Fallen CPD Officers Honored In Virtual Candlelight Vigil

CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has replaced their annual candlelight vigil by the Gold Star Families Memorial Park with a virtual candlelight vigil. Residents are invited to join the virtual vigil to remember fallen police officers starting at 7:30 Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Names of officers killed in the line of duty will be read in a solemn ceremony that will be streamed online. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is also asking citizens to light a virtual candle at home. Citizens may also leave a note honoring one, a few, or all of Chicago’s fallen police officers.

>>> Chicago Police Memorial Candlelight Vigil - WATCH HERE

Since 1853, over 500 Chicago police officers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation exists to honor their memories and support their families.

In 2020, three Chicago police officers died of COVID-19, including:

• Officer Marco DeFrancco, EOW April 2
• Sgt. Clifford W. Martin Sr., EOW April 10
• Officer Ronald Newman, EOW April 17

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has raised $13.5 million for fallen officers’ families since its inception in 2007.

Gold Star Families Memorial Park is located at McFetridge Drive and East Museum Campus Drive near Soldier Field. The park extends nearly five acres and includes sculptures, a water wall, running path and several places to stop, reflect, pray, remember or just be," according to a reader's review.