SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois backs the blue and honors their fallen.
Eleven police officers were killed in the line of duty last year in the state. Thursday, they were honored at a memorial on the State Capitol complex in Springfield.
“There’s nothing any of us — certainly not politicians — can say to make you feel better. I understand that,” said Susana Mendoza, Illinois Comptroller. “But to the family members, please know that while your loss is immeasurable, and your anguish at times may seem unbearable, you are not alone.”
Mendoza’s brother is a Chicago Police detective.
Police officers killed in the line of duty in 2021 were from throughout the state, from Chicago to Champaign and beyond.
“You are our hers, and we rely upon you to keep us safe. Without you, I perish the thought as to what society would be,” said Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State. “As law enforcement officers, you put your lives on the line each and every day, to protect our communities and our population.”
The names of the fallen eleven are now etched into the memorial. We already know the name of one who will be honored next year: fallen Knox County Deputy Nicholas Weist, who passed away almost a week ago.
