Chicago Police Officer Michael Ceriale Died 20 Years Ago

CHICAGO, IL - It was 20 years ago today when Chicago police officer Michael Ceriale died in the line of duty. He and his partner were conducting an undercover narcotics investigation in the now demolished Robert Taylor Homes at 41st and Federal on Aug. 15, 1998 when a member of the Gangster Disciples gang noticed the officers presence and fired one shot, hitting Ceriale in the abdomen below his bulletproof vest.

Ceriale died from the gunshot wound six days later at Cook County Hospital.

Ceriale, who was 26 at the time of his death, had only been on the force for 15 months. He was survived by both his parents and his grandmother.

Today, the Chicago Police Department will remember the fallen hero with an outdoor roll call ceremony. Commander Stephen Chung of the 12th District, fellow police officers, members of the Michael A. Ceriale Memorial Foundation and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation will gather at the Sterling Bay Flag Memorial to First Responders at 1100 W. Grand Ave. at 3 p.m.

Photo: Chicago Police Department logo