Just over one week after the deadly shooting of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, his brothers and sisters in blue walked along Michigan Avenue to remember him and hundreds of other fallen police officers who gave it all.
It was a somber Sunday morning – as Chicago saluted the brave and beloved fallen officers during the annual St. Jude Police Memorial March.
“I am inspired by how he left this world. strong. with pride and grace. most importantly, hope, and that’s what each person, officer left us with,” said Maria Marmolejo, Gold Star chairwoman and widow of Chicago Police Officer Eduardo Marmolejo.
Rows and rows of police officers marched together as one.
Many held photos showing the names and faces of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The tradition dates back to 1932, and this year, it felt unfortunately timely.
“We recently lost Officer Bartholomew senselessly,” Chicago Police Department Supt. Larry Snelling said. “A husband, a father, son, [his] life was tragically taken too soon.”
Bartholomew was shot and killed last Saturday after a man he had taken into custody pulled out a gun while being treated at Endeavor Swedish Hospital and allegedly shot the officer in the head.
“We can be safer, but they’re never truly safe,” Snelling said. “They know and understand this… and knowing that type of danger, they still go out and do the work. They still go out and do the job.”
The march served as both a reminder about the dangers officers face and to carry hope through times of hardship.
“To see all the department members, members of the community, for the fallen, all the other families, it means more than i think any gold star family can say,” said Sandra Wortham, who lost her brother in the line of duty.
Authorities on Sunday also provided an update on Officer Crespo, who was shot alongside Bartholomew and hospitalized in critical condition. The update revealed Crespo has made some improvements while he continues to fight for his life.
