Cop Dies Alone
A sad story, but maybe something positive can come out of it:
- Subject: Fw: Drake & Son Funeral Home
Subject: Drake & Son Funeral Home
This was sent to the 20th District to be placed in the CO book. I thought I would send it out to the Old Timers to see if anyone knew this copper or might want to show up to pay their respects.
Friday, October 22, 2010
To: 20th District
I thought I would contact everyone at the 20th District being you all are so close to our Funeral Home about Retired Police Officer Bruce S. Cummings, who died October 7 at Weiss Memorial Hospital. Apparently a police officer recognized him in the hospital and followed up on him and found that he had died and his body was taken to the Cook County Morgue and was unclaimed because he has no family. Bruce was 62 years of age.
His death was reported to the Police Department and we were contacted by Captain Thomas J, Lemmer, Watch Commander, 3rd Watch 23rd District to ask if we could assist to give Officer Cummings a respectful funeral along with the CPD which we are glad to serve.
There will be a short service here at the Funeral Home, 9:00 Tuesday, October 26, 2010 and he will be buried at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with honors. Fr. Tomas Nangle-Chaplin of the CPD will be conducting the Funeral Service.
I just thought you might like to know about this situation and if possible maybe a few officers from the 20th could come by on Tuesday for a few minutes to pay respects. There is no wake before the funeral. Visiting will be at the time of the service.
Bob Hinkey - Funeral Director
Hats off to Mr. Hinkey. And thank you for your service Officer Bruce Cummings. Hopefully, this reaches a few people who would have wanted to pay final respects.
Labels: events
posted by SCC at 4:30 AM
78 Comments:
Props to the funeral home. Did someone request St.Judes?
everyone should show up this is a fellow member of the department let show who we are officers the more the better god bless
I agree, I would ask that anyone that can, please show up for our fellow officer and suggest that this be read at roll call.
I have used Drake and Sons before. What a class act. Thank You for reaching out. Thank You for caring enough to do so.
God rest his soul.
Drake & Sons has done more than one LOD funeral, they are a class act.
God Bless our Officer! I feel terrible he had no family or friends around him. So sad!
After reading this post, myself and another officer who own restored antique CPD squads are going to volunteer our vehicles to escort Officer Cummings to his final resting place at Lincoln Cemetery.
He deserves an honorable service.
Thanks for posting the information.
Sgt. Greg Reynolds #1173
Makes you wonder if there are anymore out there like officer cummings .....
Did not know the fellow Officer but, not just the passing is what makes it hard, it's diificult to know that he passed away lonely because he had no family, and maybe no friends after whatever years of service he gave to our city and his community. A sad reminder that the holidays are approaching and we should all be /have someone in our lives, because you never know when your time on this earth will expire ..... :(
lonely officer.......
just lonely and feeling empty, but no thoughts of harm to oneself.. love life too much, its just that life doesn't seem to love muah....
R.I.P. Brother, wish I had known you to be by your side at your moment of need/ passing....
Can you give me a time, I will be there may have to bring kids but that will not be the first time
I worked with Bruce back in the mid 70's. The job was his life, at the time we worked in Uptown. As I recall he actually married a Chicago Police officer, but the marriage did not last. At the time the Department was very tight and there were groups within the Department that did not trust anyone. Yet Bruce was open and always willing to help anyone. He was a stand-up guy and a hardcore dedicated cop.I had heard some years ago that he got jammed up, but I never heard the details. When we transfer or move along we lose track of people. I also recall that he was a Vietnam Vet. And to those of you who see the job as a way of life; take note. Bruce died alone, because he had nothing beyond the job. He deserved much more because he was a very good person. We must have lives beyond the "Job"; because the "Job" will never love us, though we may love it. Retired Sgt. Rick Aztlan
Rest easy my brother....
Cicero PD
God bless. RIP.
I am a southsider and will do my best to get there at that time. Its a long ride in traffic but seems a sad way to go with no family at all. RIP officer and THANK YOU
Does anyone remember a cop by the name of Russ Esche, retired from 015 Dist. Possibly was his partner years back.
You are not alone. Godspeed, Officer Cummings.
another reason to be able to pass the POWWER test...this poor guy died before he would have been mandatory retired! Please people, take care of yourselves! Put down that cheeseburger, extinguish that cigarette, lose those pounds, get on that treadmill (or just take a walk if your "knees are bad")...but for your own sake, take this city for as long as you can!!! God speed Officer Cummings!
Brought tears to my eyes no matter how fucked up this place has become we are still family.Lost in fillmore
Rest in Peace Bruce. The loneliness is over.
GLAD TO SEE SOMEONE STILL CARES. THANKS FOR THE INFO. R.I.P.- BROTHER IN BLUE.
W.GODINEZ 013-DIST.
please post the address, every district, please send a squad from every district to pay their respects for this soul. CPD is a brotherhood of blue, such unity should be reflected that this soul be not alone, but to the end was one of ours. GOD bless this soul, please give him eternal peace, if it be Your will, may he be a angel watching over us from heaven.
Nice guy, dealt with him a few times.
RIP
old retired guy
On Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at 9 a.m., Bruce S. Cummings’ funeral will be held at Drake and Sons Funeral Home at 5303 North Western Avenue.
Should we come dressed in our uniform we usually wear during a police funeral? Or should we just wear regular clothing?
Just thought I'd put this up here in case anyone knew the Lintzes; it was 'way down in another discussion. Again, one does not want a passing to go unremarked.
"An 84-year-old retired Chicago police officer, who was suffering from significant medical conditions, apparently shot and killed his 83-year-old wife in Lakeland on Friday, then turned the gun on himself, the Polk County Sheriff Office reported today.
"Deputies were sent to the home of Robert and Renee Lintz at 4841 Goldenview Lane at about 11:15 a.m. after a home health care nurse discovered the couple dead in the kitchen, the sheriff's office said.
"The Lintzes had been married roughly 60 years. Like her husband, Renee suffered from significant medical conditions, the sheriff's office said.
"Robert Lintz was a police officer in Chicago from 1953 to 1979."
These cases are so terribly sad, and I've heard an increasing number of them lately, police and non-police families alike, as people live longer, perhaps getting sicker and outliving their savings, and with the economy worsening.
Sixty years of marriage -- an offering made day by day by day -- is a holy thing. At least now there will be no more suffering or pain, and neither of them will ever be alone.
"What God hath joined together, let no man break asunder."
When they show up, hand in hand, the gates will swing open for them.
God bless them both.
"Until the day break and the shadows flee away..."
10/24/2010 10:20:00 PM
keep this as top post scc through tomorrow... hopefully we get a great turnout up there with a long procession.
With the crap we deal with everday, it is very refreshing to know that there is still world class people like Mr. Hinkey. Thank you very much.
I'm a member of Soldier's Angels and seeing what we can do to get some military for the funeral/procession...
He will not be alone.
There was a death notification in the daily bulletin. It stated that Mr. Cummings was also a Marine Corp Vet who was awarded the Purple Heart
Bruce died alone, because he had nothing beyond the job. He deserved much more because he was a very good person. We must have lives beyond the "Job"; because the "Job" will never love us
It starts here!
This would be a perfect time to have one of those b/s outdoor rollcalls that we typically do. Whomever the 2nd watch commander in that district is should see that this is done.
May you rest in God's arms, Officer Cummings. Thank you for your service.
You will have a squad from my district.
Lt. RK
saw this in the bulletin and thought how sad the only service was at the cemetary so far away...
will do my best to be there.
Revolver Police ! God bless Police Officer Bruce Cummings. Just imagine what this guy saw,how many 10-1s he rode on, how many plates he ran, both hot&cold and deluxe! How many hand wavers he stopped to help. He spun the blue lights,"the light from mars" ! Rest easy Officer.
OT:
Northsiders!
Remember to vote for Joel Pollak for Congress in the 9th District. This is our chance to defeat the Stalinist, Red Front incumbent Jan Schakowsky.
She's polling under 50%, she's beatable with a huge turnout in the western part of the district.
That is sad, man.
---not a cop
THANKS TO THE DRAKE AND SON FUNERAL HOME GOD BLESS THEM FOR THE LOVE THEY HAVE TO THIS MEMBER OF THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT .
I HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE WHO CAN SHOW UP TUESDAY OCT 26,2010 AT 9:00AM TOMMORROW 5303 N WESTERN
BERWYN AND WESTERN WE ARE A FEW BUT WE MUST SHOW WHO WE ARE BROTHERS AND SISTERS THANKS.
R.I.P. Officer. Thank You for your service.
take a few minutes once and awhile to call or stop by and visit an old-timer Copper if you can. Some Day it will be You....
RIP Officer Cummings
Pray to whatever God you worship because I believe there is no greater indignity than dying alone.I hope the "Great Beyond" treats you with the kindness and respect you deserve, Officer.My Prayers are with you. Signed: A older Officer with some problems (Health Related)
This is a disaster! Theer is a very real possibility that this service will be smack dab in the middle of what may equal a category 3 hurricane. I hope accomadations can be made if the weather is insurmountable.
Maybe we should start a group within ourselves to check on our retiries from time to time. I think this could be something that the FOP, PBPA and Police Memorial groups could do as one. In this electronic day and age no retired officer should be alone or die alone. Though I did not know you Officer Cummings I hope you are seated at the right hand of God in a much better place.
the Pipes and Drums of the CPD will be sending a couple of officers to play for PO. Cummings.
-Rest in Peace Brother
What a class act!
One thing I remember about Bruce
He was taking cooking classes. He would do his homework in the lock-up in 023
We would all give him money, he would buy the ingredients and prepare magnificent meals for us
He made great spaghetti and meatballs, Great lasagna and a cornish hen with raisin/rice dressing that was fabulous
There were other creaitions but those three stand out in my mind
Plus for the holidays he made exquisite stuff as well
the poor prisoners had to smell this stuff while locked up waiting for their balogna sandwiches
RIP Bruce
Anonymous said...
Does anyone remember a cop by the name of Russ Esche, retired from 015 Dist. Possibly was his partner years back.
10/25/2010 10:43:00 AM
Cigar smoking wagon guy, if he is smart he left this shit hole city.
Anonymous said...
I worked with Bruce back in the mid 70's. The job was his life, at the time we worked in Uptown. As I recall he actually married a Chicago Police officer, but the marriage did not last. At the time the Department was very tight and there were groups within the Department that did not trust anyone. Yet Bruce was open and always willing to help anyone. He was a stand-up guy and a hardcore dedicated cop.I had heard some years ago that he got jammed up, but I never heard the details. When we transfer or move along we lose track of people. I also recall that he was a Vietnam Vet. And to those of you who see the job as a way of life; take note. Bruce died alone, because he had nothing beyond the job. He deserved much more because he was a very good person. We must have lives beyond the "Job"; because the "Job" will never love us, though we may love it. Retired Sgt. Rick Aztlan
10/25/2010 09:21:00 AM
Great post! You are right. With the clowns we have running the show at 35th St. now it's much easier to distance ourselves from the job. I try to never be in the presence of the cut throat ass clowns at 35th and I never think about the job at home anymore. Actually I rarely think about it while at work also. The passion for the job has been killed by bad leaders, but in the end it's probably a good thing for our health.
Remember all we have is each other when times are tuff...
This is very sad but probably happens alot more than we think. God Bless this PO and Thank-You to thte funeral home.
Rest easy, Officer Cummings, you are at peace and not alone.
To the men and women of the CPD I say thank you. Your generous support of Officer Cummings brings tears to my eyes. It makes me so proud to see how you all rally round and see to it that Officer Cummings reaches his final resting place in a manner befitting an officer of the CPD. Bless you all, and may eternal rest be granted to Officer Cummings.
Rest in Peace Brother ! See you at the "Big Roll Call in the sky".
retired guy
God Bless Officer and God Bless guys like him Esche,Tom Ochallan and Mike Keas(RIP), Charlie Antoll and many of the old timers that I as a snot nosed rookie had the plesure to work with when I came on in 1991.
Captain Tom Lemmer, 023 3rd watch, is the main person who got this ball rolling. He took it upon himself to make this all happen. The thanks starts with him. He has a soft heart and this is proof. Please give credit where credit is due!! Good job Capt !!
Anonymous said...
Should we come dressed in our uniform we usually wear during a police funeral? Or should we just wear regular clothing?
10/25/2010 01:01:00 PM
Just showing up is what's important.
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation will be paying for the funeral expenses upon being made aware of the circumstances.
Another classy act on their part.
Simply... Thank You and RIP our brother.
There was a death notification in the daily bulletin. It stated that Mr. Cummings was also a Marine Corp Vet who was awarded the Purple Heart
10/25/2010 03:09:00 PM
Kind of a mystery man. It would be nice if some journalist would do a story on this former police officer. How can someone like this die alone?
RIP my brother. May St. Michael protect you in heaven.
You have brought me to tears with all the showing of love, friendship, and commitment to one another in life and in death. I am so proud of the CPD. You truly are Chicago's finest. Thank you.
Hey SCC,
Thanks for spending time on this 'insignificant' blog.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2010/10/26/unclaimed-police-and-vietnam-vet-no-longer-forgotten/
Civil.Servant.ORD
Let this be a wake-up call to ALL of us! The politics of this job are ridiculous but what matters is that when the chips are down, we look out for each other. Screw our upper echelon and those doing their best to kill our morale and everything good about this job. What matters is that we are there for each other. It's great to know that when push comes to shove, we're there for each other.
BE SAFE!
There's a retired officer that comes into d. donut in 017 dist. on addison, taked to him a couple times, great war stories, lives by himself. next time i go in, will get more infro and write it down, to keep in touch.
Just read a story online that the officer/veteran will be buried in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
FKN AWESOME! RIP My brother.
THIS IS WHAT BEING THE POLICE IS ABOUT! TAKIN CARE OF OUR OWN!
And a special thanks to Cpt. Lemmer (023) and SCC for bringing attention to this avoided travesty.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Maybe we should start a group within ourselves to check on our retiries from time to time. I think this could be something that the FOP, PBPA and Police Memorial groups could do as one. In this electronic day and age no retired officer should be alone or die alone. Though I did not know you Officer Cummings I hope you are seated at the right hand of God in a much better place.
10/25/2010 07:53:00 PM
I agree how about it FOP? Or are you to busy planning marks new connected job? Godspeed officer and PRAYERS THAT THE MIGHTY MIKE SHIELDS HAS NOT BEEN TAINTED BY CURRENT FOP STAFF AND RUNS FOR THE TOP JOB WITH THE "SHIELDS BROOM".
I wrote to the pension board with a question,emailed all of them as I want to retire next year the only reply was from MIKE SHIELDS! THANKS MIKE YOUR PRESIDENT MATERIAL! I WROTE TO FOP NUMEROUS TIMES ALL OF THEM NO REPLIES WHY GUYS YOU TO DRUNK TO TAP A REPLY??
I went this morning and what a great turn out for such short notice.Thank you to all who showed and to all those who said a prayer for Bruce who couldn't make it. nice to know that no matter what goes on in this department there are those who are "TRUE BLUE".
I was really saddened about this. Too often we take for granted the little things or that which is of most importance. I agree with the many posts that we should take the time to look out for each other. That's why at work I always speak to people especially new officers and ask how you're doing....no matter who it is. I'm new on the job less than 5 yrs but not new to life..I'm 37. I don't even care if the person doesn't want me talking to them...because I figure I'm doing my part and I'm acting in a way that I would want someone to treat me or any of my loved ones....and then I keep it moving and start over the next day. Forget the crap. Life is too short. Also, with all that's happening, all we have is each other on this job...so let's have each other's backs. I never met Officer Cummings...Rest in Peace and may God Bless us all.
Rest in Peace Brother
A long time ago I suggested that our CAPS Office and Senior Services Officers find all the retired cops living alone or in nursing homes in our district.
Check on them every once in a while for a visit, a little conversation, a Christmas card, an invite to a police event or picnic, a bus ride to St Judes. Just to listen to their stories would be great to make them feel like they are not forgoten.
If their neighborhood has become hostile let do the Beat Cops know they exist and give them some special attention.
There but for the grace of God, go any one of us...
so sad shave i know i had suspicious odor calls back in the 70s early 80s and come to find out it was rtd copper or fireman who died alone in a shitty room or a old house. alaways had a photo of himself on wall with the old pie plate star looking proud. yes very sad indeed,
Prisoners smelling his cooking waiting for a baloney sandwich. That cracked me up ;)
No one should die or be buried alone. Those that can and do attend you have my thanks.
I remember getting a call to a nursing home and a guy in a room down the hall called out to us. Turns out he was an old retired wagon man, in failing health and in that place.
He had that book about the CPD, full of pictures and such, many of his contemporaries. His face sure lit up when two uniformed coppers entered his room. I'm sure that made his day.
There are lots of old timers like that, stop and say hello if any of you get the chance, and listen if they want to talk and tell you a few stories.
Anyone remember the song by John Prine:
Ya' know that old trees just grow stronger,
And old rivers grow wilder ev'ry day.
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello."
"Check on them every once in a while for a visit, a little conversation, a Christmas card, an invite to a police event or picnic, a bus ride to St Judes. Just to listen to their stories would be great to make them feel like they are not forgoten."
--10/26/2010 02:42:00 PM
Yeah, like they say, better to give them rides now when they need to get to the doctor or the store or just out to the park on a nice day, better to give them flowers now while they can still smell and enjoy them...police and non-police seniors alike, each has a tremendous story to tell us about our city...
Good turnout--probably 100 coppers. No one would have heard about this if you hadn't blogged it, SCC. Thanks for the heads up.
You will have a squad from my district.
Lt. RK
10/25/2010 04:45:00 PM
--
You're a good guy. Happy almost-birthday!
...there but for the grace of God goes EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US...
Been a PO for coming up on 15 yrs. with LAPD. Getting a divorce right now and it hurts. The way he went has always been my worst nightmare.
Thank GOD for the Chicago PD so he had someone there for him at the end. God bless everyone one of you at CPD that showed up for this policeman or said a prayer or thought about him.
It's nice if we can get the support of the city or the community we work for. But let's face it: SOMETIMES WE'RE ALL WE'VE GOT, BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE CARES ABOUT THE COPS. Sad to say but sometimes this might include our own leadership, I've seen this in years past.
About all I know about CPD is what I read on SCC or see in the news and but most of that (I know) is slanted agenda-driven garbage, just like what they say about us.
I don't know a whole lot about this Captain Lemmer, but as far as I'm concerned, somebody ought to be fitting him for a Superintendants badge and stars when the current guy is done.
I've always respected all the other big city police, but I am really impressed you guys took care of your own. You all are a class act at Chicago.
May God bless his soul and may he rest in eternal peace...
Anonymous said...
There's a retired officer that comes into d. donut in 017 dist. on addison, taked to him a couple times, great war stories, lives by himself. next time i go in, will get more infro and write it down, to keep in touch.
10/26/2010 10:23:00 AM
Please look out for this guy as best you can. If you work in 017, it is your duty to protect him and any other retired copper that you are aware of.
I agree how about it FOP? Or are you to busy planning marks new connected job? Godspeed officer and PRAYERS THAT THE MIGHTY MIKE SHIELDS HAS NOT BEEN TAINTED BY CURRENT FOP STAFF AND RUNS FOR THE TOP JOB WITH THE "SHIELDS BROOM".
I wrote to the pension board with a question,emailed all of them as I want to retire next year the only reply was from MIKE SHIELDS! THANKS MIKE YOUR PRESIDENT MATERIAL! I WROTE TO FOP NUMEROUS TIMES ALL OF THEM NO REPLIES WHY GUYS YOU TO DRUNK TO TAP A REPLY??
What has Mike shields done other than brag about himself on the blog. Has this guy ever filed a grievance? Does he no anything about our contract. I don't know him very well, but the people that I know from 011 say he is a meatball.
God Bless you Capt. Lemmer.
Area 4
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