Funeral Arrangements Set
From various posters:
- Police Officer Richard M. Francis, Star #5276, assigned to the 019th District, was killed in the Line of Duty on Tuesday, 2 July 2008.
Waked at Cooney Funeral Home, 3918 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois on Sunday 6 July 2008 from 1200 - 2100 hours. UPDATE: St. Jude 1900hrs
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, 1359 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.
Funeral services held on Monday, 7 July 2008 at 1100 hours at St. Monica Church, 5136 N. Nottingham Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Interment private.
Does this mean that the usual three or four mile procession to the cemetery has been eliminated?
Labels: officer down
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
55 Comments:
I hope the procession is on, nothing like taking away another right for us! RIP Officer Francis keep looking down and keep us safe! Prayers for your family!
IT's only a 1 day wake?
Rest in Peace Officer!!!
You will be missed.
If the family wants a private moment without the police brass, mayor, and media.... I completely understand and will not attend. If not, I believe they would have said something to the 100 Club (Please donate) and the CPD Memorial Foundation(please donate.) They have both done (A LOT) for the family of this fallen officer. If you are the police, then you know. If you want to bash either one of those organizations, get your facts straight please. I donate to both every check for this reason. I hope both organizations keep my money for the rest of my career and for the rest of my life because I will not stop donating. They are good, I do not personally know Cline, and I know what they have done in the past and for P.O. Francis's family. Trust me when I tell you this, your family will appreciate them if you ever have this tragic fate. God bless you all. Stay safe and support each other.
They could escort him from the funeral home given the familie's wishes. Have all outside agencies form up on Irving Park Road and have the procession from there.... RIP Brother
Kudos to the family for doing it their way and not bending to city pressure on where, when etc....
Rest in peace brother!!!
Godspeed to Ofc. Francis and condolensces to his family and fellow members of CPD.
-Waukegan Police
As a proud retired member of the Chicago Police Department having served 34 years – 30 of which where either as a beat copper or a Dick in Area #2 – I say God Bless Officer Francis. God Bless the hard working, under appreciated, totally disregarded, and continually criticized, members of this Department. God Dam Mayor Daley, Superintendent Weis, his FBI stooges, all the Aldercreatures, all the Media, and most of all, every last one of the so called Reverends.
I’m pissed!!!! Pissed at the disrespect given to you Officers every day by the aforementioned group. Pissed at a black community who is more worried about one of their precious children being slapped up side the head than they is about one of ours being shot and killed. Just a memo to that fat slob Ahsanta, or whatever her made up name was, the one who the media chose to interview on how the “Police” were afraid to come into the hood and how they shoot the honor students because “they bees afraid.” Ignorant fat slob bitch. Pissed at the condescending manner in which the Media treats us. Pissed at the continual posturing – pontificating – preaching – that our Aldercreatures seem to give us everyday. Pissed at poverty pimps like Jackson, Sharpton, Phelger, and my personal favorite Robin Hood. Now there’s an interesting collection of human waste. I’m pissed at a lot of things.
However, one last thing will get my goat as nothing else will. When this brave, dedicated, true hero, is laid to rest next week dressed in the uniform he loved and respected for 27 years, there will be others wearing that same uniform without ever earning the right to do so. We will have Weis, Brust, Daly and Masters dressed up as though they belong to our fraternity. Weis will say how great a loss it was to the CPD. Weis will say how proud he was of Officer Francis. Weis will say how much “our Department” will miss him. The gall of the man to refer to this Department in a collective sense as if he were a member of it. Bullshit, plain and simple. Daley will say how proud he was of Officer Francis’ service. Daley will say how proud he is of you. But most of all he’ll use the opportunity to advance one of his many asinine agendas under the cloak of honoring Officer Francis. Please do this “old timer” a favor. Don’t acknowledge these clowns if given the opportunity. If they should lower themselves to address you, walk away, and while you do extend your middle finger in a salute to their arrogance.
Those of us who rode 10-99, those of us who navigated the stairwells of the Taylor, Cabrini and Stateway Homes, those of us who stood their ground outside the Hilton in 1968, those of us who suffered in the reign of idiots like Martin and Rodriguez, those of us who where and are true Chicago Blueshirt - We salute you Officer Francis. Rest in Peace. Say hello to my old friends Tom Kelly and Jimmy Alfano a couple of guys who preceded you in the Honored Star Case and into heaven.
Stay Safe – Go Home Every Day – Do the Right Thing by Your Partner – Don’t Listen to These Carpetbaggers.
I would love to sign my name but I have a son on the Job who may be targeted by these petty assholes. So for the precious few who may be left that worked at Area #2 when it was at 91st and Cottage Grove I’ll sign off my saying “Puggs is alive and kicking and sends his best.”
The city wants all police funeral processions to use the Memorial park, not city streets.
An interesting point was made in a previous post. The two rags both printed positive articles on Officer Francis. What did you expect them to do? Even they know the general public won't stand for them crossing that line.
What would have happened if he shot her while she was attempting to disarm him? Can you imagine what they would have done to him? How would he have been portrayed then? They would have taken this great man with his years of honorable service to his country and to this city and crucified him. Imagine the rags' headlines. "Cop guns down unarmed mentally challenged woman!" They would have been merciless, as they have been in the past. I won't even go into what the asshole "revrunds" would have done and said. Ah, and the city council. I'm sure some pearls of wisdom would have come down from there, too.
Remember this when you read those articles which honor our fallen brother and when you hear these politicians honor him. They do so not because they respect his sacrifice, but because they must. The actions and words during his lifetime are what I'll remember from those self serving jackasses. Not what they must say after he's gone. You honor a good man when he's alive, not after he's gone.
I didn't know Officer Francis, but I'm sure we rode together at one of the events. God bless his family and may God grant this noble warrior eternal peace.
Everyman
THERE WILL BE NO PROCESSION TO ANY CEMETERY. PER THE FAMILY'S REQUEST, OFFICER FRANCIS REMAINS WILL BE CREMATED. AFTER THE CHURCH SERVICE, ONLY THE HURST AND A FEW OTHER CARS WILL LEAVE ST. MONICA'S AND RETURN BACK TO THE FUNERAL HOME. AFTER THE HEARST HAS LEFT, THIS CONCLUDES THE SERVICES.
Memo to Commanders Alvarado and Gross. As you make the seating arrangements for the church do me a favor. Have the members of his watch sit in the front pews behind his family. This would prove that the bosses truely care about the rank and file as they claim. To have Officers who knew him, who worked with him daily, who socialized with him, who shared their life with him, sit in the back rows while the likes of Lillie Crump-Hales and Baby Face Michael Masters sit in places of honor disrespects every one of us. I picked but two obvious "clout babies" but there will be many more up front posturing like they really cared about Dick. Show some class for once in your life and let those who really cared about him say their goodbyes in places of honor.
I myself did not know the man. I saw him in the corridors of 19 but we never really spoke. My loss. So along with thousands of other Officers I will stand outside and pay my respects as the casket is rolled by. All the exempts, with the exception of those who may have known him, should be in the background.
One last thought. Dick worked in 018 with his old Commander George Rosebrock as beat coppers. Jody saw fit to dump George during his purge. Rosebrock spent more time than Kenny has in 019. I wonder if the bosses will show some hutzpah and allow George a place up front to honor a friend, a old partner, and a valued member of his command? Just a thought.
"Does this mean that the usual three or four mile procession to the cemetery has been eliminated?"
---
No procession to the cemetery. The family has elected cremation and internment will be private per the family's wishes.
The only procession if any, will be from the funeral home to the church. I have read no order in the district of times, location, procession route etc. from the funeral home to the church so refer to your own district or unit for information on a procession.
The family makes the decision on location and type of service. The department has people in a unit that deals with these events and is available to assist and advise but the decision overall rests with the family.
Yes, only one day wake too and the funeral home is not very large so plan accordingly. Above all, be professional in showing our respect this final time to our fallen colleague.
If the family of Officer Francis wants a private burial, respect their wishes...
Rest in Peace.
P.O Francis wanted to be cremated, thus no procession
Usually when a family lists "interment private" in a death notice it means that the family has decided on cremation instead of a burial.
To "Puggs" as an old Area 4 (Maxwell St. Detective) I agree. God Bless Officer Francis and the "Real Chicago Police Department".
Private services at the cemetery. Family's choice. Honors usually rendered at the cemetery will be rendered after the church service. One day wake but twice as long. 1200-2200.
Show up in force both days.
Stay after the church service for the final salute, taps, 21 gun salute, amazing grace, flag presentation to family. Pass it around.
As a proud retired member of the Chicago Police Department having served 34 years – 30 of which where either as a beat copper or a Dick in Area #2 – I say God Bless Officer Francis. God Bless the hard working, under appreciated, totally disregarded, and continually criticized, members of this Department. God Dam Mayor Daley, Superintendent Weis, his FBI stooges, all the Aldercreatures, all the Media, and most of all, every last one of the so called Reverends.
I’m pissed!!!! Pissed at the disrespect given to you Officers every day by the aforementioned group. Pissed at a black community who is more worried about one of their precious children being slapped up side the head than they is about one of ours being shot and killed. Just a memo to that fat slob Ahsanta, or whatever her made up name was, the one who the media chose to interview on how the “Police” were afraid to come into the hood and how they shoot the honor students because “they bees afraid.” Ignorant fat slob bitch. Pissed at the condescending manner in which the Media treats us. Pissed at the continual posturing – pontificating – preaching – that our Aldercreatures seem to give us everyday. Pissed at poverty pimps like Jackson, Sharpton, Phelger, and my personal favorite Robin Hood. Now there’s an interesting collection of human waste. I’m pissed at a lot of things.
However, one last thing will get my goat as nothing else will. When this brave, dedicated, true hero, is laid to rest next week dressed in the uniform he loved and respected for 27 years, there will be others wearing that same uniform without ever earning the right to do so. We will have Weis, Brust, Daly and Masters dressed up as though they belong to our fraternity. Weis will say how great a loss it was to the CPD. Weis will say how proud he was of Officer Francis. Weis will say how much “our Department” will miss him. The gall of the man to refer to this Department in a collective sense as if he were a member of it. Bullshit, plain and simple. Daley will say how proud he was of Officer Francis’ service. Daley will say how proud he is of you. But most of all he’ll use the opportunity to advance one of his many asinine agendas under the cloak of honoring Officer Francis. Please do this “old timer” a favor. Don’t acknowledge these clowns if given the opportunity. If they should lower themselves to address you, walk away, and while you do extend your middle finger in a salute to their arrogance.
Those of us who rode 10-99, those of us who navigated the stairwells of the Taylor, Cabrini and Stateway Homes, those of us who stood their ground outside the Hilton in 1968, those of us who suffered in the reign of idiots like Martin and Rodriguez, those of us who where and are true Chicago Blueshirt - We salute you Officer Francis. Rest in Peace. Say hello to my old friends Tom Kelly and Jimmy Alfano a couple of guys who preceded you in the Honored Star Case and into heaven.
Stay Safe – Go Home Every Day – Do the Right Thing by Your Partner – Don’t Listen to These Carpetbaggers.
I would love to sign my name but I have a son on the Job who may be targeted by these petty assholes. So for the precious few who may be left that worked at Area #2 when it was at 91st and Cottage Grove I’ll sign off my saying “Puggs is alive and kicking and sends his best.”
7/04/2008 06:41:00 AM
Could not have said it better brother and thanks for mentioning Tom Kelly who still has family on the job
will the city let us park somewhere? Like the park accross the street. Or will king mumbles have dept of revenue out there ticketing us?
STOP NOW and stick together!
How come the news media doesn't have a picture of the shit head who killed officer francis all over the news. ?????????
police brass, mayor, and media.
They need to stand in line with the real police.
believe they would have said something to the 100 Club (Please donate) and the CPD Memorial Foundation(please donate.)
Sorry I will not give Phil Cline any more of my money so he can piss it away taking a large paycheck along with his friends, then pick and choose who receives funds. Give to the 100 club no political agenda and they volunteer. all your money goes to the cause.
7/04/2008 06:41:00 AM
I agree 100% thanks for the refresher lesson. jody is not and never will be one of us, him and his minions will destroy any copper for anything, any minor inftaction unless your a clout kid and whatever they do is always and forever overlooked fair yes ok boss!
I can understand why the family does not want the usual dog and pony show by the politicians and the bosses. Good for them.
One day wake, privately interred--maybe they will get the message and stay away.
SCC, would anyone out there please let the new guys know what to do / wear.
Stupid question but I've never been to a service for a fallen brother.
In this instance I think our donations would be better spent providing for Rich’s family rather than additional donations to the Memorial Fund. Rich had a special needs daughter and his family may now need some additional services that have associated costs. Run by and drop a check in their mailbox, or maybe in an envelope at the wake. Cash donation might just get redirected to the Memorial Fund. Nothing against the Fund, but this family will have additional bills on top of their difficult situation already. The Memorial fund has already contributed a substantial donation to the family, what a great show of support, so lets continue help Rich’s family here, not just give back to the fund. His wife and kids are very generous to want their donations to go back to the fund, maybe because the fund provided for them up front. Again, our support of the CPD Memorial fund is needed, but in a situation like this, our direct support of the family is much more important.
And to the goof who said that “They’re” trying to take something else away from us by not having the law enforcement procession to the cemetery… Officer Francis will get his procession- to the crematorium so as to abide by HIS wishes. His family has most graciously allowed us to honor him with an honors funeral, preceded by a police wake and church service. He and his family will then have a full escort to carry out his wishes. Sorry you’ll miss out on the parade and all the pretty lights. Check your facts, goof!
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. For it is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but rather, the urge to serve all others at whatever cost.
Author unknown
A procession is not a RIGHT for us. Focus on the family, you selfish clown. Remember he has an extremely special needs daughter. And instead of thinking about your "rights" idiot. Maybe Rich wanted a cremation. I will apologize for your stupidity. Family members read the original postings. Great messages.
"I hope the procession is on, nothing like taking away another right for us! RIP Officer Francis keep looking down and keep us safe! Prayers for your family!"
They didn't take away any right you alarmist, rumor spreading cancer! They are following the family's wishes!
If the family wants their private moment, it's theirs. They've already given up enough this week and don't have to answer to anyone for the arrangements they've requested.
We don't even KNOW if the procession won't just take him to the cemetery, then pull off before entering.
Rick, you will be missed. There are no words for this kind of whole in our collective heart.
SCC can you put a link to the 100 club. these people are all volunteers. all but pennies of the money you donate is used for the running of the fund.
well said puggs.....you need to be running this dept;)
"In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, 1359 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607"
The non-accountability Fund?
What the happened there?
I hope 10,000 people attend this wake and funeral.
Please show respect and take a few hours out of your life to be there.
"They didn't take away any right you alarmist, rumor spreading cancer! They are following the family's wishes!
7/04/2008 02:48:00 PM"
The only cancer is the tumors infesting our city and county governments.
And 'they' had better be following the family's wishes.......
The Memorial fund
As long as Cline is taking a six figure paycheck I will no longer give. My check will go directly to the family. We need to support them.
Anyone talking bag about the Police Memorial Fund is totally off base and has no idea about what they do for the families of the fallen. The Police Memorial Fund gave a $10,000 check to the family of Officer Francis the next day to be used anyway they see fit. That was only the beginning. Let's try to show some class once ina while. This site has turned into a real cest pool.
Why don't you ask Phil Cline what uniform to wear? Talk about distroying tradition.
For the new folks on the job -
Wear your dress blues, just like St. Jude. At the wake, try and show up for St. Judes (1900), otherwise just go through the line and offer your sympathies to the family and leave a Mass card or other sympathy card (as you wish).
For the Church:
Again, dress blues,arrive early (on street parking is usually allowed, Sts & San will post no parking for several blocks around so you can park) and wait outside the church for direction. After our fallen is escorted into the church, the family and friends go in to be seated, we go in as room allows. Most of us stand outside. Please behave with decorum - while you may see many friends you haven't in a while, be mindful of the family and try not to be loud or boisterous. The eyes of his family will be on all of us, as well as the city and the media. If you can't attend, and some can't, remember P.O. Francis in your thoughts or prayers, or in a suitable donation to the fund of choice.
Hope this helps, God Bless.
Nicely said PUGGs! I respect your service , I got chills reading your post, " stnading the wall at the Hilton" etc. Gave me goosebumps! Take her easy
"Anyone talking bag about the Police Memorial Fund is totally off base and has no idea about what they do for the families of the fallen. The Police Memorial Fund gave a $10,000 check to the family of Officer Francis the next day to be used anyway they see fit. That was only the beginning. Let's try to show some class once ina while. This site has turned into a real cest pool.
7/04/2008 06:40:00 PM"
Wow, talk about Freudian slips:
"Anyone talking bag about the Police Memorial Fund...."
'bag'? As in 'bag man'? As in 'bag stuffed with cash'?
"...the Police Memorial Fund is totally off base and has no idea about what they do for the families of the fallen."
That about says it nicely.
"This site has turned into a real cest pool."
'cest pool'? As in 'pool of (in)cest'? As in an accurate description of our city and county governments?
Still doesn't explain why Phat Phil pulls six figures out of the fund each year. Like he needs it.
How about volunteering, Phillip, like so many civilians do?
You know, working for a good and noble cause, without getting paid to do so.
FIrst of thanks to all for the kind comments about my post of 7/04/2008 06:41:00 AM.
After reading about the events at the Taste on Thursday evening I was disgusted hearing how your play bosses handled things. I only wish you guys had some bosses with balls. What a joy it was to work for a man like Deputy Superintendent Joe Mc Carthy. For you young guys Joe was a true "hands on" type of guy. Some folks called him Crazy Joe, but it was crazy in a positive sense. I personally saw him take two BD's one day and kick the living shit out of them. Two less shitheads who disrespected the police. We were allowed to outfit ourselves with devices back then to ensure our safety. We did'nt have to pay the slighest bit of attention to the edicts of the ACLU. We had saps, sap gloves, all things that kept us ahead of the assholes. But back then we had a Mayor who loved and backed the Police. Jane Bryne, for all the critisim she took, backed the Police 100% on every ocassion. Not pure and simple lip service like the Midget gives you now. Just remember one thing - who was the asshole who stabbed Jane in the back and gave use Harold Washington (and the start to all of the bullshit you're dealing with now) none other than Mayor Stupid himself.
Once again thanks for the kind comments and stay safe kids. And one final note to my son Jimmy - Boy oh Boy is your Dad proud of you kid - stay safe - and remember its better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6.
PS: one last thing - no matter what you read in the paper Jon Burge was a great boss. I know, I worked for him. He took care of business. He did what had to be done. Remember the Wilson brothers he is accused of abusing were responsible for the murders of PO's Fahey and O"Brien.
SCC - thanks for this site. It allows guys like me who would love nothing better to put on the costume one more time and allowing us the oppurtunity to remain part of the "brotherhood."
SEMPER FI
The 100 Club and CPD Memorial Foundation are two great organizations. The 100 Club gives money to the spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty and will pay for college for any children.
The Memorial Foundation also gives money to the spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty and pays for grammar school and high school for any children. The Memorial Foundation also pays tuition for grammar school, high school and college of children of police officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
Both organizations have to file with the Attorney General of the State of Illinois and the IRS. They also publish their expenditures on their websites. So for the person who said they are not accountable, that is not true. Thanks to the 100 Club and the CPD Memorial Foundation.
Gold Star
RIP. God bless Officer FRancis and prayers for family
Anyone talking bag about the Police Memorial Fund is totally off base and has no idea about what they do for the families of the fallen. The Police Memorial Fund gave a $10,000 check to the family of Officer
Send your Money to the family. That fund was created for paid jobs after retirement for exempts.10 thousand yet they have collected Millions??? No records kept
Still doesn't explain why Phat Phil pulls six figures out of the fund each year. Like he needs it.
How about volunteering, Phillip, ke so many civilians do?
When I was still on the job in the 9th dist,I know something was not right with this fund when I was called in by my watch commander asking why I gave only a set amount he wanted me to use the payroll deduction, or sign a sheet that had all the names from our watch on it I refused telling him I didn't feel right about this fund. sure enough I was called to the D/C officer and told that my name is on that list and how the list will be returned to Cline. The W/C said that I might be sorry. When I get strong armed a red flag goes up.
If Phil Cline truly cared about the CPD Memorial fund it would be done voluntarily, no salary, then he might get some respect. That position ought to be one of service work only, done for pure humanitarian reasons, NOT for compensation.
They will not get my money either as long as I know a retired superintendent is using some of the money to continue to gorge himself on prime steak dinners as in his glory days. Phil needs to back away from the food and money trough.
The family has made their choices for their own wishes - we should all honor their requests w/o 2nd thought. They gave us their husband, father, brother, uncle...
What we CAN do. When Weis stands up to speak (you know he will) all silently stand & turn your backs to him. No spectacle - no disrespect to the grieving family.
He is NOT one of us. He hasn't the foggiest idea how deep losing 1 of our Brothers cuts. He won't even speak to the officers when approached. Say what you want about Cline (I too am no fan) but he never snubbed his officers.
Show up at the wake & church enmasse. Surround our fallen Brother & his family with the love & respect of his extended family in blue. Show Weis how we support our Brother and blow his mind with the vast sea of blue.
So for the person who said they are not accountable, that is not true.
Sorry son but your wrong. I called they are not accountable only pennies on the dollar are used from the fund for the families. Phil started the fund in order to create a retirement income of 6 figures, If you know so much tell us how much Cline and his cronies are paid.
I HAVE a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
And apple-blossoms fill the air—
I have a rendezvous with Death 5
When Spring brings back blue days and fair.
It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath—
It may be I shall pass him still. 10
I have a rendezvous with Death
On some scarred slope of battered hill,
When Spring comes round again this year
And the first meadow-flowers appear.
God knows 'twere better to be deep 15
Pillowed in silk and scented down,
Where love throbs out in blissful sleep,
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,
Where hushed awakenings are dear...
But I've a rendezvous with Death 20
At midnight in some flaming town,
When Spring trips north again this year,
And I to my pledged word am true,
I shall not fail that rendezvous.
Alan Seeger 1888-1916
died on the battlefields in WW1
"DUTY IS OURS; CONSEQUENCES ARE GOD'S" - GENERAL STONEWALL JACKSON
OFFICER FRANCIS YOUR DUTY AND SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, YOU ARE NOW IN GOD'S HANDS.
AMEN TO THE BRASS NOT SITTING IN THE FRONT ROW. THIS MADE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH AT THE LAST PO FUNERAL. ITS AN INSULT TO THE FALLEN OFFICER AND HIS SURVIVING FAMILY. THIS IS NOT A TIME TO PARADE YOUR EGO, LET THE FIGHTING MEN OF THE TRENCHES HONOR THEIR BROTHER!!!
Let the brass serve us for a change-they should be the ushers-they should symbolically "take care" of their officers in their time of need, instead of sitting on their fat asses looking for a photomoment.
I knew Ricky very well, and believe me, he would be disgusted at the "dog and pony' show the bosses put on! Weiss' comments about Ricky as a "good wagon man, picked up prisoners" a 'soldier", etc..proved (ONCE AGAIN)that Weis has NO idea what it's like to be the Police. And excuse me, why are you wearing a POLICE UNIFORM? what's with the SUPER HUGE Hat? looked like the cover from a Weber Grill.
If the city really wanted to honor Ricky's memory, family and the rest of the men and women of the CPD, they would get the contract settled. You can talk your phony BS, but actions speak louder than words. Rick was a great guy with a kind heart,a loving husband and father, and funnier than hell.
We don't get to choose how we die, only how we live. Ricky, you done good. Rest easy, you earned it.
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