Citizen Appreciation
Letters, we get letters:
- Hello SSC,
I've long been a civilian lurker of your blog. I've found it interesting and informative but have never had a reason to write to you. The events of this morning have compelled me to write.
A little after 6:30am Sunday morning my wife and I were awoken by gunshots very close by. Due to the mild night we had the windows open and there was no mistaking the 6-7 distinct pops that could be nothing but a gun discharging. (For some reason my wife always hears firecracker and asks me if it is gunfire. Today, when it actually was a gun, she asked me if it was firecrackers. Go figure.) I immediately grabbed the phone and called 911 and informed the dispatcher that I was just awoken to the sound of 6-7 gunshots and now there is a women in the street sobbing loudly. Within a minute there were 2 cops on the scene and two minutes later the area was absolutely swarming with police.
I am a little weak on hard facts but from what I've heard from my neighbors this is what happened: While we had initially assumed gang involvement, the incident was the result of a man either leaving or getting kicked out of his wife's/girlfriend's apartment after a long night of drinking. From the sidewalk he fired 5-6 shots into the building and then turned the gun on himself falling dead on the sidewalk. No one else was injured.
During this entire incident the responding officers dealt with a situation full of unknowns, grieving and distraught family members, and a concerned general public. I saw a police and fire department working together quickly and professionally to understand the crime scene and attempt to save a man's life. For that I would like to offer a sincere thank you to the police officers of the 17th District. Know that there are people who live in Chicago who do not judge an entire department based on the mistakes of a few.
Sincerely,
Jon M.
If only we could publish a letter like this daily, we'd feel a lot better about where the Department was in terms of citizen support. But these letters are few and far between.
In any case, Thanks for the kind words Jon M. We appreciate the support more than you know.
In any case, Thanks for the kind words Jon M. We appreciate the support more than you know.
Labels: good news
posted by SCC at 12:32 AM
65 Comments:
Thanks. Most certainly the type of thread we need to read more of.
Jon M,
I have to thank you for your letter and the time you took out of your day to write it. I was not out there, but as a member of the CPD your thoughts are greatly appreciated... Thanks and be safe.
Thank you Jon M. This kind of professionalism you speak of occurs all over the city all day long and I've gone years without hearing so much as a thank you.
It seems to me the last 3-4 years has been nothing a steady stream of hate toward us police and after getting beat up for so long it really takes its toll on a man, even those of us whom everyone expects to be superhuman. Our job trully is a thankless job, but man oh man is it nice to hear a sincere thank you once every couple years.
Thanks Jon M. I don't work in 017 but your kind letter was certainly refreshing and a hell of a lot more than this city has ever given us. God Bless you and yours.
believe this happened on the 4400 block of N. Spaulding.
Thank you,Jon M,for your kind words and support.
Let me tell you a story, my family does not come from a long line of police men.i came here to this country in may of 1966.my parents were in their forties with no special skills .we farmed in our country to sell in the city so my parents could survine and feed nine kids that they had,my grand mother came here after world war two,she saved and scrimped to bring us here because our house burned down to the ground and we live in the barn (yes barn)with the animals so we could survive,good old u.s.a. would not allow us here till they made sure that our goverment would not have to give us hand outs(as every ileagle gets now).my parents took the only jobs they could,my dad and mom were in house keeping that's a nice word for janitors,they also saved and scrimped to give us a better life,bought their first home in 1967 and paid it of in 7 years,that meant for us kids no toys,no vacations, no junk food,mcdonalds was once a year as a special treat,christmas was underware and p.j's because that's what we needed.and you know what we are all still here,none of us evere went to jail,as all the excuses every moran makes now a days,yes we were dirt poor.not like the brats that are being raised now adays.my father allways spoke of the police here how honarable they were in this country because where we came from it was a communist country and the police came and took whatever food they wanted.that was just the way things were done in a communist country,my son would listen as these stories were told over and over again by his grandfather. we were all thought to respect a police officer,and my son became a police officer at the age of 22.the proudest day of my live,and the sadest day because of my father watching his grandson and propably not even knowing his grandson because my dad,his grandfather had alzheimers,but in my heart i know why my son became a chicago police officer because of the respect he was thought as kid for our chicago police officers by his grandparents and his parents,do not ever think that we do not apreciate that the police do,i have never gone to bed with out praying to keep my son safe and his blue brothers,thank you,a proud mom of a chicago polce officer.
thank you.
Despite what the media would have you believe, most of the good citizens of Chicago are just like Jon M. We need to try to remember that. To the rest of you civilian readers, most of us are pretty decent Officers too, a little stressed sometimes, but trying to do the right thing. It's what we do.
I wish the silent MAJORITY would speak up more often.
Hey Jon,
Thanks
We don't forget who were out there for, people like you, our neighbors, people that should be able to go out and enjoy life without the fear becoming a victim.
Some of the fustration or venting that goes on here, which is a good thing, is that many know/feel that folks deserve better, like a fully staffed police department with all the tools available to accomplish that, we all deserve that and
should settle for nothing less.
To Jon M and the 'proud mom of a Chicago Police Officer,' we do our job on a daily basis because of people like yourself. WE have families too. That's why it disturbs us so much when the media uses us as fodder, judging all by a few.
Yes, we will continue to uphold our tradition as have the many that proudly proceeded us and even gave their lives in the process. You can see by the many posts on this site that many of us are disgruntled and tired of being the punching bag for the media and politicians with our hands tied behind our backs. But rest assured the men and women of the Chicago Police Dept. are talented, dedicated and live up to the term, "Chicago's Finest."
I know, I worked arm-in-arm with many of them for forty years before retiring last year.
Stay safe my brothers and sisters and continue to back up one another.
"Remember That Thin Blue Line"
I've posted on your blog before and support the men and women on the Chicago Police Department.
The media scrutiny that officers are subjected to in the City is ludicrous. Travel elsewhere and the media is far more supportive of the police.
Some officers have made mistakes, and have paid a far heavier price than civilians in terms of having their issues disseminated in the media.
I'm a city employee and can fully appreciate the disdain for "merit" promotions. First you get passed over for a position, then get stuck working for a political martinette, a definite lose/lose proposition.
I appreciate the job that you men and women do. Your presence is always welcome in the 16th district.
Jon M.
Thanks for your kind words, and my God bless you and your famiy.
Thank you
mr. john q citizen-- thank you for calling the police when you heard the gunshots and thank you for reading our blog and being a police backer. you live on beat 1724-- call the 017 desk and inquire about the next beat meeting and maybe set up a ride along for a few hours with the watch commander with the beat officers.
Thank you, just doing our job.
Thanks for the kind comments.
As one of the coppers on scene (paper car), I'd like to say that the scene was well handled by my fellow coppers, tape, evidence, IDing and interviewing witnesses, etc.....very well executed. I've worked the scene of many shootings and this was a smooth operation from start to finish on our side. The citizens, this is the first scene that I've ever worked where the citizens were actually WILLING to talk to the police, to provide information, and assist in whatever way that they could, I was impressed, that's what a neighborhood should be. Mr. Jon, I don't believe that we spoke, but I appreciate the fact that you took the time to post this. None of us came on this job expecting praise, to be popular, or any real recognition, and when we do get it, it is greatly appreciated because it reminds us of why we do it, and for whom we protect and serve. Thanks for making my week that much better.
017 PO 1st Watch
Great letter of kindness.... until that fateful day occurs when a parker or mover is issued.
I wish the silent MAJORITY would speak up more often.
5/26/2009 07:52:00 AM
I'm not so sure that citizens like Jon represent the majority anymore.
Either way, thanks for the letter Jon.
Thank you sir...
SSC crew....
I too, am a civilian lurker. A while back I witnessed Our CPD going "above and beyond" and was inspired to write a congratulatory letter. I mentioned my intention on this very blog, and was instructed to deliver the letter to "the superintendant", which I did.....don't know if the much deserved congratulations were passed on, especially to those who deserved to hear it.... This article makes me wonder if this very blog is the best place to post positive feedback from the Chicago civilian populace as opposed to letters sitting on desktops?
I think so.
Would you consider allowing or expanding this Blog to feature future letters of thanks? I have to imagine letters such as these come more frequently than we think?
take care,
B
Thank you for the compliment. We appreciate citizens like you as well.
Dear Mr. Jon M.,
Thank You! Many people don't realize what a simple, sincere "Thank you, officer" could do.
God Bless & Thank You Jon!!!
I am so proud to be married to a Chicago Police Officer. He carries pride of this great city on his shoulders every day. I am so proud of this entire police department and the brotherhood I see on a regular basis. You could not ask for better friends. This is a GREAT group of Men and Women!!! God bless the CPD!!!!!!!!
17 Dist. P.O. Says:
THANK YOU Jon M. Much respects to you for the kind words, I'm sure we who work in 17 appreciate it.. Thank You once again...
Jon M.
Thanks.
Appreciate a citizen actually UNDERSTANDING situations for once. Its very rare that this happens. Usually its the snide comments like "what do u do all day, drive in circles?" or "where u going? dunkin donuts?" No everyone, we actually have REAL WORLD SHIT to deal with
Tx, Jon M., you and 3:05a.m., made my day. And 3:05, you brought a tear to my eye, as your letter represents alot of what my grandparents (who immigrated legally from Poland) taught their children and grandchildren about hardwork and communism. My Busia cried regularly when she told the story of the communists who poisoned the wells on the farms of Poland and slaughtered their farm animals for amusement. G-d bless you and yours!!! P.S. They learned English and became PROUD citizens and were forever grateful to the USA.
Here's a tip for you, move out of Albany Park!
I hear the lodge filed a grievance demanding that Po's who have been assigned to call-back get put back in the street unless they have criminal cases pending.
Hats off to you !
Jon M., your "thank you" is most welcome. The 017th District police officers do a fantastic job and work their butts off. They deserve to hear your kind words of praise, they are really good police officers. Times are tough now both in the Dept. and the City and its good to hear positive things once in awhile. Thanks again, ...017th Dist. supervisor
We, the Chicago Police Department, appreciate your time for writing a very positive comment and you have no idea how you made us proud of what we do as a Police Officer.
I always knew that despite of the negative article that media published everytime, there's someone like you, John, who recognized our service.
I was there that morning and canvassed the area of incident. As a appreciation, I won't forget to drive by your area at night during my tour of duty.
God Bless you and the CPD.
Thank you we're out there for people like you
Thanks for the kind words, it helps. We get so used to hearing the opposite it does wear you out and furthur reduce your faith in humanity, combined with seeing the worst side of people most of the time.
Mr M,
I don't work in 017 but appreciate your comments. Thanks
Thank you dear citizen for your kind words of appreciation. God bless and stay safe.
Jon,
As morale is at an all time low, it was nice to hear an expression of appreciation from one of the citizens we serve. Thank you
Jon...
Move WEST of Central av.! Or East back over the river!
There will be gunshots in your area once in a awhile until the YUPS take over!
Best of luck with the family!
CPD
Finally, one more on our side and understands the job we have to do and what we deal with everyday.
I appreciate the kind words and no matter what district your in, all of us should appreciate the citizens that recognize us.
Anonymous said...
I wish the silent MAJORITY would speak up more often.
5/26/2009 07:52:00 AM
Amen to that brother!!!!!
Thanks for the kind words Jon M and noticing what most do not. It's nice to hear every once in a while.
Jon M just made me smile for the first time today.
Daley is already hung the police out to dry that conducted the investigation on the hit & run. These people did their jobs, did what they were supposed to do, did their best in an extremely difficult situation and our asshole of a Mayor is already calling for an investigation.
Why bother doing anything? Just get your keys at the beginning of the tour, drive to your hole and stay there only coming out to answer jobs. See what happens when you do proactive policework and try to do the right thing? Daley and JPUD want screw you over. KEEP THE BLINDERS ON AT ALL TIMES!!!
I would like to thank u Jon M. for your kind words. My father was CPD for 33 yrs and I joined 10yrs ago at age 30. I never thought I would ever do this job, but i guess people like u and my love for this city drew me in. It sucks to be the police in this city! People like u keep me gettin up and putting on that blue shirt.
Publish the event number.
Anonymous said...
Thanks Jon M. I don't work in 017 but your kind letter was certainly refreshing and a hell of a lot more than this city has ever given us. God Bless you and yours.
5/26/2009 01:23:00 AM
Jon M. for Mayor!
Somebody made CPD shirts honoring fallen officers from Oakland and Pittsburgh. Anyone know where I can get one?
mr. john q citizen-- thank you for calling the police when you heard the gunshots and thank you for reading our blog and being a police backer. you live on beat 1724-- call the 017 desk and inquire about the next beat meeting and maybe set up a ride along for a few hours with the watch commander with the beat officers.
5/26/2009 09:32:00 AM
I think that would be a cool idea. This guy deserves a ride a long if he would be interested. Hopefully someone in our "CRAPS" office could do something. We shall see, BTW "who do you know?" before we set this up?
You want a nice letter about cops? Okay here's one
I was going to write a few weeks earlier, but then got busy and forgot
The one on the thread inspired me
My 80 year old mother called me about three weeks ago on a Monday morning and told me that she had received a telephone call advising her that she had won a sweepstakes that she had entered 7 months previous.
All she needed to do was pay the $1500 taxes due on the winnings (in cash) to a messenger from the prize company and the $538,000 would be hers.
I told her that she was being scammed. She said I was wrong, and I said Im sending the police to her house.
I called 311 ( where I toiled for a few years before my retirement) and they sent two cars from 018 over to my monm's condo.
I jumped in my car and raced down there. When I got there I was met by an officer who's name I thought Id never forget but I cant recall now.
He said that the other officer Angela Smith had walked with my mom to the bank where she was headed to try and get a cash advance on her credit card.
The first officer I mentioned spent an hour with me and my mom as she screamed at us and berated both for suggesting that she was about to be scammed.
Im glad the officer was there because some do gooder may have cold cocked me thinking I was harassing some poor old lady while my mother was screaming at me to go away and to leave her alone.
Anyway, both of the POs who responded. (Officer Im sorry I cant recall your name now.)
and the 018th dist desk officer on days PLUS the Community policing office (PO Jackson) all did an outstanding job assisting me in this stressful and embarrassing situation.
My mom finally realized that she was being scammed and wants to apologize to that first officer whos name I cant recall
By the way I did call the business sergeant in 018 and thank everyone involved and the 42nd ward office
At the time I knew all the names of all the officers involved, so they got their props when it counted
Thanks for giving me a chance to share a feel good story
Brandon Medow
CPD ret
John would u like to run for mayor.
"Thanks for giving me a chance to share a feel good story
Brandon Medow
CPD ret
5/26/2009 10:42:00 PM"
You're a lucky man, to have a mother who is still up to the task of chewing you out, even when you're right.
I feel sorry for the scammers if they have the bad luck to show up on her doorstep now.
John,
Know that you and your family will always be in the back of our minds while we are cruisin' past that vicinity during our shifts. It's just something you don't forget. Some blocks you remember certain calls forever, yours I'm sure the police will remember there is a citizen who appreciates the police presence.
If Jon M ran for governor maybe we'd finally get one that didn't retire to the pen.
I love Jon M and his family. I work as far south as you possibly can but I believe I will drive by his crib each night on my tour.
I'm another Albany Parker (1723) and I love our POs! Always fast to respond, always nice.
My dad worked out of Grace & Damen (he passed in 1982) so I am "policeman's offspring" and have nothing but respect for the police and the job you face every day.
The "silent majority" you speak of exists. We need you and appreciate you!
MB
Hello everyone. Thanks for your suggestion of attending the 1724 CAPS meeting. I've already been many times and have found them to be very informative. (Last week the 1724 meeting was on my anniversary. My joking suggestion that it would make a fun date resulted in the need to take my wife to an even nicer restaurant.) I've read here and can understand the resentment over CAPS when the Department is so understaffed on patrol, but for me it has been a good chance to get to know and talk with the officers patrolling my neighborhood.
I wish there were more residents at each meeting, maybe even an alderman or two, but when I go I do pass on the info to my neighbors so CAPS does touch more people than the butts in the seats.
When I was a kid my dad was on the city council (NOT in Chicago but a very small town in Michigan) and my brother and I loved to go to the police and fire station. The guys there always showed us the cool equipment and if Dad said we had been good they would let us hit the siren. Maybe that experience has helped me to recognize that cops are more than a gun and badge but people who chose a job to make a difference and help people.
Stay safe and thanks again for being there whenever needed, even in the early morning on the Sunday of a holiday weekend with or without a contract.
Wait a minute..did the guy kill himself with a handgun? How is this possible..we have gun control here! Those laws should have prevented him from taking his own life. Perhaps it's time to revisit prohibition as well.
I wish Mark Lorenz could read some of the postive comments that seemingly non police people posted on here. The majority of us took this job because we at one time believed in the right versus wrong we have a court system that doesn' support us in Crook County. SNIPA or I mean IPRA makes us the offender and the offender the victim. And we have the glorified salespeople, aka the news media, sensalizing the few of us that intentionally or by neglience commit criminal acts. With all this going on, Pople wonder why crime is up and will skyrocket. Go Home safe physically/administratively. This is just a job!!!
I had to add this comment as well, as I reside in 017 also (1712). As a friend of many working PO's I understand how hamstrung you folks get with your 'system'. And even though you have a DC who is a nutjob (from a friend who served under him in 013),I have always been appreciative of the response on any calls I've made for service. Living in the 'green zone' West of Pulaski, I realize that priority response is given, and that the car is normally out of the area working the crap side of the beat. Myself and my fellow neighbors, will always be proactive in doing whatever it takes to help out the RO's, as we have to meet you half way on identifying problems. I have met many decent POs here over the years, guys like Sgt T.S., and know that the response is measured by the other jobs assigned.
As a long time reader of SCC ( actually at the daily level now), I have learned way more here than at the entirety of the CAPS meetings over the years. It's a shame when that is the situation, but kudos to SCC, and also the folks in blue for the crap you all endure day to day.
To the poster that mentioned "wait until that parker, and see if he likes us then", I say this: If I get a parker, I know I'm in the wrong...(it is my choice not to buy a city sticker and line Richie's pockets any further)and I don't take it out on anybody else. Of course thats not an issue against CPD, as the only ones Ive gotten were from the lowlife DOR humps who scurry through here in the AM dressed like thugs w/ an orange vest.
Stay safe, and know that the 'silent majority' do exist. God bless, and have a safe night!
Great letter of kindness.... until that fateful day occurs when a parker or mover is issued.
5/26/2009 10:35:00 AM
MUST YOU KILL THE MOMENT!!!
Great letter of kindness.... until that fateful day occurs when a parker or mover is issued.
5/26/2009 10:35:00 AM
MUST YOU KILL THE MOMENT!!!
5/28/2009 12:08:00 PM
Sorry to disappoint boys and girls. I too am a civilian lurker who is very grateful for each and every one of you. Now the guy that gave me two parkers 5 minutes apart for the same offense is a bit of a jag, but considering what you guys go through, I just paid both tickets.
Keep up the good work. The human citizens of this city really do appreciate all that you go through.
An audio recording of the incident is available at http://www.justin.tv/clip/4b9d903509969fed
At the beginning of the recording you can hear a retired PO using the injured officer's radio to call for an ambulance. At the end of the recording you can hear the discovery that the weapon is missing.
Post a Comment
<< Home