Funeral Services Set for Cook County Sheriff's Officer Who Died During Colors Run

MAYWOOD, IL -- Funeral services have been set for a Cook County Sheriff’s police officer who died last Thursday in the line of duty after collapsing during a colors run at the department’s training academy in Maywood.

Gallero, of Crest Hill, was taken to Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park, where he was pronounced dead around 8:30 a.m. Thursday. An autopsy performed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office determined that Gallero had heart disease. The cause was ruled natural, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

The 45-year-old officer was a highly respected instructor to recruits at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies throughout the county. Gallero was participating in a colors run when he collapsed. He was a 22-year veteran of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, where he began his career in the Department of Corrections in 1994 before joining the Sheriff’s Police Department in 2002.

The sheriff’s department released the following statement following the officer’s death:

“Jason was beloved by countless friends, family members, and his fellow officers. Officer Gallero was a passionate member of the law enforcement community and truly enjoyed his time training future Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs. His talent and dedication to policing will have a lasting effect on the communities of Cook County for years to come, and he will be deeply missed. “

Visitation for Gallero will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago. Mass of Christian Burial will be held the next day, Wednesday, Sept. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. at Divine Providence Church, 2550 Mayfair Ave., Westchester. Arrangements are being handled by Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn.