St Jude's Article
These are few and far between, so it's nice to see them when they hit print:
- Children played on a patch of grass in the shadow of Soldier Field until the sound of bagpipes to the north drew their attention, and that of their parents.
As the pipes approached, escorted by police officers on motorcycles and followed by thousands of Chicago Police Officers, parents implored their children to stop playing and line up on the curb to watch for their relatives.
"C'mon, c'mon!" one woman said while nudging a child wearing a paddy cap. "James, daddy's coming," another woman said to her child.
Once each year the officers in Chicago -- along with some from Cook County and a handful from the New York Police Department -- march past the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park at the lakefront near 18th Street. The park features a wall memorializing officers who died in the line of duty.
Thank you Pete Nickeas. This kid has potential.
Labels: events, officer down
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
88 Comments:
He's a very good writer. He writes everything he sees, even the minute details, like the pack of Kools or Newports sitting next to the bodies on the streets or sidewalks.
Sadly he has said many a cop have brushed him aside or forced him away when he has been doing his job.
Do not lump them (reporters) all together — some actually are different and not in bed with the political hacks in this city.
Peter Nickeas sure seems to be a reporter who marches to the beat of his own drum. And they're few and far between in this town!
I appreciated this guy and his article. Thank you. We work to keep savages away from tax paying citizens like you. Stay safe and keep writing good stuff.
Wonderful article, well written and much deserved by the Chicago Police Department and their families. Lots of heartache and worry out there yet plenty of pride. Cheers to Chicago's Finest.
I go every year. never miss it. That being said, I think coppers once in line and moving in the parade need to shut the fuck up talking the entire time, fuck smiling and laughing and joking and pay some and show some fucking respect. While I'm venting, learn how to line up in rows of 5, not 2, not 3 not 4 but 5, and learn how to march and learn how to wear the proper uniform etc etc etc. sorry, yeah I'm venting but come on. once a year for what 10 minutes of your time.
Don't forget our brothers on the State Police they suffer too!
I genuinely enjoy reading SCC ;-)
The FOP has to be more pro-active at every attack on our benefits.
A lot of Ill. State Troopers too, along with other municipalities.
Pete is starting out and learning his craft, he's doing well with social media. That's working for him and he writes well and hasn't seemed to be influenced by the machine yet. I've seen him on a few scenes. He tries his best to blend into the crowd and gather his info that way. Smarter than waiting for news affairs I guess
We should be marching on Michigan again. People need to be reminded what exactly some of us give for THEM and this city.
I know everyone bashes McCarthy, but one thing that seems apparent is his respect for the job we do.
After marching, I stopped to see several more units go by. McCarthy stood at attention the whole time. Not just while officers marched by, but even during the gaps . He never flinched.
Wysinger was just as focused also, but I think I saw him blink.
Is this the end all and be all of respect for officers, of course not. But i still felt it was a great gesture of respect and honor for those who were marching and for those we were marching for.
Pete Nickeas and Liam Ford of the Trib are great guys. Very pro police, and it shows.
Cool article Pete. Now do one about the crimes at Shitty Hall. Then we can talk.
Nickeas is only doing his job. Reporters can only write and submit stories. It's the editors that decide if a story sees the light of day. They are the ones that can slant a paper's coverage.
Nickeas really pays attention to the details, painting a more vivid picture of the scene than the vast majority of current journalists. He's a breath of fresh air among lots of stale watered-down writing.
Sadly he has said many a cop have brushed him aside or forced him away when he has been doing his job. Would that be like the reporters that find the "witness" who claims "the cop just shot him down like a dog"? Because my cousin was getting his life together. You think the scum media is your friend? Get a couple of years time on the street , house cat
yeah I'm venting but come on. once a year for what 10 minutes of your time.
5/05/2014 01:00:00 AM
You are defining the concept called "Lack of Leadership."
St. Jude parade is for the police to march for our fallen and for the families of the fallen. IT IS NOT A PLACE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO MARCH. Every year PO's bring kids into the line with them. This is not a parade for kids. I have my kids there but they are watching not participating. Show some respect for Christ sake its not about YOU!
Thank-you to everyone who did show up and show our resepct for our fallen and our Department.
I noticed that the "reviewing stand" was the small trailer and not the large grand stand of other years because the mayor and almost every other politician was absent.
I like Pete Nickeas, been keeping an eye on his stuff for a while . "He keeps it real"
loved all the good natured banter with fellow comrades, but as soon as first recruit holding fallen brother/sister picture came into sight everyone fell silent in remembrance. Put things into perspective and all of us who were fortunate enough to have known any of the fallen personally wonder if theyre walking next to us and listening and laughing at how old were all getting.
It's time for the D-unit to wear their dress uniforms. They look like crap marching in their suits with a flapping ID being the only thing identifying them as the police.
Bring back Michigan Ave. Every other group gets to march in the street instead of a dirt jogging path.
did the rahm father show up?
too many "kids" on the job who dont really know what st. Jude is all about. If you take a look online you would think it was all about them. Yep, back at it again with facebook. Selfies galore, captions about how good they look in uniform, how dangerous the job is etc etc. well kiddies, its not about your facebook pictures, its not about trying to impress your non police friends online with how you look in your uniform. People have died and been injured and are remembered there. its not about you. its about the family there of the lost officers families. So please, tone down the facebook pictures and posts to promote yourselves and trying to let everyone know your a cop.. remember what they day is for and why you are there. Its not about inspection, its not about the boss getting the biggest turn out and its not about you. You should bring your family down there so they can show support for the injured and killed in the past. Please dont turn it into a circus and dress up your kids as cops to march with you... I see this all the time and shake my head. I LOVE the fact that families and kids do show up. Its an extremly nice thing, but to the parents who are marching keep your kids out, dont dress them up as cops and dont parade them around.. its not about them either, its about the families of the dead. It may sound cold but way too many people forgot what st. jude is about. bring the family down to support the cause and cut out the facebook crap.
Nah, Pete is a good kid... But, with that being said Ive met many reporters that when they got on as a young reporter they were great. They called things like they saw them and did a good job.. but then the media companies got their meat hooks into them and corrupted them into the usual slanted mess.. It usually happens when they give them more money or a better job a little bit up the food chain.. then they usually fall in line. but pete is a good guy. I remember my first run in with him.. It was a traffic stop from a high profile gang funeral. A car load of bangers was stopped and here is this kid recording it. Of course, you think its just some well to do busy body who hates the police recording the stop so you try to shoe him away. But, I talked to him and he told me he worked for the trib and said he was pretty much on "our side" without actually saying it. Ive run into him a few other times and has always been decent. Of course sometimes he still gets yelled at and told to get outta here by people but thats just because they dont know who he is.. thats not our fault or petes fault its the fault of his fellow bloodsucker media types who have burned numerous bridges by turning on the police by using off the record information given to them and of course reporting it then as fact causing a shit storm on our side... good article pete, your a good egg.
Don't forget our brothers on the State Police they suffer too!
*********************
I agree, I love ISP district chicago.. However most of the mopes from district 15 will write anyone including coppers. I said most, not all. I know a few from district 15 who are very solid people.. But others will write coppers without second guessing it.
I sure miss the parade being on Michigan Ave for the world to see. Now we are hidden behind an NFL stadium and hills, marching down a "frontage road" so to speak. No one knows we are there. We should be out in the public eye marching down one of America's most notable streets like we did in the past.
I used to love the St. Jude parade when we had Michigan ave all to ourselves for that one Sunday morning; the mag mile was shut down just for us and we were allowed to honor our fallen officers marching down the heart of the city. Everything stopped for just a brief moment in time to recognize the lives that were sacrificed for the people of this town. Then a decision was made to move the march out by soldier field along the lake. I don't know of any officers who agreed with the change, and I don't remember ever having a say in the matter, but somehow I can't help but think that the mayor, gold coast residents, and business owners of michigan ave are the ones who wanted this. I'm sure they were displeased with the rerouting of traffic, interruption of sales, and overall inconvenience the event caused in their weekly routines. Now they've pushed everything practically in the lake, out of the way and far from anyone local or visiting who may have never realized this yearly ritual. It's a goddamn shame that we allow every ethnicity in this town to have their day in the streets- for some it's a week, while we provide public safety, civil order, and the emergency services for all these events, yet city hall will not give us one street for a couple of hours to remember and celebrate the very people who make this all possible. This is a first class city? Try NO CLASS city!
Got to admit, this reporter gets it right
Thank you for showing up in uniform and showing the public what we are and united we stand,in memory of the fallen!
5/05/2014 12:20:00 AM
Well said.
Anonymous said...
I go every year. never miss it. That being said, I think coppers once in line and moving in the parade need to shut the fuck up talking the entire time, fuck smiling and laughing and joking and pay some and show some fucking respect. While I'm venting, learn how to line up in rows of 5, not 2, not 3 not 4 but 5, and learn how to march and learn how to wear the proper uniform etc etc etc. sorry, yeah I'm venting but come on. once a year for what 10 minutes of your time.
5/05/2014 01:00:00 AM
Written just like a Hollywood Marine. Semper Fi Brother but chill out. I've never missed either and you have to remember, THERE WILL NEVER BE A TIME, ANY TIME when this department actually marches in step with or without cadence and this department will never look like we look[ed] when we would march as Marines. But hey thanks for venting , now go into your F.O.P. book and look up and go talk to E.A.P. it'll help.
but I do agree , especially the f officer who marched in white with hints of black GYM SHOES!! REALLY??? only in Chicago !!
SEMPER FI to all my bretheren
It was nice to see Mayor Rahm Emmanul supporting the policeman and woman who serve and protect the city and him.
Talk about an insult!
Just like a page out of Daleys book!
The little weasel, Mayor Rahm could NOT show any respect to the people that protect him or this city!
Yet, people voted and protect this idiot!
One term mayor!
And the Illinois State Police March with us too.
Thank you.
I go every year. never miss it. That being said, I think coppers once in line and moving in the parade need to shut the fuck up talking the entire time, fuck smiling and laughing and joking and pay some and show some fucking respect. While I'm venting, learn how to line up in rows of 5, not 2, not 3 not 4 but 5, and learn how to march and learn how to wear the proper uniform etc etc etc. sorry, yeah I'm venting but come on. once a year for what 10 minutes of your time.
Whoever you are, you are awesome!!!! You said it best. Chicago Police Officers including white shirts look like shit!!!!! Even on St Jude they look like shit!!!! We take no pride in our appearance let alone learning how to march. When your Sgt's, Lt and Captains look like shit what do you expect. Paramilitary my ass!!!! Cub scouts look more uniform then we do.
Leave Lt. "Two Things" alone and he will leave you alone. Fighting against a white shirt will mean you will lose each and every single time. Bring the activity back up and then you will be treated like adults. Ever since the punishment began activity has gone down on 3rd watch. Two Things- 1. Bring the activity back up. 2. Start respecting him.
Michigan Avenue.... We miss you.
Dear brothers and sisters, please come out next year for this day of remembrance. Don't allow your anger or bitter feelings to prohibit you from attending. It is once a year and very important to the loved ones of the fallen officers. God bless all of us and keep us safe.
I follow Pete on instagram. I learn more from him than I do from my own desk. Keep up the good work Pete.
OT: FOP Board meeting is at 9am tomorrow, we all can show up. The Reps still haven't been voted on. Rumor has it that the elected positions are not being brought in.
yeah great parade... 8am on a sunday way off the beaten path near soldier field... Its not a parade, its a hidden walk out of the public eye. Do you know what time every other single parade in this city starts?? Thats right, 12 noon usually on michigan ave or columbus. But not ours, we are moved to across lsd by the lake because thats where the memorial is. How about you put it back to michigan ave so people can see and experience it. I know its about honoring the fallen officers and the families but im not going to participate in a hidden parade at 8am where nobody can see it... it honors nothing that way. I will show support to the fallen officers in other ways which I do every year with donations and gifts at christmas and helping out by riding and visiting the houses with santa claus every year. Not some fake parade that the bosses demand you go to because its a compitition among bosses to see who has the greatest turnout. Support the families in other ways and dont do this parade when it is hidden and at 8am being the earliest parade the city has. the only other early parade is 9am, the thanksgiving parade so people can get home for the holiday. this city, this department and most of these coppers suck.
St. Jude parade is for the police to march for our fallen and for the families of the fallen. IT IS NOT A PLACE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO MARCH. Every year PO's bring kids into the line with them. This is not a parade for kids. I have my kids there but they are watching not participating. Show some respect for Christ sake its not about YOU!
5/05/2014 08:55:00 AM
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agree agree agree 100%!!!!! stop bringing your kids with you for the march. They need to stay on the side with the rest of the families. Also, stop dressing your kids up in cop uniforms and letting them march. Its not about you or your kids unfortunately. Its about the other families out there who have lost loved ones. Stop turning it into a circus with your kids marching.
Anonymous said...
I go every year. never miss it. That being said, I think coppers once in line and moving in the parade need to shut the fuck up talking the entire time, fuck smiling and laughing and joking and pay some and show some fucking respect. While I'm venting, learn how to line up in rows of 5, not 2, not 3 not 4 but 5, and learn how to march and learn how to wear the proper uniform etc etc etc. sorry, yeah I'm venting but come on. once a year for what 10 minutes of your time.
Whoever you are, you are awesome!!!! You said it best. Chicago Police Officers including white shirts look like shit!!!!! Even on St Jude they look like shit!!!! We take no pride in our appearance let alone learning how to march. When your Sgt's, Lt and Captains look like shit what do you expect. Paramilitary my ass!!!! Cub scouts look more uniform then we do.
5/05/2014 05:15:00 PM
___________________
You "guys" must be talking about yourselves. I wore the proper uniform (including the dress shoes, wool pants, and no winter band). You guys need to look yourselves in the mirror when you try to blame someone else. Learn to lift yourselves up by your boot straps. You people complain about everything.
No One has yet mentioned the 10g reward being raised to 20g for info against anyone shooting at a CPD member and getting the shooter convicted of same. Maybe that should also be for other agencies members who want to participate such as ISP and CCSP. And why is it not being advertised by the Sup of the CPD ? Stay Safe Guys & Gals.
Such hypocrisy talking "brother this" and "brother that" yet you come on here and Rip the shit out of these very same "brothers". The greatest generation of Patrolmen is GONE. Far behind all of you. you are all just subtle remnants of what was once a solid and "blue line" department. We kept shit quiet and to ourselves. We never talked out of school. You all Talk trash on every post; advertising jealousy and hate within the ranks to every non-cop asshole and press agent world wide.
You wanna use the term "brother" then let it mean something year round and not only at funerals and on St Jude Sunday.
I agree with the Blogger stated he was venting, Officer I too have been going to the march every year for the past 40 years. I have been in the military and I can honestly say that THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT SUCKS when it comes to any type of military décor or discipline. we look like a bunch of clowns when we march, never in step, always talking and don't know how to wear the uniform properly. Take a look at our Mass Transit unit, they look like a bunch of thugs, unshaven, unkept and just plain ignorant. along with them the police jaw jack and why do our bosses allow officers kids to walk with them, and what is with your family pet dog walking too, this is a day that we as the police honor our fallen officers, Just look at the Illinois State Police, they have their SHIT TIGHT AND TOGETHER, and please don't tell me to go to work for them, We need our training division to teach the recruits how to march and not just 2 hours of training. I too have just vented.
Anonymous said...
Now that you mention it, this has been gnawing at me for a bit and its on topic, so here goes. Soldier field and UC pat down at the door. Last time I went there I was told I can't enter with my pistol off duty. Asked about lockboxes inside. Blank stare from the bust out making minimum wage. Rather than miss the start while looking for a supervisor I simply went and secured in my car (lucky thing I had a lockbox)... anyway, last couple games I went to I took CTA. Yup. Off duty cop with full police power, expected to leap into action, yet just sitting there unarmed like the rest of the victims because I can't bring my pistol into a sporting event. I'm thinking this needs to be addressed? Busses and trains are pretty much posted "unarmed victim zones"...
5/05/2014 09:43:00 AM
You are a fucking moron. Read the law. Law enforcement are exempt from the concealed carry law and it's restrictions, minus private entities. You can carry on cta off duty as law enforcement.
St. Jude parade is for the police to march for our fallen and for the families of the fallen. IT IS NOT A PLACE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO MARCH. Every year PO's bring kids into the line with them. This is not a parade for kids. I have my kids there but they are watching not participating. Show some respect for Christ sake its not about YOU!
5/05/2014 08:55:00 AM
Another complaining asshole. Is there anything we can't complain about?
It is for the kids. It also is for US and our families. Just as much as it is for the fallen and their families. Any one of us can be taken at any time on this job and as long as I am around and my kids are very young they will march with me. Our kids and our families sacrifice as much as we do. If one day they wake up and you never made it home maybe they will remember how proud they were to march with their mother/father on St. Jude's and understand the sacrifice. You don't want to see kids marching with their parents, then don't show up.
" My son used to play the bagpipes ", the last line spoken in the movie version of THE ONION FIELD - REST IN PEACE ALL
I used to love the St. Jude parade when we had Michigan ave all to ourselves for that one Sunday morning; the mag mile was shut down just for us and we were allowed to honor our fallen officers marching down the heart of the city. Everything stopped for just a brief moment in time to recognize the lives that were sacrificed for the people of this town. Then a decision was made to move the march out by soldier field along the lake. I don't know of any officers who agreed with the change, and I don't remember ever having a say in the matter, but somehow I can't help but think that the mayor, gold coast residents, and business owners of michigan ave are the ones who wanted this. I'm sure they were displeased with the rerouting of traffic, interruption of sales, and overall inconvenience the event caused in their weekly routines. Now they've pushed everything practically in the lake, out of the way and far from anyone local or visiting who may have never realized this yearly ritual. It's a goddamn shame that we allow every ethnicity in this town to have their day in the streets- for some it's a week, while we provide public safety, civil order, and the emergency services for all these events, yet city hall will not give us one street for a couple of hours to remember and celebrate the very people who make this all possible. This is a first class city? Try NO CLASS city!
Amen!
Bring back Michigan Ave!!!!
Red light , speed cameras , it!s for the children , eyes tearing up. No money for teacher raises , first responders pensions . Total bull. To many alder creatures , no way Jose .
The point is that we are all there, big, small, or whatever. Unity is shown, come one come all. Stop the bashing and calling othets out. Yes ideally perfection but no one is perfect if we were we wouldnt be Chicago police officers. We are all shades of blue and should fall in as one. Its the bullshit nitpicking among us that causes that divide line...stop it, im sick of it. I love everyone of my brothers and sisters and i pray everyday for all our safety. I pray everyday for our fallen many and greatful for the celebration of their sacrifice no matter where it is.
Anonymous said...
I go every year. never miss it. That being said, I think coppers once in line and moving in the parade need to shut the fuck up talking the entire time, fuck smiling and laughing and joking and pay some and show some fucking respect. While I'm venting, learn how to line up in rows of 5, not 2, not 3 not 4 but 5, and learn how to march and learn how to wear the proper uniform etc etc etc. sorry, yeah I'm venting but come on. once a year for what 10 minutes of your time.
Whoever you are, you are awesome!!!! You said it best. Chicago Police Officers including white shirts look like shit!!!!! Even on St Jude they look like shit!!!! We take no pride in our appearance let alone learning how to march. When your Sgt's, Lt and Captains look like shit what do you expect. Paramilitary my ass!!!! Cub scouts look more uniform then we do.
5/05/2014 05:15:00 PM
Why do the Marines look good when they march in formation?
Because they do it all the time!
They practice. Their sergeants march them until they can do it perfectly in step and look good doing it.
They also train all the time. that is why they do things mostly right.
On the CPD, thirty years ago in the academy I spent two hours marching in the parking lot with a bunch of non-military people who treated it all like a joke. And then we never again marched on company time and people wonder why we look like shit in formation? Even the Army marches their troops until they can do it right.
Get a couple of years time on the street , house cat
5/05/2014 08:28:00 AM
I was the original poster, and I have a couple of years to go, as in 2. Will pull the plug at 30 in 2016. It cannot come soon enough. However, outside of my recovery from being hit by a car while directing traffic, I have never worked inside. Not that there is anything wrong with it, mind you. Somebody has to do it and I know it is beneath someone of your caliber.
I'm quite certain that during the past 28 years that I have seen plenty of reporters, good and bad, to know when I see a good one. That is why I chose to write something about Mr. Nickeas who I have seen at several crimes scenes that I have been to in the early morning hours.
So anyhow, I wish you well with the rest of your career, but it sounds like you will be fine, because you seem to know it all. That's great, and I am sure it works well for you.
I can only wish I could be like you, but I am not. You see, I'm not that smart, I keep learning something new each day, as I have done for the past 28 years.
See I just learned that you have not read any of his articles because not once has he ever written about "the 'witness' who claims "the cop just shot him down like a dog" or about "my cousin was getting his life together".
Maybe next time you can read some of his work and then have an understanding of why all the grown ups came on this thread to praise him, except you.
The biggest insult to the Gold Star families remains hiding this commemoration. Cline should have left it on Michigan Ave. Wasn't that the reason it was named the Magnificent Mile anyhow?
Just look at the Illinois State Police...and please don't tell me to go to work for them...
Okay,go work for them!
(Sorry, couldn't help myself!)
Missing at St Jude's-the Sheriff of Cook County.
Absolutely pathetic!
SUGGESTION:
We should go back to Michigan Avenue every forth year...
...every ELECTION YEAR.
Rahm only marches in the Gay Pride parade, the Bud Biliken Parade, and the St.Patrick's day parade which means Gays running around naked, south side gangbangers and drunks are more important then the men and women who risk their lives everyday, absolutely disgusting remember that when you vote.
Holy shit people, ok some parents brought their kids. Those kids marched too. The kids got a great feeling to walk with their mother or father or maybe even uncle or aunt. You know what assholes, there is a chance that this might be the last time that kid can get to march with that person. You want to take that chance away from a family because you have some shortsighted view of what this job is. I've been on this job long enough to be KMA club and have run into your types plenty. Let me tell you plainly YOU are the types that have ruined this job, you know the "everyone else ruins this job but I'm so cool". Yes I know what this parade is for, and did any of you mental midgets ever consider that a few of those people that I personally knew that we marched for used to bring their families and marched with them?
Get a life... If the kid wants to march with the police and is respectful I'd rather march with them than you tools.
My child had to march with me because both of her parents are officers who did not want to miss St. Jude.
We explained to her why we go and who we are marching for.
Stay safe.
Anonymous said...
I used to love the St. Jude parade when we had Michigan ave all to ourselves for that one Sunday morning; the mag mile was shut down just for us and we were allowed to honor our fallen officers marching down the heart of the city. Everything stopped for just a brief moment in time to recognize the lives that were sacrificed for the people of this town. Then a decision was made to move the march out by soldier field along the lake. I don't know of any officers who agreed with the change, and I don't remember ever having a say in the matter, but somehow I can't help but think that the mayor, gold coast residents, and business owners of michigan ave are the ones who wanted this. I'm sure they were displeased with the rerouting of traffic, interruption of sales, and overall inconvenience the event caused in their weekly routines. Now they've pushed everything practically in the lake, out of the way and far from anyone local or visiting who may have never realized this yearly ritual. It's a goddamn shame that we allow every ethnicity in this town to have their day in the streets- for some it's a week, while we provide public safety, civil order, and the emergency services for all these events, yet city hall will not give us one street for a couple of hours to remember and celebrate the very people who make this all possible. This is a first class city? Try NO CLASS city!
5/05/2014 12:31:00 PM
It was my understanding that the Gold Star families requested the change to the current location for the march. They had a very good reason at the time. It's about them and their loved ones that gave all, not us.
But for the grace of God it could be us too...
St. Jude parade is for the police to march for our fallen and for the families of the fallen. IT IS NOT A PLACE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO MARCH. Every year PO's bring kids into the line with them. This is not a parade for kids. I have my kids there but they are watching not participating. Show some respect for Christ sake its not about YOU!
5/05/2014 08:55:00 AM
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agree agree agree 100%!!!!! stop bringing your kids with you for the march. They need to stay on the side with the rest of the families. Also, stop dressing your kids up in cop uniforms and letting them march. Its not about you or your kids unfortunately. Its about the other families out there who have lost loved ones. Stop turning it into a circus with your kids marching.
I don't know how long you have on the job but I marched with both my father and grandfather in st Jude. My kids marched with me as they learned the respect that I learned for those who made the sacrifice as well as their FAMILIES. I don't know what rule book you're reading from but telling from my age kids marched with their parents long before you were on the job. Our families are just as much a part of this as us and I can't believe that people would have to defend themselves on social media for encouraging their kids to take part in this.
Maybe next time you can read some of his work and then have an understanding of why all the grown ups came on this thread to praise him, except you.
5/05/2014 11:28:00 PM
Touche!
I too am not a fan of children of members walking in the march. My children have been going for the past twenty plus years. Each year my wife gets them to the march, and not once has one of my kids asked to walk in the march. My kids actually look forward to it now.
St. Jude parade is for the police to march for our fallen and for the families of the fallen. IT IS NOT A PLACE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO MARCH. Every year PO's bring kids into the line with them. This is not a parade for kids. I have my kids there but they are watching not participating. Show some respect for Christ sake its not about YOU!
5/05/2014 08:55:00 AM
Shut up you d bag. Mr serious, super hoooah. Its a family event, for families. It's not like kids were shitting in their pants and crying, in formation. Get off your soap box. That mounted unit horse, with the sgt's checkered band, has more common sense than you.
But, that brings up another question. I was wondering who that horse's phone call was....definitely a merit pick.
I agree with the poster at 0322. Not many people respect the police including many goofs who put on this Halloween costume almost every day. We have few supporters that appreciate us for what we do everyday. I get the whole idea why we are there. If a child of an officer wants to march along is it so wrong?why is it so wrong that a child puts on a uniform that closely matches what we wear so he/she can partake in the event? Isn't it bad enough how we are portrayed by the media and public for some goofs that tarnished this star we should proudly wear. Many people including myself come from a long generation of police families that have proudly followed in the paths of parents,uncles and aunts, grandparents and so on. So many kids today hate the police by what their parents tell them or what the see on tv. I wish growing up I could have had that same feeling of walking next to my father at the march who spent 42 years of his life serving the city. It's been a great honor to serve the city myself for 20 years and be apart of this event where I have gotten the chance to respect those that lost the battle and for the families who grieve everyday. I'm not going to bash or pass judgement on those that disagree with me on the topic. My youngest daughter made me the proudest father at the march as I walked past the area where my family was located and yelled "daddy can I walk with you?" This is the future generation of CPD which once was a proud group of people. Most officers work so many jobs to support there families and miss out on the growth of their kids. So in closing if you want to complain about something, complain about the officers who never show at St. Jude's . Keep the march step complaints, the black gym shoe wearing and all the other nonsense to yourself. I commend all the officers and families who took the time to pay tribute to the fallen . It's these kind of memories that will stay with your child for a lifetime. Stay safe to all my brothers and sisters in blue and may those who have lost their lives be comforted in Gods arms as well as there families. PO David Hoffenkamp 009th district
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I sure miss the parade being on Michigan Ave for the world to see. Now we are hidden behind an NFL stadium and hills, marching down a "frontage road" so to speak. No one knows we are there. We should be out in the public eye marching down one of America's most notable streets like we did in the past.
5/05/2014 11:55:00 AM
AMEN! I have always said that the St. Jude March should be on back on Michigan Ave. at high noon on a Friday. We shut downtown streets for every other bullshit parade and festival, why not St. Jude? Let the people see who we are and why we are marching. Let them know that this job, potentially, is about life and death and that for that one day, especially, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price.
Holy shit people, ok some parents brought their kids. Those kids marched too. The kids got a great feeling to walk with their mother or father or maybe even uncle or aunt. You know what assholes, there is a chance that this might be the last time that kid can get to march with that person. You want to take that chance away from a family because you have some shortsighted view of what this job is. I've been on this job long enough to be KMA club and have run into your types plenty. Let me tell you plainly YOU are the types that have ruined this job, you know the "everyone else ruins this job but I'm so cool". Yes I know what this parade is for, and did any of you mental midgets ever consider that a few of those people that I personally knew that we marched for used to bring their families and marched with them?
That's great and all but leave the kids on the sidelines... Thanks signed, everyone
Anonymous said...
I go every year. never miss it. That being said, I think coppers once in line and moving in the parade need to shut the fuck up talking the entire time, fuck smiling and laughing and joking and pay some and show some fucking respect. While I'm venting, learn how to line up in rows of 5, not 2, not 3 not 4 but 5, and learn how to march and learn how to wear the proper uniform etc etc etc. sorry, yeah I'm venting but come on. once a year for what 10 minutes of your time.
Whoever you are, you are awesome!!!! You said it best. Chicago Police Officers including white shirts look like shit!!!!! Even on St Jude they look like shit!!!! We take no pride in our appearance let alone learning how to march. When your Sgt's, Lt and Captains look like shit what do you expect. Paramilitary my ass!!!! Cub scouts look more uniform then we do.
5/05/2014 05:15:00 PM
Why do the Marines look good when they march in formation?
Because they do it all the time!
They practice. Their sergeants march them until they can do it perfectly in step and look good doing it.
They also train all the time. that is why they do things mostly right.
On the CPD, thirty years ago in the academy I spent two hours marching in the parking lot with a bunch of non-military people who treated it all like a joke. And then we never again marched on company time and people wonder why we look like shit in formation? Even the Army marches their troops until they can do it right.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Ok to the military hardos out there... I can call you hardos because I was a marine so I know many of you weekend warriors think life is the military and vise versa... Listen carefully, this is not the military!! This never was the military! This is not a para military organization as is common belief. This is the police department.. Only a job. 8 hours then go home. Not life. Who gives a shit about marching in step and all that crap.. It was pounded in us in the marines.. This is not the marines so get over it. The marines is loooong gone so let it go and move on in life. Stop trying to recreate your military experience in the cpd. Complete hardos who demand the dept be like the military.. Impossible and stupid
Maybe next time you can read some of his work and then have an understanding of why all the grown ups came on this thread to praise him, except you.
5/05/2014 11:28:00 PM
I find his over-the-top descriptive prose similar to what can be found in tabloid journalism-although I admit he's (thankfully) toned it down lately.
And praise him for doing his job? You mean to be fair and objective? That's kind of like praising a cop for being honest.
All I can say is WOW. Here is an event where we are honoring our fallen officers and their surviving family members and we still have to argue and bicker amongst ourselves. When does this end? Will we ever be united again and feel that strong camaraderie (definition: mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together) that we once had on this job? I don't have the answer about allowing our children to march but maybe consider this: When the children of military personnel go to a ceremony, they dont participate in the ceremony, however they are there to support their family member. And yes I know we are not military, we are far from it! Families should be there and spend as much time together but there have to be some rules and guidelines for such a ceremony that honors our fallen. This is why respect has seemed to have drifted away in our department. Too many individuals making it about themselves instead of about the department or what the occassion is all about in the first place. We really need to stick together and quit bashing each other. United we (should) stand because divided we certainly can be conquered. To those of you who showed up at the parade, Thank you for being there. Stay safe everyone and watch your and your partners back. And when I mean watch your partners back I dont mean looking for a spot to stab them in the back!!!! So many of our officers feel that the supervisors dont support them. Even more reason why you should stick together rather than constantly berating and slandering each other. The culture on this department needs to change so that we can get back to having that tremendous pride we once experienced. Don't you want that feeling about yourself and the department you work for? Forget for a minute about all the crappy leadership and the crappy self centered politicians and remember why you took this job in the first place (and I know some will say it is just for the 1st and 16th so save your dainty fingers and dont type that) Again, please stay safe and go home to your family at the end of your tour and tell them you love them every chance you get.
Wasn't that the reason it was named the Magnificent Mile anyhow?
5/05/2014 11:38:00 PM
No. You're an idiot.
I worked 25 and never missed a St. Judes. I have not attended since retirement. Over the years it became very irreverand. I saw a Sgt. dragging two babies by the arms that were around the age of 2. They were not even her children. Let's go to free breakfast afterwards. Dancing in line to the drums was my favorite. Marching with children is as no-no. They should be on the sidelines watching their families, not disrupting the march (not a parade) which is a solemn and sad event. There is also plenty of of time during line up for reminiscing with old friends and cracking jokes. Once that parade starts all that should stop. When the parade would start that was always when tears came to my eyes. Bosses need to instruct these Officers on decorum. Now they bring dogs to march. I used to make sarcastic remarks that I was going to bring my cat in a stroller. Now I probably could. These practices are extremely disrespectful!! Sadly it will never go back to the way it should be.
Retired
Bosses and the powers that be let officers march with children and animals to "humanize" the police for the public. They are just using you with your children to paint a picture. They do not want us to look strong and military like. It's also not that hard to stand up straight, hold a line and try to keep in step for ten minutes. I don't see the need for training for this. Pay attention, it's not all that difficult!
to all those who marched, i marched and also served in the military and have no problems with sons and daughters walking with their parents to respect those that gave the ulimate sacrafice. st jude is to honor all police officers living n deceased. i worked the west side many years and it always amazed me on how parents there taught there kids to hate the police yet when they needed something they were calling 911.
Pete Nickeas is probably the only reporter I have ever had a down to earth conversation with on a crime scene. He is not the typical pushy reporter trying to pass the yellow tape. Its great he wrote a story about St. Jude and gave us some positive publicity. Pete- you are always welcome on my crime scenes
For those who could not attend, especially retirees living outside Illinois - you can watch the parade HERE.
until the next march may all stay safe and be able to go home
Anonymous said...
It was nice to see Mayor Rahm Emmanul supporting the policeman and woman who serve and protect the city and him.
5/05/2014 03:32:00 PM
I hope you are being sarcastic because he wasn't there. He wasn't even in town.
After reading all the back and forth about coppers bringing their kids into the St. Jude's March, I offer you this compromise. Coppers with kids are probably always going to bring them, other coppers will bitch, so why not have the coppers' kids march with the Youth Division? Problem solved. Coppers are in the march, their kids are in the march, they're not in your formation.....easy, simple, fixed.
As I stated before, why not have a special section for Officers that want to march with their children? Check in with your district and move to a different section of the march. I think this would keep everyone happy, and keep the propriety of the parade. I as a retiree cannot march with my district that I spent 24 years in. So why can your children? This would be the proper way to handle this.
Retired
Anonymous said...
Pete Nickeas is probably the only reporter I have ever had a down to earth conversation with on a crime scene. He is not the typical pushy reporter trying to pass the yellow tape. Its great he wrote a story about St. Jude and gave us some positive publicity. Pete- you are always welcome on my crime scenes
5/06/2014 10:06:00 PM
Alive. Not lying there.
I brought my daughter 1 year because she was a classmate of the daughter of a PO KIA that past year, and she wanted to show her support.
She marched with me in every one since that by her own choice.
If we are wrong, so be it.
We have a related family member on that wall, and they refuse to participate, or acknowledge anything from the Gold Star Families, or the St. Jude March.
You tell me the answer.
Be Safe Boy's & Girls.
Why can't you march with your district? Who would stop you?
No one would stop me because anything goes. Retirees are supposed to march separately. I would follow the rules. I am no longer in uniform.
Retired
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