 24-2: Officer Calla Roulds and Officer Zaida Sanabia of the LGBTQ+ Liaison Unit, dropped off dinner at one of the DNC officer wellness sites. Officer Roulds, Officer Sanabia and Chaplain Hysni Selenica enjoyed a bit of food and a lot of laughter together.

 
 
19 AUG 2024: CPD EAP, CFD EAP and CPD Chaplains Ministry working together at roll call during the DNC week. Providing services to all law enforcement, fire, medics and the National Guard.

 
 
 
18 AUG 2024: Connecting with officers assigned to McCormick Place during the DNC. Thank God they can smile!!!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 AUG 2024: Shelley Frizelis from the 016th District CAPS office developed a team of volunteers to help the CPD Chaplains Ministry place QR labels on packs of gum. The gum will be distributed to the officers working during the Democratic National Convention week.

 
 
 
20 JUL 2024: Quilts for Cops - Chicago Chapter commemorates their 3rd year anniversary at the 016th District police station. Retired CPD Commander Marc Buslik gave a generous donation of $1,000 for the second time. We want to thank all the quilters who volunteer extensive hours of their time on making these beautiful comfort quilts for our injured officers. We thank Marc Buslik and all the donors for their generous contributions. Thanks to the 016th District CAPS office for all their help and support.

 
17 JUL 2024: Chicago Police Officer Salma Khan was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Joseph Jackson and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 21 Mar 2024: Officer Khan was processing an aggressive prisoner in the lockup facility. As Officer Khan and her partners were trying to secure the prisoner by attempting to handcuff her to the bar on the wall. As one arm was cuffed, the prisoner began using the handcuff as a weapon and swinging at the officers. Officer Khan went in to take control, at which point the prisoner pushed Offer Khan full force against the wall. The prisoner then used her long pointed high heal shoe and struck Officer Khan several times about the thigh and knee area. Officer Khan suffered a severe back and leg injury.

 
 
 
 
 
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.