Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Honors Fallen CPD Officers At Vigil

CHICAGO — Hundreds of police officers, supporters and family members of fallen officers are expected to attend the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s 19th annual Candlelight Vigil starting with a reception at 6:15 p.m., followed by the solemn vigil at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The foundation’s executive director Phil Cline and Grace Bauer will deliver remarks at a reception prior to the vigil. Grace is the 17-year-old daughter of CPD Commander Paul Bauer, who was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had just run away from other officers Feb. 13, 2018.

CPD Officer Tony Graffeo, will also share his story about the incident on March 4, 2022 where he and his partner were shot by an offender whose gun had fallen from his waist band while standing in near the officers.

The vigil will feature a brief speaking program, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown and Maria Marmolejo, chairwoman of the Gold Star Families.

Following the program, the names of 595 Chicago police officers killed in the line of duty will be read by Gold Star family members, police officers and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation supporters.

Members of Gold Star Families and officers catastrophically injured in the line of
duty will be on hand and available for media interviews.

The reception and remarks will take place in the United Room at Soldier Field, entrance at Gate 14. The Candlelight Vigil will be held in front of the water wall at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park, just east of Soldier Field.