Thank You
A big and heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Saturday's funeral event.
The Honor Guard was spectacular.
The bands were excellent.
The Officers attending were awe inspiring.
And a special thanks to all our suburban and out-of-state brethren who attended both wake and funeral. We hope the Chicago Police Department was there in your times of trial and will be should the need ever arise.
We only wish that all of the participants weren't so good at their jobs, because it means we've had way too much practice at burying our Officers.
The Honor Guard was spectacular.
The bands were excellent.
The Officers attending were awe inspiring.
And a special thanks to all our suburban and out-of-state brethren who attended both wake and funeral. We hope the Chicago Police Department was there in your times of trial and will be should the need ever arise.
We only wish that all of the participants weren't so good at their jobs, because it means we've had way too much practice at burying our Officers.
Labels: officer down
posted by SCC at 12:07 AM
56 Comments:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB9-NcunsKc
God Bless AV. I work for Forest View PD and after everyone left the cemetery, I noticed that there were no flags or flowers for him. So I placed two American Flags on his grave. I am so sorry for the loss of such a great officer and felt compelled to do something for him. Be safe out there brothers and sisters because you never know what a shift may bring.
I doubt that Officer Valadez's fiance will have a moment to read the blog, but I hope she knows that our hearts are with her. We all need to remember to be there for her when the funeral is over, the house is empty and time begins to move again. That is when it will be the hardest. We also need to make sure that their beautiful son knows that he too is part of the police family and that he will be taken care of. May God keep her safe and help to heal her broken heart.
I never knew Alex,but I know what he stood for!
This tragic loss which may sound weird, has made me truly feel proud to be a member of the CPD.
Just for a moment not to think about the politics involved in the department.
Alex your death has brought me back to reality (morale) and the job I have been falling out of love with.
You gave your life for this City the least I can do is be a Proud Member of this Department which you were a fine part of.
I will always speak your name to new comers and keep your memory in my heart.
Rest In Peace; My Brother
I'm sorry I could not make it. I feel like sh*t. I'll see you (and the others) in the big cop-bar in the sky one day. save me a stool.
this sucks.
Miss ya, Rick!
STILL TEARY EYED, REST IN PEACE ALEX. HANG IN THERE TO THE FAMILY AND HIS CLOSEST FRIENDS. YOU ALWAYS WILL BE REMEMBERED AS THE "WATCH" GUY FROM THE FIRST DAY OF THE ACADEMY! LOL.. ALEX WE MISS YOU SO MUCH MAN. 05-5D
My Trend Micro anti-virus says there's a trojan on that blog in the loop site with PO Valadez's photos.
I found a great video on YouTube. Beautifully done w/some pics.
Rich Daley is a babbling idiot. His speech at the funeral was nothing short of shameful. I apologize to A.V.'s family for the mayor, what a fucking scar on what was otherwise a very beautiful funeral mass.
Here's a site showing squads from many of the suburban that attended
http://copcardotcom.fotki.com/photographs_of_greg/chicago-police-vehicles/funeral-for-chicago-1/
I was not too impressed with the turnout by the CPD. WE should have been able to fill that parking lot across the street from the church. Here we have a young Officer gunned down in the prime of his life and I'll bet we didn't even have 1,000 Officers attend his funeral. 1,000 from a Department that is allegedly staffed with 13,500 Officers. He gave his life, couldn't you give him just a few hours? Shameful!
God Bless this officer. My heart goes out to him,his family and his fiance and unborn child. Please know that he will never be forgotten. To my fellow officers,i believe the way to honor AV is to live our lives with the perspective of what is truly important. Become better friends,better fathers and mothers and husbands and wives because after all the phony tears from the mayor and our exempts is complete and AV star is at 35 th street collecting dust,the thing that will keep Av's memory alive will be the type of friend he was,the type of son,brother and so on and the impact he made on others lives. So in honor of Av,call that friend you were meaning to call. If you have a person in your life that you have not been close to lately,call that person tell them you love them and make time for them. The most important thing is that if you are fighting with someone you love,tell them you are sorry and make peace with them.We deal with so much on this job and we deal with the fact that we may not make it home at the end of the shift so we should use this tragedy as a reminder to love our friends and family like there is no tomorrow.At the end of the day,a successful day is not how many event numbers or seatbelt missions or numbers we give for these self serving bosses. A successful day is every single officer at rollcall comes home safe to check off. Lets be good to each other. Lets back each other up and lets be a family in good times and in bad. God Bless AV and in his memory lets love our friends and family and our police family better.
There is a nice memorial piece at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C86qMfJp23Q
I told my wife,God forbid, if something like this ever happens to me,DO NOT and mean DO NOT let those two pieces of shit (the midget and the banjo boy) near my services.I dont want them there and we dont need them. My family will find a way to pay for the services. Somehow they'll manage.
FUCK THEM!
I hope that Preventive Programs gets their shit together one of these times. One of their main purposes is to take the lead in tragic events such as a police officer's murder. At the hospital last Monday, family members were being transported around in caged beat cars from 007 and 012. Piss and shit infested cage cars huh????They also called the watch commander in 008 on midnites to send a car over to the parents house to inform them that their son was shot. WTF. Get someone in there that knows the commands of when to salute and when to parade rest. Frickin joke. I know it's a spot and probably a good one, however, do your job and maybe read a book to refresh yourself on what to do at coppers funerals. I was stunned at how unprepared this group from Preventive Programs is.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB9-NcunsKc
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Paul Harvey, God rest your soul!
If off duty police can be held accountable for their inactions, why can judges be sued civilly for their failure to fulfill their court order inactions (i.e. lampkins' failure to revoke bond on the dog after not filling his court order probation requirements)?
Just asking
6/07/2009 06:07:00 AM
The answer to this question is that they have ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY! They basically can do what they want and cant be sued and thats a law, which is why we have a f'ed up court system. The police for the most part are the only ones held accountable, for example look at Judge Sheila McGinnis getting away with the DUI.
Hope it helps office, just had this topic at school. GOD Bless you and your family AV!
. On a side note any CPD Officer that was off today and didn't go to the Funeral, SHAME ON YOU!!!
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Since the tragic event, there's not a single day that I didn't think and pray about PO Alejandro "Alex" Valadez and his family. Yes I was off that day and absolutely no excuse for not going . Instead, I chosed to spend my day off with my family and cherished every moment that we're together. I'll tell them more often how much I love them and would also give them hugs and kisses.
I weep for PO Valadez' unborn son because he will never meet his Dad, a Hero....
Anonymous said...
God Bless AV. I work for Forest View PD and after everyone left the cemetery, I noticed that there were no flags or flowers for him. So I placed two American Flags on his grave. I am so sorry for the loss of such a great officer and felt compelled to do something for him. Be safe out there brothers and sisters because you never know what a shift may bring.
6/07/2009 12:24:00 AM
Thank You Brother/Sister we appreciate it!
To all those that attended or participated in Alex's funeral, Thank You very much.
Our job is not done, however.
We need to continue to show our support to 'all' those families by supporting our own Memorial Foundation and by participating in St. Jude, The Candle light Vigil, Springfield and Washington DC memorials. Proof positive to all the families of our commitment to them to, "Never Let Them Walk Alone."
Rest in everlasting peace brother.
EVANSTON P.D.
R.I.P. Alex,
Now, I never knew Alex, or his partner. I would never give a rat's ass what any politician said at any funeral because of what they say and do about us all the rest of the time. All of us outside didn't hear what the politicains said inside the church. We were comisserating with each other outside, with people you don't see until something like this happens.
Then we formed up, it seemed the uniforms were six or eight deep and half a block long. Then we heard his partner speak, and this was the most elequent words on the brotherhood of partners, of the being police and family I have ever heard. There was silence outside when he spoke, except when there was muffled applause from our white gloved hands.
Please, I hope that someone got that speech on video and puts it on You-Tube, and this blog.
Is it just me or is the Mayor the absolute worst public speaker the worls has evere seen? My God Officer Vargas spoke so much better than him!
These animals were on the street when they should have been in prison. Read this article about the Thompson Correctional Center in western Illinois. It has been sitting vacant for more than 8 years. Maximum security, state of the art prison. All of the correctional officers hired have been detailed out to other IDOC facilities. The place is falling apart. OUR tax dollars being used to maintain the facility. Capacity of 1100 inmates..but it's vacant. Valadaz's murderers could have been there.
http://www.prairie-advocate-news.com/5-13-09/heart5_13_09.html
RIP
When one us us falls we are all the lesser for it.
RIP Brother.
Great video. How true. Thanks for the link.
As the Ghost of Revolver Police drives slowly through the streets of of 023...
He points the unmarked box caprice south on the drive. He picks up the ryan south and goes in the direction of 007. Traffic yields for the flashing headlights as he slices through traffic. He stops for a light, and the passenger door swings open. In steps a young officer, wearing a vest and blue jeans...Welcome home Alex !, says the ghost of revolver police.
I never knew Alex personally. But his death does not come any easier. Too bad the only people who understand or back us up are our brothers and sisters in blue and our immediate families. I know in my heart God has a speacial place for Alex. To his partner, I can't even begin to realize your pain. Partners are closer than anyone else. May you heal. To all my brothers and sisters please be safe. The streets are out of control and we are the ones who suffer. May God watch over all of you. You are not alone. Help is just a call away. We may have our differences, but when a PO needs help, we are coming. To his fiance and family, anything you need, we will always be there for you and Alex's child.
From a citizen troller: I was at Houlihans Saturday eveining watching the local news at dinner time and saw his mother leaving the church behind the casket of her son. I was surprised because she was distraught, more so than I expected which really hit home. Why should she not be distraght? She is burying her son and no parent should ever have to bury their child because of circumstances as these. I hope she will remember to always turn to her faith. Tt will be her most importnant and after time only solace. This morning WE could only pray for Alex and his family, that only God can aid and comfort them and will do so and for all the others who give too much way to often for this city. Our prayers and thanks I have come to believe are not enough or equal to the sacrifice but are our most important gifts.
Yet another good column by John Kass in today's Sunday Tribune. Mr. Kass was at Alex's wake.
"2 belonged behind bars before officer's slaying"
East Chicago Indiana Police sent three members of their Honor Guard to assist ours at the wake on Friday. They were sharped dressed and it was great seeing them stand at the casket. Thank you guys we appreciate the support.
I think one of the biggest thank you's that hasn't been given is to the gold star family members that were there to show their support for the Valadez family and us: Shawn Lee(wife of P/O Eric Lee), Joan Knight(wife of P/O John Knight), Sandy Wright(I believe the daughter of Gerald Wright) and Donna Marquez(sister of Donald Marquez). It is important that all of these brave women who had their lives completely turned upside down know that we are still there for them and that we truly appreciate their continued support for all they do for not only us but the families that unfortunately keep joining their ranks.
Very nice youtube video.
Anonymous said...
I found a great video on YouTube. Beautifully done w/some pics.
6/07/2009 04:20:00 AM
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The video was put together by leomemorial.
Very touching.... you did a very good job with that Renee. Very special tribute for a very special young man. God Bless Him.
God Bless Officer Alex Valadez, his family, fiance and their unborn child.
Friends from the Cook County Sheriffs Police (Retired)
I know losing a fellow P.O is a horrible thing, but enough with the 007th district ranger shit, we are all CHICAGO POLICE officers no matter where we work, its just as dangerous ANYWHERE, remember where officer FRANCIS worked?? I have worked in the ghetto too, for 6 yrs before I wised up and went up north, so wise up and bid out of the ghetto, those rats will never respect you and will kill you in a heartbeat...RIP Alex, you will be missed and yes I did work in 007 for 3 out of my 9 yrs on this job. REMEMBER crime happens everywhere in this city not just in 007 !!
SCC,
I am sure the information I am about to request has been made available elsewhere, and that I have missed seeing it. I would really appreciate your posting information on where one might send a donation to the Valadez family. Money is not going to ease the pain, but it may help those who remain behind to live a little easier. I am not rich by any means, but I sure do want to send something along to help that family along.
Thank you and be well,
The old Pop of two policemen
I felt sick see the phony susptand his Fed puppies there.
A few days ago I wrote in asking if it was permissable for a regular citizen to attend the funeral for Chicago Police Officer Valadez. There were several replies to my question, all positive and all saying it was OK.
I had the heartbreaking honor to attend the funeral for CPD Officer Valadez. It was very touching to see a ceremonious funeral for an officer whose life was taken in service to our city. The respect and honor given to a fallen officer, from the police officers of other departments to the children outside with signs, just shows the great loss we suffered when Officer Valadez was taken from us.
I never had the honor to know Officer Valadez. But as an ordinary citizen, I was feeling a loss. I do not know why I felt as if I suffered a personal loss, in no way am I comparing this to the loss felt by the officers friends, family and fellow police officers, but his death touched me as if I had known Officer Valadez.
I was brought to tears when I heard he died on Monday and throughout the week as I read or saw a picture about the death of Officer Valadez. It was hard to hold back upon the arrival of Officer Valadez at St. Bede with the bag pipes and seeing the hurt and pain in his family, friends and fellow police officers, especially his parents. The tribute by his partner was very moving and personal in nature where those who did not know Officer Valadez got to know him through his partner.
Today, the hurt continues. The tears continue. And the anger multiplies against those responsible after reading the John Kass column and what I consider ineptitude of the judge who had previously dealth with the two animals (I don't know what to call his killers, they are worse than animals.) I would like to make a contribution that goes directly to his family and fiance and son and will look forward to seeing that information posted. I will also make a contribution to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. This is the least I could do to honor the heroes, the warriors who are working on our behalf as a stabilizing force in good against evil.
I still cannot get over the courage and bravery that police officers exhibit. When most people would be fleeing a scene that involves shots fired, police officers are going towards the scene. No amount of thanks and gratitude can ever express the true admiration I have for those who serve and protect us.
Thank you all for allowing me to attend the most sorrowful of services filled with such honor and respect.
David
Citizen, City of Chicago
"Chuckles said...
When one us us falls we are all the lesser for it.
RIP Brother.
6/07/2009 04:37:00 PM"
No, sweetie, you must never feel this way. We, and I include all righteous people, understand death and must become better than the creeps (savages?) who killed one of your own.
Now, Officer Valdez' family (his fiance and unborn child) must continue to be told of his valiance, because he did his job just like a knight of the Round Table in olden times.
You,Chuckles, must take heart. Do you understand what that means? Do everything you possibly can to do job to the best of your ability--and then do it some more.
If you fail to do this, Chuckles, "I" or someone else may die at the hands of a criminal.
Which would you prefer upon your conscience--a parking ticket, or letting some savage go all freaky with a gun and kill several people while you watch?
No guts, no glory--that's the idiom I grew up with. What about you?
Oh, but forgive me, I am ONLY the daughter of a damned good, deceased detective from Milwaukee!
To 6/07/2009 08:31:00 PM:
Lets not forget Gladys Young (wife of Greg Young). I had the pleasure of speaking with her at the wake. These families come out and support us despite the reminder of the time they were the ones in the front by the casket. The quote is so true: "We will never forget". R.I.P. Alex.
TO 6/07/09. 1030AM AMEN BROTHER YOU ARE SO CORRECT, PREVENTIVE SERVICES IS CLOUT/ DO NOTHING UNIT. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL. THEY WORK TWO HOURS A DAY AND GET A TAKE HOME CAR. IN THE MILITARY THEY HAVE PROFESSIONAL UNITS THAT HANDLE THIS AND THEY EVEN GONE TO PROFESSIONAL MILITARY SCHOOLS.
Here we have a young Officer gunned down in the prime of his life and I'll bet we didn't even have 1,000 Officers attend his funeral. 1,000 from a Department that is allegedly staffed with 13,500 Officers. He gave his life, couldn't you give him just a few hours? Shameful!
Dont know what funeral you were at but there was more than a thousand when I was there
David
Citizen, City of Chicago
6/08/2009 01:44:00 AM
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David, a HUUUGE THANK YOU! Although we are the whipping boys of the store front reverends, and the ghetto trash sympathizers, it's for people like you I do what I do. I WANT to make the streets safe so good, honest folks like you can take a walk at night in your own neighborhood and be SAFE! And if that means chasing some dirtbag with a gun through your alley at 2a.m., so be it. THAT'S my job! I think all some of us Police Officers are looking for is a kind word every now & then.
It's sad that it takes something like the tragedy of losing a fine, young Officer to those useless savages to get some positive media attention, but we know how the media operate$!
David, I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to go Officer Valadez' funeral and to write your kind words on this blog. It's for people like you that we keep doing what we do. GOD BLESS YOU!
A few days ago I wrote in asking if it was permissable for a regular citizen to attend the funeral for Chicago Police Officer Valadez.....
Thank you David. You're who we're all forking for.
Wow David, You just brought a tear to my eyes. I hope this letter finds it's way to Alex's family.
The pointless death of Alex Valadez has been very much on the minds of those of us here in Madison ("Berkeley with Cows") Wisconsin this past week. More and more we find ourselves dealing with the overflow of drugs and gun violence endemic to neighborhoods such as Englewood. I found the "Ghost of Revolver Police" poem posted earlier deeply moving and a fitting tribute to Off. Valadez. The image of a spectral copper from decades past roaming the streets of Chicago in a "box caprice" and partnering up with Alex, who represents a different generation but the same commitment to law enforcement, truly resonated with me.
My biggest complaint of the whole incident surrounding the tragic taking of the life of Officer Valadez is the appearance of our Superintendant.
I bring this up now that the dead have been buried and we attempt to return to some sense of normalcy, such as it may be to each and every one of us.
I dont agree with the fact that the Superintendant cares to wear our uniform. I have never been vocal about the issue because I honestly believe that most of the hard working men and women of this once great Department arent fooled for one minute by this man. There is an old saying regarding putting lipstick on a pig and well, you get the point.
Upon seeing the Superintendant at the press conferences involving the shooting and eventual death of Officer Valadez, here is my point. Mr Weiss would it kill you to put on a sport coat or at the very least a dress shirt when addressing the media and the public. You do realize that you represent the rank and file men and women of this Department every time you choose to go before a camera. You are supposed to be the face of the entire Chicago Police Departmentand not just to this city but the nation as well. All the muscles in the world doesnt mean squat if you are dressed looking like you should be rattling a can of pencils with your hand out on a street corner.
Remember you very publicly made the issue of your disappointment with the personal appearance of some of the members of our Department to the media and the public. You disappoint me.
Also there used to be photographs in the Training Academy of what a Department regulation haircut should be. I saw you sir wearing the uniform of the Chicago Police Department wearing your hair in what my opinion doesnt even come close to Department regulation. True leaders lead their troops. You claim a military background yet you dont seem be able to pull off the wearing of the dress uniform.
To some of my fellow officers this may seem trifling. My point is simply this. Whenever we lose one of our own it is a painful and difficult time for all of us, especially the family of the deceased. I think that the very least we who are still here can do for our fallen is get a haircut, shave and press our uniforms and shine our shoes. It shows our respect both for ourselves and the family of the brother or sister we will never see again on this side of heaven. Officers of the Chicago Police Department you made me proud even on such a mind numbing day as it was.
Mr. Weiss, do yourself a favor and lose the quasi-mullet or whatever you are trying to make with that haircut. Go see a Marine recruiter and get pointers on how your haircut should look for a dress uniform.
At least try to make it appear as if you respect us.
Oh and lest I forget.....Masters Masters Masters.
I hope all of the police departments outside of Chicago know how greatful we are for their presence and support. I couldn't believe how many different police agencies their were at the wake and funeral.
I was saddend to see how many of my own friends/fellow CPD officers had not shown up because of some excuse. Maybe if they were told it was a side job, they would've got their butts up to go.
It really showed that in the end, we are ALL together in this.
God Bless all Police Officers.
Hey DAVID, thank you for taking time from your day to go to the services, thank you for your post, I just wish there were more people like you in this city. As an officer of 8 years I almost thought my job has become worthless and that no one besides my fellow P.O's and families gave a crap about us... So again thank you, your post has given me hope again...
David
Citizen, City of Chicago
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David, from a 30 year vet, you sir are a good man.
God bless you and yours.
TO below poster and others interested in making a monetary donation to the Valadez family...
Thank you and be well,
The old Pop of two policemen
Give to the CPD Memorial Foundation. In this particular case they will pay for his (unborn) child's grammar AND high school educations. Usually the "100 Club" picks up the college tuition but in the case of the unborn child and not presently married, I'm sure the CPD Memorial Foundation will pick that up as well.
Thanks to all the contribute.
Here's a prime example of why I personally do, although retired.
O'V (r)
RIP brother Alex
David: If every citizen of Chicago felt as you do, we wouldn't need police. It is a situation dearly to be hoped for, but unlikely to ever be achieved. Thank you.
I am far away in another state. All the news clips, videos and photos sure like there a few thousand or more. I thought the turnout looked extremely impressive. When a friend of mine was killed years back, I thought there weren't enough CPD in attendance. Now I believe my grief distorted reality. When you are THERE, nothing being done is enough. Stay safe.
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