Operation Santa
Visiting the families of slain officers to show that we still remember their sacrifice, even years later:
- A caravan of police vehicles with flashing lights rolled through the suburbs and Chicago’s Northwest Side on Saturday.
Some motorists might have thought a foreign dignitary was in town — at least until they saw the “Operation Santa” placards on the doors of the former Secret Service limo in the middle of the procession. The limo carried Santa and Mrs. Claus to the homes of six families of Chicago Police officers killed or seriously injured on the job.
The first stop: Darien and the home of India Gordon. Her [...] husband, Officer Michael Gordon, was killed in 2004 when the squad car he was riding in was struck by a drunk driver. “We’re doing the best we can,” she told Police Supt. Garry McCarthy. “Seven years, it’s still hard.”
God Bless the families left behind, especially during the holiday season.
Labels: events, officer down
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
40 Comments:
I personally knew Michael Gordon he was a great guy and a dedicated father so I appreciate the effort.
Operation Santa on the CTA too!
One of the oldest confidence scams in the books.
Good on you, Superintendent.
FYI
Not sure how anyone can credibly defend MJ. I agree she knows how to do the job but that's the problem, she refuses to do it! She will not do name checks and leaves POs she dislikes waiting for answers and thats just dangerous for those POs. She does that crap simply because she dislikes them. She also will pick and choose jobs favoring beats and POs purposely endangering the POs she does not like. On top of that she's a RAT. I have seen as she messages a Sgt locations and times for what POs are doing. GOs make it clear that system is to protect POs from harm and not to be used in such a manner. She takes the initiative and rats how long POs are at a location before actual personal or lunch in attempt to get them in trouble. She watches for the POs she dislike trying to take lunch and will bang you when you drive up to your lunch location. When Maricela was alive she would text what MJ was doing to screw with people. I was doubtful at first but then I seen MJ is a piece of .... who purposely endangers POs and for that she does not deserve such a job.
May God bless those that gave all, and their loved ones.
Who the heck is MJ? Guess its good that I don't know.
OT:
Heard from a Bird that the Insurance agency at 5550 N Elston is trying to cause issues for the PO that was called in about their parking habits vs the posted signs there with complaints to the aldercreature.
Time to look at their signs a bit more carefully and teach them a lesson.
Ex husband? Pick and choose your words and phrasing more carefully next time, reporter.
. I was doubtful at first but then I seen MJ is a piece of .... who purposely endangers POs and for that she does not deserve such a job.
12/19/2011 03:51:00 AM
Don't work there, but I live there. It sounds like she is doing her job. If you were too, you wouldn't have a problem.
By not doing your job, you are endangering other P.O.s, you know, by not backing up other Officers on their jobs by staying down on you jobs or lunch.
And where in the G.O.s did you find that piece about dispatchers not telling Sgts. locations and times? You are a mush, and a lazy one at that.
I was honored to be working yesterday when Santa & Co. came through our district and stopped to visit a couple families of Officers killed in the line of duty. Like him or hate him, retiree Frank Radke was there once again volunteering his time to this great cause!
Thanks to Santa, Mrs. Claus and all their helpers for volunteering their time. I know the families really appreciated it!
Very Nice....Thoughts & Prayers to the families.
All I want for Christmas is my 2012FOP book.
Operation Santa on the CTA too!
One of the oldest confidence scams in the books.
12/19/2011 01:05:00 AM
wow, that guy has a better setup then the guys I used to see regularly on the red line with bottle caps and a piece of cereal.
wtf u talking about mj from zone 1? and y post here, this is about a good thing we do!
Anonymous said... FYI Not sure how anyone can credibly defend MJ. I agree she knows how to do the job but that's the problem, she refuses to do it! She will not do name checks and leaves POs she dislikes waiting for answers and thats just dangerous for those POs. She does that crap simply because she dislikes them. She also will pick and choose jobs favoring beats and POs purposely endangering the POs she does not like. On top of that she's a RAT. I have seen as she messages a Sgt locations and times for what POs are doing. GOs make it clear that system is to protect POs from harm and not to be used in such a manner. She takes the initiative and rats how long POs are at a location before actual personal or lunch in attempt to get them in trouble. She watches for the POs she dislike trying to take lunch and will bang you when you drive up to your lunch location. When Maricela was alive she would text what MJ was doing to screw with people. I was doubtful at first but then I seen MJ is a piece of .... who purposely endangers POs and for that she does not deserve such a job.
12/19/2011 03:51:00 AM
_____________________________
Thanks, 1723R....
I'm sorry if you feel picked on by a dispatcher, but keep in mind NO one single job dispatched is more dangerous then the next. They all are dangerous !!! Every assignment should be approached that way. Let's be honest if you are One of the officers who feels picked on ,its probably because you are a DOG!!! So quit your crying handle your jobs in a timely manner or give your cush spot in 16/17 up and join the fight !!! Cause I have no sympathy for over privileged , self entitled officers who come to work NOT to be the police!!!
Scc
Coming from a reliable downtown source. They will be making a north side JISC center in the old 016th District. This will free up some spots for some Detectives that would be going South or Central. Will happen after the 1st.
Is your reliable source aware that the building now houses the city clerk's office?
As a member of a tact team, this was always a detail that we would get. We put on the uniform of the day, be one step ahead of the caravan for a salute and show of force for the family of the fallen P.O. We stood in snow, rain, mush, and whatever was necessary to be there and none of the people on my team nor the other members of the watch that were there said one word. Every person that puts on the vest and star know that this visit could be to one of our families someday. To see the smiles of young children, teenage children, and surviving spouses to know that they are not forgotten is priceless. To get a hug and a thank you from a fallen officers family is absolutely heartwrenching. I hope never to have my family put in that situation, but, it is nice to know that these heroes are not forgotten. To me it seems that the real heroes are the families of police officers. They are the ones at home, wondering if today will be the day that a boss and chaplain show up at the door with devastating news. I go to work everyday and enjoy myself...not knowing what the day holds for my partner and myself. I love what I do and yes, its in the back of my mind that today could be the day, but my family is strong for me because they are proud of what I do and what I stand for. Just like every other police family. Merry Christmas to all of our families!
THIS TOPIC WAS ABOUT OPERATION SANTA.
What a shame.
May God Bless all our Gold Star families.
Thank You!
India is Mike's ex-wife. He was married to Guin when he was killed. Guin is his widow, India is his ex.
Michael is missed. Seven years flew past for us but I'm sure that's not the case for the Gordons or his kids. Eternal Rest buddy
Today's Bd. of Education meeting erupted in total chaos, and had to be adjourned due to what can best be described as BEDLAM. The new Safety and Security Chief apparently doesn't know jack about her new job; Deputy Director Steve Glombicki was apparently off of his game too. On top of all that, it's being alleged that the new S&S Chief has a problem speaking to the black members of her staff; after the meeting, one staff member threatened to resign, stating that Chou is 'impossible to work with.'. The good thing is, she has a B.S. in chemistry from Northwestern U., and an MBA from the Booth School of Business at U of C (Pat Daley's alma mater), so it's obvious that she is well suited and experienced at her job. If you read th Board of Ed press release announcing her hiring about two weeks ago, you can also read 1st District Commander Chris Kenedy's ringing endorsement of her skills as an Asset Manager at the CHA (Chou's old job). I tell ya, you can see the difference in levels of professionalism in the NEW Bd. of Ed. already!
In sad news outside of Chicago; A friend of mine's brother, a Lake City, MN, police officer, was shot in the head today responding to a domestic. He is in critical condition. So please send some thoughts and prayers for our fellow brother, Ofc. Shawn Schneider, and his family up north. I would appreciate it.
Great Job by ALL involved. Makes me proud of CPD for a change.
Scc
Coming from a reliable downtown source. They will be making a north side JISC center in the old 016th District. This will free up some spots for some Detectives that would be going South or Central. Will happen after the 1st.
Is your reliable source aware that the building now houses the city clerk's office?
12/19/2011 03:03:00 PM
The old 016 was always slated for a north side JISC, but there was no money to implement it.
BTW, the Clerk's office doesn't use the entire building.
Now, can we get back to Operation Santa? Please? It's one of the best programs out there and it taks care of our own.
12/19/2011 04:04:00 PM
Coming from a former tact Sgt., thank you Sir for your well written post. I'd be proud to have you on my team.
You get it!
I think this is so great. These families deserve to feel appreciated, especially during the holidays.
Side note seeing someone else mentioned dispatchers. Lupe zone 10 is getting pretty bad too. Not sure if he is being over worked now with the shortage of dispatchers, or going through something at home, but he takes it out on the radio. We shouldn't here a huff every time we ask for a name check! Its not our fault this cities equipment is never working or non existent. Please help us do our job without giving us extra aggravation....we get enough on the streets!
http://rebelpundit.com/2011/12/19/occupy-chicago-eyes-headquarters-in-striking-distance-of-g-8-nato-summits/
Occupy Chicago Eyes Headquarters in Striking Distance of G-8/ NATO Summits
December 19, 2011By rebelpundit
As a member of a tact team, this was always a detail that we would get. We put on the uniform of the day, be one step ahead of the caravan for a salute and show of force for the family of the fallen P.O.
**********************************
I'm retired now, but I was able to go along on the Santa visits on Sunday. It is unbelievable to see the faces of those families, especially the kids. They like the presents for sure, but they really like seeing the people there in uniform. I can only imagine what they are thinking. They give the hugs to everybody, even a wet eyed retired guy who is honored to be in their presence. They thank US. Can you imagine?
As to what our families endure, right after I retired I asked my now 24 year old daughter what she thought about my retirement (I was the police her entire life). She said that she would never again have to worry about the knock on the door. All these years neither she nor her 2 sisters mentioned those fears, they kept them inside. And my wife would get so pissed if I didn't call to say I was going to be late coming home. Not pissed about being late, but about not calling. Days, afternoons, midnights it didn't matter, I better call.
That's what it means to be the spouse or child of a copper. It means they worry for 25 or 30 or 35 years. Man, that's a lot to bear.
Thanks ladies, it's over now. You don't have to worry any more.
Stay safe out there everybody!
OT
Now this would be cool. Please Rahm can I have one!
http://gizmodo.com/5867984/future-riot-shields-will-suffocate-protestors-with-low-frequency-speakers
Future Riot Shields Will Suffocate Protestors with Low Frequency Speakers
It's not the first crowd control tool to use sound waves, but Raytheon's patent for a new type of riot shield that produces low frequency sound waves to disrupt the respiratory tract and hinder breathing, sounds a little scary.
I was doubtful at first but then I seen MJ is a piece of .... who purposely endangers POs and for that she does not deserve such a job.
----------------------------------------
I agreed on some of what you mentioned about our Dispatcher. She does know her job. Too much that she act like a Supervisor. But, you're wrong about her endangering our lives. No one in their right mind would ever do that to us. She does play favoritism, but, she also knows who are the DOGS (including yourself and its not hard to figure out
who you are) and the REAL WORKERS!! Ive been on midnights for years. Sometimes, I m happy when she goes on forlo, but, I'm also glad when she's there working looking out for us. One advice, DO your job and she will leave you alone. Trust me, it works for everybody.
GOD BLESS the Officers who are participating at Operation Santa. Happy Holidays to all and please be safe.
17_ 2R
FYI
Not sure how anyone can credibly defend MJ. I agree she knows how to do the job but that's the problem, she refuses to do it! She will not do name checks and leaves POs she dislikes waiting for answers and thats just dangerous for those POs. She does that crap simply because she dislikes them. She also will pick and choose jobs favoring beats and POs purposely endangering the POs she does not like. On top of that she's a RAT. I have seen as she messages a Sgt locations and times for what POs are doing. GOs make it clear that system is to protect POs from harm and not to be used in such a manner. She takes the initiative and rats how long POs are at a location before actual personal or lunch in attempt to get them in trouble. She watches for the POs she dislike trying to take lunch and will bang you when you drive up to your lunch location. When Maricela was alive she would text what MJ was doing to screw with people. I was doubtful at first but then I seen MJ is a piece of .... who purposely endangers POs and for that she does not deserve such a job.
12/19/2011 03:51:00 AM
Hey GOOF..
Have you no shame?
This is not the place to be posting your petty little childish gripes!
Grow up and READ THE HEADING before you post you immature moron.
Another heading YES, but not HERE!
This HEADING is hallowed ground!
Now go in the basement and play with your action figures while your mommy warms up some milk for you.
In sad news outside of Chicago; A friend of mine's brother, a Lake City, MN, police officer, was shot in the head today responding to a domestic. He is in critical condition. So please send some thoughts and prayers for our fellow brother, Ofc. Shawn Schneider, and his family up north. I would appreciate it.
12/19/2011 07:16:00 PM
Done.
Officer Schneider remains critical as I type this.
God Bless Phil Cline for all he does with the Police Memorial and this santa Run!!
Where's the video?
How sad that a few police officers used this Operation Santa post to rant and talk about something negative and unrelated. You should be ashamed and embarrassed.
Phil, John Gordon and Cari do an incredible job at CPMF and put a lot of hard work and heart into Operation Santa. Their efforts are appreciated by the families. You can see it on their faces.
Everyone who makes a donation to CPMF is a part of it too. Your donations also help the families more than you know. Did you know that Macys gives money to Operation Santa? Good to know if you're out shopping. Show support to an organization that supports police officers and their families.
Thanks again Phil, John and Cari for all you do.
Got to spend Sunday morning with the Marquez and Domagala families in the 008th Distribution.And would just like to say that it was a job well done by all involved.Events like this make you proud to have been a member of the Chicago Police Dept.Family. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all.
To off topic ticket writer, no one is trying to "cause issues" just looking for parking courtesy for the 6 spots on side of building. But maybe you can ticket a coppers wife again. Back on topic Happy Holidays to all Police families.
In sad news outside of Chicago; A friend of mine's brother, a Lake City, MN, police officer, was shot in the head today responding to a domestic. He is in critical condition. So please send some thoughts and prayers for our fellow brother, Ofc. Shawn Schneider, and his family up north. I would appreciate it.
12/19/2011 07:16:00 PM
Done.
Officer Schneider remains critical as I type this.
12/20/2011 12:40:00 AM
The officer is still in critical condition at the time of this post. Please take fifteen seconds and say a prayer, or send good thoughts, in his direction.
This could be any of us, any day, on any call, and it could be our families waiting in the ICU for their Christmas miracle.
God bless to all of my brothers and sisters who stand guard between good and evil, and to the fallen we have not forgotten you as we go about our tour of duty till we meet again in heaven's roll call room!
And thanks to MJ who answered the radio over ten years ago as I said shots fired. She made sure my brothers and sisters in blue got to me and saved my big fat butt.
Were are a family and as such we've got our highs and lows
. We can wrap our arms around each other after all is said and either laugh at the silliness of the job or cry at our losses anyway's we will always be a family thats what we love about our calling.
Joe Stefanec
015
PS i'm wearing my SANTA HAT for uniform inspection for you MJ !!
Apologies to former Supt. Cline. I inadvertently omitted you from my thanks for helping out the Police families on Sunday. You are a great man, and may GOD help you in your battle with cancer. We miss having a REAL leader, one who cares about US POLICE!
Merry Christmas!
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