Quiet Dignity
The passing of former Mayor Eugene Sawyer brought back the most heart warming memories for my wife the night I was shot in the throat while at this moment it was also the most terrorizing time for her and family members. April 24th, 1988 after I responded to a domestic call in the 016th district, I was ambushed and subsequently shot in the throat. Putting the drama aside, I learned several weeks later from my wife that this night, Mayor Sawyer arrived at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, waited outside as the exempts who showed up were inside giving family members their business cards like they were a piece of candy, then headed back home.
Mayor Sawyer then sat with my wife, apologized for arriving late because he was not familiar with the northwest side and stayed with her the entire night into the the following morning. My wife Mary had related that he was one of the most genuine, kindest person she had the privilege to be with. Two days later, flowers arrived from the Mayor with a note of kind words.
Through my next four months in the hospital, Mayor Sawyer kept tabs on how I was progressing. Back in '88 City Counsel was up for grabs at times, but Sawyer was a class act as I recalled news reports back then and finally six months later met him in person as I sat in a wheelchair. Our conversation wasn't about me, it was me thanking him for keeping my wife and two daughters who were 1 1/2 and 3 years old at the time under his watchful eye.
The purpose of me posting this note is the hope that perhaps all of us should take a little of Mayor Sawyer's charm, kindness, honesty and class with us each day when we leave the house heading off to work or out on your days off. Say what you will about him, but I'm telling you first hand, Sawyer respected the police and sadly, you just don't see it now a days because "it's all about me" within our ranks from top to bottom.
Stay Safe
Thank You
Mike Lappe 016/120
Labels: open posts
posted by SCC at 12:02 AM
27 Comments:
"it's all about me" within our ranks from top to bottom.
Stay Safe"
Nicely said Mike. Keep in mind the Top sets the tone for the Bottom who then acts in kind...
Mike Lappe is a class act and a survivor. Thanks for a great story Mike,wishing you well in all of your endeavors in life.
I remember when he took his immediate staff to see "COLORS".
Mayor Sawyer was a class guy. His son Rod is also a class individual. The City will miss the dynamic leadersip Mayor Sawyer exhibited. God Bless you Mayor Sawyer.
As working the detail for the late Mayor Sawyer, I can tell that there was a lot of respect for the man not only as a City politician but also as a decent man. I obviously never met the guy, but could tell from the people at the service he was going to be missed.
Mike, that was a great thing he did, I had no idea. Its a shame how much this department/city has changed in the last 20 years.
Well said Mike, now why haven't they ever promoted him? you so many others double and triple promoted for way less. At the very least merit det. what a joke....
Gene Sawyer never hurt the police, and always came across as a gentleman.
Mayor Sawyer was one of the politicians who lobbied hard for Larry Hoover's parole from Illinois State Prison in 1993. Turns out his lobbying effort - supported by several other Chicago area Black politicians - came at the same time that the Feds were listening to Hoover direct the activities of the GD's from prison. Sawyer bought into the whole spin about the GD's evolving from the Gangster Disciples into "Growth and Development." Ha!
Thanks Mike, I couldn't have said it better.
Your right Mike, Mayor Sawyer was a class act. I met him on several occassions and remember coming away completely impressed with him. He was a true gentleman. What's even more impressive however is that your still around to post this, that you survived your being shot. I remember when it happened and thinking that there is no way someone could survive a gunshot like that, but you did. Not only that, you returned to work and maintained a level of enthusiasim for the job and the Officers that is probably unmatched by almost everyone else. In Mike Lappes opinion the glass is never half empty, it's half filled. That does not go un-noticed. You are a true inspiration to anyone that knows your story and what you do, especially when it comes to helping out other coppers. As they say in the biz, Thanks for a JOB WELL DONE!
MIke you are a class act. A friend from the
Traffic Section
i haven't talked to a lot of people in ref: to Sawyer, but those that spoke of him spoke of him highly. so sir rest in peace and god bless you and your family.
Heard he was a great guy also Gene RIP! He liked the police unlike the current, mayor and the 50 band of village idiots!
Well said Mike, now why haven't they ever promoted him? you so many others double and triple promoted for way less. At the very least merit det. what a joke....
1/28/2008 02:36:00 AM
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This is exactly the reason why I respect Mike Lappe so much. He gets seriously injured on the job and never asked to get promoted. Meanwhile BJ queens are sucking their way to the top and others are f*cking as many coppers as they can to get the gold star.
Many of you will meet him and find out what a class act he really is when he teaches you about the in-car cameras.
Gene Sawyer-RIP was a class act and didn't play the racist card. Mike Lappe is a great guy and another class act.
YOU ARE MY HERO MIKE! ALWAYS WILL BE.
YOUR FRIEND
RM
Mike Lappe/ 016. Thank You and God Bless. Im glad you are here to talk about it. I dont really know anything about sawyer but if you are relating this story first hand, then I believe it. It also makes me want to remind ALL of us to be sure to say goodnight, and I love You each day and night to our loved ones. You just NEVER know what nut or crazed maniac you may run into on this job. I would hate to have a day where i was upset and didnt say I love you be my last day on earth
and having attended the funeral service,it was interesting to note that boss who is having us stand up for inspection at roll call, (williams) was wearing a rain cap on his hat,and sportin ear muffs. (starks also wearing ear muffs).way to lead by example guys!
If Mike Lappe recommends a guy, that's all I need to know!
Mike is permanently disabled from fighting crime, yet he's still the most aggressive, hard working copper I know...period!
Whoever blogged about a guy truely worthy of a merit promotion, I'LL DRINK TO THAT!!!
Hell, Mike Lappe for 1st Deputy! That would be the greatest appointment J-Fed could make!
On a side note, I too met Mayor Sawyer in 1988, he spotted a group of us PPO's at the academy and stopped to chat with us; he was a gentleman. The current Mayor isn't worthy to open the door for Mayor Sawyer. RIP
This old white guy will tell you that Gene Sawyer was a good and decent man. He treated us much better than Daley has. RIP
Nice story Mike! Keep up your good work! Nice to see you hanging around the West side.
We had our best raise when he was mayor.
Mike Lappe has been the heart and soul of 16 for many years. Always a class act. Out loss is that he is not at least a Lt. Mike Lappe.
"Mike Lappe has been the heart and soul of 16 for many years. Always a class act. Out loss is that he is not at least a Lt. Mike Lappe.
1/28/2008 09:10:00 PM"
Why is that? Here's a guy that took a Bullet for the team& is still pushing a beat car in 016?
It's all legit right?
Keep telling yourselves that.
Its to bad Mikes attempt at Alderman of the 45th Ward did not succeed. Mike would have been a true spokesman for the police not like today where most politicians run from us. Mike you would have had total support from your police family and put a little fear in Da Mayor. We have no support so why don't you try again and smoke Levar!!!!!!!!
The kindness of Eugene Sawyer has been returned ten-fold by your heart felt words Mike...what more can a human being ask for? Best to you Brotherman!!!!
A BIG thank you to all the 015 personnel (including Commander Wysinger)and others for the EXCELLENT show of solidarity at the 1st court date in Br 50 for the POS that ran over D.G...About 60 coppers (at my last count)all stood up when the POS's name was called. Special thanks to car 8C for coming out as well.
015 blue shirt
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